Elizabeth bounced in her seat, the swaying of the carriage only accounting for a small portion of her movements. The anxious fist gripping her heart accounted for a far larger portion.
Jane reached over and laid a gentle hand on Elizabeth’s knee.
“Be calm,” she whispered. “You’re drawing the attention of our aunt and uncle.”
Elizabeth immediately ceased her motion—she had no wish to explain her nervous behaviour to the Gardiners. They were certainly the most grounded and prudent of her relatives, but even they would find the story of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy irresistible. Elizabeth certainly had not been able to stop thinking of it since it happened, and since meeting Mr. Darcy yesterday, she had scarcely thought of anything else.
She was infuriated by the confusing situation and wracked by other strong emotions: fear chief among them. What possible motivation could Mr. Darcy possibly have had to invite them to his house? Did he wish to renew his sentiments?
Elizabeth certainly regretted her harsh words of rejection, but she firmly believed she had made the right choice. Mr. Darcy was certainly a more honourable man than she had given him credit, but his general demeanour still struck her in a displeasing manner. She dreaded the idea of turning him down again; now that she knew his character, she loathed the idea of causing him pain.
As she loathed the idea of causing anyone pain, she assured herself. Mr. Darcy was no different than anyone else.
Mr. Darcy’s potential attachment to her was only part of the reason she feared this meal, however. For while she was familiar with and comfortable within the social circles of her native Hertfordshire, she did not possess the same level of confidence about the circles of London.
Elizabeth had practiced in Rosings, to some extent, but Lady Catherine had always made it plain that her guests were not of the same social standing as herself and her daughter. It had grated upon Elizabeth’s pride, but she did not realise the safety such snobbery had afforded.
It was clear that Mr. Darcy had approached Elizabeth and Jane on the same social footing, and Elizabeth was not sure how to behave in such situations. Especially given what she had heard of Miss Georgiana Darcy’s proud demeanour and comportment.
Her logical mind told her that she would be fine, that fine manners and polite conversation would carry her far in the London scene—just as it had in Hertfordshire. But she still feared being considered an ill-mannered country bumpkin. Elizabeth felt her face burn with shame at remembering her mother’s declaration that Meryton offered the same social distractions as London—as if dining with four and twenty families made the Bennets sophisticated.
“Oh, I wish we had not agreed to this,” Elizabeth whispered back to Jane. “I do not know if I will survive the night!”
“You shall be just fine,” Jane reassured her, glancing about to ensure Maria and the Gardiners were otherwise occupied. Fortunately, they seemed to be deep in thought as they gazed upon their surroundings out the carriage window. “You have demonstrated your ability to hold your own with Mr. Darcy many times, and tonight will be no different.”
Elizabeth was grateful for her sister’s reassurances, but wondered if she believed her words to be true.
“Look!” Maria squealed with delight, pointing out the window all of a sudden. “Look at this house! It is such a pity that he is so disagreeable, Lizzy, for he is in possession of very pretty things.”
Elizabeth leaned forward to see what Maria was pointing at. The carriage had stopped in front of a handsome house, one of several in a row of handsome houses. Elizabeth had never before ventured into this part of London, but she knew that it was among the most desirable addresses in the city.
“Maria, you mustn’t say such things!” Jane admonished. “Mr. Darcy has shown himself to be quite agreeable in extending an invitation to us and we must remember to be polite.”
“Quite right,” Mr. Gardiner said in agreement. The coachmen opened the door and Mr. Gardiner moved to step out of the carriage. “I want nothing more to be said on the subject. We are guests and we will accord ourselves with honour.”
“I did not mean anything by it,” Maria said, her face crimson.
“I know you did not,” Elizabeth assured her. “It’s just like at Lady Catherine’s, and you behaved most properly in those situations. I’m sure you will be fine.”
Maria beamed gratefully back towards Elizabeth before climbing out after Mrs. Gardiner.
“You would do well to remember your own words,” Jane remarked softly.
Elizabeth looked at her strangely. “Surely you do not think I would be rude?” She asked, slightly offended that Jane would think such things.
“No,” Jane said, sliding towards the door. “I was referring to the reassurances you offered: You will be fine. For it is true. No matter what happens tonight, you will be fine.”
Jane did not look back to see how her words impacted her sister as she exited the carriage. But Elizabeth allowed them to flow over her. Taking advantage of the empty compartment, she closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. Everything would be fine. There was no reason to worry or be afraid. Tonight would be pleasant for everyone.
“Come on Lizzy!” Mr. Gardiner’s jovial voice broke into her silent self-assurances. She opened her eyes and felt a new determination settle over her—she would not allow Mr. Darcy to spoil a fine evening among good people. She would not.
The room the footman led them into was well appointed and contained a number of fine paintings, carpets and sculptures. Elizabeth, however, saw none of it for as soon as they entered the room, her eyes were immediately drawn to Mr. Darcy.
