Hi all. As promised, here is another chapter. Work starts again on Monday, and it is exams season, so things will be very hectic for me. I will try to update when I can.
Thank you for your continued support. Special thanks to these reviewers:
Motherof8, MrsSP9, Colleen S, MAC Nicholls, ChrisM0519, kissmekim, Maria Teresa C, MK543, Deanna27, Artemis1813, Shelby66, Happy Lizzy, Levenez, Jansfamily4 , RHALiz, LC-elsie
kissmekim: I sent you a PM to answer your question. Thank you for your question.
Sorry it was not made very clear before, but I added a few lines in chapter 44 to say that the ladies were doing needlework as part of Lydia's training, that Lydia did not really learn to do it well before (they did not have a governess and were not sent to formal school, Lydia was spoiled and was probably not required to do tasks properly), that Lizzy copied designs from patterns books so Lydia can use her sampler as a guide, and then used this for Darcy as well so he had an easy start.
Sorry, this is unedited. Will come back to it later.
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The following morning, Georgiana kept peering through the windows for any sign of their expected visitors from Longbourn. Mr Bingley, Darcy and the colonel had gone out for a ride.
"It is yet too early, Georgiana," her aunt quietly said.
"What time do you suppose they will arrive?" Georgiana asked.
"Perhaps another couple of hours," the countess answered. Georgiana sighed and resigned to sit down next to her elder relation.
"Miss Darcy, you are welcome to use the pianoforte anytime," Mrs Hurst offered, noticing the young lady was restless.
"I thank you, Mrs Hurst. That is very kind of you," Georgiana politely replied.
"I was hoping we could have some music for when our guests arrive. It would be a pleasure to hear you play again," Mrs Hurst encouraged the younger Darcy.
"Would you mind very much if I look through the sheet music you have?" Georgiana asked.
"Of course not. We do have a wide selection, but it is a shame that the instrument has not had much use since our return to Netherfield," Louisa said.
"Do all the Misses Bennet play?" Georgiana wondered.
"As far as I am aware, Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary play, as well as sing," Louisa returned. Yesterday, she had noticed the attention Mr Darcy paid Miss Elizabeth, even staying with the ladies during their needlework session so he can remain in her company. It had also been evident in their interactions that Georgiana was quite fond of the young lady. Upon reflection, she could not begrudge the potential match between her brother's friend and the second eldest Bennet sister. Miss Elizabeth was a gentleman's daughter, and her actions proved that she would be a caring sister for Georgiana. Truth be told, unfortunately she could not say the same about her own sister Caroline. The Darcys had lost both their parents, much like them in that respect, and she definitely sympathised more with them now.
Poor Miss Darcy. Not having a sister, a female confidante close to her age. Darcy is a good brother, but he is more than ten years her senior and assumes more of a parental role. Not to mention that he has many other great responsibilities as the master of Pemberley. They must have been quite lonely these past years. Miss Elizabeth might just be the one to bring joy into their lives.
After what seemed like an age, the Bennets finally arrived at Netherfield. Once the usual pleasantries had been exchanged, Louisa suggested some entertainment by way of music which was met with everyone's approval.
As the hostess, Louisa opened by playing a selection of sonatinas by Ignaz Pleyel.
"Miss Elizabeth, I do hope you will indulge us with a song. I have it on good authority that you play and sing very well," Colonel Fitzwilliam requested.
"I wonder who your informant is. That person must have such low standards to judge my playing to be above adequate," Elizabeth teased.
"I assure you, Miss Elizabeth, that I made a fair assessment of your musical abilities," Darcy said. "Your voice captures your audience when you sing, and you play quite well."
"Quite well? That is not the same as very well. I am satisfied. Now I feel less pressure to deliver an impeccable performance," Elizabeth replied with a smile.
At that point, Louisa stopped playing to allow other ladies to have a turn at the instrument. Seeing the apprehension etched on Georgiana's expression, Elizabeth motioned to her sister Mary for them to approach the pianoforte. With her guidance, Mary chose a Scottish folk song, "The Bluebells of Scotland", that suitably demonstrated her skill without causing her embarrassment. Not only did Mary complete the performance without anyone making snide remarks, she was also gratified to receive praise for her competent execution.
