The next day is the thirty-first of December, the night of the charity ball.

After a morning of shopping with Georgiana, bringing Simon as their liveried attendant, Kitty has her beautiful dress, complete with hat and silver chain. Mr Lascelles has returned, and is making himself useful on their new project, the gypsy-room, as they have dubbed it.

Georgiana loves it, the furniture is a mishmash of styles, though every piece fits into their style perfectly, it looks outlandish, organic and over the top. Everything is coloured, they have found fabrics their prim ancestors must have been abhorred to behold when some family-member brought them from their travels, quickly stowed away in the attic to not have to throw them out, but to not ever have to see them again either.

Georgiana and Kitty love them, and put them on display in their fantasy-room.

The large wooden pony has been taken downstairs, it looks almost real, they deck it out in coloured fabrics and blankets as if it's a sheik's desert horse.

Eric spends a lot of time in his own apartment, he's downhearted, whenever they are together he seems fine, but as soon as they're in company he is absent-minded, lost in thoughts, and obviously not pleasant ones. Georgiana worries, he is mental agony, and she can relieve his suffering, if only she can find the right words.

He still plays as well as usual, even better, so maybe she'd better wait for tonight, she doesn't want to spoil his mood by confusing him. What to do?

She sneaks out to listen at his door, it's a mere four doors away from their project after all, and at first he's working on his study-piece, but the second time she walks by he is playing a truly heart-rending composition, the Zumpe giving it extra weight with its dark tones in the muffled room. The Zumpe sounded much better, lighter, in his bright, airy room at his patron's house.

But tears will not avail her now, she'd better think of a solution to this problem. She's just too young to make such an important decision all by herself, still she doesn't want someone else deciding for her either. Elizabeth fought a painful battle to win freedom for her sister, and Georgiana is not going to let her down by begging Fitzwilliam for advice, she will find a solution.

As Simon said, a few days' heartache won't kill Eric, he'll be extra happy. Their visitors will go home soon, and then she'll be able to really show her affection, and tell him about her brother's promise.

Mr Manners is very nice, he's helping them out with their decorating, too, and he really does his best to hearten her, but Georgiana cannot hide her worries altogether, sometimes she must check on Eric, see if it's getting worse, if he stops playing she'll go in and just tell him.

'I'm going to have a little talk with Mr Fielding about tonight, Miss Darcy. He must be getting a bit nervous, maybe I can talk some heart into him. Will you excuse me?'

'Of course, Mr Manners. I'm sure he's looking forward to playing for such a large audience, though. He's very ambitious, you know.'

'I know, Miss Darcy, and I have a plan to help him get ahead in his career, without robbing you of your teacher, don't worry. Please trust me in this, Miss Darcy, I really have his best interest at heart.

See you later!'

With enough dedication, and some affectionate attention from Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam, who admire their efforts and even sit down on one of the sofa's to really experience the feeling of the room, time passes quickly, and it is soon time for dinner, and after that, dressing up. Fanny will be tickled, and frankly, Georgiana is looking forward to dressing up, she knows her new finery will make an impact, even though she bought it ready-made.

No-one knows accessories like Simon does, and Fanny is proving a mighty capable apprentice.

Mr Bennet drops by to laugh at Kitty and herself, he is having a field day making smart remarks over their gypsy-wagon, he calls it a harem, though Georgiana supposes they don't have real furniture in a harem, but his teasing is friendly, and it makes a nice change from worrying.

Mrs Bennet and Mary of course cannot see the sense of doing this, and they soon leave to do something they deem useful, like making a long abstract of a boring old book from Fitzwilliam's library, or spying on the servants to see whether they are taking too much time making the beds and stoking the fires.

With Kitty and Mr Lascelles back in the attic to find some extra pillows, of course accompanied by Simon, who guards the lamps with his life, Mrs Annesley's orders he says, Georgiana finds herself alone for a few moments, when cousin Fitzwilliam comes in.

'May I admire your harem or gypsy-palace, and decide for myself which of the two fits best?'

'Of course, cousin, do come in!'

