- Chapter 8 -

So keen was the Baroness for Katherine to become her companion officially, she began to prepare Kat for the role the very day she'd extended the offer. Three days had gone by since then, and Katherine was feeling quite out of sorts from the sheer rapidity of recent events.

At the present, she was hurrying home to retrieve her possessions; tonight was to be her first night as a resident of Rosforte castle, and last night as a commoner! The Baroness had tried to convince Katherine to take her carriage, but it being such a beautiful summer afternoon, and having few things to carry, Kat had insisted on taking to the fields.

"Honestly!" She expelled in an overwhelmed gasp as she stuffed her meager belongings into a carpet bag. There was little she needed; all would be provided by Lady Compton's generosity, but these - her diary, and a small box of letters – she could not do without. She placed the box of letters carefully atop the rest and attempted to latch it closed.

After a short and futile struggle, the latch refusing to take, she gave up in exasperation and purposed to carry it with caution. "This is all happening so fast! Miss Compton only asked me to be her companion Friday and already has me moving in this very day, it's not been half a week!"

"But that's wonderful dear!" Mrs Wheaton had paused in her plucking of a chicken when her daughter had burst through the door a moment before. "Will you have much time, do you think, to visit us here?" Her mother smiled teasingly.

"I am to visit you whenever I please!" Katherine laughed, "Gracious Mama, she has such plans! It has become apparent there is to be ball in my honor in the very near future; and if you could behold the gowns she has already given me the past two weeks! I have three already, and all so fine and well-fit! I feel like a princess! Oh! I have been joining the Baroness for meals already; and I am to begin diligently studying music, needlework, history, maths, and a number of other things. I admit – at the risk of seeming quite silly – my poor nerves are in such a state! I am so overwhelmed!"

Her mother chuckled. "No doubt! I am glad Lady Compton is allowing you to visit often, and your sisters are thrilled with their new positions. It sounds like you are going to become quite the educated lady! Why on Earth would she have you learning maths!"

"That's what I wondered as well. I didn't see why I should study things such as money and numbers. She said women are 'just as bright as their opposite sex and shouldn't have to rely on a man to manage their expenses'. Perhaps she had a steward that cheated her out of money or some such."

"Or perhaps she is just an independent woman. I am beginning to quite like our local Baroness." Mrs Wheaton laughed. "Now get off with you, I have a chicken to pluck and you have a grand lady to keep company."

Katherine pecked her mother on the cheek and was off across the fields once again. As she passed by Compton Village, she recalled she may need to purchase more soaps and herbs for Miss Compton's bath, and quickly swerved to visit the grocer. Upon making her purchase, she considered, too late, that it may have been wiser to choose a different time to buy the soaps and herbs.

She struggled down the street on the way back to the castle; the handles of her small carpet bag gripped fiercely in her right hand - lest the letterbox slide out - and the three paper parcels bundled awkwardly under her left arm. One of the parcels persisted in slipping from its place, until it finally sprang free and into the air!

She grasped for it wildly; and her bag dropped onto the dusty road with a poof, ejecting her letterbox which bounced open, spilling a fountain of letters hither and thither into the dust. The remaining two parcels did a merry dance between her hands as she tried, with growing despair, to keep them from falling as well.

Her attempts failed; and she ended up diving face-first into the fine dirt of the sunny street, the parcel of chamomile a mere inch from her fingertips.

Katherine slowly sat up, rubbed a sore elbow, and reached to begin collecting her precious letters. However, to her surprise, she found they were already being collected. She looked up into the kind eyes of the young gentleman who held a hand out to her. "Oh! Thank you sir!" She quickly stood and brushed the light dust off her worn cotton dress and apron; feeling a blush crawl over her face. "You needn't have gone out of your way, but I am grateful for your help." She gave him an embarrassed smile as she once again filled her arms and he dusted off her stack of letters.

He regarded her with friendly amusement. "That is quite the burden for a young lady. What is your destination, pray?"

"Rosforte castle, sir. I am employed under her Ladyship, Baroness Compton of Rosforte...at the moment."

"Ah! How convenient! I pass by her estate on my way to London, I shall accompany you then. Allow me." He whisked away her carpet bag and parcels.

She trotted after him, protesting weakly, as he started in the direction of Rosforte castle. He whistled to a great white horse. It quickly followed, squeezing between her and it's master with a snort. Katherine eyed the beast, before walking around to the man's other side.

