Chapter 33

The new butler enters with Mr Fielding in tow.

'Mr Fielding, master.'

'Thank you, Johnson, we will be ready for dinner in an hour.'

Mr Fielding is not looking uncomfortable, but rather stunning himself. They have never seen him other than well-dressed, but these must be his working clothes, his outfit for performances. He is dressed in formal black, with a white cravat spilling out of his coat, and glossy black shoes. The sleeves of his coat are shorter than is fashionable, and black lace covers his elegant hands. A longer coat must be too restrictive to play in.

There is nothing really striking about those colours, but the cut of his coat, his upright stance, and especially something in his expression just awes Elizabeth. There is something about him that doesn't seem to be altogether of this world, some ethereal quality she also recognises in his work. This must be Mr Fielding in his performance mood, concentrated to the full extent of his potential.

Of course it is a bit early for such intense concentration, he is to dine with them first, and Georgiana will be sadly disappointed if he doesn't check out the piano, but Elizabeth can understand that Mr Fielding is already performing. Fitzwilliam must not discover Mr Fielding's affection for his sister, and Mr Fielding is already hard at work hiding it. Well, it doesn't make him absent-minded or impolite, he is just as charming and as outgoing as ever, and he greets Fitzwilliam very politely and yet very friendly.

Feeling slightly sorry for the young man, Elizabeth approaches him to say hello, but the effect of her appearance is rather different from what she expected. Instead of a hearty handshake and a familiar 'Hello Mrs Darcy', as usual, Mr Fielding's jaw drops and he merely stares at her, speechless.

Her own feelings wavering between embarrassment and gratitude, she says, very friendly, 'Good evening, Mr Fielding.'

'Good evening, Mrs Darcy,' he manages to reply. 'I'm so sorry to stare at you like that, but... you are so beautiful. You look like a queen.'

'Thank you, Mr Fielding. I've been dressed up to practise for the wedding. I'm supposed to look like a city-woman instead of a country girl, which in fact I am. So, do you think my maid has succeeded in her efforts?'

'Yes, Mrs Darcy, she has. I usually perform for people who like to show off their fortune, who spare no effort to make an impression with their dress. But they seldom achieve your level of sophistication. You will outshine the bride, I hope you are good friends. Didn't you tell me she is your sister?'

He recovers quickly to be so sharp, good.

'My sister is much more beautiful than me, Mr Fielding, I could never outshine her. But thank you so much for the compliment and the warning, a mere dress should never come between sisters.'

'Especially on a wedding,' Mr Fielding adds. 'I'm sorry Mr Darcy, I hope I haven't insulted you by blatantly staring at your lady wife. Please take it as a compliment, I am usually more polite, I'm a bit out of sorts tonight, something happened today that may change my life, Mrs and Miss Darcy already know part of it. I crave and fear your opinion.'

'Don't be worried on my account, Mr Fielding,' Fitzwilliam replies magnanimously, 'I nearly fell on my knees before her when I first saw my beloved dressed like a queen. I so understand your reaction. And there is Miss Darcy still to come.'

With some real concern Mr Fielding now looks up, discerning Georgiana in the background with Elizabeth's father. He actually manages to control his reaction better this time, and observes, 'She looks like an angel. So beautiful, two such beautiful ladies to look at all day. You are a fortunate man, Mr Darcy.'

'I know, I congratulate myself at least once a day. But they never look at me exactly as they look at you, Mr Fielding, you have their admiration as much as I do.'

That is all politeness, and Mr Fielding knows it. Georgiana adores Fitzwilliam as much as Elizabeth does, though in a different way.

'Only when I'm playing, Mr Darcy, only when I'm playing. And in some mysterious way, that is not even me, but something riding me, though I did gain the skills that allow the inspiration to find its way out all by myself, with hard work and dedication.'

Great, now Fitzwilliam will think Mr Fielding admires her, since he reacted so strongly to her, and only moderately to Georgiana. Never mind, Fitzwilliam will find out tonight that Mr Fielding has but one real mistress, music. If he didn't already know.