Afterwards, Elizabeth opted for a version of another folk song, "O Waly Waly". Keenly aware that all eyes were trained on her, including Darcy and his relations who were accustomed to hearing superior talent, she closed her eyes momentarily and took a deep breath as she summoned her inner strength. Once her fingers touched the keys, her nerves slowly began to ease, and she allowed herself to become lost in the song. She was in full command of her soprano voice, and her delicate yet soulful tone filled every corner of the room, like rays of sunshine permeating the space and eliminating any sign of darkness.
O Waly, waly up yon bank
and waly waly down yon brae,
and waly by yon river side
where I and my love wont to gae.
O waly, waly, Love is bonny
a little while when it is new;
but when it auld it waxes cauld
& wears away like morning dew.
I leant my back unto an aik,
I thought it was a trusty tree!
But first it bow'd and sine it brake,
And sae did my fause Love to me.
When cockle-shells turn siller bells,
And mussels grow on ev'ry tree;
When frost and snaw shall warm us a',
Then shall my Love prove true to me.
But had I wist before I kiss'd
That love had been sae ill to win;
I'd lockt my heart in case of gold,
And pin'd it with a silver pin.
Oh, oh! if my young babe were born,
And set upon the nurse's knee;
And I mysel were dead and gane;
For maid again I'll never be.
As the final notes faded, Elizabeth sat motionless, still caught in the spirit of the song. She allowed silence to linger and dared not look at the rest of the party. The stunned audience slowly began to clap and express their appreciation for the simple yet exquisite rendition.
"Oh, Miss Elizabeth! That was beautifully done!" Georgiana rushed to her side. A few others murmured their agreement.
"I thank you, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth said, her voice shaky. She then smiled and spoke softly, "But I believe you are a far more accomplished musician, and we would dearly love to hear a song or two."
"Oh no, please do not expect me to sing. I shall attempt to play, but not sing," Georgiana nervously replied.
"Very well. Would you like me to turn the pages for you?" Elizabeth offered.
"Georgiana, I cannot help but overhear that you will be entertaining us next," the colonel said as he walked to them.
"Yes, I believe it is my turn next, cousin," the young lady answered, giving him a knowing look.
"Miss Elizabeth, it has also come to my knowledge that you excel at dancing," the colonel hinted.
"And is Mr Darcy your source once again?" Elizabeth laughed.
"I think my cousin considers you excellent in many things, madam. However, Bingley also revealed that you would dance all night if you could," he replied.
"Oh? I think Mr Darcy exaggerates. But I cannot say that Mr Bingley is wrong. I do love to dance," Elizabeth agreed.
"Pray tell me, how many times has Darcy danced with you?" the colonel continued, aware that his cousin was drawing near and could hear their conversation.
"Just once, at the Netherfield ball," the lady answered with a slight frown as she remembered their almost argument about Mr Wickham during their dance.
"Only once? Darce, this is unbelievable!" the colonel addressed his cousin, who was sure he had told the officer about all this.
"I did ask her to dance at the Lucas' party and here, when she stayed to nurse her sister…" Darcy tried to reason.
"Perhaps you did not sound sincere or genuinely interested when you solicited her hand to dance," Richard told his cousin, who was getting more confused with this discussion. The colonel turned to Elizabeth and performed an exaggerated bow before saying,
"Miss Elizabeth, will you do me the honour of dancing a reel with me?"
"Why, of course, colonel! It would be a pleasure," the lady giggled as she accepted.
"Georgiana, if you please," Richard gave her younger cousin the signal to get ready. "Mrs Hurst, I hope you would not mind us having a little dance before partaking in refreshments."
"Not at all, colonel. In fact, it would be such fun to have others join in as well," the hostess was happy to oblige. She looked wide-eyed at her husband, as if to give him the message to ask her to dance, which he reluctantly did. The often idle man had become more appreciative of his wife after seeing how diligently she had attended to his needs during the time of his injury. Bingley naturally led Jane to the middle of the room.
Now this left Darcy as the lone male to not have a dance partner. He was more than a little annoyed that his irksome cousin had beaten him in asking Elizabeth to dance. To his side, he heard the sound of someone clearing her throat quite noisily. It was Miss Lydia, who was pointedly looking at him. Trying hard not to roll his eyes, he dutifully sought the youngest Bennet sister to dance.