"I am perfectly capable of carrying my things Mr...." She floundered a moment not knowing his name.

"Terribly sorry." He cut in quickly "Abominable of me not to introduce myself. Benedict Gray at your service, do continue."

"Ah, Mr Gray, thank you but I am quite alright; truly! It is not far, and I have a shortcut."

"I have no doubt of your capabilities Miss......"

"Katherine Wheaton."

"Miss Wheaton." He smiled "But you must understand, to me it is a matter of morality; what kind of man would I be to watch any one of God's creatures struggle without lending assistance? Allow me to play Good Samaritan; for my sake."

Katherine grinned "Very well Mr Gray, since you so willingly subject yourself. The shortcut is across this field, and through that line of trees you see on the other side. One of the paths encircling the estate is just there."

As they drew closer "It looks well-trodden. Do you commute then?"

"I do prefer to come home to my family once the day is done." She smiled "Home is on this side of town as well. My family manages one of the Ritewood's farms, so it doesn't take much more than a half hour to walk."

"Of course, I can understand, I too would loath to end a hard day away from those I love."

"You have a family then?"

"Not of my own." He sighed in mock self-pity "I must first find someone to love me."

Katherine laughed "A hard thing I'm sure, for an eligible bachelor of fair countenance."

"Ah! she finds me handsome and eligible! Perhaps there is hope for me yet!" He grinned with a wink.

"You were fishing for flattery; I merely obliged." She teased, then gestured as they emerged from the line of trees. "Here is our path." Rosforte castle could be seen through the scattered woods of the estate, grand white stone towers glistening in the sun.

"Rosforte castle. I have been in residence a few times, and it never fails to impress me." Mr Gray commented, then asked, "You mentioned you work for the Baroness 'at the moment', is that then soon to change?"

"Yes, it is..." Katherine hesitated, a twinge of panic momentarily striking her. What would his reaction be to one of the rabble attending soirees? "Do you visit Rosforte often? For Balls and house parties and such?"

"Often enough I suppose. My family resides close by, in Croydon. We are invited to most events here since it is not far; and it is on the way to London, so we stop in as we pass, once in a while."

"Well then, I suppose it can't be helped." Katherine eyed him, feeling strongly as though she could trust this pleasant man, "For you now know who I am and cannot be tricked. My position is... being elevated. I am moving in to Rosforte castle today, no more commuting. I am to be Miss Compton's companion. She insisted it be me you see; despite my lacking the usual prerequisites. Miss Compton has begun concocting a fantastic tale of my life, which I am not entirely comfortable with, but I allow for Miss Compton's sake. If you could try to understand my reasoning for secrecy, I would greatly appreciate if you could refrain from spreading the word of my true station in life, once I am out."

Mr Gray seemed to ponder this for a moment. "You are right, in that it is highly unusual for a Lady not to choose...someone closer to her own station...to keep her company and be recommended to society; but I do not believe 'inferior birth' should make you unworthy of the position, as others might. You are right in assuming the prejudice and judgment of the titled and wealthy. I understand why you would not want them to know where your roots lie." He grinned at her. "You needn't worry about me, however, I greatly respect you folks. The forefather of every high-society man was a carpenter, farmer, or blacksmith."

Katherine gave him a relieved smile. "Thank you, Mr Gray! Gracious, I believe I have had enormous luck in becoming acquainted with those above my own station. I have encountered but one Lady so far who has met the level of disdain generally expected of the Beau Monde."

"I dare say, you are lucky, but I beg you not to think too ill of us!" Mr Gray laughed "We do tend to be a prejudiced lot, but not usually uncharitable... or intentionally unkind."

"Well if you are any proof Mr Gray, I feel I have little to worry about;" She grinned "Though I have just met you, you seem to be all kindness and affability."

"High praise indeed, Miss Wheaton. Here, look, It appears we have arrived at your destination." Setting down her carpetbag momentarily, he tied his horse to a nearby post. The horse tugged at the rope with an indignant huff at being secured while his master joined a stranger in ascending to two large front doors and disappearing behind them.

The footman directed them according to the whereabouts of the Lady-of-the-house, and soon the Baroness was chatting eagerly with Mr Gray (who, it appeared, she knew quite better than he had let on, and was utterly thrilled to see).

