‘A sonata by Herr Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the key of A: variations on a theme. He was Austria’s greatest composer, I believe. Possibly the greatest the world will ever see. He was a friend of my father’s, and he would sometimes perform in our home. One of my earliest and fondest memories is of sitting under a piano as he sat down to play. How astonished and delighted I was as the notes came pouring down around me like a shower of gold! It made a strong impression on my tender mind. Sadly, it was but months before he died, at the age of only thirty-five – far too young, especially for one of such genius.’

Charlotte, struck by the sound of the foreign words in his mouth, offered him her condolences on the loss of his colleague. But she could not stay any longer; the man had work to do. But before she could withdraw, he spoke her thoughts: ‘Frau Collins, forgive me, but I have tasks I must complete this afternoon. I hope we shall meet again soon. You now owe me a recital.’

Intrigued by her unorthodox encounter, Charlotte went in search of Elizabeth to recount her meeting with Herr Rosenstein, and pressed her friend for details.

‘Oh!’ said Lizzy, upon hearing of the impromptu concert. ‘I should have thought of asking him to play for us earlier. The children will enjoy listening to him. He is quite the musician. He plays the violin too, and the English flute also, although perhaps not as well as he does the pianoforte. If you would like to hear more, I shall ask him to join us after dinner tomorrow. Or let us not stand upon ceremony: we can have a cold collation in the saloon – we have a good instrument there – and see if he will attend. He has been taking his meals in his quarters, but he seems very obliging. I am sure he will have no objection to joining us. He can entertain us all, and we can teach your daughters some country dances.’

It transpired that the elder Rosenstein and Mr Darcy’s father had formed a significant attachment to one another, the differences in language, rank, and nationality notwithstanding. A shared appreciation of the arts of music and interest in the construction and care of fine instruments had led the two men to take pleasure in each other’s company.