The extensive grounds of their new home still confused her, despite the time already spent in residence the young socialite could easily find herself lost. Still not quite accustomed to the more luscious surroundings and with a daily pang of longing for London, Catherine could not have been more delighted with the news her father broke one morning. Having felt the withdrawals of events and spectaculars by their relocation down south, she could barely contain the excitement that came with the arrival of a travelling circus. Unlike before where she would have to venture to Hyde Park or further, now the vast grounds owned by her dad would play host. It served to steer her mind away from her recent engagement.
A lover of anything that connected her to her youth, she’d always been fascinated by the magic of the circus. From the aerobatic dancers, to the exotic animals and the breath-taking stunts and displays, all of it caused such wonder to the young blonde.
On the day of the opener, and under almost constant rain, Rose and her older cousin Angela were all a giggle as they readied themselves. The older of the girls had the Wellington’s dark hair and handsome features, taller of structure with a fuller figure. Her wedding was little more than a few weeks away, and there was a noticeable change in the brunettes personality and demeanour as she prepared herself for married life. Catherine, though a woman by society was still in possession of softness to her. Her blue eye, though of shape were wide and always so full of life. But surrounded by a mass of lengthy, curled lashes gave them quite the alluring capabilities over those she held in company. A smile that could charm and an infectious tinker of a laugh, Catherine was often described as the walking copy of her mother.
Taming her long golden hair into position and securing with grips and ribbons, Angela whittled on about her new life down in Plymouth, and all Catherine could think of was what was going to happen to her once she had left. Her mother had passed two years after arriving to their new home, and as a way to cope her father put all his efforts into expanding and maintaining the Leigh Park estate, building vast walls around Staunton to secure the lands. It had been his late wife’s dream and he was sure to see it done in her memory. Though he kept a hand in society and his politics, kept in public life and was even Inspector-General of Aldershot, within the privacy of his home he was a deeply depressed and saddened man. Was Catherine to be left alone with only the company of such a melancholy man? Was it selfish for her to think in such a way? Her face fell a little as she looked back into the mirror and to her reflection, feeling guilty for thinking of her own plight and not that of her father.
But distraction quickly came as a knock at the door sounded, and the news of arriving company was told. Rose and Angela quickly dressed, knowing her brothers had come. A boned bodice pulled in her frame; flattening the front of her body, save for her breasts that curved up, pressed uncomfortably tight against her. Fashion had changed so much since she had arrived, though she was ever thankful that the uncomfortable bustle was now completely out of style. Though dresses remained gathered and accentuated at the back. It left the front of her attire looking narrow and smooth, but from behind multiple layers and ruffles fell. By the time she was announced ready, Catherine looked to the light blue gown with such delight she couldn’t help but squeal as she was aided downstairs and where she saw Frederick waiting.
Reunions were made and pleasantries exchanged, with her brother helping her into her coat as she asked all about his officer training and what life was like now in the army. His wife stood to the side, a little sour of expression and nursing a noticeable swell in her belly, she had declined to attend the circus, fearing the excitement may compromise her unborn child. No one really persuaded her or made the effort for the woman to join them; Catherine hadn’t seen her beloved brother since the burial of their mother. With her gloved hand tucked into the crook of his elbow as he told her about his meeting with her betrothed, and how the man was to make it down in a few days. Rose was still a little uncertain on the matter, having heard nothing but unpleasant things about the serving man. Apparently he was of a cruel and impatient disposition, and had little time for frivolities such as a circus.
Once again conversation served as a perfect time killer, and before they knew it they were grouped amongst the benches all smiles and excited whispers and lights dimmed down and the show began. Along with Frederick, Catherine cheered loud and applauded with enthusiasm. Gasping at the test of strength by the ‘Strong man’ and gasping in awe at the displays by the dancers and performers, any trouble of her future and nuptials were quickly forced from her mind. Even the comic tramps had tears rolling down her side from laughing so much. And then they moved to the last show, what she so looked forward to, leaning forwards a little as she clutched her gloves in her lap, watching as the animals were shown. But unlike the others around her, her interest was not just of amusement, but wonder. Catherine had always loved animals, though her own interactions were limited to horses and dogs. But the majestic natures of these creatures had her in awe, caused her heart to skip and face to crease in genuine contentment.
Catherine watched as another was plucked from the crowd, a mild pout creasing her painted lips as the girl was made part of the routine. A little flash of envy was felt, wishing she could be so fortunate as to get so close to the beautiful animals. But it was when the fearless and graceful animal trainer leaned in, and her attention moved over the dark haired man that she felt a flicker of something else, something almost as compelling as the show itself. It caused Catherine to falter and her eyes to stare, jostled only by her cheering brother and with it knocked back into sense.
And then far too quickly it was over, the performance was called an end and the noise from the audience rose quickly, talks and laughter bouncing off of the tent as her own party made their way to the exit. But as she walked, Catherine looked to the side as someone bumped into her, and caught sight of some others looking at the animal stars of the show. “Oh Frederick, we have to go over” Catherine said, pointing over to where she intended. However her brother was momentarily distracted by her father’s introduction of someone, and Catherine decided to use their temporary lapse in concentration to her advantage. Nibbling down on her bottom lip in a mischievous way, Catherine tucked her gloves into her pocket before weaving her way through the crowd and heading round to where the animals were. But she didn’t stop to just watch as they were walked back to stable or cage, instead slipping to the side to look to the horses.
Her father was an expert on horses, and through him she’d established a love for the equine. These, though perhaps not the perfect breeds her father handled, were beautiful in their own right. And it was one of the whitest coat she’d ever seen that caught her attention. Almost bright enough to blind, this had been the very horse that had caused her breath to hitch when she had been in the audience. Slowly she extended a hand, stopping only when the horse lowered its head to her open fingers and she smiled, her delicate fingers stroking gently through the creatures mane, a smile as wide as ever illuminating the young girls face.
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