Chapter 2 #2
“Yes. I was happy to see where my aunt volunteers. Seeing so many orphans was heart-breaking. Still, it was evident the children were well cared for. No doubt, a consequence of the dedication and hard work of the volunteers.”
“Indeed. Foundling House is good to them and one of the best homes in London. It is a dreadful shame, but more often than not, poor conditions are de rigueur in orphanages and workhouses.”
“Mrs Johnson was overjoyed Elizabeth wished to volunteer a couple of mornings a week.” Mrs Gardiner smiled at her niece, “Perhaps working with the girls on sewing and embroidery, and the piano, if only to accompany their singing.”
Elizabeth grimaced but quickly smoothed her expression. “I have not the patience to sit for hours on end doing embroidery, but I shall certainly do my best.”
Lady Anne considered the young woman, “And the piano?”
“I do love to play, however I must admit to not playing well.” Elizabeth’s eyes crinkled in mischievous humour, “I am afraid I have little patience to sit for hours and practice, either.”
Lady Anne’s attention grew more focused, “What do you have patience for?”
“I read and take long walks on my father’s land. My sisters and I all assist on the estate with visits to the tenants.”
They spoke more of books and then Lady Anne inquired into what kind of music she enjoyed.
“I can listen to almost anything, but my playing and singing leans more towards folk songs and airs. I turn to Mozart or Beethoven when I am in the mood to challenge myself. I am afraid Bach is beyond my reach.”
Lady Anne nodded in understanding, “My daughter, Georgiana loves playing and would for hours, quite neglecting her other lessons. She is young and shy, so for now she only feels comfortable performing in front of family members. Maternal bias aside, she is excessively talented.”
“I am sure she is, my lady. I hope to be awarded the privilege of hearing her one day.”
Tea was served, cakes consumed and the talk turned to the topic of social events and Elizabeth’s presence in Town.
“My sister, Jane, is lately married, and my mother has sent me to try and repeat her success.” Elizabeth felt her cheeks warm with everyone’s attention on her.
“Well, mothers do tend to worry about these things.” Lady Anne’s soft agreement was a confirmation of her own concerns in that regard.
“Aye,” Elizabeth laughed, willing her discomfort away. “Some more than others.”
“We promised my brother and sister to make every effort to introduce Elizabeth into Society,” Mrs Gardiner elucidated.
“I should be delighted to assist in the endeavour.” Lady Anne assured them.
~ / ~
During their adieus, the Gardiners invited the Darcy’s to dine a few days hence. “We have yet to show you the rest of the house. Do say you will join us,” Mrs Gardiner entreated the Darcys.
Lady Anne happily accepted after her husband nodded his agreement.
It was all Lady Anne could do to contain her excitement until she and her husband were finally alone. The moment the carriage door was shut, Lady Anne burst out, “Oh, George, did you see her?”
“See whom?”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet!”
“Of course I did, we were all standing together.”
She waved her hand as if to swat his obtuseness away. “You are wilfully misunderstanding me.”
“Then, pray enlighten me, my dear.”
“Miss Bennet is just what our son needs.”
He gaped at her, “I beg your pardon?”
Lady Anne pondered the young lady she just had tea with. Elizabeth was no insipid young lady of the Ton, hiding her laugh behind her hand. She was intelligent and could carry a conversation with independent ideas of her own. In short, she was magnificent–and perfect for her son!
“She is beautiful, witty, reads a great deal and will keep him on his toes–”
“You do recall our son is overly fastidious?”
“Yes, but only because he has not yet been inspired by any lady of his acquaintance.” Lady Anne had a beatific smile on her face.
“You think Miss Bennet will inspire him?” Mr Darcy raised his brows, sceptical of his wife’s scheme.
“A mother knows these things.” She leant back against the squabs, with an air of satisfaction.
“Perhaps. But I say he will not be able to see past her level of society and connections.”
“Well, I shall have further opportunity to learn more about her when we meet again.”
When they returned home, Lady Anne sought out her daughter, now that Georgiana’s lessons were complete for the day.
“Hello, my darling girl. Did you have a good day?”
“Yes, Mama. I completed all my lessons and finished my piano practice.” Georgiana gave her mother a hug, “I missed you. Did you have a pleasant tea?”
“We did. Your father and I visited the Gardiners. You recall they recently moved to a house nearby? Well, during our visit, we met their niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Is she pretty?”
Lady Anne smiled adoringly at her daughter, gently pushing the hair back off Georgiana’s forehead. “She is indeed, poppet, very pretty. She is also charming, bright and enjoys playing the piano, too.”
“Does she play well?”
“I did not have the opportunity to hear her. She claims she does not play well, but I have a feeling her enjoyment of the music renders the listener well entertained.”
Georgiana looked down and asked in a quiet voice, “Do you think I might be introduced to her?”
Lady Anne put one arm around her shy daughter and pulled her in for a hug. “Should you like to meet her?”
“She sounds nice. And perhaps we might play a duet together?”
“I am sure something can be arranged, my sweet girl.”
Mr Darcy went directly to his study and poured himself a finger of brandy. Taking small sips, he contemplated his wife’s words during the short carriage ride.
He was not against assisting their son out of his mental plight, but to involve another could be a receipt for disaster.
He moved to his desk and sat, immersing himself in correspondence from Pemberley’s steward. A knock on the door interrupted his work.
“May I enter, Father?”
“Of course, Fitzwilliam. Have a seat. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Must I have a reason for conversation?”
The older man studied his son. “Your thoughts trouble you,” he stated.
Darcy ran his hands quickly up and down his thighs. “I am unsettled by our conversation from the other day.” He stopped, but Mr Darcy did not speak, choosing to wait him out.
“I dislike being the recipient of your scorn.”
“Do you not comprehend why we are upset?”
“I shall try not to be rude in public regarding the young ladies of the Ton.”
“That is both admirable and necessary. However, it is not quite our point.”
“Which is?” Darcy’s tone edged towards petulance.
“Your comment was ungentlemanly, however, it is the attitude behind your rudeness which is of greater concern.”
“The Season is a marriage mart. Women are bartered off to the highest bidder, and I happen to be one of the Ton’s most eligible bachelors.
Our family is wealthy and you raised me to be moral and upstanding.
When I am ready to marry, I shall have my pick of the ladies.
” Darcy sounded like he was ticking items off a list.
Mr Darcy’s eyes were soft with regret as he watched his son finish speaking. “We will speak of this at another time. Meanwhile, you might continue to ruminate on what our objections are, if it was not merely your inappropriate words.”
Darcy stood, tugged down his waistcoat and gave a sharp nod before exiting the study.
Mr Darcy watched his son leave, wondering if his wife might not have the right idea after all.