It was raining heavily, and Elizabeth waited in the drawing room, wondering if Darcy’s aunt would brave the storm. She and Georgiana were to call on her this morning.
Higgins announced Lady Helen and Elizabeth rose to her feet and curtsied. The Countess stood at the entrance of the drawing room and studied Elizabeth from the top of her head down to her shoes.
“Georgiana, darling, go upstairs to your room and dress for shopping. I will speak with Mrs. Darcy first, and then I will send for you when I am ready to leave.”
Georgiana curtsied. “Yes, Aunt.”
Elizabeth remained standing until Lady Helen patted the seat next to her. “Come, my dear. Sit down. I must get to know you and learn what work must be done before you are introduced to society. Tell me, Elizabeth, what sort of education have you received?”
Elizabeth smiled, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. “I was educated by an instructor who studied at Cambridge in classical literature. I have studiedThe Odyssey, one of the two great Greek epics. I speak French and Italian, and I am well read in history and current affairs. I can hold my own with any man in conversation regarding politics. I enjoy the game of chess and often win, even if I play against a man. I play the pianoforte a little and I can sing.”
Lady Helen nodded. “Come with me to the music room. I must hear how well you play and sing.”
Lady Helen sat near the instrument, and Elizabeth sat at the pianoforte and sang the song she knew best. After she sangThe Elfin King, Lady Helen asked for two more pieces. Elizabeth sangEarl BrandandThe Cruel Brother.
“You have a lovely singing voice,” the Countess said at last. “That alone may serve you well. Yet your piano is less accomplished. Do you know at least four songs such as these?”
“Yes, my lady. I know twelve.”
“Very good. Select five and learn the accompaniments thoroughly. I shall send Georgiana’s master to you beginning tomorrow, and he will ensure your playing matches your voice.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Yes, my lady.”
Lady Helen shifted easily into French. “Êtes-vous à l’aise en français? Écrivez-vous également en français?”
Elizabeth answered at once. “Je suis très à l’aise pour parler et écrire en français, madame.”
The Countess nodded. “Your accent is excellent. And I see that you are not vulgar. That was my greatest fear, for vulgarity is almost impossible to correct. Your instructor did you great credit.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I shall write to my father that he chose well.”
Lady Helen studied her thoughtfully. “Now, let me see your curtsy to a baron. Then to an earl. And finally, to a duke.”
Elizabeth complied, her movements graceful.
“Good. I shall send you a master to teach the proprieties of introductions and the modes of address. How is your dancing?”
Elizabeth laughed. “I know all the dances. Fitzwilliam has never found fault with me, and as you know, he is very particular. Wouldn’t he have said something to me if my dancing needed correction? He is not afraid to point out my failings or those of my family.” She bit back a grin.
The Countess leaned her head to one side, thinking. “Perhaps not. He may have been too besotted to notice. You will meet with the dancing master, and he will report back to me. If you dance well, you can forgo further sessions.”
She rose. “These next four weeks will be difficult but necessary. If you do not measure up to my standards, I shall delay your entrance into society until you are prepared.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, my lady.”
“Now ring for Georgiana. We must be on our way to the modiste.”
In the carriage, Georgiana turned to her sister-in-law. “Elizabeth, how do you like Pemberley?”
Elizabeth smiled. “It is lovely. Fitzwilliam has walked with me each morning, showing me the best paths.”
“And the house? Do you not find it lovely?”
Elizabeth flushed slightly. “Pemberly is lovely and elegantly appointed. I have not yet seen the entire house, though. Fitzwilliam has not yet given me a full tour. The days slipped away before we knew it.”
Georgiana frowned. “Two months is a great deal of time. Surely Mrs. Reynolds did not occupy you entirely with accounts and menus?”
Elizabeth flushed. “Fitzwilliam kept me occupied. With one thing and another, there was not enough time in the day.”
