Elizabeth shot a quick look to her aunt before answering, “Regrettably, no. In the past, when our time permitted, my elder sister, Jane, and I often taught some of our tenant children to read during our visits to the cottages. Since participating with this charity in Town, however, I find it is something I would like to take up in earnest with my father when I return to Longbourn.Considering his health, I cannot say if he will allow me to implement the necessary steps to begin such a project.”
“Allow you?” William’s demeanour became more serious. “Does your father give you such latitude?”
“Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Gardiner interjected. “The situation with my niece and my brother Bennet is rather unique. Being that my brother has no sons, at Elizabeth’s insistence he has allowed her to learn about estate matters and assist him whenever he felt it appropriate.”
William rubbed his chin in thought. “Rather singular.”
“You do not approve, sir?” Elizabeth challenged.
“I suppose it would depend on the circumstances. Although it is rare, it is not unheard of for a wife to assist her husband in such a fashion. My own aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh managed Rosings Park quite well after the death of her husband. It was only upon my marriage to her daughter that I have had my say in the running of the estate. I mean no offense, but being so young and unmarried, I do find your assistance with estate matters unusual.”
“Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth bristled, the colour of her face slightly heightened. “Should we become better acquainted, you will find that I am capable of many things.”
He looked her squarely in the eyes. “Of that, I have no doubt.”
“Sir, are you placating me?”
“Why, Miss Elizabeth, I would never think of being so callous.”
At that she laughed aloud. “Well, in that case, you will have to do your best at taking my measure, and I shall in turn do the same for you.”
“I shall look forward to it,” he countered. William returned her smile, and for one brief moment the two gazed into eachother’s eyes, unable to look away. Clearing his throat he offered, “Miss Elizabeth, would you care for more wine?”
“I thank you, yes.” From there, the conversation proceeded in a much lighter vein, with both William and Elizabeth enjoying playful banter as the dinner continued.
When the last course was being served, William remarked, “I look forward to tonight’s musical entertainment. I wonder if either of you ladies will be among those performing this evening.”
Elizabeth took up the conversation, saying, “I shall be participating, although I am not one to exhibit by playing a concerto to a large gathering such as this. I fear my technique is somewhat faulty on that end.”
Noticing William’s puzzled look, Mrs. Gardiner quickly offered, “Mr. Darcy, do not let Lizzy’s comment lead you astray. While she may not care to exhibit at the pianoforte, she plays admirably well and her voice is exceptional. Since Elizabeth has not had the advantage of studying with a master, she generally prefers to perform for a smaller, more forgiving audience.”
Elizabeth’s face grew suddenly warm. “Aunt, you are embarrassing me.”
“Miss Elizabeth, Lady Gwendolyn has mentioned your singing and has said that you are a great favourite amongst her friends,” William offered, attempting to set her at ease.
“Thank you. Her Ladyship is too kind.”
“In my immediate family,” he continued, “Lady Eleanor and my sister Georgiana excel at the pianoforte, but would rather play than sing. And while I do not exhibit, I am very fond of the written word and enjoy a great variety of vocal offerings. Tell, me, Miss Elizabeth, what type of song do you favour?”
Still slightly embarrassed, she modestly answered, “Sir, I would not wish to excite your sensibilities, for I am but a simple collector of folk songs and strongly favour the ballad.”
“Ah, a good choice. The ballad has such endless possibilities when it comes to poetry.”
“Those, too, are my thoughts. The words of a poem seem to come to life if the composer has been able to capture the essence of the text with his melody. In such a case, I find the experience can be rewarding for both performer and listener.”
“Beautifully put,” he quietly said, looking at Elizabeth in earnest. “I have tried to impart those same sentiments to my sister, but thus far she prefers to play for my enjoyment and has ventured no further than singing simple tunes with my young daughter.”
Elizabeth watched William’s face soften while he affectionately spoke of his sister and daughter. “How lovely,” she quietly added. “Your sister and daughter must give you great pleasure.”
“Indeed, they do,” William confirmed, reclaiming his former demeanour and turning to address her aunt. “Mrs. Gardiner, tell me, do you also encourage your children in their musical studies?”
“It is kind of you to ask. My daughters are fond of playing, although until recently we only had a clavichord for their purpose. Shortly after Elizabeth came to stay with us, however, Edward acquired a pianoforte from one of his clients. Since then, our house has been filled with music on a daily basis.” She smiled proudly. “As for my sons,” she chuckled in retrospect, “they would much rather study the workings of the instrument than actually learn to play it.”
“It is true,” Mr. Gardiner added. “Edward and Matthew have inquisitive minds and have taken on the task of learning how everything within their grasp is put together.” He chuckled. “I cannot begin to tell you how many disassembled items lie taken apart in our work room.”
William smiled knowingly. “I must confess, I was of a similar nature when I was a lad. I would often sit for hours examining the workings of an old clock or some other device. My cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, could never understand my passion, although he was of a similar mind when it came to weapons. Perhaps that is why he is such an expert marksman: a handy trait, being in the military.”
“I would imagine so,” said Mr. Gardiner.
