With the usual breakfast fair consumed and the daily routine ready to begin, Georgiana expressed the unusual desire to call on a friend. It transpired the friend, a Miss Swanston, had just come in possession of a new harp and Georgiana could hardly contain her excitement. It appeared, though fond of pretty things in the home, that neither Miss Swanston or any other member of the household actually played the harp. As such her friend had asked if Georgiana would be so willing to play on her next visit. As one so very fond of music, and intimately known to Miss Swanston and her dear mother, Georgie was only too happy to oblige. She was most certain she could never play in front of strangers, but for a long-time dear friend, the prospect was not so terrifying.
"Will you not come too Anne," asked Georgiana as she tied the ribbon of her bonnet. "I am sure you would like Miss Swanston very much and Mrs Swanston has three Siamese cats! I am sure she would let you hold one if you so desired, for they are very sweet tempered."
"I must confess I feel rather tired today. I believe a day in my own company will provide the best remedy. I am quite certain you shall not miss my company when there is a new harp to enjoy."
"Would you prefer me to stay if you are feeling out of sorts?" Georgiana asked looking at her cousin's pale appearance.
"Of course not," Anne smiled. "Go and visit your friend. I shall have a quiet day with a book and shall be fully revived on your return." In truth Anne was looking forward to the prospect a day filled with peaceful solitude. After Richards sudden appearance the evening before which brought on a rather long restless night, caused by a restless mind; Anne was more than happy to stay indoors at Grosvenor Street. Her own residence was due for completion in but 10 days, and Anne could not wait to be finally mistress of her own domain. The Darcy's were generous and kind hosts, nothing more could be wished for; however, Anne was keen to be master of her own routine and daily employment.
"Fitzwilliam will of course escort me before he attends to some sort of business errands, so the house shall be all yours. He shall retrieve me later in the day and we shall all be together in time for dinner." The ladies chatted about idle things until Darcy appeared and both cousins took their leave.
Anne sat quietly on the edge of her seat, listening intently for any hint that her cousins were still in the vicinity. After a few minutes of reassured silence, Anne went to her room in order to retrieve the book she had been waiting to read with much anticipation. A frivolous romance novel, she would in no way be seen reading it in public. She disliked reading in her bedchamber for she always preferred to read by natural light, rather than the flame from a bedside candle. This preference had been firmly ingrained after setting fire to a wisp of her hair on an evening in her youth. She had spent months adjusting her curls just so, in order for the wretched short stub of hair not to show. It was a mistake Anne had no such desire to repeat again.
The best place to read in Darcy's London home was in the window seat of the drawing room, a little nook where Georgiana spent considerable time. Relishing in the freedom which desired solitude welcomes, Anne sat upon the settee in the window, before kicking her feet up and lounging her full length in blissful abandon. Opening her book, she stretched out in delight. Oh, how she intended to read all day long once she was settled into a house of her own. She could not wait to read the first volume of 'The Refusal' by Mrs. Prudentia Homespun. How grand and thrilling, she thought, to be a female author.
Thus, happily occupied, the clock ticked away reassuringly on the mantle, as Anne lay in the sunlit window seat reading. As early afternoon approached, her happy solitude was disrupted by the entrance of Lewis.
"My apologies Miss de Bourgh," replied the butler, his face showing none of his surprise at finding the her in such an unladylike manner. Anne jumped a foot in the air, sitting as straight as possible while shoving the offending book firmly behind the stack of cushions she had moments ago been draped over.
"Lewis" Anne cried, her eyes wide, "is the master home so soon?"
"No miss, but you have callers who wish to visit with you. Shall I send them in or would you prefer me to dismiss them?"
"For me?" Anne asked perplexed, her only regular caller was Louisa, and that lady certainly didn't wait for such formalities as waiting to be announced by Lewis. "Do show them in, give me but one moment, and then would you be so kind to arrange tea?"
"Certainly Miss, I shall send them in momentarily."
Anne quickly glanced in the gilt mirror upon the wall. Oh dear, her hair looked rather dishevelled from her lying upon it. Perhaps the visitor was Edward? If so, she was certain he would hardly notice such a thing. She took such pleasure in his company, she had been greatly disappointed when Darcy's offer of dinner could not be accepted. Smoothing the fabric of her dress with her hands as best she was able, she turned just as the door to the drawing room opened.
"Miss de Bourgh, Lady Beatrice and Mrs Drummond -Burrel." Upon announcing the ladies, Lewis withdrew from the room, alongside a young maid who had placed a tea tray neatly on the end table.
"Lady Beatrice," Anne said as she motioned for the ladies to take a seat. "What an unforeseen pleasure to have your company. I am afraid Mr Darcy is not at home presently."
"That is of no matter," replied Lady Beatrice, "it was indeed you with whom I wished to speak. Anne may I introduce you to a close acquaintance of mine, Mrs Drummond-Burrel; one of the distinguished patronesses of Almacks and a true matriarch of London society.
"Oh, hush Beatrice," smiled the elegant redhead, now seated to the right of Anne. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss de Bourgh, I am rather surprised we have not spoken before this."
"Oh," Anne replied rather confused. She could not fathom why two such ladies of the ton should wish to speak with her. Not entirely sure what to say, or how she should proceed, she decided to stay true to decorum. "Shall I serve the tea?"
"One sugar for me if you will," said Lady Beatrice settling herself more comfortably into a wingback chair. "Now Miss de Bourgh, you must wonder why I have brought Mrs Drummond with me to call on you and I shall tell you the reason why. We are in the process of organising a masquerade ball."
