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After her encounter with Captain Tilney, Catherine went straight home to Pulteney Street. Mrs. Allen exclaimed at her lack of bonnet and she realized she must have dropped it somewhere.

"I am sorry, Mrs. Allen. Perhaps a servant could retrace my steps and retrieve it? I stayed on the path nearly the entire time."

"My dear, it is only a bonnet. Do not distress yourself. I shall send Ned shortly, but please, me dear, tell us the reason for your apparent distress. Sit down, please, and tell us."

Catherine allowed herself to be ushered to a chair in the sitting room across from Mr. Allen who was reading the paper. "It was nothing, I assure you. I happened to come across Captain Tilney while I was walking and it disconcerted me, that's all."

Mrs. Allen gasped and took a seat as well. "My dear! Whatever did he say? Did he offer any reason for his father's peculiarities?"

Catherine nodded before she could stop herself. "Yes."

Both the Allen's were very interested and motioned for her to go on. It wasn't until she began to think about his words that she realized there was no way to tell the whole story without making her benefactors uncomfortable. It made her blush to think of even repeating that part in front of them.

"My dear?"

"Please, I cannot tell you everything. There was an apparent misunderstanding on the part of the General. He was under the impression that my fortune was larger than it is. What I mean is, that I had one at all. He was courting me for his son, Henry Tilney. I do not know how he came to think this at all. I never did or said anything that could make him think it." A servant brought a tray of hot tea and Cathering took a cup gratefully.

Mr. Allen frowned. "General Tilney thought you to be a wealthy heiress?"

She nodded. "That is what Captain Tilney said." She turned a little redder thinking about how the Allens were involved in the gossip about her.

He shook his head. "What sort of man turns a young girl like yourself out of his house in the dead of night to travel seventy miles home with no servant, rich or not?" His voice rose in indignation at the end.

"Not a very good sort of man, to be sure," Mrs. Allen answered, taking a sip of her own tea. "I would like to give him a piece of my mind."

"As would I, my dear, as would I."

Catherine smiled, grateful for their support. "Please, do not trouble yourself on my account. I am only sorry that his prejudices prevent his children and I from continuing our acquaintance. At least, now we have an answer as to his strange and dishonorable behavior and we can leave it at that and never think on it again."

Mr. Allen smiled at her in a sort of proud way. "I dare say, Catherine, that it is the General's loss. You would make a fine addition to his family, improve it most likely. To be as gracious as you are is a credit to you. You've grown up to be a fine young lady. If I had a son…"

Mrs. Allen squeezed his hand.

"I'll just say this and then leave it be: you would make any man a fine daughter and he will be lucky to have you in the future, whoever 'he' is."

Catherine's eyes misted over and she stood up. "You are very kind, Mr. Allen. Thank you." She bent over and gave him a kiss on the cheek and then bid both of them goodnight.

After she'd left the room and several long minutes had gone by, Mr. Allen turned to his wife. "Elizabeth, be a dear and fetch my travel desk. There is a letter of some importance that I wish to write."

She looked startled. "You're not going to give General Tilney a piece of your mind?"

He chuckled. "Rest easy on that point. No, my dear, but I do believe the good General has given me an idea for a scheme. Before I act on it, however, there are two people who's opinion's I need first."

"Good heavens, Mr. Allen, whatever are you about?"

He gave his wife a wide smile. "How do you feel about a bit of revenge, my dear?"

She was surprised. "Revenge? On who?"

"General Tilney, of course."

"Oh." She thought for a minute. "You don't mean a duel?"

"My dear, I think not. My dueling days, such as they were or were not, are decidedly over. No, this is revenge of a different kind. It will be more satisfying to watch unfold, as well. Now, please, my desk."

Mrs. Allen rose to get it for him, a twinge of excitement coursing through her. Besides new gowns and balls and meeting new and old accquaintences, a bit of intrigue was on her list of favorite things. Whatever could her husband be scheming?

X

That evening they went to a concert in the Upper Rooms. The music was superb but Catherine's thoughts wandered as usual. Now that she was aware as to why exactly she had been turned out of the Abbey last year, she played over every encounter she'd had with the General until everything made sense.

She felt foolish for how naive she had been. The General had clearly been a terrible person who'd reigned over his family like a tyrant, and yet she'd ignored all that and had thought he'd actually liked her. Henry had been so angry at her for supposing his father to be the murderer of her mother but now that she knew his character better her previous imaginings seemed less perverse. He was a cruel man. The leap to murder in her mind was not so great. Not that she thought him still a suspect, but capable of it for sure.

The air in the balcony overlooking the orchestra was stifling. These conditions always made her chest feel tight and could not help but cough when it happened. She clutched her handkerchief to her mouth and slipped out of the room and into a nearly deserted corridor. A couple passed her and she waited until they'd gone before giving in to her urge to cough. A small sofa beckoned her and she gave in.

The doctor had told her that pneumonia in some took a very long time for symptoms, especially a cough, to go away. Her parents had been worried that it was consumption at first but Dr. Crane assured them that the onset of the two illnesses was very different. The lingering cough, however, was a nuisance that made everyone she encountered suppose she was still sick.

Sometimes she felt tired still but in comparison to how ill she was when she'd first arrived there was nothing to it.

A shadow fell over her lap and she looked up, lowering the cloth from her lips. Despite having met him earlier and knowing that he was residing in Bath, Captain Tilney still astonished her by once again coming upon her alone and in vulnerable state.

"Always alone?"

She replied stiffly, "With your constant presence, how could I be?"

He actually laughed. It was short, but a laugh all the same. "I observed some sort of illness earlier and then again just now in the concert."

Catherine scorned him. "And you thought to check on me?"

