Long chapter, sorry!

Chapter 6

Sunday morning was a hurried affair at breakfast. All was laid out and served at the early hour of eight, giving family and servants leisurely time to feed themselves, settle, then ready for church. Between Jane and Charles, Kitty had never observed either one of them talk so rapidly; it would seem as though now, it was fully realized, they were running an estate. Netherfield was one house on a little acreage. So humble in comparison with the Grove House, but also having tenants and all the combined property, which were actively discussed over fresh bread, tea, and boiled eggs. While Caroline slathered butter on her second slice, the couple were discussing Davy's nursery, as well as Mrs. Beckett's leaking roof, the Montgomerys' wages, and riding out to town to inquire about local hives. That would all be done after the Sunday services.

"Oh Kitty, how would you like to come riding this afternoon?" added Jane. "It's a perfect day for it. Once I tend to Davy and he's ready for his nap, we'll be free for a little outing on the grounds."

"But I do not have a habit."

"Oh, that's right. We'll have to see to that. Have you brought an old frock with you? Something that doesn't matter if you get dirty?"

"I think my pink frock might get away with it."

"I'm sorry. I've been meaning to take you into town sooner, and have gotten myself so distracted."

"It's quite alright, Jane. Besides, I'd hate to waste money on something I may not wear that often."

"It's a riding habit, Kitty. It's not made of satin and a fur collar. Tomorrow, we'll make a trip to the dressmakers," she declared. "You'll be more comfortable for having one. It can take a little dirt and soiling, and still be cleaned. You don't want to risk one of your nicer gowns."

"It would seem, Charles," sighed Kitty, "that my sister is determined to get me into the saddle."

"Oh, don't worry, you'll love it! As I've said, Sheba is perfect for you. That horse has never gone faster than a canter, not for the six years she's been in our family. The tamest creature in the world. She'll charm you yet, Kitty."

"But do be careful. She has a temper," warned Caroline. "The first week we had her, she bit my hand, and when I tried to mount her, proceeded to fidget overmuch and toppled me into the mud."

Those are probably two things never associated together: Miss Bingley and toppled, not to mention into the mire of rain and the stables. Kitty had begun to swallow her tea when she spoke, and that striking image provoked a laugh that set her off in a fit of coughing. Pressing the napkin to her mouth did not muffle it, and try as she might, the force of it along with the scalding in her throat, brought involuntary tears and bent her forward with spasms. Mr. Bingley alone was affected by any concern. The ladies seemed to understand the cause of this outburst.

Jane inquired whether she was alright, offered more water, and gave her most reproving look. How sorry she would be to incur her sister's disappointment, but there was Caroline's face right across from her, which was probably the same look on her face after being thrown from the saddle. Her chewing slowed and her eyes thinned to a dagger's edge.

"Beg your pardon, everyone," said Kitty, with raspy voice. "What a shame. But I shall heed your warning, and be on my guard… and keep my distance from the mud."

Charles couldn't help himself, and he laughed. That pause was so brief, then it was all business again. Jane threw a glance behind to the clock on the serving table, leaping with shock. For it was time to be getting ready, and the nurse would be expecting her, as well as Davy. He must be dressed too. Charles forgot something in his new study, and rushed out, not far behind her.

"I apologize. I did not mean to laugh," said a simpering Kitty.

"I expected no less." Since Caroline had dressed early, she saw no need to hurry out, and bid the servant to replenish her tea.

"Don't you ever laugh with your sister, Louisa? My sister and I would tease each other all the time, and laugh a good deal at each other's expense."

"That is not the way with myself and Mrs. Hurst… It is not good manners, Miss Kitty, to be so informal with those who are scarcely an acquaintance. It's rather bold to be calling your brother-in-law by his Christian name."

"Whatever for?" she shrugged. "It was at your brother's request that I use his Christian name. And we are all family—"

"Distant relations, better said."

"Very well."

"My sister is Mrs. Hurst, to you. My brother, when we are in public, is to be called Mr. Bingley. That is propriety, and the deference due to your brother-in-law's family."

