Chapter 8
Dear Elizabeth,
I would like to invite you to my home for tea and piano practice.
Please let me know if Monday suits you.
Georgiana Darcy
~ / ~
Dear Georgiana,
Thank you for your kind invitation.
I am delighted to accept and shall see you on Monday.
Elizabeth Bennet
~ / ~
The sounds of music and giggles wafted out of the music room at Darcy House. The laughter was melodic, which was more than could be said for the music.
“Georgie, you dreadful child, you put me quite to shame!” Elizabeth bent nearly double in her laughter. “Your piano playing is already so accomplished. You shall outshine all the other young ladies when you enter Society.”
“No, indeed Lizzy. You play well; there is merely a missed note here and there.” Georgiana glanced down as she bit her lips together.
The two girls then looked at each other and burst into laughter. “Lizzy, your technique will improve should you care to practice. I believe there is something of your playing which reminds me of Mama’s.”
“That is not possible. My playing is nothing like Lady Anne’s.”
“No indeed. When you play, the listener feels something.”
A contemplative expression replaced the glee on Elizabeth’s face.
“I find music to be very much a part of my soul. I enjoy playing for the fun and joy of it, and I wish for my music to bring joy to others. To that end, I have never attempted to learn and perform the most complicated compositions. Even the simplest of folk songs can both soothe a troubled heart or bring a smile to a pensive face. As long as the listener enjoys what they are hearing, I am content.”
“Mama says something similar. Listening to her play always brings me joy.”
“Your loving connection may help in that regard, as well.” Elizabeth shoved her shoulder gently against the younger girl’s.
They continued working on their chosen duet, an English folk song, The Oak and the Ash. Elizabeth began singing, and as agreed, Georgiana joined in harmony when she felt comfortable. Elizabeth’s voice was not polished, but it was a clear soprano, which soared effortlessly on the higher notes.
The pleasant sounds escaping the music room pulled Darcy in. Unbeknownst to them, he stood at the door captivated by the impromptu and private concert.
When the song was over, he did not hesitate to show his appreciation. “That was lovely. Brava!” He clapped, walking towards them not removing his gaze from Elizabeth.
“Do you come in all this state to frighten us? I must warn you, I am not easily intimidated, despite not being nearly as accomplished as Lady Anne and Miss Darcy.”
He smiled quizzically at her. “I should never dream of it. I thought you played and sang that piece beautifully.”
“I begin to think you like to prevaricate. No doubt for some mischievous reasons of your own?” She raised one eyebrow.
“Oh no, Lizzy, Fitzwilliam always tells the truth.” Georgiana looked earnestly at Elizabeth.
“Perhaps, Miss Bennet, it is you who downplays your talents. After all, there is a certain art in gleaning for compliments.” His smile grew.
“I assure you, sir, I am not one of those cunning females. I have never begged for empty platitudes.” Elizabeth’s vexation for the young man grew. She turned away from him before she said something too intemperate, and gave Georgiana a bright smile, “Shall we continue?”
They settled on a duet to practice and resumed playing. Elizabeth hoped he would leave if they ignored him.
When they completed the piece a second time, Elizabeth looked around, only to find he had stayed and made himself comfortable in a chair facing them. She could barely refrain from rolling her eyes.
The two girls stood and tidied up the music. “Elizabeth…”
“Yes, Georgiana?”
“I enjoyed the outing with you and your cousins at the park. Do you think we might go again?”
“I do not see why not. We will need to check with Lady Anne and Mrs Gardiner to see if their schedules permit.”
Miffed at being ignored, Darcy reacted intemperately and spoke unwisely, “Yes, it must be so time-consuming going out and shopping every day.”
Silence blanketed the room.
A heartbeat later, Elizabeth responded in an insincere, light-hearted manner.
“Indeed sir, our minds must surely be vacuous holes to have nothing better to do, or nothing more to wish for, than to spend money on pretty things, ensuring we look comely to the men of Society.” She concluded with the batting of her lashes.
Elizabeth turned a cheerful countenance to Georgiana. “I am afraid I must be going. Thank you for a charming afternoon, Georgie.”
Elizabeth gathered her things and she and the younger girl walked briskly out of the room, leaving Darcy trailing behind.
When the door closed after seeing to Elizabeth’s departure, Georgiana turned to her brother with a fierce expression on her face. “Fitzwilliam, you… you…” She stamped her foot, “How could you say such a hateful thing?”
