Chapter 37

Georgiana and Kitty are already waiting for them, and Elizabeth hugs her younger sister before they go downstairs.

'You look lovely, Lizzy! I wish I could buy my dresses in town.

I told Georgiana all about Mr Manners, he's Mr Bingley's friend and very good-looking and rich. He has an estate of his own. Mr Manners says they met in college, and lost contact until they ran into each other in London a few weeks ago and Mr Bingley invited him to the wedding.

It'll be such fun to have another gentleman to dance with at the wedding, won't it, Georgiana? He told us, Maria Lucas and me, you'll love Maria, Georgiana, Mr Manners told us he likes to dance very much.

And you'll play for us, Lizzy, won't you? Mary never plays dances like you do, though Mr Bingley says he has hired musicians for the wedding, but I thought, if Lizzy gets here maybe we can dance in the evening, you know, to practise.'

Georgiana is smiling at Kitty's ranting, Elizabeth can only hope she will be able to bear the constant chattering. And if not, that she'll use her piano studies as an excuse to have some peace and quiet.

'I have a few dances I need to practise playing for my piano lessons, Kitty,' Georgiana offers. 'And my teacher asked Elizabeth to practise them, too, so there will plenty of opportunity to dance. If you have enough gentlemen, for Mr Manners is only one partner, wouldn't you need at least three?'

'I remember now, Georgiana, you play so beautifully, and you did play some dances for us in London. But you're right about the gentlemen, how will we find enough men to dance with?'

'I'm sure I can oblige you, Miss Catherine, if your sister is treating us to a dance with my sister.'

Kitty is almost in shock to hear Fitzwilliam offer to dance with her, but she has enough confidence to accept his kindness.

'Thank you very much, Mr Darcy, if Mr Bingley joins in too, we'll have enough gentlemen. Come, let's meet Mr Manners!'

Of course Darcy is familiar with most of the rooms at Netherfield, and Kitty certainly isn't enough company to make him shy or reticent, but somehow he feels more a visitor here than he ever did. Maybe it's because Kitty almost seems to live here, or maybe being with Georgiana and Elizabeth instead of with Bingley makes the difference.

Seeing this place again does remind him of the last time he was here, determined to know what Miss Elizabeth thought of him, encouraged by his aunt's visit but still so very afraid to find rejection instead of love.

And that time when Elizabeth cared for Jane when she was ill, when a thin inclination, as Elizabeth then called a feeling that perfectly described his budding preference for her, flared up to a full-blown attachment under her delightful conversation. How afraid he was that she would claim any sign of admiration in him as proof of her having power over him, his previous experiences with ladies causing him to keep his distance and behave disdainfully towards her.

And all this time she actually disliked him, his behaviour building on her dislike until she was eager to believe every lie Wickham told her about him.

Before he can fret himself into melancholy over the past, he can feel Elizabeth's hand giving him a little squeeze, and when he looks at her she smiles at him.

'Last time I walked here I felt like an unwanted intruder, Bingley was the only person who treated me with any kindness. It's very weird to think of how I saw you then, and look at you walking beside me now, holding my hand, the love of my life.'

That's it, Kitty and Georgie will have to wait, Elizabeth needs an embrace, and frankly, he may need it even more himself.

Wrapped in his arms, her face on his chest, he kisses her behind her ear and whispers, 'I was having similar thoughts, my love. How I learned to love you during your stay here, but treated you with the barest civility.'

He can't speak for a moment, but he doesn't need to, Elizabeth looks up at him with love in her eyes, and ruffles his hair.

Never mind the past, Fitzwilliam,' she says, just as softly. 'I suppose we'll make ourselves some nice new memories the coming week, my love.'

And she is right.

'Better be prepared, Elizabeth,' he replies, 'if Caroline Bingley slights you or says anything less than polite to or about you, I'll make it up to you there and then by kissing you, or holding you. I am determined that you will feel loved in this house.'

They cannot keep Georgiana and Kitty waiting any longer, and follow Kitty to the drawing-room where they are received warmly by Bingley.

'You must be very hungry, I have had some tea prepared to tide you over until dinner, but first let me introduce you to my old friend Mr Manners. He has been staying with us for some time now, and he will celebrate our wedding with all of us.

Since he has kept in contact with a few other year mates from college, we'll have a merry party, they'll arrive tomorrow. The Hertfordshire ladies will be thrilled to have choice of men to dance with.'

