Many thanks to my wonderful beta reader and co-author: Sam. H.
PPP
Darcy accompanied Georgiana and Elizabeth to Matlock house but did not enter with them. He had some pressing matters to attend to, but before he left, he informed them the Darcy carriage would be sent for them in an hour and a half. With a maid to accompany her, it would then take Miss Bennet back to the Gardiners.
Entering the Matlock house, Elizabeth took in the grandeur and elegance of her surroundings. While everything was quite exquisite, she could not but note the hint of ostentation as well.
A servant led them from the entryway to a drawing room, lavishly adorned in beautiful furnishings and with walls covered in paintings. Lady Matlock, awaiting their arrival, stood to greet them requesting her niece to make the introductions. Elizabeth responded with a graceful curtsey.
Examining Elizabeth's appearance, Lady Matlock could not deny Darcy has excellent taste. The young lady was indeed pretty, despite her darker colouring and not the fashionable blonde-haired, blue-eyed à la mode of society. Her dress and hairstyle were flattering if nothing out of the ordinary. It was Elizabeth's grace and poise which most impressed her.
Lady Matlock rang a bell to summon maids with the tea and invited the two young ladies to sit down. The maids arrived with a beautiful silver tray, carrying porcelain teacups and teapots, along with a variety of sweets and savouries. The aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the air, and the sight of the delectable treats made Elizabeth and Georgiana smile.
Intent on learning more details about Elizabeth's background and accomplishments, Lady Matlock proceeded to ask her a multitude of questions.
"Do you play an instrument, Miss Bennet?"
"I do, Your Ladyship, although not very well."
"How many siblings are you, Miss Bennet?"
"I have 4 sisters and a young brother."
"Are any of your sisters married, Miss Bennet?"
"My next youngest is married. Sadly, my older sister's husband passed recently and has returned to Longbourn to be of help to my mother during her mourning."
Lady Matlock's questions continued going so far as to inquire of Elizabeth's mother's maiden name, and how exactly prosperous Longbourn was. Until finally asked, "Where are you staying during your visit to Town?"
"I am currently with my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in Gracechurch Street, My Lady."
Lady Matlock's lips tightened a little. "Indeed."
Georgiana grew increasingly uncomfortable with her aunt's interrogation, but she was too intimidated to interject. Elizabeth, while taken aback by Lady Matlock's incessant questions, managed to maintain an air of composure throughout the exchange.
"Who was your governess, Miss Bennet?"
"We did not have a governess, My Lady."
"What?" Lady Matlock exclaimed. "This is the first time I have heard of five daughters and a son brought up at home without a governess! Your mother must have been quite a slave to your education."
Elizabeth smiled slightly as she assured Lady Matlock that had not been the case.
Lady Matlock was sceptical of Elizabeth's education, and so she asked, "Then who taught you? Without a governess, you must have been quite neglected."
"My father was in charge of our lessons and encouraged us to read. He also ensured we had all the masters we required."
Still not entirely convinced, she probed further, "What languages do you speak?"
"We all speak French, and I also speak a bit of Italian and German."
"Hamm. My niece told me you play the piano very well, why did you say you play poorly? False modesty is not becoming Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth smiled warmly at Georgiana and replied, "I enjoy playing the piano, but Miss Darcy exaggerates my talent."
"And do you sing as well?"
"I do."
"Well, perhaps before leaving you can perform for me. There are few things I enjoy more than music."
She looked at her niece, "And you, Georgiana? Remember you shall never be proficient if you do not practice enough."
"Yes, Lady Matlock," Georgiana responded.
"Are you continuing with the harp?"
"I practice it twice a week, but I do prefer the piano, and practice every day."
Lady Matlock turned her attention back to Elizabeth and inquired, "Do you draw, Miss Bennet?"
"Not very well. We had a master, but I do not have a natural talent."
"The lack of natural talent is made up for with more practice. My parents were very demanding with my education in all subjects." Looking at Georgiana, Lady Matlock added, "Lady Sophia and Lady Patricia are taking painting lessons with Mr. Kelvin, you should join them. You must be well-prepared for your entry into society."
"Yes, Aunt. My brother spoke about it with me."
Turning the conversation, Lady Matlock asked Elizabeth about her interests in books, which led to a more interactive conversation, with all the ladies discussing their likes and dislikes. At one point Elizabeth even mentioned a political treatise she had read. Despite herself, Lady Matlock was impressed.
Not much later, Lady Matlock offered a brief tour of her grand house, concluding with the music room, where there were several impressive instruments on display, including a harp and a magnificent grand piano.
Elizabeth perused the selection of sheet music on a small table beside the piano. She chose to perform a light aria 'Caro mio ben' by Girodani, as she knew it would showcase her voice more than her piano playing.
Lady Matlock, a connoisseur of music, listened to Elizabeth's performance and was impressed with the bell-like tones of her soprano voice. Her piano playing was not the most proficient, but no one who heard her sing would fail to reap enjoyment from the performance.
Lady Matlock found Elizabeth to be a charming, and intelligent young woman. Her poise, even under the pressure of her interrogation, was impressive. Furthermore, her candour and sincerity in answering were not commonly found amongst the Ton.
The only real flaw was her connection to trade, as her modest dowry could be left undisclosed. All in all, Lady Matlock had enjoyed Elizabeth's company and was satisfied with everything she had learned that day.
The carriage arrived at the appointed time to fetch Elizabeth and Georgiana. An hour later, Elizabeth was sitting in the parlour with her aunt revealing everything that took place that day. Between meeting Lord Yarmouth during her walk in Hyde Park with the Darcys, and his unexpected connection with them, and the extraordinary visit with Lady Matlock, there was much to share.