Taking her place in front of the pianoforte, Georgiana started to play, with Kitty offering to turn the pages for her.
"Mr Darcy, I apologise for hinting that you ask me to dance. Do not worry, sir, I have no designs on you. Everyone knows you are interested in Lizzy, well, maybe except for Lizzy herself, and I wholeheartedly approve, not that it matters much," Lydia started. Darcy merely stared at her, not knowing how to respond.
"Sir, I have been meaning to have a word with you for days now but I could not get an opportunity. You always seek Lizzy out and I do not want to intrude on your time together," she continued. Darcy raised his eyebrows at her, which she understood to be a sign for her to proceed.
"I only want to say that I am truly sorry for all the trouble I have caused… you know, about Mr Wickham," she said as discreetly as she could manage. "I hope you will be able to forgive me. We cannot thank you enough for your assistance and generosity." Darcy gave her a solemn nod followed by a weak smile.
"You are ever so quiet. I wonder how you are planning to woo Lizzy. She talks a lot!" Lydia teased the serious man. With no words forthcoming from her dance partner, she spoke again, "Well, you had better ask her to dance after this. Unless you want your cousin to form a match with her instead." Darcy quickly turned to see how much his cousin and Elizabeth seemed to be enjoying the dance. "Poetry, good poetry, may be considered as the food of love, but as you rarely utter more than ten words, another way to encourage affection would be to dance. Lizzy could be tempted to accept, even if her partner is… barely tolerable." Lydia smirked and curtseyed as their dance ended.
Not wanting to be bested by another man again, Darcy immediately walked to Elizabeth and asked,
"May I have the next dance, Miss Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth was still in conversation with the colonel when she found herself suddenly addressed by the determined gentleman. She was taken by surprise by his abrupt appearance but was nevertheless happy with his application for her hand.
"I thank you. Yes, you may, Mr Darcy," she replied in a soft voice, and awarded him a shy smile.
The colonel excused himself, though the pair scarcely acknowledged him. He sought the hand of Mary for this dance. Hurst, upon prompting by his wife, asked Jane, who would soon become their sister by marriage to Bingley. Charles then requested Kitty to pair with him for the dance.
The four couples arranged themselves in a square formation in readiness for a cotillion. Georgiana played for them, while Lydia eagerly went over to assist her with the pages. The three married women, the countess, Mrs Hurst, and Mrs Bennet, all sat watching the dance contentedly.
"Oh, my girls, my lovely girls! They dance so wonderfully," Mrs Bennet said, hardly able to contain her emotions. "My Lizzy… dancing with Mr Darcy…"
Meanwhile, the dancing couple were oblivious to their surroundings. They glided with grace and precision, and did not miss a single step, even though their eyes were locked on each other almost throughout the entirety of the dance.
They do look quite a handsome pair, the countess thought. Miss Elizabeth would do very well indeed for Fitzwilliam and Georgiana.
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I actually read up and watched videos on Regency dances and music. Jane Austen also played the pianoforte and sang. She liked the sonatinas by Pleyel. She copied a version of "O Waly Waly" on paper. There are many versions of this song and some have been recorded by more modern artists like Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, Indigo Girls etc (titled "The Water is Wide"). "Bluebells of Scotland" was also a popular Scotch air. The reel and cotillion were danced during Jane's time.
Anyway... so the last question, quite a few of you preferred to work at Pemberley. No surprises there. Yes, Darcy House in London is also a good choice, LC-elsie. Same master. ;-) And some also liked the idea of working for the Gardiners.
But… no one wants to work for Lady C or Caro or Mrs B or Mr Collins? LOL.
Next question: Name one physical object from the Regency era that you would like to have. No, you cannot have Mr Darcy! Or the colonel! ;-)
Examples: an original Pride and Prejudice publication (with Jane's signature), or an authentic Regency ballgown, or a cravat… or the famous white shirt, though that's not in the book… Caro's feathery bonnet…
Fine, you can have more than one…
Would it not be nice to see an actual reticule, dance card, ball programme, menu, carriage! And many more… yes, we can see some on the internet but seeing them in real life would be fantastic!
Thank you all. :-)