by Lory Lilian
The nature of Lady Cassandra’s connections to the Darcys was clearer, yet this did not put her mind completely at ease. At first, when remembering Miss Darcy’s words, she impetuously assumed that Lady Cassandra had returned to ensure she became Georgiana’s true sister. This seemed to be the most logical conclusion, moreover, as the attachment between the Darcy siblings and the Lady was obvious and openly declared. With their considerable fortunes and their situations in life, theirs would have been one of the most advantageous matches of the year.
Although her mind searched for the logic, her intuition—nay, her heart—knew this could not be the case. No matter how she had tried to convince herself that Mr. Darcy’s attentions meant nothing but politeness, after this last call, she was forced to reconsider her judgment. He was polite, to be sure; he was also kind, friendly and considerate. Everything she had reproached him about that day in Kent was no longer visible in his manner. However, there was something more. His eyes, his small gestures, and his smiles were more eloquent than any words he might have uttered. Nevertheless, could she really trust her intuition in reading his eyes and his smiles? She had grossly misjudged him before when she was certain he had looked at her only to find fault and wrongly assumed the slight smiles meant nothing but disdain. How could she be certain she was correct now? How could she allow herself to be deceived by vain hopes? Hopes? Hopes of what? Surely, I cannot expect him to renew his addresses, can I? Oh, but do I wish he would?
Then Lady Cassandra appeared in her thoughts again. Yes, she would have certainly been the perfect match for Mr. Darcy. However, her closeness to him seemed…different than Elizabeth would have expected. She could not say in what way it was different; she just felt it was. On the other hand, her ladyship’s attitude toward her was not in the slightest bit offensive, not even when she appeared in the box upon Mr. Darcy’s arm; quite the contrary—she had declared Elizabeth to be beautiful and smart. That could mean either that Lady Cassandra was not affected by Mr. Darcy’s attentions toward Elizabeth or that Lady Cassandra was so certain of Mr. Darcy’s affection and devotion that nothing could shake her faith in their relationship.
Closing her eyes, Elizabeth leaned on the bedpost as her head spun and her temples ached with sharp pain. When she managed to calm herself a little, the recollection of everything that transpired between them in the last few days offered her a measure of relief. Since meeting in the park, Mr. Darcy surely did not behave in her eyes as a man attached—or who was soon to be attached—to another woman. It was clear in the way he talked to her in his home, the way he touched her fingers when he handed her into the carriage, the way he looked at her, his attentions toward her relatives, and the invitation to Pemberley. Her presence could not be easy and pleasing for him unless he —
Unless he is still fond of me.
The mere thought made her shiver, and she wrapped her arms around herself. More than an hour passed wherein she questioned her own feelings and wondered whether she would really wish for him ever to renew his proposals—presuming, of course, that it were possible.
The next morning another surprise interrupted Elizabeth’s newfound tranquillity. Mrs. Gardiner received a note from Lady Cassandra with the most astonishing content. Her ladyship personally invited the Gardiners along with their niece to a private ball she was hosting in a week’s time.
A heated and prolonged debate followed the receipt of the invitation, Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth both wondering about the lady’s reason for wishing to introduce them—new acquaintances for her—into the intimate circle of her friends at such a private event.
In such refined company, their modest presence would surely look strange. However, the tone of the note that accompanied the formal invitation was warm, even friendly, in Mrs. Gardiner’s estimation. It read, “It will be only a private ball with no more than 40 guests, and a few of them are close friends of mine and old acquaintances of yours.” It was a clear indication that the Darcys and the colonel would be present, too.
Laughing, Mr. Gardiner remembered Lady Cassandra’s remark about the “young heiresses of the ton.” Ultimately, a note of acceptance and gratitude was sent back to Lady Cassandra. Half an hour later, Mrs. Gardiner—together with her niece—toured all the shops she knew in search of the perfect gowns for them to wear to this special event.
***
“Charles! Charles!! Charles!!!” The excited voice of his sister grew more strident, and he perceived it as sharply as a knife slicing into his head.
