In Calm or Stormy Water

Shelia

Jump to new as of June 4, 2001
Jump to new as of June 24, 2001

Part One

Posted on Friday, 18 May 2001, at 7:46 p.m.

For there is no friend like a sister
In calm or stormy weather;
To cheer one on the tedious way,
To fetch one if one goes astray,
To lift one if one totters down,
To strengthen whilst one stands.

(I know it is anachronistic, but I couldn't help but quote this excerpt from Christina Rossetti)

Elizabeth looked up from her letter. "What is the matter, Jane?"

Jane sighed as she folded her own letter and passed it to her sister. "My dear aunt will be unable to receive me next week. She must go and care for her ailing aunt in Derbyshire, and she will be bringing the children. She wishes to extend an invitation to me, but I do not want to impose on the hospitality of her aunt. So..." Jane sighed again. "Your scheme to bring me to London shall not come to pass after all."

Elizabeth read through her aunt's letter quickly. "It would have been good for you to escape Longbourn. Now you shall have to endure Mama's laments over your disappointment." She looked at Jane with a quick, reassuring look.

Jane smiled back gratefully. "Do not make so much of it. Of course, I am a little disappointed, but I am sure I will find much to occupy myself while you are away."

"Jane, I'm not talking about your disappointment over your trip to London. I was referring to Mr. Bingley." When she saw Jane blush, she quickly added: "Forgive me, I do not mean to vex you."

"Lizzy, there is no need for apology. The time will come when I shall be able to master my feelings and not react with embarrassment when I hear that name. It is good that I hear it, and pray do not avoid mentioning him for my sake."

"Dear, brave Jane. How I shall miss you." Elizabeth told her sister about Charlotte's letter and how Charlotte was looking forward to receiving visitors of her own. "She mentions Lady Catherine so often, and you remember how often Mr. Collins mentioned her, it makes me long to study her character in person. I almost cannot believe that she exists."

"I must confess, Lizzy, that half the time that Mr. Collins was speaking, I stopped listening because he kept repeating himself."

"What? I cannot believe it. Jane, you sly thing, I remember seeing you in conversation with Mr. Collins and I honestly believed you were listening to him in earnest." Elizabeth laughed heartily, and Jane could not help but join her.

"I shall miss you dearly too, Lizzy. Who will make me laugh?"

"Why must we be parted? Let me write Charlotte and ask her to invite you as well. You are in need of new surroundings even more than I. I do not think she would object to more visitors."

"But Sir Lucas and Maria will be going as well. Will the Collinses be able to receive so many?"

"I dare say the parsonage will be ample enough, if we can trust Mr. Collins' word about his patroness. Lady Catherine would most likely have overseen the very construction of this house in accordance with her high standards. She would expect nothing less for she is all generosity and condescension." Elizabeth said this with an accent so akin to Mr. Collins that Jane laughed so hard that tears came to her eyes.

"So you see, Jane," said Elizabeth. "You must accompany me to Kent. There is no else I could speak to about Mr. Collins or Lady Catherine. It would be most improper for me to say anything to Charlotte, Maria would be mortified, and Sir Lucas is out of the question."

Jane, finally over her laughter, smiled. "No, I would not recommend that you try impersonating Mr. Collins to Sir Lucas. He might think that you had gone mad. Very well, if Charlotte does not object to an extra visitor, than I shall not object to coming with you."

"Excellent! I will write to Charlotte directly." Elizabeth took out a sheaf of paper and the rest of her writing materials. "Now that there is the prospect of you accompanying me, I cannot wait to visit Kent."

Part Two

Posted on Saturday, 19 May 2001, at 12:40 a.m.

Elizabeth entered her father's library, and saw him sitting in his chair, in the middle of a novel.

"So, my dear Lizzy, a new adventure awaits you and Jane. I cannot say that I am sorry for the opportunity this affords you both to know more of the world, and yet..." Mr. Bennet's voice broke off. He looked fondly at his second eldest daughter as she took her leave. He put his book down and stood to meet her.

"I will miss you too, Papa." Elizabeth smiled at him as she pulled on her gloves. She and Jane were about to embark on their journey to Kent.

"With you and Jane both gone, I will not have a single intelligent conversation until your return. You know this, do you not?"

"Papa, I can safely promise you that I will not extend my visit in Hunsford. Of course I will write you at every opportunity and be sure to tell you all about Mr. Collins and the infamous Lady Catherine De Bourgh. Then you shall be able to judge between Mr. Collins' praise and my very own observations." Elizabeth was feeling sympathetic toward her father; she knew that his only company now would be his hysterical wife, and three silly younger daughters who tried his patience. Yet she also knew that he would probably seek refuge in his library more often than ever.

