Part 48: Her Gratified Heart

Catterntide had always been an especially joyous tradition to celebrate in Catherine's infancy: how marvelous for there to be an entire holiday devoted to a saint with her name, and to get cakes and sing songs and even pretend to be queen (if she had been very very good!) There was still a great deal of fun in remembering past celebrations and sharing the present with her family, especially teaching Harriet the rhymes and how to bake.

"You were very patient with her," Mrs. Morland observed as they took a solitary walk together the next day, delivering warm things to some of the cottagers. "You have always done so with the younger ones, that will serve you well when you marry."

This praise, not so much rare as always appreciated, was warmly received. "I hope so. I am very eager to meet some of the families in Woodston."

The families of Fullerton were always glad to see the parson's wife and any of his children; Catherine knew them very well, and was pleased to have grown into the position of finally being more assistance than encumbrance to her mother during these errands. They headed for home as the air turned cooler and the first flakes of snow began to fall.

At the gate Mrs. Morland took her daughter's hand, just like when she was too little to step up after an outing in days long gone, and said, "I am very grateful for all your help, my dear Catherine."

Each may have shed a tear at this simple but heartfelt praise, though between the elements rushing them indoors and the happy welcome greeting them in the parlour, there was no evidence for anyone else to see. It would be a special memory to keep just between themselves.

Title from Chapter 17 of Northanger Abbey: "Her grateful and gratified heart could hardly restrain its expressions within the language of tolerable calmness."