Chapter Three #3
The more he became acquainted with Elizabeth, the more he liked her.
He wondered if she might be the woman who could fulfil his needs and make his dreams become a reality.
When she looked at him and smiled, he could not help but be drawn to her.
Still, they had not known each other for very long.
Other than her love of literature and nature, and a favourable recommendation by Lady Gwendolyn, there was much he did not know about her.
And in his estimation, there was far more she did not know about him.
For now he would be patient, hoping the rest of the week would help him to decide if he would ask her for a courtship or simply walk away.
Following dinner, Gardiner asked his daughters and Elizabeth to provide the family with some entertainment before the children were sent to bed.
The girls were demure as they took their seats at the pianoforte and played their duet.
Their shyness reminded him of Georgiana, who seldom played for strangers.
Nevertheless, Elizabeth was very encouraging while she turned pages for the young ladies.
Next, she would be the one to exhibit. At Lady Gwendolyn’s dinner, she had not wished to play, but here before her family, she was relaxed, and though not as well-trained as his sister, Elizabeth’s playing was every bit as ardent.
Her expression was one that warmed his heart, and when she sang, he was drawn to her far more than he cared to admit.
Tonight her choice was Ben Johnson. In a strange way, the words she sang of unrequited love seemed to mirror the yearnings of his heart.
True, he had never longed for a woman who could not be his, but in his case, he had suffered from years of loneliness.
Could she possibly know how the words of her song affected him as she sang?
No. Not even his closest relations knew the depth of the immense heartache he felt or of the endless struggles he had endured in a loveless marriage.
Initially, William had accepted that seeking another marriage of convenience was the best he could do.
Now, after meeting Elizabeth and the Gardiners, he knew it was not enough. He wanted more than convenience.
Drink to me only with thine eyes,
And I will pledge with mine;
Or leave a kiss but in the cup,
And I'll not look for wine.
The thirst that from the soul doth rise
Doth ask a drink divine;
But might I of Jove's nectar sup,
I would not change for thine.
I sent thee late a rosy wreath,
Not so much honouring thee
As giving it a hope, that there
It could not withered be.
But thou thereon didst only breathe,
And sent'st it back to me;
Since when it grows, and smells, I swear,
Not of itself, but thee.
Song to Celia – Ben Jonson 1616
Notes: Light shining out of Darkness is by William Cowper, 1779.
Most of the poems in the 1798 edition of Lyrical Poems with a Few Other Ballads were written by Wordsworth, with Coleridge contributing only four poems to the collection (although these made about a third of the book in length), including one of his most famous works, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
Darcy House
Tuesday, The Following Day
Late Morning
William and Richard were in the Billiard Room awaiting the arrival of Charles Bingley. The two cousins engaged in light banter as they executed their game of skill and Richard scored his second win.
“Darcy, if you ask me, your game is more than a little off today. Could it be the lovely Miss Elizabeth has stolen your heart and commandeered your attention?” He chuckled at William’s stiff demeanour when he mentioned the possibility.
“I saw the way you were watching her at Lady Gwendolyn’s dinner, and believe me, it was not simple curiosity. ”
“No,” he sighed, “it was not.”
“So, you do like her?!” Richard continued to prod.
“I do.”
“Capital! It must have been her singing. In my opinion Mrs. Walden was divine, but there was something exceptional about Miss Elizabeth. She interpreted her songs beautifully, and there was a soothing quality to her voice that could not be denied.”
“She was exquisite,” William quietly reflected, halting his shot and staring at some unknown object on the wall.
“Apparently so,” Richard said, giving his cousin a knowing nudge on the shoulder. “Frankly, I have not seen you this taken with a woman, well, since ever. Not even Lady Gwendolyn had this effect on your sensibilities.”
“I must admit Miss Elizabeth does intrigue me and I am looking forward to seeing her again this afternoon.”
“Yes, so I gather. Of course, getting to know a woman with so many about may prove challenging.”
“I am not concerned since I escorted Miss Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner to Ballards yesterday afternoon and stayed on for dinner. Those many hours we spent in each other’s company allowed me the opportunity to learn far more than a whole week of courtesy calls could ever provide.”
“Do you intend to ask for a courtship?”
