After one more kiss, Bennet and Louisa entered the room where all the guests were. It was a space, Bennet explained to his affianced, that was normally the sitting room, a parlour, and the dining parlour. With the walls pushed back, it made one larger area for entertaining.
Based on all the friends who came over to wish them congratulations and a felicitous marriage, Sir William and Lady Lucas had not wasted any time spreading the good news. None of those who had been invited were among the number that Bingley had cut due to their reactions to his sister, so for the most part, other than the lieutenant, no one stared.
The militia regiment’s colonel sent Lieutenant Saunderson back to the inn to ostensibly check on, but to remain with, Denny. He did not need one of his officers running afoul of the local populace before his regiment even marched into the town. All he needed was a hostile town, like other regiments of the militia had encountered.
Those from Longbourn and Netherfield Park were introduced to Colonel Forster and Captain Carter. When the two militia men met Colonel Fitzwilliam, they were in awe. His exploits and bravery in the face of the French on the Peninsula were well known to the militia officers. Fitzwilliam was joined by Darcy, Elizabeth, and Mary while he spoke to the other officers.
Darcy was satisfied Anna was well and comfortable; she was with Misses Kate and Lydia, who were speaking quietly to Miss Lucas and Miss Cara Long, who were of an age with them. The three companions were close by as well. As he was watching his sister, he had not heard the question Miss Elizabeth posed to him. When she looked at him with an arched eyebrow, he knew he had missed something.
“I apologise, Miss Elizabeth; I was making sure Anna and your youngest sisters were happily situated; I admit I did not hear you,” Darcy stated.
“Mr Darcy, I asked if you did not think that I expressed myself uncommonly well just now when I was teasing Colonel Forster to give us a ball at Meryton?” Elizabeth repeated. “Colonel Forster asked how to make his officers known, and knowing how much you like balls, I suggested he hold one.”
“Balls can be very enjoyable when I am well acquainted with those in attendance.” Darcy looked at Miss Elizabeth intently, causing her to blush, which pleased him greatly.
“Miss Eliza, even if Charlotte is not here, do not think you will escape playing the pianoforte for us. Miss Mary has agreed to play after you,” Lady Lucas teased.
“It is good that Mary is to take her turn after me. With her excellent performance, no one would want to hear me after her. No matter how much I practise, I could never match my younger sister on the instrument. So yes, Lady Lucas, I will play,” Elizabeth agreed.
“And sing,” Lady Lucas pressed.
“As you desire,” Elizabeth allowed. She walked to the upright pianoforte, which had already been opened for her.
Knowing what he did now about her memory, Darcy was not surprised that Miss Elizabeth began to play without any score in front of her. She was an accomplished musician, and she infused the music with much emotion. He sensed Anna next to him and smiled warmly at her.
“It still amazes me that Lizzy can remember anything she sees or reads one time,” Anna said in wonder. “And she plays very well, and with such feeling. I am looking forward to hearing Mary play again.”
“She is amazing, is she not?” Darcy was not only referring to her musical abilities. At the end of the piece, she played a lively Scottish air, and her perfect contralto voice rose in song, singing in what he could tell was perfectly accented Gaelic. He would do what he needed to in order to win her heart.
After Lizzy, Mary played an excerpt of a concerto and was as good or better than people expected of her. Subsequent to that, at Sir William’s request, Mary played music for dancing.
Bennet led Lulu to the floor, as did Bingley with Jane.
Darcy presented himself in front of Miss Elizabeth. “May I have the honour of the next two dances with you?” He requested.
Trying to hide her excitement, Elizabeth agreed.
At the end of her set, she relieved Mary and began to play some lively music for a reel. As soon as Mary stood, Colonel Fitzwilliam requested she dance with him; blushing prettily, Mary agreed.
By the time the two groups returned to their respective estates, the members of the parties were well pelased.
Chapter 26
Sitting in his study the day after his engagement and the soirée at Lucas Lodge, Bennet found that he was too joy-filled to concentrate on any work. His thoughts were three miles to the west of his estate as he wondered what Lulu was doing and whether she was missing him as much as he was her.
He was snapped out of his reverie when Hill entered with the salver, an epistle on it. “This express just arrived, Master.” Hill bowed and as he did, he proffered the salver.
“Thank you, Hill,” Bennet responded as he removed the missive from the surface of the salver.
The butler bowed again, exited the study, and pulled the door closed behind him.
Bennet frowned when he saw the direction and name of the sender. He had never heard of Mr A Keating, Esquire, a solicitor in Truro, Cornwall. He knew that the Morrises lived near that town, but he could not fathom why they would have a solicitor write to him. There was only one way to know what the genesis of the letter was. He broke the solicitor’s seal and opened the thick letter.
Inside was a second one which was in Morris’s hand. It too, was sealed and on the outside was written: ‘Read this first.’ Bennet broke that seal and opened the slightly faded paper. He began to read.
14 March 1810
Holly Run