Charles Bingley was not feeling well at all. In fact, he had not felt himself since the previous November when he left Netherfield Hall. He had spent the entire Season in town, and his sisters had dragged him to every event to which they could secure an invitation, but nothing managed to draw his attention; nothing could distract him from the remembrance of Jane Bennet. He spent nights and days thinking of her, and though his suffering diminished not a whit, he came to the conclusion that she had every reason not to return his affection. After all, she was the most wonderful woman he had ever known, and he, Charles Bingley, was only a man like so many bachelors of his age. Truly, he had nothing to recommend him except his five thousand a year, and even in this regard, there were others in far better circumstances and more worthy of the affections of the angelic Miss Bennet. He had resigned himself to the loss of her and pledged to continue loving her forever even if he did one day become the husband of another. Never did he believe he would be able to find her equal.
Suddenly, there was silence again, and he hoped his sister had ceased searching for him. However, when the door to his study opened abruptly, causing him nearly to topple off his chair, he realised his wishes for peace were in vain.
“Charles, look what I just received!” cried Caroline as Bingley struggled to resume his place in the chair.
“Caroline, for heaven’s sake! What happened? It looks like nothing more than an ordinary letter to me—
“No, Charles, this is not a mere letter! It is a letter from my friend Annabella, who has informed me that Mr. Darcy has been spotted about Town in the company of Lady Cassandra, who has just returned after being abroad. And now Lady Cassandra is hosting a private ball, and we are not invited! Who is Lady Cassandra, and what, pray, is she doing with Mr. Darcy?”
To Bingley, Caroline’s pique sounded like bells clashing inharmoniously. Desiring nothing so much as to be rid of her, he rose and walked to the door.
“Caroline, I cannot follow you and have no desire to try. I will only tell you this: I do not know who Lady Cassandra is. I have never met her and only heard the Darcys speak of her a few times.”
“You heard them speak of her? And why did you not inform me? We should have returned sooner. I think we should return to Town in a couple of days to prepare for our departure to Pemberley.”
Before exiting, Charles looked at his sister as though she spoke a foreign language. He shook his head in misapprehension. “Caroline, as I said, you have lost me. Why should I have told you about Lady Cassandra? And why should we return so soon? You may do as you please, but I surely do not intend to chase Darcy and this lady about London. Be pleased that Darcy invited us to Pemberley at all, or we would have remained in Town for the summer after you insisted that I give up Netherfield. As for Lady Cassandra, I failed to mention that she will be at Pemberley as well, so let us hope we will have the opportunity of seeing much of her there.“
“You failed to mention? Hope? I do not hope for that at all, Charles. The only hope I entertain is to see dear Georgiana and of course Mr. Darcy! As for this lady—Charles! Charles! Where are you going?”
Charles Bingley was already outside, asking for his horse to be saddled. He wanted desperately to be alone with his thoughts once more.
***
Three days after the Darcys’ visit, Elizabeth and her aunt received an invitation to tea from Miss Darcy for that afternoon or, if they were already engaged, any other day they might find convenient.
Mrs. Gardiner had a few fixed engag
ements. Moreover, as Mr. Gardiner’s business had finally been concluded, they were busy making plans for their tour a few days after the ball. However, she advised her niece to accept the invitation for herself if she wished, so a couple of hours later, Mrs. Gardiner escorted her niece to the Darcys’ townhouse before continuing on her way.
Various feelings arose in Elizabeth as she stood before the main door. Miss Darcy had not mentioned her brother, so Elizabeth could not presume he would be present. She did not know whether she desired or dreaded seeing him again, but she had decided to enjoy the company of Miss Darcy without allowing any dark thoughts to mar her time there.
As soon as she entered the house, a servant showed her to the music room, where she was told Miss Darcy was awaiting her. As she approached the room, she heard music; reports of Miss Darcy’s expertise on the pianoforte were not exaggerated.
The moment Elizabeth appeared in the doorway, Miss Darcy hurried from her place at the instrument, an open smile brightening her face. “I am so happy to see you again, Elizabeth!”
