After a very wet and grey Thursday, the Friday came, dryer but still very cloudy. Yet, nothing could have prevented the eldest ladies of Gracechurch Street to leave the house and venture in the wealthier part of London. Their reasons were, as usual, quite different.

Mrs. Gardiner was only willing to put her niece and her suitor in close company again. The gentleman had appeared exactly as her husband had described him: easy-going, reliable and desperately in love with Jane. Playing Cupid in such a case was probably not condemnable.

Although it was one of her reasons too, Lizzy was also very interested in seeing the interior of a Mayfair house. She also wanted to be in company of the Bingley sisters again. Caroline, with her cold and snobbish attitude, had been a real source of amusement in Cheapside; she dearly hoped this call would be as inspiring for her next letter to Charlotte. As for Louisa, she was willing to change her point of view on her, should she behave similarly to the Gardiners’. She had felt that, contrary to what she had witnessed before, Mrs. Hurst had not played the part of the nice and civil sister, she had been nice and civil. Maybe she had understood that Jane was the only one who could make her brother truly happy, no matter her family, her wealth or her connections.Even if Mr. Darcy seemed to have resolved upon the union, she was quite sure that he would not help the match beyond the strict necessity; therefore she thought it useful to have one of Mr. Bingley's sisters as an ally.

Jane’s sole interest in the call was her planned apology to Mr. Bingley. She had prepared a small speech, full of regret and hope. Of course, she saw the moment where she would deliver it with dread but she had to do it, if only for her own peace of mind. The thought that she might not be able to finish it because Mr. Bingley wouldn’t let her had crossed her mind and Lizzy would probably be once again highly surprised should she know that the foreseen reason for such an interruption was not an unwilling ear but a self-declared unworthiness of the gentleman. But she knew better, the gentleman was worthy, his manners during his call in Cheapside had been perfect and hers had not been very expressive. She knew her mother thought she had been too restrained in Hertfordshire and that was one of the reasons why Mr. Bingley had not proposed; although she would never behave accordingly to Mrs. Bennet’s standards, she had resolved on trying to be more easy-to-read, at least for Charles. In this mindset, the lady had a quick glance at her fellow travellers and, seeing that her companions were looking at her with some contentment, she said: “Lizzy, Aunt Gardiner, I have a favour to ask… During the call, I’d like to find myself isolated with Mr. Bingley.”

Two pairs of very astonished eyes were then looking at her. She blushed and added: “Oh no… I meant… I’d like to apologise to him. He did it, in his letter, I didn’t. I have to. He must know I didn’t mean what I said then and I cannot tell him that in anyone’s hearing. So if you could, somehow, find a way to let us…”

In spite of her willingness to play Cupid, Mrs. Gardiner could not agree in a scheme that would not respect her niece’s honour. Thus, she replied: “We’ll try and find a way to let Mr. Bingley and you out of anyone’s hearing but don’t expect us to leave the two of you out of my sight.”

“Of course not, my Aunt. I wouldn’t dream of it. Your idea suits me perfectly.”

Lizzy had witnessed this exchange with surprise and gladness, surprise at her sister’s new ability to make such a request, gladness at the good sense of her aunt’s answer. Feeling the coach slowing down, she said: “Ready, Jane? I think we’re there.” Once all the ladies had exited it, and seeing that Jane might not be as ready as she could, she commented on the handsomeness of the building they were about to enter. Mrs. Gardiner took the lead and knocked at the front gate.

They introduced themselves to the butler and, after a short while, they were accompanied to a sitting room where Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley were already sited with two other ladies. Everyone rose, curtsied and Mrs. Hurst welcomed them. “Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, what a pleasure it is to see you again! I’d like to introduce you to Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley. Georgiana, this is Mrs. Gardiner and her nieces, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth live in Hertfordshire, close to my brother’s estate, Netherfield.” Then, turning to the newcomers, she added: “Miss Darcy is Mr. Darcy’s young sister, Mrs. Annesley is Miss Darcy’s companion. I don’t think you’ve met, have you?”

Jane was several shades paler since she had been introduced to the youngest lady. She had not forgotten Miss Bingley’s hints about Charles and Miss Darcy and to find herself in her presence, wholly unprepared, was a shock. Both her aunt and her sister saw it and they made up for their relative’s silence.

