A/N - I will post another chapter this week either I'm thinking Wednesday? Or is Thursday a better day? Let me know your preference.
-HBR-

Chapter 7

Dear Jane,

I am happy to hear you and my new brother escape your responsibilities when possible to spend time together. Using the afternoons to introduce his new wife to the neighborhood seems like the perfect way to be alone. I imagine you are enjoying learning about the running of the household from Brent's mother, though I know you do not wish to be in her position for many years. You always did very well at Longbourn. I would be most interested in hearing how the tenant visits go, when you begin them.

I met the most darling girl. She is the daughter of Mr. and Lady Anne Darcy, and she and Lady Anne joined us when we took Edward and Esther to the park. Our cousins adored her and everyone had an enjoyable afternoon.

Jane, did you ever have the opportunity to hear Lady Anne play the piano? She is wonderful and her daughter will follow in her footsteps. She practices quite diligently, Unlike some I could mention…

Her brother, though. What a disagreeable man. For all he is the son of a gentleman, he himself does not behave like one. He insulted our aunt and uncle - in public! Unfortunately, I will need to be in his company, seeing as his parents are friends with the Gardiners. You will laugh at me Jane, as I believed him to be one of the handsomest men I have ever met. It is such a shame he is a contemptible oaf, and perhaps not as handsome as I first opined.

Your sister, who misses you,

Lizzy

- HBR -

Madeline and Elizabeth's first call that morning was to visit Mrs. Abigail Carter. The two ladies were escorted to a beautiful morning room, awash with bright golden light.

"Madeline, Miss Bennet, how nice to see you." Mrs. Carter rose to greet her friend.

"Thank you, Abigail. You are looking well."

"I am. Please have a seat. I will order tea brought in." Mrs. Carter nodded to the footman at the door, then sat down again."Miss Bennet, how has the season been treating you."

"It is going well, I believe. I am meeting interesting people and having fun at the events we attend. I am enjoying my mornings at Foundling House. The little girls are so diligent in their efforts. I love seeing their faces as they not only complete a doll, but then have the double pleasure of gifting the doll to one of the babies."

Elizabeth turned to Madeline. "Aunt, I was wondering. The girls are getting so accomplished at making the dolls and clothing. At some point every baby will have a doll. We could move on to another item, but I was thinking this could be a great opportunity for the children."

"Opportunity, Lizzy?"

"Indeed. What if the extra dolls could be sold? I imagine, any profit could either be given back to the Foundling House to pay for their upkeep. Or better yet, each child who contributes of their time and creates dolls for sale, might have a small portion of each put aside for when they either leave for employment or marry?"

Elizabeth saw both women were staring at her with dumbfounded expressions. "I, uh, I am obviously not in a position to be aware of legalities, but perhaps the idea could be forwarded to someone who might? And…"

"Go on, dear," Mrs. Carter urged her.

"I was wondering if something could be found for the boys to work on. Though, I admit to having no knowledge on what that might be. I felt it would be a shame if the girls benefit in some way and the boys do not."

Madeline and Mrs. Carter shared a look. "Lizzy, it is an interesting idea. I will mention it to Mrs. Johnson." She changed the topic and asked her friend, "Abigail, let me tell you about the lovely musicale we attended. The music was wonderful…"

At the Mansfield's, there were already a couple of ladies present by the time Elizabeth and her aunt walked into the sitting room.

"Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, how nice of you to visit. I do not believe you are acquainted with everyone here. This is Mrs. Emma Hastings, and this is Mrs. Charlotte Pembroke and her daughter, Miss Grace Pembroke. Ladies, this is Mrs. Madeline Gardiner and her niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

After all the greetings were completed, Mrs. Mansfield continued, "I was just telling the ladies how my Abigail is doing. The season can be so challenging, but she seems to be easing through the churning waters effortlessly. I am sorry you missed her. She insisted on having a lesson with her music master. Apparently the piece she has been working on has been a trifle difficult. She is such a perfectionist when it comes to the piano."

"I thought Miss Mansfield exhibited beautifully when we heard her play at your dinner party." Elizabeth smiled at her hostess. "Mr. Mansfield teased his sister, but your daughter is most talented."