'Mr Fielding, we have four octaves tuned, will you come with us and check up on our work?' Georgiana of course is as driven as her teacher.

'Good evening, Miss Darcy, I'm looking forward to accompanying you, as soon as I have said my hello's to everyone present.'

That is easily arranged, and Elizabeth does the honours for her father. 'Mr Fielding, may I introduce you to my father, Mr Bennet. He is staying with us for few days.

Papa, this is Georgiana's piano teacher, Mr Fielding, wait until you hear him, you'll not believe how good he is.'

Seeing her father in an excellent mood, Elizabeth is glad, Mr Fielding is not someone who can take sarcasm well, or she must be very much mistaken in his character.

'Good evening to you, Mr Fielding, your pupil has made great progress since I last heard her play, some two months ago. You must be a great teacher.'

'Thank you very much, Mr Bennet, though I cannot take all the credit for Miss Darcy's progress. She is very talented, and very dedicated, and a pleasure to teach.'

After shaking hands with her father, Mr Fielding greets Mrs Annesley heartily, and asks how she is doing. They exchange a few politenesses, and then Georgiana gets her way, Mr Fielding accompanying her to the dusty room with the other piano.

Elizabeth of course comes along, she wants to know how good a job they did, and she watches Mr Fielding take place on the rather worn stool with excitement.

His beautiful hands touch the keys, and he plays a scale in the first octave, not up and down, but a complex variation that nonetheless sounds perfectly in tune to Elizabeth's ear.

He plays it again, but without the variations this time, and he compliments them, 'Well done, ladies, this one is perfect.' He seems totally at ease with the two of them, sitting behind a piano. But Elizabeth has noticed that having her hands on a piano makes Georgiana very self-assured as well.

Next he tests the higher octave, and is pleased once again. 'Perfect'

The lower octave, key by key, once. Then twice. 'Do you hear something amiss?' he asks.

Elizabeth cannot hear a thing, and Georgiana shakes her head. Smiling broadly he says, 'I can't either, it's perfect!'

They have two more octaves, the ones where inharmonics are most likely to make themselves heard. The higher one. He plays it once, and again. This time, Georgiana says, 'Yes, I hear something I shouldn't.' And she bends over Mr Fielding to strike a key. It's not sour, but there is a slight twinge in it, something is indeed not right.

'One of the three strings is slightly off, let's see which one.'

And Mr Fielding bends over the piano, Georgiana and Elizabeth both exclaiming in horror, 'It's dusty, you'll ruin your suit!'

But he laughs merrily, plucking strings here and there just for fun, until he finds the right one. He plucks each one individually, and Georgiana says, 'This one is off.' Then she hands him the muters, and the tuning-hammer, and strikes the key for him. And again. It's already done, perfectly in pitch with the neighbouring key, and after Mr Fielding has removed the muters, with the other two strings as well.

They check his suit in horror, but it's perfectly clean. 'Someone must have cleaned the piano, for it's not dusty at all,' he says coolly, remarkable, since he has two ladies looking at him, he should be shy but he isn't.

He sits right back on the stool and checks the lower octave, and without comment he starts to play. 'You've got the inharmonics down pat, and I bet that one string lost its pitch due to the age of the instrument. It's a miracle you got it so well-tuned within days of starting to heat the room. Well done, ladies, you've passed your exam with flying colours.'

'Let's go back down for dinner,' Georgiana proposes, 'I'm hungry.'

'You look very beautiful, Miss Georgiana,' Mr Fielding even dares to offer.

'Thank you very much, Mr Fielding, you look very impressive yourself.'

'Thank you Miss, it's my formal clothing for concerts, it's supposed to take the attention away from the performer, but personally, I find it very becoming.'

And it is.

Dinner is very entertaining, Mr Bennet enjoys himself hugely with Mrs Annesley, while the four young people amuse each other on various subjects. Mr Fielding tells them he is from the north of the country himself, middle child of a large religious family, his talent for music discovered by the local priest, who encouraged him to sing in the choir and helped him develop his voice until he found out that little Eric Fielding could play any instrument he chose.

