Colonel Fitzwilliam's manners were very much admired at the Parsonage, and the ladies all felt that he must add considerably to the pleasures of their engagements at Rosings. It was some days, however, before they received any invitation thither—for while there were visitors in the house, they could not be necessary;and it was not till Easter-day, almost a week after the gentlemen's arrival, that they were honoured by such an attention, and then they were merely asked on leaving church to come there in the evening. For the last week they had seen very little of Lady Catherine or her daughter. Colonel Fitzwilliam had called at the Parsonage more than once during the time,but Mr.Darcy they had seen only at church.
The invitation was accepted of course, and at a proper hour they joined the party in Lady Catherine's drawing-room. Her ladyship received them civilly,but it was plain that their company was by no means so acceptable as when she could get nobody else;and she was,in fact,almost engrossed by her nephews,speaking to them,especially to Darcy,much more than to any other person in the room.
Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed really glad to see them; anything was a welcome relief to him at Rosings;and Mrs.Collins's pretty friend had moreover caught his fancy very much.He now seated himself by her,and talked so agreeably of Kent and Hertfordshire,of travelling and staying at home,of new books and music,that Elizabeth had never been half so well entertained in that room before; and they conversed with so much spirit and flow, as to draw the attention of Lady Catherine herself, as well as of Mr. Darcy. His eyes had been soon and repeatedly turned towards them with a look of curiosity;and that her ladyship,after a while, shared the feeling, was more openly acknowledged, for she did not scruple to call out:
“What is that you are saying, Fitzwilliam?What is it you are talking of?What are you telling Miss Bennet?Let me hear what it is.”
“We are speaking of music, madam,”said he, when no longer able to avoid a reply.
“Of music! Then pray speak aloud. It is of all subjects my delight. I must have my share in the conversation if you are speaking of music.There are few people in England,I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself,or a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient.And so would Anne,if her health had allowed her to apply.I am confident that she would have performed delightfully. How does Georgiana get on,Darcy?”
Mr.Darcy spoke with affectionate praise of his sister's proficiency.
“I am very glad to hear such a good account of her,”said Lady Catherine;“and pray tell her from me,that she cannot expect to excel if she does not practice a good deal.”
“I assure you,madam,”he replied,“that she does not need such advice.She practises very constantly.”
“So much the better. It cannot be done too much; and when I next write to her, I shall charge her not to neglect it on any account.I often tell young ladies that no excellence in music is to be acquired without constant practice.I have told Miss Bennet several times,that she will never play really well unless she practises more; and though Mrs. Collins has no instrument, she is very welcome,as I have often told her,to come to Rosings every day,and play on the pianoforte in Mrs.Jenkinson's room.She would be in nobody's way,you know,in that part of the house.”
Mr.Darcy looked a little ashamed of his aunt's ill-breeding,and made no answer.
When coffee was over,Colonel Fitzwilliam reminded Elizabeth of having promised to play to him; and she sat down directly to the instrument. He drew a chair near her. Lady Catherine listened to half a song, and then talked, as before, to her other nephew; till the latter walked away from her, and moving with his usual deliberation towards the pianoforte stationed himself so as to command a full view of the fair performer's countenance. Elizabeth saw what he was doing, and at the first convenient pause,turned to him with an arch smile,and said: