“I have never tried anything like it.” Anne shook her head, horrified at the thought of putting herself forward. “I don’t think I have any natural talent for acting.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed. “That doesn’t stop half of those treading the boards in Drury Lane.”
“It’s the greatest fun imaginable,” Mr. Asquith assured her. “You get the opportunity to pretend to be someone else, which can be quite liberating.”
He spoke as though he appreciated the daily torment she felt at being herself, which should not have surprised Anne. Mr. Asquith understood her in a way no one else ever had, or so she chose to think.
Well, perhaps a minor role, if it would help you.”
“Mr. Asquith!” Mama’s voice cut through the hum of conversation and several heads turned in her direction. “A word, if you please.”
“Excuse me please. Lady Catherine has need of me.”
Mr. Asquith bowed and strolled across the room. If he felt annoyed to have their discourse interrupted by Mama’s autocratic command, he gave no indication of it. Anne watched his retreating back, only tearing her gaze away when she realised Colonel Fitzwilliam had addressed a remark to her and she had not responded.
“I beg your pardon,” she said, aware she was blushing again. “I did not hear what you said.”
“I merely remarked that Mr. Asquith appears to be a first class chap. How long has he been with you?”
“A little more than three months.” Anne’s smile was probably less guarded than it ought to have been, but whenever the conversation turned towards Mr. Asquith she was unable to control her reactions. “And I agree with you. He is very interesting and informative.”
“Then I am glad, for your sake.”
A commotion at the door caused all heads to turn in that direction. Lord and Lady Briars and Mrs. Sheffield were being announced and Anne could sense she had lost Colonel Fitzwilliam’s attention. Mr. Asquith she noticed, glanced at the new arrivals and as quickly looked away again. How strange. It was almost as if he didn’t wish to be seen by them. She noticed her mother dismiss him with a negligent wave of her hand because Mr. Bingley had joined her. Mr. Asquith pleased Anne by returning to her side.
“I understand Mrs. Sheffield’s late husband made his fortune in Jamaica,” she said. “Did you know him, Mr. Asquith?”
“I do not recall the name.”
“I am sure you would not have forgotten Mrs. Sheffield had you met before. She is very beautiful.”
Asquith inclined his head. “I must take your word for that. I had not noticed.”
“Your gallantry does you credit Mr. Asquith, but it is hard for me to believe any gentleman would be blind to such beauty. Indeed, why should he be? Beauty in all its forms ought to be admired.”
“Then if you insist, I shall admire Mrs. Sheffield, but only after we have been introduced.”
***
Lizzy and Will greeted the new arrivals with the greatest of pleasure. Introductions were made, with sufficient deference shown to Lady Catherine to satisfy even her exacting standards. Lizzy stifled a smile, imagining how vexing it must be for Lady Catherine not to be able to find anything obvious to criticise about her conduct. She was not foolish enough to imagine she would escape unscathed, but if Lady Catherine wished to find fault with the manner in which she discharged her social duties then Lizzy would not make it easy for her.
With their relaxed manners and natural charm, Lord and Lady Briars were soon engaged in polite conversation. Lizzy, whose back was aching, felt she could safely leave them and joined Jane, seated on a chaise beside the fire. The sisters had not yet had an opportunity for private discourse. This was hardly the time or the place, but Lizzy was well aware that would not deter them. Whenever they found themselves in one another’s company they picked up where they had left off, almost as though they had never been separated.
“You look hot, my dear. Are you quite comfortable?”
Jane winced. “Not entirely, as you will discover for yourself in another month or so.”
“I should not have asked you to come.”
“I would not have missed it for the world. I so enjoy seeing the improvements in Kitty. She really does seem quite taken with Captain Turner, and he with her.”
“Yes, but we ought not to get our hopes up. The chances of the captain’s father permitting such a match are slim.”
“Why? Because we are not good enough?” Jane smiled. “That might once have been a valid argument but my marriage, and especially yours, have raised our status as a family.”