"Does that surprise you? Oh, but I forget, we Tilney's are a wretched lot equated only with the most despicable of human beings."

She colored. "Miss Tilney was very kind to me. I do not blame her at all for anything that transpired. Women have very little power in this world and she did all she could. Mr. Tilney as well."

"So our family's only half-wretched."

Catherine looked at him fully, a thread of confusion in her eyes. "You seem as though my words, spoken in anger, have offended you. Please allow me to apologize. I was not myself this morning and spoke out of turn. Now if you please." She hoped he would bow and leave but he did not.

"You said earlier that you had almost died. What did you mean?"

She took a deep breath and willed herself not to cough. "On my journey home I contracted pneumonia. The effects of it have not yet subsided. The doctor has said that some people have a lingering cough, but I assure you that I am no longer ill."

He nodded slowly and then gave a short nod. "That is very good to hear. My brother and sister will be gratified to hear it."

She sat up straighter, alarmed. "What do you mean?"

He smirked. "My sister has given me strict orders that if I should, in my travels, encounter Miss Morland I was to inform her at once and give you this." He withdrew a letter from his pocket and held it out to her. She took it in wonder and stared down at the seal.

"I wrote to her but she didn't write back."

"Did you think my father would allow it?"

She looked up at him. His face gave very little away but she felt as though there was a brief understanding between them. She was quiet for a moment. "May I ask you a question and receive an honest answer?"

He studied her and for reasons unknown to him he nodded once, thinking he had some idea of what she would ask. He was wrong.

"Why did you really pursue Miss Thorpe, knowing she was engaged?"

Frederick had thought she would ask him if his brother had any feelings for her, and if so, why he had not been in contact. He was puzzled and endeavored not to show it. "Why do you care? I exposed her for what she was and did your brother a favor in the process."

"You said you would give an honest answer. While what you said may be true, it is no answer."

"Maybe the answer is not for young ladies ears."

She colored at the insinuation.

He sighed and decided to give her what she wanted. "I suppose I really did not care whether she was engaged or not. I wanted an easy conquest and she obliged. I am not a nice person, Miss Morland. You seek some sort of acknowledgement that what I did was wrong. I do not see how it was. The only injured party was Miss Thorpe who I believe has recovered admirably. She is presently engaged to a lieutenant in my regiment." He sneered at the memory of Isabella arm in arm with her paramour seeking him out in the hopes of making him jealous.

It would not work. It would never work. Frederick had no reason to ever be jealous of anyone or anything for whatever he wanted he always got. If he wanted Isabella he would have her again, but he did not. She was a piece of fun that he'd taken relish in having last year and now it was over.

He was currently interested in the mystery that was surrounding Miss Morland. Looking her over right now, he was still of the opinion that there was nothing much to overly recommend her. She was pretty, yes, but not so pretty as to see why his brother would be tempted. Henry was handsome, although not as handsome as himself, and he did well with the ladies. At least until he opened his mouth and offended them with his sarcastic wit.

Catherine's noise of surprise drew him from his thoughts. "She is engaged. I did not know."

"Yes, I did not suppose you did. Now if you'll excuse me I must depart. I will inform my sister that my duty to her is discharged. I hope you will acquit me well in your answering letter?"

Catherine looked down at Eleanor's letter and gave a small smile. "Captain Tilney, I assure you I will inform Miss Tilney of your heroics in coming to my rescue during my distress and in discharging your duty admirably. There will be no reason on my end for her to scold you. In that regard, anyways."

He gave her a look that almost made her laugh and then headed off down the corridor, presumably to leave the concert. She looked down at the letter again and wondered if she should read the letter now or wait until later tonight when she had privacy.

She looked around and saw herself alone. The letter felt thin and so she assumed it wasn't overly long. She broke the seal and began reading, heart pounding.

It was dated May of the previous year.

My dearest Catherine,

I hope I am allowed to address you by your given name as I hope you will also think of me in like. Dearest Catherine, I hope this letter finds you well and in good health.

She snorted a little at that but kept reading eagerly.

As I have not had any correspondence from you, I can only assume my father has intercepted your letters and is keeping them from me. Or, quite possibly, the worst has happened and some illness has befallen you or some other calamity. My mind has not stopped imagining the worst possible scenarios.

Catherine had commissioned her sister to write a short letter informing Eleanor of her safe arrival to Fullerton before delirium had overtaken her senses and she'd fallen unconscious shortly after. Then her sister had written another one informing Eleanor of her grave illness. There had been no answer to either. Now she knew the reason for it. The General had taken her letters and probably destroyed them.

I have, therefore, written this letter and entrusted it with my brother, Frederick, charging him with its safekeeping in the hopes that you will once again come to Bath and that he, a frequent visitor, will be able to hand it to and assure me of your well-being. I know of the ill-will he has fostered, but I hope you can find it within yourself to endure Frederick as he has agreed to send your correspondence on to Northanger Abbey disguised as his own. I am mildly surprised at his acquiescence, but I suppose even Frederick cannot be totally without tender feelings.

Catherine again snorted at Frederick's supposed tender feelings.

When you have read this and composed a reply, send it with a servant to Milsom Street where he is residing at our father's lodgings. Or if you can manage it without breaking propriety, give it directly to him. He will know what to do.

Henry was most distressed when he arrived home the next day to find you gone. I have never seen him so upset. He railed against our father until I was sure he would leave the Abbey and never return. He threatened to do so and although the thought brought me to tears, I would have supported him fully in his decision. However, he relented and went back to Woodston. He told me later he could not leave me alone to deal with our father. I assured him that his heart and happiness meant more to me than my own and urged him to make his feelings known to you. To my knowledge, he has not yet.

