Ch. 25 Sisters and Wedding Clothes
Elizabeth slept very well that night envisioning other scenarios in which she could be alone with her betrothed. Her mind was emboldened to romantic fantasy by their brief interlude in her uncle's study. She thought of ways to tease him into confessions of his love and of circumstances where she might tempt him to steal a kiss, or three.
When she awoke from her slumber, her smile was dreamy and her eyes far away. Elizabeth sat before her mirror and, while brushing her hair as usual, endeavored to practice flirtatious expressions using her eyes, head positions, and smiles for an enticing effect. Previously, she had never had the inclination to analyze her own looks and, becoming rather frustrated with the attempt, began making silly faces instead which might amuse the children later.
Jane had not slept nearly as deeply as she usually did. She came to be fully awake not long after Elizabeth rose, and looked on with amusement at her sister's antics before finally saying, "You know, I do believe Mr. Darcy shall find your new expressions rather… tantalizing."
Elizabeth scrunched her nose and lips, "Do you really think so? I imagine that it is more likely for Fitzwilliam to raise a brow and pretend not to know me at all." Her face once again returned to normal as she turned in her seat. "Good morning. I did not expect you up so soon, Jane."
Jane smiled at her sister while sitting up against the pillows and disregarded her greeting. "My dear Lizzy, you should not be so harsh. I do believe that your Fitzwilliam should never ignore you. You must know that you occupy all of his attention when you are near."
Elizabeth went to sit on her own bed facing Jane, positioning the quilt across her shoulders for warmth. "I sometimes wonder why. I do love him so, but how is it that I tempted him to love me? I am not so pretty, though he seems to think so. I only hope that he does not…" she stopped and sighed before continuing with a quick grin, "never mind. I know such fears are silly. I must confess that I have spent the night reliving beautiful moments and longing for more of them. Before I began making ridiculous faces at myself, I was trying to distinguish a naturally flirtatious aspect. However, I failed. They all look rather fake."
"It is something you need not practice, I assure you. I have seen you look at Darcy, and I am certain your emotions are clear to him. You are beautiful and he loves you for yourself." Jane was too gracious to mention other ladies, such as Miss Bingley, who had attempted to lure Darcy in by blatant flattery and flirtation. When she paused, she thought of Elizabeth's confession and could not help to tease her sister for the resulting blush, "Just what happened yesterday while you were hiding with Mr. Darcy?"
The day was sure to be a long one. Elizabeth and Jane had an early fitting appointment for their wedding clothes with their mother and aunt, and then were to be joined by Lady Matlock and Georgiana for another shopping excursion. Mrs. Gardiner had promised Elizabeth that she would procure an excuse to take Mrs. Bennet home with her so the young women may enjoy their shopping venture with Georgiana and the Countess.
The rain of the last two days had stopped, though the air was still wet with descending mist. Elizabeth was pleased.
Over breakfast Mrs. Gardiner smiled at her two nieces. She discussed the plan for the day and brought up a subject from the evening before. Eyeing Elizabeth while stirring cream into her tea she said, "It was very kind of Mr. Darcy to invite us to dine at his home."
Elizabeth nodded, but did not reply in the hope that her aunt would choose another topic of conversation.
"He requested permission from your Uncle for both you ladies to visit a little earlier in the day. Lizzy, I believe he would like to introduce the staff to you." Mrs. Gardiner was not concerned for her nieces since Georgiana and her companion would also be there. She also understood that Mr. Darcy intended to have the housekeeper escort Elizabeth to the Mistress's chamber for her opinion—not that he had said as much to her husband. Mrs. Gardiner felt it was her duty to answer questions her niece might have and prepare her to view her new home. It is true that she had toured Pemberley, but she had not the pleasure of touring the family chambers with the knowledge that they would be hers.
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and shrugged while biting into her toast. It was a subject that she preferred not to discuss; her reasons being that her introduction to the household was inevitable, sooner ought to be better than later, and apprehension was unnecessary when her trust in Darcy was total. Elizabeth did not wish to have an awkward conversation in the dining room. She welcomed advice about running a large home, though she did suspect that she would get guidance from the London housekeeper—is that not the reason for meeting her now?—and Mrs. Reynolds, whom she had already made a brief acquaintance, and her husband. The thought of viewing their chambers gave her shivers; Elizabeth was looking forward to the opportunity, as well as the possibility of wandering away from Georgiana and Jane to be unaccompanied with Fitzwilliam for a few moments.
Knowing her sister did not mean to reply, Jane said, "I am glad that he invited me as well, Aunt Maddy. I am interested to see how Mr. Darcy has his household structured since I am not certain what attention Mr. Bingley gave the household at Netherfield."
Mrs. Gardiner was perceptive and obliged her nieces by changing the subject. She believed that there would be another opportunity to discuss the invitation to the Darcy townhouse. She attended to Jane's statement instead. "Indeed that is true. Do you know if Mr. Bingley intends to purchase Netherfield or look elsewhere for an estate?"
