The actors and actresses on stage that evening were an absolute joy to watch. Each played their roles with such conviction and passion that Lizzy, Georgi, Kitty, and Mrs Gardiner's eyes barely left the scene before them for more than a second or two. Jane, who was quite distracted by her encounter with Mr Reeding, occasionally glanced around the rest of the theatre, and Mary, who was not as familiar with the particulars of the play, split her time between reading the program in her lap and turning her attention once more upon the stage.
Thus the first half concluded and each of the ladies made their way out to stretch their legs and partake of hot tea.
Mr Gardiner had remained in his seat, not feeling up to the bombardment of chatter and introductions he was sure would follow the Bennet girls' presence, and so he leaned back in his exceedingly comfortable seat and shut his eyes for a brief reprieve.
The women had barely stepped out into the hallway when they were met by none other than Lord and Lady Matlock who had beaming smiles on their faces as they were introduced to each of the sisters and Mrs Gardiner. Lady Matlock, who had not seen her niece in quite some time drew the young girl into a warm embrace and then turned with a good-natured expression to Elizabeth.
"So you are the woman who stole my nephew's heart?" Lady Matlock asked with a raised brow, although the slight smile playing on her lips put Lizzy instantly at ease.
"Yes, my lady," Elizabeth replied, quickly taking a liking to the Countess.
Turning to her husband the lady said, "I must say I can see why Richard wouldn't stop speaking of the Hertfordshire ladies," she glanced from Elizabeth to the rest of her sisters, noticing Catherine's cheeks turn ever so slightly pink, "You must have a very beautiful mother."
The poor Countess was rather puzzled at the silence following her statement, but brushed it off nonetheless, and spent a few more minutes getting to know her future niece-in-law, with Georgiana occasionally being pulled into the conversation.
As the women spoke, the Earl stepped into the room where Mr Gardiner sat, having ascertained his whereabouts from Marianne. He had business to discuss as usual and had a rather difficult time adhering to his wife's no-work-at-social-gatherings policy. Soon both men were deeply engrossed in analyzing the trade prospects for the upcoming year, and quite effectively oblivious to all their surroundings.
As the youngest Bennets quietly stood observing the people around them under Jane's watchful eye Lydia perked up ever so slightly, her gaze fixating on something behind her eldest sister. It was at that precise moment that the Viscount Fitzwilliam made his presence known, adding with a grin that he would have to end his habit of sneaking up behind Jane, although his pleasure at meeting her once more was obvious. Unfortunately for Andrew, they had very little time to talk beside the usual polite greetings, and even then the viscount made an admirable effort to include both the youngest sisters in their conversation as well.
Seeing her son standing near Jane, Lydia, and Kitty – Mary having wandered some way off to admire a painting hanging from the hallway wall – the Countess drew Elizabeth and Georgi over to the group, extending an invitation to all five sisters, their aunt, and Georgiana for tea the next day. She went as far as to include Mr Gardiner as well, stating she was sure her husband would have much to discuss with the man. After insisting they accept the offer, and then receiving the reply she was intent upon the countess said her goodbyes and, collecting the Earl from where he was seated next to Mr Gardiner, made her way in the direction of the refreshment table. The Viscount seemed reluctant to leave and his interest in the sisters was made apparent by the many questions he asked regarding Hertfordshire and Meryton. These questions the girls left almost entirely for Jane to answer, eventually wandering off and leaving their eldest sister and the viscount animatedly discussing the first part of the evening's performance.
Elizabeth, who was far more interested in procuring a cup of tea than going in search of new acquaintances, stood a few meters away from the side of the room in which tea was being served and took her time watching the people gathered before her. It wasn't long before a young woman joined her in her silent observation, doing her best not to be noticed by the crowd around her. After a few minutes of silence, Lizzy debating whether or not she ought to introduce herself, the woman whispered a shy "Good evening," and then immediately lapsed into silence, her face turning beet-red. "Good evening," Lizzy replied, trying her best to set the girl at ease, "My name is Elizabeth Bennet," said she, extending her hand in greeting.
Suddenly the woman turned a worrying shade of white and exclaimed, "Oh goodness, I am so sorry Miss Bennet! I had no wish to disturb you!" and immediately gave a curtsey, as tears welled in her eyes.
