Sorry if this is seeming a bit long and drawn out. I'm trying to set up for when Elizabeth is called home. It will get a bit more interesting after that.
Chapter 10
Convinced as Elizabeth now was that Miss Bingley's dislike of her had originated in jealousy, she could not help feeling how very unwelcome her appearance at Pemberley must be to her, and was curious to know with how much civility on that lady's side, the acquaintance would now be renewed.
On reaching the house, they were shown through the hall into the saloon, whose northern aspect rendered it delightful for summer. Its windows opening to the ground, admitted a most refreshing view of the high woody hills behind the house, and of the beautiful oaks and Spanish chestnuts which were scattered over the intermediate lawn.
In this room they were received by Miss Darcy, who was sitting there with Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley, and the lady with whom she lived in London. Georgiana's reception of them was very civil; but attended with all that embarrassment which, though proceeding from shyness and the fear of doing wrong, would easily give to those who felt themselves inferior, the belief of her being proud and reserved. Mrs Gardiner, her niece and Isabel, however, did her justice, and pitied her.
By Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley, they were noticed only by a curtsey; and on their being seated, a pause, awkward as such pauses must always be, succeeded for a few moments. It was first broken by Mrs Annesley, a genteel, agreeable-looking woman, whose endeavour to introduce some kind of discourse, proved her to be more truly well bred than either of the others; and between her and Mrs Gardiner, with occasional help from Elizabeth and Isabel, the conversation was carried on. Miss Darcy looked as if she wished for courage enough to join in it; and sometimes did venture a short sentence, when there was least danger of its being heard.
The next variation which their visit afforded was produced by the entrance of servants with cold meat, cake, and a variety of all the finest fruits in season; but this did not take place till after many a significant look and smile from Mrs Annesley to Miss Darcy had been given, to remind her of her post. There was now employment for the whole party; for though they could not talk, they could all eat; and the beautiful pyramids of grapes, nectarines, and peaches, soon collected them round the table.
Miss Bingley moved away from the table and Elizabeth took her chance. "Miss Darcy, how do your find your new pianoforte?"
"Please call me Georgiana, Miss Bennet. My brother has talked of you so often these last months
that I feel as if I already know you well."
"Your brother has been regaling you with stories about me? Please do not take only his account.
Allow me to give you mine as well. I would be honored to call you Georgiana if you would
return the courtesy and call me Elizabeth."
Caroline returned to the table. "Yes, there are so many Miss Bennets that it must be confusing for you. Miss Elizabeth has four sisters – all of them are out in society at present."
Silence prevailed once more.
"Miss Georgiana has been practicing a great deal on her new instrument," said Mrs Annesley.
"My pianoforte is the most beautiful gift I have ever received. I fear I have spent the entire day
engrossed in music. My brother, I fear, spoils me," said Georgiana.
While thus engaged, Elizabeth had a fair opportunity of deciding whether she most feared or wished for the appearance of Mr Darcy, by the feelings which prevailed on his entering the room; and then, though but a moment before she had believed her wishes to predominate, she began to regret that he came.
He had been some time with Mr Gardiner, who, with two or three other gentlemen from the house, was engaged by the river, and had left him only on learning that the ladies of the family intended a visit to Georgiana that morning. No sooner did he appear, than Elizabeth wisely resolved to be perfectly easy and unembarrassed; - a resolution the more necessary to be made, but perhaps not the more easily kept, because she saw that the suspicions of the whole party were awakened against them, and that there was scarcely an eye which did not watch his behaviour when he first came into the room. In no countenance was attentive curiosity so strongly marked as in Miss Bingley's, in spite of the smiles which overspread her face whenever she spoke to one of its objects; for jealousy had not yet made her desperate, and her attentions to Mr Darcy were by no means over. Miss Darcy, on her brother's entrance, exerted herself much more to talk; and Izzy saw that he was anxious for his sister and Elizabeth to get acquainted, and forwarded, as much as possible, every attempt at conversation on either side. Miss Bingley saw all this likewise; and, in the imprudence of anger, took the first opportunity of saying, with sneering civility,
"Pray, Miss Eliza, are not the Militia removed from Meryton? They must be a great loss to your
family."
In Darcy's presence she dared not mention Wickham's name; but Elizabeth and Izzy instantly comprehended that he was uppermost in her thoughts; and the various recollections connected with him gave Elizabeth a moment's distress; but, exerting herself vigorously to repel the ill-natured attack, she presently answered the question in a tolerably disengaged tone. "Thank you for asking after the welfare of my family, Miss Bingley. They are all quite well."
Their visit did not continue long after the question and answer above mentioned.
"Thank you for the invitation to tea, Ms. Darcy," said Harriet.
"And for your hospitality, Mr. Darcy," said Mr Gardiner
"Miss Elizabeth, would you and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and Isabel dine with us this evening? After dinner we could play a duet," said Georgiana.
"I would be honored. I must warn you that, though I will undoubtedly learn from the exercise, you
may wonder at my inability to play in rhythm," said Elizabeth.
"I will have the cook serve the excellent trout you caught, Mr. Gardiner. Your uncle, Miss
Elizabeth, is a considerable fisherman," said Mr Darcy.
"Until this evening then," said Georgiana.
"Until this evening," said Harriet.