“Your mother showed good sense in considering the strengths and weaknesses of her daughters. I am certain my rector is well satisfied it was so. Mr. Collins required an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high, who could make a small income go a good way. I commend your mother’s judgment in the management of this matter.”
Miss de Bourgh spoke. “Miss Elizabeth, do you play?”
Elizabeth smiled. “I do. I play and sing, though Mary is more proficient at the pianoforte than I am.”
“Mrs. Collins has played for us on each of her visits. I should like to hear from you, if you would be so kind.”
Elizabeth rose. “It would be my pleasure.”
Lady Catherine said, “We live very quietly here, and my daughter’s health is delicate, so we retire early. We therefore take our enjoyment in the afternoon, when we are most at ease.”
By the close of this address, Elizabeth had reached the pianoforte and seated herself. She started to play, and then her voice rose in song.
When she had finished, Lady Catherine said, “You have a pleasing voice, Miss Bennet. What is the title of that song? I should wish to hear it again when next you take tea with us.”
“It is calledThe Fause Knight upon the Road, my lady.”
“Ah, it is melancholy, but very pretty.”
Anne said, “Will you sing another, Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth sangEarl Brand. When she finished, she observed Miss de Bourgh drying her eyes and recalled that her companion of many years was near her end.
“There is a light Irish air I should like to play, if I may.”
Both ladies assented, and Elizabeth playedGarryowen, a lively quickstep. She saw Miss de Bourgh’s countenance had brightened. Lady Catherine, who had also observed the change in her daughter, said, “Miss Bennet, I was much pleased by that Irish tune. Do you know another of a similar character?”
“Yes, my lady.”
By request, Elizabeth played and sang two more spirited airs, and when she had finished, she returned to her place beside Mary. Tea was then served.
Lady Catherine said, “Mrs. Collins, I expect my two nephews in a fortnight. I shall have you all to tea upon their arrival, that you may be introduced to them. Miss Bennet would suit Richard very well, but, alas, he must marry a woman of fortune, for he is a second son, and his income as a military man would not allow him to support a wife and children.”
Then, smiling upon her daughter, she said, “My other nephew is betrothed to Anne.”
Elizabeth smiled at Anne. “You are to be congratulated, Miss de Bourgh. When is the wedding?”
Lady Catherine did not allow her daughter to reply, but said, “The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the favorite wish of his mother, as well as of hers. While in their cradles, we planned the union.”
Anne de Bourgh cast a glance at her guest. “Miss Bennet, there is no wedding date.” She then leaned nearer, so only Elizabeth might hear, and added, “The intended bridegroom would be surprised to learn he is betrothed.”
Elizabeth raised her brow. “Is that so, Miss de Bourgh? Is your mother aware?”
“Yes, indeed. The entire family is aware, but my mother is very fixed in her opinions and refuses to be persuaded otherwise. I do not fear, however, for where I am weak, Fitzwilliam is strong, and he will never bend to her will.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I see you and your cousin are well suited in understanding, and you hold him in great affection.”
“I do. I love both my cousins and wish I might see them more often, but Richard has served in the Peninsula, and Fitzwilliam is much occupied with the management of his estates and the care of his young sister. I see them but once a year.”
Lady Catherine then interposed with a question. “What is it you are saying, Anne? What are you telling Miss Bennet? I would hear what it is.”
“We were talking of music, Mamma.”
“Of music! Then pray, speak aloud. It is of all subjects my delight. I must have my share in the conversation if you are speaking of music. There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient. And so would Anne, if her health had allowed her to apply.”
At this, Anne cast Elizabeth a look of amusement and winked. Elizabeth found herself much inclined to like Miss Anne de Bourgh, who was not as she appeared, but concealed her true self beneath a reserved exterior for reasons known only to her.
Anne de Burgh appealed to her mother. “Mamma, may Miss Bennet visit me again tomorrow? She has soothed my spirits with her song and her conversation. I know it is too much to ask Mrs. Collins to visit me two days in succession, but, ma’am, if you could spare your sister for an hour, I should be much obliged.”
