‘Colonel Fitzwilliam merely suggested that I might enjoy a spirited debate with his cousin,’ Elizabeth replied with a bland smile to hide her astonishment that the lady should speak so openly.
‘Would you humour me by telling me something of your education? I would be interested to know how spirited the debates are likely to be.’
‘I believe I mentioned to the Colonel that I have four sisters but no brother,’ said Elizabeth and was rewarded by a nod from the Colonel and his mother. ‘Due to that fact, and because I have wide-ranging interests, my father saw fit to teach me subjects not generally taught to ladies. He claimed that in a house full of women, he wanted at least one person with whom he could have an intellectual debate.’
Elizabeth gave an impish grin. ‘Although in recent years, Mary has taken on some of that burden by discussing current affairs with him, giving me a small amount of time to improve my more ladylike skills, to the great relief of our governess who had despaired that our father demanded most of my time.’
‘So, you are not just a blue-stocking,’ challenged Lady Matlock.
‘I would not call my sister a blue-stocking. I believe that she is simply a lady with an extensive and well-rounded education,’ Jane defended Elizabeth.
‘I beg your pardon. I meant no insult.’
Jane blushed at her outburst. ‘I too beg your pardon. I am overly sensitive to potential slights to my sisters.’
‘You are very much the protective oldest sister. I commend you for it,’ the countess said with a smile to reassure Jane before turning back to Elizabeth. ‘You were going to tell me about your education.’
Being prompted, Elizabeth described the subjects her father had taught her, as well as the lessons she had received from their governess.
The countess listened with growing respect and when Elizabeth finished, she exclaimed, ‘Goodness. My older son did not receive as comprehensive an education at Cambridge. No wonder you had no time to practice the pianoforte.’
‘My father always claimed that Oxford was the superior school, although some people might consider him biased as he was educated there,’ Elizabeth deflected the compliment.
‘Ah, yes. I have heard the argument amongst several of our acquaintances. While there may be some merit to it, I think the results also depend on the student.’ She glanced at her son and said with a teasing smile, ‘As the saying goes, you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.’
The conversation became more general until Lady Matlock discovered that Mary was as passionate about music and the pianoforte as her niece Georgiana. ‘Would it be a great imposition if I ask whether you ladies would permit me to introduce my niece to you. She is but fifteen and shy and has no friend her own age as she finds it difficult torelate to people, especially as she spends most of her time practicing music.’
Mary glanced at their aunt who nodded permission and suggested, ‘We would be most happy to welcome your niece or visit her if she would be more comfortable.’
Lady Matlock agreed that Georgiana would be more relaxed meeting strangers in her home and invited the sisters for tea the following day.
After another half an hour, Lady Matlock asked, ‘Mrs Gardiner, perhaps you and your family would care to dine with us one evening soon?’
Mrs Gardiner, conscious of the honour of the invitation, was happy to accept. Soon afterwards their guests left, very satisfied with the meeting.
~T~
15Meetings and Misses
The whispers had started slowly in the circles to which Miss Bingley and her friend belonged.
It did not help that both Bingley and Darcy were curiously absent. Hardly anyone was aware that the former nursed what he considered a broken heart while the latter was waiting for his bruises to fade.
Admittedly, the little season was only just starting, and Darcy was never particularly sociable, but no one had seen him for weeks despite the fact that he was known to be in town.
Two weeks after Miss Bingley’s visit to her friend, the rumours spread further.
This event coincided with Darcy’s return to full health.
~T~
The day after Lady Matlock’s first visit to Gardiner House, Georgiana Darcy nervously awaited the visit by the ladies her aunt had mentioned to her as people whose company she might enjoy, a sentiment fully endorsed by her cousin Richard.
When Elizabeth and Mary, who had decided that it might be too much for a shy girl to be overwhelmed by three sisters, were announced, Georgiana was grateful for the company of not only her companion, Mrs Annesley, but also her aunt and her guardian.
It was fortunate for Georgiana that Elizabeth and Mary did not hold her brother’s manners against her. Not only that, but the sisters were also immediately struck by how nervous the girl was and could not help by try to put her at ease.
‘Miss Darcy, I understand from your aunt that you have a great love of music and are a virtuoso on the pianoforte,’ Elizabeth said to her in an attempt to draw her into the conversation as soon as introductions were complete, and they were seated.
