Chapter Eight
M rs. Gardiner was not an easily surprised woman. Her upbringing had prepared her well for the vagaries of life and there was a certain northern stoicism that seldom permitted her to be caught off guard. When her nieces related the news of their day over dinner, she paused a moment before nodding, and was ready to listen attentively to their account .
Mr. Gardiner, however, was a little more open in his astonishment.
“Mrs. Houghton? Mrs. Houghton of Houghton Park has invited you to a soiree?”
“Yes, sir. We had the pleasure of meeting her this morning and again by chance this afternoon. I suppose she liked the look of Jane, which is scarce to be wondered at.”
“I think she rather preferred Elizabeth's turn of phrase, Uncle.”
“Well now, I am astonished. The Houghtons are well known to me — not in terms of acquaintance, no indeed — but they have been one of the leading London families for a long time. The son, Mr. Houghton, who now owns Houghton Park, was recently married to the daughter of a duke. Lady…I do not remember now, but the point stands that they are a lofty family.”
“I own I rather liked her,” said Elizabeth gaily. “She is plain speaking to be sure. It rather gives me an ambition to emulate her when I grow elderly.”
“It is only excessively wealthy women who have the privilege to be plain speaking, Lizzy,” offered Aunt Gardiner with a smile.
“Then I had better amend my ambition. Do you suppose I might manage to be direct in my speech and wealthy?”
“Lizzy!” Miss Bennet objected. “I know you to be funning — you have never been mercenary.”
“I am afraid you must add to that amendment one thing: widowhood. We married ladies must guard our tongues. Mrs. Houghton's situation is unique. She is well born, well widowed, and well endowed with fortune.”
“Is it so very surprising that she should have invited us?” asked Jane nervously .
“She is established enough to be selective about her acquaintances. If I am to accompany you, I think we ought not to mention that we are not landed gentry like your father. Not,” she added, with a gentle hand laid on her husband's arm, “that I am in any way ashamed of your uncle's hard work and fine business sense, but it pays to be cautious.”
“You will go with us, Aunt? We may attend?” Lizzy leant forward in her chair eagerly.
“Certainly. It will be an interesting experience if nothing else. It will do both you and Jane good to have a little amusement and I trust you to comport yourselves well. Furthermore, as you have pointed out, we all have fine new dresses that deserve a discerning audience. It seems wasteful to squander an opportunity.”
“We will be a very sociable household this week then,” said Mr. Gardiner cheerfully. “Tonight we are to have our neighbours to dine — very informally. I think we might even permit the children at table; what think you, my dear? Then we are to the assembly on Saturday and after that I shall wave you farewell as you go to grander affairs.”
“I wish you might come with us, Uncle,” said Jane.
“Not I. I have a long-standing promise to attend a business meeting with a few partners of mine. Mrs. Gardiner will tell you that they are dull affairs but that the food is very likely more plentiful than you will find at Mrs. Houghton's.”
“I will assiduously compare the offerings,” smiled his wife .
“We will set you up as a connoisseur of the culinary.” Lizzy's eyes sparkled with delight. “You must be as difficult to please as possible, Aunt, and then you may be assured that Mrs. Houghton's guests will think you very fine indeed.”
Elizabeth enjoyed the few days that followed. She was able to adapt to and enjoy herself in any society. If the people were friendly and engaging, then she was ready to be entertained. She noted that the characters she met in London were not so different from the ones she had encountered in Hertfordshire. Within Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner's circle of acquaintances there were many sensible people, and a delightful smattering of foolish ones too. To Elizabeth's amusement, they encountered a man at the assembly who, taking one look at Miss Bennet arrayed like an angel in white, could speak only in garrulous odes of her beauty for the rest of the evening. By the end of the night, every dance had been danced, and between them Elizabeth and Jane had evoked a good deal of interest from the gentlemen and envy from the ladies .
Elizabeth laughed at Jane's embarrassment that night when they had climbed into their bed. “Only think, dearest, your poet is just the thing. I had worried that you wished for a Mr. Collins yourself after he declared himself to me, and now here is a fine opportunity.”
“You are in lively spirits, Lizzy — I take it that you enjoyed yourself.” Miss Bennet's cheeks were pink but she rallied in the face of her sister's laughter. “Do not think I did not observe how often your hand was sought.”
“Well, of course it was,” replied Elizabeth modestly, “and I daresay there may have been one or two gentlemen who even asked me without hoping I might introduce them to my angelic sister. What did Mr. Gumbold call you? 'Fairest, most beauteous ghostlike perfection'?”
“I wish you would not. I pity him.”
“Naturally you do.”
“I wonder that he thought a young lady would like to be compared to a spirit?”
“I do not suppose he could remember words like 'ethereal.' If I am to be fair to the man, he was quite lost to your loveliness. I am amazed that he did not offer for you on the spot.”