“I’m delighted to meet you. I have not the fortune to know your brother but my husband told me they had a very interesting conversation a few days ago. I believe they met through Mr. Bingley.”

Georgiana replied in a small voice. “I’m very happy to meet you also.” Then she stopped abruptly.

Mrs. Annesley, who had been watching her guard over carefully went on. “I believe I heard Mr. Darcy talk about Mr. Gardiner, didn’t he, Miss Darcy?”

“Yes, he did, he seemed very pleased.” Her cheeks were flushed, as if uttering such a sentence had been very difficult.

Jane and Lizzy had been examining the young lady. Soon enough, Jane had remembered where Charles’s affections were laying, she had recovered and was able to pity her. She seemed so shy that meeting three new persons in a row had to be very painful for her. Lizzy’s thoughts were less benevolent. She remembered Mr. Wickham’s description of her and could perceive that it had been very accurate. One word or two to answer some very civil comments of her aunt’s, obvious struggle to even pronounce those words… Is my Aunt not good enough for her? She was indeed as proud and disagreeable as her brother!

Caroline had, somehow, a similar point of view. Poor girl! To be obliged to speak to that woman! Why does Mrs. Annesley act like that? I shall have to speak to Mr. Darcy about her! Well, I’ll have to save her myself!

And, to everyone’s dismay, and, especially her sister’s, who, as the hostess, was theoretically the one to lead the way, she went close to Miss Darcy and almost dragged her to a small sofa.

The five other ladies settled also and the tea was ordered. The sitting-room furnishing didn’t really allowed some people to isolate themselves, therefore everyone could witness Miss Bingley’s and Miss Darcy’s conversation.

“Has your caring brother decided on the date for your coming out?”

Georgiana was surprised by the question, the subject having already been dealt with a few days before. Still in a very soft voice, she answered: “No, not yet, but it won’t be this year, or even the next one. Maybe in two years time. I am not sixteen yet!”

“Of course… but, in the country, girls are allowed to attend and dance in assemblies at sixteen.” Turning to Jane and Lizzy, she asked, her voice full of scorn: “Your youngest sister must not be older than sixteen, is she?”

Jane could only agree.

“And yet, we’ve seen her dance at least thrice, haven’t we, Louisa?”

Reluctantly, as she knew where her sister’s speech was leading, she replied. “Yes we have.”

“But of course, those are country manners. In London, we do not obey the same laws.”

Once again, Caroline had managed to amaze everyone with her rudeness. Mrs. Annesley was trying to indicate to Miss Darcy that only her would be able to stop Miss Bingley. Georgiana was aghast but she tried and managed to voice her disagreement.

“Caroline, the laws are different, depending on the place, not on the people. I do dance occasionally in some family parties. And everyone does the same. Otherwise how do you think ladies could be so proficient at dancing for their coming out?”

Indulgent smiles were flourishing on everyone’s face but two. Caroline and Lizzy were shocked at Miss Darcy’s answer. The former had understood the disguised censure and it had rendered her speechless for a while. The latter could not believe her ears. Proud Mr. Darcy’s little sister had defended Lydia against Miss Bingley’s venom! That was unbelievable. She would wage he had written his sister about the impropriety of the Bennet family; why should she defend them? This is in total contradiction with what Mr. Wickham told me. I cannot imagine why she said that.

Mrs. Gardiner turned the conversation to a more general topic, and one of interest to, at least one of her nieces. “Mrs. Hurst, you do have a very fine house, and so well situated.”

“I thank you. It is not exactly ours but Mr. Hurst’s uncle’s. My husband shall inherit it someday… the latest, the best!”

Lizzy looked carefully at her hostess’ demeanour and she concluded that the expressed feeling was genuine. She will soon have conquered me! This was confirmed by the next arrow she threw to her sister.

“He prefers to stay in the country, even during the season. He says the air is much better.”

Jane was silently listening, her thoughts more disagreeably engaged. Where is Charles? I must see him. I’ve got everything ready! He must come.

Her train of thoughts was so obvious that even Louisa could read it. As the previous topic was exhausted, she said: “I’m afraid we won’t have Charles for tea. He went to his club with Mr. Hurst and Mr. Darcy. I understood that there was a very serious matter to be handled. A friend of theirs engaged in I don’t know what untasty business and they had to try and discover him.”

