Chapter 61

When she returns, the introductions are over, and they all sit down with coffee and a slice of excellent berry pie with cream. Then the gifts are exchanged one by one.

The four children of course are spoiled beyond a sensible parent's wishes, but it seems the Gardiners have counted on that, for they have brought only useful gifts for their own offspring, and have saved their true efforts for their adult fellow revellers, including not only Georgiana, but also their children's nanny.

Of course it would have been hard for her to be among them all the time and not receive a gift of her own, and she is immensely pleased with her box of beautiful, brightly coloured crayons. No children's toys these, they're meant to be used by an artist, this girl must have an inclination to draw quality work.

Darcy never used to consider that staff might also relish creative work, he always saw those skills as accomplishments for noble ladies, and actually rather scorned them because they often were a waste of resources when a lady was netting an ugly, shapeless purse because if was fashionable to do so, but without talent or inclination to ever actually use the thing.

But since getting to know Mrs Annesley, he has started to realise that the real talent is often hidden among those who have to work hard for a living, and to whom creating beautiful things is a matter of internal drive, not boredom or impressing others, taking up their precious spare time and more of their hard-earned financial resources than they can really afford to spend on their art.

These seem to be the real artists, and for the Gardiners to gift their nanny a precious set of quality crayons is a token of real appreciation for her achievements with their four children, and Darcy is very proud and pleased to find that his new family knows their servant well enough to be able to gift her with the very object that makes her as happy as their children, though a lot more guarded of course.

Simon has brought in a little saddle bag belonging to Darcy's cousin, and several of their own packages, sharing the load with Elizabeth. Simon has in fact chosen most of them, shopping for several days before they went to Hertfordshire, blissfully happy to plan and compare and buy.

The only gifts Darcy has bought himself are those for the eager sportsmen, it's always a great pleasure to hunt for novelties to impress one's friends with, and this year his favourite store in London was rife with them. Bingley and Mr Bennet are of course the logical beneficiaries of his quest, with Simon picking up Darcy's choices from the same store for Mr Manners and Mr Lascelles at a later time.

Simon himself has chosen a superb set of finest quality cravats in the latest fashion for Mr and Mrs Darcy to gift Mr Fielding.

Of course they are virtually impossible to tie by oneself, but they're meant for use at concerts, and Darcy will not be able to stop Simon from helping Mr Fielding dress on those special occasions.

As a lot of gifts exchange hands, opposite to what one would expect, Mr Manners gifts Georgie music instead of valuable jewellery. She unwraps a beautifully bound compilation of the most important works of Bach, the famous German composer, originally meant to be performed on a harpsichord, something Mr Manners may not have realised.

Nonetheless, Georgiana is very happy, Mr Fielding can probably help her play the music on the piano-forte, a cosy way to spend several hours together.

And Mr Fielding presents her with a small, beautifully wrapped package that reveals a silver comb with tiny blue stones set in an intricate pattern resembling a kingfisher bird. It's the world upside down to Darcy, one would expect the pianist to gift music, and the land-owner jewellery.

But both gifts are well-received, as is cousin Fitzwilliam's little silk bag with bathing salts from Bath. He gifts Elizabeth a similar one, and she thanks him profusely, making him blush.

Slowly the truth starts to dawn on Darcy. His cousin has still not entirely come to terms with Elizabeth's marriage to Darcy, he used to be quite attached to her though he knew he had to marry a woman with a fortune of her own. A tiny part of Darcy is glad fate decided to favour him with being first son, and not his cousin, or Elizabeth would surely have married his cousin, since she truly hated Darcy at the time.

Though Darcy as second son possibly wouldn't have been as offensive towards her.

No, that's way too confusing, he cannot think like that. Better support his cousin while pretending not to have noticed anything peculiar in his behaviour, to make it easier on him.

The number of presents exchanged is slowly diminishing, and Darcy forgets all about poor Fitzwilliam in excitement over his fair lady's reaction to his own gift for her. She will be stunned, hopefully in a good way.

Finally he judges it's time, and brings out a rather heavy, elongated package from a secret hide-out in an ornamental buffet in this very room, and hands it to his beloved, who receives it with surprise at its weight. He dares swear she has no clue what it contains, it's a ludicrous gift for a lady, but to Darcy it symbolises his dedication to her independence, proof he considers her his absolute equal.

