Page 77 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“I will. I believe Darcy has already done so several times,” the colonel said in his usual, jolly voice.

“Then let us move to the dining room, dinner is ready.”

As they walked together, the colonel addressed Cece, who seemed astonished by his attention.

“Miss Cecilia, you have an extraordinary talent and obviously exceptional skills acquired through years of study. I have heard many performances, but only Georgiana’s might come close to equalling yours.”

“I have heard so much about Miss Darcy’s talent,” Cece said shyly.

“I have told my sister and my cousin how impressed I was by your vast knowledge and deep understanding of affairs that are often daunting even for educated men. But I was unaware of your proficiency in music too,” Darcy answered.

“Lady Sedgewick often praised Cece’s many accomplishments, and none of her praise was exaggerated,” Elizabeth added with affectionate admiration.

“Please...you are all too kind...I do not deserve such praise...I have never played in company until now...I am glad you were not disappointed,” Cece whispered.

“I am too shy to perform for strangers too,” Georgiana answered.

The innocent words were almost identical to Darcy’s statement from a certain night at Rosings and made his gaze lock with Elizabeth’s.

“I am not shy, just...” Cece attempted to explain, but Georgiana’s genuine expression stopped her.

The dinner was served and enjoyed. To Elizabeth’s satisfaction, there were no tedious moments, no awkward silences, no inappropriate comments.

After a reluctant beginning, Cece appeared to feel comfortable and encouraged by the others’ consideration. She engaged in conversation on various subjects and gained enough self-confidence to express her opinion decidedly.

“I must ask you both to play for us after dinner,” Bingley addressed Cece and Georgiana. “I know that very likely you both hate me at this moment, but I cannot lose this opportunity. I hope Darcy and the colonel will support me!”

“My dear, surely nobody could hate you,” Jane replied, appalled by such a notion. “But we cannot force either Miss Darcy or Miss Cecilia to perform. Hopefully, we will have many opportunities to meet again and they will decide if and when they will play for us.”

The colonel laughed. “You are the last man in the world one could hate, Bingley,” Darcy said, then he immediately turned pale, glancing at Elizabeth in panic. She was also pale and held his look for only a moment. Clearly, the statement had slipped out with no ill-intention but the familiar words made them both miserable.

Fortunately, the colonel laughed. “Indeed, you are the least hateable man, Bingley. And I fully support your request. Upon my word, having the most talented ladies in the whole of England in our company is a rare occasion.”

“I would be honoured to play with Miss Darcy anytime, if she agrees,” Cece declared.

“So would I,” Miss Darcy replied. “That would be lovely, indeed. Your pianoforte is a beautiful instrument.”

“Lady Sedgwick purchased it for me when I turned eighteen.”

“My brother brought me a wonderful instrument for my sixteenth birthday, but it is at Pemberley. I have not had the chance to play it yet,” Georgiana said, with an adoring and grateful glance at Darcy.

“Well then, you must go to Pemberley and try it,” the colonel ordered.

It was Elizabeth’s turn to jest. “I have always admired the colonel’s determination. He always finds a solution to any problem. A real army man.”

“It is not from the army, this has been his habit since we were children,” Darcy interjected, also joking.

“Well, you were always serious, wise and thoughtful and have always pondered things carefully. I was left with no other choice but to be impulsive, heated, even reckless in my decision-making.”

“I was not implying that, Colonel,” Elizabeth interjected.

“My cousin does not speak in earnest. He is not reckless and I am not always thoughtful. Quite the opposite. But I must say, his present suggestion is spot on. The pianoforte at Pemberley is waiting to be played as soon as possible.”

“We have visited Pemberley every summer, for the last few years,” Bingley said. “It is truly the most beautiful place I have ever seen, and I look forward to showing it to Jane too.”

“I am very sorry that I have ruined your plans. Truly sorry,” Elizabeth apologised.

Bingley paled and dropped his fork onto his plate.