“Of course they are worth mentioning. They are about you!” He grinned as she reddened and dipped her head in that bashful way of hers.
“Well, there was this one time when I was serenaded by a young man of questionable singing abilities. We must get her to tell it to you, she tells it so well.”
“I should love to hear it! Am I going to become mad with jealousy when I do?” he asked playfully.
Georgiana laughed, “No, I do not think there is a possibility of such an emotion being elicited from this story. That is why she has to tell it. No one else could do it justice like she can. Oh, Alex, I wanted to ask you, I would like to invite her to be my bridesmaid.” She looked at him questioningly.
“Anything you wish.” Alex gazed at her puzzled. He supposed he had been overseas too long. He did not think such a thing could possibly need his permission. “If you want a thousand swans... well your brother will probably grumble over the finding of a thousand swans. But I will help make it happen.”
He smiled as his words coaxed a laugh out of Georgiana. “Oh no. Nothing so elaborate! What would we possibly do with them afterward?”
“Hmmm.. a good point.” he said speculatively. “Perhaps gifts for the guests?”
They bantered on as they spoke lightly about their wedding. It was hard to imagine that he was at this point. When he left his home to search out his own fortune, he never imagined that he would meet someone like Georgiana along the way. Or that he would be worthy of such a woman's affections. Each day toward the wedding seemed to stretch into an eternity.
They made their way to Kitty and Mr. du Pont was introduced to Mr. Covington. Kitty retold the story with such enthusiasm that all those around them could not help but smile at the charming group of young people. They all got along very well together, much to the two friends delight. Both Georgiana and Kitty could already imagine the four of them spending many happy years in company together.
***************
“Mary, Mr. Joseph, are you not dancing this evening?” Elizabeth asked the couple who were sitting off to the side in deep conversation.
“Yes, we are going to dance, Lizzy, just not right now.” Mary answered.
“I am down for the two sets before we dine, Mrs. Darcy, that we might work up an appetite,” said Mr. Joseph.
“Well, yes, that is most prudent, but do you not wish to dance with other partners, perhaps? Even for just a few dances?”
“Why would we want to do that?” asked Mary.
“Perhaps because you are at a Ball and the main diversion at a Ball is dancing?” she laughingly said.
“I believe your sister and I will greatly enjoy a little diversion when the time comes for it, but we are having a most pleasant evening, Mrs. Darcy. We had been conversing with a Mr. Wheaten on the subject of poverty in England. He had some very interesting points to make and I was able to share with him a report I read recently from the heir to the throne, no less.”
“We are fine, Lizzy. Do not worry about us,” said Mary as she turned back towards Mr. Joseph.
When her sister had left them, Mary said, “Lizzy is a good sister but I feel she has never understood my desire to refrain from the activities most young women favor.”
“Well, it has been my perception that most young women do not have half of your intelligence to put to better use. And I might add to have understanding in such an attractive form is most unusual still. I have never before noticed you have curls,” he observed. “You look very lovely tonight, Miss Bennet.”
A warm sensation came over Mary that she had never knew existed before. To be called intelligent and lovely by a man, by anyone for that matter, was a new experience for her and a moment she knew she would never forget. It was wonderful. “Thank you,” she managed to say quietly. “So are you, Mr. Joseph. Intelligent, I mean. And handsome. You look very well tonight yourself.”
The gentleman beamed at the compliment. “Thank you, Miss Bennet!” After a slight pause he said, “Now to continue our conversation…….”
Lizzy returned to Jane and said, “It takes all kinds.”
Jane laughed and said, “Yes, it really does, Lizzy. I might remind you that your Mr. Darcy did not dance at the first two balls he attended. And I must say Mary and Mr. Joseph do seem to have an abundance of communication between them. It appears to be a good match.”
“It appears so. I just wish Mary would have found a more sociable partner. Instead she found her counterpart which only encourages her isolation. Oh well, I suppose I should accept the fact that at least she is happy.”