I know my father's reasons for his vile behavior and will now inform you. He was under the impression, an impression given to him by Mr. John Thorpe, that you were from a wealthy family and would be made even more wealthy upon your marriage by a large settlement upon you by Mr. Allen, who was supposed to be your benefactor. The General immediately decided to have you for a daughter-in-law and set out in trying to draw you close. Henry and I knew nothing about his suppositions, however, we did think his behavior odd because as you have seen for yourself he never does anything without an ulterior motive. The night he returned home to cast you out he had just heard from the very source who had persuaded him of your position in the first place that his information had been wrong and not only were you not in possession of a fortune but were in fact completely destitute. I assume Mr. Thorpe had hoped to marry you himself and being rebuffed, combined with the fallout between his sister and your brother, set out to right the wrongs which he felt had been committed against himself.

Catherine's hand shook in anger at John Thorpe's hand in her own calamity. Destitute! Her family situation was not as bad as all that.

I blush to even write these things, but you deserve the truth. Please, write back to me and use Frederick to convey the letter. To err on the side of caution, sign your letter Alice. I must go now but I most eagerly await your response.

Yours Truly,

Eleanor

Three days went by and Catherine stayed inside the entire time, only going outside the back way and only for a few minutes at a time. The servants gave her a wide berth. She wrote and re-wrote her response to Eleanor five times and finally gave it to a servant to give to Captain Tilney. She sent the letter along with a maid, Dolly, with the strictest instructions to hand it only to the Captain and no one else. If Captain Tilney was not at home then Dolly was to return to Catherine and they'd try again the next day.

Each day, Dolly returned and sorrowfully told her that Captain Tilney was detained at some function or another or was sleeping or simply didn't want to be disturbed. The letter unfortunately could not be sent out without him and he was not cooperating.

Catherine grew extremely angry and decided that the next day she would accompany Dolly. No matter what happened, Catherine was not leaving the house on Milsom Street without placing that letter in Captain Tilney's hands.

And so they went off the next morning, Catherine taking the lead and Dolly trailing close behind. She took great pains to make sure her bonnet was snug around her face and kept her head down so that no one might recognize her. She had Dolly direct her toward the servant's entrance and rang the bell to wait.

"Here, Miss, if you'd be so good as to let me speak?" Dolly asked a bit anxiously. "It's just that, I know one of the scullery maids who work here."

Catherine nodded, feeling anxious and out of place and knowing she was acting with a total lack of propriety. A footman answered the door and Dolly took over.

He rolled his eyes and leaned against the doorjam. "You again? Are you to come everyday?"

"My mistress has come today so save your cheek."

Catherine raised her face and tried to look as though she was used to commanding servants. The footman straightened and looked a little less jocular. "I know 'tis unusual, but Captain Tilney is expecting me and I could not go around the front way for fear of what people would say if they should recognize me. I will wait by the stairs for him to come down but I must see him today."

The footman looked behind him, uncertainly. Dolly spoke up. "Lead us to where we may wait and then alert Captain Tilney. Do as you're told, boy."

He looked amused and after a moment, stepped aside and let them in. "Be quick about it, Miss, for if old Thorne sees you he will not approve. I assume this matter is a private one?"

Dolly replied for her. "It is and if all goes well today I will see to it there is compensation for you. What is your name?"

"Tom Boothe."

"Well, Tom, does that sound agreeable?"

He chuckled and glanced at the both of them sideways. "Well, I'd say that sounds just fine to me."

He waved away any stares throughout the kitchen and whispered something to one of the upstairs maids that encountered them. She nodded and walked away without questioning them. They darted up the stairs as quickly as possible and Tom ushered them through the door to the main floor and then shut it, quietly. He led them across the room and over to a chair where Catherine was to wait. Dolly stood next her.

"Tell Captain Tilney that Catherine Morland is here," Catherine said to Tom, "and tell him that I will wait here as long as it takes." She was done with his nonsense toward her maid. Tom raised an eyebrow but nodded and left.

Catherine waited for what seemed like an eternity until finally, heavy footsteps sounded on the stairs. She stood up and faced Captain Tilney as he descended toward her, the seemingly ever-present smirk on his face.

"Miss Morland, this is a surprise. Your lack of propriety is a bit shocking, I must admit."

She ignored his baiting tone. "Please, sir, I have this to give you at your sister's request." She held out the letter that had taken her days to compose. He eyed it indifferently for several long moments before finally taking it. "She instructed me to have a servant deliver it to you but everyday this week you have been indisposed. So I came."

He gave a half-smile and she was almost sure he had done all this on purpose. "Did you actually come through the front door? I'm surprised at you, Miss Morland. What if someone should have seen you?"

Catherine shifted uncomfortably. "I went around. To the back." She glanced behind her. "Dolly helped me."

He noticed the maid and gave another twisted half-smile. "Well, you have delivered your letter. I will send it to Eleanor directly. Good day." He turned to leave but Catherine called him back.

"Sir, if you would be so kind as to allow us to leave through the servant's entrance?"

Captain Tilney looked as though she was an incredible nuisance and waved her on. "Do what you like. Do not let Thorne see you or my father will hear of it. We do not want that, do we?"

Catherine set her jaw and gave him a mutinous look. "I'm not afraid of your father." She moved past him to leave but he clamped a hand around her upper arm and stopped her.

"Maybe not, but if he hears about this it will most certainly lead to his discovery of Eleanor's correspondence with you. I suspect you are her only friend and it has been most hard on her these last months."

She looked at him and realized she was being selfish. "I apologize," she said, tiredly. "It seems I am forever acting thoughtlessly and being stupid. I'll do my best to not alert suspicion."

He released her and she drew up her hood and bonnet and started back the way they came. Dolly hurried her along when she faltered and soon they were back on the street with no one but Tom Boothe the wiser. He'd given them a tiny salute as they left and Dolly rolled her eyes.