The father helped him develop his skills until the boy eclipsed the master, and then he found him a patron, who sent him to school to make a gentleman out of the lower class boy. It was a lonely life, since he was not particularly welcome among the noble boys, but Eric studied hard and could always find solace with the piano, and the school's music teacher could still help him learn new skills.

His patron then took him in and had him taught by the best masters London could offer, even sent him out to Prague for a year for further development of his talent.

'But in a way I'm stuck now, I cannot improve myself or make a name for myself here, there is too much competition of settled masters, I will not become famous without improving, and I will not improve without the help of one of those masters.

And lately there has been so much music filling my ears from inside me, I'm starting to wonder whether Miss Georgiana isn't right, whether I should give up my ultimate goal of becoming an international performer and spend most of my time composing instead.

I feel trapped in my current life, entertaining my patron, playing concerts wherever I'm asked, teaching.

Please don't get me wrong, it's a much more pleasant life than herding cows on the moors, I'm not dissatisfied, but I was always so convinced there was a higher goal for me. Oh well, I'm quite happy anyway, and I'm still young.'

Elizabeth silently commends Georgiana for not exclaiming in reaction, for even Elizabeth is certain that there is a magnificent future waiting for this talented man. But neither of them says anything, and Fitzwilliam asks him a question instead.

'What would you do in a perfect world, Mr Fielding? Where money was no object, and you could get any teacher you liked?'

That doesn't take him long. 'I would keep on improving my playing by learning from the best masters, then perform in all the renowned venues, all across the world. Vienna, Rome, Paris, Berlin, Salzburg, the lower countries, I'd go everywhere and play for the rich and famous.'

'That may be a tougher life than herding cows, Mr Fielding, travelling for weeks, lugging a piano around, living out of a suitcase, never able to settle. You have lived in Prague, did that agree with you?'

'You ask hard questions Mr Darcy, but I thank you for them. Frankly, I did not like to travel, no. I loved my time in Prague, once I got to know everyone there, especially my master, whom I admired. And visiting the tribes with him was an amazing experience. But I hated the dusty roads, the endless waiting on officials checking my paperwork, the danger of being robbed or even killed on the road, meeting new people who professed being connoisseurs of music but in fact didn't have the ear.'

'I've heard that playing for the rich and famous demands an incredible investment, Mr Fielding, and that musicians working on their international career are often ruined financially by the expenses of their constant travelling.

I'm not a very creative person myself, but I can imagine the fatigue and the constant worries would have a negative influence on your inspiration and your ability to compose. Wouldn't the hardship of travel drive the music from your mind? Or would it inspire you to write more?'

'My music is driven by feelings, I guess, and travelling certainly evoked great feelings within me. But since then I have discovered other feelings, and they have inspired my music even more, so that now I can hardly stop hearing it.

I'm looking forward to playing some of that music tonight, but first I'll play my concerto for Mrs Darcy.'

Mr Fielding cannot want Fitzwilliam to ask what other feelings he discovered, right here in London, but of course Fitzwilliam already knows. And he bears his knowledge with fortitude, changing the subject to politics, and books, and the north of England, where they are both from.

After dinner, Mr Fielding begs to be excused to ready himself for the concert and get to know their instrument, and since the piano is located in the drawing-room, Mr Fielding accompanies the ladies there. Elizabeth wondered at first why Fitzwilliam didn't have a music room with his sister so talented, and she did ask him one time. His answer was so logical Elizabeth wondered why she hadn't thought of it herself.

'If we were to place the piano in a music room, my love, we'd never see Georgiana, she'd always be there and grow lonely and estranged from people. I don't mind hearing her practise all evenings.'

That is so true, and tonight it has the added advantage that Georgiana can show Mr Fielding the instrument and discuss its qualities without needing someone to chaperone her. Elizabeth and Mrs Annesley merely take up their needlework and discuss Fanny's efforts that evening between the two of them.