“Notwithstanding her unfortunate circumstances, that is my inclination. Still, I prefer to wait until after your mother’s charity ball before I make up my mind. After all, I have not known her very long.”
“If you ask me, you are doing admirably well, considering your quarrelsome beginning with the young lady.” He shook his head. “Frankly, it is a wonder she accepted our apologies. Tell me, did you ever speak to Bingley about her sister?”
“By the time Bingley and I met, Gardiner had already spoken with him and conveyed the truth of Miss Bennet’s dowry and Miss Eliza Deming’s rumour.
He said it mattered not, for he was in love and fully intended to court Miss Bennet without any regard to her lack of portion or the possibility of supporting a houseful of women.
From what he told me, his sisters are not pleased, but in this instance he has decided to be his own man. ”
“Good for Bingley. Having relied on your judgement for so many years, I would not have expected him to take such a stand.”
“My only hope is that it will work out for him. Bingley is an amiable man and deserves to have a good life.”
At that moment, their conversation was interrupted by William’s butler who presented the master with a missive.
After a moment William said, “It is from Bingley. Apparently he is detained, but says he will join us later at the entrance to the gardens. Something about doing Caroline’s bidding this morning, if I can decipher his deplorable penmanship. ”
“Ah, yes, Miss Bingley.” Richard shuddered. “Now there is one woman I would not wish to be tied to. Her thirty thousand pounds could never compensate for her smug ways. ‘Tis a great pity she is not more like her brother.”
William frowned. “Undeniably. Bingley has invited me to dine tomorrow evening, and I am not looking forward to Miss Bingley’s constant fawning and criticism of society in general.
Being invited to many private events this season, I have been fortunate to avoid her as much as I have.
Tomorrow, however, is an exception, but I will endure it for Bingley’s sake. ”
Richard chuckled. “How interesting: Miss Bingley’s persistence on Wednesday, Mother’s dinner party on Thursday with more eligible women, and then the Charity Ball on Friday where both of us will be required to dance every set.
” Again he chuckled. “Cheer up, Cousin; at least you will not have to endure Eliza Deming’s presence at Mother’s dinner party.
Much to her disappointment, the Demings are hosting their Bennet relations that evening and will not be able to attend. ”
“It is just as well. I cannot abide Eliza Deming and her childish ways. Clearly, she does not take after her elder siblings let alone her parents.”
“You have the right of that. Mrs. Walden says the young woman has vowed to secure matches for all of her Bennet cousins, including the younger sisters whom we have yet to meet, I might add. Though it has only been a few days, she most likely has heard of your interest in Miss Elizabeth, and her machinations may easily extend to you.”
“Is nothing private in this town?” William nearly spat. “As far as anyone is concerned, I was only in company with Miss Elizabeth for dinner last Friday, and that is hardly a cause for matchmaking.”
“Yes, but do not forget Mother was at the same dinner party, and she and Lady Deming are very close. Who is to say Mother has not already mentioned your interest in Miss Elizabeth?”
William’s scowl suddenly increased. “I certainly hope not. Your mother did ask me about Miss Elizabeth, but what I said was not meant to be shared. I do not need anyone’s assistance with the young lady and can manage very well on my own.”
“I should think so.” Again Richard chuckled. “Say, how about we get back to our game? After all, I am winning.”
William glared. “How could I forget?”
The Royal Gardens - The Kew
Outside the Great Pagoda
Shortly before two o’clock, Mrs. Gardiner stood conversing with Mrs. Walden while Elizabeth and Jane were in private conversation off to the side. The women, along with a few other guests, were waiting for the arrival of Lady Gwendolyn and several more of her friends.
“Jane, I am so happy for you. From what you say, Mr. Bingley is everything you desire in a husband and with him being so attentive, surely he will ask for a courtship.”
She blushed with the compliment. “Oh, Lizzy, that is my fervent wish. When we came to Town, I had no idea I would meet such a dear man.”
“Have you told him much about Mama and our younger sisters? With the Bingleys and Hursts being invited to Lady Deming’s dinner on Thursday, I fear it will be difficult for Mama. She will not be able to check herself once she sees how much Mr. Bingley admires you.”