"I will hold you to that promise." He looked at her with a fond smile, and kissed her tenderly on the forehead. "Now, off with you. I must get back to my book and you must get to your carriage. Jane has already made her tearful farewell to me."

Elizabeth and Jane both bade their mother farewell in her chamber; she felt too ill to move downstairs. Then they bade their sisters farewell. They begged Kitty and Lydia to be on their best behaviour during their absence, though they knew it was most unlikely to happen.

Sir William Lucas and one of his youngest daughters, Maria, waited for Jane and Elizabeth in their new carriage. Sir William spent the better part of the journey explaining to the Bennet sisters why he had purchase this new carriage and how commodious it was, now that Charlotte was in Kent. Jane made a valiant effort not to laugh every time Elizabeth surreptitiously rolled her eyes at her.

When they arrived at Hunsford Parsonage, the new Mrs. Collins greeted the entire party with delight. "Oh, Lizzy, Jane, I am so glad that you've both come. It is so wonderful to see familiar faces from Hertfordshire."

"Welcome to our humble abode," said Mr. Collins gravely. "Let us escort you to your rooms. I hope you will find them most commodious. Lady Catherine herself consulted Mrs. Collins on the design of the house. Her condescension is felt deeply by Mrs. Collins and myself, and Lady Catherine's kind attention to every detail cannot but illustrate what grand generosity influences her every kind deed. " Elizabeth and Jane quickly glanced at each other with smiles, remembering a recent conversation. They placed Jane and Elizabeth in adjacent chambers, which Elizabeth found very thoughtful, but later found out was solely Charlotte's doing.

After they had finished unpacking their trunks and settled into their rooms, Mr. Collins informed them that they would be the honoured guests of Lady Catherine de Bourgh for tea. A servant had just arrived with the invitation. They were to go to Rosings directly.

Elizabeth could scarcely contain her delight. "Just imagine, Jane," she whispered, as they walked from the parsonage to Rosings Park. "I never expected to get this opportunity to meet Lady Catherine so soon."

Despite her efforts, Elizabeth was soon overheard by Mr. Collins. "Yes, it is quite remarkable that she has invited you to Rosings so quickly upon your arrival. However, I must confess, I cannot be so surprised as you, for I know that it is due mainly to her generosity of spirit and her great condescension that she requests our presence at tea."

Elizabeth found the grounds of Rosings Park to be quite beautiful, and yet she found the extensive French gardens that were situated in front of the house to be a bit too geometrical and structured for her taste.

She, Jane and Mrs. Collins walked ahead of the party. Behind them, Mr. Collins droned on about the splendours and expanse of Rosings to Sir William and Maria, both of whom proved to be a captive audience. Elizabeth found this to be most fortuitous.

"Charlotte, are you not going to expound upon the beauties of Rosings Park to Jane and I?" Elizabeth smiled at Charlotte.

"My dear Lizzy, as you can well observe, my husband undertakes that task so thoroughly, he can have no need of my assistance." Mrs. Collins smiled. "It is all very well that my father and sister are not yet so well acquainted with Mr. Collins or with Rosings."

"My thoughts exactly. Now, Charlotte, I must confess to you that I have had a great curiosity to meet Lady Catherine, ever since Mr. Collins first wrote to my father. There were no less than ten mentions of her Ladyship...yes, at least ten, Charlotte and quite possibly more!"

Mrs. Collins acknowledged Elizabeth's high spirits with a smile. "Yes, he is quite effusive about her. But you shall soon see for yourself what she is like, Lizzy."

As Jane fussed with one of her ribbons, Mr. Collins approached her with much solicitude. "Pray do not concern yourself, fair cousin, about your simple and modest appearance. Her Ladyship is of infinite condescension and understanding. She is far from expecting that elegance in dress that she and her daughter are used to, and she is quite content to have the distinction of rank preserved."

Elizabeth watched her sister's initial reaction of shock change to complete serenity. Jane did not turn around, but continued walking toward the house along with her sister and Mrs. Collins. She managed to respond: "Why, thank you, Mr. Collins. That is, well...quite reassuring."

Elizabeth was the only one who knew that Jane was actually wearing one of her best dresses, and Mr. Collins had really very little idea of the import of his words. The contrast between Jane's face and Mr. Collins just behind hers could not be greater...Jane's hidden mortification and Mr. Collins' satisfaction at believing himself to have said something quite gallant.