Once they were safe, Catherine gave her maid a look. "He was certainly handsome."

Dolly appeared startled. "Captain Tilney? I suppose so, although he has a rather dangerous appeal that a girl really oughtn't trifle with. He looks as though he could eat you right up."

Catherine made a face at her. "Not Captain Tilney. Tom. Captain Tilney is very handsome, but he is also a debaucher of women. Your instincts about him are correct. I meant Tom Boothe."

Dolly immediately adopted a casual air. "I suppose so."

Catherine laughed at her maid's careful indifference and they continued on in silence until they arrived back at Pulteney Street. "Thank you for coming with me. If Mr. or Mrs. Allen ask I'm going to lay down for a bit."

Hurrying upstairs, she shut her door, took off her coat and bonnet and tossed them on the floor. Then she collapsed into bed with a whoosh, sighing as the tension left her body. What a day.

She thought back to Captain Tilney detaining her with a firm hand on her upper arm and his low tones. There was a part of her that understood suddenly why Isabella had been so attracted to him. He was dangerous and wicked, she was sure, but in a way that was hardly as repellent as Catherine would like him to be.

What a day, indeed.

X

That night was the theater and something equal parts horrible and odd happened. They had gone to see an opera and all Catherine could do was think about the last time she and Henry had been in the theater and how angry he'd been with her until their misunderstanding had been cleared up. Which led her to think about the entire affair last year and sigh.

And cough. The air was heavy tonight and Catherine coughed more than usual. She suddenly felt tired and achy. Thankfully, the production ended soon and she could leave before everyone crowded outside the boxes.

She was alone briefly and clutched the handkerchief to her face, closing her eyes.

"Catherine."

It couldn't be. Their family wasn't in Bath, she'd made sure of it days ago.

"Catherine, my dearest friend."

Isabella Thorpe.

Catherine slowly turned around and saw John Thorpe and his sister standing in front of her. She kept the handkerchief to her face so they would not see the look of disdain that passed over her without meaning to.

Just be polite and they will continue on their way, she told herself. Dipping a slight curtsey, she said, "Miss Thorpe, Mr. Thorpe."

John looked uncomfortable, but Isabella was positively ecstatic. "I simply can't believe we found each other again, here in Bath, of all places."

Catherine inclined her head politely. "I must return to Mr. and Mrs. Allen now."

Isabella detached herself from her brother and grabbed Catherine's hands. "Please, I have so longed to see you. To explain any … misunderstandings there might have been between our families. Will you let me? Oh, please say you will have tea with me tomorrow?"

Catherine felt her ire rising and her chest caught for a moment. She raised the handkerchief back to her lips and stifled a cough. Isabella let go of her hands. "Miss Thorpe, I cannot tomorrow. I am sorry."

Isabella nodded and smiled. It all looked so false to Catherine now. "What about the following day? There is a novel I have been dying to tell you about. It's quite shocking."

"I do not read novels anymore. I now find them to be a waste of time. Please, I must go." Catherine turned away from her former friend and began to walk away.

"I am sorry about your Mr. Tilney," Isabella called after her, suddenly.

Catherine hesitated in her step. She turned. "I do not know what you mean." What about Henry?

Isabella now appeared more sure of herself, but it was her brother who answered. He seemed to take great pleasure in announcing, "He's got himself engaged, hasn't he? To a wealthy heiress from Yorkshire worth thirty thousand pounds. A Miss …" He turned to his sister for the name of the lucky young lady.

Isabella looked at him, annoyed, but answered. "Armitage. Miss Elizabeth Armitage." Her expression softened slightly into one of genuine caring at Catherine's shocked and pale face. "I am most sorry on your behalf, dearest one. Her family made their fortune in trade two generations ago and she is the eldest of three children, all girls, I believe. The other two are set to do quite well after the father's death. Something about ten thousand a year."

Catherine barely heard her speech after 'Armitage'. Her mind grew fuzzy with disbelief. How could this be? Henry? Engaged? It was impossible. She turned away and started down the corridor to the entrance to the Allen's box. Vaguely, she heard voices calling after her. Everything swayed and tilted.

Then, black.

X

In the darkness, nightmarish creatures came for her wearing Henry Tilney's face. He mocked her for ever thinking he could be hers. He laughed and scorned her. She ran from him but it was never far enough.

When she came out of it, there was a small crowd of people surrounding her, including the Allen's and the Thorpe's. Mr. Thorpe was saying something, telling everybody to give her room. Then he said something so shocking she knew she was still dreaming.

"I want a doctor sent for immediately. Spare no expense. Nothing but the best for my ward. Hurry off!"

She felt hands underneath her head lifting her up slightly.

"Do you feel well enough to move to the chair just there behind you?"

It was a strange voice and she nodded her head. Someone pressed a cup to her lips and she drank. It was red wine and she felt the blood returning to her limbs immediately. "What happened?"

"You fainted, dearest one."

Isabella.

Catherine grimaced and remembered everything both she and her horrible brother had told her earlier. A stabbing pain seared her heart and her eyes welled up with tears. "Please, I'm fine now. I was suddenly out of sorts, that is all. There is no need to make a fuss about me, I assure you, Mr. Allen."

He and another gentleman helped her to her feet and then over to a chair, pressing the wine glass into her hands. "Drink this, Catherine, while the Doctor looks you over. I insist," he added holding up his hands to stave off her newest protestations.

She gave up and nodded, taking another sip of her wine. Isabella drew close to her and rubbed soothing circles over her back. Catherine withstood it only because she was still out of sorts. People began to disperse.