Not to be outdone, Mrs. Pembroke spoke out, "My Grace's talents lie more with painting and drawing and is very proficient. Her masters have said as much."

As conversation moved on to future events taking place in the next several weeks they will be attending, Elizabeth heard Miss Pembroke mention Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

"I hope he will be there as well. I heard he attended the Allen's ball." Miss Pembroke giggled, "He is so handsome."

"It is a shame he is cold and haughty." Elizabeth could not stop herself from replying.

"He has every right to be. The Darcys are highly thought of in the Ton, though they are not titled. Their estate, I hear, is grand and very well taken care of."

Mrs. Pembroke patted her daughter's hand, "There, there. My dear. I am sure when you next see him at a ball we will make sure he requests a dance with you."

Elizabeth tilted her head, "Have you not danced with Mr. Darcy?"

Miss Pembroke sat up straighter and her chin rose a little higher, "Mr. Darcy rarely dances."

"Really?" Mrs. Gardiner looked amused. "My niece danced with him at the ball."

Elizabeth did not see how it was possible, but Miss Grace Pembroke's nose rose even higher, "Hmph. I am sure he was pressured into it."

One of Elizabeth's brows rose as she turned her face to look at Miss Pembroke. "If by pressure, you mean he insisted on having my next available dance, and did not dance with anyone else that night," Madeline shot her a quick glance, "then, by all means, call it pressure if you must." She finished with an expression of wide eyed innocence.

When it looked like Mrs. and Miss Pembroke might respond intemperately, Madeline entered the conversation, changing the topic completely. Within a few minutes the waters had been smoothed over.

A quarter of an hour later, in the carriage on their way to Darcy house, Madeline looked at her niece. "How did you know Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy danced with no one else that night at the ball?

"Oh, um, well I surmised such was the case. He did not pass my path on any of the dances."

Madeline pursed her lips to hide a smile and faced forward again.

Their next and final stop was at Darcy House. Giving the butler her card, they waited for him to return and then he showed them to the same pretty sitting room. Madeline saw Lady Anne was having tea with her daughter, "I beg your pardon. We are disturbing your private time."

"Not at all, Georgiana and I are both happy to see you."

Elizabeth cursteyed and took a seat near Georgiana. "I hope you do not feel we encroached on your time with Lady Anne."

"Oh no, Miss Bennet. I mean, I do enjoy having a break from my studies, and I love spending time with mama," She giggled, "but I am happy to see you too."

Miss Darcy, I would be happy if you called me Elizabeth, or Lizzy, as my cousins do."

"And please call me Georgiana, or Georgie." The young girl smiled shyly up at Elizabeth. "I understand from Mama, you were all at a ball together. What was it like?"

Elizabeth described the event and her dances, while Lady Anne and Madeline had been speaking rapidly in low tones. Eventually, Madeleine interrupted the younger girl's conversion.

"Lizzy, I was just telling Lady Anne about your idea. She is intrigued, yet..."

Lady Anne said seriously, "Miss Bennet I am reluctant to devalue your idea, however, my greatest concern is if the idea evolved over time, from being something beneficial for the girls, to a situation of forced labor."

Elizabeth gasped, a hand flew up to cover her mouth "I did not think of that."

"I know you did not. Your idea is a creative one, it is, however, the application and who would oversee it, which would make the difference between advantageous and corrupt." Seeing Elizabeth was upset, she let the matter rest, and turned back to Madeline to give the young lady time to bring herself under good regulation.

"Miss Bennet, might I know what your idea was?"

So Elizabeth explained what she has been doing at Foundling House with the girls. She had thought it might give them a sense of pride, and financial compensation to aid them later in life. She had tears in her eyes when she whispered to Georgiana, "I had not thought at all about any negative repercussions it could have on the children."

Georgiana laid her hand tentatively on Elizabeth's arm. "Of course not. Do not be uneasy. I am sure the girls appreciate your time with them. You have given them the gift of accomplishment. Perhaps," she continued more slowly, "perhaps children who have nothing and can give little, will gain much from the lesson of making a gift for someone less fortunate than themselves?"

