Page 23 of Mr Darcy’s Quizzing Glass

When his gaze moved away, she examined the quizzing glass; truly, it was a beautiful piece, with a ruby and a few small black stones set in the engraved gold handle, of a kind some dandies carried more for affectation than utility. It is just as Mr Wickham described.

Looking up, she saw Mr Darcy’s attention was directed towards a painting her uncle had taken in payment from a wealthy—if cash-poor—dowager, a lady who preferred fine silks for her gowns over pretty landscapes for her walls. Mr Darcy regarded it, seemingly appreciative of the work, her own favourite among the many admirable pieces in the home.

“The artist’s signature is difficult to see without a magnifier, such as my uncle keeps in his study,” she offered. “Mr Wilson was not one desirous of acclaim and attention.”

Nodding, he turned back to her. “Which is why many of his works hang, underappreciated, in halls and corridors, nearly unnoticed. He deserves far more recognition.”

Impressed by his knowledge, her curiosity grew as she glanced again at the quizzing glass. Would he not use it to examine the painting? “I see that you are well-prepared with your quizzing glass if you care to look more closely.”

His cheeks paled and he looked at her as though she had grown two horns. “More closely?”

They were staring at each other in confusion when Mr Bingley’s cheerful voice broke in with an unanticipated announcement.

“I say, Darcy has been kind enough to offer the use of his box at His Majesty’s Theatre. Would all of you, and Mr Gardiner, of course, wish to go this week?” Despite his invitation to all the ladies, Mr Bingley’s smile was directed only at Jane, seated beside him on the settee. “Um, I believe the performance is...um, what is it again, Darcy?”

“Cosi Fan Tutte,” Mr Darcy said quietly.

Elizabeth’s near gasp of delight was echoed by her aunt Gardiner, who replied, “Much as I know I should consult with my husband, I cannot set aside my own pleasure at the prospect of hearing Mozart performed. I cannot imagine any reason we and our nieces could not join you.”

“Thank you for the invitation, Mr Darcy,” said Jane, smiling.

Although her sister did not appreciate music as much as Elizabeth and her aunt and uncle, Elizabeth was pleased by her enthusiasm. Certainly, she could not hide her own eagerness.

“Yes,” she said, beaming. “The opportunity...I am all anticipation. Thank you so much, sir.”

She felt something shift in Mr Darcy’s gaze. He had been white-faced since her mention of his quizzing glass, but there was colour in his cheeks when returning her smile. “I look forward to hearing your thoughts, and perhaps sharing them with my sister. Georgiana is quite eager to see the performance, but I believe she may be too young.”

Touched by his care for his sister, Elizabeth replied, “Perhaps we may help you judge that with this performance, and if you can bear it a second time, attend again with her?”

Mr Bingley chuckled. “Darcy attending a performance once is quite the feat, but if anyone can convince him of a second trip, it is his sister.”

A proud, albeit small, smile softened Mr Darcy’s expression, and appeared to ease any fraught feeling from her earlier words. However, Elizabeth’s relief was short-lived, for Mr Bingley soon added a dreadful endnote to the conversation. “My own sisters are keen to join us. Caroline, as you know, is a great aficionado of music.”

Miss Bingley is an aficionado of anything to do with Mr Darcy.

When Mr Bingley finished sharing his fervour for the excursion, he convinced Jane to walk to the park where the Gardiner children had gone with their nurse. Elizabeth was happy to abet his scheme to parade with Jane on his arm, and drew on her coat, joining Mr Darcy a few paces behind her sister and Mr Bingley. He, of course, was silent, so she decided to satisfy her curiosity.

“Should I take from your presence here that you are happy for your friend and my sister?”

He looked at her oddly; she felt foolish. Would he have offered his box if he were displeased with the engagement?

“I apologise, of course you must be pleased for Mr Bingley. It was generous of you to invite us to the theatre.”

This time, Mr Darcy nodded. “I have rarely seen Bingley unhappy, but never have I seen him more content than he is with your sister. It was rather quick, but he has always been a man who is swift to a decision when he feels it is right.”

“And yet he relies on you to guide and correct him. Does he often require such correction?”

“He has no father, uncle, or elder brother to advise him, so I admit to doing what I can to assist him. Sadly, I cannot fix his poor penmanship or amend his lack of interest in drainage or poetry.”

Realising he was smiling, she returned it, despite some lingering annoyance that he did not say more in favour of the engagement. Before she could press him, they were at the park and surrounded by the three oldest Gardiner children.

Mr Bingley quickly agreed to accompanying the two youngest to the pond where ‘hundreds of ducks and swans’ were said to be swimming. The trio raced ahead; Jane and the nurse trailed behind. Elizabeth followed with Elinor, who at ten years of age, was full of questions about Jane’s wedding and the tall man who had accompanied Mr Bingley.

“Is Mr Bingley’s friend married?”

“No, Mr Darcy is a bachelor.”

“Is that like a monk?”