Chapter Twenty – Getting to Know You

Mary smiled to herself as her fingers skimmed over the last keys in the piece she was playing. The chord rippled across the moderately full room, and there was polite applause from those assembled. Mary stood from the piano and was almost immediately met by her school friend Lavinia and her cousin Adelaide. Lavinia looked very pleased, and she squeezed Mary's hands in excitement.

"That was wonderful, Mary," said Lavinia. "I must tell you – I am bursting with excitement – several younger sons of nobility are here, and they all seem very kind."

"Your Mama is a good friend of Lady Jersey," Mary reminded her. "It is natural that they would come to a soiree hosted by her. Really, what has you in a tizzy?"

"Dr Fanshaw is with them," said Adelaide, "and Lavinia thinks he's handsome. Colonel Fitzwilliam is here as well, and I think he's rather dashing. Is he not a cousin of Mrs Darcy's?"

"He is indeed," said Mary. "He is a very good dancer, and quite the conversationalist. I like to think that we're good friends. As for Dr Fanshaw, I will agree with you. I am surprised that he has taken the night to socialize. But then, I suppose, even doctors need breaks from their work."

"Yes, that is one detractor," said Lavinia, frowning slightly. She immediately brightened. "Come and play cards with us, Mary. We only need one more for a second table of whist."

Mary went with her friends to the card room and sat at a table with Adelaide, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Dr Fanshaw. Mary partnered the colonel, and Adelaide partnered the doctor. The cards were dealt, and Mary looked at her hand, keeping her face blank as she took in her hand.

"Spades is trump," said Colonel Fitzwilliam, turning over the last card dealt to his hand. "Miss Spencer, lead us in."

Adelaide played the six of hearts. Mary followed with the nine of hearts, and Dr Fanshaw played the two of hearts. Colonel Fitzwilliam finished the round by playing the eight of hearts. Mary took the trick and placed it parallel to Adelaide's side of the board.

The four of them talked idly as they played, light gossip and small polite anecdotes from their days. Colonel Fitzwilliam jumped in when Adelaide brought up the new exhibit at one of the museums on the history of France, as he had been there and seen some of the sights depicted in the paintings at the museum. Dr Fanshaw brought up his Tour of the continent just after his graduation from Oxford, and the various places he had been while there. Mary chimed in with the latest book she was reading and how it was a German novel about a man attempting to overcome the loss of his true love by embracing the beauty of nature in Greece.

The game was over far too soon, and Mary and Colonel Fitzwilliam were declared the winners by a point. While Adelaide wanted a second hand, Mary bowed out, citing the continuation of displays on the piano and harp. The four of them returned to the main salon in time for the first girl who had played earlier to take her place at the piano and begin to play. Colonel Fitzwilliam sat next to Mary, not too close but close enough to talk quietly. Mary noticed that Adelaide had gone to Lavinia, and the two were speaking in low voices to each other, angled such that Mary could not read their lips. She turned her attention to the colonel.

"She is a decent player, is she not?" asked Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Mary hummed. "Her fingering is good, but she is not fully comfortable with this piece. This song requires more confidence to get the feeling across. But if I recall correctly, the piece she played earlier was played with much more confidence. It was brave of her to go first, when music was first called for."

"Indeed," agreed Colonel Fitzwilliam. "The front line is the hardest to be in, as you know that there is a good chance that you'll die. But those who march on anyway are brave."

"You are very much a soldier," observed Mary.

The colonel chuckled. "I am that. And I have no intention of giving it up. It's my calling, and I enjoy the comradery that comes with it. My mother is not so understanding."

"I take it that she would like grandchildren?" said Mary.

"She has grandchildren!" said Colonel Fitzwilliam. "Andrew and Tiffany have their two, and I believe are expecting a third though I'm no expert. And Cecelia has her eye on someone and wants children of her own. I'm happy as a bachelor."

"You are married to your profession, then," suggested Mary. Colonel Fitzwilliam nodded. She continued, "I shall not be the one to try and change your mind. You are a grown man and can make your own decisions."

Colonel Fitzwilliam looked relieved. "Mother was suggesting that I make a match with you. We are friends, but I will never be home and you deserve someone who can spend time with you."