Before the servant had even announced their arrival, she noticed him standing in front of the fireplace, his back to them. He wore a dark red coat and blue trousers to the ankle—both in the latest fashions. His curly dark hair fell to just below his collar, and Elizabeth noted that his coat emphasised his strong back.
Realising what she was doing, Elizabeth tore her eyes away, embarrassed to be assessing the man in such a manner. Instead, her eyes fell upon Miss Georgiana Darcy. She sat reading the book that she had purchased the day before and looked up when the servant cleared his throat.
“Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and Miss Maria Lucas,” the man said with a low bow towards the Darcys.
Georgiana jumped up from her seat and rushed over to the group.
“Miss Elizabeth, Miss Jane, Miss Maria! I am so pleased that you are here,” Georgiana said, a wide smile upon her face. She looked expectantly towards Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle and waited patiently to be introduced.
Elizabeth immediately took it upon herself to make the introductions. “Aunt, Uncle?” The Gardiners turned and waited for Elizabeth to continue. “May I present Miss Georgiana Darcy? Miss Georgiana, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.”
“I am glad to meet you,” Georgiana said, sounding genuine. “Mrs. Gardiner, I wonder, do you enjoy the pianoforte?”
“I enjoy the music immensely, though I regret I am unable to play,” Mrs. Gardiner admitted. “A lack that I have assured not be repeated in my own daughters, young as they may be.”
Georgiana smiled widely. “Well, perhaps we will be able to persuade Miss Elizabeth to play for us. My brother has told me that she plays very well.”
Elizabeth heard this declaration and nearly laughed aloud. “You are quite mistaken, Miss Georgiana, for I play but a little and quite poorly.”
“I shall not believe it,” Georgiana declared. “For my brother is most honest and would not claim such untruths.”
“I believe, in this instance, his kindness has led to a stretching of the truth,” Elizabeth laughed.
“I said quite well, not very well,” Mr. Darcy said, coming up behind his sister and laying a hand on her shoulder. He smiled at her fondly.
“Perhaps quite well is a closer description but still far kinder than my poor playing deserves, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth responded, feeling herself go red. She locked eyes with him, and neither of them let the other’s gaze go for several long moments. She was only able to tear herself away from his deep brown eyes when Jane cleared her throat.
“Mr. Darcy,” she said, curtsying low. “May I introduce our aunt and uncle?”
Mr. Darcy pulled his eyes away and seemed to shake himself, turning his attention towards Jane. He bowed to Elizabeth’s family, in a manner than surprised her. Despite his previous pronouncements about the inferiority of her birth, he now greeted her tradesman uncle with deep respect. Elizabeth hardly knew what to make of it.
“Mr. Darcy, allow me to extend our deepest gratitude for the honour of this invitation,” Mr. Gardiner said returning the bow.
“The honour is mine,” Mr. Darcy said. “When I learned of both Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth’s presence in town, I knew their company would delight my sister. And any relative of theirs is most welcome in my home.”
His sister? Had Mr. Darcy only invited them to entertain his younger sister? She knew that he feared her to be lonely. He had mentioned it once or twice during their time at Rosings. If that were the reason for the invitation, then Elizabeth would be relieved—wouldn’t she?
Despite the new information, she did not feel more settled in her mind.
“You are kind to us,” Jane replied with a smile.
Georgiana led the party towards the seating, and everyone took their chairs with nervous glances about the room. Elizabeth appreciated the Darcys’ effort to make everyone feel welcome, but despite their efforts, it was clear that everyone felt a bit anxious amid the company of strangers.
“Mr. Gardiner,” Mr. Darcy said, breaking the silence. “I wonder, do you enjoy fishing?”
Mr. Gardiner glanced at Elizabeth with a delighted look upon his face.
“Why, yes, sir,” he said. “I had not realised my nieces had shared such information with you. For I do enjoy fishing—it is one of my singular delights.”
Elizabeth was surprised by this question: she had certainly not mentioned her uncle’s fondness of the sport to Mr. Darcy.
“No, nothing Miss Elizabeth said. I confess, it was more of a hope of a shared interest than a certainty,” Mr. Darcy said. “I wonder, what is your favourite catch?”
Elizabeth listened to the two men debate the merits of various fish and techniques with less interest upon the subject and a growing fascination with Mr. Darcy’s effort to include her family.
Georgiana was making a similar effort, engaging Jane and Aunt Gardiner in a rousing debate over one of the poems from the book Elizabeth had so admired the day before.
“I find that the beauty that exists in poetry is only matched by that found in music,” Mrs. Gardiner said with a gentle smile. “Perhaps you would honour us with a song? I have heard it said that your talent has no match among the ladies of society.”
Georgiana blushed deeply at the compliment. “Perhaps after we have eaten, for I see we are about to be summoned to the table.”
Elizabeth turned and saw that Georgiana was right and a servant had just entered the room.
“Dinner is served,” the man said with a stiff bow. Elizabeth noticed he was a different servant than the one who had greeted them at the door. She was not surprised, but wondered idly how many servants the Darcys kept in their employ.