'Do you mind if I join you on that sofa, Georgiana? I've talked to your brother and I'd like to have a little chat with you before the party tonight. Are you looking forward to it? The dance, your teacher's concert?'

Somehow his mild manner shakes something loose inside her, and she finds herself blurting out, 'Not really, Fitzwilliam. I can see Mr Fielding's is very unhappy over me, and I can stop it and make him the happiest of men, but I don't know how.

I suppose Fitzwilliam told you about it?'

Somehow his Fitzwilliam is pronounced differently from her brother's, strange how she never noticed until now.

'He did, Georgiana, he had to, for you know you need my permission to marry as well as his. We share your custody until you're twenty-one.'

'And?'

'And what, Georgiana?'

'Will you give me your permission to marry a penniless pianist?'

'I will, Georgie. Your pianist may be penniless, but I think that state is temporary in his case. I truly thought he was a gentleman born, and his talent defies description. I think he is quite a catch, frankly. He seems seriously smitten with you, when you sit at the piano together you cease to be two separate people.

But even if I didn't like him, or approve of him, your brother does, and he has threatened me he'll help you elope to Scotland if I don't give my consent.'

That may rightfully be called a stunner, and cousin Fitzwilliam laughs heartily.

'It's true, he really did, though he phrased it differently.

But Georgiana, will you manage on such a small income?'

'Mr Bennet raised five daughters on it, I suppose we will stick to one or two?

And you said you thought Mr Fielding would become famous and rich?'

'I do, yes. I think that cannot be doubted. And what about Mr Manners, Darcy told me he asked permission to try to gain your affections?'

'He did? Fitzwilliam didn't tell me. Mr Manners asked permission to woo me? Seriously?'

'Oh, I'm sorry, I suppose your brother must have been waiting for the right time to tell you. Probably after the ball. Darcy told Mr Manners he'd have to ask you, he didn't want to spill any personal information that was yours only to tell or not.

I'm sorry you found out this way, but I suppose the gentleman will not approach you yet, for apparently your brother did remind Mr Manners you had told that gentleman you were not ready for marriage as yet.'

'And here I am, as ready as can be, but in love with another man. One he is helping to get ahead. This is a bit of a tricky situation, Fitzwilliam, what if we come to an agreement, Eric and myself, will Mr Manners be angry?'

'If so, Georgiana, is he the man you thought he was?'

'I suppose not. You mean to say he's not much of a loss, then?'

'Exactly. When are you going to tell him, Georgie? I think you are right, your Eric is suffering. You want to wait until after the ball? Isn't that a bit mean?'

'It is, but if I tell him now, I break my promise to Fitzwilliam, I promised to act normal until our guests leave, and I'm afraid Eric will be so confused he'll botch his concert. That would be a drama.'

'Well, I suppose you know him best. And one day won't matter much anyway. Congratulations, Georgiana, it looks as if you're going to be a very happy woman soon. Though I suppose I'd better wait until your formal announcement.

Thank you for our little talk, Georgie, I like your boudoir. When I have a house of my own, I want you and Miss Catherine Bennet to make me one, too. My father will have plenty of this stuff in his attic for you to choose from. And if not, you'll have to talk fast to aunt Catherine, I'm sure she had a hoard of old furniture, though I suppose she'll never talk to you again if you marry a cow-herd's son. Such a shame, all the invaluable advice you'll miss out on.'

He is such a sweet and good man, her cousin.

'Thank you so much for your consent and support, Fitzwilliam. You're my favourite relative, really!'

'Thank you, my dear. Try to enjoy yourself tonight! You'll dance with me at least once, won't you?'

'Sure, I'm looking forward to it.'

'I will be, too. Until later!'

And he is gone from her boudoir, just in time, for Kitty and Mr Lascelles are returning, and they are not the right people to discuss these feelings with. They have it so easy, accepted as a couple already, meeting everyone's approval, though Kitty has as little money as Eric, and a lot less talent. Oh well, she's a nice girl, and life's not fair. Better take her cousin's advice and try to enjoy the dance anyway.

And the night turns out glorious, but incredibly enervating.

