Chapter 21
When Catherine’s carriage pulled up in front of Pemberley, Stephen was waiting for her, ready to help her down. She smiled at him, and his eyes smiled back, though neither of them said anything.
As soon as her feet were on the ground, she was nearly tackled by a warm, hug from Georgiana who said, “I know it hasn’t been long since we last saw each other, but I am still so glad you are here.”
“As am I,” said Catherine. Spending time with Georgiana at Pemberley was a far more pleasant prospect than doing so in London at the height of the Season.
Catherine was led inside, and she quickly settled her belongings and changed out of her travel clothes. Throughout the day, various other guests arrived, and by dinner time everyone who would be attending the house party was there. Most of them were people Catherine had met before, either in London or during her previous visits.
At dinner, she was surprised but pleased to find herself placed next to Stephen. She was even more pleased to find that she could, once again, converse with him easily and comfortably. She had accepted the fact that occasionally her gaze would go to his lips. She was at peace with the knowledge that she might lose her train of thought at times, simply because his presence next to her was distracting.
She even decided that she was comfortable with the idea that she might end up ignoring some of the other guests, simply because she was enjoying Stephen’s conversation and attention too much.
After dinner the ladies took turns playing music. When Catherine played the harp, she could feel Stephen’s eyes on her, but since she truly did wish to perform well, she made an effort to ignore him.
When she was done and had returned to her seat, Stephen leaned down and said softly in her ear, “You were lovely.”
“I think you mean that that the music was lovely,” she said, “and I thank you for the compliment.”
“No, I said what I meant,” he said. “To be honest, I paid little attention to the sounds coming from the harp. I am certain they were pleasant to hear, but you were far more pleasant to see.”
Catherine blushed, but she gathered her courage and looked straight into his eyes. “Then, I still thank you for the compliment.”
He smiled at her boldness.
~~~~~
Two nights later, as Catherine was preparing for bed, there was a knock at her door. Catherine’s maid opened it, and there stood Georgiana, already in her night gown.
Georgiana barged in and hopped onto the bed where Catherine was sitting. Tucking her legs under her, she faced Catherine and said, “You must tell me what is going on between you and my cousin.”
Catherine smiled, but she did not reply. Instead, she turned to her maid and nodded, indicating she could leave. The maid curtseyed and departed. Only then did Catherine turn to Georgiana and say, “I’m not sure I know what you are referring to.” She tried to be serious, but she couldn’t stop a smile from creeping in at the edges of her mouth.
Georgiana playfully slapped her arm. “Of course you do. Now tell me everything. Does he love you? Do you love him? Honestly, I don’t know whether I am more shocked that Stephen is flirting with someone or that you are. You both seemed so determined to have nothing to do with the opposite sex.”
Catherine laughed. She had missed this, sharing secrets with her friend late at night. When they were in London together, it all seemed so serious and so busy. Most of the time, they were simply exhausted at the end of the day, but even if they hadn’t been, there was nothing to really discuss anyway. Neither of them had any secrets. Everything they did was open and obvious to everyone.
This was different.
“Are you prepared for something quite shocking, indeed?” asked Catherine, deliberately playing into the drama of the situation.
“Yes, oh yes,” cried Georgiana. “Please tell me.”
“Do you remember Mary’s wedding? You and your family stayed only for a day, but I am certain you remember that Stephen was there,” said Catherine.
“Yes, I remember. I didn’t think anything of it at the time, though. Stephen is my cousin, so it didn’t seem out of place for him to be there, but now that you mention it, it does seem odd. He doesn’t know Mary well at all, so why should he be at her wedding?”
“Exactly,” said Catherine. “I was wondering the same thing, until something happened. After that, I was certain he was there just to see me.”
“What happened?” cried Georgiana.
Catherine described the entire scene between her and Stephen. She knew Georgiana would not judge her harshly for letting herself be comforted in that way.
“I can’t believe it,” said Georgiana. “He loves you! I mean, of course you are loveable, but I mean I didn’t think Cousin Stephen would ever fall in love. His first marriage was horrible by all accounts.”
“What do you mean?” asked Catherine. “He has never spoken of his wife. Not once.”
“I don’t know any details, but the few times my brother has mentioned her, he always gets this sour look on his face like he is tasting something unpleasant by just speaking of her. If you are thinking of marrying Stephen, you should ask him about it,” said Georgiana.