Elizabeth watched as everyone passed her by, and she observed as Mr. Collins pushed his way to the front of the walking party as they neared the front entrance of the grand house. When they reached the front door, the servants opened the doors, as if expecting them, and they were led into a large drawing room, decorated richly with heavy brocade and large oil paintings of landscapes. In the room, there were three women seated on the elegant furniture. An older woman, tall and imposing, stood up to receive them. The other two women, a young sickly woman, and another older woman, much more simply dressed, were about to stand as well until the other woman insisted that they remain seated.

Fortunately, Mrs. Collins had arranged in advance with her husband to do the proper introductions, for fear that her husband would try Lady Catherine's patience in performing this very task with his many apologies and effusions.

As they were invited to sit, Elizabeth could not help but glance in the direction of Miss Anne De Bourgh. She looked very pale and ill. Elizabeth could not help but think aloud. "Yes, she will do for him very well. She will make him a very proper wife."

"Lizzy!" whispered Jane. Elizabeth had spoken under her breath, but when she turned to face Jane, she found that all eyes, including Lady Catherine's, were fixed upon her.

Part Three

Posted on Wednesday, 30 May 2001, at 1:07 a.m.

Lady Catherine looked at Elizabeth, a little disdainfully. "Miss Elizabeth, what were you saying? Who will make a proper wife?"

Elizabeth's cheeks grew scarlet...she had not meant to speak such words aloud... Yes, she will do for him very well. She will make him a very proper wife.

Determined not be intimidated by Lady Catherine's glare, Elizabeth responded with all calmness, which belied her inner tumult. "Pardon me, Ma'am, I was merely remarking to my sister how well this room looks...and how a proper wife would know exactly how best to adorn it. It is quite..." Elizabeth wondered how much her Ladyship had actually heard from across the room, and her voice faltered.

"Naturally our young guests would be quite taken with your drawing room, Lady Catherine," interrupted Mr. Collins. "Why, I was only telling them moments ago of the care taken in the selection of furniture and of course, of the great expense taken in the very glazing of the windows of the house. They are evidently not accustomed to such beauty and elegance."

"No indeed." Lady Catherine, distracted, looked at Mr. Collins with a small smile, and it seemed that Mr. Collins would have continued had she not intervened. Elizabeth imagined that Lady Catherine made infinite use of Mr. Collins as a devoted disciple. She was therefore very grateful for the deflection of attention to her.

"Now, Mr. and Mrs. Collins, since your guests have just completed a long day's journey, I must insist that your party remain to dine here with Miss De Bourgh and myself."

"Lady Catherine! You do us great honour," cried Mr. Collins with little more than feverish excitement.

The drawing room held two long settees and a large cushioned armchair that Elizabeth imagined must be the throne of her Ladyship. She was not entirely mistaken, for that was exactly where she seated herself. Elizabeth and Jane sat in-between Sir William and Maria on one settee, while Mr. and Mrs. Collins sat near Miss Anne De Bourgh and her governess, Mrs. Jenkinson on the other.

"Well..." mused Lady Catherine, after the tea had been served. She surveyed her company, as if she were a queen ready to address her lowly subjects. First, she turned her attention to Jane and Elizabeth. "Mr. Collins has told me that you are the daughters of a Mr. Bennet of Longbourn, and this is in fact, the very estate entailed to Mr. Collins."

"That is correct, Ma'am." Jane, feeling pressured to reply, spoke not without some nervousness. She was not like her sister, and was intimidated by Lady Catherine.

"It must be important, no doubt, for you and your sister to be married well. And is it true, Miss Bennet, that you have several other sisters?"

"Yes," replied Jane. "We are five altogether."

"Five daughters? What could your mother have been thinking? And no son...it must be a hardship on your father. However, I find entailments more ruinous than beneficial. My daughter, Anne, will inherit Rosings and will suffer no ill consequence upon my death." She looked at her daughter, who was coughing loudly into a handkerchief. Elizabeth saw her give an upset look at Mrs. Jenkinson, who then asked Miss De Bourgh gently if she would like more tea.

"And yet, I am glad of it for you." She looked at Mrs. Collins, who did not dare meet Elizabeth's eye at this comment. "Otherwise, I see no occasion to entail an estate from the female line. Sir Lewis De Bourgh did not deem it necessary." Elizabeth saw the discomfort this mention brought to the whole of the party, and she wondered whether Lady Catherine ever paid attention to the feelings of her guests. She began to see how just an observation this was, as her Ladyship's questions continued.

"Do you play and sing, Miss Elizabeth? I recall Mrs. Collins mentioning something of it."

"A little, Ma'am."

"Oh, then some time or other we shall be happy to hear you. Our instrument is a capital one, probably superior to - You shall try it some day. And you, Miss Bennet, do you play and sing?"

