Everyone at the Parsonage liked Colonel Fitzwilliam. The ladies felt that his company would make their visits to Rosings much more pleasant. However, it was a week before Lady Catherine invited them again. Finally, on Easter Sunday, they were asked to come to the big house in the evening.
When they arrived at the drawing-room, Lady Catherine received them politely. However, it was clear that she was more interested in talking to her nephews, especially Mr. Darcy.
Colonel Fitzwilliam, on the other hand, seemed very happy to see Elizabeth. He sat next to her and they had a lively conversation about books and music. They were having such a good time that both Lady Catherine and Mr. Darcy noticed them. Mr. Darcy looked at them with curiosity, and eventually, Lady Catherine called out:
"What are you talking about, Fitzwilliam? What are you telling Miss Bennet? Let me hear!"
"We are talking about music, madam," he replied.
"Music! Then speak louder. I love music," Lady Catherine said. "If I had ever learned to play, I would have been a great musician. And so would my daughter Anne, if her health had been better. Darcy, how is your sister Georgiana doing?"
Mr. Darcy spoke warmly of his sister’s talent. Lady Catherine then reminded everyone that no one can be good at music without a lot of practice. She even told Elizabeth that she would never play well unless she practiced more. She offered to let Elizabeth practice on the piano in a servant's room so she would be "out of the way."
Mr. Darcy looked a little ashamed of his aunt’s rude behavior and said nothing.
Later, Colonel Fitzwilliam asked Elizabeth to play for them. As she began to play, Mr. Darcy walked over to the piano to watch her. Elizabeth smiled at him and said, "You want to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by coming so close. But I am not afraid. I have a stubborn heart that refuses to be intimidated by anyone."
"I know you well enough to know that you enjoy saying things you don't really mean," Darcy replied with a smile.
Elizabeth laughed and said to Colonel Fitzwilliam, "Your cousin wants to show you my true character. He is being very unfair! He is telling you all the bad things he knew about me in Hertfordshire."
"I want to hear these stories," said the Colonel. "How does he behave among strangers?"
"The first time I saw him," Elizabeth said, "he only danced four times! Even though there were many young ladies without partners, he refused to dance with anyone he didn't already know."
"I find it difficult to talk to people I don't know," Darcy explained. "I cannot easily start a conversation with strangers."
Elizabeth replied cleverly, "My fingers do not move over these piano keys as well as other women's do. But I have always thought it was my own fault—because I would not take the trouble to practice. I am sure my fingers are capable of it, if I tried."
Darcy smiled. "You are right. You have used your time for better things."
Lady Catherine interrupted them again to criticize Elizabeth’s playing. Elizabeth listened politely until it was time to go home.