"I think Lady Matlock thinks very highly of us Bennet girls," said Mary. "I am not offended. Rather, I thank you for your candour and straightforwardness. I do not think that I want to be so visible in society. I much prefer evenings like this, or evenings when I can simply read or play the piano in my home."

"Do not be surprised if Mother tries to matchmake," warned Richard. "You are family. She wants her family to be happy."

"And I am grateful for the family I have," said Mary. "We have managed to find happiness for ourselves by being together."

"I had noticed," said Colonel Fitzwilliam. "Do not hesitate to ask if there is someone you wish to be introduced to or want to know better. At any point. I am happy to help friends. Come to think of it, have you spoken much with Dr Fanshaw? You seemed to have some interests in common."

"He is quite shy, I think," said Mary. "Or at least, reserved. I have not had a chance to speak to him much, but then, I have not seen him very often. Are you attempting to advocate for your friend?"

"Perhaps," admitted Colonel Fitzwilliam. "I am my mother's son in many ways."

"At any rate, Miss Wallace seems to like him," said Mary, "and I will not fight with my friend over a man. That seems so silly."

"It does," said Colonel Fitzwilliam. "I will not ask again. I do not want to interfere with your friendships. That isn't what a good friend does."

Lavinia hurried over. "Mary, come meet some of my mother's friends. They're asking about you, as you're Mrs Bingley and Mrs Darcy's sister."

"I would be happy to," said Mary, standing and smoothing her skirts. "Please excuse me Colonel."

"Of course," said Colonel Fitzwilliam. "The Bennet sisters are gifted conversationalists in my experience."

"You spend too much time around Mrs Darcy," Mary informed him. She tucked her hand into Lavinia's elbow and walked with her towards the clutch of matrons near the piano.

"I was talking to Dr Fanshaw earlier," said Lavinia, "and he was asking about you a bit."

"Lavinia," began Mary.

"I am not attached to him," said Lavinia with a soft smile. "He is handsome, and a good conversationalist once he opens up, but we have very different desires from life."

"I feel like you are rationalizing away an attraction," said Mary, stopping them near an empty alcove. "Please, don't feel that you have to give up love for me."

"I am attracted to him, yes," admitted Lavinia. "But I know that I would resent him for not being available consistently. I do require quite a bit of attention."

"School was good for you," said Mary. "Are you sure about the doctor?"

"Very," said Lavinia. The smile became mischievous. "I have decided to enlist all of our friends to help you, if you want to see if you are compatible."

"Thank you," said Mary. "Now, am I meeting your mother's friends or did you simply want to talk to me and matchmake? Because you are the second person today to suggest I consider Dr Fanshaw."

"The second?" said Lavinia, amused. "Perhaps we see something you do not yet. You perked up when he came in, you know. And Adelaide was telling me that you were peeking at him all through your game of whist."

"Perhaps," said Mary, looking down and shuffling her feet.

"Then I can begin to help?" asked Lavinia hopefully.

"Not too much," warned Mary. "I want to have the chance to do things at my own pace, just as my sisters did."

"Alright," said Lavinia, "come meet the matrons."

The two young ladies joined the circle of matrons, including Mrs Kingsley and Mrs Wallace. They interviewed Mary briefly before returning their discussion to philanthropy and the charity events benefiting various causes. Mary listened for the most part, occasionally making some suggestions to make the events unique and thus encourage people to attend. The matrons seemed surprised and pleased that she was interested, and soon the conversation turned to Napoleon and the fears of losing sons on the Continent. For this, Mary was quiet. The conversation was interrupted by several parties coming to bid their hostess goodnight. Mary and Lavinia excused themselves to join a group of young people watching a heated debate in another room. To their surprise, Dr Fanshaw was one of the debaters.

"You are wrong," said the doctor calmly. "There is no scientific evidence that suggests that bloodletting is more effective than herb-based remedies. I for one am inclined to believe, from experience, that the patients who are more likely to die are the ones who have lost blood."

"And yet so many doctors use bloodletting to cure illnesses," said his opponent loudly. "Therefore it must work to some extent."

"Just because something is popular does not mean it is right," said Dr Fanshaw. "It is popular to gamble away one's fortune and lands, but that does not make it right."