Jane replied that she had not the talent, and when Lady Catherine asked whether any other sisters did, she was surprised at Jane's response.

"Only two of you play and sing? And do any of you draw?"

"No, none of us do."

Lady Catherine conjectured that perhaps they lacked the opportunity to learn with a master. "As for Miss De Bourgh, I know that she would have been a proficient in music and art, had she the health and strength to do so." Indeed, thought Elizabeth as she looked at Lady Catherine's pale daughter, whom she observed making an effort not to cough and draw her mother's attention.

Lady Catherine then asked Jane if they had a governess, and was somewhat indignant when Jane answered that they did not have one. "No governess? With five daughters, there was no one to attend to you all? You must have been quite neglected." She was appalled.

"Compared with other families, I believe we were," answered Elizabeth. "But such of us as wished to learn, never wanted the means. We were always encouraged to read, and had all the masters that were necessary. Those who chose to be idle, certainly might."

Lady Catherine could only reply that only a governess could prevent such idleness, and that she would have advised their mother most strenuously, had she known her, to engage one.
Lady Catherine went on to enquire of their mother and her maiden name and relations. She then went on and asked Elizabeth questions about herself and her sisters.

Elizabeth was dismayed that her Ladyship would discuss such personal matters as if she were an intimate in their circle. After all, it was their very first time to converse. She immediately decided that she did not much like Lady Catherine. She could not even laugh at her, for fear that her Ladyship would criticise it, and declare that Miss De Bourgh would have been a proficient at laughter, had she had the health to learn. And I thought her nephew was arrogant! Lady Catherine outdoes Mr. Darcy easily. At the very least he keeps his silence. I wish that her Ladyship would move on to another more pleasant topic.

For the moment, she could not escape Lady Catherine's notice. Lady Catherine addressed both Jane and Elizabeth. "Well, during your stay here in Kent, I must see to it that you attend some proper social gatherings, and perhaps you both might make some advantageous acquaintances, though some of the company may be out of your reach. But I do not pretend to be a matchmaker, I assure you. And of course you are both out in society. I wonder, which of your younger sisters are out, Miss Elizabeth?"

"All of them, Ma'am."

"All! What, five out at once? Very odd! - And you only are second...the younger ones out before the elder are married! Your younger sisters must be very young."

"Yes, my youngest is not sixteen and perhaps she is too young to be much in company. But I really feel, Ma'am, how hard it would be for younger sisters not to have their share in society simply because the elder have not the means or inclination to marry early. I think it would not be very likely to promote sisterly affection or delicacy of mind. Rather, it would lead to resentment at being denied the pleasures of youth on such a motive. I know that if I were the youngest, I would feel the injustice exceedingly."

Everyone looked at Elizabeth, shocked that she could speak thus to Lady Catherine. Jane was so stunned; her cheeks went scarlet with embarrassment.

"You give your opinion decidedly for someone so young. How old are you?"

"Your Ladyship could hardly expect me to own it, what with all my younger sisters 'out' in society."

Lady Catherine could not believe the impertinence of this young lady, and the rest of the party were too shocked to break the silence. Even Mr. Collins was rendered speechless. Elizabeth was impressed that her words could have such an effect, but Lady Catherine was not to be deterred.

"You cannot be more than twenty, I am sure...therefore you need not conceal your age."

"I am not one and twenty."

"And why, pray tell, could you not answer that at the first?" Lady Catherine looked at Elizabeth with exasperation, and looked almost fatigued. I wonder if I am perhaps the first to speak to her in such a manner...she quite does not know what to do with me. Elizabeth smiled slightly when Lady Catherine turned to face the servant, who just entered the room with a letter.

As she opened her letter to read it, Elizabeth turned to Jane. "Really, I cannot believe it. This is beyond anything I ever expected, Jane. I mean, you must admit that her Ladyship's questions are excessively intrusive."

"Lizzy, I..." Jane was unable to finish her reply, for Lady Catherine cleared her throat to address the entire party.

"I have good news for you all. There will soon be two additions to Rosings. I have a letter from my nephew informing me that he shall be arriving earlier than usual. Colonel Fitzwilliam had leave from his regiment early, and is meeting his cousin in town. They will be here in a fortnight."

Surely she cannot mean Mr. Darcy? Surely Lady Catherine had other nephews at her disposal, and I cannot imagine how Mr. Darcy himself could tolerate Lady Catherine's inquisition...

Mr. Collins, much to Elizabeth's disappointment, found his voice again, and informed Lady Catherine of his encounter with Mr. Darcy, and how Mrs. Collins and the Misses Bennet were acquainted with him back in Hertfordshire. Lady Catherine seemed almost upset at this news, as if Mr. Darcy was to be some grand surprise to be unfurled upon them.

