Chapter 4 #2
“You do not fool me, Elizabeth Bennet. By the time the balls come around, you will have been introduced at several dinners. Not to mention attending a performance in the Darcy’s box. That shall draw some attention, I have no doubt.”
“Aye, Lizzy,” quipped her uncle. “They will be lining up outside the box at intermission to be introduced to you.”
Refusing to show them her disbelief, she lowered her head, until Mrs Gardiner placed a finger under her chin to raise it back up. “None of that now. You are beautiful and you will stand with confidence.”
With a shy smile Elizabeth said softly, “I have no preference. I only hope I shall not be too tired for my mornings at Foundling House.”
Mrs Gardiner patted Elizabeth’s hand. “Fear not, my dear, we shall not overtax you with these events. Mrs Johnson informs me the girls adore you and would be disappointed if you did not show. The committee is well satisfied with the project you started and are making plans to ensure there is someone to step in, once you return to Longbourn.”
~ / ~
Word had spread about the Gardiner’s niece, and many wondered if she was as pretty as the fair-haired beauty from the previous year.
At a dinner party a few days later, Mr Gardiner was greeted warmly when he and the ladies entered.
“Gardiner, how wonderful to see you. Mrs Gardiner, you are looking lovely this evening.” Mr Mansfield was grinning widely, his eyes kept flickering to Elizabeth. Mrs Gardiner offered courtesy comments back to him and his wife.
“Mansfield, allow me to introduce my niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth, Mr and Mrs Mansfield, ah, and I see their son has joined us.”
Elizabeth curtseyed, “I am pleased to meet you.”
Mr Mansfield gave a bow. “Miss Bennet, my son, Mr Simon Mansfield.”
Mr Mansfield, the younger, bowed to Elizabeth and she curtseyed, “Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure indeed to meet you. I have been looking forward to an introduction.”
“Have you, sir? I cannot see how that might be the case. Or has my presence been heralded around London, to great fanfare?” She kept her expression neutral, but for the slight twinkle in her eyes.
“Ahh, I am sorry to disappoint you, as it was not with great fanfare. Heralded, however…”
Mr Mansfield the elder, clapped his son on the back. “This one heard Miss Jane Bennet’s sister had come to stay with the Gardiners and has been anxious to make her acquaintance ever since.”
His son’s countenance fell even as it flushed red in embarrassment. “Forgive me, I recall your sister being a, erm, kind person.”
Elizabeth took mercy on the young man and said, “I cannot promise to be as kind as my sister, Jane, who is now Mrs Lawford, but I am a good listener, and I enjoy a good tease.”
Recovering his composure, he offered his arm to escort her into the drawing room. There he proceeded to introduce her to the other young guests, and his sister.
“Miss Bennet, my sister Miss Abigail Mansfield, Abby, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“I am happy to meet you, Miss Bennet.” Abigail Mansfield was a petite young lady; her stature was on a smaller scale than Elizabeth’s and her voice had a high, clear tone.
Elizabeth tilted her head. “And I am pleased to meet you, Miss Mansfield. May I be bold and inquire if you sing?”
The younger lady’s eyes widened in surprise. “I do!” She gasped, and repeated more quietly, “I do, Miss Bennet. How did you know?”
“Oh, I did not, but from the tone of your voice I wondered if perhaps you did. It has a lovely quality.”
Mr Mansfield bumped his sister with his elbow. “This one would sing and play all day, if we let her.”
Elizabeth quirked one eyebrow, “I do not see anything wrong with doing something one enjoys, for an unlimited length of time.”
He coughed and turned red again. When both ladies turned questioning looks at him. He excused himself claiming he needed a drink of water and offered to bring them refreshments. When they declined, he rushed away.
Elizabeth smiled at Miss Mansfield. “To be sure, there are some days I wish I could sit and read for hours on end, if it were at all possible.”
“I am not a great reader, but my brother is correct. I would play and sing for hours, if it would not drive everyone else in the house to bedlam.” They shared commiserating smiles.
“And shall you exhibit for us this evening?”
Miss Mansfield smiled bashfully, “I shall. I have prepared one piece to play this evening. I admit to still being very nervous about performing in public. Singing will be quite beyond my capabilities until I conquer my nerves.”
“Then I look forward to hearing you play.”
Mr Simon Mansfield returned and continued to introduce Elizabeth around.
When dinner was called, Mrs Mansfield announced seating was informal that evening and all the young people elected to sit at the middle of the table.
Their conversation centred around events of the Season, describing balls and soirees they had already attended.
It then moved on to plays they wished to see and upcoming balls they were anticipating.
Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised at how well she was enjoying the evening.
However, by the time coffee was consumed following the separation of the sexes, and Miss Mansfield and one other young lady had exhibited, she was ready to retire.
Luckily, her aunt and uncle felt the same way and they excused themselves, bidding their hosts a goodnight.
Mr Simon Mansfield bowed over Elizabeth’s hand. “I hope we see each other again soon. Perhaps at a ball. I should be more than happy to claim a dance, Miss Bennet.”
“And I might even reserve one for you, sir.” Elizabeth grinned and bade him goodnight.
The coach was called for as they gathered their outerwear, and Elizabeth stifled a yawn.
“Lizzy, I believe you will be happy to seek your bed when we get home.” Madeline put an arm around her shoulders.
“Indeed, Aunt. I will need to build up some endurance for all the late nights in my future.”
They entered the carriage.
“You do not regret coming out this evening?” her uncle inquired.
“No, Uncle. It was a lovely evening. Much livelier than I had anticipated.”
“The Mansfields are good people. They do not put on airs. Indeed, he was one of my earliest investors and has turned a good profit since the start of our relationship.”
“I would not object to being in their company again.”
Mr and Mrs Gardiner smiled in unison, both tremendously pleased with the evening’s success.