The couple of hours Elizabeth spent with Georgiana were a continuous source of enjoyment and revelation. First, she discovered that, like her brother, Miss Darcy improved on closer acquaintance. Once she was able to put her shyness aside, she proved to be a lively companion with a sweet disposition who was inclined to find amusement in many things. Her talent at the pianoforte amazed Elizabeth because it was more than a simple consequence of practicing diligently. Both Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were proficient at the piano, but they could not compare to Georgiana.
Secondly, Elizabeth was surprised to find that Miss Darcy knew many of the details surrounding her brother’s stays in Hertfordshire and Kent. While she evidenced no awareness of Mr. Darcy’s proposal, she appeared to know about Mr. Collins, her confrontations with Lady Catherine and even her discussions with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. Mr. Darcy obviously had talked a great deal about her—and Elizabeth’s heart seemed to beat irregularly at this new proof of his interest in her.
In time, she grew more at ease in Georgiana’s company and was beginning to feel as if she had known her all her life; even the prospect of seeing Mr. Darcy again caused her no more distress.
They were playing and singing together at the pianoforte and did not notice the door open, revealing Mr. Darcy and Lady Cassandra.
***
Darcy had been out the entire morning and had tried to finish his business as quickly as he could; Georgiana had told him of Elizabeth’s visit, and he hurried home, forgetting a previous engagement with Lady Cassandra. When he arrived to discover her waiting for him in front of his house, he was subjected to a round of merciless teasing before he was able to enter. He was indeed desirous of seeing Elizabeth again and did nothing to conceal it.
The call at Gracechurch Street had given his spirit a boost. He could not deny the obvious: Miss Bennet was not as opposed to him as he previously imagined. She seemed uncomfortable in his presence, and her manners were more restrained than before, but that was understandable considering their history.
He still could not credit his good fortune in meeting Elizabeth again; he was given a chance to show her he was not mean-spirited or resentful about the past. With the small signs he perceived during his call, he was determined to do all in his power to obtain her forgiveness and lessen her ill opinion of him; she must see that he was attending to her reproofs.
Of course, he could not be certain of the accuracy of his judgment. After all, he had failed miserably before to recognise her feelings, as well as those of Jane Bennet and Bingley. His presumptions had caused nothing but suffering to those around him; this time, he promised himself not to act in haste. He would show her he had taken her words to heart and changed because of her and for her. He would not conceal his feelings behind challenging talks and silent stares across the room. He would show her—and everyone else—his preference for her, but he would do it with as much decorum as possible, careful not to embarrass her or place her in an indelicate situation.
He heard the sound of music and followed it, stopping in the doorway. Darcy watched as Elizabeth played a duet with his sister, laughing and at perfect ease—so beautiful and natural in her enjoyment. He wished nothing more than for her to appear as contented in his presence.
However, just as he feared, the moment she noticed him, the laughter died on her lips, and she hurriedly rose from her chair. Her cheeks turned crimson, and she tried to avoid his eyes, causing his doubt to rise again. Clearly, it was his presence that made Elizabeth uncomfortable. Yet in her uncle’s home, she seemed so different. Perhaps that was the reason, he thought while advancing toward them. Perhaps she feels more comfortable among her relatives than in my home.
He approached and bowed to her, expressing his delight in seeing her again. Then he took a seat quite far from them, allowing her the opportunity to regain her composure while talking to Cassandra.
He intended to become involved at some point, when Lady Cassandra insisted Elizabeth play and sing. He noticed her reticence; he did not want her to feel obliged to comply with anyone’s wishes while in his house. Yet, she agreed in the end and began to play. He was certain the sound of her voice was the most beautiful he had heard in some time. To lessen her embarrassment, he struggled to direct his eyes away from her. However, in the end, her beauty was simply too much for him to withstand, so he permitted himself to gaze upon her and hoped he was not the reason for her high colour and embarrassment.
