I have been reading so many excellent Jane Austen fics and mine is woefully subpar with the language of the times. I really want to go through later and redo the dialogue. Make it better.

So this is a story that is really hazy in my mind of where I'm going with it. Like I know, but I feel like if I say it aloud or write it down everything will just go wrong. So I'm keeping it to myself and not thinking too hard about it. I'm seeing as I write where my inclinations are taking me. I know that's not great authorship (is that a word?) but its fanfiction so its happening.

Yes, Henry is engaged to rich heiress. Is he happy? Does he feel guilty for failing the stern test of his character? How exactly did his father bully him into not going after Catherine? And why would such a rich heiress become engaged to a second son who is a member of the clergy? Why didn't Captain Tilney take her instead?

We shall soon find out.

Chapter Four

The Ball

Three days had passed since her entire world had tilted on its axis and spun around like a whirling dirvish. She could still scarcely believe it and even seeing written proof in her mother's hand did not help.

"Mr. Allen, I simply do not understand. Why me, of all people? Why not James? He's the eldest son."

"Oh, nonsense, I am fond of you, Catherine. Your brother is fine, but we've spent the most time with you. And besides, is not this bit of revenge satisfying?" Mr. Allen gave her a wide smile and she shook her head.

"I cannot know what you mean."

"When that old General Tilney gets wind of this can you imagine the look on his face?" He laughed and sipped some tea. "That'll set him straight on how to treat young girls in the future."

Catherine suddenly sat up straighter. "Do you think-?" Her breath caught. "Do you think there is a small chance that General Tilney might let me write Miss Tilney now?"

Mr. Allen shrugged. "I cannot imagine why not. If you weren't good enough for his family before, with all my property and fortune, you are certainly good enough for it now. I have it on good authority that the Tilney's aren't quite as rich as they would like everyone to believe. General Tilney's father fell on hard times and that was why he wed Miss Sarah Drummond. For her dowry. And it is why all his children must wed wealthy heirs and heiresses."

Catherine sat back in her chair, mulling over what he had told her. She'd had no idea he was such a gossip but was grateful he was at least an informative one. It still pierced her heart to think of Henry marrying another woman and she blinked back tears.

Suddenly, she stood and went over to Mr. Allen, going to straight to her knees in front of him and clasping his hand. "Please, sir, is there any way I can dissuade you from this course of action? Is there no family you have that would desire to be your heir instead? I cannot bear to think that I am taking something away which should rightfully be theirs."

Mr. Allen squeezed her hand fondly. "My dear child, I assure you those who have something to claim will be taken care of. They are few and distant relatives, some whom I've never met. When I die, God willing a long time from now, I will leave my estate in Fullerton and most of my assets to you. When you marry, I will have a dowry set aside amounting to fifteen thousand pounds. And I will very much enjoy watching those Tilney's and anyone else who treated you ill regret it. Now what do you say to that, Catherine?"

Catherine sat back on her heels, dumbfounded. Her mouth gaped open again, very much like on the night of the theater debacle. Fifteen thousand pounds? An estates? "Mr. Allen," she breathed, "that is too much, please. I have only ever enjoyed yours and Mrs. Allen's company. I never once had any expectations of receiving anything from you except friendship. Just by bringing me along with you to Bath I feel grateful and honoured."

He patted her cheek. "You're a good girl, Catherine. And that's why I do not mind at all giving you something of mine." At her continued look of distress, he sighed. "How about this? I bequeath you my country estate in Fullerton and a dowry of twenty thousand pounds. The rest of my assets and property will be dispersed amongst my relatives, wherever they are."

Catherine gave a small gasping laugh. "It is still too much, sir." But she saw a wounded look come into his face and grabbed his hands even harder. "But I accept it with all the graciousness it was intended to be given. Please, never think-"

"Hush now, child, I would never think you having a conniving bone in your body. Now run along and get some rest before the ball this evening. I have no doubt this story has made its circulation amongst every family of good standing in Bath. You will have your pick of suitors tonight, my dear."

