Revelations

by Kirsten Bij't Vuur

  Simon certainly felt her friendliness, and he replied softly, 'Thank you, ma'am. I've practised for years on the master, he was always very patient to let me try out a new style.'

  'I'm impressed. You look very fine yourself, that livery looks as if it was designed for you.'

  A knowing look from Simon.

  'Don't tell me you designed it.'

  A bow from Simon, and Elizabeth laughed.

  'I might have known. The maids will undoubtedly love it. Well, we're off

  downstairs, do take some rest, Fanny, for I suppose you attended to Miss Darcy before you saw to me. Thank you for your help.'

  Chapter 37

  Georgiana and Kitty were already waiting for them and Elizabeth hugged her younger sister before they went downstairs.

  'You look lovely, Lizzy! I wish I could buy my dresses in town. I told Georgiana all about Mr Manners, he's Mr Bingley's friend and very good-looking and rich. He has an estate of his own. Mr Manners says they met in college and lost contact until they ran into each other in London a few weeks ago and Mr Bingley invited him to the wedding. It'll be such fun to have another gentleman to dance with at the wedding, won't it, Georgiana?

  He told us, Maria Lucas and me, you'll love Maria, Georgiana, Mr Manners told us he likes to dance very much. And you'll play for us, Lizzy, won't you? Mary never plays dances like you do, though Mr Bingley says he has hired musicians for the wedding, but I thought, if Lizzy gets here maybe we can dance in the evening, you know, to practise.'

  Georgiana was smiling at Kitty's ranting, Elizabeth could only hope she would be able to bear with the constant chattering. And if not, that she'd use her piano studies as an excuse to have some peace and quiet.

  'I have a few dances I need to practise for my piano lessons, Kitty,'

  Georgiana offered. 'And my teacher asked Elizabeth to practise them, too, so there will plenty of opportunity to dance. If you have enough gentlemen, for Mr Manners is only one partner, wouldn't you need at least three?'

  'I remember now, Georgiana, you play so beautifully, and you did play some dances for us in London. But you're right about the gentlemen, how will we find enough men to dance with?'

  'I'm sure I can oblige you, Miss Catherine, if your sister is treating us to a dance with my sister.'

  Kitty was almost in shock to hear Fitzwilliam offer to dance with her, but she had enough confidence to accept his kindness.

  'Thank you very much, Mr Darcy, if Mr Bingley joins in too, we'll have enough gentlemen. Come, let's meet Mr Manners!'

  Of course Darcy was familiar with most of the rooms at Netherfield, and Kitty certainly wasn't enough company to make him shy or reticent, but somehow he felt more a visitor here than he ever had before. Maybe it was because Kitty almost seemed to live here, or maybe being with Georgie and Elizabeth instead of with Bingley made the difference.

  Seeing this place again did remind him of the last time he had been at Netherfield, determined to know what Miss Elizabeth thought of him, encouraged by his aunt's visit but still so very afraid to find rejection instead of love. And that time when Elizabeth had cared for Jane when she was ill, when a thin inclination, as Elizabeth had then called a feeling that perfectly described his budding preference for her, had flared up to a full-blown attachment under her delightful conversation. How afraid he had been that she would claim any sign of admiration in him as proof of her having power over him, his previous experiences with ladies causing him to keep his distance and behave disdainfully towards her. And all this time she actually disliked him, his behaviour building on her dislike until she was eager to believe every lie Wickham told her about him.

  Before he could fret himself into melancholy over the past he could feel Elizabeth's hand giving him a little squeeze, and when he looked at her she smiled at him.

  'Last time I walked here I felt like an unwanted intruder, Bingley was the only person who treated me with any kindness. It's very weird to think of how I saw you at that time, then look at you walking beside me, holding my hand, the love of my life.'

  That was just too much for him, Kitty and Georgie would have to wait, Elizabeth needed an embrace, and frankly, he might need it even more himself. Wrapped in his arms, her face on his chest, he kissed her behind her ear and whispered, 'I was having similar thoughts, my love. How I learned to love you during your stay here, but treated you with the barest civility.'

  He couldn't speak for a moment but he didn't need to, Elizabeth looked up at him with love in her eyes, and ruffled his hair.