The only person in the room that Darcy doesn't know now comes towards them to be introduced, and after Kitty's raving report on Mr Manners that gentleman is a bit of a disappointment.

He is in his mid twenties, rather average in height, and actually rather plain, though he seems good humoured. His style of dressing is unobtrusive, in muted colours and a conservative style, as if he prefers not to be noticed. He is perfectly polite, though, and seems very friendly.

They exchange the usual civilities, being introduced by Bingley, and as Mr Manners proves himself a true gentleman by his conversation, Darcy takes a closer look at his new acquaintance's clothes, finding what seemed to be inconspicuous actually made of very fine quality cloth, and very expertly cut and put together. There is more to the man than meets the eye.

As Mr Manners talks a little more to Elizabeth, Darcy looks about the room to see Hurst lying on a sofa, as usual, and Jane and both Bingley's sisters sitting together, chatting, Jane busy with some needlework, Mrs Hurst playing with her bracelets as she usually does, and Miss Bingley studiously avoiding meeting his eye. Well, that is no hardship to Darcy.

Bingley now triumphantly proceeds, 'And Manners, now you can tell me whether I have said too much in praise of Miss Darcy. I may have praised her too little, for in fact she has grown even more beautiful in our months of separation. Miss Darcy, Mr Manners has been dying to meet you, and when he knew you were expected today, he begged me to introduce him as an avid reader and a great admirer of the music of the classical composers.

When I told him you were the best piano-player I ever heard, he just couldn't believe it of a sixteen year old girl, and he cannot wait to hear you prove it to him.'

Bingley's friend has the grace to look a little embarrassed at Bingley's exorbitant introduction, and he receives Georgie handsomely, kissing her hand instead of shaking it. Georgie seems pleased, and less shy than she would usually be, she has changed indeed, if she can handle such obvious flattery.

'I thank you for your compliments, Mr Bingley. Pleased to meet you, Mr Manners, and I'm very certain you will have ample opportunity of hearing me play the coming week. I have to practise very regularly, the price of excellence.'

Darcy is glad the introductions are over, he's very hungry and the servant is already making up a few beautiful plates of delicious looking pies and cold meats.

But first, he is going to greet everyone in the room, and make sure they acknowledge Elizabeth with more than a nod or a curtsey. Well, except Mr Hurst, he's fast asleep and of no interest to Elizabeth.

As Mr Manners leads Georgie to a seat and offers to bring her tea and a few dainties, Kitty tagging along, Darcy approaches Miss Bingley and her sister to shake hands. Jane looks at Elizabeth in anticipation of the coming days, in which they will be able to catch up and renew their intimacy, and of course Elizabeth is feeling much the same, her face soft and open.

Miss Bingley can now ignore the newcomers no longer, and she shakes hands with Darcy with a forced look of happiness. It is obvious she is in mental agony seeing the man she persisted in trying to win against all odds and signals. Suddenly, despite never having encouraged her, Darcy feels sorry for his friend's sister, and he addresses her in a much friendlier manner than he intended.

'Miss Bingley, it has been awhile since we last met in London. Have you been well?'

Of course he can see she hasn't, but he cannot help that custom demands he inquire after her health and happiness. To his surprise and shock she replies quite frankly.

'As well as can be expected, Mr Darcy, thank you for asking. I need not ask how you are doing, for I saw you race down yonder slope with your lady wife, such a magnificent sight, the fading light illuminating the two horses via the unblemished snow underneath their hooves.

Mrs Darcy's horse seemed to glow in the setting sun, and you both sat your horses so proud and unafraid despite the snow and the flying speed.

You've truly found your match, Mr Darcy, I know how much you love riding.'

Did he really hear that?

'Mrs Darcy, I cannot believe you rode all the way from London today. Why, that must be four hours at the very least, but you might as well have just returned from an hour's ride, you look ravishing, and not just because you are wearing a stunning dress.

Married life agrees with you, am I right?'

Elizabeth must be stunned inside to be noticed and complimented by Miss Bingley, but her outside is very dignified and calm.

'Thank you, Miss Bingley, you are indeed right, Mr Darcy and I have found our union very rewarding. I'm glad you cannot see the length of our journey from my posture, for I assure you, every single muscle I have is telling me it was a foolish thing to do, ride all the way from London. Though it was beautiful, too.

I'm sorry to hear you have not been perfectly well, I hope your situation will improve soon.'