Mr. Allen took a seat on a nearby stool, waving Isabella out of the way. "I am sorry for you to find out this way, Catherine. I wanted to tell you in private tomorrow or some other day this week."

She looked at him confused. He reached over to take her hand and then looked up at his wife with a smile.

"I have no children, Catherine. No one but distant relatives to leave my fortune to. I have written to your mother and father and they have consented to my request …" He paused for dramatic effect. "To name you my ward and heir and settle upon you a substantial dowry for when you marry. Tell me this pleases you, Catherine, and I will be a happy man."

She must have looked like a fish for the way she gaped at him and Mrs. Allen. Several long moments went by. Mrs. Allen gave an amused chuckle.

"I daresay the child is in shock, Mr. Allen. Please, for the sake of her health let us speak no more of it until we are in private. Come, both of you. I've sent for our carriage and sent a messenger to inform the doctor to go directly to Pulteney Street."

Catherine allowed herself to be lead away, still completely dumbfounded at what she had just heard.

Three days had passed since her entire world had tilted on its axis and spun around like a whirling dirvish. She could still scarcely believe it and even seeing written proof in her mother's hand did not help.

"Mr. Allen, I simply do not understand. Why me, of all people? Why not James? He's the eldest son."

"Oh, nonsense, I am fond of you, Catherine. Your brother is fine, but we've spent the most time with you. And besides, is not this bit of revenge satisfying?" Mr. Allen gave her a wide smile and she shook her head.

"I cannot know what you mean."

"When that old General Tilney gets wind of this can you imagine the look on his face?" He laughed and sipped some tea. "That'll set him straight on how to treat young girls in the future."

Catherine suddenly sat up straighter. "Do you think-?" Her breath caught. "Do you think there is a small chance that General Tilney might let me write Miss Tilney now?"

Mr. Allen shrugged. "I cannot imagine why not. If you weren't good enough for his family before, with all my property and fortune, you are certainly good enough for it now. I have it on good authority that the Tilneys aren't quite as rich as they would like everyone to believe. General Tilney's father fell on hard times and that was why he wed Miss Sarah Drummond. For her dowry. And it is why all his children must wed wealthy heirs and heiresses."

Catherine sat back in her chair, mulling over what he had told her. She'd had no idea he was such a gossip but was grateful he was at least an informative one. It still pierced her heart to think of Henry marrying another woman and she blinked back tears.

Suddenly, she stood and went over to Mr. Allen, going straight to her knees in front of him and clasping his hand. "Please, sir, is there any way I can dissuade you from this course of action? Is there no family you have that would desire to be your heir instead? I cannot bear to think that I am taking something away which should rightfully be theirs."

Mr. Allen squeezed her hand fondly. "My dear child, I assure you those who have something to claim will be taken care of. They are few and distant relatives, some of whom I've never met. When I die, God willing a long time from now, I will leave my estate in Fullerton and most of my assets to you. When you marry, I will have a dowry set aside amounting to fifteen thousand pounds. And I will very much enjoy watching those Tilney's and anyone else who treated you ill regret it. Now what do you say to that, Catherine?"

Catherine sat back on her heels, dumbfounded. Her mouth gaped open again, very much like on the night of the theater debacle. Fifteen thousand pounds? An estates? "Mr. Allen," she breathed, "that is too much, please. I have only ever enjoyed yours and Mrs. Allen's company. I never once had any expectations of receiving anything from you except friendship. Just by bringing me along with you to Bath I feel grateful and honoured."

He patted her cheek. "You're a good girl, Catherine. And that's why I do not mind at all giving you something of mine." At her continued look of distress, he sighed. "How about this? I bequeath you my country estate in Fullerton and a dowry of twenty thousand pounds. The rest of my assets and property will be dispersed amongst my relatives, wherever they are."

Catherine gave a small gasping laugh. "It is still too much, sir." But she saw a wounded look come into his face and grabbed his hands even harder. "But I accept it with all the graciousness it was intended to be given. Please, never think-"

"Hush now, child, I would never think of you having a conniving bone in your body. Now run along and get some rest before the ball this evening. I have no doubt this story has made its circulation amongst every family of good standing in Bath. You will have your pick of suitors tonight, my dear."

She did as she was bid and once upstairs in her room, she immediately sat down and began writing a letter to Eleanor.

X

That night, as much as she was still mortified at Mr. Allen's having made her a beneficiary in his will, she also acknowledged how exciting it was and how just maybe, because of his generosity, Henry might be able to hers. Maybe his was not a love match. Maybe his father had forced him to become engaged to Miss Armitage. Maybe he would break it off with his fiancee as soon as he heard of Catherine's sudden reversal of fortune. Could she allow him to be dishonorable and break his word to a lady though?

She looked herself over in the long mirror and sighed. "Dolly, what can be done about my figure? 'Tis woefully lacking and my face is so pale."

Dolly smartly began pinching her cheeks, rather too hard in Catherine's opinion. "There. Not pale at all. And about your figure, you're a girl still. You'll fill out in a year or two. Or perhaps after you birth a babe."

Catherine's face fell even further. "That does not quite help me tonight, Dolly."

"Who are you trying to impress? Captain Tilney?"

Shocked at her suggestion, Catherine looked at the maid. "Heaven's no! Whatever made you think of him?"

Dolly shrugged. "Just a thought. Maybe get a bit of revenge on the other Tilney by marrying his brother," she suggested wickedly, yanking on her mistress' stays. Nothing would make her breasts grow except time.

Distractedly, Catherine said, "Isabella's bosoms are quite nice."

"And she knows it too, that one. Shows them off often enough. You're a lady, Miss, and she ain't. Still," Dolly said thoughtfully, "I might know a few tricks that could help you improve a couple things. Might I try?"