  'Never mind the past, Fitzwilliam,' she said, just as softly. 'I suppose we'll make ourselves some nice new memories the coming week, my love.'

  And she was right.

  'Better be prepared, Elizabeth,' he replied, 'if Caroline Bingley slights you or says anything less than polite to or about you, I'll make it up to you there

  and then by kissing you, or holding you. I am determined that you will feel loved in this house.'

  They could not keep Georgie and Kitty waiting any longer and followed Kitty to the drawing-room where they were received warmly by Bingley.

  'You must be very hungry, I have had some tea prepared to tide you over until dinner, but first let me introduce you to my old friend Mr Manners. He has been staying with us for some time now, and he will celebrate our wedding with all of us. Since he has kept in contact with our other mates from college we'll have a merry party, they'll arrive tomorrow. The Hertfordshire ladies will be thrilled to have so much choice of men to dance with.'

  The only person in the room that Darcy didn't know now came towards them to be introduced, and after Kitty's raving report on Mr Manners that gentleman was a bit of a disappointment. He was at least thirty, rather average in height, of a burly rather than an athletic build and actually rather plain, though he seemed good-humoured enough. His style of dressing was unobtrusive, in muted colours and a conservative style, as if he preferred not to be noticed. He was perfectly polite, though, and appeared very kind and outgoing. They exchanged the usual civilities while being introduced by Bingley, and as Mr Manners proved himself a true gentleman by his conversation, Darcy took a closer look at his new acquaintance's clothes, finding what seemed to be inconspicuous actually made of very fine quality cloth, and very expertly cut and put together. There was more to the man than he initially thought.

  As Mr Manners talked a little more with Elizabeth, Darcy looked about the room to see Hurst lying on a sofa, as usual, and Jane and both Bingley's sisters sitting together, chatting, Jane busy with some needlework, Mrs Hurst playing with her bracelets as she usually did, and Miss Bingley studiously avoiding meeting his eye. Well, that was no hardship to Darcy.

  Bingley now triumphantly proceeded.

  'And Manners, now you can tell me whether I have said too much in praise of Miss Darcy. I may have praised her too little, for in fact she has grown even more beautiful in our months of separation. Miss Darcy, Mr Manners has been dying to meet you, and when he heard you were expected today he begged me to introduce him as an avid reader and a great admirer of the music of the classical composers. When I told him you were the best pianist I ever had the pleasure to listen to he just couldn't believe it of a sixteen-

  year-old lady, and he cannot wait to hear you prove it to him.'

  Bingley's friend had the grace to look a little embarrassed at Bingley's exorbitant introduction and he received Georgie handsomely, kissing her hand instead of shaking it. Georgie seemed pleased, and less shy than she would usually have been, she had changed indeed if she could handle such outrageous flattery.

  'I thank you for your compliments, Mr Bingley. Pleased to meet you, Mr Manners, and I'm very certain you will have ample opportunity of hearing me play the coming week. I have to practise very regularly, the price of excellence.'

  Darcy was glad the introductions were over, he was very hungry and the servant was already making up a few beautiful plates of delicious-looking pies and cold meats. But first, Darcy was going to gr
eet everyone in the room and make sure they acknowledged Elizabeth with more than a nod or a curtsey. Well, except Hurst, he was fast asleep and of no interest to Elizabeth.

  As Mr Manners led Georgie to a seat and offered to bring her tea and a few dainties, Kitty tagging along, Darcy approached Miss Bingley and her sister to shake hands. Jane looked at Elizabeth in anticipation of the coming days, in which they would be able to catch up and renew their intimacy, and of course Elizabeth was feeling much the same, her face soft and open.

  Miss Bingley could now ignore the newcomers no longer and she shook hands with Darcy with a forced look of happiness. It is obvious she was in mental agony seeing the man she had persisted in trying to win against all odds and signals. Suddenly, despite never having encouraged her, Darcy felt sorry for his friend's sister, and he addressed her in a much friendlier manner than he had intended.

  'Miss Bingley, it has been awhile since we last met in London. Have you been well?'

  Of course he could see she hadn't, but he could not help custom demanding him to inquire after her health and happiness. To his surprise and shock she replied quite frankly.

