Chapter 1 #4
His request was friendly and unpretentious, and his daughter insisted too. Elizabeth, after mentioning once more that they must not expect too much, indulged them.
“You play very well, Miss Elizabeth, but indeed not exceptionally. I imagine you do not spend much time practicing. However, it was a delight to hear you.”
“Thank you, your lordship. You are correct; I do not practice as much as I should. I play only when it gives me pleasure. I am relieved you were not disappointed.”
“Not at all; quite the contrary. Your performance is like yourself: pleasant, merry and natural. I appreciate that.”
“You are very kind! I imagine you are accustomed to superior performances.”
“It depends what you understand by superior. I notice all mothers insist their daughters waste their time learning all manner of silly things in order to become accomplished—whatever that might mean. And I cringe when I hear a young girl play with no passion or feeling, only good technique. That is not superior if you ask me.”
“I must say I agree; but then again, your theory is advantageous for me, so I might be partial,” Elizabeth replied, laughing.
“Music depends on talent. My daughter learned to play for years and had the most prodigious masters. Yet, her performance is not nearly as good as yours.”
His statement surprised Elizabeth by its directness, but Lady Selina did not seem at all bothered; she only nodded in agreement with the same open smile.
“On the other hand,” he continued, “my favourite niece, who is only sixteen, performs like an angel. I could listen to her forever. She is as shy as your sister, by the way…”
“My sister is not especially shy,” Elizabeth replied tentatively. “She is not feeling well at the moment, but she is very easy in company…most of the time.”
“I see. I confess I am convinced she is either shy or ill. If not that, then she has experienced some disappointment in love.” He gave a satisfied laugh until he saw Elizabeth’s countenance change. Lady Selina and Mrs Gardiner exchanged another quick glance.
“I…I would rather not speak of my sister. She will be well soon; that is all that matters.”
“Of course we should not talk about Miss Bennet’s private affairs. Forgive me; I tend to speak with you as I speak to my family, and that is unacceptable. I apologise if I offended you.”
“No indeed; there was no offence at all. We may speak of my private affairs if your lordship wishes.” Elizabeth was enjoying the conversation; she liked Lady Selina, and even came to be at ease with the earl.
She appreciated that he was speaking to her, a tradesman’s niece, as if he were speaking to his own children.
“Are you suffering from a disappointment in love too, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Unfortunately for the development of our conversation—not at all, sir.”
“I would have guessed that. But are you by any chance engaged or soon to be engaged?”
“This is not a proper question either, Lord Matlock. And, before considering whether I should answer, may I ask why you are interested in knowing?”
“Because, Miss Elizabeth, I confess you have charmed me utterly and completely. And, since I am too old to pursue you myself, I am seriously considering marrying you to one of my sons.”
“Papa!” cried Lady Selina. “You will embarrass Miss Elizabeth completely!”
“Lord Matlock,” intervened Mrs Gardiner, “would you like another glass of brandy? And may I suggest postponing the marriage arrangements for a while? After all, you only met Lizzy this very evening. You might discover she is not always as nice as she seems.”
“I surely hope that is true. A woman who is pleasant all the time would be very boring. Very well, I will have another drink and be silent for a minute or two. That would be my fourth, I think. I am already feeling a little too well humoured. Now, you know my sons very well, Mrs Gardiner. Do you think Miss Bennet would be suited for either of them?”
“Or, better said, Aunt, do you think I could be prevailed upon to marry one of them?” Elizabeth smiled, and both the earl and his daughter turned to her with surprise.
“Miss Elizabeth, that is an interesting statement. You imply that you would refuse an offer of marriage from an earl’s son?”
“I would certainly refuse an offer from any man I could not respect and care deeply for, sir. I believe there is nothing worse than a marriage without affection.”
“Respect and affection might come later in marriage; you should know that. But then again, perhaps you are too young and impulsive to consider all aspects.” The earl watched Elizabeth with equal interest and disbelief.
“They might come later, but I would not risk presuming so. I would rather wait to be certain of my feelings before accepting a proposal.”
“Miss Elizabeth, I wholeheartedly agree with you!” said Lady Selina enthusiastically.
The earl stared at Elizabeth with a smirk on his lips. “You express your opinion very decidedly for someone so young, Miss Elizabeth. I appreciate that very much—very much indeed.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Elizabeth replied with a friendly smile. She knew the earl had no intention of marrying her to either of his sons, yet she could also sense the honesty in his praise. She was pleased to be complimented in such a manner by an illustrious—though very strange—gentleman.
“So, while we try to decide your future in marriage, Miss Elizabeth, let us speak of literature. Who is your favourite author?”
Elizabeth breathed deeply, relieved at the change of topic from delicate to completely safe. Yes, discussing literature would do.