Chapter 39

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

T he preparations for the concert series continued apace. Mrs Fielding had sent out the dinner party invitations immediately after their meeting, and due in part to the relative scarcity of parties and social occasions in the summer months, all were quickly answered in the affirmative.

Notices for the Heidemann concert series appeared in the newspapers, and signs were posted at other performance venues. Gerhard spent every day rehearsing his glee singers and instrumentalists at the chapterhouse. Mary and Jane finished directing their uncle's workmen in the arrangement of the chairs and the preparation of the stage. Mrs Fielding, now Georgiana to all the ladies, planned her dishes and conferred with her chef; her aunt assisted her with the seating arrangements. The dinner party would be held several days prior to the first concert.

In the midst of all this, Kitty was delivered of a son, Samuel Henry Bennet Newfield. Mother and child were healthy. All rejoiced at the news, though it appeared little Lydia had some reservations about the squalling bundle in her mother's arms.

Darcy House shone with light, from the torches set outside the entrance to the dozens of candles in the drawing room and the dining room. The company gathered in the drawing room for drinks and introductions, though some, as leading patrons of the arts, were already acquainted. Lord and Lady Findlay had welcomed the opportunity to introduce the recipient of their patronage to like-minded people in London.

The drawing room had been opened to the garden, where the perfume of summer flowers enticed many of the guests out into the cooler air. Mr Bennet sat on a wrought iron bench, where Elizabeth joined him. They sat together, father and daughter.

"Sarah did not wish to join us, Papa?" Elizabeth asked.

"Our little Hugh is teething. It is painful for him, and he has developed a slight fever, poor little mite. When he is feeling poorly, he wants only for his mama. Francis never had this much trouble. Mrs Bennet did not want to leave him, but she urged me to come to town and support Gerhard's music and Alexander's restoration work." He made a rueful face. "Even though she is the lady of the manor and Lord Upton has recognised her as family, she does not feel comfortable in the company of the gentry. We are both happiest at home with our little family."

"I would most likely not have been comfortable either, but Mr Darcy and Mr and Mrs Fielding have been so kind and generous, and so interested in both the music and the chapterhouse."

Her father arched a brow. "I must admit to some surprise when the invitation from Mr Darcy and Mr and Mrs Fielding arrived. Then your aunt and uncle informed me that he has been not only a frequent guest in their home but also your frequent escort," he said drily.

Elizabeth knew her father had changed greatly since their family's tragedy and scandal years before, but this conversation was becoming too similar to his former satirical tone. In her heart of hearts, she had worried about this.

"I was wrong about Mr Darcy, Papa. Indeed, he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable. I hope you will take the time to get to know him as he really is," she replied, trying to sound calm and keep any imploring quality out of her voice.

Her father eyed her. "Well, well. This is important to you, I see. You esteem him."

"I do, greatly. He has changed and I have changed. He is my friend now."

He nodded. "I always thought he had a preference for your company, as you may recall. I trust your instincts, my child."

The subject of their conversation stepped out into the garden and moved in their direction. "Mr Bennet." Mr Darcy bowed. "We are pleased and grateful that you were able to join us. If I remember correctly, you do not care for London."

"With my daughters and their families here, it holds far more appeal than it did in previous years. Though you are correct, sir, I do prefer to stay in the country."

Elizabeth smiled at their host. "Your garden is lovely, Mr Darcy. How pleasant to sit here on such a beautiful evening, enjoying the scent of the flowers. It is almost a pity that we must go in to dinner at some point. How lovely it would be to remain here and see the sunset colour the sky, then watch the stars appear." She looked up at her host. "Do you ever look at the stars?"

"Not as much in town, but I do frequently at Pemberley. The best we can do in town, even on a clear evening, is to see only the brightest stars, not the Milky Way as one would in the country."

"My Lizzy was my partner in stargazing as she travelled the world," said Mr Bennet. "In our correspondence, she sent me her observations along with the time, latitude, and longitude of her sightings. We kept track of the same stars and constellations and later compared notes of our observations."

Mr Darcy smiled at this and gave Elizabeth a warm glance. "That sounds fascinating."

Her eyes on the sky, Elizabeth sighed. "The night sky at sea was darker than on land, and the stars seemed so close you could touch them. Even the moon seemed larger."

Over the buzz of conversation, Bridges's voice could be heard announcing dinner. Those few who were still in the garden moved towards the doors.

Mr Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth as she rose from the bench. "May I escort you in, Mrs Bancroft?"

She glanced at her father, who waved them forwards. "Go on, you two. I am not young, but I do not require assistance making my way to the dining room."

Georgiana had made every effort to impress their guests. Their very best porcelain and crystal were set on damask silk tablecloths. The long table was lit with many candles in silver candlesticks, interspersed with low crystal bowls of fragrant roses. With several titled persons in attendance, the seating plan had been difficult but had been completed to the satisfaction of all. Or almost all.

Fielding had yielded his status as host to his brother-in-law, which may have been proper but had disappointed Darcy. He had hoped to be seated closer to Elizabeth, but she was farther down the table near her aunt and uncle. The high spirits among the guests let him know that he was the only one to wish he was seated elsewhere; everyone else was happy where they were.

