- Chapter 12 -

Katherine met Eloise as she stepped from the carriage, and her friend immediately wrapped her in an embrace.

"Katherine! Excuse me if I do not greet you with the regular pleasantries. I must immediately apologize for subjecting you to such unpleasant encounters on your trip, due to our own prideful secrecy. Let us sit and we shall explain all!"

"Oh, dear Eloise, I'm sure it is not your doing!" Kat entwined her arm in her Miss Gray's. "I am eager hear you, however, for you may be sure, I do not know what to think" Then in sudden realization added "Pardon, we? Who has come with you?" By turning again towards the carriage, it was found that none other than Mr Benedict Gray himself had descended from therein, and was now moving towards them. Katherine started in astonishment with a nervous step backward. "How can this be...what scheme is this!?" She cried, looking to her friend with agitation. While Miss Gray then purposed to put her dear friend at ease, Katherine's good sense suddenly formed a notion as to how Mr Gray could be found in two places at once, and right away relieved herself of her turbulence of mind. The three of them found a bench among the hedge garden nearby and sat thereon. She listened intently, with hopeful expectation of having her notion confirmed as Mr Gray began to speak.

He first informed, as Katherine had just now guessed, that he had another brother, a twin, who had preceded him from the womb. John Gray, being the eldest by sixteen minutes, was second in line to inherit their family's estate and holdings; but worried their father with his tendency towards wasteful and careless behavior. Eloise then interjected that he had always been wild in his youth, but as he grew older, became, by no small means, a rascal and a rake. She seemed to be about to divulge the events which secured him such notoriety, but instead looked to her brother, flushing uncomfortably.

Mr Gray obliged to continue for her, explaining that it had come to their attention, not two years past, that he had charmed the virtue away from a naive and besotted young woman of little fortune. They had rushed to save the two from complete ruination; but at the alter they were grievously interrupted by the father of another young girl, of equal fortune and character though a year older, who claimed John to be the father of his daughter's child. It was, at first, too much to be believed; but the girl and child were brought with him, and the horror of recognition on the faces of both John and she, as well as the undeniability of facts and evidence presented, made it impossible for his claims to be anything but the truth.

"As such," Eloise sighed, "John could not possibly marry both; and having no idea (even now) as to how many other ladies he may have so abominably used, we had no option but to compensate the families for the misfortunes applied to them by our disreputable brother, and leave him free of any marital attachment."

Mr Gray concluded. "He has, naturally, been disaffiliated with our family. He chose to join in the navy, though I doubt he will gain much recognition or experience there, considering most enter service at a very young age; and he being seven-and-twenty..."

"He seems to be receiving all the recognition he cares for." Katherine muttered in the ensuing silence; but after a short time, and with much animation, she then expressed her relief in finding Benedict Gray as good and amiable as she ever believed him to be! "Oh Benedict, Eloise, how wonderful it is I can now look forward to the harvest picnic this month without any anxiety or discomfort!"

The siblings agreed cheerfully. "And Oh, if only our embarrassment of such a brother had not kept us from mentioning him. Then you might have been prepared and such a misunderstanding would never have occurred!" Eloise cried. "But all is well and good, and we shall put this unpleasantness behind and look forward to more joyful events!"

If Katherine had been looking, she would have seen the twinkling glance Miss Gray settled upon her brother as she concluded her speech. But as she was happily focused on the smiling eyes of Mr Gray, she did not see it, and was left in ignorance of Miss Gray's hopes for the brother and the friend.

~~~

Miss Eloise Gray watched her brother from across the barouche cab, where he leaned against the sill, watching the scenery pass by. Feeling her gaze on him, he turned to her and inquired after her thoughts, as they clearly had something to do with him. With the opening granted she eagerly replied. "I am wondering whether you are only in danger, or if the damage has already been done?"

He comprehended her meaning immediately, and it seemed as though he would let the matter drop without satisfying his sister with a response. After a moment, however, he did speak. "I am past the point of danger, as you clearly have guessed. I know you are too observant of me not to have noticed my marked affection towards Miss Wheaton, though I may try to suppress it; but do you really think....She would not damage us, surely?"

Eloise replied hastily. "Benedict dear, you are too literal! True she is of very low birth, but no one other than the Baroness and our family knows that, so an attachment with her couldn't possibly harm our family's reputation. The only possible damage I can see is that she has not a penny to her name. If you find yourself willing to overlook such scruples I see no issue, I believe you shall have enough to live on without requiring a marital advantage."

"I have thought it over extensively. Five thousand a year can hardly claim to be insufficient...?"

"Surely not!" His sister affirmed with a smile. "Not without lowering oneself to some measure of greed!" After some time in comfortable silence, Miss Gray spoke again. "I must say Benedict, I am excessively pleased! There is no one I would rather have as a sister! Dearest Katherine, I do love her!" Benedict continued to observe the passing trees and fields, pleased with the notion of his sister's blessing. He held every expectation of gaining his mother's approval as well, and all that remained was to discuss it with his father, and (he anticipated the prospect with mild terror) with hers.