The man looked furious. "Are you attempting to insinuate something?"

"Not in the slightest," said Dr Fanshaw. "But from your reaction, I can assume that you have a bit of a gambling problem that is relatively well known amongst the men of the Ton and they will not let their daughters near you."

The other man lunged at Dr Fanshaw, and was restrained by two of his friends. The doctor didn't flinch, but planted his feet a little more solidly. The loud gasps and little shrieks of some of the young ladies present brought the matrons and senior gentlemen to the room at a hurry. As soon as Mrs Wallace swept into the room and snapped her fan sharply shut, there was silence.

"Mr Simons," said Mrs Wallace coldly. "Your behaviour is inappropriate. Regardless of provocation, a true gentleman uses his words well before resorting to violence. You will leave now, and will not be welcomed back. And I shall be writing to your mother."

Mr Simons blanched, roughly pulled himself out of his friends' grips and bowed stiffly to Mrs Wallace. "Good evening, madam." And with that, he stormed out of the house. Silence followed him. After a moment, Mrs Wallace turned to one of her friends and resumed their conversation. Following her lead, others also resumed conversing. Several young ladies fluttered around Dr Fanshaw, cooing and attempting to engage him in conversation. He spoke to each of them easily, reassuring them that he did not feel that he had been in any danger.

The string quartet resumed playing, this time livelier songs that could be danced to. Young men came out of the woodwork to invite young ladies to dance, leaving Dr Fanshaw to breathe for a moment. He spotted Mary watching him and offered her a small smile, which she returned. He made his way around the dancing couples to where she was standing.

"I see you are unscathed," said Mary.

"And you likewise," said Dr Fanshaw. "Society matrons are an unforgiving group."

"Society is an unforgiving group," said Mary. "The matrons simply enforce the rules that the law will not. I am pleased to see that you will stand your ground when you must."

"I do not like it," admitted Dr Fanshaw. "Debate was one of my better subjects in school, but I detested it. I dislike being the center of attention."

"As do I."

"Having elder siblings in the spotlight has not helped?"

"On the contrary. Mrs Darcy has always had a knack for managing people, and Mrs Bingley has always been so sweet that no one would dare think to harm her without recognizing the consequences. And Kitty has a way with people as well that I rather lack."

"Kitty?"

"My younger sister, the next of us to come out. She is shy, but can carry conversation well once she is comfortable."

"And you believe that you have no knack for people?"

"I have learned how to be around people. It is not my nature inherently. And I suspect that it is not yours either."

"You would be correct. I prefer my patients to my peers."

"How many older siblings do you have?"

"I am the fifth of seven," said Dr Fanshaw, adjusting his glasses. "My eldest brother is being taught accountability by our mother at the moment. My eldest sister married a marquis over the summer and is very much into shocking people with her interests. My next oldest sister is over there, with our aunt Windermere. She has her heart set on marrying a military man."

"I shall have to warn Colonel Fitzwilliam," said Mary dryly.

Dr Fanshaw looked sideways at her. "There is no understanding between you then?"

"No," said Mary. "We agree that we are better as friends and cousins. I would not want to be the woman who tried to tie him to home. He is not made for it."

"I shall let my sister know," mused Dr Fanshaw. "My other older brother has taken to law like a swan to water: with affinity and elegance, and a talent for vicious hissing. My younger brother is still at school, I believe that he wishes to join the church as he is very inclined to God and His teachings. And last is my younger sister, who is also still at school, and will be for the next few years, thank God."

"I had thought for a while that I might pursue becoming a nun," said Mary. "I have always been inclined towards His Word, and so I thought that perhaps I should dedicate my life to Him. Of course, this was before I went to school and learned of all of the other things that life could offer, the different ideas and thoughts and languages and cultures. I am quite pleased now to be out in the world."

"I am pleased that the world has caught your attention," said Dr Fanshaw. "I remain quite curious about the book you were discussing earlier. Would you go to Greece if you could?"

"I think I would," said Mary. "I have read so much about it, and seen so many of the exhibits on the ancient world at various museums. I think I should like to see the lands which have inspired so many to write."

"I think you would like them," said Dr Fanshaw. "Society is quieter there, and the ruins are stunning."

