Loving You

Chapter 2 | The New Neighbour

"My lady, I deeply apologise for worrying you again, but could you tell me where I can hang these clothes of mine?"

His voice caused Cathy to turn around. She had already changed into a new dress and was making some supper for her uncalled guest.

"You do not have to worry about that. You can give them to me, I will hang them by the fireplace. That way, they will dry up quickly," said Cathy, putting her hands out to receive his clothes. "And do help yourself with the meal," she said, pointing towards the table in the kitchen.

"Oh no, there is no need for that. I am quite full," he said politely.

"See my lord, I have already prepared supper for you and I would like it if you eat it. And also, I was not requesting you, but ordering you to have your supper. You need not be shy in front of me. It is a rare occasion for me to treat guests. And also, help yourself with some tea," said Cathy, as she hung his clothes.

The man was taken aback by how straight forward she was. Meanwhile Cathy was regretting telling so much to him. Maybe, she should be a little quiet. What will this man think otherwise? She just did not want him to be hungry.

"Madam, what is your name," the man asked Cathy politely, breaking the silence in the kitchen.

"Oh my name." Cathy was shocked by how sudden the question was. "Oh, I am Catherine Shaw. Nice to meet you. I am sorry I have not introduced myself to you. I was so wrapped up in ..."

"No, it's fine Miss Shaw. In fact I should be the one to be sorry for interrupting you at such an ungodly hour. Well, I, William Benwick, am thankful to you my lady, for your kindness."

"You are Mr. Benwick?! Our new neighbour," Cathy exclaimed.

"Ah, yes, that I am my lady. To be honest, it is the first time I have seen you. I have seen Mrs. Dudley once or twice and that little boy Charles, if that is his name. I have even seen that little girl but I never knew that there was a fourth member," he said amusingly.

That caused Cathy's smile to drop. How could he see her when her aunt limited her from going out? William could sense that something was wrong. He decided to change the topic.

"Mmm...the food is delicious. Especially the sausage. You are a good cook. And the tea....words fail to describe how fresh I am feeling at this moment. All thanks to you Miss Shaw."

That caused her to smile. "Oh Mr Benwick, you speak as if I have served you some sort of nectar. It is the least I could do to welcome our new neighbour and my guest."

Both of them broke into laughter. Cathy noticed that William looked older in his father's clothes.  "Mr Benwick how did you lose the keys to your house?" She couldn't help but ask it.

"I don't know, but I vividly remember putting it in my pocket before entering the carriage. Before leaving for the ball, I realised that I had forgotten my hat, and so I went back to my house. When I searched my pockets, the keys were no more there. I was searching for them, when the storm broke." He sighed.

"I am positive that you dropped your keys in the carriage," said Cathy.

"I also think the same," replied William.

"Well, I am really sorry, that you could not go to the ball. My sister said that the ball is a huge place, where we can make new connections. I have had no opportunity to visit one. Have you ever visited a ball earlier Mr Benwick?"

"A young woman like you...never visited a ball? What are you saying? Well, I have visited many balls, but in Italy. This was supposed to be my first ball in London. In Italy, balls are a little different. Only the rish are allowed to participate. And they are only meant for husband and wife hunting. I despised the balls in Italy."

"That just sounds like a matrimonial service centre," Cathy laughed.

"I agree with that," chuckled William.

"Well, why did you come to London, all the way from Italy?"

His face dropped and he seemed to be lost in his thoughts. Oh God! She shouldn't have asked that.

"Mr Benwick, I think that you should wash your face. You have some oil on your face." She pointed at his left cheek.

That brought him back to reality. He wiped his face repulsively. "Yes, you are right. I must. Thank you for the dinner."
She bowed.

"Mr Benwick, I will prepare the bed for you. It is raining heavily and you have lost your keys. And so it is fine if you spend the night here today. It doesn't look like my aunt and my sister would be back before tomorrow. Till then you are good to stay here."

"Oh, Miss Shaw, how can I ever repay your kindness? I never thought that this village would welcome me so easily. I am astounded by your kindness my lady."

His words caused her ear to heat up. Never for once had any man curtseyed her like that.
"Oh no, it is fine. I believe in helping people. That's what God wants us to do. Don't you believe so?"

"Yes I do Miss Shaw. "

She handed him the towel so that he could wipe his hands and face. His hair had turned messy.
"Your room ... Upstairs, the room to the left, where you changed. You can use the essentials to tidy yourself up before sleeping. You can use the bell to call me."

"Oh don't be so worked up. I am already in debt with your kindness..."

"Oh no no, it is fine. You do not need to acknowledge me all the time." He nodded and headed upstairs.

She went to Henrietta's room knowing that she would never mind if her elder sister went to her room. "Mr Benwick is a rich man," she thought. Being rich in Italy is the same as being a lord in the village. So why would such a wealthy man live downtown? It is usually soggy, dark, and bland. Why would he choose such a place? And the rumours that she had heard about him. At least she knows that he is not a mad man for they have conversed for a decent amount of time to be sure, that he is indeed a fine and a gentleman. Oh how her name sounded in his mouth....

"No, no Cathy, you are thinking too much, all you need is some sleep and you will be fine. Remember he is a guest and you can never feel affection for any men."

She buried her face into the pillow and fell asleep.