Elizabeth smiled, and squeezed the younger girl's hand. "Thank you, Georgiana,. You are very wise."

The ladies departed not much later, and as soon as the carriage began moving, Elizabeth turned to face her aunt. "I am relieved you mentioned the idea to Lady Anne, it would be dreadful if my idea caused harm of any kind to the children."

"Lizzy, think no more on it. All will be well."

- HBR -

"William, we are attending Macbeth at Theater Royal this evening. The Gardiners will be joining us in our box."

His eyes light up. "Will Miss Bennet be there?" Seeing her again at the theater will be perfect, after we discussed plays during our dance.

"Never you mind Miss Bennet. Do you think you can behave yourself in front of our friends? If not, you will not be welcome."

"Fear not, Mother. I will be most courteous." He walked away sporting a big smile.

The Darcy's had just removed their outerwear and were standing in the foyer when the Gardiners entered the theater.

Catching Darcy's eye, Gardiner nodded and escorted his ladies to remove their outwear. Before exiting the small room, Madeline fussed a little over Elizabeth's hair, making sure all the curls were secure.

William had his eye on the doorway waiting for Miss Bennet to exit. When she did, he watched her, mesmerized as the small group walked towards them.

Elizabeth was radiant in a pale yellow gown, with gold embroidery. She practically glowed under the light of hundreds of candles. Her figure was showcased to perfection, and more than one gentleman's eyes followed her as she passed by.

Greeting the Darcys, their group drew a crowd as other friends and acquaintances ventured over to say hello, and meet the beautiful young lady with them.

"Miss Bennet, How do you do? I met your sister last year, and may I say it is as much a pleasure to make your acquaintance now."

"Thank you, sir. My sister is happily married to a gentleman she met in town. As you see, I have now come to take her place."

"And are you hoping to meet the same success as your sister?"

"I cannot claim that as one I am actively pursuing. There is so much to do and see in town. My time has been well spent so far meeting new people, dancing and attending the theater."

William felt he had to speak up or get shunted aside, "Surely there is more to do than dance and meet people."

Elizabeth's smile dimmed a little, "Indeed there is. Tonight however, I intend to socialize and see a play." Everyone in the near vicinity laughed. "Tomorrow, I may dance," she looked around at expectant faces "with my little cousins."

Goodhearted jeers of disappointment greeted her little tease.

William got elbowed away as another young man pushed in, "Miss Bennet, are you looking forward to the play?"

"Yes, very much so. There is something magical about watching the drama unfold before us, is there not? It is as if we have been transported to another time and place. Shakespeare was bold when he wrote of the betrayals of kings and the Macbeths' madness."

Conversation continued to flow, quick and chaotic, but William could not keep up, as the topics had turned as soon as he thought of something to say.

Finally, the bell signaled it was nearly curtain time, and the crowd dispersed to find their seats, leaving William almost alone with Elizabeth. Seeing his parents and the Gardiners move towards the stairs, he offered her his arm, "Miss Bennet, may I escort you?"

"Thank you," and she place hand with only the lightest of touches, on his arm.

Clearing his throat, William rasped out "You look enchanting tonight, Miss Bennet."

"You are too kind."

"Georgiana sends her regards. She wished she could have attended with us."

"I understand. She is too young to join an evening play."

"I told her it will give her something to look forward to aside from balls." He was so pleased to have her on his arm, he did not notice her short replies.

Arriving at the Darcy box, Lady Anne suggested the ladies sit in the front row, with the gentlemen behind.

William could see just a portion of Elizabeth's face in the dim light as she watched the play, but it was enough to see her animated expressions. Her concentration was completely focused on the stage.

During the first intermission, no one needed refreshments and everyone remained in the box.

William was desperate to have all of Elizabeth's attention. "Is this your first time seeing a play at this theater?"

"No. I have been to this theater several times with my uncle and aunt Gardiner."

"Oh? What other shows have you been to see?"

"I cannot recall them all now. I am fortunate my aunt and uncle are such wonderful, kind and generous people, they wish to bring me joy whenever I visit." Her voice had gotten louder and she met his eye in a challenge.

