Elizabeth looked through the music and chose a simple country song, not too vigorous, and gave Maria the alto part while she took the soprano. Maria had a full, soft voice, but not having had any formal training, she didn’t really know how to use it to her advantage. Elizabeth had previously been a moderately good singer and middling player, but nearly four months of daily lessons can improve one rather quickly, and she could now play significantly more difficult pieces than she could prior to her lessons, with fewer mistakes and better timing. Her voice had also become more confident and with the frequent exercise, she had expanded her range, allowing her to sing a wider variety of songs.

When they were through, the gentlemen clapped and complimented the ladies.

“That was nicely done, Miss Bennet. Play us another. Miss Lucas, you may turn her pages,” Lady Catherine declared.

Elizabeth stifled her laugh and winked at Maria, who gladly turned the pages while she sang. After half an hour, Elizabeth rose from the bench and rejoined the group in the drawing room.

“Miss Bennet, if you want to maintain your voice and your skills, you must practice. Mrs. Collins has no instrument, but I have told her that she may play in Mrs. Jenkinson’s room. She would be in nobody’s way, in that part of the house. I now extend the same invitation to you.” She smiled beneficently, as if she were bestowing a great treat.

“Thank you, ma’am. I would love to be able to practice, but I do not want to disturb Mrs. Jenkinson’s private quarters,” said Elizabeth.

“Nonsense! She wouldn’t be disturbed at all. I insist,” declared Lady Catherine.

Knowing her father would want her to take every opportunity to practice, and remembering her promise to him, Elizabeth nodded and agreed.

~

Midday Tuesday, after taking a walk in a very pretty grove and helping Charlotte with some cooking, Elizabeth gathered her sheet music and went to Rosings. She asked the butler to direct her to Mrs. Jenkinson’s room where she was to practice her music. He made no expression, but Elizabeth thought he must feel how irregular this was. After all, she was the daughter of a gentleman and this was the companion’s private room. She could not help but feel she was both invading another’s privacy and disturbing the delicate balance that existed between servant and served, or in this case, almost servant. But she had made a promise to practice and practice she would.

He led her downstairs to an apartment not far from the servant’s hall. She could hear the noise of the kitchen in the distance. The room was neat and tidy and furnished comfortably but sparsely. Elizabeth thanked the butler and closed the door behind her, quickly setting out her music and glancing at the clock. One hour; she would practice for one hour and then she would go.