Georgiana feels stunningly beautiful, she is getting used to dressing up, and her tall figure no longer bothers her, she has accepted her beauty is of the tall and fair kind, not dark and petite. And not just the mirror tells her she is beautiful, after Fanny is done dressing her, Georgiana follows her to watch her gild Elizabeth, whilst Simon works his miracles on Fitzwilliam, and as she comes in they all gape at her and Fanny smiles with pride.

Elizabeth is the first to break the silence.

'Oh my, Georgiana, you will break a few hearts tonight. London society has no idea what's coming for it, they've never seen you, have they?'

'Georgie, you are even more beautiful than you were last week. I think I'm going to burst with pride!'

'Thank you both, I'm glad you think I look good. But I think Fanny is just getting better and better at this personal maid thing, a girl cannot get more beautiful in just one week, I'm sure.'

Now Fanny dares speak up.

'Begging your pardon, miss, but I'm sure it's something within you that is different, something makes you shine from the inside. That is what makes you more beautiful, for your features are much the same as last week.'

'That is such a beautiful thought, Fanny! I feel different, too, I'm sure you are right.

Do you really think people will notice me?'

'Notice you?' Elizabeth retorts, amazed, 'I think you'll be beset by young men, and admired and loathed by the girls for staying in hiding all these years and then descending on them in full glory.

But I'm sure you will not have to bear all those admiring glances alone, I guess you will have a faithful attendant, most likely even two. That reporter will congratulate himself of course, on having his gossip come true, but that cannot be helped.

Those young men will cry their eyes out and the girls will sigh in relief when they see you stuck firmly between the noblest of gentlemen, the most eligible bachelor in London society, and a stunning young gentleman unknown to them, who will later turn out to be the most promising pianist of our time.

I can hardly wait!'

'Though I'm sure you'll have your share of attention as well, Mrs Darcy,' Simon puts in cheekily.

'Most of those girls you mention spent many a night simpering over Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, that handsome gentleman from the north who was obviously waiting for the right woman to finally give his heart away, hoping he'd turn up that year so they could hand over theirs and win his.

They will be very eager to see and judge the woman who finally managed to catch him, and who has now convinced him to appear in public for the very first time, undoubtedly to show him off to her former rivals.'

It's very funny to see Elizabeth turn around to look at Fitzwilliam's valet in shock.

'You're joking, aren't you Simon?'

Georgiana notices Fitzwilliam doesn't object to Simon's audacity at all, somehow his valet is not bound to class distinctions, and since Elizabeth doesn't seem to mind his cheekiness as much as his actual message, her brother merely replies to his wife's shocked demand with a sedate, 'He is fooling you all right, but not entirely so. You will be scrutinised, I never attended those occasions because I couldn't stand the meat-market feeling they gave me, I was constantly appraised on income and looks. I don't know how Manners can stand it, the currying for favours, the hints and insinuations.

No, Elizabeth, Simon is right, there will be many a young lady watching you with envy for having caught a big fish.

And of course they don't know Manners invited us, they'll think you want to rub it in, for that is what they themselves would have done.

But my love, don't let it bother you, you know better. Just be mine, and dance with me, and enjoy Mr Fielding's triumph. I'm convinced your faith in him gave him the courage to defy his patron for the right to play his own compositions. Without you, he might have been married to Louise by now.'

Georgiana realises her brother is right, it was Elizabeth's honest admiration for his compositions that heartened Eric, of course her own admiration helped, too, but that was biassed and would not have made such an impression as Elizabeth's less musically educated advocacy did.

A full hour is needed to complete Fanny's work to her satisfaction.

'After hearing Simon and the master, ma'am, I'm determined no-one will find any fault in your toilette, not even the most discerning, fashionable young lady. Simon was very eager to assist Mr Fielding and the master agreed, so we have at least half an hour extra.'

And Mrs Darcy's first public appearance will start with her looking immaculate. Her dress with the jacket looks even better on her today, she seems to have gained a tiny bit of weight, filling her out just perfectly. The accessories are unique and well made, she has a lovely rosy blush, and her hair has taken half an hour to put up, but it looks absolutely natural.

Even London's fashionable crowd will be stunned, they will be the handsomest couple of the evening, Georgiana is sure.

