Page 23 of Kismet

“Oh, how very rude of me. I am Miss Catherine Bennet. It is a pleasure to meet you both.” Offering a small curtsy, she smiled at them both.

Timmy attempted a bow before moving back to the soldier's side. “Let’s go, old chap. Where’s you staying at?”

Catherine smiled at them as they moved off into the bustling street. Chatting as they went. She turned back to Theodore, Georgiana, and Lydia, who were standing a few steps behind her. Flashing them a sheepish grin, she apologized. “Sorry for breaking off there. I simply cannot abide cruelty.”

“Not at all. Those boys needed to be taken in hand.” Lydia waved off her apology and turned to look back in the window they were in front of. “Besides, it gave me the opportunity to spot these delicious boots on display.”

Theodore had watched Catherine’s interactions with the wounded soldier and the lad in utter bemusement. Unconsciously rubbing his leg, Theodore saw himself in the wounded soldier. If it were not for his family’s money and Cedric procuring only the best for him, he would still be on crutches or forever crippled. He knew how people of society treated those who were less than perfect. Catherine was not the only one who had seen the soldier fall, but she was the only one who did something about it. The Bennet women were different from most people in society, he knew that. He knew they were kind, but watching Catherine move to the wounded soldier’s aid had done something to his heart.

It felt as if his chest no longer had space for all the feelings that had suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Sifting through his emotions, he realized that if he was not yet in love, he was definitely falling. It was an odd thing to realize in the middle of a busy street with most of her family present. He only hoped he could act normally until he had time to properly think about everything.

Catherine noticed that Theodore was rubbing his leg and narrowed her eyes in concern. Was his leg hurting from all the walking? She was going to say something, but then Theodore approached and once more offered his arm, which she happily took. “You realize that boy is probably a pickpocket?” he pointed out.

“Most likely, yes,” she nodded. “The poor thing.”

Theodore watched as the two so cast away by society walked away, then turned his attention to the people going about their business. The boy and soldier moved amongst the sea of people, gaining no attention or sympathy from anyone besides Catherine. “Most people would not take a moment to think about him or help either of them in any way.”

“Most people are wrong. Like I said, kindness is an honor and a duty. Taking a moment out of my day to aid them both was not a bother. More than that, they will both benefit from it.” Catherine moved with Theodore towards the display that Lydia was so fascinated with. When she realized he was not limping, she relaxed.

Looking up at him, she saw his contemplation. Her concern for him combined with her worries for Timmy and Mr. Jackson helped her push through her own uncomfortable emotions and converse with Theodore in a normal manner. “It is a crime, really, how society treats people like them. What choice does Timmy have? Becoming a pickpocket or going to a workhouse? Do you know how they treat people there? The way they treat orphans and people down on their luck is not charity; it is cruelty.”

“I do not know specifics, but I have heard the conditions are harsh. At least they feed them.” As Theodore looked down at Catherine, his eyebrows furrowed in interest.

“They feed them as little as possible so they survive, but not enough to thrive.” Shaking her head in disgust, she continued, “The tasks they give them are not helping them gain skills to seek employment. It is merely busy work. Things like making and unmaking rope, and for that they get a bowl of gruel in the morning and a bowl of broth in the evening. People, and children especially, deserve to be helped in a better way.”

His eyes widened as he took in the disturbing knowledge. “I know there are many things that need to be changed. One thing Cedric was attempting to put forward was some kind of act to aid the wounded soldiers. Currently, upon their return, they are left empty-handed, with no support, no place to stay, and the majority of them are unable to secure employment due to their injuries and the bias they face.”

Catherine knew what she wanted to say, but wondered whether Theodore would react well to it. Turning, she looked at the display of shoes. Her eyes were drawn to the reflective surface of the window, where she could vaguely make out her and Theodore, their arms intertwined. There was something about the refection she saw there that gave her courage. “Though Cedric’s project was admirable, there are other, more immediate ways that I choose to help. For example, I have heard of a landowner that helps teach wounded soldiers to read and write so they might find work as clerks and the like. You do not need all of your limbs or a strong back to do those tasks.”

“That is an intriguing thought. Right now, I am so overwhelmed trying to learn how to fit into my brother's world that I do not think I could manage another project.” Looking off into the distance, he rubbed at an eyebrow. “Maybe at a later time.”

Catherine looked up at Theodore once more. She knew he thought he was doing the right thing by taking up his brother’s crusade, only she hated seeing him so dragged down by the society he had been keeping of late. He was only just getting free of the blue devils he suffered from his brother's death. She did not want to see him enter yet another decline. “Just so as you don’t overtask yourself trying to be someone you are not. I believe everyone can help in their own way, and your way does not necessarily have to be your brothers.”

The sound of rustling packages announced the arrival of Elizabeth and Mary, who were accompanied by a dutiful footman. “Sorry to keep you waiting. The latest work from Byron had just arrived, and the shop was packed with eager readers.”

Lydia turned back from admiring the shoes in the cobbler's window. “Did you purchase it?”

“No, though I like his works well enough. I was looking for something more along the lines of sheep husbandry. William and I have still not come to an agreement on what sheep to introduce to our current flock.” Elizabeth was content and full of smiles as she spoke of the book.

Catherine knew that Elizabeth would not care that many society ladies would snub her for reading a book on animal husbandry. She had always thirsted for knowledge and was eager to help the people who worked Pemberley land. “Were you satisfied with their selection?”

“While most of the books they had I had seen before, they had two I think might be helpful. I got them as well as a new book for Kiernan. I would like to give it to him when he is home from Eton next.”

Theodore’s head came up when he heard Elizabeth mention Kiernan. “How is the lad adjusting?”

The boy had endeared himself to all the Bennet ladies by offering to give them the brotherin' that he felt they were missing out on. Catherine knew that Theodore had become close to Kiernan as well when they all met. The child had been instrumental in helping to save Elizabeth and William from Wickham. In all the changes that had taken place afterwards, his family was invited to move to a favored position running the home farm at Pemberley. William had gone so far as to give Kiernan the chance to receive personalized instruction and eventually attend Eton.

“Despite not belonging to society, his intelligence and integrity have allowed him to form friendships and create his own circle. There will always be bullies and negative people, but I think despite that, he is thriving.” Elizabeth grinned as they began moving towards where they were to meet the carriage.

Nodding his head, Theodore smiled at Elizabeth. “That is good to hear. He's such a remarkable little scamp that I can't help but feel he'll accomplish great things.” Arriving at the carriage, he began helping the ladies climb in. “Are we done for the day?”

“Of course not!” Lydia jerked her hand back from Theodore’s attempt to help her into the convenience. She looked at Theodore as if he had lost his mind.

“Oh?” Theodore looked at Lydia, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“We must end the morning by making a stop at a tearoom. Don’t you remember? You are buying the biscuits.” Tilting her head, Lydia’s smiling blue eyes dared him to say otherwise. Then, accepting his assistance, she bounced into the carriage and sat between Mary and Elizabeth.

“Of course. How could I have forgotten?” Theodore’s bold laugh burst forth and, jumping into the carriage, he cried. “To the tea shop!”

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