Removing the gift-wrapping slowly, wondering aloud what such a large, heavy package might contain, his beloved wife uncovers a brand new, state of the art hunting-rifle, a lighter model he has had especially made for her.

'I'll teach you how to use it once we're at Pemberley, my love.'

She loves it, he can see it. Not just the gift itself, but also the message the gift contains, his trust in her abilities, his sincere wish for her to thwart the rules of conduct keeping English ladies stuck to the house. To join him, yes, and any other gentlemen that may be visiting, in their sports as much as she likes and maybe dares.

After embracing him tightly, she manages to speak again.

'Thank you so much, my love, this means the world to me. I don't know whether I'll prove able to shoot anything, but I so appreciate your acceptance. I love you.'

When they are done, they spend the time until dinner playing simple folk tunes on the piano, and Elizabeth not only participates, but initiates the fun, a very special moment after all the overwhelming music Darcy has heard for days, nearly all day.

Of course Kitty cannot help dancing, those songs demand one to be active, and soon others join in, the little Gardiner girls each with a gentleman, and Georgiana with, oh my, with Mr Fielding, dancing with him for the very first time ever.

He's very elegant indeed, checking out Mr Manners quickly Darcy can see him watching the pair with interest rather than envy. He seems to rather enjoy the picture they present, they are a beautiful couple indeed.

But there are too many ladies sitting down, and Darcy invites Mary to dance, which to his surprise she accepts rather graciously. She's not a bad dancer at all, and she seems eager to talk to him, a novelty!

'Thank you so much for allowing me to browse the library all morning, Mr Darcy. You have a great selection of books, though I missed a thorough representation of religious works, you seem to have only the most important ones, and those mostly recent editions.'

'I'm afraid neither my father nor my grandfather were very dedicated to religious reading, Miss Mary. This library, and that of Pemberley of course, is the work of many generations, and it may have been that my predecessors were negligent in certain fields, as I no doubt am in other subjects.

Did you like the music yesterday afternoon?'

'Certainly, Mr Fielding is a very gifted player, his virtuosity is without equal, and your sister is coming on magnificently. Though I must admit that I find Mr Fielding's own compositions somewhat lacking in structure. And isn't it the fate of mankind to bear life's hardships and be thankful for its pleasures? Why express all those feelings into such embarrassing detail?

Something seems to be lacking from those pieces, they're so chaotic and different. I preferred to hear him play the work of more stable composers.

Still, I wish I could have such a master at Longbourn to teach me, don't get me wrong, I don't doubt his talent, and it's clear he is a gifted teacher.'

She's not a kindred spirit, that much is clear, apparently she does feel the emotion in Mr Fielding's works but is somehow unable to appreciate it. Still, the poor girl cannot help being the real black sheep of her family. She must lean towards Mr Collins' branch.

'Say, Mr Darcy, do you think Kitty is going to be married to Mr Lascelles?'

Though Darcy does, he cannot tell a teenage girl, it's by no means certain.

'I certainly think it is a possibility, Miss Mary. Would that please you?'

'I don't know, he hasn't shown any signs of the innate French fickleness so far. But my sister is so very shallow, if he does revert to his father's people's behaviour, she will not be able to check him. Though it would be an excellent establishment for her, and she's even started to learn French. I can of course speak French with Mr Lascelles fluently, I've been studying the language from my eleventh year, though that does not mean I agree with the laissez faire attitude of the French, they cannot be good Christians, being Catholics mostly.'

What can a simple English land-holder say to that?

'I like Mr Lascelles a great deal, he seems very smart, and very well-mannered. I would gladly welcome him into the family.'

'Mr Darcy, what I really wanted to ask you is, why? Why would Mr Lascelles choose Kitty over me? She's fickle, shallow and she knows nothing. He's smart and developed. Why didn't he like me better? I speak French, play the piano, I have read hundreds of books on religion, music, history, I read the newspaper so I know about politics and I can run a household. What is wrong with me Mr Darcy? You're a man, and you're smart and have this huge library, can you tell me?'

Oh dear, what's he gotten himself into now? It's not as if he's ever been a paragon of sociability.