"It is such a pleasure to see you again Benedict, I was so distressed when your family did not appear at the last Routley ball; but what awful bad luck for your father, twisting his ankle so. Though I cannot pity him, as he did sorely test fate." she laughed merrily "Chasing down a boar indeed, he's lucky he wasn't gored! I don't know why he decided to raise them at Grandhill, dangerous creatures!"

A shocked Katherine looked at Mr Gray with wide eyes. "Your poor father! He could have been killed!"

He waved off her worry. "It is merely a turned ankle; and we don't raise them anywhere near the walking trails, Lady Compton, it's perfectly safe."

"Men will be men." The Baroness teased, rolling her eyes. "I really must show Katherine her room and I don't wish to keep you from your journey, so don't feel obligated to stay longer if you must be on your way. I will be holding a ball in Katherine's honor soon, so I hope your father will be dancing-ready by then!"

"I would love to tarry a while longer, but you are right, I am on a schedule. In regards to the ball; even if father is unable to attend, which I'm sure he will even if he isn't, nothing could keep me from it Lady Compton. Until then, enjoy planning your adventures with Miss Wheaton." He bowed to the ladies, chuckling; then turned and made his exit in a few short strides.

"How decent of him to help you, and to stop in on his way to London. What a fine young man he is. I do love the Grays. His mother and I are great friends you know."

"Yes he is very kind, and has a very agreeable manner!" Katherine smiled "I quite like him."

"Agreeable looks too." The Baroness winked, and carried on before Katherine could form a response. "Well! Back to business! This way! I do hope you like your room. I took great care in having it prepared, with help from your sisters."

Just two doors down from her own bedchamber, the Baroness swept open a door with a flourish.

"Your sisters said you kept a diary that is on its last pages, so I procured you some new writing materials. You will be instructed in the use of a fountain pen." she spoke of the instrument Katherine now examined in wonder."They also mentioned you have two books that you have read to pieces, so I have gathered together a few of my favorite volumes for you there." Miss Compton indicated a small bookshelf filled with literary delights.

"Miss Compton! This is far more than I expected! I cannot thank you enough!"

"Gracious child, if this is how you act over books and pens I dare say you'll be struck dumb when I first take you abroad. There, look, it appears you've been struck dumb at the mere mention of it. Never you mind, there are more pressing matters to attend to - your wardrobe for one."

Katherine followed Baroness Compton into her dressing room, finding within the few dresses the Baroness had already had made for her. She walked over to one of the many large wardrobes - which currently stood open for her inspection - and brushed her fingers over the soft chiffon gown she'd danced with Brandon in nearly five days past. She closed her eyes with a quiet sigh; being transported back to the moment when she was held tightly in his arms. The music of that night wafted over her senses, as vivid as though she were there once again. His fingers shifted over the small of her back as they crossed the empty floor. She smiled at the memory of their playful banter; but, at the reminder of their second dance, the smile faded. During a pause in their set, she had stood a moment by a group of young women speaking clearly of Brandon. "You see the gorgeous one dancing with the girl in front of us? He is the one I told you of a fortnight past." One girl whispered loudly "The one I snuck into Papa's study! He was about to kiss me too I'm certain; if only we weren't nearly caught!" The girls' giggles followed her as she was once again swept into the dance, and echoed into her current reality. Katherine gulped and shook her head, dropping her hand from the folds of the dress. She refocused on what the Baroness was currently saying.

"..you could rest here for an hour if you wish, until then. Katherine?...the green room? Half past four?"

"Er, yes!" Kat plastered on a smile "I can hardly wait."

It turned out the 'green room', as it was called, was a fitting room. Katherine was to meet the Baroness there to be fit into a seemingly endless array of gowns. After two hours of standing still, she began to feel faint and was desperate for a breath of fresh air. They finished up as the clock struck seven, and Katherine decided she had time for one a refreshing walk in the late afternoon sun. Tying on her bonnet as she flew out the door, she rushed off to the freedom of the fields.

She found herself, after a short time, by some stables near town and stopped to visit the horses. As the sky began to dim she decided it was high time she returned to Rosforte and turned towards the street that would lead to Rosforte, she was suddenly jarred out of her senses as she walked solidly into someone who moved into her path. "Terribly sorry!" She said politely, though slightly irritated the person had not watched where they were going. She was righting her bonnet with a hand as the person she'd bumped into steadied her with a hand on her shoulder.

"Katherine!" A familiar voice slurred.