Elizabeth was not so much upset, as quite pleased that Mr. Darcy would be coming to Rosings. I cannot wait to see how he regards his future wife, mused Elizabeth, as Mr. Collins went on to describe the circumstances in which he had introduced himself to Mr. Darcy at Netherfield. I cannot wait for the opportunity to ask him about Mr. Bingley and see how he responds in Jane's presence.

Part Four

Posted on Friday, 1 June 2001, at 8:28 p.m.

Nearly a fortnight passed with no less than three invitations to dine at Rosings. Mr. Collins was beside himself with pride. Sir William staid only one week, satisfied to see his eldest daughter so advantageously settled. Maria Lucas remained at Hunsford, along with Elizabeth and Jane. During all of these visits, Elizabeth endured the never-ending mentions by Lady Catherine of her nephews' impending visit. Elizabeth began to wonder if she would rather not have to encounter Mr. Darcy again. She was, however, curious about Colonel Fitzwilliam, and wondered whether he resembled his cousin.

Elizabeth walked out of doors nearly every morning, being awake even before Mr. Collins set out to water his garden. Jane could not join her that afternoon because she hurt her ankle the previous day. Mr. Collins had been giving them a tour of his garden, and Jane tripped over one of his watering cans. After many apologies and effusions, a doctor was finally brought to examine her ankle, and fortunately, it was a mild sprain that would heal quickly.

Elizabeth found the woods of Rosings to be quite charming. She loved to look up into the leaves of the old towering trees and wonder at their age. Sometimes she would bring a book with her to read in the shade of these trees, and there was a particular tree where there was a natural seat ideal for hours of reading pleasure.

"Eliza! Where are you?" Elizabeth heard a small female voice from some distance, and instantly recognised it as belonging to Maria Lucas.

"Maria, what is it?" Elizabeth got up from her seat, and saw Maria running toward her.

"There you are! Oh ... you are wanted ... immediately! We ... all are!" Maria could scarce draw breath. "We ... have visitors ... at the parsonage ... they ... sent me ... to find you!" Then it looked as if Maria was getting ready to run back.

Elizabeth reached for Maria's arm and held her back. "Well, we very well cannot run all the way back, for we shall be out of breath when we arrive. Who are these urgent visitors?" Elizabeth smiled at Maria's exuberance and wondered what was its cause. They began walking in the direction of the Parsonage.

"Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Remember? They are nephews that Lady Catherine is always speaking of, and they have come to pay us a visit at the Parsonage. They are there even now in the drawing room with Jane, my sister and brother." Maria was finally able to speak more normally.

Mr. Darcy ... already here in Kent ... he was not expected until tomorrow, I believe. Perhaps he is impatient to see his betrothed?

"Eliza, why are you smiling?" Maria looked at Elizabeth curiously. Surprised, Elizabeth was unconscious that she was smiling at all.

"Oh, I was just thinking how pleasant it shall be to have different company for a change. We have been dining all this time with Lady Catherine, and you know how tedious ... "

"Oh, yes, it has been a great honour that she has invited us so many times. Three times!" interrupted Maria exuberantly, without hearing the end of Elizabeth's response. Apparently, Maria was not of the same opinion as Elizabeth, so she let Maria go on and on about her Ladyship.

"And she gave me some advice on the best way of improving my conversational abilities, for you see, I am almost always as quiet as a mouse ... in society I mean!" Elizabeth saw that Maria blushed, being aware that at the present moment, she was certainly not as quiet as a mouse.

Lady Catherine's advice on conversation ... this should be diverting. I wonder, did she tell Maria that the best way to converse is to speak so exclusively and with such superiority as to intimidate anyone from daring to respond? Elizabeth walked on silently for the rest of the way to the parsonage while Maria continued to do an unintentionally good impression of Mr. Collins' praise of Lady Catherine.

As Maria's voice faded into the background, Elizabeth thought of Jane and wondered how she bore the company of Mr. Darcy, considering his friendship with Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth then remembered that Jane had a letter forwarded to her from Miss Bingley and had only received it this morning. The letter was sent to Longbourn, but Mr. Bennet redirected it to Hunsford Parsonage. Jane had not yet spoken to her about its contents. However, she had a feeling that she would not be surprised if Miss Bingley had written to inform Jane that they would not be returning ever again to Netherfield. In fact, the import of Miss Bingley's previous letter expressed that she would not be surprised if her brother gave up Netherfield entirely.