“Poor Mr. Gumbold. I only wish that he might avoid the disappointment. Perhaps he will fall in love with a young lady who can return his affections. ”
“I feel sorry for her then, for he is not eligible. Not even so fine a match as our cousin, although I think that Mr. Gumbold has the edge on grace — did he tread on your toes as you danced? I could not readily tell, for you do not wince overtly.”
“I should not dream of embarrassing a partner for the occasional misstep, Lizzy. It may be one day that I will need the same grace extended to me. What if I were to step on a gentleman's toes and his expression made it apparent to everyone in the room? I should be mortified.”
Elizabeth laughed. “My dear Jane! Of all the things to trouble you, that must surely be the least likely. You are one of the most graceful dancers I have ever seen!"
“Lydia must take the title for the best dancer — she is so quick to grasp the steps.”
“Very well, Lydia is the best dancer among us, but for grace you must be equal. For graciousness, you are the sure victor. Do you remember when she insisted that Mr. Goulding be talked through the measures last year, when the poor boy took only two wrong turns?”
“Oh yes, poor Mr. Goulding, but I did feel sorrier for Lydia — he bruised her badly when he collided with her.”
“I wonder if there will be the same variety of people at Mrs. Houghton's soiree, Jane. In my estimation, wealth and rank may vary but one sees the same characters recurring wherever one goes.”
“You think, then, that there is no real superiority in the ton? I had no idea that you had such egalitarian views, Lizzy.”
“I did not say that. Perhaps wealth and privilege may bring greater experience and manners bring better regulation, but in essentials — I do not believe human nature varies so much on account of birth. Mr. Darcy, for example, had he been born a Collins, might well have turned out similarly to our cousin.”
“Elizabeth! There are a great many differences between those two gentlemen. How can you compare them?”
“You are right. Mr. Collins persuaded himself that he was enamoured of me and Mr. Darcy dislikes me immensely. Let us rest. I must be tired — and little wonder. I do not know why I brought Mr. Darcy into the conversation at all. We are not likely to meet him again. It has been almost a week and there is no sign of a visit from Miss Bingley. Perhaps that acquaintance and thus that connection are done with.”
“Yes,” whispered Jane quietly, quickly blowing out the candle that burned beside their bed. “Yes, perhaps they are done with.”
Both young ladies were ready on Tuesday evening a full hour before it was necessary. Jane admitted that it was her nerves which led her to be as forward in her preparations as she was, but Elizabeth denied even a qualm .
“I am only dressed as early as I am because Isobel and Rachel wished to see me in my finery before they go to bed. Shall we go up to the nursery, O fairest, most beauteous ghost?”
“Stop it, Elizabeth. Yes, of course we shall go up to see the children — you are right to think of it. I remember when I was little how delightful it was to see Mama dressed up before she went out.”
The sisters were duly admired by their cousins, and shortly went downstairs to await Mrs. Gardiner, who declined to hurry unnecessarily on her way to an engagement .
By the time they arrived in Wimpole Street, it was clear that the evening's amusement was well underway and that while they were not fashionably late, neither were they unduly early. Mrs. Houghton greeted them, once they had ascended the stairs. She looked at their gowns approvingly. “White again? It is well thought. You are welcome, Miss Bennet, and you, Miss Elizabeth. I trust you brought your tongue?”
“Certainly, madam,” replied Elizabeth, smiling as she curtseyed. “I also brought a spare pair of gloves so that I may accidentally leave a pair behind for you to return. It is clever of me, is it not? Thus we may assure ourselves that you will grace us with a visit after this event.”
Mrs. Houghton looked amused. “And this must be your aunt? How do you do? Your nieces do you credit.”
“Mrs. Houghton, may I present Mrs. Gardiner. She has graciously consented to watch our behaviour this evening. We are indebted.”
“Is it an arduous task, Mrs. Gardiner?”
Their aunt laughed lightly. “Not at all, Mrs. Houghton. Miss Bennet in particular has never given her parents a qualm, and Miss Elizabeth's conduct is better than she would have you believe. ”
“There is a young man, Miss Bennet, who is desirous of being introduced to you. Mr. Fitzroy is the son of an old friend of mine — your name was mentioned to him as a desirable acquaintance. Now, let me see — ah yes, over by the table there speaking to the Countess of Matlock. I will take you and then I must return here. It is a trial — to be expected to greet all of my guests — but it must be done.”
“Particularly if you are obliged to remember them all.”
“Quite so, Miss Elizabeth. One day I shall risk setting the fashion for not troubling myself to stand at the door.”
“We will encourage all of our acquaintances to adopt it as the only acceptable mode in a hostess.”
“I am glad that I might depend upon your support, Miss Elizabeth. I predict you will marry very well, so your encouragement might turn out to be useful. Mr. Fitzroy, here is your quarry, sir. Your friend did not mislead you, as you see. Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, and Miss Elizabeth, may I present Mr. Fitzroy.”