He stared at his sister in shock and coughed to hide his laugh. Little Georgiana stood facing him, with her hands fisted by her sides, huffing her outrage. Darcy glanced around to find the butler and footmen making quick departures from the vestibule.
“Elizabeth is the last person to spend all day shopping, as she does not care for it. She is too busy volunteering at the Foundling House and also helps with her young cousins. You do not know her at all!”
Georgiana, stomped away with a scowl on her face.
Left alone, a stunned Darcy no longer felt like laughing.
~ / ~
25 April, 1808, Gardiner residence, London
Dear Papa,
I find I am enjoying my time here more than I had anticipated. My Aunt and Uncle are taking very good care of me. Thank you again for agreeing to my visit.
The dinners and balls have been entertaining, but I shall not bore you with details of the fripperies.
Whilst I miss my long walks at home, I find myself content walking through Hyde Park, following my uncle’s strictures. A maid or footman always accompanies me. It is not Longbourn, but it is something.
Did you read the article in the newspaper about the British museum’s latest exhibit? I dearly hope to see it. I imagine you would prefer to be bored by minute details of the ancient artefacts and my thoughts on the Egyptian exhibit.
I remain, your loving daughter,
Lizzy
~ / ~
The next day, Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner were in the morning room waiting for callers. At the earliest possible time, the butler entered with a card on his tray. Mrs Gardiner picked it up and read it, her gaze darted at Elizabeth, before saying, “Show him in.”
“Aunt?” Elizabeth raised her brows inquisitively.
Her aunt just smiled. “Patience, Lizzy.”
Not many minutes later, Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised when Mr Vernon entered the room.
He bowed to them, “Good morning, ladies. It is lovely to see you on this bright, sun-filled day.”
Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth had risen and curtseyed, before sitting down on the settee. Mr Vernon chose a chair to the side of Elizabeth’s position.
“It is a beautiful morning, sir. How have you taken advantage of the day so far?” Elizabeth’s eyes crinkled in amusement. “Has your horse borne you down Rotten Row at neck-breaking speed or did you perchance risk your reputation and walk?”
He laughed, yet held a hand to his chest, “You wound me, Miss Bennet. Risk my reputation? I would never be permitted to show my face in polite society again.”
She grinned unrepentantly, “We cannot have that. All the ladies would swoon if left bereft of such a charming man’s company.”
Instead of answering her, he turned to Mrs Gardiner, “Madam, I find it too lovely a day to keep this impertinent young miss inside. Might I be permitted to accompany her for a walk?”
Mrs Gardiner glanced at Elizabeth who nodded in acceptance. “I do not see why not, but only for a short stroll and you will take one of the maids with you, Lizzy.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Elizabeth had already risen, and turned to Mr Vernon and said, “I shall just get my things.”
Watching her leave, he turned when Mrs Gardiner cleared her throat. “Lizzy will enjoy being outside. It is kind of you to suggest it.”
“No, Madam, it is my pleasure. If you will excuse me.” He bowed and went to meet Elizabeth and the maid.
As soon as she stepped outside, Elizabeth took a deep breath. “You are correct, sir. It is a glorious day.”
“Aye. We are fortunate the weather remains fine. The summer heat can make remaining in the city… unpleasant.”
“I have never spent a summer in London.” Elizabeth lifted her head, allowing the sunshine to rest on her face.
“I have, on rare occasions. Obligations kept me in town past the end of the Season. Not for the faint of heart, I assure you.”
“And yet, there are many who do not have the luxury of choice.” Had he known her better, Mr Vernon would recognize her tone, readying for a debate.
“You speak of the working class and the poor?”
“I speak of anyone whose presence is required in the city, for whatever those reasons may be, but yes, mainly the poor; servants and workers alike.”
“Miss Bennet, it is the way of the world. We each have our own role to play.” His cane was hitting the walkway with a little more force.
“Indeed, we do. I understand the ways of the world, sir. My uncle deals with business contacts from many countries. Whether we call it social status, caste or feudal system, it is not a new concept. A person’s position in life is determined by birth, fortune or occupation.
Man has always put each individual in their place.
If my sister Mary was here, she would no doubt offer a quote such as ‘He that oppresses the poor affronts his maker, but he that is gracious to the poor honours Him’.
” She took a breath as though to continue, but Mr Vernon inserted a question, before she could.
“Speaking of ancient, if you still wish to visit the British Museum, I should be more than happy to accompany you.”