Master Bianchi’s arrival at Pemberley caused quite a stir; he was about forty, and quite good-looking in the dark Italian mode. “Far too handsome, if you ask me! Nothing but trouble!” was Mrs. Reynolds’ opinion on the matter.
Elizabeth was briefly concerned that Georgiana, having shown herself ready to be in love, might fall for the attractive foreigner, but it was soon clear that both Master Bianchi and Georgiana were only interested in Miss Darcy’s progress on the pianoforte.
Mrs. Annesley, assured that the man would spend only a week at Pemberley, rearranged Georgiana’s schedule so that she could spend as much time as possible with the most sought-after music master in the country.
“Mrs. Annesley, perhaps you would consider making some plans of your own for the week that Master Bianchi is with us? Is there a relative you might wish to visit? A Darcy coach can take you wherever you might wish to go.”
“My connections are all in London; by the time I arrived, it would be time to return. I thank you, Mrs. Darcy, but I will sit in the music room with Miss Darcy while they play; she must be chaperoned, you know.”
“Of course; but you must ring for a maid to take your place once you have heard enough of their scales and arpeggios.”
“I shall, Mrs. Darcy.”
“Oh, and one more thing, Mrs. Annesley. You must let me know if Lady Anne becomes a nuisance. I recall her stating that she would attend the etiquette lesson.” Elizabeth managed not to roll her eyes at the prospect.
“You think her unaware of proper etiquette?” Mrs. Annesley spoke carefully.
“I think her unaware of simple manners, let alone anything more!” Elizabeth replied with some heat.
“I do understand that she has made things difficult for you here at Pemberley,” the woman replied diplomatically.
“Difficult? Difficult! The word is a masterpiece of understatement.” She saw Mrs. Annesley open her mouth to speak and then think better of it. “Please – what were you about to say?”
“Only this: now that you understand what it is to be mistress of Pemberley, you can surely see why she would object to abandoning that post.”
“But – but that is the way of our world, Mrs. Annesley! The father dies, the son takes a wife, the wife takes on the mother’s role. And, if I am honest, I would have welcomed her instruction, had she been willing to offer it. Instead, she has been – no, no. I apologise, Mrs. Annesley, for involving you in such a way. My troubles are my own to bear.”
“Mrs. Darcy, I am here for you, in the event that you wish to share those troubles with another woman.” And with that, Mrs. Annesley curtsied and left the room.
***
Georgiana’s week with Master Bianchi flew by. At the end of it, Georgiana entertained her family with a concert. Elizabeth’s eyes were wet at the end of it; she had never heard such music in all her life. As everyone stood and applauded her, Master Bianchi spoke with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. “I will be honest and tell you that it was the extraordinary fee you were willing to pay that brought me here; but now that I know this young lady, I will be happy to return for no fee at all. Such a love of music! Such a gift she has!” He shook his head, unable to continue.
Chapter Forty-Eight
What subjects will you cover with my daughter?” Lady Anne demanded of Mrs. Annesley one morning at breakfast.
“Rank, order of precedence, proper address, introductions, how to pay and receive calls, dining etiquette, courtship – the usual topics, your ladyship. Oh, and I assume she has received dancing lessons?”
Lady Anne stared at Mrs. Annesley and then looked away.
Elizabeth stepped in. “I would not make that assumption. Let me know when you are ready, and I will have a dancing master brought in.” Privately, Elizabeth shook her head at how Georgiana’s education had been neglected.
“Yes, she certainly must know how to dance.” Mrs. Annesley contributed.
“She is quite musical; I am certain the skill will be easily mastered,” Mr. Darcy said.
Elizabeth said, “I can dance, of course, but I am certain I have much to learn when it comes totonetiquette. I would very much like to sit in.”
Lady Anne snorted loudly.
Mrs. Annesley said, hastily, “You are quite welcome to join us, Mrs. Darcy, of course.”
***
Elizabeth’s schedule was full, but she decided to join Georgiana’s etiquette lessons as often as she could. She knew that she would be forced to spend time with thetonwhen Georgiana was introduced to society, and she did not want to do anything to embarrass the Darcy family.
“Go ahead, Miss Darcy; the order of rank in the aristocracy is…?” Mrs. Annesley queried.