"Not just any masquerade ball," interjected Mrs Drummond. "If you will, Miss de Bourgh I have long been involved with the Mayweather school for young girls. It is a charity close to my heart. We do a great deal of work offering poor, forgotten girls the best opportunity to be educated in such a way that allows them to escape the poor house. The mission is to give these girls the best chance to enter into employment once of reasonable age in order to become self-sufficient. I am in the process of setting up a committee of ton ladies to help act as organisers and patronesses for the charity; for who can know more of a women's plight than that of another woman. Lady Beatrice was kind enough to aid by offering suggestions, one of which to consider was yourself. Though I must admit I felt very foolish, for I had to admit we were not yet acquainted."
"Oh, please do not apologise," Anne replied hastily. "I often keep to my own company and I have not been long in London. I have only met your Ladyship but once, and through my own cousin."
"And yet here I am, calling on you, singing your praises to another," laughed Lady Beatrice. She looked at Anne taking in her mild appearance and sweet manner. Though she was not a fresh-faced beauty, she was exceedingly handsome in a more subtle, womanly fashion. Her figure was small in frame but filled out well, her complexion fair and perfectly unblemished. She could understand Edwards attraction. What pleased Lady Beatrice most was Anne's gentle manner.
"My dear, do not look so worried," laughed Lady Beatrice reaching out to touch Anne's arm affectionately. "I simply thought after our meeting, you seemed a good natured, sensible woman; who would be ideal for such a challenge as to help organise a charity event." She took a sip of her tea before continuing "A woman, such as yourself, with only a small social circle, must look towards broadening that circle."
"I am most flattered at you thinking of me, however as you say I have such a small reach in terms of social connections, I would likely be of little use to you. I should not wish to fall short when it is for a cause to be so much admired. I am more than willing to donate; I can have a banker draft drawn up immediately."
"Nonsense girl," said Mrs Drummond. "You are perhaps exactly what I need. The sort of lady interested in the cause and not in social scores. The committee shall meet every Wednesday from eight till ten, at Almacks before the doors open to the ton. That shall then allow us ample opportunity to discuss and reach out to those in society whose help we may require. For everyone who is anyone shall be in attendance at Almacks."
"On that note however," said Lady Beatrice, "Miss de Bourgh does not have entry to Almacks."
"No indeed I do not," said Anne rather sheepishly. "I must confess I have never attended a public assembly thus far in London. As you know Lady Beatrice, my cousin Mr Darcy, rarely attends such gatherings. It would appear imprudent of me to attend functions where he is not present while I am a guest under his roof."
"Well that is a matter which I can easily remedy Miss de Bourgh," replied Mrs Drummond, taking a slice of bread and butter. "As patroness I am confident, I can secure you entry and vouchers. But what say you? Are you willing to join the Mayweather cause? The Masquerade shall take place in just 10 weeks. By the time we are through it shall be the most spectacular event, the highlight marking the end of the season like no other ball before."
"If you are certain you will to have me as part of the organisers, I would be most willing and gratified to accept." Anne smiled at the beaming face of Lady Beatrice, unaware of the Lady's inner triumph at securing Anne's future attendance at Almacks weekly balls. Now, the question was, would she tell Edward of her success, or simply witness his surprise at seeing his intended amongst the crowd.
"Well my dear," said Lady Beatrice as she rose from her chair. "I think we have taken enough of your time. I shall look forward to seeing you at the next meeting."
All three smiled, most satisfied with the afternoons visit. As they spoke their farewells, Anne lead them out into the foyer. Suddenly, Lewis appeared looking quite flustered.
"Lewis, whatever is the matter?" Anne asked taking Mrs Drummond's card for her future use.
"A messenger has just arrived Miss de Bourgh, with a delivery for you."
"For me? Oh, surely it is something for the house at Grosvenor Square. Please will you have the item redirected. Oh and Lewis can you then help the ladies to their carriage."
"I am afraid it is not quite so simple as having the item simply redirected Miss. If you will follow me the item is but outside."
With Anne at a loss for what the delivery could be, and each ladies curiosity piqued, all three followed Lewis outside to the street. As soon as Anne saw the sight before her, she took in a sharp intake of air, followed by a most unladylike squeal.
"Oh, forgive me ladies," Anne apologised, not looking in their direction. "but you cannot know what joy I am feeling at this moment."
"I must say that is a beauty of a horse Miss de Bourgh, imagine forgetting the delivery of such a fine creature!" remarked Lady Drummond-Burrel.
"I dare say," said Lady Beatrice watching as Anne stroked the horse's neck, her face full of joy; 'that I doubt very much that such a fine horse was a purchase. If I am not mistaken, I believe she is none other than from Lord Colville's exquisite breeding stock."
"You are quite right Lady Beatrice," said Anne her smile so wide her cheeks ached. "This is indeed one of Lord Colville's fine Arabian horses, the best of the best, though I am biased. For you see, this fine chestnut mare I was once allowed to call my own, while I stayed with family in Elgin. Lord Colville was kind enough to gift me the use of Amirah then, and it would appear he has done so once more!" Giving the horse one last scratch on the nose, Anne turned and headed back towards the entryway; leaving Amirah with the young stable boy, who so proudly held the reigns of the expensive thoroughbred. "Lewis, was there a note?"
The butler handed Anne a small piece of paper, which she tore eagerly open as both older ladies looked on, caught up in Anne's contagious delight. "It is indeed from Lord Colville, he writes:
Dear Miss de Bourgh
Please accept this tiresome creature, for she has been but the devil since your departure south. No other rider will do; she is the most ungrateful mare, and there is little I can do with her. It would seem her loyalties lie with you and you alone. Yet who could blame her for such a devotion.
Your faithful friend
Edward Colville
p.s I do hope the old girl arrived in one piece; I had her shipped from Aberdeen to London post haste! I pray she found her sea legs. E