She did as she was bid and once upstairs in her room, she immediately sat down and began writing a letter to Eleanor.

X

That night, as much as she was still mortified at Mr. Allen's having made her a beneficiary in his will, she also acknowledged how exciting it was and how just maybe, because of his generosity, Henry might be able to hers. Maybe his was not a love match. Maybe his father had forced him to become engaged to Miss Armitage. Maybe he would break it off with his fiancee as soon as he heard of Catherine's sudden reversal of fortune. Could she allow him to be dishonorable and break his word to a lady though?

She looked herself over in the long mirror and sighed. "Dolly, what can be done about my figure? 'Tis woefully lacking and my face is so pale."

Dolly smartly began pinching her cheeks, rather too hard in Catherine's opinion. "There. Not pale at all. And about your figure, you're a girl still. You'll fill out in a year or two. Or maybe after you birth a babe."

Catherine's face fell even further. "That does not quite help me tonight, Dolly."

"Who are you trying to impress? Captain Tilney?"

Shocked at her suggestion, Catherine looked at the maid. "Heaven's no! Whatever made you think of him?"

Dolly shrugged. "Just a thought. Maybe get a bit of revenge on the other Tilney by marrying his brother," she suggested wickedly, yanking on her mistresses stays. Nothing would make her breasts grow except time.

Distractedly, Catherine said, "Isabella's bosoms are quite nice."

"And she knows it too, that one. Shows them off often enough. You're a lady, Miss, and she ain't. Still," Dolly said thoughtfully, "I might know a few tricks that could help you improve a couple things. Might I try?"

"As long as you never say such things about the Tilney's again," she said sternly, choosing not to overly-chastise Dolly over her remark. It was a thought, was it not? Wedding Captain Tilney instead of Henry. Would he be jealous? Would he pine for her company?

Dolly raised an eyebrow at the sudden dreamy expression on the other girl's face and got to work. A nip here and a tuck there and suddenly an inch of Miss Morland's neckline disappeard. A few rolled of pieces of cloth acting as padding suddenly gave her the appearance of a bosom.

"Tasteful, like," Dolly said thoughtfully. "Not too much. Just enough to leave the men wanting more."

"Dolly! The things you say are quite shocking. Do Mr. and Mrs. Allen know how you speak?"

Dolly raised an eyebrow. "Forgive me, Miss. And here I thought you'd be wanting to get your Mr. Tilney back." She sniffed. "I've only been a lady's maid for nigh on ten years now. What do I know about getting young misses married? I've only had five of them blissfully wed and if young Mr. Tilney does come back to Bath, you'll be needing every weapon at your disposal to tear him away from his Miss Armitage. But what do I know?" She sniffed again.

Catherine looked more astonished with every sentence of the dramatic speech made by her now unhappy maid. "Dolly, I apologize. You are right. Please forgive me. Do you think he will? Come back, I mean?"

Dolly smiled and went back to work making her young charge look a bit more sophisticated. "Who can tell with these gentlemen types?"

Catherine's mood turned more curious. "What do you know about the Tilney's? Have you ever heard anything from your friend, the scullery maid?"

"You mean Susan and not really, Miss. She got engaged and hasn't been around on our day off lately. Always walking with her man, Charlie." Dolly rolled her eyes and then stepped back to look at her work. Everything was pinned and tucked well enough so that, barring any misfortune, nothing would come undone. At Catherine's disappointed look, she added, "I do know that, last she heard, the family's in London. Doing what, who knows?"

Catherine nodded, pensively.

"Cheer up," Dolly said. "You're young, Miss. There'll be another one along shortly who'll make you forget all about what's-his-face. You're pretty and kind and moral and that's rare nowadays."

"But I was sick for so long. I feel as though I still look it sometimes."

"Nonsense. Look at yourself right now, Miss. See? Your hair is shiny and that style makes your neck look long, like a swan's. And your bosoms are much more pronounced but not too much and your waist is small… Now don't forget to pick up your train when you go down the stairs. There you go, it's a small one, but nonetheless."

