Page 34 of A Maid of No Consequence (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
TO PLAY THE PIANOFORTE
E lizabeth donned one of the gowns made lately for her by a seamstress in Lambton.
Darcy had maintained that she should begin to amass a trousseau and this was one of the first things she had purchased, a light apricot gown that gathered in the right places to show off her figure to advantage.
In it she felt almost pretty. Sarah had seen to her hair and Jane’s, and once they had arrived from the cottage, the sisters soon found themselves arm in arm, ready to join those already in the parlour.
As they entered, she espied Lady Landon, looking as grand as ever with a blush on her cheeks, in deep conversation with Landon.
Jane walked over to join her husband, looking every bit the Scottish laird that he was.
Much as she rejoiced at Jane’s happiness, Elizabeth dreaded the imminent separation to come so soon after being reunited.
Setting aside that pang of melancholy, Elizabeth quickly found the man she most wished to see.
Darcy’s smile appeared, widening as she approached him, and she saw him glance appreciatively at her new gown.
She nodded gracefully, a certain pride rising in her at his silent appraisal and approval of her; she could feel the colour rising to her cheeks in response.
When she arrived at his side, he leant to the right, and said quietly so that only she could hear, “You look radiant.”
“I could say the same of you,” she said blushing as it struck her anew that this handsome man was to become her husband.
One thing she knew without a doubt, she cared deeply for Darcy, his magnificent home, and Pemberley’s land and tenants.
It seemed almost unimaginable that this was to be hers too, that one day, if they were blessed with children, their son would inherit all of this.
She was allowing herself to dream of a future, something she had reined in for so long.
The three couples moved into the dining room for a simple meal of celery soup, roasted venison and potatoes, and honey cake. Conversation was easy among the six of them, and Elizabeth felt a calmness come over her, and with that, a burgeoning confidence. This will be my new life.
Rather than a separation after dinner, Darcy led them all to the music room, where they could enjoy a glass of Madeira together. He guided Elizabeth to the pianoforte, and said gently, “I have a request, although if you decline, I shall understand.”
“I have already agreed to marry you.” She smiled mischievously at him.
“No, not that. Though I am thoroughly relieved you said yes, and will personally see that you make good on that particular promise.” He smiled in that way that made her knees go weak. I will never tire of his attentions.
Darcy put his hand on the pianoforte, and then looked at Elizabeth, raising his brows with an unasked question.
“Oh!” She voiced her surprise as the meaning of his gesture became clear. She shook her head. “I cannot.”
“And why not? You love music.”
She lowered her voice, “I have not played a pianoforte in well over a year.”
“Then why delay further? Is it not time to bring music back into our lives? Is this not an occasion to celebrate? There are only the six of us here, all of us family. The joy it will bring will outweigh any missed keys.” He smiled charmingly.
“It has not been tuned in some two years. You may blame any wrong notes on the instrument.”
She could not refuse him. “Very well.” Elizabeth took a fortifying breath and sat on the bench.
Then, gazing intently at the page of music before her—a piece she remembered well—she settled comfortably into the familiar feeling of her fingers moving swiftly across the keys—allowing the pure joy of music to carry her along.
She glanced towards her sister, who had a soft smile playing on her lips.
Every time she looked at Darcy, she saw his eyes were intently fixed upon her, calming her heart as much as the music did.
And of course he had been correct: the joy of music in the company of friends and loved ones was the best way to celebrate this beautiful day.
As the evening drew to a close, Lady Landon asked for a moment of Elizabeth’s time. They sat together in a quiet corner of the music room, near the window overlooking the gardens .
“Tomorrow, as you know, Landon and I return to Matlock. I wish you to know it has been such a pleasure being in your company, Elizabeth.” She leant over and took Elizabeth’s hand.
“We came to Pemberley for Darcy’s sake alone, albeit with some curiosity about the woman he absconded with from London.
And yet, we remained here for you. You were not what I expected, and it gladdens my heart that you two have found each other, after all this time.
In the short duration of our acquaintance, I have seen your true character and your regard for Darcy, but also your tender regard for others.
You have, very quickly and most assuredly, become a friend to me, and I would hope you could feel the same, as we shall be cousins very soon. ”
“I must own that I was quite nervous of you at first,” Elizabeth responded, returning the viscountess’s warm smile. “But as you were sketching my character, I saw a lady I aspired to be, one of grace and kindness. I shall always look to you as an example and shall always regard you as a friend.”