  'As well as can be expected, Mr Darcy, thank you for asking. I need not ask how you are doing, for I saw you race down yonder slope with your lady wife, such a magnificent sight, the fading light illuminating the two horses via the unblemished snow underneath their hooves. Mrs Darcy's horse

  seemed to glow in the setting sun, and you both sat your horses so proud and unafraid despite the snow and the flying speed. You've truly found your match, Mr Darcy, I know how much you love riding.'

  Did he really hear that?

  'Mrs Darcy, I cannot believe you rode all the way from London today. Why, that must be four hours at the very least, but you might as well have just returned from an hour's ride, you look ravishing, and not just because you are wearing a stunning dress. Married life agrees with you, am I right?'

  Elizabeth had to be stunned inside to be noticed and complimented by Miss Bingley, but her outside was very dignified and calm.

  'Thank you, Miss Bingley, you are indeed right, Mr Darcy and I have found our union very rewarding. I'm glad you cannot read the length of our journey from my posture, for I assure you, every single muscle I have is telling me it was a foolish thing to do, ride all the way from London.

  Though it was beautiful, too. I'm sorry to hear you have not been perfectly well, I hope your situation will improve soon.'

  Something profound seemed to be going on between the two ladies.

  'I'm sure it will, Mrs Darcy. I've seen what I needed to see, and now I am looking forward to my brother and your sister's wedding very much. I've never met my brother's college friends, but if they are all like Mr Manners I will be very pleased to make new acquaintances.'

  Well, Elizabeth seemed to understand, she'd explain no doubt. Better shake hands with Mrs Hurst quickly, then finally get some food. Georgiana seemed quite comfortable with Kitty and Mr Manners, eating elegantly and listening to Mr Manners' lively conversation. A look at Elizabeth convinced him she wanted to sit with her eldest sister, even if that meant sitting with Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst as well.

  As soon as they sat down, the servant handed each of them a plate with a choice of the food and without further ado, Darcy started digging in.

  Elizabeth didn't hesitate to eat well, either, she had to be hungry having ridden so far on just a lunch. Before long they had finished their portion, and Darcy signalled the servant for seconds. Elizabeth had eaten enough, of course she was much smaller, she usually ate less. The servant took her plate, and Elizabeth was ready for a nice, though not very intimate, chat with a sister she had missed not nearly enough the last two months.

  'My dearest Lizzy, it makes me so incredibly glad to see you obviously

  thriving,' Jane said in an outburst of feeling that was very rare for her.

  Elizabeth felt a bit guilty for having been so absorbed in her new life as to almost forget about her sister at home. They had written, of course, but they used to talk intimately for hours, and that closeness seemed lost now. That had to be the only disadvantage of both marrying a man of fortune, seeing Miss Bingley and her sister comfortably living together.

  'To see you arrive on horseback, dressed in the height of fashion, and this beautiful dress, too. I'm glad you haven't put on London airs, though.'

  Touched by Jane's kindness and compliments, Elizabeth nonetheless replied in the expected manner.

  'I'm saving those for the wedding, my dear Jane. They're too good to waste on a simple evening in the company of friends and family.'

  'Oh, Lizzy, how I've missed you! And papa, too, he's been almost downhearted. How have you been, how is life as a married woman?'

  'Strangely enough, rather busy. Getting to know each other, getting to know the house, the staff and the grounds, and then another house, different staff.

  But we haven't quarrelled yet, have we, Mr Darcy?'

  Either the very idea of quarrelling, or Elizabeth's nonchalant use of his last name caused Fitzwilliam to stop devouring everything on his plate, he must have been really hungry, and look at her in true shock.

  'Quarrelling with you, my love? Whatever would I want to do that for?

  There are so many much more pleasant things we can do together. Besides, I'd lose anyway, you're too smart for me.'

  He looked positively smitten, so endearing, until his face turned sly and he remarked slowly and with great emphasis, 'But wait, I forgot. If we quarrel we have to make up afterwards, and that would be mighty interesting.

  Maybe we should have a fight, Elizabeth, I'm sure the reconciliation would be worth the trouble.'