“Yes, that is most important, Lizzy. Mr. Joseph is a friendly man with much knowledge and manners, though they may be country manners, still he is in possession of them. And if you bring up a topic that you do not mind speaking on for a while, he is without doubt a wealth of information on the subject,” Jane suggested. “Kitty seems well pleased with her young gentleman. He seems to fit into this society quite easily.”
“Yes, we are most impressed by the gentleman. It is obvious to all that his manners are above reproach. Kitty looks radiant tonight. They make a very handsome couple. I am happy for her,” Lizzy said. “Where is Mama?”
“She and Mrs. Abernathy are sitting near the orchestra and seem to be getting along famously. Mama is most intrigued by Mrs. Abernathy’s stories from her years in the opera,” replied Jane.
“Mrs. Abernathy, you say? I happen to overhear her greet young Mr. Covington when she first arrived. She is apparently a close friend of his family.”
“Ah, and does Mama have this information?” Jane asked.
“It would have been hard for her not to hear as she was at Mr. Covington’s elbow at the time. I believe she was making sure he was occupied until Kitty came down.”
“Well,” Jane smiled at her sister, “at least we will have all of our questions about the gentleman answered presently.”
“Yes, I have little doubt in Mama’s abilities to ascertain all of the answers to our questions, as well as everything about him from his birth weight to the name of his tailor!” Lizzy’s eyes scanned the crowd for her mother and spied her in animated conversation with the elegant Mrs. Abernathy. “Yes, she is obviously happy with the information. I will venture a guess that we will have Mr. Covington’s most embarrassing incidents of youth known before the night’s end. Our mother is very good at her vocation,” Lizzy said with mirth in her eyes.
“Her vocation? And what is her vocation, Lizzy?’
“Making sure all of her daughters are married and settled of course. As we are both mothers to daughter ourselves now, we might learn a little from the best.”
Without looking at her sister, Jane whispered quietly, “A very little.” She then gave a sideways glance to her sister.
“I love it when you talk like me, Jane. Apparently you have learned from the best also,” said Lizzy as they both began to laugh.
When Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy approached their wives Charles asked, “Lizzy is it just me or has your sister gotten ten times prettier since I first met her?”
“Oh, ten times at least, Mr. Bingley. She remains the prettiest in any room she enters,” agreed Lizzy. “And that she still blushes makes her even more enchanting.”
“Oh, what am I to do with you two?” Jane asked.
“Well, for a start Mrs. Bingley, may I have the next dance?” requested her husband before he led her onto the floor.
“Shame on you Mrs. Darcy,” said her husband, looking at her with mischief in his eyes.
“What? Why shame on me?” she demanded.
“You know I abhor deceit of any kind. I realize you were being the perfect hostess but to out and out lie by saying your sister is the prettiest in the room, when you know there is one more so, is quite unforgivable.”
Lizzy smiled and looked around. “Where is she? I defy you to point her out to me.”
Darcy held his wife’s gaze for several seconds as if they were alone until Elizabeth blushed and averted
her eyes from his.
“And that she still blushes makes her even more enchanting,” he said.
“Why does it sound so much better when you say it?” Elizabeth said coquettishly.
“Because I truly am looking at the most beautiful woman that these eyes have ever seen.” He held her gaze again then said, “Would you do me the honor, Mrs. Darcy?”
“It will always be my pleasure to, Mr. Darcy.”
Chapter Twenty
This was going to be a night to never forget as Anne got dressed, her mother hummed cheerfully.
“The ball is awaiting our entrance mother, can we go now” said Anne
“In a moment darling, you want them wait a moment for you, do not seem too eager,” said her mother.
As she looked over at her mother, Lady Catherine, stern but with poise, soft skin, and spoke her mind. Anne knew deep down under that tough skin, her mother wanted her to be happy.
The manservant opened the doors, and they both walked to the top of the grand staircase.
“One second, let them get a look at you” said Lady Catherine
“Yes, Mother.”
