Pride and Prejudice Fan Fiction

Unlocked Cage

NOTE: I do NOT know French...I had to turn to the internet for that. Please do not holler at me for that.

Previously:

"Yes, I think this room will do just fine." She did not have to ask about Mary; the young lady at eighteen had just had banns read. She was to marry a gentleman who lived closer to Pemberly and who did not bear the name of William Collins though, strangely, he bore an odd resemblance as to physical traits. Though- praise be- the gentleman had no issues with his power of reasoning skills, nor was he a pompous fool.

Rough and Rewarding Day

CH. 6

The morning sun had barely risen when Caroline stepped into the parlor, which the Bennets had set aside to be used as a schoolroom. The room, now repurposed for her and Miss Kitty's use, was bathed in natural light that made it difficult to see. It cast a soft glow onto the well-worn books and maps Mr. Bennet had provided for Caroline's use, all neatly arranged on a simple, yet sturdy wooden table.

The Bennets' laughter from upstairs told Miss Bingley that what people saw in town was no act, nor had they been pretending previously; one could put on an act that long. However, that was not what had her attention at the moment.

Miss Kitty was already seated, and despite her usual composure of the short time Miss Bingley had been her governess, today her face was etched with a look of profound discontent. It was clear to Caroline that the task at hand was French, a subject that had -until now- been surprisingly- been picked up quite well by the Bennet's fourth child.

Caroline, reminding herself that teaching had been her choice, began the lesson with a soft-spoken greeting. "Bonjour, Miss Kitty. Comment allez-vous ce matin?" she inquired; her tone full of encouragement.

Kitty, struggling to find a good mood, responded with a huff, her words betraying a definite lack of interest. "Je suis fatiguée," she mumbled, slouching further into her chair.

Caroline, recognizing that some battles were not worth fighting, decided to shift the lesson to history, hoping to capture Miss Kitty's interest with tales of the past. Yet again, Kitty's focus was elusive, her gaze drifting toward the window.

"I have an idea," Caroline announced, unsure of what the Bennets would think, but confident it would fit under the guise of music, provide Kitty with historical facts, and even incorporate some French. "Follow me."

Caroline began performing a basic dance, singing in French words that Kitty had surprisingly mastered in previous lessons, and continued for a while. They then transitioned to a more structured lesson in language and writing. The interlude of dancing and singing had been so effective that Caroline later noted it in her journal as a strategy to employ should Kitty fall into one of 'those' moods again.

As the morning progressed, Miss Bingley's patience was tested repeatedly. She was tempted to yearn for the days of leisure and parties, a stark contrast to the situation she had placed herself in. Yet, taking a deep breath, she looked at Kitty and remembered her own teachers at boarding school, particularly Mrs. Thatcher.

Mrs. Thatcher had been exceedingly strict in some ways, yet always fair, and beneath her stern exterior, there was a profound gentleness. It was she who had made learning enjoyable and opened Caroline's eyes to a life beyond what Louisa had chosen. Therefore, looking at Kitty, Caroline resolved not to waiver. If she could influence her in any way, as Mrs. Thatcher had influenced her, then she would commit to doing so.

Therefore, it was with that same gentle firmness, Caroline skillfully guided her student back to the task, using a story of Kitty's own ancestor—one Miss Bingley had found in a family journal—to weave history, culture, poetry, and language into a narrative that successfully captured Kitty's heart and soul.

"It is time for you to go eat lunch with your parents," Caroline said as she put up the books, expecting Kitty to leave without saying anything as she had seen a friend when Caroline had been visiting the girls' cousins. Therefore, she was shocked when Kitty stopped by the door and turned around.

"I wish you could come eat with us."

"Miss Kitty, that is a line that must not be crossed."

"I think it is a stupid rule."

"Rules are in place for a reason," Caroline sighed. "Often times we cannot see the reason for them until later. But believe me, when they are broken, often times people we love pay a high price."

"Like when Lydia ran off?"

"Yes, like that."

It was after lunch that the two concentrated on geography and other subjects Mr. Bennet and his wife had asked her to focus on. Kitty was able to stay focused until the last ten minutes. And by then, Caroline figured handing her a piece of paper and charcoal was not going to hurt anyone. It was only when Kitty left, with her drawing, did Caroline straighten up the room and look out the window to watch the sun as it began to set. Her mind turned to the day which had just ended.

It had been rougher than some of the others, but now, with Kitty most likely engrossed in a book, drawing a picture, or simply lounging around in the main parlor, Caroline allowed herself the feeling of being extremely pleased with herself. She had not 'blown' things when Kitty had gotten over her 'being in awe' stage. Yes, society may look at her as 'just a governess', some—those who knew what life she had lived before—might pity her, but inside herself... she glowed... she was a teacher, a mentor, and perhaps—in some small way—a friend; even if the last one could not really ever be spoken out loud.

Speaking anything out loud to Miss Bingley may not have been happening, but Kitty sure was to Mr. Bennet and his wife.

"I had no idea Miss Bingley knew so much and..." Kitty spoke with her eyes wide open. "When she first came, I admit, I only paid attention because she had come from well..."

"Upper class?" Mr. Bennet tried not to smirk.

"Yes, but Father..." Kitty's voice, filled with awe, remained steady. "When I could not stay focused this morning, she did not behave as everyone in town claimed Miss Caro... Bingley would. And, as I just informed you, contrary to their assertions, my governess truly possesses a wealth of knowledge, patience and understanding."

"In that case, I am delighted that I have unexpectedly acquired an extra estate, which has afforded your mother the luxury of providing you with a governess." His tone, playfully mocking while he echoed the absurd rumors of Mrs. Phillips, sent his wife, his daughter, and himself into uproarious fits of laughter; even Miss Caroline, who was passing by in the hallway, let out a chuckle and rolled her eyes before ascending the stairs to prepare for bed.