Page 42

Elizabeth was seated at the piano, playing and singing softly while Colonel Fitzwilliam turned the pages of her music.

She felt genuinely grateful for Georgiana's guidance—without her patient instruction, she was certain Lady Catherine would have found some fault to pounce on.

As it was, her performance had met expectations.

And, truth be told, sharing the moment with the Colonel made it all the more enjoyable; he was affable and quick-witted—qualities sorely lacking in both his aunt and cousin.

When Lady Catherine had requested Elizabeth to perform, it was with the explicit intention of finding something to critique.

But to her great disappointment, Elizabeth played competently—even charmingly.

Left without ammunition, Lady Catherine dismissed her from notice altogether and turned her attention to a conversation with Mr. Darcy and Georgiana, deciding it was better to ignore a young woman attempting to steal her spotlight—and Anne's.

"Georgiana, you really must persuade your brother to stay for another fortnight," Lady Catherine declared.

"He needs the rest, and Anne rarely gets to enjoy his company.

" "Aunt, I…" Georgiana faltered, as she always did when addressed with that particular brand of command disguised as concern.

"Lady Catherine," Mr. Darcy interrupted firmly, "I must ask you not to press the matter.

We shall be leaving for London at the end of the week.

The injury was trivial and provides no reason for delay.

" "Nonsense," she snapped. "Anne cherishes your visits, and the two of you see each other far too little.

" Lady Catherine continued her barrage of veiled hints and unsubtle suggestions, but only Mr. Collins appeared to be paying her any attention.

Anne sat quietly, her eyes fixed on her cousin with simmering resentment.

She could not believe he still had not made things clear to her mother.

How long would he remain silent? She had also noticed the way he looked at Elizabeth—eyes soft, distracted, absurdly tender.

It made her stomach turn. 'He must imagine we both long to be Mrs. Darcy,'Anne thought with a smirk.

'Well, let him suffer the shock when he realizes Miss Bennet is not interested.

His pride is in for a rude awakening.' "Anne, what is so amusing?

" her mother barked. "I have said nothing remotely humorous.

" "Forgive me, Mother," Anne murmured, quickly lowering her gaze.

Seizing the moment, Mr. Darcy crossed the room to the piano.

Elizabeth looked radiant that night, and he was determined to be near her.

Besides, he was not about to let Fitzwilliam monopolize her attention—or her smiles.

"Miss Bennet," he said with measured warmth, "allow me to compliment you—your playing was truly delightful.

" "Thank you, Mr. Darcy," she replied graciously.

"Georgiana has been an enormous help. She has taught me both technique and discipline.

I am far more dedicated now than I ever was before.

" "What do you mean?" asked Colonel Fitzwilliam.

"Before meeting Georgiana, music was just a pastime for me.

I played when I felt like it, or when it was expected.

But now… I find it comforting. It helps when I am feeling melancholic or uncertain.

It gives me space to reflect. I intend to keep practicing, not for others, but for myself.

" "I am very glad to hear it," Mr. Darcy said.

"Georgiana has learned as much from you as you have from her, I suspect.

You have been a good influence on one another.

" Elizabeth smiled. "Without question, sir.

" "If you will excuse me," the Colonel said, with a glance toward the far end of the room, "I believe it is my turn to distract our aunt again and support Georgie.

" Elizabeth chose a piece she knew by heart—there would be no need for help with the music sheets this time.

She hoped her playing would spare Georgiana from being called upon next.

The evening would end soon, and she was content to occupy the piano until then.

As she prepared to begin, Mr. Darcy leaned closer and said quietly, "You and Georgiana complement one another beautifully.

She is quite reserved, while you are so.

.. expressive. She often struggles to share her feelings, whereas you speak with such clarity.

In truth, she and I are alike in that regard.

Perhaps what we both need is someone with your temperament—someone who makes life feel a little less.

.. grave. Do you not agree, Miss Bennet?

" "Perhaps. They do say opposites attract," Elizabeth answered, unsure what else to offer.

And with that, she began to play. The melody flowed with quiet confidence.

It was one of Mr. Darcy's favorite songs—the same one he had often asked her to perform after dinner at Pemberley.

He would have happily stood by the piano all evening, listening, watching her, letting her voice carry him somewhere far from Rosings.

But he knew appearances must be maintained.

With effort, he returned to his seat beside Georgiana.

Across the room, Lady Catherine and Anne were chattering about Lady Margaret, but he heard none of it.

His attention—his entire being—was focused on the music, and the woman who made it beautiful.

◆◆◆