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A Swan In Hiding
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With formalities out of the way I bring you
Chapter 7 Shopping and Surprises
Skydancinghobbit
``He likes to have his own way very well,'' replied Colonel Fitzwilliam. ``But so we all do. It is only that he has better means of having it than many others, because he is rich, and many others are poor. I speak feelingly. A younger son, you know, must be inured to self-denial and dependence.''
``In my opinion, the younger son of an Earl can know very little of either. Now, seriously, what have you ever known of self-denial and dependence? When have you been prevented by want of money from going wherever you chose, or procuring any thing you had a fancy for?''
P & P Volume 2 Chapter 33
The steady thrum of hooves the low conversation and gentle motion of the coach had lulled Mary's nerves about this foretold shopping trip. Why that very morning her Ladyship had called at her bed chamber to look over her things, to ascertain if Mary guessed her thoughts, the gap between what was now, and what would be once they finished their outing. Flicking through her gowns the older women's features softened for a moment.
"Miss Bennet...Is this all you own?"
There was a note of something in her tone, that softened the question, not quite pity but lacking the warmth to be called motherly. Being the middle child in a family of 5 she had been the one to acquire the hand me downs and cheaper fabrics, it was simply her lot as she had the misfortune to be the only plain one.
"Yes your Ladyship it is..."
Turning her hostess met her eyes, Mary still being a bed and firmly under the covers, there they stood for nearly a full minute before Lady Catherine spoke again.
"How is it Miss Bennet with such neglect...you have come to be such a young women?"
Seeing the expression on Mary's face cloud Her Ladyship clucked, rather like an over large mother hen pulling the tassel to summon the maids, scarcely had the cord ceased it dancing about when the upper maids appeared each curtsying in turn as they awaited their orders, rumors of the Miss Bennets favor with their Mistress was warmly discussed in the servants hall and all and sundry had declared it to be the first spark of Christian feeling the women had displayed in 30 years. The young women who looked after the guest sang her praises declaring her to be a sweet girl, worthy of such attention.
"I know not how to answer you my Lady... except that as you know... my mother considered my appearance plain and in her words, not worth the effort when their were elder more beautiful daughter to marry off"
Her answer seemed to speak volumes and Her Ladyship swept from the room as if taken with some sudden stroke of genius the servants following, a low conversation ensued and the patter of feet declared the conference to be over, Rolling over Mary checked the window, rather dismayed, she doubted anyone but the local farmers would be up this early! Stifling a groan she cuddled back into the heavenly pillow and caught a few more hours sleep before a knock at the door roused her. It was Miss Sarah, the maid chosen to look after Mary during her stay and she looked very pleased.
"Good morning Miss, I bring you a present from Her Ladyship!"
Groggily Mary rose, happy to find the maid had not only knocked but brought the customary cup of morning tea, hot black and with liberal amounts of sugar, Taking a long sip she revived, truly there was nothing quite like the first cup of tea in the morning! Now considerably more awake and with the milk of human kindness running through her veins once more she faced the older girl with a smile.
"Alright Sarah...now I'm ready"
A soft laugh was in answer before another maid brought in a long tissue wrapped package, Mary bit her lip in half shock half wonder, indeed she could hazard a guess at the contents but, such a gift was truly beyond her means to ever return, stepping forward as the women laid the package delicately on the bench that stood at the end of her bed Mary plucked at the ribbon tugging the bow from its elegant arrangement and lifted the lid with a gasp that could be heard in the hall way.
"Oh Sarah... I can't wear this... its too beautiful!"
Her tone was half wonder half fear, for nestled in layer of filmy pink tissue paper lay the most beautiful gown Miss Bennet had ever laid eyes on, three shades of green, a neckline that was a good deal lower then she was used to and the most delicate golden lace adorned the edges, it was a gown more fit for royal then the daughter of a country born gentlemen.
"Oh Miss do try it on!"