"As long as you never say such things about the Tilneys again," she said sternly, choosing not to overly-chastise Dolly over her remark. It was a thought, was it not? Wedding Captain Tilney instead of Henry. Would he be jealous? Would he pine for her company?

Dolly raised an eyebrow at the sudden dreamy expression on the other girl's face and got to work. A nip here and a tuck there and suddenly an inch of Miss Morland's neckline disappeared. A few rolled-up pieces of cloth acting as padding suddenly gave her the appearance of a bosom.

"Tasteful, like," Dolly said thoughtfully. "Not too much. Just enough to leave the men wanting more."

"Dolly! The things you say are quite shocking. Do Mr. and Mrs. Allen know how you talk?"

Dolly raised an eyebrow. "Forgive me, Miss. And here I thought you'd be wanting to get your Mr. Tilney back." She sniffed. "I've only been a lady's maid for nigh on ten years now. What do I know about getting young misses married? I've only had five of them blissfully wed and if young Mr. Tilney does come back to Bath, you'll be needing every weapon at your disposal to tear him away from his Miss Armitage. But what do I know?" She sniffed again.

Catherine looked more astonished with every sentence of the dramatic speech made by her now unhappy maid. "Dolly, I apologize. You are right. Please forgive me. Do you think he will? Come back, I mean?"

Dolly smiled and went back to work making her young charge look a bit more sophisticated. "Who can tell with these gentlemen types?"

Catherine's mood turned more curious. "What do you know about the Tilneys? Have you ever heard anything from your friend, the scullery maid?"

"You mean Susan and not really, Miss. She got engaged and hasn't been around on our day off lately. Always walking with her man, Charlie." Dolly rolled her eyes and then stepped back to look at her work. Everything was pinned and tucked well enough so that, barring any misfortune, nothing would come undone. At Catherine's disappointed look, she added, "I do know that, last she heard, the family's in London. Doing what, who knows?"

Catherine nodded, pensively.

"Cheer up," Dolly said. "You're young, Miss. There'll be another one along shortly who'll make you forget all about Mr. What's-his-face. You're pretty and kind and moral and that's rare nowadays."

"But I was sick for so long. I feel as though I still look it sometimes."

"Nonsense. Look at yourself right now, Miss. See? Your hair is shiny and that style makes your neck look long, like a swan's. And your bosoms are much more pronounced but not too much and your waist is small… Now don't forget to pick up your train when you go down the stairs. There you go, it's a small one, but nevertheless."

Catherine did as Dolly told her and walked carefully down the stairs to meet the Allen's. They seemed as nervous as she about this ball. It was the first one after Mr. Allen's surprising reveal at the theater and she knew everyone would be talking about it.

"Miss," Dolly whispered behind her. Catherine turned. "Don't forget-dance with as many gentlemen as you can. Nothing a man likes more than a chase. If word reaches Mr. Tilney, I mean."

"I cannot overexert myself or I cough," Catherine protested.

Dolly shrugged. "Then walk around the rooms, always talking to people. Gentlemen like a lively girl."

She wished she could be lively again. Sometimes she felt like a part of her died last year. The childish naive carefree part. Although Dolly would probably still call her naive.

"Pretend you haven't a care in the world."

She nodded at the last of Dolly's advice and then finished the walk down the stairs and into the foyer. Mrs. Allen clasped her hands.

"My dear, you are simply stunning. Simply stunning, Mr. Allen, is she not?"

"Stunning, my dear. Shall we go?"

The servants helped them into their coats and muffs and then they left the house to ascend into the hired carriage.

"This is all so exciting," Mrs. Allen began once they were inside and on their way to the Upper Rooms. "Our gowns alone will be the talk of the evening, most especially yours, Catherine. That shade of blue brings out the blush of your cheeks, my dear. You are the picture of health tonight. Is that tonic that Dr. Chastain prescribed working? It must be."

Catherine nodded. "I take it every night and morning. I have it right here in my reticule." She patted the matching blue bag that had been made for her at the same time as her gown and felt the thick cylindrical bottle in there.

The drive seemed longer than usual even though they were late to the ball and there was little traffic. They arrived finally and walked through the crowd. As was typical, Mr. Allen left them for cards and they were on their own for the rest of the night.

Whispers and stares came her way and she realized then that she hadn't truly known the degree to which society would be fascinated with her. "Please, Mrs. Allen, let us find seats in the ballroom away from this crush of bodies."

The older woman nodded and grabbed her hand, leading her quickly through the crowd and into the ballroom. It was less crowded in here and Catherine felt like she could finally breathe.

Just last year, this had been her favorite thing. All she could do was think of Mr. Tilney. Where he was, when he would return, if he would dance with her, if he liked her even a little.

Now he was to marry another and she felt so alone.

She did not take Dolly's advice and dance or walk about chatting. Oh, she walked a little but there was no one she knew here except Isabella and John Thorpe and that was basically like knowing nobody since she refused to speak with them.

"Miss Morland."

She stiffened at the voice behind her. Those low tones she would recognize anywhere. "Captain Tilney." She turned and gave a small polite curtsey. Why was he always around? She forgot about the letter in her coat for the moment. "Are you not dancing? I seem to remember you being so fond of it." She glanced across the room where Isabella was watching them carefully.

He half-smiled at her. "I am afraid I have some news."

Something in his manner or expression sobered her and she instantly knew it was bad news. "Is it your sister? Was she caught with my letter? Was your father very angry?"

"I hardly know where to begin," he muttered, looking down for a moment at the floor. "Miss Morland, something odd has happened--to put it mildly--and my father has suddenly decided to leave London."

Catherine was confused. "Is he well?"

"Yes, yes, very well. The man is never sick."

"Is Eleanor well?"