Mr. Fitzroy bowed deeply. “I see my friend Mr. Eckworth did not mislead me — it is indeed an honour. To see the pair of you in white, I am reminded of…perhaps doves or…or…”
“Ghosts?” supplied Elizabeth, with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
Mrs. Houghton produced another of her sudden cracks of laughter and tapped her fan lightly on Elizabeth's arm. “Aye, it will be said that Mrs. Houghton's latest soiree was attended by every person of importance and the prettiest pair of ghosts to be found in good society. It will give me a certain cachet that you came. You will excuse me.”
“Before you go, Mrs. Houghton, I too should like an introduction.” It did not sound as though the lady wished for an introduction; to Lizzy's ears, her voice was imbued with ennui. Lady Matlock was a tall lady, even seated, with an angular face. She wore a matched set of ruby earrings and necklace, the size of which made Elizabeth blink .
“Swiftly then. Lady Matlock, here are Mrs. Gardiner and her nieces, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. I encountered these delightful young ladies when I was returning Miss Bingley's gloves at Grosvenor Street. There now, I have done my duty and must go. I see that Mrs. Lambeth is coming up the stairs and even I do not care to start our new fashion with her , Miss Elizabeth.”
Lizzy laughed again and Lady Matlock stared at her. “My nephew is acquainted with the Bingley family. Perhaps you have encountered Mr. Darcy of Pemberley?”
Jane nodded slowly. “Yes, Your Ladyship. We met him this winter — we were obliged to stay at Netherfield when Mr. Darcy was also there.”
“We would not claim to be direct acquaintances of Mr. Darcy, however,” said Elizabeth quickly. “It is rather through the Bingleys that we met him. Mr. Bingley leased a house in the same county in which we live. They were not three miles from Longbourn.”
Lady Matlock's finely shaped brows rose fractionally. She had met any number of young ladies eagerly claiming her notice because Mr. Darcy had met them twice. To hear an acquaintance with her nephew disclaimed was unusual. “Longbourn is the town where you live, Miss Bennet?”
Jane shook her head. She looked exceptionally beautiful that evening. A soft curl had been coaxed to touch her shoulder, drawing attention to the slope of her shoulder. The gold of her hair seemed brighter against the white silk of her gown. “Longbourn is our family home, Your Ladyship. It is not large or particularly grand, but it is home and has been owned by the Bennet family for generations.”
Her Ladyship seemed to thaw fractionally, and nodded. “I grew up in the country. Cedars was not so large as Matlock but remains a favourite place of mine.”
Mr. Fitzroy, who had been waiting for Lady Matlock to finish speaking, interjected. “Eckworth tells me that you have a reputation, Miss Bennet.”
He found four ladies staring at him in the blankest astonishment, and he stuttered as he continued, “I beg your pardon. I…I meant…Eckworth said you are an unparalleled card player. That is what I should have said.”
Miss Bennet's expression was carefully neutral and Lady Matlock's unnerving gaze remained fixed upon him. Mrs. Gardiner was stood quietly by, observing, and only Miss Elizabeth displayed any expression. He thought he saw a glimmer of humour in her dark eyes and he bowed in her direction, “There are a few young people making up a set in the adjoining room, Miss Elizabeth. Might I have the honour?”
Lizzy smiled and dipped a curtsey. “Do you mind if I dance, Aunt? ”
“No, Elizabeth. Jane and I will watch you.”
Mr. Fitzroy bowed again, this time towards Miss Bennet. “Perhaps Miss Bennet might honour me with a turn afterwards?”
“I should be honoured, Mr. Fitzroy.”
“While your sister is dancing with this young gentleman, I should like to introduce you to one or two people, Miss Bennet. I shall not keep you long, but I see that my nephew over there is craning his neck in my direction in the hopes that I will beckon him across.”
Elizabeth, who was now on the arm of Mr. Fitzroy, turned her head abruptly. She had not observed Mr. Darcy in the room.
Lady Matlock raised her ivory fan a little and a fair-haired young man approached eagerly. “Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth — this is my sister's eldest son, Sir Vernon Grant. ”
“I am delighted to meet you, Miss Bennet. I saw you come in with Mrs. Houghton and decided to myself that you would surely make a delightful dance partner. Might I beg the honour? ”
Jane, after a questioning look to her aunt, nodded. “I should be pleased to dance with you, Sir Vernon. Are we to dance now?”
The sisters were led away, and Mrs. Gardiner followed, content to stand by and watch as her nieces took their place in the set. A servant approached and offered her a glass of punch. Elizabeth's mischievous words echoed in her mind and a sudden spirit of fun overtook her. It was a strange evening, after all, to be present amongst such people as this. Mrs. Gardiner regarded the silver platter seriously. “No, I never take punch. It is often badly blended. I will partake of a small glass of sherry if you have any that is sufficient quality.” Deeply impressed, the servant bowed low and disappeared to do her bidding.
Mrs. Gardiner made her way to a chair from which she could observe the dancing and, carefully arranging the thick folds of damask about her, sat down — fully prepared to enjoy her evening .