Pride Prejudice and Perplexity

Georgiana's Ball

Chapter Six – Georgiana's Ball

When they arrived in town, Jane spent the first few days at Fairfield Gardens acquainting herself with the establishment, which was now hers to preside over. Jane and Bingley had decided to give up Netherfield Park after they were married, for it was at far too convenient a distance from Longbourn to be agreeable, even for Bingley's good temper; and Jane considered that she might like to preside over her own establishment, in accordance with her own preferences, which would hardly be possible if her mother were able to visit as often as may be, and set her right about the proper way of doing everything. Bingley's agent had found a suitable tenant to take over the lease, and Jane and Bingley were resolved to begin searching for an estate where they might settle after the wedding tour.

Upon learning of her brother's intention, Caroline Bingley, who, along with her sister Louisa, entertained hopes of long and frequent visits to his country estate, discovered an even greater affection for her new sister than heretofore. Though she preferred to stay with the Hursts – so long as Elizabeth Bennet resided at Fairfield Gardens – she endeavoured to make herself agreeable to Jane by passing on such useful information as might benefit her in the management of her new establishment – over which she, herself, had previously presided on her brother's behalf.

For the first few weeks, Jane was obliged to remain at home, to receive visitors wishing to pay their respects to the new bride. Apart from Bingley's sisters and cousin, Captain Radford, she and Elizabeth received calls from his many acquaintances, including Mr Darcy; and from their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, also.

When the sisters were able to go out more, their days were filled with shopping, and fittings for gowns, for Jane was eager to purchase her wedding clothes, which she had postponed until she would be in town. Bingley had been happy to handsomely augment the sum that her father had been able to provide for the purpose, and Elizabeth had the money she had received from her father to dispose of. Although they enjoyed visiting all the fashionable parts of town, their visits to far less fashionable Cheapside, where lived their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, and darling young cousins, was a yet greater pleasure.

They were invited to dine with the Hursts and other of Bingley's friends; but not yet by Mr Darcy, who wished to wait until his sister would be at Grosvenor Square. As soon as Georgiana arrived in town, Elizabeth received a note, expressing her desire to call upon them the following day. She came alone, for her brother had business to attend to. Elizabeth was delighted to renew their acquaintance and to introduce her to Jane – with whom Georgiana, who was by nature shy, felt very soon at her ease.

“I am so very nervous,” confided Georgiana, “at the prospect of a ball given in my honour; but my brother tells me that it is necessary if I am to appear in society – although I am not at all certain that I even wish to do so. I had much rather remain quietly at Pemberley over the winter.”

“I am certain it will not be half so bad as you imagine, my dear,” said Elizabeth. “Though everyone may look at you when you stand at the top of the first set, and lead off the dancing, they will very soon afterwards pay you little more attention than any other lady present.”

“That is exactly right,” agreed Jane, comfortingly, “and though you may not be eager for balls and the like, once you are out, you may go to the theatre, operas, musical performances, and all manner of delightful entertainments.”

“It all seems so silly,” reflected Georgiana, “that until I am out, I may not be seen in society – it is almost as if I do not exist.”