“True enough I suppose, but it might all come to naught.” Lizzy smiled at her sister. “Let us leave Kitty and her captain to enjoy one another’s company without interference from their old married sisters and talk of other matters. What do you make of Lady Catherine?”
“You would do better to ask me what I make of Mr. Asquith. Now there is an interesting gentleman if ever I saw one.”
“Yes, Anne de Bourgh is very taken with him and doesn’t quite know how to disguise her feelings. He is by far the best thing that could have happened to her. He has brought her out of herself no end. However, I believe Lady Catherine might have cause to regret her decision.” They watched as Lady Catherine called Mr. Asquith to her side for the second time in five minutes so he could perform a menial task that ought to have been executed by a footman. Presumably she was making a point. “I sense trouble brewing.”
“Especially if Lady Catherine has settled upon Colonel Fitzwilliam for her daughter.” Jane hid a smile behind her hand. “Have you observed that he hasn’t been able to remove his gaze from Mrs. Sheffield since she entered the room?”
“Yes, I did notice that.” Lizzy grinned. “Oh dear. Lady Catherine failed to bend Will to her demands and now it looks as though she might fail for a second time.”
“Only if Mrs. Sheffield is attracted to the colonel and has funds of her own. Is not the colonel required to marry for money?”
“I got the impression Mr. Sheffield left his widow well provided for, but of course I know nothing of the particulars.” Lizzy patted her sister’s hand. “Now, tell me about Campden Park. What did you decide about the small sitting room? Shall you change the décor?”
Jane spoke enthusiastically about her new home. Lizzy had viewed it shortly after Mr. Bingley decided to purchase it and liked what she saw. It was a fraction of the size of Pemberley, but still a substantial estate, albeit a trifle neglected. Jane was enjoying herself, bringing it up to date.
“I shall take pleasure in showing it to Louisa and Caroline when they next join us.” Jane frowned. “In fact, I cannot think what could have detained them in London for so long.”
“Perhaps they are being thoughtful and leaving you and your Charles to enjoy one another’s company. Besides, I recall Mrs. Hurst telling me she and her sister planned a visit to Brighton.” Lizzy felt wretched lying to Jane, but it was necessary. “And bear in mind, your purchase of Campden Park and removal north all happened very quickly.”
“That is how Charles does things. Once he makes up his mind about something, he cannot wait to act upon his decision.” Jane grinned. “Do you recall when he took Netherfield? One moment we heard rumours a gentleman was considering it, the next he was installed. He also quit it equally quickly when he thought I did not enjoy his society.”
Lizzy winced. “That is certainly true. No one can accuse your husband of not being a man of action.”
“I would not say this to anyone except you, Lizzy, but much as I enjoy Louisa and Caroline’s society, I have also enjoyed making up my own mind about things at Campden Park. I know their opinions would most likely not have coincided with mine but I would have felt duty bound to take them into account. This way I cannot be accused of ignoring them since they have been invited but have not chosen to come.”
“Well, there you are then.”
“But it is so strange don’t you think? Caroline was so insistent that Charles purchase an
estate in this part of the country. She would keep reminding him to do so. But now that he has, she seems to have lost all interest. You are right to say we have only been here for a few weeks but I didn’t think that would deter her. Charles has not said anything to me but I know he finds it curious too.”
“Did I mention I received a letter from our Aunt Gardiner?” Lizzy asked in a hasty change of subject.
“No. Do tell.” Jane sat forward. “How are Lydia and Mr. Wickham managing in town? I dare say my uncle already regrets his generosity. You and I both know how difficult Mr. Wickham can be and what high expectations he has.”