Before the first course was brought in, Lord Matlock raised his glass in a toast to the evening, the select company, and the music to come. All glasses were raised in response.

There was great curiosity about both the music and the venue, though they could not be generally discussed at the dinner table. The Magnussens and Heidemanns were besieged with questions from dinner partners on either side, as were the Gardiners.

Darcy's eyes found Elizabeth. She was observing her relatives carry the discussion, an expression of ease and contentment on her face. As if she could feel his eyes on her, her relaxed posture stiffened, and she turned and smiled at him. He smiled back, picked up his glass, and subtly raised it slightly in her direction. To his amusement, she returned his gesture, meeting his eyes once more before turning to her dinner partner. Even from his distant vantage point, he could see a faint blush rise on the back of her neck. It thrilled him to know he affected her; his discontent faded away. Perhaps they would look at the stars over Pemberley together.

Since there was to be an exhibition of music, the gentlemen forewent their cigars and port. The entire company returned to the drawing room, where extra chairs had been brought in and arranged facing the end of the room where the pianoforte had been placed. Georgiana rose and introduced Gerhard, who took over as master of ceremonies. He made a short speech about the concert series at the chapterhouse being a collaboration between himself, Sir Alexander, and Mr Gardiner.

The composer had arranged a programme mixing the works of other composers with a few of his own. He had brought in some professional singers and a string quartet which, to Darcy's great surprise, included Mrs Heidemann playing the viola.

The string quartet began, and Darcy settled back and let the music wash over him. Mrs Heidemann played very well indeed. She had lost the pedantic style that she had had before; she seemed to immerse herself in the harmony. She was smiling to herself and moving to the music as she played. If this was any indication of the quality of the music on display, they were in for a delightful evening.

After the string quartet and a solo harpist, one of the female singers stepped forwards. A soloist? But no, Elizabeth rose from her seat and moved to stand next to the singer. At a nod from Herr Heidemann, they began the duet from Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro ; Sull'aria… Che soave zeffiretto. The trained singer was superb, but to Darcy's ear the dulcet, natural tone of Elizabeth's voice had a richness and warmth that could never be matched by another.

The sound of her voice was a siren's song to him. He was enthralled by it; he had been from the first time he had ever heard her sing years before at Sir William Lucas's home. No other woman could capture him, soothe him, and weave a spell around him like Elizabeth. None ever had.

The duet was disappointingly short. The audience applauded appreciatively, and the two ladies curtseyed. Elizabeth returned to her seat as several other choristers joined the soprano. Soon it was Georgiana's turn, and she made her way to the pianoforte to play a sonata composed by Herr Heidemann. Only a few years before, she had been too reserved to play for anyone other than her brother. He marvelled at her skill but also at her self-assurance.

To Darcy's delight, Elizabeth rose again and moved to the front of the room. She retrieved a guitar that had been leaning unnoticed against the wall behind the pianoforte. Her song was a German lieder, a sweet, simple song with her guitar providing the counterpoint to her voice.

Shortly afterwards, the programme ended with the string quartet. The audience applauded enthusiastically amidst a babble of animated conversation. Tea, coffee, and desserts were served, and soon afterwards the company began to break up.

Elizabeth was standing with her aunt and uncle, her father with them. Darcy moved to her side, speaking in a low voice. "Why did you never play the guitar when you exhibited in Hertfordshire?"

"I had not learnt it then. My husband saw it in a shop in Trincomalee, a naval port in Ceylon. He knew I missed the pianoforte and bought it for me so I could make music. I taught myself to play."

Darcy complimented her on her playing and praised the late Captain Bancroft for his gift. Inside, however, he was of mixed emotions. The captain had been, from all accounts, good and decent and had respected and cared for Elizabeth, but the fact was he was jealous of the man who had won Elizabeth's hand and heart.

Fitzwilliam Darcy—rich and handsome, master of one of the grandest estates in the land, hounded by beautiful women ever since he came out in society—was jealous of an older man, one said not to be handsome nor wealthy, respected but not of the highest naval ranks. A man who had been dead for almost two years.

He was jealous of Elizabeth's late husband for caring for her when she needed it, for being her first lover, and for showing her the world. Would that he had been able to do that himself! He knew she was warming to him and enjoyed his company. He hoped more than anything that he could take the captain's place in Elizabeth's heart and in her life. He wanted her to be his and his alone.

He would keep up his pursuit. "Mrs Bancroft, will you be busy with preparations for the concerts this week? Would you have time to accompany me to the Royal Academy for the art exhibition?"

"It would be a pleasure, sir! I have heard of it, but I have never been to see it." She glanced over at her aunt and uncle, who were being introduced to Lord and Lady Findlay by Gerhard. "I shall need to see whether my aunt and uncle can spare a footman. My uncle has said I must have one with me if I leave the house without any of my family."

"Yes, I concur. I heard about the man at Hatchard's." He looked at her worriedly. "You are well?" At her nod, he said, "Perhaps I shall bring a footman, and you may bring a maid."

She looked up at him, gracing him with a soft smile. "Thank you for understanding. I know you will keep me safe."