When they gather in the hall to put on their coats and wait for the carriages, Georgiana feels her heart skip a beat as Eric comes down the stairs, carrying his leather case. He is even more handsome than Fitzwilliam, truly, in his performer's coat with the shorter sleeves and the black lace covering his beautiful hands, a veritable piece of art made out of his cravat and his rather long hair dressed in the height of fashion.

He looks every bit the famous pianist, but that includes a certain air Georgiana remembers from the first time he came to play for them in this house. It's his professional personality, and it is miles removed from her, he still looks like the man she has come to know so well and love even more, but he feels different.

Suddenly Georgiana feels very small, what if this is the real Mr Fielding? She's not good enough for such a man, even if she has a fortune and a name. He should be with a famous soprano, a lady-writer or a sculptress, a world-class talent in her own right, not an amateur pianist. Tears threaten, and the night suddenly seems very long and so oppressive, there will be so many people, staring at her, judging her looks, her prospects, as Fitzwilliam said, what's this ball besides a meat-market for the rich and noble?

But then he spies her and his face goes soft, love filling his eyes. His stance relaxes and he seems to reach out for her, though his actual pose doesn't change.

His voice is low, almost husky.

'Miss Darcy, you will be the belle of the ball. You've grown more beautiful every day since I've known you, I truly wonder how such a thing can be. Is there no limit? Will you be more beautiful every next day for the rest of your life?

I know this is rather audacious of me to ask of an angel, but will you please save your first two dances for me?'

Breathing becomes even more difficult. This is the man she loves, that other is not really him, he only surfaces when Eric's under pressure. No-one is watching them closely, better give him some encouragement.

'I will do so gladly, Mr Fielding, frankly I was hoping you'd ask.'

'You know I cannot stay at the party for the entire evening, since I have to find the right mood for my concert. Will you accompany me when I do retreat for my preparations? Manners will also be there, but I'd like to have you with me very much, you know how to support me without disturbing my concentration.'

'Yes, please, Mr Fielding. I wouldn't care to be at the ball without a gentleman at my side anyway, I'd feel like prey. Valuable prey.'

'Oh Miss Darcy, I so wish it could be me, protecting you from anyone out to do you harm. But you'll have an even stronger hand held over you, you will be safe.'

Whatever does he mean? Why must love be so confusing? Tomorrow she will tell him, visitors or not. She cannot bear this anymore, to see her beloved in such agony. They should not be like strangers, he should not have to fear for her.

No-one objects to them taking place in a carriage together, it's Mr Manners', she vaguely registers. This is such a big deal for Eric, why worry about someone judging her looks on a ball?

'Miss Darcy,' Mr Manners says proudly, 'you look ravishing. I've never attended any ball in such company, I'll be the envy of the town. Good. If I cannot be handsome myself, at least I can surround myself with beauty tonight. May I walk in beside the two of you? And may I claim any two dances from you, Miss Darcy?'

He is certainly in a strange mood tonight. This must be his persona under pressure, he's organising this charity, he is taking a risk putting Eric on the program.

'Of course I will stand up with you, Mr Manners, it's always a pleasure to dance with you. And frankly, I'd prefer not to have to accommodate too many strangers, I'd rather just dance with friends and family.'

Which turns out to be very difficult.

The ride to the hall is very short, and as they approach the venue it is very clear something special is happening there tonight. The entire front of the building is decorated with tiny lights, candles or lamps, Georgiana can't see from their distance. People are already streaming towards the entrance from carriages waiting out front. This is huge, and Georgiana feels a stab of worry.

But once they alight from the carriage, she finds herself flanked by two gentlemen, and before they enter they meet up with her brother, Elizabeth, Jane and Bingley, Kitty and Mr Lascelles, the Bennets and Mary, cousin Fitzwilliam and Mr and Mrs Gardiner. No need to feel alone or afraid in such a large company of people whom she all knows and likes.

When their coats are taken and they file into the large ball-room, she almost gasps in surprise. She is used to quite some display of riches, but this beats anything she has ever seen.

The room is huge, with a curved roof painted in scenes of people dancing.