The napkin in Kitty's lap was wrung tight. "Thank you, but I take my lessons in propriety from my sister and my brother-in-law." This was not expected by Miss Bingley. For it was not so unlike the familiar smirk of former rival, Miss Eliza Bennet, the face looking back across the table.

"I do hope that, while you are with us Miss Kitty, that Jane will teach you better manners. This is not Longbourn. You are a guest of the Bingley family estate. So, you are not to be running wild while you stay with us. Unfortunately for you, there are no regiments quartered in town, but if you are the least bit tempted, if you take a fancy for any local farmhands or sentinel at the Rose & Crown, and plan to run away with him, I promise you, I will make you regret such thoughts ever entering your head."

"Why, there's no need to be so hateful."

"Forgive me if I mistrust you. Your own family did you no service in that regard. Still, my warning stands. I will not allow any foolishness in this house."

"… It's not your house." Sickened enough and lost her apetite, Kitty spitefully tossed her napkin to the table as she rose from the table. It was time to get ready. Still, there was time enough, and turning back, standing at the door, held open by a footman, the powers of language and anger united. "Better hurry and tend to your face before we go. You'll sour the milk—already soured Mr. Darcy and every eligible man within fifty miles."

"Why you impertinent girl!"

Kitty hastily took flight down the hallway, heady, giggling, thrilled, leaving the footman blushing as he closed the door. For later that day, she would write in her diary: "I ought to feel no pride in what I said. Neither Jane or Lizzy would've approved at all. But I daresay, they would not have approved of her condescending little speech. I can see her thoughts. In her mind, I am no different than Lydia. She still believes my preoccupation is all soldiers. Well, her preoccupation with Mr. Darcy was no secret to anybody; and she's by far the more guilty of impropriety, trying to flirt with a married man, last winter at Pemberley. Forgive me, Jane. I did try to be agreeable. Caroline Bingley should be pushed in the mud more often, and horse-whipped for deliberate cruelty. On this occasion, however, I'm proud to say I think my tongue served well enough."

Havilland village was in many ways similar to dear Meryton, tradesmen and farmers, full of large families that overfilled the church pews, widows and old maids, the genteel and working classes intermingling, the well-off and the poor. More than double the size of the parish that met at Longbourn church, and being newcomers, the Bingley family naturally drew curiosity and attention. Upon introductions after services, some ill-ease had been dispelled. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery kindly brought them to the notice of the local tradesmen, offering warm recommendations. The previous owner of the Grove House did not have this reputation, and his previous dealings in the community had left an unpleasant taste. Now, they had a gentleman and lady, a good family living there. Jane's own pleasant disposition and agreeable nature softened Havilland's matrons and charmed their daughters. Davy spied some playmates near him in age, and they tottered about together while the family socialized afterward, stealing whatever hearts were left.

Mr. Bingley received plenty of invitations himself from the gentlemen of these families; each and every one likewise was received with gratitude and returned with a promise that they will receive a ready welcome at the Grove House, as soon as renovation work was complete. Kitty actually heard him make mention of giving a ball, to her great delight, as well as a number of young people present. By the time they left, Mr. and Mrs. Bingley were on their way to high popularity with all the townspeople. And that little boy of theirs, though a bit lively, was the sweetest thing in the world. Give or take eighteen years, all these friendly young mothers would be eyeing him for their own daughters.

Fortunately for Kitty, Caroline said very little in all that time. No indication was given that either Jane or Charles was made aware of her own cutting insult at breakfast. And the sourness of face altered little afterward. Few women or men approached her at church. The rector gave her the warmest greeting, seeming not to care or note her somberness. She was introduced, alongside Kitty, as sisters of the family, receiving all proper attention due her position. For it was the best a young woman like her could ask for, and all she could expect. Kitty enjoyed a better reception from the local young people, while her sister-in-law chose to return to the barouche and let friendly people approach the open window.

