Chapter Five

Kitty was very nervous as she went down to breakfast. Her relationship with her mother was still alright but she wasn’t sure how her father would feel. He was very protective of all his children. Most fathers would not care if their sons went off and enjoyed women but he did, and James was being punished for it. So, she too would be punished for behaving poorly in public, and she was not looking forward to it.

One of the footmen opened the dining room door for her and she entered carefully.

The men, being her father, brothers and Captain Aubrey all stood. Her mother, Sabine and Little J looked at her cautiously.

“Good morning,” Kitty said quietly. She met Captain Aubrey’s encouraging eyes as she sat down next to Little J beside her mother.

“Catherine,” her father said gruffly. “I trust you slept well.” Kitty knew she was in trouble if he was using her Christian name.

“Yes, papa,” she nodded. Nobody dared start helping themselves to the breakfast foods laid out for them. Fresh bread and butter, steaming scones and jam, ham, eggs and cheeses as well as their tea and milk all sat untouched.

Little J took Kitty’s hand under the table and squeezed it reassuringly.

“Mama tells me that you’ve promised to behave,” he said tensely.

Kitty looked up at her father for the first time. His dark blue eyes, the colour that mirrored her eyes, were very serious. “I have, papa,” she nodded. “I’m sorry if I’ve embarrassed you or caused you any shame. It was unconsciously done. I now know that sometimes change is what we need to evolve,” she told him, stealing a glance at Captain Aubrey. He was smiling ever so slightly at her. She could have sworn he looked proud.  

Sebastian seemed to ponder her words for a moment. “I want you by my side until I’m convinced, Kitty,” he said calmly. “We’ve received an invitation for a dinner party as Lady Russel’s this evening. It’s not a formal assembly, it is just a dinner. So you will sit by me so I can keep an eye on you. I believe that Sir Walter will be there as he is a friend of the Russel’s so you will have an opportunity to apologise to him then.”

Kitty nodded. “I will, papa,” she promised. She knew that Sir Walter deserved an apology. She should not have treated him so horribly. She may not be romantically interested in him but she should not have encouraged his affections if she was sure she would not want them in the end.

Sebastian smiled, satisfied. “Alright, everyone eat before it gets cold, there’s nothing worse than lukewarm tea.”

Once everyone began filling their plates with breakfast, Little J nudged her sister. “What on earth did you get up to last night?” she whispered.

Kitty turned to her younger sister as she cracked the shell on her egg. “Let’s just say that I’m no longer going to be the centre of attention at balls. Where were you last night? Papa was wondering.”

Little J bit her lip awkwardly. “I stayed at Annie’s late,” she so obviously lied. ‘

Kitty rolled her eyes. “I’m sure you were,” she said, pretending to go along.

“Little J,” her father called down the table. Both Little J and Kitty turned to their father expectantly.

“Yes, papa?”

“Do you have any expeditions planned today?” he asked as he took a sip from his teacup.

Little J nodded. “I was planning on going to Hyde Park and reading,” she replied.

Kitty’s eyes flashed to James’ whose eyes immediately rolled.

“Do you know that I haven’t spent the day at the park for a long while,” Emilia said enthusiastically. “Captain Aubrey, have you ever been to Hyde Park?”

Captain Aubrey placed his fork back on his plate and shook his head. “No, I’m afraid I haven’t spent much time in London.”

“That settles it then, I’ll have the cook prepare us a basket and we’ll spend the day at the park. We’ll be home in time to change and be ready for Lady Russel’s dinner party,” Emilia clapped her hands excitedly.

Little J pouted. “But mama, I wanted to spend the day lost in a book, perhaps we should go to the park another day,” she urged.

Kitty smirked, knowing what her mother was organising was interfering with her plans.

“Little J, you spend every day getting lost in a book, if you’re not careful you’ll start to look like one,” Henry quipped.

“Hush, Henry,” Emilia snapped. “Little J, you will spend a day with your family, please, we never see you.” Emilia’s word was final, Little J could not argue.

Little J conceded and nodded.

By the time everyone had finished eating and had gathered their belongings to go out, it was after noon.

Kitty had donned her white bonnet and shawl to compliment her pale pink gown. Her long brown hair was combed to its natural straight appearance and was hanging down her back instead of being pinned on top of her head.