Crystal chandeliers defy gravity, and light up the dance-floor in ever moving drops of clear light. The walls are mostly white, giving the whole space an air of freshness and brightness.

The floor is made of glossy lacquered wood, and everything is decorated with garlands in pink and silver, it looks so rich and so festive.

There is an orchestra playing, of course excellently, how could it not be if Mr Manners has hired it, and more than a few couples are already dancing away gaily.

Eric is as impressed, and Mr Manners clearly relishes their admiration of his ball, he finds the older people a nice table to watch everything, and then he inquires of Georgiana and Eric, 'Do you want to dance first, or do you want to check out the room where you will be playing?'

Eric seems a bit embarrassed by this question, and Georgiana gets suspicious immediately, for wasn't that what they had been doing the day before yesterday?

But Eric observes, 'I'd like to see how it has been decorated, and I'm certain Miss Darcy wants to see it, and the instrument. I'd like to test it as well, see if it has kept its tuning well. Then I'll be able to dance with a measure of tranquillity.'

They take leave of their company, of course Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam are already dancing, and her brother and sister do catch a lot of intent looks from ladies and gentlemen alike.

Before they can move off, a young man approaches Mr Manners, and whispers to him, eyeing Georgiana. Their friend replies, and the young man moves off.

'You're already attracting attention, Miss Darcy. That young man is an acquaintance of mine, with a very nice estate I may add, and he asked me to introduce us. I told him we had a prior engagement for half an hour, but to come back later. Prepare to have your ball-book filled up quickly. Better reserve some extra dances, Fielding, or you'll be left standing.'

Eric's look is worth millions, Georgiana seriously thinks she can live an entire week on that one feeling look. But she has information he doesn't, and she really needs to share it with him. Maybe she can find a moment tonight, but after the concert, he has to perform well tonight.

'You know I'm at your disposal, Mr Fielding. I'd rather dance with you than anyone else.'

What can she do but encourage him as much as decency allows?

By now they have arrived in a totally different room, obviously meant for concerts, with an elevated stage and row upon row of seats. The style of the room is the same, its high and curved roof, the white walls, the extensive decorations.

On the stage is a piano, and from the way Eric approaches it, Georgiana would swear he has not ever in his life seen that instrument before.

It's a kind of ritual, exploring a new piano, and it's significantly different from approaching an instrument one already knows.

As Eric strokes the wood, and checks the inside before touching the keyboard, before spotting the brand actually, one of the more entertaining games for a pianist, guessing the brand from the interior alone, she knows for certain.

Eric has not seen this instrument before, he has not spent that day getting to know these premises.

He looks at her significantly and says under his breath, 'I'll tell you all about it, later. Please don't look at me like that, I cannot resist you, I confess. Will you let me explain later? I cannot have secrets from you, Georgiana, but I've work to do now, this may decide the rest of my life. Please?'

She tries to send him a soothing look, and whispers back, 'Never mind, Eric. Later is good enough for me, I'd have trouble refusing Mr Manners as well. Just let it go and do what you have to.'

Then for Mr Manners' benefit, 'This seems a nice instrument indeed. Have you checked the tuning, is it all right?'

Eric quickly quits what he is doing and merely sits at the keyboard, then plays a simple chord. It's fine!

Incredulously, he plays chords all over the piano, and Georgiana cannot hear a single note that is out of tune.

'That saves a lot of time.

Frederick, now you've convinced me you can make anything happen. A piano that is in tune? I'm staggered.'

Then he bends over the keyboard once more, and plays a part of his study piece, apparently he already knows some of it by heart. It sounds perfect, of course.

'All right, please show me the room where I can take half an hour for my exercises, and then we can join the dancing.'

And when they are finally on the dance-floor, Eric seems as relaxed and as happy as Georgiana is.

'You want me to tell you now? Where we were two days ago? It's quite a story, and a bit shocking as well.'

'No, Eric, it can wait. You don't even need to tell me at all, you're a man grown and you do not need to justify yourself to me. Wherever you were, I'm glad you're back. Let's just be together for a while.'

'I want you to know, Georgiana, but you are right, let's first enjoy our moments together.'