“You may at least walk in St James Park,” said Elizabeth. “It is a lovely, sunny day, let us finish our tea; and take some air.”

~~~~~

Georgiana found it most pleasant walking between Elizabeth and Jane, for it seemed almost like having sisters. “My aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, is to preside over my ball. I have met her but a few times, and always find her so very severe and frightening; I am never able to feel at ease in her presence.”

“I am somewhat acquainted with your aunt,” said Elizabeth, “and I perfectly understand your unease. I imagine she will prefer to seat herself regally in some prominent place, from where she may scrutinise all that is going forward, rather than stroll about amongst the guests.”

Georgiana smiled, “Yes, that is exactly how it will be – you are evidently well-acquainted with my aunt's disposition, Miss Bennet.”

“You will have not the least difficulty avoiding the austere lady; all you need do is stay well away from where she chooses to seat herself – you may be certain that I shall do the same. And since we are now friends, you must call me Elizabeth.”

“And you must call me Jane; and we shall call you Georgiana.”

“Look,” exclaimed Elizabeth, indicating a gentleman and lady walking towards them. It was Captain Radford, in the company of a very beautiful, and finely dressed young lady.

“Mrs Bingley, Miss Bennet, how lovely to see you both. Please allow me to introduce Miss Victoria Barclay.”

“You must be the wife of the Captain's recently discovered cousin,” said Miss Barclay, smiling at Jane with delight; and then turning her gaze with interest upon Elizabeth, she said, “and you are the sister in whose company, the Captain tells me, he found such great pleasure, during his recent stay in Hertfordshire.”

Elizabeth smiled at the compliment. She guessed that Miss Barclay must be around her own age. She was exceedingly handsome. “It is a great pleasure to meet you, Miss Barclay, and one that I have eagerly awaited; for your present companion was most energetic and generous in his praise when he was amongst us. Please allow me to introduce Miss Georgiana Darcy.”

“Oh!” exclaimed Miss Barclay. “You are the sister of Mr Darcy of Pemberley; it is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance, at last; for I have heard your brother speak of your great accomplishment at the pianoforte. I, too, play that instrument, and am a great lover of music.”

“And a great proficient, also,” added Captain Radford.

“But I am not,” said Georgiana shyly. “My brother is too generous in his praise, and is inclined to grossly exaggerate my talents, I fear.”

“I am certain that cannot be, Miss Darcy,” said Elizabeth. “For although I was disappointed not to have had the pleasure of hearing you play when we waited upon you at Pemberley, I can recall more than one person, amongst my aunt's acquaintance in Lambton, praising your musical talents.”

Captain Radford and Miss Barclay now turned to walk in the same direction as the three ladies. Elizabeth was eager to become better acquainted with Miss Barclay, about whom she had heard so much. She found her manners delightful, and her character open and engaging. If she was a rival for Mr Darcy's heart, she would be a formidable one, indeed; yet rival or not, Elizabeth found herself liking the other lady very much. She wished to introduce the subject of Mr Darcy, in order to observe how she would react; and while she was searching for an opening, Miss Barclay saved her the trouble by introducing the subject herself.

“You must be well acquainted with Mr Darcy, if you have visited Pemberley,” she said, looking at Elizabeth quizzically. Georgiana, also, looked in her direction, eager to observe how she would reply.

“My acquaintance with Mr Darcy is on account of his friendship with my sister's husband, Mr Bingley, whose guest he has been on several occasions at Netherfield Park, which is in the neighbourhood of my father's estate.”

“You are speaking, I think, of Hertfordshire, Miss Bennet; whereas Pemberley, where you mentioned having waited upon Miss Darcy, is, I understand, in Derbyshire,” replied Miss Barclay, with a questioning smile, which revealed a curiosity as to why Elizabeth should choose not to provide a direct answer to her question.

Elizabeth blushed at having been caught out. “I had the good fortune, in the summer, to make a tour with my aunt and uncle, which took us to Derbyshire; for my aunt grew up there, in the village of Lambton, where we stayed several days. It is quite close to Pemberley, where my aunt and I had the great pleasure of waiting upon Miss Darcy.”

“Oh,” said Miss Barclay, with an accent that clearly hinted at her suspicions that Mr Darcy was a subject of some considerable interest to Elizabeth; who reflected, that though the other lady had succeeded, admirably, in ascertaining her own interest in the gentleman, she had thus far made not the least headway in learning what was Miss Barclay's interest in him.

All possibility of doing so was lost, for they found themselves approached by Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst, who, in their excitement at recognising Miss Darcy, who was walking in front, beside Elizabeth and Miss Barclay, noticed too late to change course, their detested cousin following behind with Jane.

“Georgiana, how utterly delightful to see you,” gushed Caroline Bingley. “We did not know that you were in town,” she exclaimed, admonishing the younger lady playfully; although her false smile revealed that she was most put out.

“Please excuse me,” begged Georgiana, in obvious embarrassment, “I am only just arrived in town, and was intending to send you a note.”

Miss Bingley looked at Miss Bennet appraisingly; suspecting that she and her sister, at least, must have known of Miss Darcy's arrival. She was almost certain that Georgiana had not previously been acquainted with either their lowly cousin, or Miss Barclay; so it could not have been they, with whom she set out to walk; and unless it had been with some other person from whom she had become detached, it must necessarily have been with Miss Bennet and her sister.

Nevertheless, Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst greeted them all with effusive false joy. They even acknowledged their cousin – albeit coolly – as good manners demanded, in so public a place. Miss Barclay returned their greeting in a manner that indicated a prior acquaintance.

Taking Georgiana by the arm, Miss Bingley detached her from Elizabeth, allowing Mrs Hurst to take Georgiana's other arm. Then, without even consulting the young lady, Miss Bingley said, “We shall be happy to convey Miss Darcy back to Grosvenor Square.” Although she did not seem at all happy with the arrangement, Georgiana acquiesced with good grace, and was soon led off in another direction, by the two determined sisters.

Miss Barclay was evidently amused and conscious of the undercurrents at play. “Miss Bingley seems eager to avail herself of the opportunity of returning Miss Darcy to her brother's house,” she said with a smile.

“Yes, it shows a laudable concern for her interests,” replied Elizabeth cryptically, leaving her listener to decide which of the two ladies she referred to.

“She is a lovely young lady – it is Miss Darcy, I now speak of,” said Miss Barclay, with a sly smile. “I am greatly looking forward to her ball next week, and have hopes of hearing her perform at the pianoforte during the supper.”

