Chapter 4 – Do You Play or Sing?
"Miss Bennet, I am very pleased to make your acquaintance. Lady Matlock spoke of young ladies to whom I would be much impressed with and I dare say she has the right of it."
"Thank you, Lady Jersey, I am pleased to make your acquaintance," replied Jane softly.
"Have no fear of me, my dear. Contrary to rumours, I do not go disparage the character of any young person who is all grace and poise. Indeed, I should very much like to see more of you and your sister in society. How is it that you have not been out many times this Season?"
"My grandfather, the Duke, has not been well these past few months. My uncle is currently very preoccupied with matters of the estates. At present, it has been best that we spend the majority of our time with family. There has been talk of my sister and I accompanying the Viscount and his wife to the family estate towards the end of Season before returning home."
"Well then! We shall waste no more time in getting you out into curious society. You and your sister caused quite a stir at the Royal Ascot with your dresses! You must acquire another one of those gorgeous gowns; I shall be sending your aunt cards for Almack's this week." I can tell that these girls have been well prepared. There can be no mistaking their poise, grace and gentility. Regardless of being raised away from London, they shall do very well. Very well, indeed.
"Thank you for the compliment. Aunt Marjorie shall be very pleased to hear such praise for the gowns she chose."
"And so she should be! Tell me, Miss Bennet, do you play or sing?"
"The honour of playing belongs to my younger siblings; I do sing and enjoy it very much." Jane blushed daintily.
"Then I insist that you sing for us this evening; perhaps we may have the pleasure of hearing Miss Elizabeth and you perform a duet for our company after supper?"
"I do not wish to excite your anticipation, Lady Jersey, but I shall be happy to sing after dinner," replied Jane. Goodness, I hate performing in front of strangers, but I would do well to remember that I need to make a good impression on all these ladies. Being invited to Almack's and having the privilege of going to the Royal Ascot all in one Season is quite dizzying for my first. I am sure I shall remember this Season for the rest of my life.
Lady Matlock had an imposing manner without being overbearing. It served her well, and it was in this mode she chose to watch the room while making conversation. Lady Heartwright had a bubbly manner and was predisposed to anything that would bring her enjoyment. She had made a very fortunate alliance in her first Season. Lady Heartwright's husband was now an elderly man, but she dearly loved him. She had risen over the years in prominence in the Ton, through good sense and a cheerful disposition. It ought to also be mentioned that one did not cross Lady Heartwright socially and expect to be accepted ever again. While her nature was generous by default, she by no means forgave grievous wrongs.
"Tell me, Miss Elizabeth, of your favourite activity to do on your father's estate" inquired Lady Matlock.
"I admit a fondness for my father's library. He keeps it well stocked and encourages me to read and pursue the languages as much as he encourages my love of walking and riding. Jane and I are privileged enough to have had the opportunity to learn how to ride both sidesaddle and astride, however, unladylike it may be considered."
"I am impressed, Miss Elizabeth. Both will serve you well. While I do ride, I know little of racing. It is my nephew, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, taking after his father that knows a great a deal about horses. Napoleon's Bane was the late Mr. Darcy's prized racing horse. We have sponsored him for this Season as Fitzwilliam refuses to come out into society before his period of mourning has completed."
A loud crash sounded by the fireplace. The ladies, as did the room's other occupants, all turned to see the Duke of Kensington lying unconscious on the floor.