Katherine felt her face blanch as she stared up into the face of Brandon Routley. Her heart raced and tentative joy bloomed in her chest, then faded as the reek of inebriation flowed off him.

"Brandon Routley! You are properly drowned in the cups!!" She exclaimed in shocked disbelief and rising anger.

"Katherine." He slurred again, enveloping her tight in his arms before she had a chance to react. Then grasped her hand and ran (as well as he could in his state) toward the outskirts of town. Her protestations and scolding fell on deaf ears; and he slowed only to pull her into a nearby hay shed and clasp her in his arms once again, sighing and rocking on his heels unsteadily. Katherine struggled to hold him up, fuming. If it weren't for the fact that he were utterly foxed, she might be thrilled; but as it were, she was choking on the reek of ale and being crushed, for he was using her as a post to lean on. After a short moment - as he gave no sign of letting up - she gave a great shove that sent him backwards, arms pinwheeling, into a pile of straw.

"I say Kat!" His brow pinched in bleary confusion and indignation. "What was that for?"

"You are drunk Brandon! Why on earth are you in such a state, have you no self-respect?! The evening has barely begun and you've clearly been hugging the bar for hours already! Pick yourself up you lack-wit, and make yourself respectable!" Katherine waved a hand before her face "You stink!"

Brandon sat up; rested his elbows on his knees and head in his hands with a groan. "I thought I was imagining you again. Judging by your tone and my sore arse.."

"Brandon!"

"Sorry...sore bottom; you are most definitely real." He rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands and changed the subject. "You are Baroness Compton's companion. You are a Lady now."

"Being a companion and putting on graces doesn't make me a 'lady' by definition."

He looked at her with an absent expression. "We can get married now, mother doesn't remember you and thinks you are from a quality family, and sponsored by the Baroness."

She speared him with a cynical brow. "I am from a 'quality' family thank you very much; and what makes you think she won't eventually find out I am not 'sponsored' by the Baroness. I don't even know what that means!"

"The rumor is circulating that you may be a lost relative of hers that she has recently found."

"Gracious, however did they come up with that story! It is better, I dare say, than the ones Miss Compton has been formulating. She will be thrilled."

"Well? What is your answer?" He blinked, voice still groggy and slurring.

"My answer? My answer to what? La, you are a cork-brained drunkard."

"I ask-asked you to marry me." He burped, and gave her a sloppy grin

"Bloody France Routley! Is that what you think that was? Heavens no! Are you out of your mind?" Then she added, almost to herself as she flung her hand towards him in emphasis "What am I saying, of course you are. Now pick yourself up and act like the quality young gentleman your rank claims you to be!"

Routley listened to her with a perplexed expression creasing his brow. He stood slowly, wobbling on his feet. "No? But why not? I love you to distraction. You love me too, you said so. Why would you say no?"

"How could I say yes!" She exclaimed incredulously "Look at yourself Routley! You're a mess! Why would I put my life, and heart, in the hands of someone who is so disguised in ale he can hardly stand?! Yes I once said I loved you; but two years have passed since those carefree happy days; and you are not the same young man I loved then!"

"Yes I am!" His voice rose and he stepped toward her, clinging to the post she stood by. "My heart aches for you! I am in pain Katherine! This is the only way to forget about you, the only way I can ease this! If we were married I would be a different man, I'd be that same man you fell in love with, so why do you not marry me!"

"You are a coward!" She spat "That is the cowards way out! I too have been in pain, but you do not see me wasting away my life! I would love a man who would be strong despite the obstacles life pleases to throw his way; one who would not depend on others for his own happiness; one who would have the ambition to find a way to be with the woman he loves! I thought you were that man. I was clearly wrong." Katherine spun on a heel and began to stalk away.

"Katherine stop! Wait!" Routley called from where he stood. She halted and turned her head toward him. "Just...I'm sorry, just give me another chance."

She touched her fingers to her forehead with a sigh. How cliche. "As long as you are alive, you have a chance to better yourself. Perhaps you can start by putting down the bottle you've been clutching the entirety of our exchange." He looked down at the bottle in his hand, as if just noticing it "Or perhaps show your level of commitment by not bedding every lady of Ton."

His face promptly lost its color. "I'm not....I never!.."

But Katherine hadn't the care or patience to continue their lovely tête-à-tête, and eagerly hurried on her way as the evening had grown quite dark.