~~~

Little more than a week passed, and Katherine received notice that Mr and Miss Gray would be visiting Rosforte two days prior to the harvest picnic at Grandhill. They wished to stay two nights, and lead their guests back to Grandhill at the end of it. Katherine hadn't the slightest why they would come only to go back again - and so soon after they had already been at Rosforte - but she wasn't about to wonder on it long, for she was capable only of waiting in joyful anticipation for the day they were to arrive! It was upon her before she knew it.

As it was a warm and clear Saturday, Katherine, Lady Compton, and their two guests decided to spend it out of doors. The sun reached four o'clock; the ladies sat on a large mat beside a trout stream, close by Benedict Gray who was using the opportunity to do some fishing. The conversation had led to Katherine's sisters who, she informed when asked, were currently at home as it was their half-day today. Miss Gray then expressed a great wish to visit, claiming she had always found farm houses so comfortable and charming and would so love to formally meet the family of the friend she is most fond of. Katherine blushed and fretted and deterred; knowing a farmyard wasn't kind on hems or walking shoes, and that farmhouses weren't as comfortable, or quite as clean, as half of what the Gray's were used to. Miss Gray would not be deterred however, and it was settled they would start off without delay.

The carriage was sent for and they arrived at their destination in less than a quarter hour. Betsey and Cecilia were laughing and chatting as they hung out laundry on the line. They stopped in astonishment at seeing the elegant carriage of Lady Compton bump into the dry dirt yard, and ran to fetch their mother. Mrs Wheaton met them as they stepped from the carriage, and Katherine colored, looking to her mother with a silent apology for the unannounced arrival of such fine company. But Miss Wheaton was not a stranger to fine company, having been a lady's maid to Mrs Ritewood before she was married, and charmed her guests with her calm, sweet demeanor, and good manners. She welcomed them into her small living area, where her daughters stood politely, offering the ladies and gentleman the few seats therein. There were two cushioned seats, and Katherine and Miss Gray took the long wooden bench. After a short time filled with easy and amiable conversation, Miss Gray asked (with a look towards Mr Gray, whom ignored it) where the Mr Wheatons were presently. Mrs Wheaton said they had gone to town and were expected back shortly. No sooner had she said so, they heard the sound of horses approaching, followed by footsteps on the dirt walk. Introductions were made once they entered and it was shortly thereafter decided that the evening was too beautiful to waste, so Mrs Wheaton suggested a walk in the wilderness path near their farm; Eloise gray, with sparkling look at her fidgety and uncharacteristically silent brother, considered it a fantastic idea.

It was a pretty wooded path, wide enough for three to walk comfortably side-by-side. Thus, the group split up, Mr Gray with Mr Wheaton and John Wheaton, Miss Gray with Miss and Mrs Wheaton, and the remaining Wheaton siblings following behind with the thrilled Lady Compton (who didn't often have the pleasure of young company, having no children or grandchildren of her own). They reached a small stream, causing Mr Wheaton and Mr Gray to stop and debate on topics of fish and fishing techniques while the rest of the party walked on.

The two men rejoined them a half hour later in the small vegetable garden behind the house; all were crunching happily on fresh farm goods, as John Wheaton had pulled some small carrots and washed them for the ladies. It was now nearing half past six o'clock, and the Rosforte party bid adieu.

"It is no wonder where you got your pretty looks from Miss Wheaton." Lady Compton smiled "Mrs Hill told me your family was a handsome one and she did not exaggerate. How old is your eldest brother, John?"

"Two-and-twenty this October Miss Compton."

"And a decent, lively sort of young man he is." She said thoughtfully. Her expression caused Katherine to wonder if the Baroness had a maid or merchant's daughter in mind for him, and could not help but grin.

"He is, but so are they all! Your family is so very agreeable Miss Wheaton!" Eloise cried "They are civil and genteel. One would never guess they were of the working class!"

Katherine acknowledged her friend's compliment with a smile. "I suppose my father's quiet nature, and my mother's good teaching lent to it. Mother took it upon herself to cultivate in us the airs of higher society, even if we had not the talents or breeding. There is, of course, also our close connection with the Ritewood children. Miss Eliza Ritewood, the oldest daughter, has been a very dear friend of mine these two years."

"They are a good family, very reputable, and have a tidy estate near Rosforte." Lady Compton commented. "Though we cannot see it from here."

"An amiable nature, handsome looks, and good connections! My dear Katherine, I dare say it's very likely you will make a highly superior match for yourself one day!" Miss Gray clutched her friend's hand playfully as she ignored the sharp gaze her brother pierced her with.

Katherine colored in embarrassment and brushed away such notions, exclaiming with humor that Miss Gray not tease her. Privately, however, she struggled to dismiss any vain hopes that would rise. Her first thought had been of Brandon Routley, but that could not be, and her heart didn't swell as it used to when she thought of him. The hopes and feelings she now harbored were for someone quite different; someone she considered with great respect and esteem for his kind and gentlemanly nature. But she would not let herself be once again disappointed. The man she now gazed upon was far superior to the boy she once thought she loved, both in fortune and in character, and was far beyond her reach. Mr Gray turned to meet her gaze and, with a blush at being caught staring, she looked to her lap, then out at the approaching Rosforte castle.