Pride and Prejudice; Sense and Sensibility

Chapter 33 Playing the Piano
Fitzwilliam's manners were much admired by the clergyman's family, and the ladies felt that he would add much spice to Rosings parties.They had not, however, received an invitation from Rosings for several days, as the host had company and had no need for them; They were honored to be invited, and it was just that when everyone left the church, the host made an appointment in person for them to play in the afternoon.They had hardly seen Lady Catherine, mother and daughter during the last week.Fitzwilliam called many times at the vicarage during this time, but Mr. Darcy did not, and they saw him only in church.

Of course they all accepted the invitation, and arrived in Lady Catherine's drawing room punctually.The madam received them politely.It was evident, however, that they were not as welcome as the other guests, and that the lady's heart was almost entirely occupied with the two nephews, and she was preoccupied with speaking to them, especially to Darcy than to anyone else in the room. many.

Colonel Fitzwilliam, on the other hand, seemed glad to see them, for Rosings's life was so dull that he wanted to spice it up a bit, and Mrs Collins's pretty friend was very fond of him.He sat down beside her, and talked of Kent, of Hertfordshire, of travels and home, of new books and music, so vividly that Elizabeth felt that she had never been so affected in this room. hospitality.They talked so well that Lady Catherine and Mr. Darcy took notice.Darcy's eyes turned curiously over them both at once; after a while the lady felt the same, and more openly.

Without hesitation she cried: "What are you talking about? What are you talking about? What are you talking about with Miss Bennet? Tell me."

"Let's talk about music, Auntie," replied Colonel Fitzwilliam, compelled.

"Talk about music! Speak louder, please, for music is my favorite. If you talk about music, I must have my share. I don't think there are very many people in England at present who really appreciate music as much as I do, No one has more taste than me. If I study music, I will become a famous artist. If Anne is in good health, she will also be a famous artist. I believe she will play beautifully. Georgiana, how are you studying now? now, Darcy?"

Mr. Darcy commended his sister's achievements with the utmost earnestness.

"I'm glad to hear she plays so well," said Lady Catherine; "tell her for me, if she doesn't practice much, she will be no better."

"Don't worry, Aunt," said Darcy, "she needs no such advice from you. She has practiced a lot."

"That's even better. I don't mind too much practice. Next time I write to her when I have time, I must tell her not to be lazy. I often tell young ladies that if you want to succeed in music, you must Regular practice won't do. I have told Miss Bennet several times that she will never get any better unless she practices more; Rosings come and play on that piano in Mrs. Jenkins' room. She won't get in anyone's way in that room, you know."

Mr. Darcy was ashamed at his aunt's insolence, and paid her no attention.

After coffee, Colonel Fitzwilliam reminded Elizabeth that she had just promised to play to him, and she immediately sat down at the piano.He pulled a chair over to sit beside her.Lady Catherine, halfway through the song, resumed the conversation with another nephew, as before, until the nephew had to avoid her, and stand still at the piano at his leisure, in order to catch the player's beautiful voice. Look at the face clearly.

Elizabeth saw what he meant, so she took the opportunity to stop, turned her head and smiled coquettishly at him, and said, "Mr. Darcy, are you trying to frighten me by coming here to listen? Although your sister does play very well, I don't think so." I'm not afraid. I'm stubborn, and I won't let anyone frighten me. The more people try to frighten me, the bolder I am."

Darcy said: "I will never say that you are wrong, because you don't really think that I intend to scare you. Fortunately, I have known you for a long time, and I know that you like to say things that are not what you want to say."

Elizabeth laughed with delight at being thus described of her.So he said to Fitzwilliam: "Your cousin has said that I am such a bad person in front of you, and told you not to believe a word of me. I am so unlucky. I was trying to deceive people here and make people Believe me I have some merit, but I have met a man who can see through my true character.—Really, Mr. Darcy, you have told me all my misfortunes in Hertfordshire , you are unkind.—And, if I may venture to say, you are not wise. Because you will arouse my vindictiveness, and I will say something to make your The relatives were taken aback."

"I'm not afraid of you," he said with a smile.

Fitzwilliam exclaimed hastily: "I want you to tell me what's wrong with him. I'd like to know how he behaves when he's with strangers."

"Then I'll tell you. I must first ask you not to be afraid. You must understand that the first time I saw him in Hertfordshire was at a ball, and you know he did What happened? He danced only four times in all! I don't want to make it hard for you, but it is true. Although there were few men, he danced only four times, and I know very well that at that time There was more than one lady present sitting idle without a partner—you can't deny that, Mr. Darcy."

"It's a pity that I didn't know any female guests on the dance floor at that time except my own people."

"That's right! You don't have to be introduced to a girl in a dance hall. —Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam, what do you want me to play again? My fingers are waiting for you to order."

Darcy said: "Maybe I'd better ask someone to introduce me, but I'm not worthy of introducing myself to strangers."

"Shall we ask your cousin why?" Elizabeth was still addressing Colonel Fitzwilliam, "shall we ask him, a man of knowledge, experience, and education, why Don't you deserve to introduce yourself to strangers?"

Fitzwilliam said: "I can answer your question without asking him. That's because he's afraid of trouble himself."

Darcy said: "I am indeed not as capable as others. I can talk and laugh freely when I meet people I have never met. I will not echo and pretend to care like others."

Elizabeth said: "When I talk about the piano, my fingers are not as handsome as many women, nor are they as strong and flexible as they are, nor are they as expressive as they play. I always think that this is my own shortcoming, it is my own fault." Because I don't want to practice hard. I don't believe that my fingers are not as good as those women who play better than me."

Darcy smiled and said: "You are absolutely right. It can be seen that your grades are much better. Anyone who is blessed to have heard you play thinks that you have nothing to lack. perform in front of people."

At this point Lady Catherine interrupted them by asking aloud what they were talking about.Elizabeth immediately resumed playing.

Lady Catherine approached, and after listening for a few minutes, she said to Darcy: "If Miss Bennet practiced more, she could ask a famous teacher in London to teach her, and she would be able to play without any trouble. Although she I don't have as much fun as Anne, but she knows how to finger. If Anne is in good health and able to learn, she will make a satisfactory player."

Elizabeth looked at Darcy to see if he could wholeheartedly approve of his lady's compliments on his cousin, but there was no trace of his affection for her, either then or afterwards.From his whole manner to Miss de Bourgh, she could not help comforting Miss Bingley that, had Miss Bingley been related to Darcy, Darcy would have married her too.

Lady Catherine continued to comment on Elizabeth's playing, and gave her many instructions on playing and appreciation.Elizabeth had to learn patiently and humbly.She complied with the request of the two gentlemen, and sat at the piano until the madam prepared the carriage to take them home.

(End of this chapter)