Catherine did as Dolly told her and walked carefully down the stairs to meet the Allen's. They seemed as nervous as she about this ball. It was the first one after Mr. Allen's surprising reveal at the theater and she knew everyone would be talking about it.

"Miss," Dolly whispered behind her. Catherine turned. "Don't forget-dance with as many gentlemen as you can. Nothing a man likes more than a chase. If word reaches Mr. Tilney, I mean."

"I cannot overexert myself or I cough," Catherine protested.

Dolly shrugged. "Then walk around the rooms, always talking to people. Gentlemen like a lively girl."

She wished she could be lively again. Sometimes she felt like a part of her died last year. The childish naive carefree part. Although Dolly would probably still call her naive.

"Pretend you haven't a care in the world."

She nodded at the last of Dolly's advice and then finished the walk down the stairs and into the foyer. Mrs. Allen clasped her hands.

"My dear, you are simply stunning. Simply stunning, Mr. Allen, is she not?"

"Stunning, my dear. Shall we go?"

The servants helped then into their coats and muffs and then they left the house to ascend into the hired carriage.

"This is all so exciting," Mrs. Allen began once they were inside and on their way to the Upper Rooms. "Our gowns alone will be the talk of the evening, most especially yours, Catherine. That shade of blue brings out the blush of your cheeks, my dear. You are the picture of health tonight. Is that tonic that Dr. Chastain prescribed working? It must be."

Catherine nodded. "I take it every night and morning. I have it right here in my reticule." She patted the matching blue bag that had been made for her at the same time as her gown and felt the thick cylindrical bottle in there.

The drive seemed longer than usual even though they were late to the ball and there was little traffic. They arrived finally and walked through the crowd. As was typical, Mr. Allen left them for cards and they were on their own for the rest of the night.

Whispers and stares came her way and she realized then that she hadn't truly known the degree to which society would be fascinated with her. "Please, Mrs. Allen, let us find seats in the ballroom away from this crush of bodies."

The older woman nodded and grabbed her hand, leading her quickly through the crowd and into the ballroom. It was less crowded in here and Catherine felt like she could finally breathe.

Just last year, this had been her favorite thing. All she could do was think of Mr. Tilney. Where he was, when he would return, if he would dance with her, if he liked her even a little.

Now he was to marry another and she felt so alone.

She did not take Dolly's advice and dance or walk about chatting. Oh, she walked a little but there was no one she knew here except Isabella and John Thorpe and that was basically like knowing nobody since she refused to speak with them.

"Miss Morland."

She stiffened at the voice behind her. Those low tones she would recognize anywhere. "Captain Tilney." She turned and gave a small polite curtsey. Why was he always around? She forgot about the letter in her coat for the moment. "Are you not dancing? I seem to remember you being so fond of it." She glanced across the room where Isabella was watching them carefully.

He half-smiled at her. "I am afraid I have some news."

Something in his manner or expression sobered her and she instantly knew it was bad news. "Is it your sister? Was she caught with my letter? Was your father very angry?"

"I hardly know where to begin," he muttered, looking down for a moment at his feet. "Miss Morland, something odd has happened-to put it mildly-and my father has suddenly decided to leave London."

Catherine was confused. "Is he well?"

"Yes, yes, very well. The man is never sick."

"Is Eleanor well?"

"Yes, the whole family is well." He was silent for so long afterwards that Catherine truly began to be confused.

"I do not understand. Surely, he can depart and go wherever he chooses. Northanger Abbey, I suppose?" Hopefully, not here to Bath. She did not imagine her heart could take it.

Captain Tilney looked slightly frustrated when he looked back at her. Despite this, he answered in a calm voice. "No, Miss Morland, my father does not make for the Abbey. In fact, at this very moment possibly, he arrives in Bath."

Her face paled in shock. He was actually coming here? Was Eleanor and Henry with him? Her heart beat wildly at the surprise. "Here? What do you mean?"

She found out that very next moment before Captain Tilney could open his mouth. Somewhere behind his large frame, came a very familiar voice. She'd spent a month with it last year.

"Frederick, I thought I would find you here."