'Miss Mary, though I certainly think a truly accomplished young lady should have an extensive knowledge of all the things you mention, most young men seem to mostly appreciate a sweet face, lively manners and an inclination to dance at any and all times. Do you agree with me?'

She nods, and replies, 'I cannot deny it. So you think I should wear such elaborate gowns, dress up my hair and act lively?'

'No, Miss Mary, I think pretending to be someone else won't help. But smiling approvingly and dancing a bit more cannot do any harm, while staying relatively close to yourself. And I suppose there must be men with an inclination to be studious, though I cannot think of any in my acquaintance right now.'

And now, change the subject quickly.

'So Miss Mary, do you ever read novels?'

Soon after this conversation, it is time to dress for dinner, and Darcy and his cousin take an hour to talk in private.

Fitzwilliam starts with his messages, his father sends his love and wants to know how his nephew is coping with married life. He also wants to invite Darcy for a smashing party, 'his words!' Fitzwilliam says, at the end of summer.

'Of course you are to bring Mrs Darcy and Georgiana as well.

Aunt Catherine hopes that you have come to your senses by now, marrying such a shameless hussy. Again, her words. I didn't tell her I'd have traded places with you in a fraction of an instant. She wouldn't understand.

Now, Darcy, don't be angry at her ravings, you know she really loves you and had such hopes for you. Now she has nothing, she misses you like no-one else and you're supremely happy.

If she were ever to see Mrs Darcy, she'd eat her words, for Miss Eliza has really grown into her position. She looks like a goddess in that dress, I envy you so much.'

His cousin's words do manage to make Darcy less angry at his aunt's insults, he is right, she is the loser, and Darcy is the winner, Elizabeth is every bit the lady, and aunt Catherine is a lonely old bat.

'Anne was worse in every way, health, conversation, spirits. Aunt Catherine blames you, but father laughed when I told him and said only someone destitute would have her in the first place, to inherit the estate, for no children would ever survive past their first year even if she managed to get any.

You know for a moment I thought of getting into her good graces, but that would make me worse than a mercenary. I'll accept my fate, I'm doing well professionally and with war imminent I may make my fortune yet in a less despicable way.'

'You know I never thought of her health attracting mercenaries, but I suppose aunt Catherine is counting on guarding Anne from people like that. And it's likely our aunt will survive our poor cousin, harsh though it is.'

'Speaking of guarding, Darcy, where'd you get that gentleman pianist from? I never knew you for a patron of the finer arts? I didn't dare ask him, he looked so dignified.'

That is genuinely funny, and Darcy does not check a merry laugh.

'Mr Fielding's parents are actually cow-herds on some nasty, windy moor, Fitzwilliam. He was raised a gentleman by a well-known piano-builder, to test and promote his handiworks and help sell them abroad. But the pupil turned out a bit too gifted for his patron and got himself kicked out for refusing to marry the guy's sweet but simple daughter. And for writing his own compositions.

Brilliant compositions, we all agree, except Miss Mary Bennet.

We met him when Georgiana was looking for a teacher, I wrote to you about that, remember?

'Yes, I remember. I'd have sworn he was a gentleman of more than impeccable descent. But as I said before, birth is solely a matter of chance, this merely proves it. Do you still believe our own class has a monopoly on sense and manners?'

'Don't forget talent. No, Elizabeth cured me of that, with help of a stable-boy and his wife, who taught me to really understand a horse, and my housekeeper here, who makes the most beautiful show-pieces in embroidery, and of course Mr Fielding, who can move even my mother-in-law to tears with his concerto. No, Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth has changed me, even more than life as Mrs Darcy changed her.'

'Good for you, cousin. But aren't you afraid Georgiana will fall in love with this pianist?'

Darcy must have betrayed his feelings unconsciously.

'I see, she already has. And what are you going to do about it?'

'Nothing. If they come to an understanding, I'll give them my permission to marry, and I hope you will do the same. If not, I guess they'll wait until her twenty-first birthday or elope to Scotland.'

Now he has managed to shock his much more open minded cousin.

'Darcy! To think I'd ever see the day that Fitzwilliam Darcy coolly blackmails me into allowing his sister to marry a cow-herd on the threat of having her elope to Scotland!'