Something profound seems to be going on between the two ladies.

'I'm sure it will, Mrs Darcy. I've seen what I needed to see, and now I am looking forward to my brother and your sister's wedding very much. I've never met my brother's college friends, but if they are all like Mr Manners, I will be very pleased to make new acquaintances.'

Well, Elizabeth seems to understand, she'll explain no doubt. Better shake hands with Mrs Hurst quickly, then finally get some food.

Georgiana seems quite comfortable with Kitty and Mr Manners, eating daintily and listening to Mr Manners' lively conversation. A look at Elizabeth convinces him she wants to sit with her eldest sister, even if that means sitting with Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst as well.

As soon as they sit down, the servant hands each of them a plate with a choice of the food, and without further ado, Darcy starts digging in. Elizabeth doesn't hesitate to eat well, either, she must be hungry having ridden so far on just a lunch. Before long they have finished their portion, and Darcy signals the servant for seconds. Elizabeth has had enough, of course she's much smaller, she usually eats less. The servant takes her plate, and Elizabeth is ready for a nice, though not very intimate chat with a sister she has missed not nearly enough the last two months.

'My dearest Lizzy, it makes me so incredibly glad to see you obviously thriving,' Jane says in an outburst of feeling that is very rare for her. Elizabeth feels a bit guilty for having been so absorbed in her new life as to almost forget about her sister at home. They have written, of course, but they used to talk intimately for hours, and that all seems lost now. That must be the only disadvantage of both marrying a man of fortune, seeing Miss Bingley and her sister comfortably living together.

'To see you arrive on horseback, dressed in the height of fashion, and this beautiful dress, too. I'm glad you haven't put on London airs, though.'

Touched by Jane's kindness and compliments, Elizabeth nonetheless replies in the expected manner.

'I'm saving those for the wedding, my dear Jane. They're too good to waste on a simple evening in the company of friends and family.'

'Oh, Elizabeth, how I've missed you! And papa, too, he's been almost downhearted. How have you been, how is life as a married woman?'

'Strangely enough, rather busy. Getting to know each other, getting to know the house, the staff and the grounds, and then another house, different staff. But we haven't quarrelled yet, have we, Mr Darcy?'

Either the very idea of quarrelling, or Elizabeth's repeated use of his last name, causes Fitzwilliam to stop devouring everything on his plate, he must really be hungry, and look at her in true shock.

'Quarrelling with you, my love? Whatever would I want to do that for? There are so many much more pleasant things we can do together. Besides, I'd lose anyway, you're too smart for me.'

He looks positively smitten, so endearing, until his face turns sly and he remarks slowly and with great emphasis, 'But wait, I forgot. If we quarrel, we have to make up afterwards, and that would be mighty interesting. Maybe we should have a fight, Elizabeth, I'm sure the reconciliation would be worth the trouble.'

Jane looks as if she is going to melt on the spot, hearing the silent, reticent man her sister married about two months ago giving as good as he gets, bantering with relish, calling his wife by her first name in public. The difference is remarkable even to Elizabeth, for this is the very drawing-room where she wondered why he looked at her so often when he clearly didn't care for her company.

And now he is showing his feelings openly, and obviously enjoying himself. Knowing herself to be the main cause of this change for the better, Elizabeth cannot help but feel for Miss Bingley, to have to witness the man she desired happy with another, and that other someone she hated from the first, that is kind of brutal.

She has not fled the room, yet, but she is showing her pain a little, and Elizabeth has to rationally decide not to feel bad for her. Had their situations been reversed, Miss Bingley would undoubtedly have rubbed in her victory mercilessly.

'May I steal Lizzy from you for a few hours the coming weeks, Mr Darcy? We have so much to catch up on.'

'Of course you may, Miss Bennet, I'm sure you are both aching to open your hearts to one another, I just entreat both of you to be kind when you are discussing me.'

That's Fitzwilliam, he's not going to be familiar with Jane if she doesn't start. Or maybe they are both more formal because they are in company.

Meanwhile, Georgiana can't wait to get her hands on the piano, but she has no clue when it would be appropriate to start tuning. She'll probably be busy for an hour or so, and she really wants Elizabeth involved, but this room will be in near constant use. And when it's not in use, Georgiana herself is supposed to be wherever the party is at that moment.