Three ladies were utterly disappointed with this news. Jane uttered an almost mute “Oh no!”, which was covered by her sister.

“Oh really! Well, if a friend is in jeopardy, one has to try and do his best to help him. We’d have like to see him, though… and Mr. Hurst also of course… and Mr. Darcy.” That was not very civil, Lizzy… Of course you don’t believe this tale… Of course, once again, Mr. Darcy interfered against your sister… but to go as far as speaking like Mary!

Mrs. Hurst went on: “But he was so looking forward this afternoon, I’m sure it was really a case of emergency. Mr. Hurst seemed quite upset after reading that letter this morning and he insisted, after Mr. Darcy’s arrival, that they all join him.”

Oops, my mistake! Lizzy blushed lightly, ashamed of her too quick judgement.

After a pause, Louisa added: “May I suggest him to accompany my sister and myself when we call on you?” The small smile on her face made her very beautiful in everybody’s eyes and very dear in Lizzy’s. Obviously, her late presumptions on the lady were right and she gladly forgave her for her past behaviour.

Caroline seemed not please at all with the last news. What? We’ve been there two days ago! The more we go, the more likely someone I know will see me…. I’ll be sick…that’s it! I’ll be too ill to go… I’m sure Mr. Darcy was quite happy to flee this afternoon! He won’t be able to see me but he could avoid those people. As a ironic jest, she said:

“I’m not sure I believe Albert’s excuse. Choosing between an afternoon with ladies and one by themselves is always easy for men! I’m sure Mr. Darcy would have rather stayed, if only to be with his dear sister…” at that point, she tried and exchanged a smirking smile and a look with the said lady, “… but I really don’t see why dear Mr. Hurst or Charles would give up their pleasure.”

Mrs. Hurst had to change the conversation by introducing a new topic. “There’s a new pattern from India that seems to be the top of the fashion. I heard that even Mr. Brumel tries to adapt it for men…”

Her sister interrupted her. “Do you know Mr. Brumel, Mrs. Gardiner? Oh, you must surely not move in the same circles.”

“No, you’re right, we don’t move in the same circle. But I’m not sure I’d like to know him. Being able to throw away so much money just for clothes… I don’t find it very sensible!”

“Of course, when one cannot afford it…” Caroline didn’t finish her sentence, to understate that this was, indeed, the case for the Gardiners or the Bennets.

Georgiana, whose amazement at Miss Bingley’s behaviour rendered bold, interfered exactly at the same moment as Lizzy, who was getting more upset by the minute. In chorus, they said: “But can he afford it?”

The two ladies stared at one another then smiled to each other. The others but the offending one looked at them and showed their amusement. Caroline had been scolded once to many and decided to ignore the callers for the remaining of the afternoon. The mood got lighter and the chat became easy.

Mrs. Gardiner talked about Derbyshire with Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley, Louisa talked about Hertfordshire with Lizzy and Jane, then everyone joined in a talk about music. All the ladies but Jane could play and they retreated to the music room. Caroline pretended a sudden headache and, after saying her goodbyes, she went to her room, to everyone’s relief. The Cheapside party being the guests of honour, Lizzy started the exhibition. Georgiana played after her, then the elder ladies took their turn, allowing the youngest to discuss. Jane tried to get better acquainted with Louisa and they resumed their Hertfordshire friendship. Lizzy decided to give a chance to Georgiana. After all, she has had an exemplary behaviour earlier in the afternoon. Maybe she is no longer the one Mr. Wickham used to know.

“You are truly proficient, Miss Darcy! I’ve rarely heard anyone play so beautifully.”

Georgiana was blushing. Usually, only her brother and Miss Bingley would praise her like that and she was truly unsure about the truthfulness of both, if not for the same reasons. “You’re too kind! But you did play very well also. Not that I’m surprised, my brother had written me he had had the pleasure of listening to some of your performances and that he had liked them very much.”

This truly amazed Lizzy. “Really? I’m very surprised! I didn’t even think he had noticed.” To be very honest, I thought he had despised my playing. The way he used to stare at me when I was playing…

It was Georgiana’s turn to be surprised. “Oh he did! He’s very fond of music. He even sings with me sometimes. He has the most beautiful baritone voice.”

