Chapter Two #5
The cousins parted, and William made a point of joining Lady Gwendolyn before the entertainment began.
Her Ladyship would never call herself a matchmaker, but she did have a good sense of people and was adept at paring off her guests, even if only for a dinner engagement.
He knew she would want to know how his time with Elizabeth progressed.
“I assume you enjoyed your dinner, Fitzwilliam,” Lady Gwendolyn prodded as they stood side by side in candid conversation.
“I did, as you well knew I would. Your friend, though not of the first circles, is quite remarkable, just as you implied. I fear, however, with her limited background and her lack of fortune, she would not be treated well by the ton if I chose her. While she did not say, it sounded as though she was educated by her father for the most part.”
“You are correct. Mr. Bennet never employed a governess for his daughters.”
“Rather unusual.”
“Yes, and I am sure there are those of the ton who might frown, but that means little to the members of my circle. As you are well aware, many of my friends are valued for their intellectual pursuits and what they can contribute to society, not for their wealth or status or even their secondary accomplishments. In the case of Miss Elizabeth, I would say Mr. Bennet did an admirable job. She is well-schooled in a variety of subjects and can easily contribute to any conversation. And from what I gather, she can also converse in Italian and French. Not to mention that she is capable of reading a book in its original Latin or Greek if the subject interests her. That is no small feat for any woman, Fitzwilliam.”
“No, I suppose not. May I ask how old the young lady is?”
Lady Gwendolyn let out a little chuckle behind her fan. “Only a man would ask such a question. If you must know, my dear friend recently turned twenty at the beginning of May.”
He momentarily frowned. “Then she is not yet of age; even younger than I presumed.”
“Yes, but that should make little difference if she interests you.”
“True.”
“Fitzwilliam, have you decided if you will join us for my outing at the Kew on Tuesday afternoon? Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Elizabeth have agreed to come, and they will bring Miss Jane Bennet, whom I look forward to meeting. We gather at two o’clock in front of the Great Pagoda.”
“Yes, I am planning to attend.”
“Excellent. You may bring additional guests if it pleases you; perhaps Colonel Fitzwilliam.” She smiled knowingly. “He seems to have taken a keen interest in Mrs. Walden, who will also be in attendance.”
“I shall be sure to ask him and perhaps my friend Bingley.”
“Very good. Now if you will excuse me, as hostess, I intend to begin the entertainment by playing a movement from one of Beethoven’s shorter sonatas before introducing those who have agreed to perform.”
“Certainly; you have been most kind.” With that, Her Ladyship moved to the pianoforte and William took a seat at the rear of the room where he could easily hear all of the performers, and more importantly watch Miss Elizabeth Bennet when it was her turn to sing.
Keeping somewhat to himself, William preferred to review much of what was said at dinner.
Disregarding their involvement in trade, the Gardiners were charming people, and he had to admit that Miss Elizabeth intrigued him.
She was the first woman who had caught his notice since he gave up his suit of Lady Gwendolyn.
She was engaging, witty, and very self-assured for one so young.
If it were not for her unfortunate circumstances, he would not hesitate in proceeding towards a courtship.
Still, as Lady Gwendolyn pointed out, her situation should make little difference since he was established in society and certainly had no need of a woman with a dowry.
Thankfully, she was a gentleman’s daughter.
At least no one could fault her for that.
In retrospect, he might have been a little bold inviting Elizabeth and her aunt to Ballards, but the season was more than half over and he needed to press forward.
Fitzwilliam Darcy was known to have one of the finest libraries in all of England, and her enthusiasm for literature had spurred him on.
Sadly, Anne had never been interested in literature and therefore spent little time in their townhouse library, let alone the library at Pemberley, which had extensive volumes.
Other than Lady Gwendolyn and now Elizabeth Bennet, he had yet to meet any woman who seemed to share his passion for literature.
Continuing to ponder Elizabeth’s situation, he could not help but consider Mr. Bennet.
How could a man who fathered five daughters not make provisions for his family when his estate was entailed?
Perhaps that was the most disturbing part of her situation.
Even a country squire should have been able to put something aside for his daughters.
He could have easily invested with his brother-in-law.
After all, Gardiner had the reputation of being a shrewd businessman.
Now, because of their father’s near-death experience, the Bennet sisters were at the mercy of relatives and potential suitors to provide for their futures.
Should he ever meet Mr. Bennet, it would be a great curiosity to take the man’s measure.
Lady Gwendolyn’s Beethoven was exquisite. She was followed by Lady Eleanor, who entertained the guests with a lively movement of a Haydn sonata, providing a nice contrast. As the next performer stepped forth, Her Ladyship made her way to the back of the room and took a seat next to William.
“I hope you are enjoying your evening, Nephew,” she quietly said.
“I am; thank you, Aunt.”
“I noticed how Lady Gwendolyn partnered you with my friend Mrs. Gardiner and her niece Elizabeth Bennet for dinner. Tell me, is there something I should know?”
