Page 29 of Count the Cost (The Secrets of Elizabeth Bennet #2)
W hat was Lady Palmer talking to Mr. Darcy about? Elizabeth had been watching them for some time and was in no doubt he was suffering almost a veritable inquisition, having been on the receiving end of one herself.
She could see he was uncomfortable, and had noticed the moment of sadness he could not hide. But there was nothing she could do; she was deeply involved in the conversation here, and her putative aunt would no doubt not welcome her joining them in any event.
Perhaps she could talk to him later and commiserate with him.
She turned to the girl beside her. “Lady Mildred, I understand that it was you playing the harp earlier. Tell me, do you prefer it to the pianoforte?”
The girl smiled at her, seeming relieved that Elizabeth had returned her attention to the conversation. “Oh, yes, I do prefer it. But sometimes I cannot play, because there isn’t one at our house in town. So I’m not looking forward to having to stay the whole season this year.”
Elizabeth returned her smile. “I think you might be too busy to even think of having the energy to play during that busy time, and I suppose the piano is there for you if you do need a musical interlude. You are very talented.”
The girl blushed. “I thank you, Miss Bennet. I do enjoy music.”
Elizabeth glanced round. No one seemed to think there was anything amiss in her asking about the harp, and if she was careful, she might find out more. “Is the harp much harder to learn than the piano? I have never even had the opportunity to try one.”
“Oh, no.” The girl became more animated.
“At least, I do not find it so. The nice thing about it is that it sounds good right from the start. I wish I could have started earlier, instead of having to wait until I had grown tall enough.” She seemed to gather her courage.
“If you would like, I could show you, if we can find a moment away from the others.”
“I would like that very much.” Elizabeth didn’t have time for anything further, because luncheon was announced. She glanced at the clock; meals here seemed to be very much later than she was used to at Longbourn. But of course, everyone rose much later than she was used to, as well.
As they rose to their feet, Lady Mildred touched her arm. Her voice was very quiet. “Would it be too much to ask if I could sit with you? I know I am not good at conversation, and we are supposed to sit with the gentlemen, but I would very much enjoy talking to you.”
“Of course you may!” Elizabeth was quick to reassure her. “But will your parents object? I would not like to get you into trouble.”
“I will sit where I am supposed to for dinner tonight, but I think for luncheon, we may sit where we will.”
“Very well.” Elizabeth laughed. “Let us walk in together, then, and you can find us seats away from the gentlemen you find tiresome.”
“Thank you, Miss Bennet. I do appreciate you giving up your time to me.”
“Why do you think it is a burden to me? You must know that you are very good company. I will enjoy it immensely. And if you feel able to, I would like you to call me Elizabeth.”
The girl’s eyes lit up. “And you may address me informally, too. Oh, it will be wonderful to have a friend my age. Most young ladies seem to prefer my sister, as she is more confident than me.”
“Everyone is very different, Mildred.” She kept her voice low, and was happy the girl had taken her arm, so it was obvious it was her choice and not Elizabeth imposing on her.
“Confidence is more comfortable in company, I agree. But then it can be difficult not to become over-confident and that can be unpleasant for those near them, although I am sure your sister always behaves correctly.”
“Oh, she does.” Mildred glanced ahead at her sister. “My parents are very proud of her.”
“I am sure they are very proud of both of you.” Elizabeth squeezed her arm. “Tell me, does she play the harp?”
“Oh, no. She can play the piano, but prefers painting. Her art is very good.”
“Well, then. That shows how proud your parents are of you. Harps are very expensive, are they not?” Elizabeth found she liked the girl, and impulsively continued. “Perhaps you would like us to maintain a correspondence after this house party is over?”
Mildred looked at her with what looked like admiration. “I would like that very much, if you are sure.”
“Of course I am sure, although you will have to get permission; Lord and Lady Bedford may think my impertinence will not be good for you.” She laughed, to show she was not serious, and felt, rather than saw, the attention of some of the party.
She drew the girl a little sideways. “Come, perhaps we may join my aunt. She is also good company.”
But before they reached the dining room, Mr. Darcy approached them, and bowed.
“Lady Mildred, Miss Bennet, may I ask that you grant me a moment of your time?” He seemed very serious, and Elizabeth wondered whether to sport with him for a moment. But he was twisting the signet ring on his finger as if discomposed.
“Of course.” Mildred seemed a bit flustered, but she knew as the higher ranked lady she had to reply for them.
He smiled tightly at her. “Lady Mildred, your father has given me consent to request the second dance with you at the ball on Friday. Might I have that honour?”
Elizabeth’s heart dropped. Was he going to single out her new friend? She knew instinctively that his bearing and pride would not help her shyness. But it was nothing to do with her. She was not in pursuit of a husband — I am not .
But Mildred was speaking, and glanced at Elizabeth nervously. “Y-yes, yes, of course. Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
“The honour is mine, madam.” He bowed and moved away.
“He has probably asked my sister for the first.” Mildred seemed downhearted.
“I don’t know. It might be that your father thinks you may be too nervous to stand up for the first,” Elizabeth whispered comfortingly. “The last time I saw Mr. Darcy at a ball, he did not dance the first with anyone. I know he fears the gossip.”
“Really?” Mildred brightened and Elizabeth swallowed hard.