“Really! I would have never guessed it. Not that we had a lot of intercourses back in Hertfordshire… But somehow, he didn’t seem like someone very… sensitive.”

“He is, but it’s true he doesn’t show it. He probably thinks it’s not manly. But people know his worth for so many other good qualities that it probably doesn’t matter.”

Lizzy didn’t want to criticise too openly Georgiana’s idol so she chose not to comment on the last sentence. But, really, she worships him! How can someone find ‘so many good qualities’ in him? He is without a fault according to Miss Bingley and he only confessed his resentment but I know a lot of others! And so does everyone near Longbourn…it’s almost endearing how she’s blind!

Georgiana was looking at her and wondering about the small smile that had appeared on her face. Her silence made her uneasy. Miss Bingley would have taken the occasion to state at least three of the said qualities. Miss Darcy had, of course, perceived that this young lady had nothing in common with Caroline but not a word was a truly astonishing reaction.

“Did I say something funny? You do think my brother has numerous qualities, do you?”

Lizzy was cornered… “Well, of course he is rich, and I must say all the ladies at the assembly in Meryton found him quite handsome the first time we saw him…”

“But those are not real qualities! He just inherited his wealth and his good looks. What about his generosity towards the poor people, his fairness towards his servants, his goodness with me?” Georgiana was adamant.

“I’m nor poor enough, nor a servant, nor yourself… so let’s say I didn’t find them out. As I said earlier, we didn’t speak with each other a lot. In fact, he didn’t speak with anyone but his own party. So I guess that’s not surprising we could not perceive all those good qualities!” The smile at the corner of her lips had come back.

Frowning, Miss Darcy replied: “It’s true he is usually very reserved among strangers but I had understood that you and he had shared several real conversations and even a dance at Mr. Bingley’s ball. That was not enough to make you like him?”

Once again, a blushing Lizzy was amazed at Georgiana’s revelations about her past with her brother. ’Real conversations’? That’s how he described them to his sister? And the praise about my playing? I cannot imagine what it means…

“It’s true I may be the only one who got a chance to know him a little better, but it was hardly enough to make a judgement on someone. I must say, though, that I found him very clever and that he seems to be very fond of books – this is a quality to me.” There, that was not too bad.

As Georgiana was smiling again and Mrs. Annesley had finished her performance, Lizzy chose another subject.

“We’re going to see ‘Romeo and Juliet’ tomorrow.” Turning to Mrs. Hurst, she added: “You told us so much about it, I had to go and see it. Fortunately, my uncle was able to get some tickets!”

“I hope you won’t be disappointed.”

“I’m sure we will not.”

“Do you have any other entertainment in view?”

Jane answered. “Yes. My aunt and uncle have been invited to a ball on Tuesday and Lizzy and I shall gladly accompany them.”

Laughing, Lizzy added: “I’ve never been able to resist a dance. I hope London gentlemen can!!!”

Smiling, Mrs. Hurst answered: “Some can, others prefer the card room! Tuesday you said… who will host the ball?”

“An old friend of mine, Mrs. Umberight. Why?”

“Mrs. Umberight? What a coincidence! We were invited too and agreed to go. We shall see each other, then!”

That was good news to Jane. With a very hopeful smile she exclaimed: “Really? I’m very happy to hear this.”

“Indeed we are, Mrs. Hurst.” After a small pause, she added: “Well, I think we shall leave you now. We thank you for your reception and look forward seeing you soon. Jane, Lizzy, shall we?”

After the proper goodbyes, the Cheapside ladies went home.

On the ride back to Gracechuch Street, Mrs. Gardiner commented on the handsomeness of the house and on the gentlemen’s absence. A sighing Jane replied: “It was a pity, wasn’t it? I shall have to wait to make my apologies to Mr. Bingley.”

Lizzy teased her: “But you know now at least two occasions in the next four days where you shall see him. Surely, you’ll find a moment! Maybe during one of your numerous dances with him at the ball…”

“Lizzy…” After a pause, she added: “You did speak a lot with Miss Darcy. What a charming young lady! Not at all like Mr. Wickham had described her, is she not, Lizzy?”

“You’re right Jane.” To her aunt, she explained that she had been said proud and disagreeable. “She was shy at the beginning, though, but she reacted in such a was to Miss Bingley’s snobbism!”

“She did! Miss Bingley’s comments were unacceptable… Fortunately she left us, she was such a burden!”

“Yes! But to come back to Miss Darcy, I had a very interesting time.”

“What did you speak about?”

“We spoke about her brother! She worships him! She listed me his qualities, which are numerous, according to her!!!”

“Lizzy! I’m sure he’s not as bad as you think him… I wonder if we’ll see him at the ball.” With her new teasing smile, she added: “He may favour you once again with a dance?”

Pretending a shiver, Lizzy answered: “Don’t bring me bad luck!”

Mrs. Gardiner playfully scolded her nieces and the remaining of the trip was made in this good mood.

Only fifteen minutes after Mrs. Gardiner's, Jane's and Lizzy’s departure, the gentlemen came back. A rushing and smiling Mr. Bingley irrupted in the sitting room, quietly followed by Mr. Hurst and Mr. Darcy.

“Good day to you, ladies!” Then he paused abruptly and disappointed, he added: “Oh, they have already left?”

“Good day to you too, Charles! Yes, Mrs. Gardiner and her nieces left some minutes ago. We had a very pleasant afternoon.”

Sitting on a chair, her brother mumbled: “I’m sure you did!”

She patted his hand and said, soothingly: “Would you like some tea to comfort you?”

With puppy eyes, he agreed. Mr. Hurst and Mr. Darcy settled themselves in the room.

“So, Mr. Hurst, have you been successful in your search?”

“Indeed we have Mrs. Hurst. The three of us were quite necessary but we could resolve the matter most satisfactorily.”

Charles went on with his favourite subject. “And, how were your guests, Louisa?”

“They were very well. Miss Bennet seemed recovered, she talked more than when we last saw her. All were disappointed not to see you, Gentlemen.”

“All?” asked eagerly Charles.

Smiling, she nodded, then she went on: “So I suggested that we may call on them in the next days and they agreed. They said they would all look forward seeing us.”

“All?” Charles’ tone was even more eager.

Louisa played her part very seriously and nodded to her brother. “Yes, all.”

“Us?”

She couldn't repress a giggle. “Yes, I thought you might want to come.”

“I might, I might,” chuckled back a blushing Mr. Bingley.

Mr. Darcy, who was much more happy than his friend about the too early departure, had engaged his sister in a discussion about her afternoon.

“Oh, I enjoyed myself very much. At first, it was odd, Miss Bingley kept saying very rude things…”

“About you?” roared Mr. Darcy.

“No! Of course not! About the other guests, Mrs. Gardiner and her nieces. And without reasons: the three of them are very agreeable. Mrs. Gardiner is very ladylike and her nieces very nice.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself!”

Mrs. Annesley interrupted: “She has done so much more! She doesn’t tell you neither she stopped Miss Bingley’s nasty comments twice in front of everyone nor she played the pianoforte for everyone!”

Proudly, Mr. Darcy asked his sister: “Did you?”

Blushing, Georgiana agreed. “But they are all so nice, I felt at ease. I even spoke with Miss Elizabeth, alone, for a good five minutes…”

More seriously, he asked her their topics of discussion.

“Oh, mostly music! I also found out that you have been very reserved while in Hertfordshire. She doesn’t know you at all!”

Mr. Darcy was left with this half explanation as the tea had arrived and Mrs. Hurst was pouring it. She was also addressing everyone with her news: “Do you know we shall see Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner as well as Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth at the Umberight ball?”

Mr. Bingley, who had already been cheered up, exclaimed loudly his joy. Mr. Darcy, more calmly, managed to surprise everybody, including himself. “And you shall see me also!”

“Really?” His sister and his friend asked simultaneously.

He gulped. “Yes, really! What is so surprising?”

Nothing except that, when you opened the card, three days ago, you mumbled that you would not be a fool for matchmaking mothers once again.

Nothing, except that when I told you I would probably go with my sisters, you told me you would probably have a most important evening with yours!

“Nothing!” They both replied loudly, smiling sweetly at him.

Sow Potatoes, See What you Shall Reap, Chapter 14