Chapter 7

"Who are you going to invite?" Emily asked her roommates and Ruth, who was now always in their room.

"I think I might invite your brother." Hannah said, with as little emotion as she could possibly manage.

"Samuel?" Rebecca said, not hiding her surprise.

"Didn't you find any other gentleman that you fancied at the University ball? Emily asked.

Of course she had, but she was not ready to tell the two Darcy girls that, not yet. "No, not really, and Samuel will provide a pleasant enough evening." Very pleasant, she thought after speaking.

"It will be nice to have him here, especially while I'm singing." Rebecca smiled.

"So who will you invite?" Hannah asked.

"I was thinking of asking Mr. Travis, he was a very pleasant gentleman the other evening." Rebecca answered.

"Really? I thought perhaps you would invite a more handsome gentleman, Mr. Barrett perhaps?" Emily teased.

"And let him believe I am interested in being his new attachment for the year? Not a chance. Not to mention he is absolutely insufferable! To spend an entire evening with him would be absolute torture."

"Yes, I know." Emily laughed. "I just enjoy hearing you get so angry, it happens so seldom. And I think I am going to invite Jacob. I'm sure someone else will invite Mr. Preston, and I do want Jacob to hear me play."

"I was thinking of inviting your cousin Mr. Wickham, what do you think?" Grace asked nervously.

"A very good choice Grace, he is a very kind young man, and you will certainly have fun with him." Hannah smiled, putting her at ease.

"Yes, I really did enjoy my dance with him at the ball. And I must admit he is handsome."

"Oh come now, he is our cousin!" Emily joked.

"I don't know who to invite," Ruth interjected, "I'm afraid that whoever I invite, they will say no."

"How about my brother Hugh?" Grace offered. "As far as I know he has no attachments, I'm sure no one has invited him, and I know that he will not reject you."

"Really?" Ruth sat up, excitement suddenly growing on her face.

"Of course! I'm sure you will have a good time, Hugh has quite a personality."

"Thank you Grace."

The girls sat and composed their invitations on their school stationary. It had been two weeks since the ball at Cambridge and only one week remained until the dinner party. Practice was going well with miss Siddel and Rebecca was growing more confident as the weeks went on. Their studies were also moving along quite well, for everyone except Ruth. She seemed to struggle with every subject, so each of the girls helped her with whatever they were best at. They were beginning to become a very tight knit group and sometimes Abigail would join them as well, though she enjoyed the company of her roommates a great deal.

Two more days had gone by and a buzz flew through the Cambridge dormitories, the invitations for the first dinner party at Lady Hastings had arrived. Some boys jumped off their beds and flew to their mail boxes while others tried to act a bit less excited. Christopher Barrett was one of the gentlemen who took his time, not wanting to seem to eager, but in truth, he could hardly wait to see if he had been invited, by her, but none of his friends needed to know that.

He opened his box and saw a piece of blue parchment inside, sealed with a letter H. This was it, he had been invited, the question was, by whom. His finger slid easily under the green wax and his eyes quickly perused the letter, Victoria Bingley? Which one had she been, ah, the one with red hair! The one who wore that sour look on her face, and thought she was better than every one of her classmates. He didn't want to go if he had to sit beside her, after all, he could refuse. But, Miss Darcy would be there, surely he would be able to talk to her at some point, and, wouldn't that make sitting next to Miss Bingley worth while? Yes, that is what he would do.

"So you've been invited I see." His brother slapped him on the back, disturbing his silent plot.

"Naturally."

"By this years special girl?"

"No Steven, but have no fear, I shall win her before this year is out." he said in his most masculine voice.

"And what if she isn't the one?"

"I have a very different feeling about this one, something more than her looks."

"Well, you always get the girl, you haven't been blessed with those good looks for nothing."

"Exactly." Christopher smiled.

"So who did invite you?"

"Victoria Bingley? All I remember about her is that I didn't like her."

"But your going to go anyway?" Steven asked, puzzled.

"Miss Darcy will be there, so yes, I am going. Were you invited?"

"Yes, by Miss Elinor Watson, I danced once with her at the bal. Though I don't remember liking her either."

"Seems as though we have very good luck this year." Christopher laughed.

Both brothers fell into laughter over their misfortune. This had certainly never happened to them before, they always managed to win the affections of the prettiest ladies at the finishing school by the first dinner party. Christopher was willing to work a bit harder to win Rebecca Darcy's affections, there was something about her, something wonderful. She was beautiful to be sure, but there was more, but he couldn't put his finger on it yet, but he would, yes, he definitely would.

