Page 59 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Not above what Charlotte and Lizzy could illustrate, having learned when visiting relations,” Miss Bennet said.
“Then she is a marvel who is technicallyperfect.”
“But her music is rather…staid,” Miss Kitty said, glancing at Miss Bennet.
“True, she needs the barest of guidance. Excuse me,” Georgiana said, rushing into the house.
When Georgiana entered the small room, Mary looked up. “I understand you play. Do you wish to now, Miss Darcy?”
Georgiana placed her bonnet on the top of the instrument, proving an intent to stay for more than a moment. “Might Ijoinyou on the bench?”
Miss Mary assented, but her shoulders hunched. Georgiana understood the posture, having adopted it after the incident at Ramsgate. Her loving brother kept her from making the gravest of mistakes, almost eloping with a man seeking revenge against him. After being rescued, she had expected criticism and correction. It seemed Miss Mary expected such from her.
However, her guardians claimed it was not her fault, arguing that they and her companion, Mrs. Younge, had placed her in a vulnerable position. They forgave her naivete when shewas sure she deserved their anger. And never having studied with a music master, Miss Mary did not need to be shamed.
“I shall play the same piece,” Georgiana said, then did so with swifter keystrokes.
“I shall let you have the instrument,” Miss Mary whispered, her humiliation writ on her face.
“I beg you, do not. I shall teach you the same trick I learnt from a master. Please. Your playing is exacting. So much potential, but you play each note for itself rather than the harmony.”
“I…” Miss Mary considered the words spoken.
“It is not about this one note.” Georgiana played the F-sharp with her free hand, the other pointing at the sheet before them. “It is about these five together. And though this one must be heard on its own for two ticks, the harmony is found in these five notes, which lead to these five notes. Never does a single keystroke alone make music. Though, I daresay, some notes are quite dramatic and fun,” Georgiana whispered the last in a conspiratorial whisper.
“Play this part again?” Miss Mary asked, watching Georgiana’s fingering with interest.
“Once more, and this time watch the sheet. Read the story of the music. My piano master compared reading and playing music to reading a book. A word is but part of a whole sentence. Read out of context, a single word could lead to a great misunderstanding of the plot.” Georgiana played the section again.
“I had not considered it from such a perspective.” Miss Mary’s eyes widened with comprehension.
“I would tell you one more secret from that same master when I was not nearly so adept as you, if you will hear it?”
“Please,” Miss Mary said with elation.
“Unless one of those dramatic notes, always play as if glass is under the key. Music is written for melody. Use a softer touch to avoid breaking the glass. Swifter movement is preferred over strong depression. Now, it is your turn. Play as if there's glass under the keys. The melody comes from you, not the instrument. You play with great skill. You only need to let your fingers tell the story from your heart, which holds the music you read dear.”
Georgiana picked up her bonnet and left the musician to her practice, hearing a marked improvement before she had taken four steps.
When she returned to the garden, she found Miss Bennet’s eyes spilling with tears. “You are too kind, Miss Darcy.”
“Oh, you may be the best visitor we have ever had come to Longbourn, Miss Darcy. Please do not ever leave.” Miss Kitty wrapped an arm through hers.
“She was technically perfect. She only needed encouragement,” Georgiana said.
“Still, I thank you on behalf of my family,” Miss Bennet said, leading them to Mrs. Bennet’s prized hedgerows that yet retained much of their greenery.
An hour later, Miss Mary looked up, surprised by effusive applause.
“Oh, Mary, that was just wonderful.” Miss Elizabeth rushed to hug her sister.
“Mary, my dear girl, that was masterful,” Mr. Bennet said earnestly.
“I agree,” Georgiana said, clasping her hand. This time, she was not surprised when Miss Mary held hers fast.
“Mary, it was a beautiful rendition,” a lady said, walking over and hugging Miss Mary, who was overcome with joy.
“It is Miss Darcy who offered guidance this morning,” Miss Mary explained. And though she stood, she did not let go of Georgiana’s hand.
