Georgiana’s eyes widened in horror, and she looked at the music with trepidation rather than intrigue.
“When Mozart visited London in 1764, my grandfather was allowed to copy this sheet of music. He was in the King’s Guards and was tasked with the Mozart family’s protection. My grandmother was very fond of music and proficient on both the harpsichord and pianoforte. This was his gift for being absent for so long, whilst she was at home with my young father,” she explained. “The sonata is not composed by Mozart but by his sister Maria. She was just as talented as her younger brother, but as a girl, she was not allowed to expand upon her talents to the same degree. If you want, I shall make you a copy later. In the meantime you may use this, and when you play it, you will understand how unfair it was not to allow Miss Mozart the same privileges as her brother.”
“Thank you!” Georgiana whispered sincerely, with wonder in her eyes.
Elizabeth set to the task at once and copied the sheet of music for Georgiana’s pleasure. Whilst she was doing so, an idea formed in her mind.
“Would you enjoy an evening at the theatre?”
“Oh no. You must not trouble yourself on my behalf,” she demurred, looking positively frightened.
Elizabeth was pondering her response when the door to her room flew open, scaring Georgiana into the corner of the sofa.
“Who is going to the theatre?” Mrs Bennet cried. “I do long to see a play. I have rarely been, you know. A trip to Drury Lane would set me up nicely and would do much to redeem your reputation, Lizzy.”
“Drury Lane has yet to reopen after the fire, Mama.”
“Then we shall go to Covent Garden. We must show the tattlers that you are a fine, cultured lady, even though no one would come to your ball. Do say that we can go, or better yet, I shall ask Mr Darcy myself.”
“Please do not. He is much occupied with his business. I shall importune him when he has a moment to spare,” Elizabeth pleaded with her mother, who would most definitely browbeat her poor husband into compliance.
It was, however, late in the evening before Darcy returned, and when he did, he was in somewhat of a foul mood. Yet, she had much to relate, so Elizabeth braved the company of her of-late curmudgeonly husband and knocked on the door to his study.
“Enter!”
Elizabeth did as ordered and was stunned by the tired lines marring his handsome face. Realising she was the reason for his state of exhaustion was even more disconcerting.
“Have you eaten, or should I send for a tray?”
“Yes, I have eaten at my club. What do you want?”
The abrupt manner of his question made her flinch, and his eyes softened.
“Pardon me. I have just discovered that someone sent a note to our guests, rescinding the invitation to the ball due to my fabricated illness.”
“But that is good news, is it not?”
Elizabeth felt nothing but relief, thinking that not everybody wanted to shun their acquaintance. Darcy shook his head and replied with a question.
“What can I do for you, Elizabeth?”
“I have two matters I need to discuss with you.” She thought to warn him lest he was inclined to throw her out of his sanctuary after her first enquiry.
“My mother is desirous to see a play.”
She was wringing her hands in the same manner as Georgiana had done earlier and quickly hid them behind her back.
“I cannot see why not. We shall be shunned, of course. If that does not deter your mother, or you, from the entertainment, I shall not stand in your way. I have no business tomorrow night and shall book a box for the evening.”
“Thank you so much!” Elizabeth cried, even though she could imagine an entire evening of Mr Darcy’s company better spent than in a crowded box with her family.
“What was the other matter?” her husband queried impatiently.
“I have received a letter, or rather several, from my grandmother. She is reunited with her brother, the Count of Reimarus.” She paused for the information to sink in. “We could make it known that I am not entirely without desirable connections in the hope that it might make London’s population think less ill of me.”
Darcy rubbed his neck. It must be sore from working tirelessly on estate matters.
“In which county is the Reimarus estate located?”