Mr Manners can see she is distracted, he is a very nice man, polite, truly interested in Georgiana, but he's not as handsome as Kitty presented him, not nearly as handsome as Fitzwilliam or Eric, or Simon, for that matter, maybe Georgiana just has too many handsome men in her direct circle.

Still, Mr Manners is a true gentleman, with a nice estate somewhere between London and Derbyshire, and obviously intelligent and feeling. He seems very well-read, but not judgemental to find Georgiana more interested in music, and rather knowledgeable on the subject of music as well.

His clothing is very well-made, of expensive material, but in muted colours, not as charming as Eric's, but of course Eric is a performer, he needs to dress really well.

'Will you play for us, Miss Darcy?' Mr Manners asks, always a good way to score with Georgiana.

'I suppose I need to, I haven't practised yet. But the piano here is always slightly out of tune, and I was hoping to get a chance to tune it before I use it.'

'You can tune your own instrument? That is a very rare and useful skill, Miss Darcy.'

'Most people wouldn't hear the problem, Mr Manners, I'm a bit over-sensitive in matters of the ear, but Mrs Darcy and I have recently learned to tune, so if we can find an hour to be alone with the piano we'll fix it. And then I'll play it.'

'Mrs Darcy, too? She is a remarkable lady indeed. I can challenge the men to a game of billiards, I suppose it won't be so bad if the ladies can see you at work?'

'Would you do that for me, Mr Manners? That is extraordinarily kind of you! But I'm afraid Mrs Darcy will mind Miss Bingley's and Mrs Hurst's presence, we'll be bending over the instrument, you see, it's not a very decent occupation to witness.'

Without showing any improper reaction to her admission, Mr Manners smiles in a very friendly way and offers, 'I suppose if I invite the ladies to watch, they'll come with us. And Mr Hurst, though I have observed he is not fond of physical activities in general.

Do you want me to suggest it now?'

'Maybe wait until my brother has finished his tea, he loves billiards against an unknown opponent, though he has been on a horse all day. I'll fetch my gear, I cannot wait to get to work. Thank you so much for your kind offer, Mr Manners.'

'My pleasure, Miss Darcy, I very much wish to hear you play. But you have been travelling all day yourself, aren't you tired?'

'I should be, but when it comes to music I'm instantly awake. You may very well hear me play this very evening.'

When Darcy has finished his second helping he feels much better, he'll survive until dinner easily. Miss Bingley's attitude is very surprising, he cannot help wondering whether she has really given up on being mean to Elizabeth. Of course, if she wants to visit at Pemberley she will have to be nice to its mistress, if only to her face.

Mr Manners is certainly an addition to their party, for as soon as Darcy has returned his plate to an attentive servant, Bingley's friend proposes some entertainment.

'Ladies, gentlemen, what would you say to a nice little competition in billiards?'

That is actually quite a good idea, though Elizabeth may find it rather tiring to hang about in the billiards-room.

'May I request your company, Miss Bingley?'

That is rather singular, Mr Manners asking Miss Bingley's company when he was talking away cosily with Georgie just now. But where is Georgie? Kitty is still in the room, though she has moved to the piano.

Ah. The piano. It almost seems as if Mr Manners is part of a scheme to get everyone out of the drawing-room so Georgie can tune the piano. As her new friend, Kitty can stay of course, and Elizabeth will be glad to be spared standing and watching the men play a game, but Miss Bingley is flattered and follows Mr Manners quite readily, her sister waking her husband to come along, too.

Jane and Bingley are inseparable, so all Darcy has left to do is say goodbye to his lovely lady for an hour or so, and prepare to battle it out on the baize.

Taking his beloved's hand, he wants to propose she stay behind to help Georgie with the tuning, when she observes, 'I think your sister couldn't help herself, love, and recruited Mr Manners to empty the room for her. I suppose that means I'm staying here. Imagine her daring to ask.'

'So you saw through her as well. I'd better be going, I'll see you in an hour or so. Love you,' and he kisses her very indecently, there's no-one left in the room but Kitty, who is playing the piano herself, baby-steps, but something she would never have done with Lydia ruling her.

When Georgiana returns to the room, she can see Mr Manners kept his promise, the room is empty but for Kitty and Elizabeth.

'Are you very tired, Elizabeth?' she asks, worried about her sister-in-law.

'Not too much, no,' is her reply, 'now the first awkward moments are over I'm actually fine. But I supposed you'd want me here, to help you tune that piano.'

'How did you know?'