~~~~~

The day of Georgiana's ball arrived; and upon entering the large ballroom, Elizabeth found herself obliged, along with all the other guests, to file past Lady Catherine de Bourgh, to pay her respects; for she had enthroned herself beside the doorway, where she could not be avoided. As Elizabeth, in the company of her sister and Bingley, curtsied, Lady Catherine condescended to recognise her, saying, “You are very brave, Miss Bennet, to show your face so publicly after the disgrace of your youngest sister. You are fortunate, perhaps, that the scandal is not so very well known in town. Thanks to my rector, Collins, I am no stranger to all the shameful details – and he assures me, that with the passage of time, the reports must inevitably grow increasingly reprehensible. I was therefore greatly surprised that my nephew should have requested that you receive an invitation; but I suppose it is on account of your sister being the wife of his friend, Mr Bingley,” she said, casting a critical eye over Jane and her husband. Then, dismissing her with an arrogant glance she added, “I shall have to speak with my nephew, and advise him to take greater care of the company he allows his sister.”

Despite Lady Catherine's censure, Elizabeth was able to count herself well-satisfied with the ball. Georgiana, of course, stood at the top of the first set. She was accompanied by her cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, followed by Elizabeth and Mr Darcy. Jane and Bingley stood further down the set, beside Captain Radford, who stood up with Victoria Barclay. Lady Catherine de Bourgh sat regally upon her chair – which had been repositioned to allow her to survey the dancing. As she inspected the lines of couples waiting for the dance to begin, she was aghast to observe with whom her nephew, Mr Darcy, stood up; and glared with undisguised disapprobation at Elizabeth; who, to the displeasure of her ladyship, refused to look in her direction.

As the first dance got under way, the eyes of most of the company were upon Miss Darcy, who looked most elegant, indeed. Although Elizabeth attempted to avoid Lady Catherine's eye as much as possible, when she did happen to glance in her direction, it seemed inevitably to be resting upon herself, rather than Georgiana – and in no favourable manner.

“Your aunt appears somewhat unhappy at your choice of partner,” observed Elizabeth, with a coy smile.

