- Chapter 9 -

The few months following this last, and unfortunately unpleasant, encounter with Mr Routley were so diverting that Katherine, thankfully, had little time to recall it. She found it steadily easier to allay the feelings that had lingered over the past year and a half since Mrs Routley had pulled them apart. So fed up was she with heartache and longing, and so let-down and disgusted with Routley's new character, that she bid adieu to the past and settled comfortably into her new role as a personal companion. It was agreed upon not to hinder the stories that had begun to circulate. Katherine was now known widely as the relative of the Baroness of Rosforte; a relative who, after years of searching, the Baroness recently found in the very village she lived. Her story, being of a vague and mysterious nature, had Katherine become quite the thing in London once they finally arrived for the end of the season.

Nearly the moment they arrived, Baroness Compton immediately acquired a voucher to Almack's; wherein transpired Katherine's first experience of the London season. Her account of the evening was eagerly written on the first crisp new pages of a leather-bound journal, one of those so generously provided by the Baroness. She then gathered the materials to write a letter to her mother.

June 5, 1804

No.224 Grosvenor Square

Dearest Mama,

I apologize for being so negligent as not to write you the moment we arrived! Bet and Celia are well and consider London, as I do, to be all the crack! I had the pleasure of my first proper ball as Lady Compton's companion this night, and have had a most splendid time! I danced until I could hardly feel my feet, and have been introduced to such a number of people that I have no hope of remembering them all! Gracious these events are tiring! It is in the wee hours that I write to you. I had hoped give you a proper account while the memories still were fresh; but now, as I am yawning like anything and the page begins to blur, I feel I shall have to continue this missive on the morrow.

~ furtherance ~

La, I've never slept so long in my life! You would be ashamed Mama. Celia woke me at quarter past noon by jumping atop me quite solidly. I teased that I should relieve her of her service for her impertinence toward her Lady, but she didn't seem in the humor to joke. I feel a trifle cruel, Mama, that I have the privilege of wearing fine gowns and frolicking about town at operas and parties, while the girls dress me and Miss Compton, and stay at home. They assure me it does not bother them but I feel it does. I am determined I shall use some of this month's allowance to take them shopping and sightseeing this week; though the week is so frightfully full already. We are staying home for most of this afternoon to receive callers. Tomorrow we shall attend a garden party; the following day, an evening outdoor theatrical; We have been invited to dinner two separate occasions this week end, one family by the name of Westbrooke, and the other by the name of Gray. I believe I know one of the Grays a little already, I hope to see him there.

I see I strayed from my topic of last night's ball. There are but two things of any interest to report on the event. One: there were altogether too many people, for I could scarcely breathe or move. I dearly hope that will be the last such crush I will be forced to endure, although Miss Compton assures the contrary. Second: I know you shall chide me about vanity, but Eliza's observation that I am a natural dancer seems proven true. I was complimented on my grace and skill a number of times (It was also often remarked that I was exceptionally handsome despite my complexion, as I've had too much sun; but that is of no consequence as it was wizened old gossips saying so). I must thank dear Eliza for teaching me.

I miss you terribly Mama! Much love to Papa, John, and Simon. Much love to the new foal. Celia suggests the name 'Tardy' for her as she was so much later coming than the others.

Sincerest love

Your Kat

The next week passed in a similar fashion, and the next week, and the next; theatricals and balls, parties and luncheons, fine gowns and walks about Town with Betsey and Cecilia. Katherine was shocked by the speed at which a month passed by. The days sped into mid-July, and as the season had concluded a few weeks into their visit to London, the number of parties and entertainments began to diminish significantly. Katherine and the Baroness didn't mind having less engagements to fill their time. Katherine because she was yet unused to the lifestyle, and easily tired by the late nights and early mornings, and Lady Compton because (not that she would oblige to admit it) she was feeling her age; and the aforementioned late nights and early mornings didn't become her as they used to either. It was after a pleasant afternoon tea with Miss Eloise Gray and one of her brothers, Mr Benedict Gray, that Katherine received a letter from an unexpected sender. She was, at the time, practicing the pianoforte; when a footman approached.

"Leave it just there, thank you Martin. I shall read it once I've finished this set."

The footman obliged, setting it beside her music sheet. Upon seeing the address written thereon, her fingers faltered, striking a foul chord. Katherine immediately excused herself and exited the drawing room, head spinning from the conflicting emotions within her. Once she was in the confidence of her own room, she settled among the plush cushions of her window seat to read with a guarded heart.