Shocked and intensely puzzled Elizabeth reached out to pat the girl's shoulder as she worriedly inquired what was wrong, and if the young woman was feeling unwell.
"Oh, don't mind me Miss Bennet, I have just had a rather awful evening and I don't wish to burden you with any of it!" the girl's discomfort was obvious and left Lizzy positively perplexed.
Brushing off her protestations Elizabeth replied, "Nonsense! I shan't leave you alone in such a state, come now let's find you someplace to sit."
"I am so sorry for reacting in such a way, Miss Bennet, but you are THE Miss Elizabeth Bennet marrying Mr Darcy of Pemberley, are you not?" the girl asked, wiping away a stray tear.
"I am, although I don't see why it is any reason to apologize simply for greeting me," Lizzy countered with a reassuring smile, doing her best to set the woman at ease.
"Oh dear, I have just had the most dreadful evening. It is my very first season and this has been my very first outing. Since arriving I have only been scoffed laughed or sneered at, and I am at my wits end as to what to do!" a flood of information came bursting from the girl's mouth, "My father and mother are in our box, and they sent me to fetch some tea, and I'm afraid I can't even do that without disturbing half of London and infuriating the rest."
With a feeling of deep sympathy Elizabeth responded, "I wouldn't pay the people of the ton too much mind, they are far too exacting for my taste, and perhaps for the taste of the better part of England too!"
The surprise on the woman's face was evident as she looked up at Elizabeth from her seat, "Why, I certainly didn't imagine Mr Darcy's fiancé would have such an unpopular opinion of London society!" and then, as if suddenly realizing what she had said the girl's face turned bright red once more. "Oh dear my mouth and my mind are not cooperating this evening. I read of your engagement in the papers and instantly had a showy, superficial lady in mind, but you have proven me dreadfully wrong."
Lizzy gave a small chuckle, "Well I am greatly relieved to hear that!"
Seeing her new acquaintance smile lightheartedly gave the girl a small boost of confidence and she finally arose and introduced herself as Miss Eloise Fitzpatrick of Glastonbury. The girls continued in conversation for a short time longer, Elizabeth describing some of Hertfordshire, and Miss Fitzpatrick doing the same of Glastonbury, until the announcement was made that the second half of the play was about to begin and the girls said their goodbyes. Lizzy made her way back to her seat with a disbelieving smile on her face at the idea that she could ever be as showy as the ladies of the ton, and an inkling feeling that she had much work to do to convince the people she met she was not, as was commonly assumed, some high-and-mighty heiress and snob.
Seeing as no one had truly been paying them much attention, Lydia and Kitty had moved away from their group after Elizabeth went to find some tea. They were stood against a wall in the main hallway rather disinterestedly discussing the events of the evening thus far when Kitty suddenly froze, her eyes pointed to her right. Just a few meters away, standing near a wealthy looking old lady, was the silhouette of the young man she had seen in the art shop, she was quite sure of it - that is until his face turned and she noted instead of long hair, his was merely unruly, and instead of grey eyes his were blue-green like the ocean. His features were far better defined as well and, come to think of it, he was taller too. Nudging Lydia with a look of admiration on her face and attempting to discreetly draw her sister's attention in his direction, Kitty, at last, gave a slight tip of her head and at last Lydia's gaze followed her sister's, resting upon the veritable Grecian demi-god's person. Lydia's brows shot up as she took in the particulars of the gentleman's appearance and, without her gaze leaving his person for even a split second, she breathed, "Who is that? He may very well be the son of Zeus!" as she batted her lashes and let out a longing sigh.
"I haven't the slightest idea but, my goodness, isn't he just divinely handsome?" came Kitty's reply.
Alas, an unwelcome interruption intruded on the girls' admiration-from-afar, in the form of Mary dragging them back to their seats, insisting the next half was about to begin. Both girls hurried back to their family, still quietly whispering to each other about the eye-catching gentleman they'd been observing, and it would be remiss not to note Lydia's mind mulled over his possible identity long after the curtain was raised once more and the sound of laughter filled the theatre.