Elizabeth felt such ire while thinking of Miss Bingley, that when she approached the door of the parsonage, her face was contorted in such a look of hostility, that Mr. Darcy started when he saw her. He and Colonel Fitzwilliam were just about to take their leave.

"Miss Bennet? What is the matter?" Darcy was bewildered at the statement on Elizabeth's face. Both Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam bowed, and Elizabeth curtsied in return.

Elizabeth's countenance changed and she immediately coloured, realising that Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam had probably been awaiting her return, and now they were departing. After Mr. Darcy introduced his cousin, Elizabeth then began to explain her recent absence: "Maria had the kindness to find me and tell me that you have called, and I apologise for having kept you waiting. I must have wandered off farther than usual."

Mr. Darcy responded that had they not another engagement, they would have prolonged their visit. They had to leave directly because their aunt was expecting them back for a late luncheon.

"So the woods of Rosings please you?" asked Colonel Fitzwilliam smilingly. Elizabeth found him to be very different in colouring from his cousin: he was fair where Mr. Darcy was dark. He was not quite as handsome, but he had a disarming smile she could not resist. She smiled back at him.

"Yes, very much." Elizabeth saw from the corner of her eye that Mr. Darcy was frowning. Must he always glower in silence...I have half a mind to say something to him...

"Eliza, there you are." Charlotte came out to greet her and was thus prevented from saying anything further to Mr. Darcy or Colonel Fitzwilliam. "I see that you have met our visitors." After some apologies from the visitors for the brief visit, they departed on horseback toward Rosings.

As they watched them leave, Charlotte remarked to Elizabeth: "I may thank you, Eliza, for this piece of civility. Mr. Darcy would never have come so soon to call on me."

"Me, Charlotte? I don't believe that..." But before Elizabeth could respond properly, Mr. Collins interrupted them and urged them to prepare to dine at Rosings. While Charlotte began to argue that it was much too early and they had hours yet to prepare, Elizabeth made her escape to speak to Jane.

Jane was sitting in the drawing room on a long chaise. "Lizzy, there you are! Where did you wander off to? Did you see Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam?"

"Yes, Jane. I just saw them outside before they took their leave. What did you think of them?"

"They were both very kind and they waited for your return as long as they could. I am glad that you were able to arrive back and greet them. Did you not find Colonel Fitzwilliam an agreeable man?"

"I did not have the opportunity to converse with him at length, but he seems to me already a much more sociable person than his cousin."

"Yes, Mr. Darcy was very quiet throughout the visit. But perhaps it is because Mr. Collins had much to say."

"While that may be true, Mr. Darcy is generally silent." Elizabeth could not help but think about Mr. Darcy's frown from just moments ago. Why was he so upset?

"He did ask after you particularly, Lizzy." Jane smiled. "Charlotte has this absurd notion that Mr. Darcy is in love with you."

"Yes, that is an absurd thought!" declared Elizabeth. "What did you tell her?"

"I told her that it was impossible, and I reminded her of the remark he made at the assembly ball. But she is not so easily dissuaded."

So this explains the comment Charlotte made upon the visitors' departure...how mistaken she is! "I fear that Mr. Collins is beginning to have an influence on poor Charlotte...her intellect is growing less keen."

"Lizzy, you're horrible!" Jane laughed, and Elizabeth joined her. Jane looked in so much better spirits, that Elizabeth decided to enquire about Miss Bingley's letter another time. They continued to laugh and speculate about how the visitors were coping with luncheon with her Ladyship until it was time for them to prepare to meet with Lady Catherine themselves for dinner.

Part Five

Posted on Wednesday, 20 June 2001, at 2:18 a.m.

Dinner was always a grand affair at Rosings, but with the presence of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy, it was especially grand. Many French dishes were served on very fine china, and the centrepieces were larger and more opulent than usual. Elizabeth observed how pleased Lady Catherine looked as Mr. Collins raved over the place settings and dishes, and Maria and Jane looked upon the finery with awe. The only person in the dining room who shared Elizabeth's sentiment was Mr. Darcy, who was not at all interested in the quality of the silverware before him. In fact, his glance seemed to meet Elizabeth's more often than not when she turned to observe him.

Jane remarked upon this, as the dessert was being served, and everyone at the table was conversing loudly.

"I cannot imagine why. I suspect he is trying to find some fault with me. I shall not give him the satisfaction, I assure you Jane." Elizabeth then smiled with a wink, which made Jane laugh so loudly, that Lady Catherine, distracted, demanded to know the import of their conversation.

Not at all intimidated by her ladyship's intrusion, Elizabeth replied with spirit. "I was merely remarking to my sister, Ma'am, how unfortunate it is that there are not enough dancing partners available. I could not even offer myself as a partner, for it appears that I am the only one who can produce the music for dancing. Jane was merely reacting to my suggestion, as she knows that am not half as talented as my sister Mary at memorising and playing dances."