“I am sorry to disappoint you, but for the present there is nothing to tell. I admit the young lady does interest me, but her situation is rather disheartening. And while I have decided to learn more of her, I know it would be difficult for the family to accept her as my chosen wife. As it is, my mother-in-law still blames me for Anne’s death and will make things unpleasant for any woman I choose. ”
“Preposterous! You are no more to blame for Anne’s death than I am,” she nearly hissed, trying not to lose her temper. “Fitzwilliam, I urge you to follow your own counsel in this matter. The family was wrong to push you so hard after your father died. You are deserving of much more.”
“I appreciate your candour.”
“While your uncle would prefer you to marry someone of the ton, please know that I trust your judgement and intend to support you in whatever choice you make.”
He nodded. “Thank you, Aunt.”
“Perhaps you should consider joining us on Thursday evening for dinner. The party is not large, only fifteen families. There will be several young ladies in attendance whom you may also find to your liking.”
“As always, I thank you for your consideration. Please allow me to get back to you after I return from Kent. I leave early tomorrow and shall return on Monday.”
“Do give my best to Lady Catherine and tell little Anna that her Aunt Eleanor misses her. With it being the height of the season, I suppose you will not have time to visit Ramsgate.”
“No, not this time. Happily, Georgiana is enjoying her studies with Herr Schneider. He comes to her three times a week, and in her last correspondence, she stated that she is consumed with practice and is making significant progress. Her music master will be residing with his relations until the end of August. In that respect, her time in Ramsgate has worked out well.”
“In that respect? Do not tell me something is amiss.”
“Frankly, if it were not for her music lessons, I had much rather she stayed at Rosings Park with Anna.”
“How is that?”
“I find that I do not particularly care for the companion Lady Catherine chose for my sister, even though she came highly recommended. For one, Mrs. Younge has not been a good correspondent. In fact, I hear far more about my sister from her music master. Moreover, while Georgiana is practicing, my sister says that Mrs. Younge often walks to the village, rather than attending her during her studies. I do not think Georgie intended it as a complaint, but for my part I find it objectionable. If my sister was not so pleased with her lessons, I would remove her at once and dismiss Mrs. Younge.”
“I am surprised. Lady Catherine always prides herself on being such a good judge of character.”
“That may be, but in this instance I fear she has erred. I have written to Mrs. Younge and I intend to make my displeasure known to Lady Catherine while I am at Rosings Park.”
“Fitzwilliam, if you like, I would be happy to make inquiries for a replacement.”
“I would appreciate your help. Even though I have given her the benefit of the doubt, I would like to explore other options.”
“Certainly. I shall gladly do so, and if needs be we can speak further after you return from Kent. For now, if you will excuse me, Mrs. Walden is about to exhibit and, considering my son’s interest in the woman, I should like to resume my seat where I can easily observe both of them.
” She knowingly smiled. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, Fitzwilliam.”
“Thank you, Aunt.”
Following Mrs. Walden’s presentation, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner moved to the pianoforte. While her aunt was arranging her music, Elizabeth spoke of Thomas Moore and how this light-hearted song came about. William could not help but chuckle at her playful manner as she sang through the verses.
When Love is kind,
Cheerful and free,
Love's sure to find
Welcome from me.
But when Love brings
Heartache or pang,
Tears and such things --
Love may go hang!
If Love can sigh
For one alone,
Well pleased am I
To be that one.
But should I see
Love giv'n to rove
To two or three,
Then -- good-bye, Love!
Love must, in short,
Keep fond and true,
Through good report,
And evil too.
Else, here I swear,
Young Love may go,
For aught I care --
To Jericho.
Thomas Moore ~ Poet: 1780 - 1852
Irish writer, poet, and lyricist celebrated for his Irish Melodies.
After finishing the song, Mrs. Gardiner returned to her seat, leaving Elizabeth standing alone.
Having said a few words about Robert Burns and what inspired her to choose this particular Scottish ballad, Elizabeth began the simple tune in her lower range where the melody ebbed and flowed before ascending to the more dramatic higher phrases.
Singing tender words for a love who had departed, the listener could not help but be drawn into the imagery painted by the poetry and beauty of Elizabeth’s soothing voice.
If anyone had observed Fitzwilliam Darcy during her singing, they would not have missed how he, too, was affected by her performance.
Elizabeth Bennet was a passionate woman and he appreciated the heartfelt emotion with which she sang the tender melody.
Her Scottish accent was very tasteful and while listening, William could not believe how easily he was drawn into the world of her song, into the very essence of her being.
With little effort, he might fall in love with such a woman.
Could Lady Gwendolyn be right? Could he end up with much more than convenience if he chose Elizabeth Bennet?
Upon finishing, not a sound was heard until she humbly dropped her head, signalling the end.
My luve is like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my Luve is like the melodie
That’s sweetly play’d in tune;
As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry;
Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;
I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.
And fare thee weel, my only Luve
And fare thee weel, a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho’ it were ten thousand mile.
My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose
Robert Burns ~ 1794