'I'll be honest with you, Mrs Darcy,' Mrs Annesley observes, 'I had great expectations of Fanny, but both your appearances totally stunned me, she has done even better than I expected. In a year or two, she will be wasted on you, unless the admiration you will get at the wedding will make you want to dress up on a daily basis.'

Mrs Annesley is not very subtle in her observations, but neither is Elizabeth, and Mrs Reynolds was also rather outspoken once she had gotten to know her mistress, maybe being outspoken is a good trait for a housekeeper. But Mrs Annesley is right, a talented lady's maid will not be satisfied attending to two ladies who are relatively indifferent to their appearances.

Laughing at the idea of herself suddenly becoming fashionable, she replies, 'I rather doubt that, Mrs Annesley, and if I did, I doubt Fitzwilliam would appreciate it. So I suppose we'll enjoy Fanny's services as long as she wants to stay with us. And when she gets a better offer we'll send her off with an excellent reference.

I didn't recognise myself at first, though I'm rather comfortable now, I don't feel much different.'

'You chose an excellent dress, it suits your personality well, and if one dresses in accordance with one's personality, one feels comfortable despite some extra accessories and some jewellery. I commend your taste, that little coat is so becoming.'

'Thank you Mrs Annesley.'

As the married ladies talk and stitch away, Georgiana is quite excited to show Eric her instrument. He sits on the stool and strokes the wood reverently. 'You have great taste in instruments, Georgiana,' he says, 'a Buntebart is a fine piano.'

'It's my brother who chose this piano, Eric,' Georgiana has to admit, 'and before I was worthy of it. I don't remember who advised him to buy it, but you can imagine I was very happy to have it.

My brother doesn't play himself but he loves the innovations of this age. My instrument at Pemberley is a Clementi, he got that for me when he heard it has a totally different action than the usual instrument, Italian style so to speak. I like it very much. But here I am talking away when you need a little peace and quiet. Do you mind if I watch while you try it? I can join the stitching party, you know.'

'Talking with you is an excellent preparation for a concert, Georgiana. I'd be honoured if you want to stay with me while I warm up my muscles and explore your beautiful piano. And you may even comment or ask questions.'

He is even talking infatuation now, not just merely looking it, but the other ladies are busy and he kept a tight lid on it when Fitzwilliam was with them. And when his hands begin exploring the keys, Georgiana can feel the warmth of her admiration for his talent fill her, finally finding its usual outlet on her face, her cheeks burning and her eyes sparkling.

His beautiful hands move over the keyboard effortlessly, spreading music wherever they go, still exploring the reach of the piano, its pitch, the feel of the keys and the pedal. When he stops playing abruptly it is a physical sensation, a wrench that wakes her up out of her reverie.

'Will you allow me to meddle with the tuning a little? Listen.'

And he plays one of those variegated scales. She must learn those, the very next lesson, Miss Bingley will die of envy. But she can hear nothing wrong, this is what it always sounds like.

'I hear nothing wrong, Eric. But you may tune it however you like. Shall I fetch the materials from upstairs?'

'Can't you let a servant do that for you?' he asks mildly.

'Of course. But somehow I feel uncomfortable letting others handle my instruments. Not you, or Elizabeth, not even my brother, just, well, people who don't understand. Is that arrogance?'

'No, Georgiana,' Eric replies, his voice soft and affected, 'it's a sign of true dedication. I would appreciate it very much if you would fetch the tuning set. Just the hammer and the muters will be fine.'

She may be dressed like a woman, Georgiana is still a sixteen year old girl, and she's back with the instruments in five minutes, breathing hard.

'Thank you, you're pretty fast. Now watch, and listen.'

And he plays a scale, a normal one, then gets up and bends over the row upon row of strings.

'That is just beautiful, let me take a few moments to admire this. Have you seen the heart of your Buntebart? Independent dampers, and look, whale bone transitions, so beautiful.'