"Then I shall have to go," agreed Mary. The song came to an end, and the dancers applauded. A new song began, and Dr Fanshaw bowed to her and offered his hand. She took it and they joined the other dancers on the floor. The two continued chatting about books and Greece as they danced, moving on to travel in general and then to favourites and works they had intensely disliked.

As the song ended, Mrs Kingsley approached Mary. "It is time for us to head home, Miss Bennet. Mrs Wallace is thinking of ending the evening soon, and I should hate to be one of the rude people who must be asked to leave."

"Of course, Mrs Kingsley," said Mary. "Dr Fanshaw, it was lovely talking to you. Thank you for the dance. And of course, for telling me about Greece. It sounds like a lovely country."

"It is indeed," said Dr Fanshaw. "Good night, Miss Bennet. I do hope to see you again soon."

"I hope so too," said Mary. She curtsied and followed Mrs Kingsley to bid their hostess goodnight. Having fulfilled their social duties, they went out to the carriage and were helped in. Mary settled into the softness of the seats and let out a long deep breath.

"How did you enjoy the evening?" asked Mrs Kingsley.

"It was pleasant," said Mary. "While I did not speak to many people, the conversations I did have were interesting and edifying. I enjoyed the evening very much."

"Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke to you?"

"He did. We agree that we are better as friends, but he is happy to help me meet whomever catches my eye."

"That is kind of him. Are you sure that you will not marry him?"

"Very. He is married to his profession, and I cannot compete with La Guerre herself."

"And is Dr Fanshaw much the same?"

Mary frowned. "I did not get that sense from him. I would like to get to know him more before I decide, but what I know of him is intriguing."

"And what do you know of him?" inquired Mrs Kingsley.

"I know that he has five siblings, and that he cares for all of them," said Mary. "He looks at facts and explores alternatives before doing anything drastic. He is intelligent and interested in the world and the things and people in it. He is reserved, and he dislikes many of the habits of his peers."

Mrs Kingsley looked impressed. "I see you have looked into his values and priorities. That is wise. If he wanted to court you, would you be open to it?"

"I think I would," said Mary contentedly. "Has he sad something?"

"He did not need to," said Mrs Kingsley. "He did not look at anyone else all evening. All of the matrons noticed, and it is a good match, temperament-wise."

"I do not need ten thousand a year," said Mary frankly. "But I do need a good man with a good heart and good principles. The rest, I can make do with or without."

Mrs Kingsley smiled. "Then I wouldn't be surprised if the good doctor called sometime in the next week to see you."

True to Mrs Kingsley's prediction, Dr Fanshaw did come to call at Gracechurch Street later that week. He explained that he was in between calls, and that the patients in question had broken limbs from the same wagon accident and needed to be checked on so that the bones healed properly. He then broached the reason for his visit.

"Miss Bennet, I know that I am not the most eye-catching man," said Dr Fanshaw, "but I feel a connection between us. I am wondering if perhaps you feel it too?"

"I do," said Mary. "I feel as though I knew you, perhaps from when God made both of us. Or perhaps from another life."

"Exactly like that," agreed Dr Fanshaw. "Would you, perhaps, be open to exploring this connection?"

"I would like that very much."

"What I mean to ask is, would you let me court you? With the understanding, of course, that if it is not the connection we think it is, we can discuss it?"

"Of course," said Mary, pleased with the option. "I mean to say, I should like it very much if we entered a courtship, and not rush ourselves into anything. There is time."

Dr Fanshaw looked relieved. "Thank you, Miss Bennet. You are right. There is no need to rush our feelings or ourselves. I quite like that."

"As do I," said Mary. "Have you time for another cup of tea?"

"I'm afraid that I do not," said Dr Fanshaw regretfully. "But I shall make time at least once a week to come and see you."

"Then I shall await your correspondence," said Mary. Dr Fanshaw stood, bowed and left. As Mary was stepping away from the door, there was a knock and Lavinia came in, excitement lighting up her features.

"Mary, was that Dr Fanshaw?" she asked excitedly.

"It was," said Mary. "Oh Lavinia, I am having the loveliest afternoon. Come in and I'll tell you about it."