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner had come to the rescue following Wickham’s infamous attempt to manipulate Lizzy a few weeks previously. Having quit the army altogether, Wickham found himself without occupation, unable to support his wife. They had offered Wickham a position as manager of one of Mr. Gardiner’s warehouses, which had a small apartment attached to it. Wickham had been scathing of the offer, but Lydia had surprised Lizzy by showing great maturity and insisting upon her husband grasping the opportunity. Neither Lydia nor Jane knew the full particulars of Wickham’s spectacular fall from grace and Lizzy had no intention of enlightening either of them. Even so, Lizzy had an uncomfortable feeling they had not heard the last of Wickham and she believed he would somehow find a way to interfere in her life again.
“Wickham is as idle as always, but Lydia has apparently taken to the life with great enthusiasm.”
“Ah, but will it last?” Jane shook her head, looking concerned. “You know Lydia. She has fads.”
“Surprisingly, I think she understands this is their last chance and will ensure Wickham does as he is told. It will be harder for him to stray now that he is constantly in her company. Besides, Lydia enjoys all the fabrics that pass through the warehouse and is already becoming quite an expert upon the best establishments to sell them on to.”
“Well I suppose fashion is the one subject guaranteed to hold our sister’s interest.”
“It also helps that they are in London,” Lizzy added, smiling.
“Yes, I dare say.”
Will and Mr. Bingley approached them.
“Are you here to scold me for gossiping with my sister and neglecting our guests?” Lizzy asked Will with a smile.
“Actually, my suspicions were aroused by your both sitting down, as you ought to be.”
“And why should that make you suspicious?”
“Since when did you ever do anything that was expected of you?”
“That is grossly unfair!” Lizzy cried in mock anger.
“Be that as it may, dinner is about to be served. I must attend to Lady Briars, and Bingley has kindly offered to take Lady Catherine in. We shall seek them out now so that Lady Catherine has no time to organise people the way she wishes to.”
“And you accuse me of meddling,” Lizzy said, smiling.
Will sent her an enticingly intimate smile. “Indeed, my love,” he said softly. “I would not dare.”
Lizzy was still laughing when she entered the dining room on Lord Briar’s arm.
Chapter Seven
“I recall you being rather partial to roast pigeon, Anne. Allow me to serve you a small portion.”
“Thank you, Colonel.”
Joshua did so and then passed the platter further down the table. He could not recall the last time he had enjoyed a dinner more, or one at which time had passed so quickly. The food was excellent, the wine a perfect vintage, but he would expect nothing less at Pemberley, and those considerations had little to do with his animation. Indeed, he scarcely noticed what he ate or drank, or what the general subjects of lively conversation happened to centre upon.
He had dutifully escorted his cousin Anne to the table, ensured her needs were met and kept her entertained with polite discourse. His efforts were occasionally rewarded with a smile but it was obvious her attention was all for Mr. Asquith, seated on her opposite side. She was hopeless at dissimulating, but Joshua could hardly object because his own attention was all for Mrs. Sheffield, seated directly across from him between Halstead and Turner. It was a pleasure to feast his eyes on her lovely features each time he glanced across the table, which was frequently, but he remained frustrated since he was unable to speak with her. Conversing across the table would be the height of bad manners and Joshua wouldn’t dream of being so crass.
Perhaps it wasn’t such a bad thing they were unable to speak, he decided as the meal progressed and the glances they shared became more probing and prolonged. Mrs. Sheffield had more than a passing interest in Joshua, it seemed. Was she attracted to him, or did she have ulterior motives? Joshua gave himself a mental shake. What ulterior motives could she possibly have?
Being unable to converse with her now gave him a legitimate excuse to seek her out in the drawing room after dinner. He knew something of Jamaica himself, having spent a few months there at his late father’s behest before returning to England and purchasing a commission in the army. It gave them an interest in common that would be both natural and polite to discuss, given they had barely exchanged more than a handshake and a few words thus far. He listened to her lilting voice as she responded to questions put to her, keen to hear what subjects engaged her attention so he would know what else to talk to her about when their time came.
Anne’s company was relatively undemanding and Joshua was free to watch his fellow diners. The mood was elegantly relaxed, for which Joshua gave Eliza credit. She had a natural way about her—far less stiff and formal than Darcy’s. It was playful almost, and put people at their ease. There was a marked difference in Darcy too since Joshua’s last visit just a few short weeks ago and he appeared less reticent than usual. He gave Eliza the credit for that change too.
His fellow officers were taken up with Georgiana and Eliza’s sister, but did not neglect Mrs. Sheffield. As their commanding officer, Joshua would have seen them cashiered had they forgotten their manners to such an extent. The only person who appeared less than delighted with the evening’s progress was his aunt, presumably because Joshua had not yet given her an answer. It would be unreasonable for her to expect one so soon after she had made her proposition, but then his aunt was not known for being reasonable when it came to getting her own way.
The other possibility was that she disliked her daughter’s growing interest in Asquith. Well what the devil had she expected when she brought a male tutor—and such a charming and worldly one at that—into her sheltered daughter’s life? Lady Catherine seldom did anything without a reason, but Joshua suspected on this occasion matters had not gone the way she had hoped. She sat sour-faced on Darcy’s left, not dominating the conversation because Darcy would not allow her to. He cut her off politely but firmly whenever she got into her stride and gave her opinion a little too forcibly. That would not sit well with Lady Catherine, who expected to be at the heart of any gathering.
Each time Joshua glanced up, he caught Mrs. Sheffield studying him. He was encouraged by her interest in him until it occurred to him that the lady was not fascinated by him, but appeared to be avoiding looking in Asquith’s direction. Now that was interesting. When Mrs. Sheffield first entered the room Asquith had stiffened and muttered something unintelligible beneath his breath. He had denied knowing her but Joshua would bet what blunt he possessed the man had not told the truth. Mrs. Sheffield and Asquith were not strangers, but neither wanted the company to know they were acquainted. A hot shaft of jealousy pierced Joshua when the possibility of their being secret lovers occurred to him. He as quickly dismissed the idea. If they were, Asquith would have had no reason to seek employment with Lady Catherine, keeping him separated from the object of his affections. He had no way of knowing he would come to Pemberley at the same time as Mrs. Sheffield was in the district. Satisfied on that score, Joshua pondered upon what other reasons there might be for the pair to deny they were acquainted.
When the meal came to an end he had reached no definitive conclusions.
/> “Have you decided what performance you and your players will entertain us with, Mr. Asquith?” Mrs. Darcy asked.
“I have settled upon a light comedy, ma’am, but must beg you not to ask me for more particulars, mainly because I have not yet decided upon them.”
“A comedy, Asquith,” Joshua said. “That ought to be just the thing.”
“I hope you are not thinking of anything too modern,” Lady Catherine said, frowning. “I do not hold with all these new-fangled ideas people find so amusing. I find them vulgar in the extreme.”
“Indeed not, Lady Catherine. I have a particular piece in mind but unfortunately I am one lady short.”
“You are planning theatricals?” Lady Briars asked.
“Yes, ma’am. The weather is supposed to deteriorate and we thought it an amusing way to fill the time.”
“Could not one lady play more than one part?” Mrs. Darcy asked.
“Unfortunately that would not work since the players are required to appear together at all times.”
“Perhaps my sister would oblige,” Lady Briars said. “Did you not do that sort of thing in Jamaica, Celia?”
“No,” Mrs. Sheffield replied.
“I could not ask Mrs. Sheffield to inconvenience herself,” Asquith replied at the same time.
“Nonsense.” Lady Briars appeared determined. “It is just what you need to bolster your spirits, my dear. I absolutely insist.”
Mrs. Sheffield’s smile was brittle and did not trouble her lovely eyes. “And I am equally determined not to spoil the production by having anything to do with it.”
An awkward silence ensued, broken by Mrs. Darcy when she glanced down the table to ensure everyone had finished, placed her napkin aside, and pushed back her chair. “Come, ladies, let us leave the gentlemen to their port.”
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