"Yes, the whole family is well." He was silent for so long afterward that Catherine truly began to be confused.

"I do not understand. Surely, he can depart and go wherever he chooses. Northanger Abbey, I suppose?" Hopefully, not here to Bath. She did not imagine her heart could take it.

Captain Tilney looked slightly frustrated when he looked back at her. Despite this, he answered in a calm voice. "No, Miss Morland, my father does not make for the Abbey. In fact, at this very moment possibly, he arrives in Bath."

Her face paled in shock. He was actually coming here? Was Eleanor and Henry with him? Her heart beat wildly at the surprise. "Here? What do you mean?"

She found out that very next moment before Captain Tilney could open his mouth. Somewhere behind his large frame, came a very familiar voice. She'd spent a month with it last year.

"Frederick, I thought I would find you here."

The Captain closed his eyes briefly and then stepped aside to turn toward his father. "Father," he acknowledged without much affection.

General Tilney still managed to terrify her while at the same time infuriating her. Her heart pounded so hard in her chest she couldn't catch her breath for a moment. She raised her handkerchief to her lips and tried to breathe slowly through her nose.

"And I see you've been talking to Miss Morland." He stepped up to her, hands as usual behind his back as if he were still in a military formation at all times. His blue eyes raked over her face and in them she could see nothing soft or apologetic. Only cunning and a bit of anger.

Then it all changed and he bowed over her free hand. "How we have longed to see you again, Miss Morland. What a pity it was that we had to part so suddenly last year and with such rudeness. You must allow me to make it up to you. Eleanor, come."

He turned and ushered his daughter to his side. Catherine's smile was a genuine one as she curtsied to her old friend.

"You are to invite Miss Morland over to Milsom Street this week for dinner."

Catherine's shock couldn't be greater than if he had said "Eleanor, stand on one foot and cluck like a chicken". Eleanor was reserved in her answer but she smiled at Catherine and nodded.

"If she will come, I would be most happy. Shall we go on one of our long walks tomorrow? Say, about noon if there's no rain? Then, of course, tea."

Catherine nodded, more out of automatic response than anything else. Despite being thrilled to see Eleanor Tilney again she was unsure of what the General's objective with all this was.

"And of course you remember my son, Henry?" The General stepped aside and suddenly her chest constricted again.

There was Henry. Tall, handsome, humorous, witty Henry whom she loved with all her heart. He bowed to her, solemnly, with more than a little pain in his eyes. Emotions clouded his expression and she could some guilt there as well. She swallowed hard and raised the handkerchief once more.

"Miss Morland. You look as beautiful as ever."

Her face lit up without her knowing it. In the next few moments, it fell with such force.

"Allow me the honor of introducing my … fiance, Miss Elizabeth Armitage of Yorkshire."

A beautiful girl of about nineteen or twenty stepped forward. Blonde hair and blue eyes complimented her ivory gown of silk. She was a vision of angelic loveliness. "Miss Morland," she said softly, giving a small curtsy, "it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Catherine returned the bow and struggled to keep her insurmountable emotions in check. She struggled to speak without breaking down in sobs and the seconds ticked by. There was pity in Eleanor's face and sorrow in Henry's. It was humiliating.

"Miss Morland, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

Captain Tilney, her rescuer. Without a second's thought, she smiled, nodded, curtsied her farewells, and took his hand. What an escape, she thought. Captain Tilney was scowling throughout the dance, but she did not care enough about the reason to ask why. Most likely, his father. If she had such a father, she most likely would never smile.

She looked over at the Tilneys and was deeply disturbed to see the General looking at her in a calculating way. Henry nodded and then took his future bride to some other part of the room. Eleanor stayed by her father's side. Something inside her mutinied against the manners taught to her by birth and she raised her chin and cast the iciest expression she could his way.

"Your color is back, I see. I was worried you would faint again."

She jerked her attention back to her partner. "Does he really think I will dine with him after the way he acted last year? Does he think I do not know the reason I was cast out of Northanger Abbey?"

"I do not think he cares much. I believe he is counting on your desire to see my sister again on overcoming your disgust with him."

She shook her head. "I just do not understand. Why even talk to me at all? He cannot be afraid I will tell people what happened. Who would even care? He's rich enough to do what he likes. And Henry." She was so flummoxed, she used his given name in public. His brother raised an eyebrow but she did not notice. "He is quite out of danger as far as myself is concerned. He is to be married and… and… that is it."

Captain Tilney looked at her in amazement and broke through her rather embarrassing musings. "Are you really so naive that you do not comprehend what my father is doing?" He laughed and shook his head. "You will soon enough."

Despite his cryptic warning which he would not clarify further for her, Catherine realized at the end of the dance that she had been sufficiently distracted enough for the tears to dry in her eyes. The kindness he had shown her this night she had not thought him capable of.

After her dance with Captain Tilney was over, Catherine was in desperate need of some fresh air and a quiet place. Those were in short supply at the moment, but eventually, she found herself in a quiet corner on the second level. A coughing fit overtook her for several seconds and she remembered the tonic Dr. Chastain had prescribed her and took a swallow.

"Catherine, are you alright?"

She turned and saw Henry. Quickly, she put away the medicine and composed herself. "Quite, thank you."

Henry's discerning gaze studied her face. "My sister received your letter just before we came here. I know you were ill."

Catherine flushed. "It is but a lingering cough from an illness I contracted last year. Mrs. Allen convinced me that coming back here to Bath would be of great help to making a full recovery."

Henry sighed. "Pneumonia? Eleanor said you almost died from your journey from Northanger Abbey. Catherine, you must believe me when I say I am so sorry for what my father did to you. I wanted to come to you a thousand times and see for myself how you fared."