“I choose to please myself – not my aunt,” replied Mr Darcy.

“She condescended to advise me that she considers neither myself, nor my sister, Jane, suitable companions for Miss Darcy, on account of our youngest sister's disgrace; which she has every expectation shall increase. I believe she intends to warn you of what a dangerous creature I am,” said Elizabeth wryly.

“The warning has already been issued; for my aunt was most eager to furnish me with her good advice regarding my sister at the very earliest opportunity. Unfortunately, I was unable to hear it all, as I was obliged to excuse myself, in order, I explained, to find my partner for the first set,” he said with a smile. “But I have every hope that when the news eventually reaches her, by way of her devoted rector, that there is no longer reason to fear any further bad reports, that she may cease to concern herself regarding my sister; who, I must tell you, was very much pleased at renewing her acquaintance with yourself, and making that of your sister. She told me that you were both of material assistance in helping her find the courage to face her ordeal this evening. I am most grateful.”

Elizabeth danced the second set with Captain Radford. He had requested the honour of those two dances on the day they had met in St James Park, having recalled that Mr Darcy had already reserved her for the first two, at the wedding ball at Netherfield. Elizabeth commented on the beauty of his first partner, Miss Barclay.

“Yes, she is the most beautiful creature. But I find I am surrounded by beauty tonight,” he said, bowing his head towards her. “And I might add, that the young lady in whose honour this ball is given is looking very lovely, also,” he said, looking towards Georgiana, who was dancing with her brother.

Colonel Fitzwilliam engaged Elizabeth for the third, and she was very happy to renew her acquaintance with him, for it was above nine months, when she had visited Charlotte at Hunsford, that she had last enjoyed his society. “Are you up for the season, sir?” she asked.

“Indeed I am,” he replied. “My dear aunt is kind enough to remind me that I am not getting any younger; and am in need of finding myself a wife.”

“If that is a proposal, sir, it is the most off-handed one I have yet received.”

The Colonel laughed. “I am quite certain that a lady as beautiful and charming as yourself, must receive a great many offers; but I regret to say, that this was not one. My aunt tells me that I must find a lady of good fortune; and, most regrettably, I fear that you will not do.”

Elizabeth looked around the ballroom, and then said mischievously, “I have just the lady for you. Are you acquainted at all with Miss Victoria Barclay? She is both beautiful and wealthy – although you may find yourself in competition with her present partner – your cousin, Mr Darcy.”

“I have not yet had the pleasure of being introduced to the young lady; I do, however, recall my cousin making mention of her – although it was with regard to music, rather than matrimony. She is a very fine performer at the pianoforte, he informs me, and he has hopes that she and his sister, Georgiana, who is also a lover of music, might find pleasure in each other's company.”

Elizabeth was most happy to hear the Colonel's opinion, and hopeful that he was correct. “I should be very happy to make the introduction, sir, if you do not believe that your aunt will consider than I am usurping her prerogative.”

“I would be most happy to be introduced; and please do not concern yourself on behalf of my aunt's sensibilities. Though she doubtless has a list of suitable young ladies prepared for the purpose, it has been my experience that my opinion of suitability does not always concur with that of my esteemed relative.”