'Mr Fielding is not a cow-herd, Fitzwilliam, he may be the most gifted pianist of this country, and if Georgie loves him, and can face the idea of living on nothing but her own fortune, it's her life, and she should live it as she thinks best.'

A shrewd look, followed by a knowing little laugh.

'This reeks of Mrs Darcy's influence, your aunt will kill you! Even my father will raise an eyebrow, or maybe even two.

But I salute you, cousin, you're doing the right thing. Do you really think he's that good?'

'I do, and Manners agrees. He knows music, and he knows our peers better than me, he says Mr Fielding is going to be really huge.'

'Mr Frederick Manners, I've heard of him, though nothing but good. He'd be the perfect match for your sister, though I must say she's turned out stunningly handsome, as is your pianist, and poor Mr Manners certainly isn't.'

'I wouldn't call Manners poor, he's the most self-assured and charismatic man I've ever met.'

'But still Georgiana likes her teacher better.'

'He was in love with her for months before she fell for him. He was quite a demanding teacher, I think finding out he was also human did the trick.

Mr Manners, by the way, told Georgie he'd like to convince her to marry him, but she has said from the start he doesn't seem to really love her. Not beyond the way we love her. I agree with her.'

'Darcy, you've really changed, and for the better. I still envy you Miss Eliza, but you're good enough for her. I congratulate you on your excellent choice and I'm incredibly happy for her, too. Please don't be angry or jealous if I have trouble controlling my feelings sometimes, it's a matter of time before I'm on top of this. She won't even notice.'

That is an illusion, and Fitzwilliam should know better.

'She already has. She played the piano for you, ever since sharing a home with Georgiana and now Mr Fielding as well, she will only play under strict orders or prolonged begging. No-one forced or begged her just now, she did that for you, to show you she knows and cares, and to give you support.

I'm not jealous, we're more one than ever, we've survived our first fight getting even closer because of it.'

'That was over Georgie! Admit it, Darcy!

I'm glad I agreed to consent to her possible marriage, or I'd have your lady wife to deal with. And I wouldn't even profit from the making up.'

'It was special, but still I'd rather not have quarrelled. We've been a bit too careful ever since. Though I'm hoping I made up my part today.'

'By gifting her with a gun? I suppose I don't even want to know what that signifies.'

'Merely that I see her as an equal, even if that means having her ride astride and hunt with me.'

'Darcy, your frankness disarms me, and I'm surer than ever the two of you will be the happiest couple in England. Forever. Can I visit again and join you this summer?'

'Of course you can, Fitzwilliam, you're my favourite relative, I realise why you haven't been in touch lately, but I hope to see you more often from now on.

You've always been such a kind listener, cousin, if I can ever return the favour please do not hesitate to confide in me.'

By now it's time to dress and go downstairs for dinner, but Fitzwilliam will stay for a few days, and they will have more time together, also with Elizabeth present.

Dinner is the best Darcy has ever had on a Christmas day, and not because of the food, though that is perfect as well, even Mrs Bennet is really impressed by Cook's efforts. But the real difference with all his other Christmases as far as he can remember, is of course the presence of a beautiful, intelligent woman within that special place in his heart, and by his side.

He will never be lonely again on any holiday with his beloved so close to him. Maybe she'll soon start to tease him again, though Christmas may not be the perfect time to do so.

And the rest of the company assembled here is such a treat as well, Bingley now conversing with cousin Fitzwilliam, Mr Manners entertaining the Gardiners, though probably not with anecdotes of the tricks he pulled at college. Even Mr Fielding seems totally happy, sitting between Georgiana and Jane, Darcy cannot catch their conversation but it must be entertaining, for Jane shows her ravishing smile frequently.

Darcy really wonders when and how his sister and Mr Fielding will come to an agreement.

The only one who seems a bit out of sorts is Mr Bennet. He is seated on Elizabeth's other side, with Kitty and Mr Lascelles next to him, and next to that Mary and Mrs Bennet, who is rather more quiet than Darcy is used to from his mother-in-law.

'What is the matter, Mr Bennet,' he dares ask, 'weren't your Christmas presents to your liking?'

His father-in-law does smile, but it's clearly an effort, he's not in the mood for jokes.

