The younger Rosenstein had accompanied his father on his last two trips to England, but while no similar friendship sprang up between the two sons, who had little in common, a mutual goodwill and esteem for the abilities of the other persisted, and had established a foundation for cordial relations, if not actual closeness. This made a visit to Pemberley no hardship for the younger musician, whose pleasure in accepting the commission was no doubt influenced by agreeable memories of his previous stays and treatment there. He had the freedom of the library and public rooms, and seemed happy to join in such society as was on offer; but was apparently equally content to closet himself away with his instruments and apply himself to his work.

The following day, he joined the women and children at an informal early supper in the red saloon, as suggested by Mrs Darcy. The little girls, already full of the importance of dining in adult company, were squeaking with excitement at the prospect of music and dancing to follow, and Herr Rosenstein showed a good-natured patience in responding to their many questions. He brought a small tambour to show the children, and this was promptly commandeered by Laura, while Sarah essayed a scrape on his fiddle, a performance that had the resident tabby fleeing the room in outrage.

After a simple repast of soup, buns, cheese, and fruit, accompanied by wine for the adults and milk for the children, Sarah was especially delighted when her new friend lay down on the floor and slid under the pianoforte to show her how the guts of the instrument operated. She wriggled underneath to join him while her sister undertook the daintier end of the operation by kneeling on the piano stool and plinking away at the keyboard with gusto. Charlotte opened her mouth to issue a caution for her elder daughter’s clothing, then held her peace. What did a little dust matter?

Besides, there was something both comical and touching in the picture presented of the two sets of legs, both narrow and lanky, but otherwise dramatically different in size and dress, emerging from under the piano. The thought came that Tom would have loved an occasion like this, the noise and the jollity, the sense of unexpected festivity. She batted it away as firmly as she could, and called encouragement to Laura, who was demanding that her mama admire her prowess on the keys.