Page 53 of Saving Jane
Georgiana sought Elizabeth’s company in the parlour, and they moved immediately to the pianoforte to select some music to play. Mrs Gardiner and Janeattempted to engage Lady Catherine and Mrs Jenkins in conversation, but they were rebuffed twice before they settled on conversation with Miss de Bourgh who proved interested in their news from town.
When a mere five minutes passed, the gentlemen joined the ladies with Mr Darcy red-faced and clenching his hands so tightly he frightened his aunt for a moment. Mr Collins followed Mr Darcy closely, continuing a conversation that explained the taller gentleman’s colour.
“Upon studious reflection, I am certain you will agree with me sir that it is our duty to follow the directives of Lady Catherine in all matters...”
Darcy turned on the parson and stepped closer to the parson, “Mr Collins, do you have any experience or knowledge of estate management? Have you any training or time working with tenants?”
Collins blanched but replied, “I do not sir. That is why I listen to all of Lady Catherine’s suggestions so closely.”
“Then you are a fool, Mr Collins! My aunt is not trained in estate management nor is she successful in dispensing direction to the tenants or steward of Rosings Park. She has driven this estate to the point of bankruptcy and the auction block! I suggest you listen to the steward–no man has ever come closer to working miracles than he,” Darcy stated.
“Really Darcy!” Lady Catherine fussed. “Your opinions are not wanted this evening. I want to play whist!”
Ignoring her nephew’s temper, Lady Catherine directed servants to set up two card tables and then she chose partners for four teams; she paired with Mrs Jenkins, Mr Collins with Miss de Bourgh–which seemed to please the young lady excessively Mrs Gardiner noticed–Miss Bennet with Mr Bingley, and Mrs Gardiner with Miss Elizabeth.
At the pianoforte, Elizabeth and Georgiana quickly sorted the music to select three pieces for Georgiana to play while the first card games occurred and Elizabeth turned to Mr Darcy, “And your aunt does not wish you to play sir?”
“I do not care for whist at my aunt’s table.”
“Because she cheats and insists on always winning!” Georgiana whispered. “My brother defeats her regularly and refuses to partner with her. She will play against you and your aunt first but also watch how well Miss Bennet and Mr Bingley play against Anne and Mr Collins. Aunt Catherine must be the winner of the tournament tonight.”
Elizabeth smiled as she and her aunt sat at the table and Mrs Jenkins drew out the cards and prepared to deal.
“Do you not shuffle and allow your opponents to cut the cards?” Mrs Gardiner asked the paid companion. Mrs Jenkins was startled by the question and Lady Catherine was not pleased. Georgiana began playing a lively composition and Darcy stood behind Mrs Gardiner.
“I believe it is only proper to allow your opponents to cut the deck,” he said. “No one would want to believe you would stack the deck, Mrs Jenkins.”
Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner were eventually defeated but they carried two hands. Lady Catherine looked around, finally triumphant to discover the other table had completed their rubber long before.
“Mamma, Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet ran the table each hand,” Anne explained. “I hope you can provide them with more of a challenge.”
Frowning Lady Catherine sent for new cards and summoned Jane and Mr Bingley to her table while Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth vacated their seats. Her niece went to the pianoforte where she joined Georgiana to play duets from the previous fall while Mrs Gardiner took a seat on a nearby sofa to watch the proceedings.
Mr Darcy intercepted the footman bringing new decks of cards and he shuffled each deck before handing them to Miss Bennet to deal the first hand. Lady Catherine’s mouth was entirely sour as she sorted her hand and play began.
Mrs Gardiner observed the entire room; once play began at the card table, Mr Darcy left the vicinity and retired to devote his attention to the ladies at the pianoforte. He never looked back at his aunt. Across the room, Miss de Bourgh had commanded the attention of Mr Collins who attended her in a conversation of some matter that caused him to speak continuously though the heiress appeared to enjoy the attention.
And Lady Catherine was oblivious to all about her as Jane Bennet showed the great lady how to play a grand slam.
“How did you do it?” the hostess demanded to know. “I have never been beaten! Never!”
Jane explained, “I was fortunate to have an excellent partner and very good hand of cards, your ladyship. Would you care to try your luck again?”
“Of course! No one has ever beaten me thus!”
At the pianoforte, Elizabeth grinned as she whispered to the Darcy brother and sister, “I fear your aunt has met her match. My sister knows cards as well as she knows receipts for laundry, bread and pie. Never play cards for money with Jane–you will lose your entire fortune!”
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Chapter 24.Lady Catherine’s Direction
At table the following morning, Mr Darcy was passed a note by Livingston, the butler for Rosings.
“Have you received a business letter already this morning?” Charles Bingley asked as he rose to refresh his coffee.
Unfolding the paper, Darcy read the line quickly and explained, “My aunt wishes to speak to me immediately upon rising from breaking my fast.”
“Shall I tell the steward to delay our meeting?” Bingley asked.