The last scenes of the play were excellently performed, and several times the audience collectively chuckled at the near-sighted behaviour that had led to so many confusing problems. The troupe of actors, at last, made their way back on stage after the final monologue had been repeated and the last bout of dialogue had been delivered, with all in the audience praising them with a standing ovation.
Making their way out of the theatre was decidedly easier than entering, even though the group was stopped several times more by acquaintances and strangers alike. Jane was deeply disappointed at not having met with Mr Reeding once more, but his smiling presence awaiting her outside as the family made their way to their carriage once more put her spirit at ease. Mrs Gardiner, noticing the couple in deep conversation, managed to delay the rest of the group's progress towards the carriage for quite a few minutes in the hopes of providing Jane slightly more time to speak to the handsome young man.
"I am so, so sorry for abandoning you so rudely during the intermission, Miss Bennet," Mr Reeding said, his disappointment quite evident from his forlorn expression.
"Think no more of it, Mr Reeding, I am sure your companions were in dire need of your cheerful presence," came Jane's understanding reply, met with yet another grateful smile.
"I must say you have absolutely delightful siblings!" the gentleman said softly, glancing over at the group standing in conversation near the bottom of the stairway, "I can only imagine that is because they have you as a role model."
Blushing prettily, Jane tried to brush off the compliment to no avail as Mr Reeding insisted his observation was correct.
"I have no brothers or sisters, sadly, so I know very little about the relationship between siblings, but I have no doubt your sisters look up to you. They would be foolish not to," the gentleman's statement was so sincere that Jane could do naught but quietly thank him, her cheeks still very pink.
Noticing that her aunt could no longer delay their departure Jane bid the man farewell and, with many thanks for his company, hurried down to join her family.
All in the party were in high spirits, having enjoyed the entertainment and socializing immensely, and now feeling more than ready to return home to their warm beds and peaceful slumber.
It was just as they turned past the stairway in the direction of the waiting carriages that the group, or more specifically Jane, came face to face with none other than Charles and Caroline Bingley. Realizing this, the latter only sniffed in annoyance and disdain, while the former turned a very sickening shade of pale which matched Jane's current complexion nearly perfectly.
"Miss Bennet," Mr Bingley managed to squeak as he bowed to the group in greeting.
"Mr Bingley, how, um, pleasant it is to see you once more," Jane's voice trailed off as her sentence ended, leaving an awkward silence to hang between herself and the man before her as Lizzy's hand suddenly found hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
Then, to the surprise of everyone gathered, poor Mr Bingley suddenly turned brilliantly red, muttered something along the lines of "I bid you goodnight," gave a small bow and fled the scene with Caroline hot on his heels.
Jane let out a long sigh as the two disappeared from sight, and Elizabeth saw her give an uncomfortable grimace as their group, although a bit puzzled by the Bingley siblings' behaviour, finally boarded their waiting carriage. It was to Lydia's credit that she said not a word regarding the Bingleys or their meeting, although that was mainly because she was too tired and not, as Elizabeth and Mary hoped because she had begun to mature.
Having dropped Georgiana off at home with many promises of an enjoyable afternoon at Matlock house the next day, the family made their way home, each too tired to say much on the journey although Lizzy did sit Jane down after they were ready for bed and made absolutely sure she was not too shaken by her meeting with the Bingleys. After reassuring her sister she was quite alright, Jane extinguished the candles and climbed beneath the thick blankets on the bed she shared with Lizzy. As her sister fell asleep mere seconds after the room was plunged into darkness, Jane lay awake for several hours longer, her mind not quite being able to rid itself of Mr Bingley's expression when he laid eyes upon her, and a nagging feeling of guilt keeping her from surrendering to the softly tugging tendrils of unconsciousness.
Thursday morning saw Kitty once more impatiently waiting in the drawing room. She had tried to force herself to act nonchalant but her excitement had won out and she now perched at the edge of her seat, her feet tapping the floor in anxiety and eagerness. Elizabeth, who made a point of it to sit with her sister, prayed the new teacher would not react poorly to Kitty again as she was unsure the girl could bear any further disappointment.