  Jane looked as if she was going to melt on the spot, hearing the silent, reticent man whom her sister had married about two months ago giving as good as he got, bantering with relish, calling his wife by her first name in public. The difference was remarkable even to Elizabeth, for this was the very drawing-room where she had wondered why he looked at her so often when he clearly didn't care for her company. And now he was showing his feelings openly and obviously enjoying himself. Knowing herself to be the main cause of this change for the better, Elizabeth could not help but feel for Miss Bingley, to have to witness the man she had desired happy with

  another, and that other someone she had hated from the first, that was kind of brutal. She had not fled the room, yet, but she was showing her pain a little, and Elizabeth had to rationally decide not to feel bad for her. Had their situations been reversed, Miss Bingley would undoubtedly have rubbed in her victory mercilessly.

  'May I steal Lizzy from you for a few hours the coming weeks, Mr Darcy?

  We have so much to catch up on.'

  'Of course you may, Miss Bennet, I'm sure you are both aching to open your hearts to one another, I just entreat both of you to be kind when you are discussing me.'

  That was Fitzwilliam, he was not going to be familiar with Jane if she didn't start. Or maybe they were both more formal because they were in company.

  Meanwhile, Georgiana couldn't wait to get her hands on the piano, but she had no clue when it would be appropriate to start tuning. She'd probably need an hour or so, and she really wanted Elizabeth involved, but this room would be in near constant use. And when it was not in use, Georgiana herself was supposed to be wherever the party was at that moment. Mr Manners could see she was distracted, he was a very nice man, polite, truly interested in Georgiana, but he was not as handsome as Kitty had presented him, not nearly as handsome as Fitzwilliam or Eric, or Simon for that matter, maybe Georgiana just had too many handsome men in her direct circle.

  Still, Mr Manners was a true gentleman, with a nice estate somewhere between London and Derbyshire and obviously intelligent and feeling. He seemed very well-read, but not judgemental to find Georgiana more interested in music than in books, and he was rather knowledgeable on the subject of music himself. His clothing was very well-made, of expensive material, but in muted colours, not
as charming as Eric's, but of course Eric was a performer, he needed to dress really well.

  'Will you play for us, Miss Darcy?' Mr Manners asked, always a good way to score with Georgiana.

  'I suppose I need to, I haven't practised yet. But the piano here is always slightly out of tune, and I was hoping to get a chance to tune it before I use it.'

  'You can tune your own instrument? That is a very rare and useful skill, Miss Darcy.'

  'Most people wouldn't hear the problem, Mr Manners, I'm a bit over-sensitive in matters of the ear, but Mrs Darcy and I have recently learned to tune, so if we can find an hour to be alone with the piano we'll fix it. And then I'll play it.'

  'Mrs Darcy, too? She is a remarkable lady indeed. I can challenge the men to a game of billiards, I suppose it won't be so bad if the ladies can see you at work?'

  'Would you do that for me, Mr Manners? That is extraordinarily kind of you! But I'm afraid Mrs Darcy will mind Miss Bingley's and Mrs Hurst's presence, we'll be bending over the instrument, you see, it's not a very appropriate occupation to witness.'

  Without showing any improper reaction to her admission, Mr Manners smiled in a very friendly way and offered, 'I suppose if I personally invite the ladies to watch they'll come with us. And Mr Hurst, though I have observed he is not fond of physical activities in general. Do you want me to suggest it now?'

  'Maybe wait until my brother has finished his tea, he loves billiards against an unknown opponent, though he has been on a horse all day. I'll fetch my gear, I cannot wait to get to work. Thank you so much for your kind offer, Mr Manners.'

  'My pleasure, Miss Darcy, I very much wish to hear you play. But you have been travelling all day yourself, aren't you tired?'

  'I should be, but when it comes to music I'm instantly awake. You may very well hear me play this very evening.'

  When Darcy had finished his second helping he felt much better, he'd survive until dinner easily. Miss Bingley's attitude was very surprising, he could not help wondering whether she had really given up on being mean to Elizabeth. Of course, if she wanted to visit at Pemberley she would have to be nice to its mistress, if only to her face. Mr Manners was certainly an addition to their party, for as soon as Darcy had returned his plate to an attentive servant, Bingley's friend proposed some entertainment.