Lady Gwendolyn’s Beethoven was exquisite. She was followed by Lady Eleanor, who entertained the guests with a lively movement of a Haydn sonata, providing a nice contrast. As the next performer stepped forth, Her Ladyship made her way to the back of the room and took a seat next to William.
“I hope you are enjoying your evening, Nephew,” she quietly said.
“I am; thank you, Aunt.”
“I noticed how Lady Gwendolyn partnered you with my friend Mrs. Gardiner and her niece Elizabeth Bennet for dinner. Tell me, is there something I should know?”
“I am sorry to disappoint you, but for the present there is nothing to tell. I admit the young lady does interest me, but her situation is rather disheartening. And while I have decidedto learn more of her, I know it would be difficult for the family to accept her as my chosen wife. As it is, my mother-in-law still blames me for Anne’s death and will make things unpleasant for any woman I choose.”
“Preposterous! You are no more to blame for Anne’s death than I am,” she nearly hissed, trying not to lose her temper. “Fitzwilliam, I urge you to follow your own counsel in this matter. The family was wrong to push you so hard after your father died. You are deserving of much more.”
“I appreciate your candour.”
“While your uncle would prefer you to marry someone of theton, please know that I trust your judgement and intend to support you in whatever choice you make.”
He nodded. “Thank you, Aunt.”
“Perhaps you should consider joining us on Thursday evening for dinner. The party is not large, only fifteen families. There will be several young ladies in attendance whom you may also find to your liking.”
“As always, I thank you for your consideration. Please allow me to get back to you after I return from Kent. I leave early tomorrow and shall return on Monday.”
“Do give my best to Lady Catherine and tell little Anna that her Aunt Eleanor misses her. With it being the height of the season, I suppose you will not have time to visit Ramsgate.”
“No, not this time. Happily, Georgiana is enjoying her studies with Herr Schneider. He comes to her three times a week, and in her last correspondence, she stated that she is consumed with practice and is making significant progress. Her music master will be residing with his relations until the end of August. In that respect, her time in Ramsgate has worked out well.”
“In that respect? Do not tell me something is amiss.”
“Frankly, if it were not for her music lessons, I had much rather she stayed at Rosings Park with Anna.”
“How is that?”
“I find that I do not particularly care for the companion Lady Catherine chose for my sister, even though she came highly recommended. For one, Mrs. Younge has not been a good correspondent. In fact, I hear far more about my sister from her music master. Moreover, while Georgiana is practicing, my sister says that Mrs. Younge often walks to the village, rather than attending her during her studies. I do not think Georgie intended it as a complaint, but for my part I find it objectionable. If my sister was not so pleased with her lessons, I would remove her at once and dismiss Mrs. Younge.”
“I am surprised. Lady Catherine always prides herself on being such a good judge of character.”
“That may be, but in this instance I fear she has erred. I have written to Mrs. Younge and I intend to make my displeasure known to Lady Catherine while I am at Rosings Park.”
“Fitzwilliam, if you like, I would be happy to make inquiries for a replacement.”
“I would appreciate your help. Even though I have given her the benefit of the doubt, I would like to explore other options.”
“Certainly. I shall gladly do so, and if needs be we can speak further after you return from Kent. For now, if you will excuse me, Mrs. Walden is about to exhibit and, considering my son’s interest in the woman, I should like to resume my seat where I can easily observe both of them.” She knowingly smiled. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, Fitzwilliam.”
“Thank you, Aunt.”
Following Mrs. Walden’s presentation, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner moved to the pianoforte. While her aunt was arranging her music, Elizabeth spoke of Thomas Moore and how this light-hearted song came about. William could not help but chuckle at her playful manner as she sang through the verses.
When Love is kind,
Cheerful and free,
Love's sure to find
Welcome from me.
But when Love brings
Heartache or pang,