Soon I’ll be pricing the windows, Elizabeth scolded herself. The assessment of wealth was one of Mr. Collins’ more annoying habits and one she was disturbed to discover had crossed her mind in the first place. She pushed the shame aside and instead focused on following Georgiana through to the dining room.
So far, the evening had been pleasant. However, she still worried about what might occur the longer she and Mr. Darcy shared one another’s company.
The meal had proved to be just as wonderful as the beautifully appointed table might have suggested. The conversation stayed light and Elizabeth was continually impressed and grateful for the care both Georgiana and Mr. Darcy showed towards Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.
Prior to that evening, she would have been certain that Mr. Darcy could not help but lord his position over a humble merchant such as Mr. Gardiner. However, from fishing, the two men began to discuss politics, geography, philosophy—the general subjects that men debated in social situations.
And while they did not agree on every matter, it was clear that Mr. Darcy listened and respected Mr. Gardiner’s views and neither seemed to mind the friendly debate that arose from time to time.
Similarly, the women shared quite pleasant conversations as well—first at the dinner table, and then in the sitting room after dinner. While Mr. Darcy and Mr. Gardiner stayed to enjoy cigars and brandy, Mrs. Gardiner eagerly questioned Georgiana about her education. Georgiana seemed scarcely less eager to comply.
Elizabeth knew that her aunt wished her daughters to receive schooling that would offer them opportunities in the world, and Georgiana represented the pinnacle of such achievement. Jane, Maria, and Elizabeth added their thoughts—Elizabeth vehemently advocated for as much reading as possible, with no restriction of topics. Georgiana agreed and Mrs. Gardiner looked thoughtful as she considered such suggestions. Maria talked fondly of the drawing lessons she had received for a time, and Jane shared her singular enjoyment of embroidery.
“The passion for music belongs to our sister, Mary,” Jane told Georgiana. “For there is scarcely an hour of the day that she cannot be heard practicing.”
“Why, your sister must be an excellent musician then!” Georgiana said, sounding impressed.
Jane, Elizabeth and Maria exchanged looks—in truth, Mary’s best musical quality was her dedication. She had no natural talent, but that did not stop her.
“Mary is one of a kind,” Jane finally said. “Her determination is unmatched by the greatest virtuoso and that is a talent in and of itself.”
“But you must play for us, Miss Georgiana. I see a beautiful instrument just there and it looks well-loved,” Mrs. Gardiner said, nodding to a pianoforte in the corner of the room.
“Your assessment is true, Mrs. Gardiner, for I do love to play. I cannot claim the determination of your sister, but I do practice as much as I am able. And as for any proclivity you might have heard, I assure you the bearer of such news was being exceedingly kind,” Georgiana said with a blush. “But I did promise, and so I shall play. Perhaps, Miss Elizabeth, you might join me for a duet?”
“Only if forced,” Elizabeth said with a laugh. “But perhaps I may be easier to force once you have played a tune or two.”
Georgiana smiled in return, but stood up to move to the piano. A few moments later, a melody Elizabeth recognised began to fill the air.
“How are you?” Jane asked in a whisper, taking advantage of the musical distraction. “I do not know what has come over Mr. Darcy, but his behaviour tonight has been most pleasant. And his sister is wonderful!”
“Indeed,” Elizabeth answered. “I hardly know what to think. About either Darcy. Just when I believe I know the man, he offers another piece of information that turns the rest upon its head.”
Jane squeezed Elizabeth’s hand in sympathy. She had brought up exactly what Elizabeth had not wanted to spend much time dwelling upon. Every minute she spent in Mr. Darcy’s company reinforced her growing regret over her harsh words. His behaviour continued to prove her assessment wrong, and she hardly knew what to think.
The larger surprise, however, was Miss Georgiana. After Mr. Darcy’s revelation about the true nature of Mr. Wickham, she might have expected his description of the girl to have been inaccurate. But the contrast between the snobbish, haughty girl Wickham had described and the actual character of Miss Georgiana was incredible. Not one aspect proved accurate.
In truth, Elizabeth had begun to pity the poor girl her association with such a man as Wickham. While Georgiana was poised and accomplished, she still displayed flashes that reminded everyone of her youth. She was not much older than Lydia, Elizabeth reminded herself, and she clearly had an open and loving disposition. It was not her fault that she had been taken advantage of by the older and more worldly Wickham. No girl should have to deal with the pain of such a broken heart so early in life.
The more Elizabeth dwelled upon Georgiana and Wickham, the closer she watched Georgiana’s face as it was bent low over the keys of the pianoforte, the more foolish she began to feel. She, having several years life experience more than Georgiana, had almost fallen for Wickham’s charm as well.
Shame burned within her as she remembered the sympathy she had offered him, and the way she had blackened Mr. Darcy’s name. How stupid to not have seen the manipulations that now seemed so obvious in light of Mr. Darcy’s revelations. How foolish she had been!