Upon returning home, everyone went separate ways. It took about an hour for Jane to see to Davy, then leave him to the attendance of his nurse, before she and Kitty were free for riding. One of the young stable-hands assisted them both, saddling and mounting; and it was no overtaxing request of his time, to give Kitty a few reminders and reassurances, by holding the bridle as she walked Sheba along. At first, they stayed in the enclosure adjoined the stables until more confidence was gained. Little by little was Kitty then persuaded to join her sister in a gentle, peaceful ride around the grounds. Their direction and destination was nothing definitive; though Jane did take care to steer away from the grove and keep their path to the meadows and stable grounds, with the least amount of potential obstacles. Time was not essential. Clouds were present in the distance, but as of today, parted by strong sunbeams.

"Oh Kitty, look!" A family of deer, minding their own business, nibbled voraciously on a tall thicket some yards south of them. "How sweet, a pair of fawns."

"Jane, don't make me look please," begged Kitty. "I know they're sweet. I don't wish to think about that when we have venison served at dinner."

"I have the same problem myself, but you cannot be immune to it. They're still pleasant creatures. I… admire them in both ways." Her sister laughed at the phrasing.

"Papa might have different feelings about them. He's as jealous of his shrubs and hedgerows as ever before."

"No doubt. I've been meaning to write to him, and share some of my plans with him. He will write and ask Lizzy about Pemberley, try to send inquiries to the head gardener by her. He'll always be at war with the deer, unless he either plants more hardy, repellent spieces or obtains a dog to stand guard."

"Don't know if that will work. Now that we have Chop and Lion, and with the cats of the other tenants, I think we'd all worry for their safety."

"I'm so sorry I was not there on that occasion, to watch Mary thoroughly surprised when she first met them. How sweet of Papa."

"Yes. Papa is an odd mix of sweetness and caprice. Sometimes, he can be a tease and downright vexing, and then other times, he's all benevolence and affection. I suppose that's a part of his charm. But of course, I'm sure it's all due to missing Lizzy a great deal… So Jane, have you decided about the orangery? Will you still have orange trees?"

"Charles and I spoke with Signore Andreozzi last night, and finally worked out a compromise. For the main concern is what will become of the trees during winter, but the beauty of it is, all these trees are planted in pots, which will make them mobile. We will still need to have a greenhouse to shelter them from the winters, but this way, they're not confined under glass the whole year round. So it's a delightful solution!"

"I did not realize there was so much work and detail to having a garden."

"It can be work, and it does require a lot of research before setting to the task. You have to make sure it will be hardy or if not keep it a hothouse. Some varieties prefer more shade, and others like a lot of sun. Some need plenty of watering. Others need watching, especially vines and ivy and such; otherwise, they'll just grow and take over."

"What made you choose the Italian style?"

This took some time to answer, due partially to the surprise of the question. Kitty had never cared before. "If I had to say, what stands out to me, is the clever and artistic use of water. There are so many famous fountains across the country, influenced by the Renaissance. They were so creative how water was used; for it could be trickling from a statue and a few holes carved into a wall, or they could have tiers, with water tripping lightly over, or they might create tall spouts and make it arch. Signore Andreozzi has worked closely with others and shown us some blueprints of previous works where he's accomplished this."

"I had no idea."

"Although, I admit, some of this will be a little tricky. The former owner did not upkeep the place very well, and the current drainage works that were in place require some repair, in addition to installing some new piping. We're in the process, Charles and I, of hiring the groundskeepers, who will be permanent here. That will help accelerate the new installation, but that will take a few weeks. Once that's done, as well as the project over at the waterfall, everything else will be very quick and easily completed. They already took care of my personal green room. You must've seen that little attachment from that side of the house?"

"Yes, I did!"

"Tomorrow, my order should be arriving. I can start planting our herbs and vegetables. How would you like to help me with that?"

"… Perhaps," hesitantly replied Kitty.

"You don't have to, but just consider it. I think you'd enjoy it. I think little Davy will enjoy it too. His nurse will probably have to give him plenty scrubbing afterward, but I want him to get a taste for it. For me, for Lizzy, and our father, we've had some of our happiest times in the copses and flower beds at Longbourn."

When the saddle began to grow uncomfortable to the inexperienced rider, Jane directed them back to the stables, with plans to have more rides as the weeks go on. And despite her previous experience as a child, Kitty had to admit that this time, riding wasn't so terrible. It could be leisurely, perhaps enjoyable eventually, just not quite yet. Although, their conversation did peak a mild interest in the grounds once again. Once Jane returned to the house, Kitty decided to send the servant to fetch her parasol and peruse the future sites once more.

