Page 167
“Of course.”
“Then perhaps I could play it when Anna comes next week. She seems to like hearing it.”
Darcy had meant to give Anna a quiet introduction. Now something of Georgiana could be heard in the room with her.
“I should like that very much.”
“You must not expect your sister’s performance.”
“I should like yours.”
Elizabeth’s eyes returned to his.
“Then I shall practise,” she said.
She folded the music after another attempt at the last line and gave it to Darcy while she closed the instrument.
Their fingers touched when he returned it. This time he did not immediately draw away.
She let him take her hand.
It was a small liberty, enjoyed beside an open drawing-room door with a dog looking reproachfully at them from the rug. He bent and kissed her fingers, then released them before she was required to remind him where they stood.
“I shall tell Miss Bingley that we have chosen one piece,” he said.
Elizabeth’s expression sobered slightly. “Will she object?”
“I hope not. But I shall ask her myself.”
Caroline listened later that afternoon and entered the air before her own pieces upon the little programme she had begun.
“Miss Eliza will wish to rehearse without interruption, then. I shall use the instrument in the mornings.”
“Thank you. She will be grateful for the time.”
“There is no need to thank me on her behalf.”
“No,” Darcy said. “There is not.”
Chapter Forty-one
ELIZABETH KEPT HER father’s letter beside the glass while she dressed for the gathering.
It had arrived on Thursday, October 28. Now it was the second of November, the house had begun filling with company, and in three days her parents would be here. She had read the letter often enough to know the arrangements without consulting it. She read it again nevertheless while Sally found the ribbon she wished to wear.
Longbourn, October 25, 1813
My dear Lizzy,
Your invitation and Mr. Darcy’s reached me on Sunday. Your mother accepted both before she had quite finished reading yours, and I have since been attempting to discover which part of my agreement was required. I am assured that it was indispensable, although it has made no perceptible difference to the preparations.
We mean to set out on the third and reach Pemberley on Friday the fifth, allowing your mother sufficient time upon the road to regret everything she has left behind. I have thanked your host separately. His offer of the library has recommended the visit to me nearly as much as the prospect of seeing my daughters.
Your Aunt Phillips will stay here with the younger girls. Mary has undertaken to preserve order, Kitty has promised to assist her, and Lydia has asked whether their aunt may invite company. I foresee that all three will consider themselves very usefully occupied. You need not attempt to govern them from Derbyshire.
Tell Jane that her mother has packed enough advice to last beyond the journey, but that I shall endeavour to prevent its being delivered all at once. I hope she remains comfortable. There is no need for either of you to make preparations for our entertainment. I shall be content to see you, and your mother will find employment without assistance.
As for your chair here, I have placed a volume upon it deliberately. It is one you recommended, so you must accept some responsibility for its position.