In fact, Georgiana had never seen the inside of a piano before she saw Eric's, and she is very curious. Realising it may not be exactly decent, leaning over a piano with a man, she ignores her thought. Mrs Annesley is no longer her lady companion, and Elizabeth trusts her sister.

'If I tune this key, here, let me test it,' and he plucks the strings by hand, 'that's the one, if I pitch it the tiniest of bits higher, you'll hear the difference.'

This is very cosy, standing under the lid of the piano together, face to face, and Georgiana can almost imagine them kissing here. Fortunately, she really wants to hear the effect, and she's up in a second. Eric is, too, and he doesn't even look disappointed, but rather content. If this easy camaraderie is all he expects from her, he may not be disappointed, nor unhappy at all, she can give him this and enjoy it.

Back on the stool, Eric plays the same scale, then a chord. The difference is there, but what does it mean? It's not more harmonious, it was fine before and it is fine now, but how can that be?

Eric can see the question in her eyes.

'I don't know why it works this way, Georgiana. Theory has never been my strongest suit. I just know that if you pitch that key a tiny bit higher, your piano will sound fuller. Here, let me demonstrate.'

And he launches into a well known melody, centred around the key he adjusted, and it does sound fuller than when she plays it. But that could merely be his superior execution, she just doesn't know.

'I can see I'm confusing you. Never mind, we had a good time there, didn't we? Time I start with my warming up.'

And time for Georgiana to sit down, the force of his playing still staggers her, will she ever be able to achieve this level of skill? Does it matter when she can listen to Eric playing?

Of course it does! Where did that thought come from? That's utter nonsense! She will never be able to compose as he does, she does not hear original music in her mind, just music she knows and has studied. But she can practise and work until she can play music as he plays it, even his own compositions.

Before long, the gentlemen file in and coffee is served. Georgiana brings Eric a cup, and he takes it with pleasure.

'You know I'm actually a bit nervous? I play concerts weekly, for influential people mostly, hundreds at a time. But never my own composition, yet. This feels like an exam.'

'I understand, Eric, it must be very personal. And while Elizabeth and I are avid admirers of yours, my brother, Mr Bennet and Mrs Annesley are not music lovers, and rather demanding and imposing characters, all three of them. In a great hall that wouldn't matter, but in a small company like this you'd certainly find out if they didn't like it.'

He nods, and drinks his coffee. 'I suppose your brother does frighten me a little, yes.'

'Only a little? You should have seen him before Elizabeth tamed him.

But I assure you, he can be very undignified these days, and he is truly a very good and sweet person and the best brother ever. Elizabeth has him eating out of her hand, he worships her.'

'I guessed, though I've not seen much of it. She's very beautiful, and closer to your age than his, I'd say.'

'Indeed, but we are not at all alike, I've always been shy, and Elizabeth is absolutely fearless. She makes me feel very safe when I'm with her.'

'But you both like music, and have true hearing. I'm ready to start, Georgiana, will you notify the others?'

She just tells him she is shy, and he wants her to speak to people. Oh well, these aren't strangers to her after all, and not nearly as imposing as Eric deems them, he's merely in love with a girl who's above him, and fears to be judged over that.

But Georgiana wishes the entire party to know that Eric is an admirable person, maybe not for his birth, but certainly for the way he has overcome its disadvantages, certainly a true gentleman in address, and the best pianist they have ever heard.

'Ladies and gentlemen,' she says, louder than usual, immediately catching everyone's attention, 'it is my honour to present to you the extraordinarily talented Mr Fielding, who will perform his magnificent concerto for you tonight, for the very first, but certainly not the last, time, for very soon it will be heard in every concert-hall in London, England, and abroad. Let's hear it for Mr Fielding!'

Nearly stunned with surprise, Fitzwilliam and Mrs Annesley applaud her, Elizabeth smiles and applauds, and Mr Bennet looks approving, but not surprised at all. He's deep, her sister's father, and very likeable. But now Georgiana needs to sit down, for Eric is starting.