Page 21 of Resilience

that caused the Lord of bliss

To bear the dreadful curse

for my soul, for my soul,

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

Darcy had heard Miss Mary sing and play at Longbourn and other homes early in his visit to Hertfordshire, and the difference in her voice was unmistakable. Though their technique was perhaps not precisely perfect, the voices of the two ladies blended quite sweetly, with a charming and pleasant air.

When I was sinking down,

sinking down, sinking down,

When I was sinking down, sinking down,

When I was sinking down

beneath God’s righteous frown,

Christ laid aside His crown

for my soul, for my soul,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

This was a popular new ballad, new lyrics set to an Old English song, and the sheet music was all the rage this year in London. The other guests were smiling, and Darcy noted Elizabeth’s eyes brimming with happy tears, captivated by her younger sister’s joy and song.

To God and to the Lamb,

I will sing, I will sing;

To God–

There was quite a bit more to the song, but it seemed that Miss Bennet did not wish to hear it, for she rose and approached the pianoforte, a serene and seemingly loving smile on her countenance.

“Dearest Sister, what a beautiful engagement present! You sing so very well that I fear we should never wish to hear anything else, if we allow you and dear Miss Darcy to monopolise the instrument.”

Jane smiled modestly, as though embarrassed by her own suggestion. “This evening belongs to everyone. I would hate for our guests to think that we were quite so selfish as to keep them from dancing, as they came to do.”

Bingley laughed as he joined her by the instrument, “That is why I love you, dearest Jane. You always think of others. The sweetest, most thoughtful lady in the world.”

Georgiana's breath caught in a gasp at Jane’s interruption, but Mary stood, smoothing her gown, forcing her countenance into a semblance of composure.

“We certainly would not wish to detain anyone, would we, Georgiana?”

Applause followed, warm applause, and murmurs of appreciation from their neighbours and other guests as the girls left the pianoforte. Jane accepted it, obviously certain it had been meant for her, and more than half of it was.

Mrs Bennet beamed as she clapped with gusto. “My dear Jane is always so considerate of the younger girls and those who love to dance!”

Jane smiled with her usual gentle serenity, glowing in happiness as the room emptied and the guests returned to the ballroom. Only a handful of eyes–those of Elizabeth, Darcy, Georgiana, Priscilla, Mr Collins, and Miss Lucas–followed Mary instead of Bingley and Miss Bennet.

Darcy watched as Priscilla rose, her expression grim. He had seen the same expression on her brother Richard’s countenance many times, and knew just what it meant. Miss Bennet had insulted Georgiana. In Priscilla’s presence. No one in society, nor outside of it had ever had ever been so foolish as to do such a thing before. Not even Miss Bingley. One might as well slap Lady Jersey in the middle of Almack's.

Elizabeth rose and rushed to Miss Mary, and Darcy put out a hand and laid it on his cousin’s arm. “Priscilla. Please.”

“It cannot go unanswered, Darcy.”

“Of course, but you have other devices at your means. She will be in London in less than a sennight. Pray do not distress Georgie, and further, it might make my sister too afraid to enter society again.” Darcy did not want to see Jane Bennet’s real tears at her own engagement ball, when Priscilla paid her out for her offense.