“I adore you, and you look very elegant tonight” she replied
“Thank you Mother. I believe I do.”
Then, the music ceased, just like that night years ago when Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy had made their first appearance in Meryton. The company had turned and watched as the doors opened to reveal two women entering the room.
The moment she walked into the ball, all eyes were on her and her Mother. She had long curls out lining her small pale face and she had chosen a heavy necklace and matching ear bobs from their family jewels. They were dressed in the latest fashions, Anne's dress in particular being a long and very fine white silk that made her pale complexion seem tinted pink by comparison. The deep red rubies stood out strikingly next to the gown. They walked down the stairs slowly with their heads held high as though they owned the room. Anne de Bourgh’s small frame gracefully flowed across the floor to where friends of her Mother were waiting for them.
With a few more moment's pauses, the musicians started playing again, and Kitty turned to Mr. Covington with a very polite smile. Mr. Covington's gaze was momentarily caught by Lady Catherine and her daughter and heiress Anne. When he looked back at Kitty, he returned the pleasant smile and touched her hand gently.
Against the wall behind the chairs where Mr. Covington and Kitty were momentarily sitting to enjoy the delectable refreshments, a group of suitors were discussing available women. There were various names mentioned. Kitty reveled knowing her name was not mentioned, as she and Mr. Covington were having a wonderful time. When the next gentleman on her dance card approached to claim his dance, Mr. Covington had turned to look at the conversing men, before motioning to one of the other gentlemen, standing up and excusing himself.
Older friends and acquaintances of the de Bourghs gathered around but most of the younger men did not have the courage to ask Miss de Bourgh to dance. Eventually a son of the Earl de Marquis, Mr. Cameron, came over and introduced a man to them. Anne noticed him immediately. Mr. Covington was tall, well over six feet, with his black hair pulled back attractively and a very handsome face. She could tell by his walk that he held his self to a high standard and cared about his image. As the other gentleman engaged her mother in conversation, Mr. Covington came over to stand next to her.
“Miss de Bourgh, may I be so bold to say you look amazing tonight.”
“Why…. thank you,” said Anne, surprised when she felt the warmth on her face as she began to blush under the gaze of his intense brown eyes.
“May I ask you daughter to dance” he said to Lady Catherine
That was a sign of respect and when Lady Catherine raised her brows questioningly and hopefully to her daughter, Anne accepted.
“May I further my boldness as to request the set before we are to dine, that I may escort you into supper? If you are not otherwise engaged, that is,” he asked.
“You may,” she replied.
The two gentlemen excused themselves and bowed to the ladies.
“Well,” Lady Catherine said sipping her wine and looking out into the crowd of men and women dancing. “A set, he must really like you” she said with satisfaction.
Anne smiled triumphantly and agreed.
**************
After her dance Kitty spotted Mr. Covington standing in the group of men listening intently. It was nearly a minute before he looked around. Kitty watched as he gazed at Miss de Bourgh. Even at a distance Kitty could see that Miss de Bourgh was blushing profusely. Mr. Covington continued to scan the crowd before his eyes found Kitty’s. His face positively beamed when he looked at Kitty. His smile could sometimes melt her, and this was such an occasion. Kitty once again felt like there was hope for a marriage.
Throughout the next hour of dances, Mr. Covington and Anne shared various glances, and after a while, Mr. Covington had excused himself. She did not come across him during the next dance, so she knew he was likely getting her refreshments. After the dance he was nowhere to be found and she was obliged to accept the offer of something to drink from her current partner. She began to worry, before spotting him with Anne across the room. He was laughing with Anne and touched her hand, the way he had touched Kitty's.
