Chapter Rolled up Carpets & Slippers #2
By the second dance, the room was fully animated.
Laughter rose as Bingley misjudged a turn and was set to rights by his wife, and even Caroline allowed herself a brief, controlled smile at Richard’s more flamboyant gestures.
Georgiana clapped softly as the figure came to an end and stepped forward to congratulate Jane with a shy but eager expression.
At that moment, footsteps sounded in the corridor beyond, and the butler reappeared at the open door.
“Lady Rowena Fitzwilliam. Mr Edward Fitzwilliam.”
Elizabeth rose at once to greet them. Rowena was Richard’s younger sister, lively and warm, and she moved with the cheerful assurance that so often disarmed a room.
Behind her came Edward, the youngest of the Fitzwilliam brood.
Where Richard possessed a soldier’s easy noise and Rowena a ready brightness, Edward carried himself with the measured poise of his profession.
Called to the bar the year before, he already had the air of a man accustomed to weighing words.
“Well,” Richard said with mock solemnity, “our reinforcements have arrived. Beware, Georgiana. When two Fitzwilliams join forces, even Darcy cannot stand against them.”
Rowena kissed Georgiana with affectionate warmth. “We would not miss it. I am told you have been coaxed onto the floor.”
Edward bowed with graceful courtesy. “And I am here to ensure my sister does not exaggerate. Though I fear the task may exceed my abilities.”
Caroline approached the pianoforte with graceful purpose, her fingers trailing lightly along the keys before she looked up, composed and attentive. “If you would prefer to dance, Mrs Darcy, I should be delighted to take your place. It would be no hardship, I assure you.”
Elizabeth rose with polite gratitude. “You are very kind, Miss Bingley.”
Caroline settled onto the bench, her back straight and her gown artfully arranged. She tested the touch of the instrument with a few poised notes. “I hope you will not be severe if I stray from your usual tempo.”
“I am certain you will do very well,” Darcy said mildly.
Caroline’s eyes lingered on him a moment too long before she lowered them to the keys.
“You shall do admirably, I am certain,” said Rowena, already unfastening the clasp of her pelisse. “I shall need a partner if I am to be of any use. Who will offer an arm?”
Darcy stepped forward with an inclination of the head. “Allow me the honour, Cousin.”
Rowena smiled. “With pleasure.”
Edward turned to Georgiana with a slight bow. “Miss Darcy, shall we renew our partnership from last winter? I recall we made an excellent team.”
Georgiana’s answering smile held both relief and anticipation. “Yes, I remember. I should like that very much.”
Richard glanced between the remaining ladies with theatrical seriousness. “I see I am left with the honour of choosing between two ladies whose good opinion I cannot afford to lose. Fortunately, one of them has already promised not to judge my steps too severely.”
Jane laughed and took his arm. “And you shall be forgiven any missteps, provided you do not tread upon my toes.”
“That, madam, I shall endeavour to avoid.”
Bingley stepped closer to Elizabeth with a bright smile. “May I have the honour, Mrs Darcy?”
“With all my heart,” Elizabeth replied, and placed her hand in his.
The morning unfolded in a series of cheerful sets and easy laughter.
As the music played, partners shifted and re-formed with natural familiarity.
Richard and Jane danced with lively steps and livelier conversation, while Edward and Georgiana moved with grace and growing ease.
Elizabeth stood up with Bingley, and then with her cousin Edward, while Darcy partnered Rowena through a waltz that drew approving smiles from all quarters.
Caroline relinquished the pianoforte with well-timed modesty, and Lady Rowena took a turn at the keys.
Her playing was elegant and spirited, and she accompanied the last set with such liveliness that even Georgiana forgot to count her steps.
By the time the music faded, cheeks were flushed and spirits high.
Light refreshments were served in the adjoining drawing room, and the party settled into chairs and sofas with the easy comfort of old friends and close family.
Steam curled gently from teacups. A silver tray of cakes was passed from hand to hand.
A general air of accomplishment lingered over the gathering.
It was Rowena who first turned the conversation toward the matter that had brought them together. “Well, my dear Georgiana, if this morning is any indication, you shall impress even the stiffest courtier. How soon are we to have the honour of seeing you in feathers and satin?”
Georgiana, seated beside her brother on the settee, coloured faintly but did not flinch. “It is to be next Thursday. I received the confirmation from Lady Melbourne only yesterday.”
“A week,” said Richard, drawing out the word with dramatic weight. “Just enough time for a dozen fittings and twice as many lectures on deportment.”
“Richard,” said Darcy, though his tone was more fond than censorious.
“Lady Melbourne, of course,” Richard continued with a mock bow. “The Regent’s own queen of society. A week, you say? She does like to keep us all on our toes.”
Bingley leaned forward with enthusiasm. “Is it terribly daunting, Miss Darcy? I have never been presented myself, of course, but I imagine it is the sort of occasion that makes one forget how to walk.”
“Or breathe,” added Jane gently. “But you shall not be alone. We shall be there in spirit, if not in the gallery.”
“Not alone at all,” said Rowena firmly. “You shall have us before and after, and I daresay your brother will pace the length of the drawing room until he is told the exact number of ladies ahead of you.”
Darcy raised one brow. “I may be more usefully employed ensuring the carriage arrives on time.”
Georgiana glanced around the circle of familiar faces, her expression softening. “I used to think I would feel very alone in a room full of strangers. But now it feels more like stepping into the next room while everyone I care for waits just beyond the door.”
Darcy’s hand settled briefly over hers. “And we shall be waiting, every one of us.”
Elizabeth caught her sister in law’s eye. No words passed between them, but the smile they shared was warm and knowing, touched with something more than pride.
“I daresay you will remember that day for more than one reason,” Elizabeth said quietly, her tone as mild as her expression.
Georgiana gave a soft laugh into her teacup, saying nothing.
Darcy, frowning faintly, looked between them. “Have I missed something?”
Elizabeth lifted a brow, her smile untroubled. “Only the certainty that your sister is ready. I imagine you shall find the day full of surprises.”
“That is not always a comforting thought,” Darcy said.
“Oh, but sometimes it is,” said Georgiana softly.
The conversation drifted onward, filled with laughter and plans, but Elizabeth’s gaze lingered on Georgiana’s brightened expression.
She had wanted this morning to be a gift, not only for her sister, but for herself.
And as the firelight danced on silver teapots and polished boots, she thought perhaps it had been.