When the set was over, Elizabeth and her partner approached Mr Darcy and Miss Barclay, and the introduction was made. Although the lady had a partner for the next set, she was pleased to be engaged to Colonel Fitzwilliam for a later one. Mr Darcy was eager to engage Elizabeth for a further set, but was obliged to wait until after the supper, for her card was full until then.

~~~~~

Mr Darcy invited Elizabeth to sit beside him at the supper; however, she gracefully declined, for he and Miss Darcy were obliged to sit with their aunt. “I believe my appetite will be healthier if I sit elsewhere,” she said; and was happy to sit with Jane and Bingley, and Captain Radford and Miss Barclay. Elizabeth noticed that Caroline Bingley had seated herself beside Mr Darcy, and was eagerly availing herself of the opportunity of making herself agreeable to his aunt. If they happened to converse on the subject of herself, reflected Elizabeth, they would discover a true likeness of mind.

When it came time for music, Lady Catherine requested her niece to open the instrument. It was the moment that Georgiana had been dreading, and she begged to be spared the ordeal; but her aunt insisted that she must, and that it was her duty. She ordered Colonel Fitzwilliam to lead his young cousin to the pianoforte, where she sat herself down and seemed to fumble through the sheets of music, not knowing what she was about. Elizabeth, seeing how nervous and frightened she was, immediately rose and went to her.

Looking through the music, Elizabeth found a song she knew, and asked Georgiana if she could play it. But Elizabeth felt shy, herself, to sing alone before so large an assembly, and looked entreatingly towards Captain Radford; who, immediately comprehending her intent, joined the ladies. Together they sang a couple of duets, accompanied by Georgiana on the pianoforte. The applause was warm, and Elizabeth attributed their success to the Captain, whose voice was quite exceptional. Having gained in confidence, Georgiana agreed to play a Mozart sonata, while Elizabeth remained beside her to turn the pages, and give her strength. Her performance was excellent, and the company were loud in their praise.

When she returned to her table, Elizabeth observed Colonel Fitzwilliam begging Miss Barclay to play next. She politely, but firmly declined; and another young lady, unknown to Elizabeth, exhibited next; and although she played well, she was unable to match the virtuosity of the previous performer.

“I am disappointed that you do not wish to play, Miss Barclay, for I have heard such glowing reports of your talent. I was greatly looking forward to it,” said Elizabeth.

“You shall hear me on another occasion, I promise,” she said.

“The reason she refuses to play,” explained Captain Radford softly, “is that she fears her own performance might exceed the excellence of Miss Darcy's, and she is too considerate.”

Miss Barclay smiled, “I am older than Miss Darcy, and have had the advantage of several years more study and practice than she. I am not at all convinced that my performance, at her age, was as exquisite as that which we just heard from her.”

When the supper was over, Mr Darcy, to the consternation of his aunt, led Elizabeth to dance a second set with him. “Miss Bennet, there are no words that can adequately convey the depth of my gratitude to you, for having saved my sister from what might have been a most terrible embarrassment. I cannot bear to contemplate how deeply she might have been affected, had you not averted it, by coming to her aid and lending her your kind support.”

“It was my pleasure; she was only wanting a little encouragement, and I was glad to provide it – but you must also thank Captain Radford, I believe, for he, too, assisted, and in turn supported me – for I should never have considered my voice good enough to sing alone in front of so large and fine a company as this.”

“You are too modest. I have rarely heard a voice that gave me as much pleasure as yours. But you are correct, I do, indeed, owe Captain Radford my thanks, and he shall receive them.”

“It would seem that he is presently receiving your sister's thanks,” said Elizabeth, glancing in the direction of the Captain and Georgiana, who were dancing together. “And are you able to give me any news yet, of the investigation that you commissioned, regarding that gentleman?”

Mr Darcy did not reply immediately, but looked thoughtfully towards his sister and Captain Radford. When he spoke, Elizabeth detected some awkwardness in his manner, and he appeared to choose his words carefully. “I am, Miss Bennet. He is indeed the son of Bingley's aunt; exactly as he claims.”

The remainder of the ball passed in a whirl of dancing, and Elizabeth noted with pleasure that she had been engaged for every dance – a far more satisfactory result than a certain ball of her recollection, at the Meryton assembly, when she had first made Mr Darcy's acquaintance, and where he had refused to stand up with her. It amused her to think how vastly different were their opinions of each other now, and to wonder at how she had so badly mistaken his character at that time. And though the mystery of his part in Lydia's affairs continued to trouble her, she was now so disposed to think well of him, that it pleased her to believe that it was only a matter of time before he cleared himself of all suspicion in the matter.