Towards the edge of the grove, she found the depression in the ground that would one day become a central gathering place for visitors. Right now, it was nothing more than a plain, sunken patch of dirt. The current fountain that had been placed there, like the one in front of the house, had weathered and its ledge being slowly eaten by moss. Stagnant water had been drained, but left behind, the skeletons of dead algae caked up the bottom. Only someone with Jane's powers of imagination would look at a place like this and see something exciting and grand, like an artist with a blank canvas before him.

For such a spacious piece of ground, Kitty had imagination for only one use for it, which involved a group of musicians off in a corner, along with refreshment tables, and dancing couples spread across. It took time to break her mind from that singular mold, trying to conjure the image of these fountains that Jane had described from Italy. Tiered, trickling, arching… It sounded more becoming of a building than water itself. Perhaps if she had seen a rendition in one of those books, she might have a better image.

"Taking the air, signorina?"

She startled at the sound of a voice, descending into the depression.

"Oh, Signore Andreozzi. You gave me a fright!"

"Forgive me." A pocket-sized notepad and pencil were clasped in one hand. His form as dirty as ever, and the mushroom topped by a wide-brimmed hat, which he touched and nodded as a courteous greeting. "We're about to start on this site in a few days, and I need to make a few notes and measurements. Do I inconvenience you if I set to it?"

"Not at all."

He did not really much regard her presence beyond that. Kitty watched intrigued as he slowly circled the perimeter. Notes were scribbled, of course, but even more intriguing, he pulled from a coat pocket, a tiny stake with red cloth. He was standing at the top of the hill when he placed it in the ground. Then, he proceeded to cross over to the opposite side, fix his position, and place another stake.

"What are you doing?"

"I've told you," he replied, still scribbling away, "I'm taking measurements."

"… Must be for installing the new drains?"

He glanced up. "Perhaps."

"I suppose this old fountain will have to be dug up and torn apart first," she sighed. "Must be quite a burden."

"You're right, it's very heavy."

Sensing the tension in the voice, Kitty simpered. "Oh I'm sorry, I don't mean to bore you. I am just being curious. After all, you gave me permission."

"Did I now?"

"That if I were curious enough to observe work or had questions—"

"If I had known you would take up the offer, I'd better not have said so."

She gasped, in mock indignity. "Very well, fine. I don't care then. I thought it would make some amends to admire your work and the work of your family, but—"

"What do you want from me, Miss Bennet?" His notepad and pencil slacked somewhat.

"Just to see what you're doing with the waterfall. I haven't been able to make out its purpose yet, and quite frankly, it doesn't look reasonable."

"Reasonable!" With the rolling eyes, some Italian verbiage also spilled with it. "Signorina, you don't really understand what I do. Do you? You think we're just gardeners?"

"No. I respect that you design the gardens."

"More than that. If I confined my contracts to business and with clients that were 'reasonable', I'd never get work. You understand? Clients want things in their gardens that cannot be found elsewhere, or copied from famous, elaborate architecture from some other country. They want their tour of the grounds to be a unique experience. The demands can be exorbitant, outrageous, yes! Sometimes, they want it done in a ridiculously short amount of time. We all have to bend to the unreasonable."

Once again, though she tried to involve him in argument, she walked into another humbling trap. "Very well. You do that. I was not trying to pick a quarrel with you," she shrugged. "Though, if I'm being honest, it doesn't sound all that impressive."

"I beg your pardon?"

"For moving rocks around, planting flowers, installing fountains and drainage works, I think calling the position a landscape architect just a pretty title."

This gave him pause for a good minute, trying not to take great offense and curtail any response forthwith. "What do you want really?" he repeated. "You say you don't wish for a quarrel, but you're fishing for it. You'll even openly insult… Are you trying to get another orchid out of me? Because if you are, I have none left. I hope you haven't killed it yet with petty usage."