Dearest Rebecca,

Thank you for your letter, I was so excited to read your letter. Your cousins are doing well, Anna has even taken a few steps, though I do believe they will have to stay until Christmas. Now Becca about this young man you danced with, the handsome one who is insufferable. Let me advise you, from personal experience, not to judge to quickly. Trust me, I almost ruined my life by judging your father to quickly. Do not misunderstand me, be careful, for he may turn out to be more like your Uncle Wickham than your father. But take your time before passing judgment.

I am glad to hear that your classes are going well, we knew you would excel. We are also very proud of you for being so singled out in regard to your singing and Emily for her piano playing. I always told you that you had the voice of an angel. I only wish I could be there to hear you and Emily. You must promise to give a performance once you get home for Christmas. Good luck on Saturday my darling girl, you will be fine. Just remember we love you. I can't wait to see what a lady you've become by Christmas.

Love you darling,

Mother

Rebecca had no intention of listening to her mother this time. She did have more experience than Rebecca did, but there was no way she would give the pompous Christopher Barrett a chance. The dinner party was that evening and Rebecca was already nervous enough without having to worry about deciphering Mr. Barrett's unseemly personality.

"The cream dinner gown Becca, it looks the best on you." Emily said, disrupting Rebecca's reverie.

"What?"

"You looked confused about something, I thought maybe you couldn't decide what dress to wear."

"Oh, yes of course, thank you. I think I shall wear the cream dress."

"Are you alright Becca?"

"Yes of course, thank you."

"It is time to get ready, you don't want to be late for Mr. Travis."

The girls gathered in the entranceway, waiting for their invited guests to arrive. They were each instructed to await their own gentlemen and escort them to the parlor and offer some tea before dinner. This was not just a social gathering, but a test of all they had learned in the past month. Emily and Ruth were by far the most nervous about this aspect of the evening.

Samuel was one of the first to enter and smiled at the sight of Hannah and his sisters. Hannah took him by the arm and lead him quickly to the parlor. Jacob was the next familiar face and Emily nervously escorted him to the parlor as well. Rebecca stood waiting for a while and was among the last people standing at the door. Christopher Barrett suddenly appeared in the doorway and Rebecca felt ill, but her cousin Victoria was very excited to see him.

"Mr. Barrett! How kind of you to join us." she beamed.

"It was very kind of you to invite me." he smiled, but his eyes were looking at Rebecca.

"Oh, well you were the first person I thought of. Can I show you to the parlor?"

"Yes of course, thank you." He managed to smile, despite the fact that he was not looking forward to an evening filled with her company. Rebecca Darcy was still at the door and he couldn't help but wonder who she had invited. And for the tenth time that day he wished it had been him.

'Mr. Travis!" Rebecca smiled.

"So sorry Miss Darcy, unfortunately the lot of the last carriage was bestowed upon me." he bowed.

"Do not waste another thought on it, someone must take the last carriage." she laughed. "Now, may I escort you to the parlor for some tea before dinner."

"Yes thank you."

Rebecca and Mr. Travis joined the group in the parlor and took seats by Emily and Grace. Tea was served and there was pleasant enough conversation passing amongst them. As everyone finished their tea, dinner was announced. The young ladies stood and escorted their guests to the dining room which was elegantly decorated for the occasion. Six couples were seated at each of the tables and dinner was promptly served.

The girls sat together with their guests and did their best to entertain them with witty conversation. The meal was the best of the year, and was almost as good as what was usually served at Pemberley. Laughter was almost constant and swallowing became increasingly difficult. The entire meal passed without much happening other than laughing. A bell was rang after a while and everyone moved into the parlor. Rebecca and Mr. Travis sat with Hannah and Samuel and began to pick up the conversation where they had left it in the dining room.

"Miss Darcy, wonderful to see you again." A deep voice came from behind her.

Rebecca turned slowly, her biggest fear realized as she met those deep honey colored eyes. "Hello Mr Barrett."

"And how are you this evening?"

"Very well thank you. Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes, I've been having a very pleasant evening."

"I'm sure Miss Bingley has been very attentive." Rebecca smiled.

"Are you acquainted with Miss Bingley?"

Rebecca couldn't help but laugh, "Yes, she is my cousin."

"Really! I would have never guessed." he was now laughing as well.

"Ah yes, the curse of my red hair." Victoria replied smugly.