Jane stared at her sister, and she could not help but smile. Everyone else in the room wondered what Lady Catherine's reaction would be.

Lady Catherine arched her eyebrow as she looked at Elizabeth. "Miss Elizabeth, I take it that you find much amusement in dancing?"

Elizabeth replied affirmatively, but before she could continue, Lady Catherine interrupted. "Yes, it is true that you and your sister have been in Kent for a month and there have been no opportunities of dancing afforded you. Yes, I am mindful of these things...I know that young people must have such diversions. Fortunately, I have had an invitation from Lady Ainsworth, who knows of the presence of my visitors as well as of those at Hunsford, and she wishes us all to attend the ball she is giving the evening after next. Her son is returned from France, and she wanted to have a large celebration in his honour."

Everyone was pleased at the prospect of a ball, and Mr. Collins raved about what a wonderful opportunity this was for his guests. In return, Lady Catherine spoke at length about the advantages and disadvantages of holding a ball so close to Easter. While most of the table were engaged in talking of the ball, Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam moved on to other topics of conversation.

While they began to converse about music, and which composers they preferred. Lady Catherine, distracted by their animated talk, demanded to know what they were speaking of. "I must have my share of the conversation."

Colonel Fitzwilliam began to explain that they were speaking of music, but then Lady Catherine interrupted him to pose a question to her other nephew. "How fares your sister's music lessons?"

Mr. Darcy replied that his sister was progressing well, and that she took great pleasure in playing.

"That is all very well and good, but you must tell dear Georgiana that she could never really play well unless she makes sure to practise very often. I know that had I learnt, I should have been a proficient."

Mr. Darcy reassured her ladyship that Miss Darcy practised most assiduously. Then, as Mr. Darcy attempted to change the topic of conversation, Lady Catherine interrupted him to address Elizabeth. "It is too bad that Georgiana is not here. However, we must now retire to the drawing room and hear you play and sing, Miss Elizabeth. Did you not promise us that we would hear you do so?"

Elizabeth knew that she had not really made such a promise, but she assented to do so directly.

When they entered the drawing room, she saw that there were double doors, previously unopened, that revealed a music room adjacent boasting a beautiful pianoforte. While everyone settled themselves into the settees in the drawing room at a comfortable distance, Elizabeth sat at the pianoforte, and found a great quantity of sheet music, which she was relieved to find, as she had very little pieces memorised.

Just when she was feeling quite isolated from the rest of the party, Colonel Fitzwilliam came to her side. "Miss Elizabeth, how do you find the pianoforte?"

Elizabeth opened it, and played a brief scale. "It is a very handsome instrument, but it appears that it has not been played in some time." She looked over to where her sister was, and she saw that Lady Catherine was barraging her with questions. Elizabeth wanted to rescue her, but a moment later, she saw that Mr. Darcy took Lady Catherine's attention away from Jane, who then began to converse with Charlotte and Miss De Bourgh. Mr. Collins arrived a moment later from the dining room to join in Lady Catherine's conversation with her nephew.

Suddenly, Lady Catherine addressed Elizabeth. "Well, Miss Elizabeth? We are most impatient to hear you."

Elizabeth began to play and sing:

If music be the food of love,

Sing on, till I am filled with joy;

For then my listening soul you move,

To pleasures that can never cloy;

Your eyes, your mien, your tongue declare

That you are music everywhere.

Pleasures invade both eye and ear,

So fierce the transports are, they wound;

And all my senses feasted are,

Though yet the treat is only sound;

Sure I must perish by your charms,

Unless you save me in your arms. *

During her performance, Elizabeth was acutely aware of Mr. Darcy's gaze upon her. Every time she glanced in his direction, she encountered his dark intense eyes. She was not sure how to interpret all this attention.

When she finished the song, everyone applauded, and Lady Catherine remarked: "That was very tolerable, Miss Elizabeth, but you can never become really accomplished unless you practise constantly. You may, on occasion, have leave to practise on Mrs. Jenkinson's piano. I am sure she will not mind, and you will not be in anyone's way there."

"I...thank you, Ma'am." Elizabeth looked at Colonel Fitzwilliam, who, to her surprise, rolled his eyes.

"You will have to forgive the impertinence of my aunt. She knows not, I fear, how offensive she can be, even when she feels she is displaying generosity." They smiled at each other.

The colonel continued. "My cousin spoke well of you, and I can easily understand why. In fact, his description does not do you justice."