"Certainly not! I already said before, I'm merely curious about the waterfall. What exactly are you attempting to do? Sounds like making a great deal of fuss out of nothing."

"Alright, enough!" The notepad and pencil went back into his breast pocket. "You want curiosity satisfied, fine. Then follow me."

Kitty couldn't help smiling behind his turned back, having learned to ruffle then stroke his vanity. Though he might pretend otherwise, he seemed vain where it came to his work and reputation. By feigning feelings of boredom or at least lack of enthusiasm, stirred him further. Kitty now walked into the grove without fear, fear of the Italian family, fear of rolling rocks, fear of her own clumsy tendencies. But she gained a new fear when they came upon the site. Signore Andreozzi guided her along the safer walkway, until they came to a gentle, carved-out slope of the ground. They descended. Workmen nearby were dispelled their anxiety with a few words. The interloper was under guide and care.

"We've just completed the reinforcement yesterday, tested its strength, and the strength of the reinforcement. It's perfectly safe now."

"What?" His arm extended in front of them. The path ahead of her directed one onto a semi-dry brick and rock path that detoured directly underneath the falls themselves!

"What you'll find underneath is not impressive, as you said, but it's not complete yet."

"Y-You want me to walk under the falls?"

"That's right."

"How is that possible?"

"You afraid of getting wet?" he laughed.

"No, afraid of getting killed!" she roared back at him. Not so much from her own emotion as it was made necessity by the noise of the waterfall.

"I'll guarantee it," he assured. "Guarantee your life with mine. Close your parasol."

Signore reached both hands into the falls for a quick rinsing of the dirt, before offering one for her safe grasping. He led the way, and she followed, by example, pressing herself as closely inward as possible. They avoided the falls completely, except for some very mild splash that would dry in moments. Kitty found herself at once within their man-made cavern. All was dark, except for the broad daylight beyond the falls and a spare lantern being used by another man who seemed employed in the minor task of installing a more permanent lantern within.

"Lord, how is this possible?" gasped Kitty, at last unable to contain amazement.

"Nice and easy walking, isn't it?" declared Signore Andreozzi. "I'm sure you remember my younger brother, signorina? Marc! La signorina desidera scusarsi!"

"Qual'è il suo nome?" he inquired.

"Bennet!"

"Signorina Bennet!" the younger man addressed her. "Non hai nulla da temere. Io sono al sicuro. Nessun danno fatto!"

In the scarce lighting, Kitty barely made out the smile, but it was present. Based more upon his look than his tone of voice, which also heightened to compensate for the noise, she found relief. In return, she dipped a curtsey. They did not linger. Though now that her journey in had given her confidence, she was able to proceed out the other side of the waterfall without a guiding hand.

"I hardly expected to find that. Did you and your family do all that?" cried Kitty.

"We cannot take all the credit for it. When we first investigated, this shallow cave was already there. Otherwise, it's too dangerous trying to excavate and compromise the ground and ourselves. But as it was there, we simply plastered, walled in the area, and reinforced the whole space. As you can see, it's now safe to walk. Mr. Bingley loved the idea. We're installing lanterns that may be manually lit, like street lights in London. That way when the family decides to start entertaining, this part of their tour will be theatrical."

"Or when the summer heat is unbearable, one may sit at a table, take tea and refreshment, and escape the heat. There is plenty of room for it… That is brilliant!"

"Still unimpressed, I see," he teased.

"Indeed not," laughed Kitty. "Now, was that so hard, really? All I wished was to see it."

"Shall I be on my way, then? Or do you have any further questions?"

"What did you say to your brother?"

"I conveyed your apologies, as promised, and he received them. Easy as that."

"Well, I suppose you wish to resume your work."

"I must," he agreed, with a nod of brevity. "Of course, I should love to give you a tour of all the grounds and enlighten you to our future plans, and desire you give me your opinion, but alas…"

"I know. You don't have to tease. I know I'm being a nuisance," shrugged Kitty. "Good day."

"I never said so, signorina."

"Your manner says so." She began to walk on, ready to take up the path alone.

His arms spread to either side, almost baffled. "What could you possibly wish for here? We cannot entertain you, signorina."