Instead of ordering the carriage, they’d all decided to walk to Hyde Park. Her parents took the lead with her father carrying the picnic basket filled with their lunch. Following them were her two brothers and then Sabine and Little J. Captain Aubrey hung back so that he could walk alongside her. Kitty wished that her father had ordered the carriage as it was quite warm and all the ladies were wearing several layers of fabric.

“You disobey your father already, Lady Kitty?” he asked in an amused tone.

Kitty rolled her eyes, realising what he was meaning. “I don’t think he means I have to be by his side every second of every day.” Kitty noticed how he was wearing a more informal uniform during the day. He was still wearing a navy coloured coat with lovely brass buttons, but he wasn’t wearing any of the fine decorations that she was sure were reserved for fancy balls.

“You look very lovely today, Lady Kitty,” he complimented sincerely, offering his arm to her formally.

A light blush tinted Kitty’s cheeks as she accepted his arm. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

“I like you hair like that, I’ve always found that natural is best,” he smiled.

Kitty liked his face when he smiled, it made him seem human and not like some unemotional military man. His face creased up and he looked very relaxed. “It is more comfortable then having a thousand pins stuck in my head. It is less time consuming also.” Subconsciously she played with a section of her hair with her spare hand.

“Are you nervous about tonight?” he asked.

Kitty shook her head. “It may surprise you, Captain, but I have some experience with talking,” she grinned at him.

“Will your friend be in attendance tonight? You know the one with the blonde hair?” he asked curiously.

Kitty’s eyes widened. He’d been lecturing her about changing when Evangeline was just as bad, if not worse than her. “Lady Evangeline is not in the same circle as Lady Russel,” she replied curtly.

Captain Aubrey smiled, much to Kitty’s surprise. “Good, she’s a little too ... loquacious for my liking. Of course I haven’t spoken to her personally but I’ve seen her in action,” he chuckled.

Kitty realised that she’d just overreacted, but why she couldn’t be sure. She needn’t worry anyway; Evangeline would never fancy a man like Captain Aubrey as he didn’t have a title or a fancy house. “What is your ship called, Captain Aubrey?” Kitty asked wanting to change the subject.

“The vessel is named ‘Royal Rose’. I think she was named after the King’s niece, Victoria, in honour of her birth,” Captain Aubrey replied. “It does not sound fearsome but she has a hundred and twenty guns.”

“A hundred and twenty?” Kitty gasped in disbelief. “Why on earth would one ship need so many guns?”

“It is a military ship, Lady Kitty, what did you think it was for?” he asked curiously.

Kitty bit her lip nervously. “I don’t know, I suppose one forgets that great battles occur outside of out perfect little world in the ton. Call it naivety,” she shrugged.   

By then the party had arrived at the park. Several couples and families were making their way around the park engaged in conversation. There were also several groups of people sitting on blankets under the beautiful oak trees enjoying their luncheon outdoors.

“Did you know that my mother and father got engaged in Hyde Park?” Kitty asked Captain Aubrey as her mother began setting out the blanket so they could all sit down.

“It seems like a very tranquil place, especially with the water,” he replied, smiling. “My mother and father ... my adopted mother and father, got engaged in a similar place back home, of course it is not as grand as Hyde Park but it has the same ambience.”

“Where are you from, Captain?” Kitty asked curiously. She was aware her family could hear them now she wasn’t going to discuss anything incriminating, for example the fact that Captain Aubrey was a bastard child.

“Yes, Captain, we haven’t heard the story of how you came to be, enlighten us,” Emilia chimed in as she unpacked the picnic basket. She laid out several plates of cold meats and cheeses as well as fresh fruit and wine. Kitty enjoyed such informal family outings when she didn’t have to have such rigid posture.

“I was raised on a small farm in Kent. We were a stone’s throw from the seaside,” he told her mother. “My parents both still live there and raise animals for sale as well as making money in the fishing trade.”

Sebastian raised his eyebrows. “I was raised on a farm in Yorkshire, myself. It is honest work, I’d wager your parents were very proud of you,” he commended as he started pouring wine for everyone.

Captain Aubrey nodded almost bashfully as he accepted his glass of wine. “Yes, they are.”

“Do you visit them very often?” Little J asked innocently. Kitty smiled as her sister got involved in the conversation, anymore sulking and it would be obvious that she hadn’t planned on actually spending her day in Hyde Park.

“I try, but I don’t often succeed. It is very rare that we have an extended period of time to travel to see our families. I make it out for Christmas every now and then, but they understand. It would be easier if I was just a naval officer but as I am Captain I have other responsibilities.”  

