Chapter 13 The Nephews #3
Elizabeth rose and went to the pianoforte under the anxious gaze of the rector. He appeared uneasy, as though her performance might expose them both. She saw him draw out his handkerchief and press it to his brow.
Lady Catherine spoke in a loud, commanding tone. “I wish to hear ‘Gill Brenton.’”
Elizabeth began to play, and her voice rose, clear and expressive with the melody.
The highest notes came without strain, and the lower tones carried feeling.
When she finished, the gentlemen applauded, and the others joined.
Miss de Bourgh requested “The False Knight Upon the Road,” and then Lady Catherine declared they would conclude with “The Cruel Brother.”
When she had finished, Elizabeth returned to her seat, taking care to keep her eyes lowered and taking no notice of the applause, mindful of the rector’s instruction that she was to remain humble in all things.
As she was not accustomed to such conduct, she determined that silence and a lowered gaze would satisfy him.
Shortly after, the tea tray was brought. As the servant poured, Miss de Bourgh leaned toward her friend. “Why do you look so downcast, Lizzy? Does singing before strangers affect you so greatly? Are you naturally reserved?”
Elizabeth smiled. “Annie, the rector has sent me a note detailing my conduct, and I am not to deviate from it in the least, or my sister and I shall hear of it for years to come.”
Miss de Bourgh laughed behind her handkerchief. “What note? May I see it?” She drew close and spoke in a low voice. “Lizzy, your brother-in-law spends a great deal of time looking at you.”
Elizabeth drew the note from her reticule and placed it in her friend’s hand. “Does he? I believe he may be a little taken with me. Yet he has conducted himself with decorum and respect. I have no cause to fear him.”
“Perhaps you should, Lizzy.”
Excerpt of Mr. Collins’s note to Elizabeth:
My dear sister, during the tea service today, you must bear in mind that you are the daughter of a humble country squire of modest means.
Keep your eyes lowered at all times. Do not speak unless you are addressed, and keep your replies brief.
Take care not to put yourself forward, and under no circumstances are you to look at or speak to her ladyship’s esteemed nephews, for they are your betters, and she may take great offense and cast us all from her presence as grasping upstarts.
As Miss de Bourgh was reading the note, she grinned, then snorted. She covered her gaffe with a coughing fit. Elizabeth patted her back and offered her a glass of water. The young woman drank, then apologized. “Please excuse me, Mamma. I swallowed wrong, but I am quite recovered now.”
“For goodness’ sake, Anne, do take care. You nearly gave me a heart seizure. I was certain you had taken Mrs. Jenkinson’s illness.”
Elizabeth noticed movement at the door and saw a young lady, near Lydia’s age, standing at the entrance. Her fair face colored when every eye turned toward her. Mr. Darcy rose and went to her. “Aunt, you remember Georgiana?”
Lady Catherine did not, but she was disposed to approve and smiled. “Come here, child, and let me look at you.”
Her brother guided her forward and remained by her side as Lady Catherine questioned her.
When she had done, she said, “Niece, there is a place beside your cousin and her companion. Assist Miss Bennet in raising your cousin’s spirits.
As you are near relations, it is proper that you begin to know one another. ”
Miss de Bourgh murmured to Elizabeth, “For you shall soon be sisters.” Then, in a lower tone, “Lizzy, what think you of Fitzwilliam? He is a tall, well-muscled man. I fear I should not long survive such a bridegroom, for I should soon be crushed beneath the weight of him.”
Elizabeth bit her lip to suppress her laughter, though her shoulders betrayed her.
“You wretched creature. I shall be undone if my cousin observes me. I must make room for Miss Darcy to sit between us. It is the only way I shall get through this tea without censure for an unladylike want of propriety.”
She shifted her place accordingly, and the young girl settled between them.
At dinner, the rector was seated at the foot of the table, with Elizabeth and Mary seated one on either side of him.
Lady Catherine presided at the head, flanked by her two nephews.
Miss de Bourgh sat in a place of honor near her handsome cousin, Mr. Darcy, while Georgiana was placed opposite, beside Colonel Fitzwilliam, a lively gentleman who contrived to amuse all but the rector.
Even quiet Mary was drawn into his conversation.
When dinner concluded, the ladies withdrew while the gentlemen remained over their port.
Lady Catherine requested Elizabeth sing until they rejoined them, and not long after, the party was dismissed.
Lady Catherine retired for the night and directed Anne, Georgiana, and Elizabeth to do the same, while the rector and his wife were conveyed home in her ladyship’s carriage.
The gentlemen repaired to the billiards room, expecting to pass a long evening in play.