Brougham Park

Chapter 9

A new day had dawned, promising a fresh array of surprises. And who could resist the allure of the pleasant unknown? Certainly not the Dawsons. They eagerly awaited the arrival of their special guest, Mr. Harris, who had recently arrived at Berkley Manor. William had informed them two days prior that Mr Harris had arrived at Berkley Manor. Both father and son had immediately gone thither to wait upon Mr Harris.

Mrs. Dawson, in particular, was brimming with excitement. Mrs Dawson had repeatedly reminded her husband that he should invite the handsome young man to dinner as soon as he is available. The invitation was extended and was gladly accepted. The day after the next was chosen for Mr Harris to dine at the Park, giving Mrs. Dawson ample time to meticulously plan and execute a remarkable dining experience.

Driven by her enthusiasm, Mrs. Dawson immersed herself in the task of organising the dinner. She busied herself with ordering the finest ingredients and spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen, where she rarely ventured. Her presence filled the space, as she carefully supervised and provided instructions to the attentive servants. Determined to impress their guest, she even took it upon herself to prepare some of the dishes, ensuring that each one was crafted with utmost care and attention to detail. The table was to be adorned with culinary masterpieces, arranged in such a way that they would captivate the beholder's eye, reflecting Mrs. Dawson's dedication and desire to create a truly memorable feast.

Meanwhile, Kitty found herself in a wardrobe crisis. Seeking her mother's guidance to rectify her dress, she turned to Mrs. Norris, a helpful ally who directed her to the kitchen. It was a rare occurrence for Kitty to enter this domain of the household, and as she crossed the threshold, a tantalising scent filled the air, swirling around her senses. The aroma, an exquisite blend of flavours and spices, enticed her curiosity and heightened her anticipation for the upcoming dinner.

In this moment, surrounded by the bustling activity of the kitchen, Kitty marvelled at the culinary symphony being orchestrated by her mother. The harmonious clinking of utensils, the rhythmic chopping of ingredients, and the gentle hum of conversation among the servants created a vibrant backdrop for the imminent feast. With each passing moment, Kitty's excitement grew, as did her admiration for her mother's dedication and skill in creating a dining experience that would leave a lasting impression on their esteemed guest.

Kitty was able to gain her mother's attention after much entreaties and pleas amidst the kitchen commotion. They both left the kitchen under the care of Mrs Norris and directly went to Catherine's room to address her dress dilemma. Catherine had initially chosen a stunning green gown with a gold ribbon around the waist. But due to Kitty's carelessness, a sizable tear had marred the side of the gown. In an attempt to mend it herself, Catherine had only worsened the damage, rendering the gown unwearable.

Understanding her daughter's distress, Mrs. Dawson tenderly unpicked the faulty stitches, skillfully reworking the dress with her nimble fingers. Although the repaired gown now appeared improved, it no longer possessed the flawless charm it once exuded. Frustrated with the outcome, Mrs. Dawson couldn't help but express her disappointment, admonishing Catherine for her failed sewing attempt. With a mix of reluctance and resignation, Mrs. Dawson insisted that Kitty choose an alternative gown for the upcoming dinner. It was a bittersweet moment for Kitty, her heart heavy with longing for the vibrant green gown that had captured her affections.

Left with no other option, Kitty reluctantly settled for a yellow dress adorned with blue floral prints. The gown, though lovely in its own right, paled in comparison to the allure of the green dress that had captured her imagination. As she slipped into the replacement gown, a tinge of sadness enveloped her, a silent reminder of the lost opportunity to showcase her most cherished ensemble.