"It's very nice red hair." Christopher smiled suddenly realizing that he wasn't paying attention to her.

Rebecca's blood boiled at the comment, he was insufferable! "Well, I fear I am neglecting my guest. I do hope you enjoy the rest of your evening, I can assure you, you have been invited by a very fine lady."

"Thank you Miss Darcy." Victoria smiled, enjoying the complement.

Rebecca turned her back quickly to Christopher Barrett and tried to forget how terribly irritated he had made her. She resumed her smile and took up conversation with her friends. Five minutes passed and Emily came and asked Rebecca to follow her, it was time. A nervous jolt of energy shot through her as she stood and took her sisters hand.

Three girls performed before Rebecca and Emily, Miss Siddel insisted they go last. She said it would be unfair for anyone to have to go after them and she also wanted to be sure that the best had been saved for last. Rebecca and Emily were finally introduced and they took their places. Emily began the introduction to the song and Rebecca took a deep breath and let out the first sweet note.

Everything went well and both girls displayed their talents to the greatest advantage. Smiles covered everyone's faces and a loud applause resounded as they finished. Rebecca hid her blush with a curtsey and found her way back to Mr. Travis who began to sing her praises. In fact a number of people came up and informed her how wonderful she had been, and her face grew hotter with each comment.

Finally Lady Hastings announced that the evening was finished and the ladies were to escort their guests to their carriages. Rebecca walked Mr. Travis to his carriage and watched as he climbed in. She told him once again that she had a lovely evening and then the carriage began to pull away.

"Miss Darcy, how did you find Mr. Travis' company this evening?"

"What? Who's there?" She called out into the dark night, fear keeping her feet from moving. All of the others had gone inside, she was all alone.

"Oh, I'm sorry, it's me, Mr. Barrett. I didn't mean to scare you."

"Ah, Mr. Barrett, I am so relieved." she said truthfully. "But, might I ask what your doing here? All the carriages have left."

"Yes, I was in one of them, but I wanted to speak to you. So, I got into a carriage to satisfy your cousin and then hopped out a bit up the road and walked back. I can walk back to Cambridge on my own. Might we go sit on the porch?"

"Yes, ah, of course." She didn't really know what to say, she was so shocked by his actions. Talking to him was the least she could do after he had made such an effort. "What is it you wished to speak to me about?"

"I wanted to tell you how wonderful you were this evening. I have never heard a more beautiful voice."

"Thank you Mr. Barrett, but surely you could have told me that earlier this evening."

"Yes, I suppose I could have, but I get the strangest feeling that I am not amongst your favorite people. I didn't know that you would want to listen to my opinions on your talent with the eligible Mr. Travis around."

She couldn't help but laugh despite the fact that she was embarrassed that he had discovered her dislike of him. And, she couldn't help but find him handsome as he joked about her feelings. "It seems you have found me out."

"I must admit, I have never found myself in such a situation before." he smiled.

"That, Mr. Barrett, does not surprise me at all."

"And might I ask on what your dislike of me is founded?"

"I suppose I owe you that. I had heard of your previous years at Cambridge."

"Yes? What of them?"

"I just know that you have had the attention of one girl each year, and that the girls change with each year." she said slowly, fearing his response.

"Ah, yes."

"Then you do not deny it?" She truly was shocked by the ease of his admission.

"No, it is truth, undeniable truth. But you do not know everything."

"Perhaps not, but you do seem to have a way with women, especially the pretty ones."

"You think I'm shallow." he laughed, he couldn't help himself.

"I did not say that!"

"Come Miss Darcy, we are telling the truth." he coaxed.

"Miss Darcy, what are you...Mr. Barrett! Why are you still here? The carriages left a half an hour ago, and Miss Darcy you are to be in your room." Lady Hastings yelled, finding them on the porch.

"Oh Lady Hastings, I am so sorry. I needed to use the bathroom and missed the carriage. Miss Darcy was Kind enough to help me think of how I might get home best." She is quite a well mannered young lady.

"Mr. Barrett, you may take one of our horses if you give your word that it will be back in our stables by tomorrow. You should have come to find me immediately!"

"Yes Lady Hastings, Miss Darcy was trying to convince me to come see you but I thought it would get me in more trouble, I was going to walk."

"You will do no such thing. Miss Darcy, thank you for being such a wonderful hostess to our guest, please go to your room. Mr. Barrett, you will come with me."

"Yes ma'am, good night." Rebecca curtsied.

"Good night Miss Darcy."