Pemberley Ranch - Jack Caldwell [36]
For this first meeting, Jane suggested everyone play or perform their favorite piece, either alone or with others. Henry Tilney, standing to the side of the group, showed the ladies over to the piano and pump organ and then, with a bow, walked to the back of the church. Beth was surprised that he wasn’t alone—Will Darcy was also seated in a back pew, his arms crossed over his chest. Beth assumed the man had left after greeting everyone with so little enthusiasm. To her discomfort, he seemed to be staring at her again.
Of course, she realized, glancing at Miss Darcy sitting next to her. He can’t trust his sister out of his sight for a moment! Poor girl, to have such an unpleasant brother!
Mary opened the performance with a hymn. Beth hid a wince. Once again, Mary was trying too hard to achieve a stateliness to her performance, while damaging the musicality of the piece.
“She’s very… solemn,” whispered Gaby in her ear.
Beth giggled. “Oh, yes—very solemn, indeed.”
Gaby blushed. “Forgive me, Miss Bennet, I meant no harm.”
Beth reached over and took Gaby’s hand. “No offense taken. And you must call me Beth if we’re to be friends.”
Gaby’s relieved smile almost broke Beth’s heart. “Call me Gaby, please, Beth. And Anne—you’ll call her Anne, won’t you? We’re so glad to make new friends.”
It had been a long time since Darcy had as much enjoyment as he did sitting on a hard church pew in the back of a Baptist church. Each of the ladies who could play an instrument took a turn, first performing by themselves then accompanying those who only sang. Mary Bennet was adequate, although Tilney seemed to enjoy her singing well enough. Darcy hid an amused grin. Jane Bingley was no surprise—he had heard her often at dinners he had attended to know of her talent. He had a bit of concern as Gaby took to the instrument to play “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee,” but after an early falter, she rallied and played flawlessly, gaining confidence as she went on. Darcy restrained himself from joining the others jumping to their feet in delight after she finished.
He was spellbound as Beth Bennet sang “Amazing Grace” as Jane played. Hers was not a classically trained voice, but the feelings she produced were authentic and moving. His admiration of her talents and thankfulness for the kindness she showed to Gaby and Anne only fueled his desire for her. The sound of her voice seemed to dance across his skin. Oh, to have those full lips sing his name as she took her pleasure! Darcy shifted in his seat.
“Will, are you all right?” Tilney asked him. Mortified, Darcy assured him he was well.
They were startled as the doors crashed open. “Jane! Jane!” Doc Bingley cried as he ran up the aisle, waving a slip of paper in his hand. Alarmed, the two men ran after him, the concert coming to an abrupt halt.
“What is it, Charles?” Jane instinctively covered her pregnant midsection.
“She’s coming today! I just got this from the telegraph office.” Charles shoved the paper into his wife’s hands. It only took her a moment to read the message. She paled.
“But… but she wasn’t coming until June! You read her letter.” The two talked as if all the others had disappeared. They had not—they all stood around in various stages of alarm. They knew something was amiss, but it was a mystery as to what it was exactly.
“I know, but she’s on today’s stage. She’ll be here at any time!”
“But I’m not ready!” Jane cried in a panic. “Her room’s not ready. How can she do this to me?”
“I’m sorry, but what can I do?”
Darcy stepped in. “Forgive me, but what the devil are you two talking about?”
“Caroline! Caroline’s coming! Today!” Charles said.
Darcy’s eyebrows rose. “Caroline? Who’s Caroline?”
“My sister, Caroline, from New Orleans. I’m sure I mentioned her.”
Beth gasped. “But you said she wasn’t coming until June. That’s at least two weeks away.”
Tilney broke in. “Uhh, folks, if Doc Bingley’s sister is on today’s stage, I suggest we get to the hotel. It’s due any time now.”
Charles was wide-eyed. “I know! That’s why I’m here. Jane, can you come?”
“My house!