'I must admit, Darcy, that I had a vague hope Mrs Annesley would be dining with us today. I know she is in your employ, but one would never have guessed it, she has such a mind, and such excellent manners. I suppose I couldn't have chatted with her freely anyway, with Mrs Bennet present.

I guess I knew it wasn't possible to have a good long talk with her, but we had such a good time when I last visited... One rarely meets a woman with such delightful conversational powers.'

'And since I took your most beloved one from you,' Darcy comments, looking at Elizabeth with infatuation, 'maybe I can make up a little?

By requesting Mrs Annesley to take an hour or two off each day, starting tomorrow, to do some needlework in the library? Your lady wife never visits the library.'

'But Mary does, though I don't suppose merely sitting there and chatting would be really offensive. We're both sensible adults, and married, after all.

If it pleases Mrs Annesley to chat with me for an hour or so, I'd be delighted, Darcy. Thank you. There are plenty of interesting, intelligent companions here, but somehow it would please me immensely to talk to Mrs Annesley again.'

Problem solved, though Elizabeth and himself do exchange a look of wonder at Mr Bennet aching to talk to a married lady companion. Still, she is rather special, she has had an interesting life before she came to work for them, and her art and talent for teaching and housekeeping clearly set her apart from other women.

After a fabulous dinner, with magnificently prepared dishes, but most of all with perfect conversation with Georgiana and Mrs Bingley, Eric feels very satisfied. He has been able to practise all morning, has had a good afternoon with his gift to Georgiana well-received, and having been surprised with an unexpected present himself, a beautiful set of cravats clearly chosen by Simon.

Of course the master of the house doesn't choose those gifts himself, at least, those not having to do with hunting, Simon has a much better taste and actually enjoys shopping. Eric will need some instruction in wearing these, for they are different from the ones he uses himself.

And now the ladies have retreated to the drawing-room while the other gentlemen take their brandy.

Eric finds himself in the company of Mr Manners, who obviously enjoys his brandy very much, but respects Eric's reasons to not use strong spirits of any kind.

'Mr Fielding,' he starts, 'I have a large favour to ask of you, it involves playing the piano, but not as we've heard it yesterday, nor as I'm looking forward to seeing my peers enjoy it on New Year's Eve. May I speak freely? I have to admit, this matter requires your absence from this house for a day and a night, and your secrecy, for you will probably see some things of a delicate nature.'

That is mighty intriguing, and since Eric yearns for some adventure, but in a safe way, he graciously replies, 'I'm all ears, and I promise I'll keep quiet.'

Now Mr Manners looks about him to see the other gentlemen busy with other things, and he puts an arm on Eric's shoulder in a very familiar way.

'Mr Fielding, I have a friend who is unable to leave his house for a few months, and our mutual friends and I really want to liven things up a little for him, to strengthen his mind for a task he is trying to bring to a good end, and at the same time check up on him without him noticing what we are about.

My friends have arranged most of the things we need, but I'd like to ask you to come with me and provide the music. I suppose you can play anything you set your mind to?'

'You mean reels and folk-songs?'

'And the more raucous ditties, shanties, airs, you name it. Or slightly more tantalizing tunes, for a particular kind of dancing?'

Understanding a little more of the entertainment to be provided for this friend, Eric nods.

'I can play virtually anything on a piano. My patron sometimes entertained business-relations, as he called them. I have an idea of what to expect.

Though I'm surprised to hear they're known among gentlemen.'

Still looking as if this is a perfectly normal conversation, Mr Manners laughs heartily as he observes, 'They aren't, generally. I'm sure Darcy would be shocked to hear or see anything of the sort, and I suppose even Bingley, whom I have been intimately acquainted with for more than a decade, will have nothing to do with them.

Which is why I will be making up an excuse to take you with me, and why you are to remain quite secretive yourself.'

'Count me in, Mr Manners, you're doing me a great favour letting me play on your New Year's Eve Ball, and besides, I'm kind of curious.'

'And you don't drink to excess and almost certainly have no interest to be involved in the proceedings, which is why I am keen to take you. Thank you very much, Mr Fielding, I'll ask Darcy to allow me take you with me for a day and a night, and I'll let you know what time we leave on Wednesday. You'll love it!'