“Understandable,” Sebastian nodded. “Do you have siblings that aid your parents?”

Captain Aubrey shook his head. “No, they were not blessed after me.”

“It happens, son,” Sebastian said sympathetically. “My parents had no further children after my only sister and Em and I haven’t any more since Henry.”

Emilia blushed bright red as she glared at Sebastian. Kitty muffled a laugh as she knew her mother was sensitive to discuss such personal matters. “I think everyone is hungry!” she exclaimed as she motioned for everyone to eat.

Kitty couldn’t hold her giggle in any longer and every joined in.

When mid afternoon became late afternoon Sebastian initiated their return to Ethridge. Kitty found herself walking beside Captain Aubrey again, though not on purpose. She noticed that he seemed to be the one orchestrating that.

“Will you be sad when you depart at the end of the week, Captain?” Kitty asked nervously. She didn’t want there to be a lull in conversation.

“I do enjoy the sea, Lady Kitty, but I do miss the people back on land. I can tell you that months on end with only men can be quite dull,” he laughed.

Kitty giggled as well. “I can imagine,” she agreed. “What is the likelihood that you will encounter pirates on your journey?” she asked him after a moment.

Captain Aubrey pursed his lips. “The route we are taking is a dangerous one, and it is notorious for all sorts of marauders, Lady Kitty, but it is what we have been trained for,” he assured her. “We’re just to escort a few cargo ships safely and then we’ll return for our next assignment. Hopefully it will be somewhere in British waters so that I might have a chance to see a few familiar faces before we set off for India or somewhere like that.”

“India?” Kitty raised her eyebrows, impressed. “What is India like?”

“India is very warm, but the people are fascinating. They have a whole other belief system to us, they don’t share our God, but it is captivating to experience their culture. I can tell you though that I can do without the food, it is a little too spicy for my liking. But I would be honoured to return one day,” he told her, remembering fondly.

Kitty wished she had been to faraway places. She hadn’t been anywhere on a ship. Her father hadn’t allowed the family to travel to France because of all the political uprising and he didn’t trust the security of oceanic travel because of the risk of pirate attacks. The furthest she had been was Scotland for a time staying at a house that overlooked one of their lovely lochs.

“Would you ever retire from the navy?” Kitty wondered aloud. “To marry and start a family?” She immediately regretted asking the question. It was too obvious, and she lacked the ability to sound blasé.

“To be honest I’d never really thought about it. I suppose if I met the right woman then I would. I’ve always wanted to live by the sea ... as you know I love it. I think it would be an idyllic place to raise a family, don’t you think?”

Kitty nodded. “I find the seaside quite calming,” she agreed. “Well I hope you meet her,” she smiled.

“Meet who?” he furrowed his eyebrows.

“Your wife,” she prompted.  

“Oh, yes, as do I,” he smiled. “Lady Kitty, I do find your conversation very enthralling. I’m glad there is no malice between us. I do hope I can consider you a friend from now on.”  

Kitty beamed. “I am glad my conversation is now ‘enthralling’ as you say. Not too long ago I was ‘ridiculous’.”

Captain Aubrey nodded guiltily.

Once they’d arrived back at Ethridge the women departed to their bedchambers followed by a maid to help them get ready for the dinner party at Lady Russel’s. Kitty liked Lady Russel. She was an older lady, older than her parents, and a widow, so she enjoyed a handsome income thanks to her late husband.

Kitty was helped into a clean chemise by one of the maids, Flora. Flora then tightened Kitty’s corset around her waist so that she had the perfect hourglass figure. Most women by the time they come of the age to start wearing a corset had trained themselves to take shallow breaths. Kitty was an expert.

“Breath in, milady,” Flora instructed and Kitty did just that as she pulled the drawstrings once more.

Kitty clutched her sides as the corset narrowed her waist. “Why must women wear these things?” she complained. “Men don’t. They let their stomaches hang out and nobody judges them for it.”

Flora sighed. “I know, milady, but we are women, and they are men. If they like girls with little waists then that’s what they’ll have. I don’t make the rules, I just follow them.”

Kitty rolled her eyes. “It is a stupid rule.”

“I know,” Flora laughed lightly. “Now, have you selected a gown for this evening?”