The Captain closed his eyes briefly and then stepped aside to turn toward his father. "Father," he acknowledged without much affection.

General Tilney still managed to terrify her while at the same time infuriating her. Her heart pounded so hard in her chest she couldn't catch her breath for a moment. She raised her handkerchief to her lips and tried to breath slowly through her nose.

"And I see you've been talking to Miss Morland." He stepped up to her, hands as usual behind his back, as if he were still in a military formation at all times. His blue eyes raked over her face and in them she could see nothing soft or apologetic. Only cunning and a bit of anger.

Then it all changed and he bowed over her free hand. "How we have longed to see you again, Miss Morland. What a pity it was that we had to part so suddenly last year and with such rudeness. You must allow me to make it up to you. Eleanor, come."

He turned and ushered his daughter to his side. Catherine's smile was a genuine one as she curtsied to her old friend.

"You are to invite Miss Morland over to Milsom Street this week for dinner."

Catherine's shock couldn't be greater than if he had said "Eleanor, stand on one foot and cluck like a chicken". Eleanor was reserved in her answer but she smiled at Catherine and nodded.

"If she will come, I would be most happy. Shall we go on one of our long walks tomorrow? Say, about noon if there's no rain? Then, of course, tea."

Catherine nodded, more out of automatic response than anything else. Despite being thrilled to see Eleanor Tilney again she was unsure of what the General's objective with all this was.

"And of course you remember my son, Henry?" The General stepped aside and suddenly her chest constricted again.

There was Henry. Tall, handsome, humorous, witty Henry whom she loved with all her heart. He bowed to her, solemnly, with more than a little pain in his eyes. Emotions clouded his expression and she could some guilt there as well. She swallowed hard and raised the handkerchief once more.

"Miss Morland. You look as beautiful as ever."

Her face lit up without her knowing it. In the next few moments, it fell with such force.

"Allow me the honor of introducing my … fiance, Miss Elizabeth Armitage of Yorkshire."

A beautiful girl of about nineteen or twenty stepped forward. Blonde hair and blue eyes complimented her ivory gown of silk. She was a vision of angelic loveliness. "Miss Morland," she said softly, giving a small curtsy, "it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Catherine returned the bow and struggled to keep her insurmountable emotions in check. She struggled to speak without breaking down in sobs and the seconds ticked by. There was pity in Eleanor's face and sorrow in Henry's. It was humiliating.

"Miss Morland, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

Captain Tilney, her rescuer. Without a second's thought, she smiled, nodded, curtsied her farewells, and took his hand. What an escape, she thought. Captain Tilney was scowling throughout the dance, but she did not care enough about the reason to ask why. Most likely, his father. If she had such a father, she most likely would never smile.

She looked over at the Tilney's and was deeply disturbed to see the General looking at her in a calculating way. Henry nodded and then took his future bride to some other part of the room. Eleanor stayed by her father's side. Something inside her mutinied against the manners taught to her by birth and she raised her chin and cast the iciest expression she could his way.

"Your color is back, I see. I was worried you would faint again."

She jerked her attention back to her partner. "Does he really think I will dine with him after the way he acted last year? Does he think I do not know the reason I was cast out of Northanger Abbey?"

"I do not think he cares much. I believe he is counting on your desire to see my sister again on overcoming your disgust with him."

She shook her head. "I just do not understand. Why even talk to me at all? He cannot be afraid I will tell people what happened. Who would even care? He's rich enough to do what he likes. And Henry." She was so flummoxed, she used his given name in public. His brother raised an eyebrow but she did not notice. "He is quite out of danger as far as myself is concerned. He is to be married and… and… that is it."

Captain Tilney looked at her in amazement and broke through her rather embarrassing musings. "Are you really are so naive that you do not comprehend what my father is doing?" He laughed and shook his head. "You will soon enough."

Despite his cryptic warning which he would not clarify further for her, Catherine realized at the end of the dance that she had been sufficiently distracted enough for the tears to dry in her eyes. The kindness he had shown her this night she had not thought him capable of.