During the course of another one of their evening engagements, Mr. Darcy was able to secure an introduction to a Mr. Sebastian Erard. This virtuoso was famed for the recent invention of a piano-forte that used a mechanism of an ingenious design, enabling the instrument to execute recent compositions of greatly increased complexity. For some time, Mr. Darcy had been looking for a replacement piano for Georgiana, whose own instrument was bought for her when a child. With this in mind, he made arrangements for the family to visit Mr. Erard at his establishment in La Rue du Mail, and to purchase a new piano-forte. Georgiana was delighted to make her choice from the latest instruments on display, but could not suppress a sadness which stole some pleasure from the moment, remembering Mademoiselle Blanche in her special place upon the old instrument, and missing sa petite amie so far away at Pemberley.

Elizabeth began to find herself fatigued by the late nights and stifling drawing-rooms that were an inevitability in Paris, and so arranged to take Georgiana to the beautiful and ancient Jardin des Plantes on a day when Mr. Darcy was engaged with the Comte. They made their way to the geological, mineralogical, and botanical galleries, which were warmed during the cold months by infusions of hot water drawn through pipes. Observing the many Parisians who wandered about the scenic gardens, Georgiana commented upon the numerous women who stood alone outside the café, looking eagerly up and down the promenade.

“They must be waiting for gentlemen, or they would not be standing about on the street alone. Do you think they are all mistresses? I have read that French men treat their mistresses better, and are more jealous of their mistresses’ affaires de cœur than their wives’. It would seem a sad thing for marriage to be built upon such a notion, but it may be that even marriage is viewed differently here. Certainly, I could never be persuaded that a true union is possible with such a man as would look elsewhere for affection.”

“You are rather severe upon the French gentlemen, Georgiana: I do not believe they are all so profligate as you suggest. Many of the married couples we have met seem quite as content as Mr. Darcy and myself, but perhaps I might be deceived. Things are not always as they appear—or, is it possible things are as they appear in this place, as you say?”