Mutely Mary nodded agreement and in shorter time then it would have taken Jane to greet the family, the deed was done and she stood before the full-length mirror in shock, her dark hair having been curled during the night falling around her shoulders in ebony waves. .
"I look like..."
"A beautiful young women Miss Bennet"
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So here she was scant hours later, with the carriage finally reaching their destination, seated next to Miss Ann and wearing a gown worth at least twice her yearly allowance. Her companion had presented her with matching hat and shoes to go with the ensemble and so it was they entered a dress shop and Mary gasped softly, never before had she witnessed so many colors, each shade more lovely then the rest, the staff were swift and very attentive going about their work with all the practiced ease of a troop of ballet dancers.
"Oh Mary look! ... This necklace would go very well with your gown"
Smiling indulgently Miss Bennet stepped over, read the price tag hidden under the stone and took a step back, her color paling by several degrees. The necklace mentioned was in fact a very small emerald! With a price to match!
"It would indeed my dear If I were born a Duchess"
Ann turned and stared at Mary for a long moment, her expression softening as she took her hand, squeezing it gently in apology before she spoke.
"Of course…I am sorry my dear…. I had forgotten for a moment, you look so much like my elder sister…I quite forgot myself a moment will you forgive me?"
Mary's eyebrow raised her expression registering surprise at the admission, so that was the reason behind the kindness of her Ladyship! Finding this piece of information gave her far more questions then answers she wisely let it go only offering a smile in return.
"Of course my dear…we are not all of us born wealthy…those who are, enjoy many blessings...but I think loose a few as well"
Thus their conversation ended, in favor of studying the latest fashions, her Ladyship proving to be a gentle teacher and not possessing the acid tongue when in public, Mary found she enjoyed this more human view of Ann's mother, it made her look even for a short time, like a younger version of herself, with a wry smile and ever ready remark. After their shopping was concluded it was time for tea, Ann took charge of that affair with something close to relish. They proceeded to the most glamorous tearoom in London.
Its sheer size staged Mary as she entered, feeling more like a museum of priceless art then a place where food and drink were served. Marble statues elaborate painting and rugs that one had to mind else they might turn an ankle in the deep plush. After a rather formal reminder to the two young women to mind their manner Lady Catherine drifted off to another room presumable to drink tea with those of her own age. Taking a seat by a window Miss Mary stood looking out the swirling pane at the most beautiful cultivated garden she had ever laid eyes on. Impeccably trimmed hedges without a leaf out of place, covered walkways covered with climbing roses and the like.
"Beautiful…is it not Miss Bennet?"
With a soft cry of surprise Mary whirled around only to find herself face to face with the Colonel looking quite handsome in his dress uniform, dark waves locks gleaming in the sunlight as it streamed through the high windows, breathing a sigh of relief she smiled curtsying lightly. Privately enjoying the way her Bonnet ribbons reacted to the movement, fluttering about her like flower petals.
"Indeed it is…. forgive me Sir but you gave me quite a fright"
Warm laughter escaped his lip, sending the most peculiar sense of accomplishment through Mary, as if making him laugh had been her intension all along.
"I can see that Miss Bennet and I in turn must ask forgiveness for doing so…believe me I did not mean to do so"
The warm of his tone was wrecking havoc with her ability to think, but his sincerity steeled her resolve to answer, all the while wondering how Jane ever said anything at all if this was the feelings man inspired in her all the time,
"Your pardon is freely given…"
Seeming to glance around him once again he smiled warmly the emotion seeming to travel between his lips and his eyes in one moment. Offering his arm he suddenly spoke.
"May I escort you to a table Miss Bennet?"
So ends Chapter 7 –dodges the pink bow thrown at her by her Beta-
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Who ever grants this story its 67th review shall have Chapter 8 dedicated to them
Stay tuned for Chapter 8 Answers and Confessions
Skydancinghobbit
P.S. Please take a moment to check out my other fanfics they need love too you know ^_^