“To be sure.”
As William and Richard made their way from the library to the music room, Richard pointed out a beautiful woman who had captured his interest during dinner. “Her name is Mrs. Walden, Mrs. Diana Walden. What do you think, is she not exquisite?”
“Very lovely, indeed. What are her prospects?”
“Her husband, Carlton Walden, a military doctor, lost his life over a year ago on the Peninsula. It was a tragedy: being shot in friendly fire, of all things. I was with him when he died.” Like Richard, Carlton Walden was a second son. The man had been a member of Richard’s unit, and the two men had struck up an immediate liking for one another. The couple had no children, and since Mrs. Walden’s mourning had come to an end, Lady Eleanor had insisted that she attend the season. For several years, Mrs. Walden had been an ardent supporter of Her Ladyship’s hospital charity, which was raising funds to help the wounded. Now that she was out of mourning, Richard was happy to pursue a friendship, possibly more.
“I trust your time with Miss Bennet went well?”
“Much better than I anticipated.”
“I am glad to hear it. I believe she might prove a delightful challenge.”
“Possibly.”
“Darcy, forgive me if I do not reciprocate and learn all about Miss Bennet. There is a vacant chair next to Mrs. Walden and I should like to continue on in conversation with her if you do not mind.”
“No, not at all.”
The cousins parted, and William made a point of joining Lady Gwendolyn before the entertainment began. Her Ladyship would never call herself a matchmaker, but she did have a good sense of people and was adept at paring off her guests, even if only for a dinner engagement. He knew she would want to know how his time with Elizabeth progressed.
“I assume you enjoyed your dinner, Fitzwilliam,” Lady Gwendolyn prodded as they stood side by side in candid conversation.
“I did, as you well knew I would. Your friend, though not of the first circles, is quite remarkable, just as you implied. I fear, however, with her limited background and her lack of fortune, she would not be treated well by thetonif I chose her. While she did not say, it sounded as though she was educated by her father for the most part.”
“You are correct. Mr. Bennet never employed a governess for his daughters.”
“Rather unusual.”
“Yes, and I am sure there are those of thetonwho might frown, but that means little to the members of my circle. As you are well aware, many of my friends are valued for their intellectual pursuits and what they can contribute to society, not for their wealth or status or even their secondary accomplishments. In the case of Miss Elizabeth, I would say Mr. Bennet did an admirable job. She is well-schooled in a variety of subjects and can easily contribute to any conversation. And from what I gather, she can also converse in Italian and French. Not to mention that she is capable of reading a book in its original Latin or Greek if the subject interests her. That is no small feat for any woman, Fitzwilliam.”
“No, I suppose not. May I ask how old the young lady is?”
Lady Gwendolyn let out a little chuckle behind her fan. “Only a man would ask such a question. If you must know, my dear friend recently turned twenty at the beginning of May.”
He momentarily frowned. “Then she is not yet of age; even younger than I presumed.”
“Yes, but that should make little difference if she interests you.”
“True.”
“Fitzwilliam, have you decided if you will join us for my outing at the Kew on Tuesday afternoon? Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Elizabeth have agreed to come, and they will bring MissJane Bennet, whom I look forward to meeting. We gather at two o’clock in front of the Great Pagoda.”
“Yes, I am planning to attend.”
“Excellent. You may bring additional guests if it pleases you; perhaps Colonel Fitzwilliam.” She smiled knowingly. “He seems to have taken a keen interest in Mrs. Walden, who will also be in attendance.”
“I shall be sure to ask him and perhaps my friend Bingley.”
“Very good. Now if you will excuse me, as hostess, I intend to begin the entertainment by playing a movement from one of Beethoven’s shorter sonatas before introducing those who have agreed to perform.”
“Certainly; you have been most kind.” With that, Her Ladyship moved to the pianoforte and William took a seat at the rear of the room where he could easily hear all of the performers, and more importantly watch Miss Elizabeth Bennet when it was her turn to sing.
Keeping somewhat to himself, William preferred to review much of what was said at dinner. Disregarding their involvement in trade, the Gardiners were charming people, and he had to admit that Miss Elizabeth intrigued him. She was the first woman who had caught his notice since he gave up his suit of Lady Gwendolyn. She was engaging, witty, and very self-assured for one so young. If it were not for her unfortunate circumstances, he would not hesitate in proceeding towards a courtship. Still, as Lady Gwendolyn pointed out, her situation should make little difference since he was established in society and certainly had no need of a woman with a dowry. Thankfully, she was a gentleman’s daughter. At least no one could fault her for that.
In retrospect, he might have been a little bold inviting Elizabeth and her aunt to Ballards, but the season was more than half over and he needed to press forward. Fitzwilliam Darcywas known to have one of the finest libraries in all of England, and her enthusiasm for literature had spurred him on. Sadly, Anne had never been interested in literature and therefore spent little time in their townhouse library, let alone the library at Pemberley, which had extensive volumes. Other than Lady Gwendolyn and now Elizabeth Bennet, he had yet to meet any woman who seemed to share his passion for literature.
Continuing to ponder Elizabeth’s situation, he could not help but consider Mr. Bennet. How could a man who fathered five daughters not make provisions for his family when his estate was entailed? Perhaps that was the most disturbing part of her situation. Even a country squire should have been able to put something aside for his daughters. He could have easily invested with his brother-in-law. After all, Gardiner had the reputation of being a shrewd businessman. Now, because of their father’s near-death experience, the Bennet sisters were at the mercy of relatives and potential suitors to provide for their futures. Should he ever meet Mr. Bennet, it would be a great curiosity to take the man’s measure.
