A Private Performance by Helen Halstead Read Free Book Online Page A

that I would die for! The packing is begun for our removal to London. We must arrive in time for Lizzy’s fittings. She is to wear emeralds. I was desperate to hold the jewels against the silk but, alas, they are kept at the banker’s in London.
    I hope that you and Papa continue in good health. I can scarce remember my life at Longbourn. I know not when I shall see you again. Not for ever so long, I suppose.
    Your affectionate daughter,
Kitty

CHAPTER 6
    I T WAS THEIR SECOND DAY in London. Darcy had spent the morning sitting in his carriage, while the footman delivered their cards to his acquaintances. In previous seasons, he sent the carriage on its rounds without him, but his attendance was obligatory for the first excursion into the world of the cards engraved with the name ‘Mrs. Darcy’.
    At each of the selected houses, the footman jumped down, climbed the steps and knocked. His offering was received with appropriate formality. If the recipient was in town, courtesy demanded a return of cards the next morning, followed by a wedding visit at the house.
    Darcy sat in the carriage, brooding, ‘The number of recipients who respond promptly remains to be seen.’ His dark eyes turned darker still. ‘Anyone who insults my wife is not worthy of my notice.’
    On his return, passing the door to the music room, he heard Elizabeth and Georgiana singing and went in. Pale wintry light fell across the room from the tall windows. Georgiana was playing the pianoforte, and softly singing with Elizabeth. Her eyes flew wide open at the interruption, and she stopped singing, though her fingers played on.
    Elizabeth did not miss a note. The music continued. Darcy sat down, facing her. She sang with such ease. Since she was a child, people had delighted in listening to her lovely voice but it was the charm of her manner that gave her hearers much of their pleasure. She loved her music, and unaffectedly shared that love with others.
    She sang now for him, and he left off brooding, losing himself in her music.
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    After lunch, they were perusing the theatre offerings, when the footman announced Mrs. Foxwell. The lady followed the servant into the room, the brown silk of her gown billowing out with the briskness of her step.
    Darcy crossed the room and greeted her warmly.
    â€œYou will excuse me, I hope, Mr. Darcy, for not having the patience to wait until tomorrow to see you.”
    She was not a pretty woman, somewhat mannish in feature, but she smiled up at him warmly and Elizabeth noted a hint of sardonic humour in her small brown eyes.
    After being introduced and getting the usual compliments and congratulations out of the way, Mrs. Foxwell sat down. Her keen eyes soon sparkled with amusement.
    â€œGracious, Mrs. Darcy!” she cried, after fifteen minutes. “You will have me outstaying my welcome with all this laughter. I am forgetting the other purpose of my visit. Mr. Foxwell and I have invited a group of friends to dine this evening. I hope you are not already engaged? My husband is out for the day and I believe he does not know of your arrival in town. What a surprise for him!”
    â€œA pleasant one, I hope,” said Elizabeth.
    â€œI doubt not. He is always overjoyed to be reunited with your husband, and I cannot see what he might object to in you.” She rose, said her farewells and was gone.
    â€œI like her very much,” said Elizabeth. “I shall look forward to knowing her better. There is a certain intelligent humour in her manner, which is very promising.”
    She turned to Georgiana, who was looking as happy and excited as if she were included in the invitation.
    â€œGeorgiana, dear, we must postpone our visit to the theatre.”
    â€œI do not mind, Elizabeth. I wish you to enjoy yourself. I will not be alone.” Indeed, Georgiana felt undismayed by the thought of the many evenings she would spend with her widowed companion, while her brother and