“Miss Bennet, you play very well indeed. It is a pleasure to listen to you,” said Lady Cassandra as soon as Elizabeth ended her song.
Elizabeth knew her cheeks were already burning under the penetrating stare of Mr. Darcy—she even lifted her eyes a few times and met his—yet the compliment took her by surprise, and she was certain it was responsible for her blushing even more. “Thank you, Lady Cassandra; you are too kind. However, I know only too well that I am not very good; I am neither as proficient nor as talented as Georgiana.” She did not fail to notice Mr. Darcy’s surprise at the familiarity of her address, but he did not seem displeased at all.
“I agree you are not as proficient or talented as Georgie, but then again, few people are. However, your interpretation was quite enjoyable—a true pleasure to hear.”
“Indeed,” Mr. Darcy finally spoke up, “to hear you playing and singing has always been a pleasure, Miss Bennet.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“So, did you ladies have a pleasant time?” asked Lady Cassandra, as Elizabeth managed to breathe deeply in an attempt to calm her emotions.
“Yes, we did; Elizabeth is the most delightful company.”
“Yes, so she seems. Miss Bennet, how is your time spent in London when you are not going to the theatre or visiting Darcy’s home?” asked the lady with a tone that confused Elizabeth and made her wonder about the meaning of her words. “Do you miss your family?”
Elizabeth hesitated a moment before answering. “Yes, I do, very much. Though I am very fond of my entire family, I must confess I mostly miss my father and my eldest sister, Jane.”
“Yes…Miss Jane Bennet. Darcy told me about her.” Elizabeth’s face paled and unconsciously turned to him. Had he told everything to Lady Cassandra?
“From what I have heard, she is remarkably beautiful,” she continued.
“Yes, she is, thank you. But aside from her beauty, she is a most kind and gentle lady and has the sweetest disposition. She is much like Georgiana in many respects.” Miss Darcy blushed, taken aback by the compliment.
To Elizabeth’s shock, it was Mr. Darcy who spoke further. “Georgiana, I did not know Miss Bennet’s true character well enough to see the similarities while I was in Hertfordshire, but now that Miss Elizabeth mentions it, I am sure she must be right. She is far more perceptive than I am. While I fancy myself a good judge of character, I have learned I am by no means always correct in my initial impressions.”
Elizabeth’s eyes—wide in surprise after
his declaration—fixed on his, and for a few moments, they stared wordlessly at each other. Upon his countenance was the deepest regret, which he took no pain to hide.
“I am also told that you have three other sisters besides Miss Bennet. Are they all as beautiful as your eldest?”
“Well, they are my sisters, and I love them, so I am by no means objective. But I dare say they are all pretty and pleasant in their own ways.”
“I can hardly imagine how that must be—with so many sisters of different ages around you.”
“For me, it is truly wonderful, although I have to confess it is a little tiresome at times.”
“I can well imagine. Do all your sisters play the pianoforte as well as you?”
“My other sisters do not play at all, except for one. Mary, the sister next to me in age, also plays and sings.”
“Well, I have to confess I do not play either. I never had the patience to learn. Mrs. Ashburton, my governess, suffered greatly because of this; she had always considered it her personal failure. But, of course, the fault was entirely mine.” She laughed, and Mr. Darcy asked about Mrs. Ashburton’s health. Lady Cassandra answered that she was well before returning her attention to Elizabeth.
“How many governesses did you have, Miss Bennet? Surely, one would not be enough for all of you.”
“We never had governesses.” Elizabeth almost laughed aloud at the similarity of these questions to the ones Lady Catherine had asked her the first time they met.
“What, five daughters and no governess?” was Lady Cassandra’s surprised reaction, and Elizabeth could contain her laughter no longer. Embarrassed by her outburst, she covered her mouth with her hand and then started to apologise.
Lady Cassandra’s brow rose in wonder at her. “Did something happen, Miss Bennet? Did I say something amusing?”
“No, your ladyship, please forgive me. It is just that—
“Oh come now, it is very rude to laugh like that without sharing the reason with us.”