When the next set of dances started, Kitty was surprised to see Mr. Covington lead Miss de Bourgh to the floor. He danced the next two sets with her. Kitty had two gentlemen down on her dance card for the two sets, so she would not have been able to dance with the man of her choice, even if he had been free. However, a gentleman must be introduced to a lady to request a dance. When had Mr. Covington had such an opportunity this evening? Also, the dance must be put on the dance card in advance if he were likely to secure one at a Ball of this magnitude and with as prominent a figure as Miss de Bourgh. When had he secured the dances, Kitty wondered? It must have been when he had left her earlier. To dance one set was quite good manners but to secure two sets in a row, would lead others to suspect a very real interest on the part of the gentleman. Is that why Anne had blushed so when Mr. Covington had looked at her earlier in the evening? He had only danced once with Kitty. Kitty’s happiness left her, and she found herself only going through the motions with her partner, waiting to cross paths in the dance formation with Mr. Covington. But when they did come together, he politely met her eyes or returned her smile with a brief one of his own, without speaking a word of explanation to her. All the joy she had felt earlier in the evening was gone.
The Darcy’s were also aware of what was transpiring. They noticed Mr. Covington escorting Anne when they sat down to supper. Lady Catherine had occupied the head of the long main table directly across from Mr. Darcy, with Covington to her right and Anne next to him.
After supper was finished and the guest returned to the ballroom, Jane quickly went to Lizzy. “Lizzy, does Mr. Covington know the de Bourghs?”
“I do not know. It has surprised us all to see him so attentive to Miss de Bourgh. I hardly know what to make of it. Perhaps he does have a connection to the family which we are unaware of and will return to Kitty soon.”
They frequently glanced over to see if the gentleman had returned to their sister, but he had not. There must be some mistake, thought Kitty. Kitty waited for Mr. Covington to return, but as the evening continued, she continued to watch him either in conversation with the de Bourghs or just the mother if he was waiting for Miss de Bourgh to return from a dance with another partner. He always had a cup of liquid awaiting her. Having danced two dances with Miss de Bourgh already, he could not ask for another.
Mrs. Bennet had observed enough to be worried and was becoming very distressed though she tried to appear jovial. She walked up to Kitty and pretended to absentmindedly look at Kitty’s dance card. She smiled cheerfully and patted Kitty on the back before going in search of her married daughters. She informed them that things would soon be set right.
Kitty looked at her
dance card, though she already knew what she would find there. In the hour following supper, Mr. Covington’s name was down to dance a waltz with her. Kitty was anxious to have a chance to speak with him. Perhaps, unknown to herself, Mr. Covington was an old family friend of the de Bourghs. Yes, that would explain everything! Her worries dissipated as she danced the next two dances and found herself enjoying herself once again. When the time arrived for the waltz, she scanned the crowd around her, sure that Mr. Covington would be nearby. She felt a tap on her shoulder and swung around with a happy smile for her beau.
“Miss Catherine, Mr. Covington sends his regrets. He will not be able to have the pleasure of the next dance. Will you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you onto the floor?” said a young man Kitty had briefly been introduced to hours before. Kitty recognized Mr. Cameron as the gentleman Mr. Covington had walked out with earlier in the evening. She smiled a faint smile and allowed her new partner to lead her in the waltz.
Mrs. Bennet was watching this unfold before her eyes. When she realized that Kitty’s partner was not Mr. Covington, but another, she instantly looked to where Lady Catherine and her daughter were sitting and there was Mr. Covington, conversing with Anne instead of dancing with Kitty. Her alarm rose within her at the meaning of this. All Kitty’s hopes were being dashed to pieces at this very moment. She must think of something to get the gentleman back for Kitty. She felt Lady Catherine’s glare and the two mother’s eyes met. Lady Catherine gave a slight but definite smile to Mrs. Bennet before looking away. Mrs. Bennet had never felt as powerless as she did in that moment. There was no scheme or trick that might help her daughter against such a potent rival.
Mrs. Bennet returned to Jane and Lizzy with a worried and defeated look on her face. Elizabeth looked for Mr. Darcy and quickly found him with Colonel Fitzwilliam. She had a mock smile on her face as she quietly told him that Mr. Covington had foregone his dance with her sister.
Love is in the Air Page 11