Thankfully, at five minutes to eleven, the long-awaited knock was heard and a cheerful voice resounded through the hallway. The maid had only just pushed open the door when Kitty jumped to her feet in delight and gave a curtsey, a face-splitting smile her only expression.
"Why, Mr Winthrope! I did not know you taught art!" she exclaimed, her happiness audible in each word.
The old man seemed equally as pleased as he replied, "I haven't taught in many years but of course when Lord Hundley wrote to me I could do naught but accept his request immediately, he has been such a generous sponsor and a wonderfully consistent patron of my store."
With a twinkle in his eyes he added, "And when I heard my student would be a Miss Catherine Bennet I just knew there was no way I could refuse!"
Elizabeth was very pleased with the fact that Kitty's art master was none other than the jolly owner of the Temple of Fancy and, seeing the two interact with ease, she quietly slipped out of the room and left them to begin their lesson.
"Well, Miss Catherine, shall we commence our exploration of the great treasure trove that is artistic style?" Mr Winthrope asked, his excitement making Kitty even more eager to begin her learning.
Stepping over to the table set out by the window he plopped down a large wooden box he had been carrying and proceeded to remove several paintings of people and houses, all so exquisitely rendered that Kitty gasped in awe as she moved closer to examine them in further detail.
"Oh these are absolute masterpieces!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining brilliantly as she took in the composition of painting after painting.
"I am pleased to hear you say so, as they are all my own creations!" the man said with a grin.
"Truly?" exclaimed the young girl in surprise, "They are impeccable!"
The old man's joy was visible as he responded, "Well, according to Mr Darcy you are quite the prodigy, so I have no doubt your work will one day soon surpass even that of my own! I just have a feeling!"
With a dismissing giggle, Kitty walked to a corner of the room and collected her own portfolio, carrying it over for the man's inspection.
Her heart felt as though it may beat out of her chest as he paged through the sketchbooks and loose canvases, finally standing back to observe an enormous painting, the one she had only just begun on Monday, depicting Hyde Park filled with wildly exotic animals like alligators and tigers, and fields of unrecognizable flowers.
"Why, this is positively terrifying!" Mr Winthrope commented, although his gaze didn't leave the canvas for more than a second, "Terrifying, yet mesmerizing at the very same time!"
"It's still far from finished, but I wished to combine London with some of the things I read about South America in that book about the New World you gave me," Kitty explained with an uncertain smile.
"Terrifyingly spectacular, Miss Catherine! There are no better words to describe it, and I must say I am incredibly impressed!" at which Kitty turned pink as her uncertain smile turned into one of pure joy.
"I've never seen anything quite like it! It may even be an entirely new genre of its own!" the man exclaimed and then, after a few more seconds spent taking in the totality of the art piece, he turned to his work materials and unpacked several stacks of sketching paper.
"Since you already seem to be interested in animals and plants, let us begin with those very objects."
Kitty took her seat and set out her pencils and drawing materials accordingly.
"Now, what I want you to do is draw whatever comes to mind when I repeat a word or phrase to you. You won't have much time for each exercise, only about two minutes per sketch, but this is the most effective method for me to gauge your skill and creativity. Shall we begin?"
With an enthusiastic nod began Catherine Bennet's very first art lesson, filled with exciting exercises, priceless information on mixing colours, and a comprehensive fostering of her creative abilities that left her in a cheerful mood for the remainder of the day.
A/N:
Hey, hey, hey! xD
So there we have the last bit of the theatre visit and Kitty's new art teacher! Don't forget about dreamy McDreamster she saw in the art shop, his role is still coming up!
These last few chapters have been SUCH a challenge to write as we have SOOOO many characters, and new ones being introduced and keeping up with all of them and each of the sisters without getting totally overwhelmed AIN'T easy! But I'm surviving! xD
Anyhooo,
I'm really glad you guys like Mrs Reynolds! I always though she seemed like such a kind, nice woman!
I'm working hard on prewriting a few chapters as I'll be on a trip all of next week and I don't want to leave you all without at least 2 new chapters ready to be posted!
As always, thank you to alllllll the lovely reviewers! I promise I'll comment on individual ones in the next chapter's author's note! For now I've got to get WRITINNNNGGGGGG!