'I have come to know you a little, Georgiana, you haven't practised today, but you cannot on an out of tune piano. Playing dances all night counts as practise with a few of them part of your homework. But I'm amazed you dared to employ Mr Manners after meeting him just now.'

Georgiana can hear this is meant as praise, not censure, but she still tells Elizabeth the truth.

'Actually, he was the one who suggested it when I told him I wasn't going to play before the piano was tuned. Do you think we'll have to ask Bingley's permission?'

'He will never know, Georgiana, he hasn't got the hearing. Just don't break any strings.'

Of course Georgiana doesn't. She's very curious to see the insides of yet another piano, and she is impressed.

'Look, Elizabeth, this lever here is even more advanced than my Buntebart, it's so cleverly made. Imagine Bingley having such a fine instrument. I can't wait to look inside the Clementi at Pemberley now, it is the latest in piano-design. I wish we could hear Eric play it.'

Elizabeth doesn't say anything, she'd probably love to hear Eric play Georgiana's best instrument, too.

After that, they set to work, and they find several of the lower keys out of tune, besides the inharmonics they expected. It takes half an hour to correct the problems, and then Georgiana checks their work with a few scales. It's fine.

'Can I do the more difficult stuff first, to get my practise in before the crowd returns? Then we can try the dances together. But first, will you show me what you remember of the variegated scales I taught you yesterday?'

Elizabeth readily plays for her sister-in-law, and with just a few corrections she is filling the room with Eric's impressive scales. The tuning has been successful, any sour keys would have revealed themselves in those scales.

Then Georgiana takes the stool and plays her homework again and again, and Elizabeth picks out a few errors, letting her know about them immediately. By the time the rest of the party returns, Elizabeth says she can no longer hear any flaws in it, and Georgiana feels ready to entertain the others with Eric's dances.

Of course Kitty wants to dance, she's actually quite a nice girl, as Fanny helped Georgiana dress, Kitty sat on the bed and chatted about Hertfordshire, and her wishes and hopes for the future, and of course Mr Manners, who apparently made quite an impression on Elizabeth's younger sister.

Mr Manners is pleased to oblige Miss Catherine with a dance, and Fitzwilliam keeps his promise to do his share of the dancing, starting of course with his lovely wife. Bingley immediately joins in with Jane, and even Mr Hurst exerts himself for once, Georgiana has never seen him dance before.

But then, Fitzwilliam never used to dance unless forced to, maybe it's Mr Manners' influence, he seems to create a kind of loose atmosphere in the entire party.

After one of Eric's dances, the gentlemen change partners, Elizabeth joins Georgiana at the piano, she's supposed to learn them too, after all. One just doesn't deny a master his due, Georgiana counts on her sister practising them as seriously as herself.

Fitzwilliam dances with Kitty next, and Mr Manners invites Miss Bingley to join the party. Mrs Hurst and Jane exchange partners, apparently Jane's attractions can tempt Mr Hurst to tire himself a little longer. Dinner will taste all the better for it.

The next dance is surprising, for indolent Mr Hurst fetches Elizabeth from behind the piano with a smile and a polite bow.

'Mrs Darcy, will you do me honour of dancing with me?'

Her sister is very surprised, but accepts with witty charm.

'Why Mr Hurst, I didn't know you were such an avid dancer, and I've seen you perform really well just now. Of course I'll accept.'

Georgiana can just catch his next sentence, 'I would have danced with you before, had it not been certain to cause a domestic dispute. I'm an indolent man, Mrs Darcy, I generally don't like the exertion of dancing. But I like the exertion of quarrelling with my wife even less.' And he smiles positively charmingly.

Elizabeth clearly cannot help showing her surprise, but she quickly covers it with a smile of her own. Mr Hurst being charming, who would've thought it.

Mr Manners invites Jane for the next dance, and Bingley stands up with Kitty, which leaves Miss Bingley to sit out a dance as Fitzwilliam engages Mrs Hurst. Georgiana cannot see how she takes it, she doesn't know there dances by heart yet and needs to read the sheet music before her, but Georgiana does find a tiny bit of empathy for Caroline Bingley. After that dance, it's Georgiana's turn to be begged by Mr Manners to stand up with him, and as Miss Bingley takes her place at the piano, she has a very enjoyable dance with a true gentleman.

Fitzwilliam is dancing with Elizabeth once more, and Georgiana is happy he has escaped dancing with Miss Bingley this time.