Once Kitty’s corset was properly laced she went over to her wardrobe and pulled out a deep blue gown. She’d chosen the fabric especially as it had matched her eyes. Her mother had commissioned it for her birthday and she hadn’t found the right opportunity to wear it until then. The gown was the latest fashion, with the sleeves completely off the shoulders. All that held the dress up was a gathered material sleeve around the upper arm. The bodice was tight to the body and had been embroidered with thread the same shade of blue as the material to add subtle texture. The skirt flared down to the ground from the hips in yards of smooth satin.

“That’s lovely,” Flora gushed.

Kitty smiled as she nodded. “I know it is. It is the loveliest dress I own.”

“Are you trying to impress anyone?” Flora asked curiously.

Kitty’s eyes snapped up from the dress to the young maid. “Flora, all I need is for you to help me into my dress,” she snapped angrily. She wasn’t dressing to impress anyone; she was only trying to look nice.

“I apologise, milady,” Flora said bashfully as she took the dress from Kitty to unbutton the back so that Kitty could step into it.

“Don’t worry Flora,” Kitty replied. “I’m sorry for being short; I just want to be ready.”    

Within the hour Flora had finished twisting and pinning Kitty’s hair and she was finally ready. She couldn’t help but think, as Flora was decorating her hair, back to the conversation she had had with Captain Aubrey about the fact that he liked her hair out and natural. As she exited her bedchamber she met Little J who had just been experiencing the same treatment. Her golden coloured locks were pinned in a similar fashion to hers and her soft yellow coloured dress brought out the lovely light tints in her hair.  

“Kitty, you look marvellous,” Little J beamed as she surveyed her sister.

“Thank you, Little J, as do you. It is odd to see you dressed so finely ... or course that is because you are hardly ever in attendance of one of the functions we are asked to as you are at church,” Kitty teased.

Little J rolled her eyes. “Don’t say such things around mama and papa, alright?” she pleaded.

Kitty looped her arm around Little J’s elbow. “Whatever secret you’re keeping is safe with me,” she promised.

When the two sisters arrived downstairs the carriages were already waiting. The first already contained her parents, Sabine and her two younger brothers which meant that the last carriage was for Little J, Captain Aubrey and herself.

As they stepped outside Kitty suddenly wished she’d donned a travelling coat as there was a chill in the air, almost as if it were to pour down with rain at any moment, but it was already dusk and she didn’t have time to return upstairs to find something warmer to wear.

Captain Aubrey appeared beside the carriage to help the two young ladies into the carriage. He was once again dressed in his naval uniform but this time with all is lovely decorations. Her favourite, she decided, was the beautiful gold hilted sword that she wore on his side.

“You look absolutely beautiful, ladies,” he smiled as he helped them both into the carriage. “Beautiful,” he repeated softly as Kitty let go of his hand and took her seat beside her younger sister.

Kitty blushed slightly and was glad that the carriage was not brightly illuminated. Once Captain Aubrey had taken his seat opposite them and the footmen had closed the door, both carriages took off.

“Is Lady Russel’s residence very far?” Captain Aubrey asked.

Little J shook her head. “That’s the beauty of London, getting around is not too hard.”

“What generally happens at dinner parties?” he asked next. “I’ve never actually attended one. This is my first stationing in London and it is all pretty foreign to me.”

“There are usually around five courses, more depending on the host. Then and informal gathering where they serve tea and cakes and then someone will play the pianoforte and sing for us. Lady Russel is never biased in her choice for who she selects. Though Little J is a favourite, she excels in anything that requires learning,” Kitty nudged her little sister.  

“I am a partisan of education,” she said exasperatedly. “I know it’s ridiculous because I am a woman but I’m not going to let information just sit there when I can learn it.”

Kitty giggled. “Don’t worry, Little J, we still love you.”

“I think it is commendable,” Captain Aubrey said casually. “If anyone had the aptitude for learning and they do not pursue it then that is a crime in my eyes. It is a shame that you are female, milady. I do not mean that in a demeaning way it is just a fact.”

Little J nodded. “I know, trust me,” she sighed.

Kitty suddenly felt nervous as they arrived at Lady Russel’s. Sir Walter would be there, and all eyes would be on her as she began to change her ways. She just hoped that the change would be good.

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I'm sooooooo sorry that the dinner party wasn't in this chapter. It was getting too long for one chapter and I didn't want to bore you so it will be in the next chapter I PROMISE!!

Anyways, I hope you liked it :) Votes and comments will be much appreciated :)