July 2, 1804

Brompton Barracks, North

Chatham, Kent

My Dearest Katherine,

I sit upon this cot with heavy heart, unable to sleep. I have been burdened for some time now to beg your forgiveness for my conduct the last time we met. I cannot begrudge you for your disgust and admonishment towards me that night; I am deeply ashamed when I think on the encounter myself. I know I can no longer alter your opinion of me; but endeavor to allow me to try, if you will, on one account. Never once, Kat, have I taken intimate liberties with any woman. I have been unreasonably bitter toward such ladies my mother would deem worthy for me to wed; for you are, and always be, far more wise and good-hearted than any such lady. I have crossed lines I should not with the purpose of ruining reputations, which I care enough now to realize is inexcusable in itself, but would never go so far as to bed them, as you so bluntly put it. I shan't take up any more of your time. I have avoided my duty in returning to his majesty's Royal Navy for far too long and so I wait in Chatham for my opportunity to be put into the field. I cannot stay up any later for they have me to rise at an unholy hour. I, as always, wish you health and every happiness until we meet again.

Yours eternally,

Brandon Routley

Katherine quietly read and re-read the letter, clutched in her hands. She believed him in his claim of celibacy, but that alone did not absolve him of his petty and reckless character. With a sigh, she stood and solemnly folded it in four before tucking it away deep in her letterbox and returning downstairs. She felt equally relieved and melancholy at realizing her feelings for him had finally cooled to those of a distanced friend or acquaintance.

~~~

After an enjoyable full month and a half, Lady Compton and the Miss Wheatons quit Town; Traveling the hour long journey back to Rosforte Castle and home. It took a week for them to adapt once again to the slow country lifestyle, though they did so with relief. The three girls spent the full Saturday and Sunday with their family during that week, telling of their adventures in London. Resting on a blanket on the shady front porch, Katherine and her mother watched the rest of the family in the fields.

"It really is a wonder how things work out is it not dear? I was apprehensive, as you know, about you drawing close to that Routley boy; and rightly so considering the trouble it caused once his mother discovered the two of you. Your father and I thought we would be begging on the streets when that awful woman put us out, but perhaps it was for the best. If she hadn't taken the farm from us we might never have begun working for the Rightwoods, never have had the pleasure of Mr and Mrs Hill as neighbors, and you might never have met Lady Compton."

"Sometimes I still can't believe that last bit. Such things only happen in my books, I thought, yet here we are." Katherine plucked up some grasses from where they grew next to the wooden porch, thoughtfully splitting them down their centers. "You know Mama, as we are on the subject, Mr Routley has recently re-entered service under his majesty's royal navy."

"Oh?" Her mother leaned back casually and stared out across the fields where her men worked. She placed a hand on her bonnet as a particularly feisty breeze threatened to lift it. She continued after a moment, in a tone that was a somehow mixture of both interest and disinterest. "And what are your feelings on that matter?"

Katherine sighed "I'm not entirely sure, I suppose it is a little terrifying to have anyone you know go into war, especially if it's someone you used to care for; but I believe that is all."

Her mother contemplated this. "Then to speak true, I am glad you no longer feel any strong attachment to him. I'm sure there are others with a far superior character for you Kat...I don't suppose you've found any." She chuckled.

"Oh No!" Katherine laughed "I couldn't possibly. Any suitor I may secure would eventually find out I have no money or connections to speak of, and then it would be over!" She paused in her maiming of a daisy. "There is one who knows who I truly am, as apposed to the girl in the stories we've weaved for the Ton; but as he knows I have nothing to offer, there is no hope; and as such, we shall remain friends."

"If you hint you may like him I shall tease you nonetheless. Who is this gentleman who makes my daughter speak with such a forcefully stoic air??" Her mother's eyes twinkled

Katherine grinned and flushed "I only think of him as a great friend Mama! Gracious! I have written to you of him and his sister, Eloise."

"Ah yes the Grays. They sound an amiable and loving family, I quite like them despite only hearing of them in letters. Very well, I shan't tease, how droll. Is it just Eloise and her brother then?"

"No, there is a Mr Sebastien Gray between Eloise and Benedict. He holds permanent residence in London and.."

Their conversation was interrupted as the men walked towards them. Simon and John pushed each other about in boyish jest as they approached. Papa waved a bouquet of wildflowers and whistled a tune at Mama, who laughed and rose to run and accept them. Katherine lay back and basked contentedly in the afternoon rays of sun, which peeked through the cracks in the roof above her.