"Miss Bennet, I must -"

"Elizabeth." Uncle Gardiner's voice caught her attention.

"Yes, Uncle?"

"Come here, please."

Elizabeth gave a shallow curtsey to William and moved to stand at her uncle's side. He placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned in, "Are you well, Lizzy?"

"I am. Pray forgive my speaking out of turn."

"No harm done, my dear. Do not let it affect you so."

Lady Anne noticed her son had made Elizabeth uncomfortable, and pulled him aside. "I thought I asked you to leave her be. Why do you not go visit some of your friends in their boxes?"

"I wish to speak with Miss Bennet."

"I am afraid the young lady does not like you, my dear."

"Of course she does, all the ladies do."

His mother raised her brows giving him a cool look. "If you say so, but do not say I did not warn you."

William stood straighter and pulled down the hem of his waistcoat. The bells rang for the next act to begin. I will speak to her again during the next intermission.

During the next break Mr. Darcy and Gardiner went to get drinks for their ladies. William stayed in the box and approached Elizabeth, "How are you enjoying the evening so far, Miss Bennet?"

"The play is wonderful."

"The actors are doing a very fine job. Is Macbeth one you have seen before?"

"It is not, as I tend to prefer Shakespeare's comedies, but I have read Macbeth, and do not repine seeing it performed on stage."

"You have read it? That is remarkable."

Elizabeth's eyes flashed, their expression tightened, "Are you surprised that I can read sir? I assure you I can read and do arithmetic. It is quite astounding what one can learn when they put their mind to it. Pray excuse me, my aunt is beckoning."

William was kicking himself over his ridiculous comment, but he was too taken by the fiery glint in her dark brown eyes to understand the implication of her reply.

Nicholas Vernon had spied Elizabeth in the Darcy box during last intermission and was prepared to visit the box as soon as the break began.

William saw him when he entered, "Vernon, how are you old man? What do you do here?"

"Fine, Darcy, and yourself? Pray excuse me, I wish to pay my respects to the Gardiners and Miss Bennet."

"You do? Why?"

Vernon grinned at Darcy, "Are you joking? Miss Bennet is delightful."

Darcy stood gaping at him as he walked away.

Vernon presented himself to the ladies and bowed crisply. "Ladies, Miss Bennet, good evening." He took Elizabeth's hand and bowed over it as she curtseyed.

"Good evening, Mr. Vernon. How are you this fine evening?"

"I am very well, Miss Bennet. Especially now that my eyes are feasting on your beautiful countenance." Elizabeth shook her head at him and he grinned back. "I could ask how you are enjoying the play, but I will admit I watched you more than the stage. I therefore have a good inkling of your enjoyment. Instead, I thought we might discuss poetry or art."

"Or we might be completely dull, yet fashionable and discus the weather?"

"Goodness no, anything but the weather."

Elizabeth laughed, "Fine, then, art it shall be. Have you been to the British museum recently?"

"I have. Though not quite so recently."

I have been in the past, of course. We saw the natural history section. My younger self was fascinated by the flowers and small animals." Elizabeth glanced towards her aunt, "I am now curious to see the Egyptian artifacts and antiquities. I read about it in the newspaper, and I should very much like to see it."

Mrs. Gardiner had been listening and now looked perturbed. "You did not mention this before, Lizzy."

"We have been so busy aunt, and I saw the notice just the other day. However, I shall be sure to compile a list of everything I wish to see and do during my visit. It will keep you and uncle so busy you will be begging for a respite."

Madeline laughed, looping her arm through Elizabeth's, "That is not a bad idea." To Mr. Vernon she whispered loudly, "We do like to spoil our niece when she visits."

Vernon gives a tiny bow "I am not surprised. Your niece is worthy of being spoiled."

"Careful aunt, I might become too full of my own consequence and start demanding more than my due."

Madeline slapped Elizabeth lightly on her arm. Elizabeth's laughter floated around the theater in bell-like tones. "That, my dear Lizzy, will never happen."

A frustrated William watched Miss Bennet converse with Vernon until the end of intermission. It was the oddest thing. The young lady always seemed to move away from him if he came near her and he did not get another opportunity to speak with her that night.