"And why didn't you?" she asked quietly, not quite believing how she dared. "I know you were angry with me, and rightfully so, but…"

He interrupted, moving closer. "I was angry, but that was so long ago."

"Your brother told me the truth. Of why I was sent away, I mean."

He nodded, slowly. "My father believed you to be a wealthy heiress. My sister and I had no idea of his illusions or we would have protected you better."

Her cheeks blazed. "He must be happy now. With Miss Armitage? She is quite beautiful and seems kind." And rich.

He nodded, slowly. He opened his mouth to say more but then closed it quickly.

"When are you to be wed?" Her heart pounded at the question. Why was she asking these questions?

"After the Season, in September."

She nodded and gathered together all her strength. "I wish you and Miss Armitage all the best. I hope you are very happy together."

She tried to move past him but he put a hand on her arm. "Wait," he asked. "Please, I want to explain … so many things." He sounded frustrated.

"Mr. Tilney, I must go before someone sees us and there is a scandal."

He released her. "Of course, I am sorry."

She did not want to leave him. Being so close made her heart ache with what she could never have. But she pushed away and walked quickly back into the ballroom to find Mrs. Allen or Miss Tilney, if she was not in the vicinity of her father.

"Dearest Catherine."

She stopped at the sound of her name and turned to see Isabella. "Miss Thorpe," she curtsied.

"How have you been feeling since the theater?"

"Very well," Catherine answered stiffly.

"Everyone is talking about it."

"Talking about what?"

Her eyes glowed. "Why being named Mr. Allen's ward and heir, of course. No one can believe it. Why last year you told me the Allen's never had any intention of settling anything upon you or your brother."

"This is a recent development. A sudden generosity on their part." She was uncomfortable talking about such things with Isabella. It all sounded so crass. "If you'll excuse me."

"And what about Captain Tilney?"

Catherine turned back.

"I noticed you dancing with him and actually talking to him."

"Yes. It was a kindness on his part, I believe."

Isabella laughed in disbelief. "Please know, Catherine, that there is not a drop of kindness in that man's body."

Catherine's eyes narrowed. "I wonder you would say so since you cast off my brother for him."

Isabella went a little pale. "I did no such thing. Your brother simply misunderstood-"

"No, he did not. And neither did I. I heard the two of you talking. It was most improper. But I hear you are engaged?"

Isabella drew herself up to her full height. "Yes, to an officer. A lieutenant by the name of Foster."

"I wish you well, but please, I have no further desire to continue our acquaintance." She curtsied a farewell and turned to leave. Isabella called after her.

"He will not marry you. You will only get hurt."

Astonishing. Was Isabella talking about Captain Tilney? Catherine did not stop walking away but inside she could not believe that her one-time friend thought she had designs on Henry's brother. Or was she talking about Henry himself?

Whatever it was, she did not turn back to figure it out.

X

Eleanor was out of reach for the entire evening, but as she was closely guarded by her father Catherine felt like their reunion would truly begin on the morrow during their walk and anything she had to say to her would just have to wait until then. Whenever she caught Eleanor's eye, she felt as though the other girl was feeling this way also.

With nothing else to do, she accepted dance invitations from a few young men and one old one. She hadn't wanted to be rude to the older gentleman as he was a lord of some kind. None of them sparked in her any of the interest that Henry had.

When she finished one dance, her chest and throat felt tight and she took some of the tonic from her reticule and it soothed her throat at once. A wave of dizziness washed over her and for one moment the room tilted.

Not again!

"Miss Morland, are you quite alright?"

She took a deep breath and focused on the familiar voice.

General Tilney. She coldly looked at him. "Quite. The dancing I'm afraid has tired me. I will go sit now."

"A pity. My son, Henry, was so longing to have one dance with you before the night was over. Your dance card has been quite full." He was all smiles and benevolence, but it did not fool her for a moment.

She glanced at Henry but was unable to keep herself from making a jab at his father. "Yes, sudden fortuitous events marked in my favor have caused all sorts of attention to be directed my way, however unnecessary or unwanted."

The rudeness was unmistakable. General Tilney's eyes narrowed and glittered. She did not miss the look exchanged between Henry and his sister nor the expression of amusement on Captain Tilney's face. The General ever so slowly inched forward, hands behind his back military style, until he was able to lean down toward her ear to whisper. "Careful, Miss Morland. Remember who your friends are."

She glanced at Eleanor, cheeks reddening, then glanced away. "I know who my true friends are, sir."

"I know what you thought of me, all those weeks in my home at the Abbey. Believe me, when I found out who you really were violence was very much on my mind. But is it not pleasanter to be friends? It would make my daughter very happy indeed. And she has been so cast down and lonely since your departure last year."

Catherine was actually shocked at how little he respected her and the manner of his speech. And Henry must have told him her accusations about the death of his wife. She felt betrayed in some way even though she had supposed he would tell him all along.

"And engagements are sometimes entered into with such haste, who can tell what the future may hold?" he added, actually causing her mouth to drop open in shock.

Was he saying what she thought he was saying?

He straightened so suddenly that she almost grew dizzy again. "Do you not agree, Miss Morland?"

All eyes were on her, most of them worried to varying degrees mingled with a heavy dose of suspicion aimed toward their father. She could hardly meet them. "Of course, sir," she mumbled.

He smiled jovially. "Then it's settled once more. My children will call on you at Pulteney Street tomorrow at midday for that walk and you can get reacquainted."

Her cheeks burned and she gave a small curtsey in acknowledgment, murmuring her goodbyes. She saw the General lean toward his eldest son and say something that set the jaw of the younger man. She grabbed her scrap of linen and hurried away from everyone, coughing into it desperately.

Whatever could his father have said to Captain Tilney to make him look like that?