"I'm not a child that needs entertaining, signore." She did not turn, but continued to walk. Nothing must suit but her departure, yet somehow, against her wish, it seemed to provoke him to greater irritation.

With haste, he caught up and stood "It's not personal. I'm here for work. You're visiting here for pleasure. But I did not call you a nuisance, signorina. You have a right to go where you please."

"I don't have to be told. I'm really trying not to be a nuisance. I'm just… a nuisance to myself really. I am trying to find some sort of occupation. My sister, she has real interest in all this, in the gardens and such. She's been very kind inviting me here, and trying to entertain me herself. The truth of it is, that I've not been much interested. She took me out riding earlier, but I don't feel like I'll ever be a great horse-woman. I wish I could like it. But I don't know that I'll really enjoy it."

"I see. Do I judge correctly, that you say, you are simply bored?"

"That's probably correct. Up until recently, I didn't really care about any of this, but now, I am curious." There was also the thought in mind, that Caroline was up at the Grove House. Was that not incentive enough to stay away?

"I'm sure that's not true. There must be other things, more worthwhile to occupy your time."

"No, signore."

"Do you not play or draw?"

"No."

"Are you a reader?"

"Sometimes."

"What do you read?"

"…Novels."

"Ah, and I suppose it would be a waste of a fine day like this to spend it inside reading?"

"Perhaps," she shrugged.

"Maybe you should diverge from other genres aside from fiction. If you are curious to know more, I'd say go borrow your sister's books on botany. Do a little reading. Go find some nice tree out in the meadows. I guarantee you'll learn a lot more from a book than from watching us out here, and grant you there is more pleasure in time spent that way."

"I suppose I could try it."

"If I may also make a suggestion, why not sketch yourself a blueprint of your own garden?"

"Oh, I couldn't possibly… I don't know anything about—"

"Well, neither does your sister, but she knew what she wanted, sketched it out on paper, and it gave her pleasure. Did it not?"

And to be compared to no one else, what was there to lose? Though it was encouraged at home, she did not possess much patience when it came to art. The pencil and dimensions fell so far short of the realities she'd have liked to copy. Lydia managed to do a better job when painting imitation china, even though her skills were likewise slender. Signore Andreozzi unrolled a larger sketchpad from another pocket, from the endless amount of pockets of his coat, and tore out a blank page. Along with it, he bestowed a spare pencil stub, hardly big enough for Kitty to hold in her hand.

Upon returning and gathering her parasol, she took the advice given, and stole away with Jane's pair of books on botany. In the south parts, towards the meadows, she did as instructed by finding an old and generous oak. Its shade allowed for some partial sun rays, and the base of the trunk, along with its roots, offered a seat, though rather stiff and unaccommodating for a human figure. Kitty opened the volumes, commenced reading, and found rather pleasant surprises. For she came to learn the subtle differences between annuals and perennials, how many different plant species grew in their part of the world, as well as the range of variety in soil types.

In other parts of the world, where the geography endured the presence of volcanoes, the ground proved to be the richest, most fertile ground in the world. And the closer to the equator, the more diverse and exotic were the flowers and fruits. Some fruits were completely unheard of in all the kingdom, simply because they could not be grown so far north. She had expected Italy to be the jewel of this book, but apparently, the landscape architect was not overly partial to his home country. In fact, some sketches in the book from South America, the Caribbean islands, as well as the Middle East proved to be the most fascinating.

When her own sketch began, Kitty had palm trees, roses, hydrangea, and wisteria involved in one scene. Of course, without the ability to give them colour or much distinction in details, there was a sameness to their looks that no one but herself would be capable of differentiating. And of course, it would not be complete without a fountain of her own. Still, this was all fantasy. It was a horticultural and artistic absurdity; though it did not matter, nor did she care, that hydrangea, roses, or wisteria might wither in the heat of climate which allowed palms to thrive. On the back, Kitty also noted the names of favourites, even if they were not drawn. For perhaps, in time, she might come to acquire a property of her own, and this amateur diagram would prove useful.

I don't know why but this chapter was kind of fun. Getting a little revenge on Miss Bingley for all the snubs and insults of P&P.