"You flatter me to0 much, Colonel. And I cannot imagine what Mr. Darcy has told you, for I did not think I left such a favourable impression on him."

"I beg to differ, Miss Bennet! In fact, let the gentleman speak for himself."

Elizabeth turned her head and found Mr. Darcy standing before her, just in front of the pianoforte.

Scarcely attempting to hide her surprise, Elizabeth smiled mischievously. "What means Mr. Darcy, in coming in all this state to hear me? But I will not be alarmed though your sister does play so well. Colonel, I must have you know that with every attempt to intimidate me, I only grow bolder in return."

"I observe that quite readily," smiled Fitzwilliam.

"I shall not say that you are mistaken, Miss Bennet, for you could not truly believe that I have any intention of intimidating you," Darcy interjected with more energy than he was wont to show the entire evening. "However, I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough to know that you find great enjoyment in expressing opinions that are not your own."

Elizabeth found herself surprised by Mr. Darcy's ironic tone. Laughing, she addressed Colonel Fitzwilliam. "Oh, your cousin will give you a very pretty notion of me and teach you not to believe anything I say." Elizabeth then turned to Mr. Darcy. "It is most impolitic, sir, and I dare say most ungenerous in you to mention all that you knew to my disadvantage in Hertfordshire. I know I can rely upon my sister's discretion, but as for yours! Now I have very little hope of passing myself off with any degree of credit, having my real character exposed. Yet now I am provoked to retaliate...and such things may come out, as will shock your relations to hear."

"I am not afraid of you," replied Darcy, meeting Elizabeth's eyes with a disarming smile. There was a brief moment where Elizabeth was silenced by the look in his eyes, but she could not explain why.

"Pray tell what you have to accuse Darcy of," cried Colonel Fitzwilliam. "I should like to know how he behaves among strangers."

Elizabeth blinked, and turned to face the colonel. "Prepare yourself for something dreadful. My first memory of Mr. Darcy was at a ball in Hertfordshire, and can you imagine what he did? He danced only four dances. Yes, four! I am sorry to pain you, but so it was, though gentlemen were scarce and more than one lady was in want of a partner! Mr. Darcy, can you deny this?"

"I have no intention of denying it, but I had not the honour of knowing any lady beyond my party at that assembly ball."

"Indeed. And introductions at a ball are difficult to obtain, are they not, Colonel?" Elizabeth laughed as she addressed Colonel Fitzwilliam.

"Perhaps I should have judged better, Miss Bennet, had I sought an introduction." Mr. Darcy looked at her seriously, and her laughter ceased. "But I am ill qualified to recommend myself to strangers."

Elizabeth began to play again, but continued to speak to the Colonel. "Shall we ask your cousin the reason of this? Why should a man of sense and education, and who has lived in the world, feel ill-qualified to recommend himself to strangers?"

"I can answer your question without applying to him," answered Colonel Fitzwilliam. "It is because he will not give himself the trouble."

"I do not possess the talent, as I have often observed in others, of conversing easily with those I have never met. I cannot simulate interest in their concerns or accustom myself quickly enough with their tone of phrase to be able to respond in kind."

"My fingers do not move over this instrument," replied Elizabeth, "in the masterly manner of most other women. They have not the same force or rapidity, and do not produce the same expression. But then I have always supposed it to be my own fault, because I would not take the trouble of practising, and not that was I was any less capable than others in playing."

"You are perfectly right," smiled Darcy. "You have employed your time much better. No one admitted to the privilege of hearing you, can think anything wanting. We neither of us perform to strangers."

"Darcy!" Lady Catherine interrupted. "Come here and let Miss Elizabeth continue. How can you expect her to play and converse at the same time? Anne would like to ask you some questions about Georgiana."

Elizabeth looked to see Jane and Anne deep in conversation. It did not look like Anne had any pressing questions. She observed Mr. Darcy's sigh of exasperation as he left her and Colonel Fitzwilliam at the pianoforte.

"I cannot say I am surprised, Miss Bennet," said Fitzwilliam quietly. "Darcy rarely takes the trouble to converse with anyone, especially those of your fair sex. They often search him out, and it is entirely tiresome to him."

Elizabeth thought of Miss Bingley and wondered how many other young women strived to be pleasing to him, but in vain. "Mr. Darcy is unsusceptible to women's wiles, I see."

"Not entirely unsusceptible, I assure you." Fitzwilliam smiled, as he turned the page for Elizabeth.

Elizabeth wondered at his meaning, but got so caught up in a difficult passage, that the music distracted her from questioning him.

*The poem is by Colonel Henry Heveningham circa 1690...Henry Purcell used the same text in a song. It is inspired from the first line of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night."

---