It was Jane's turn to feel uneasy with the conversation. Hesitantly she offered, "I am not certain. I do believe that we shall spend some time in Hertfordshire after the nuptials."
Elizabeth smiled at her sister and would have made a remark about her moving closer to Derbyshire, as she had previously predicted, if a servant had not come in to deliver a letter. The envelope was placed in between the Bennet ladies. Elizabeth and Jane looked at the letter on the table as if it might burst and then looked uncertainly at each other, silently asking each other to do the honors of reading the letter.
Mrs. Gardiner asked with raised brows, "Who is it from?"
Elizabeth answered, "Mrs. Wickham," at the same time Jane said, "Lydia." Mrs. Gardiner understood and waited to see what Lydia wanted.
Elizabeth sighed, "For Heaven's sake," and tore open the seal and read aloud.
My Dear Sisters,
I have heard that you are soon to be married women and thought to offer you my congratulations and wisdom. It is about time!
It is so good for Mr. Bingley to finally marry Jane and if you stay close to Longbourn, so much the better. I would not want Mama to lose all her daughters, although I seriously doubt that Mary shall ever catch a husband.
I am surprised Lizzy would pledge to marry such an unpleasant man as Mr. Darcy, and after what he did to my poor Wickham, though I do not blame you for you will soon have the means to help out all your dear sisters. Do not forget about me. I would dearly love a carriage and pony this holiday.
You might consider doing anything in your power to keep them interested—I mean, of course, that there are feminine ways in which you can capture their attention. You would not want them to become disenchanted with your standoffish, oh-so-proper ways before you secure your future!
I am considering joining your wedding party since I am getting so bored of Newcastle. Also it would be fitting so that I may give you advice on your upcoming marital obligations as a good married sister ought. Oh, you have no idea the fun you have in store for you! I am quite content since losing my status as a Bennet Miss. Though I am not certain if I will journey there since I am short on funds just now and Papa will not send me more.
Send my regards to Mama and the Gardiners.
Mrs. Lydia Wickham
Elizabeth's cheeks were burning when she finished reading and closed her eyes in mortification. So much for avoiding embarrassing discussions in the dining room, she thought. Jane frowned at her plate, hiding her pale complexion. Mrs. Gardiner blinked, "Humph! Let us hope that your sister does not honor us with her presence, or the discussion she is referring to"
Elizabeth could not help her frustrated reply, "Will she ever learn to temper her ways and think before she acts?"
Even Jane had no response or kind words to offer on her young sister's behalf. The letter was hidden away and not mentioned again. The room was quiet while the ladies considered the letter and the day's activities until the arrival of Mrs. Bennet.
When Mrs. Bennet joined them to break her fast, she remained ignorant of Lydia's letter. The mother of the brides talked about the style and color she expected in their wedding attire and how content she was with Mr. Gardiner's textiles, which had already been sent to the dressmaker.
Listening to her mother, Elizabeth silently lamented the fact that they would be fitted by an alternative dressmaker since Madame Marguerite was still busy with Darcy's sizeable order, and her price was too steep for Mr. Bennet's budget. If they had utilized Darcy's couturier, then there would be no need for yet another fitting before the dresses were completed. She did not look fondly on the day that promised to involve her practice of statue impersonations while being measured and then later dragged through shops with Lady Matlock.
Elizabeth consoled herself with the knowledge of her mother's absence and Georgiana's attendance while shopping. She briefly wondered if Fitzwilliam looked forward to his day more than she. He had said that he would be attending to outstanding estate matters. Unconsciously, she toyed with the garnet pendant around her neck that Darcy had given her.
Mrs. Gardiner called to Elizabeth, effectively snapping her out of her reverie, and asked for her to accompany her and Jane upstairs to bid goodbye to the children and gather their bonnets.
P&P
Mrs. Annesley had been spending very little time with her charge since arriving in London. Using the excuse to visit with her expecting sister, which the Darcys readily agreed to, she had been purposely allowing Georgiana some freedoms and allowing her time with Elizabeth and Darcy.
Mrs. Annesley was keen to observe Georgiana when she was in her presence. She was glad to note that the shyness of a young girl was maturing to make way for a quiet young lady with some measure of confidence, which she assumed was encouraged by Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Given Georgiana's age and impending change in circumstances, Emma Annesley had been seriously considering her role in Georgiana's life.
Emma listened contentedly to the music filling the room after breaking her fast, and thought about the future. She was very proud of Miss Darcy and hoped that Darcy would allow Georgiana to correspond with her when no longer in his employ. She quietly slipped out of the music room and made her way to the Master's study to discuss her intentions.
She was promptly admitted and, after closing the door behind her, made her way across the room to Darcy's desk.
Darcy had spent the morning attending to matters concerning his properties. Presently, he was mulling over some suggested improvements for the farming process and irrigation at Pemberley, since the decisions required timely consideration in order for the spring crops to benefit from them. Darcy set his papers down and stood to acknowledge Mrs. Annesley when she entered the room. "Mrs. Annesley, good morning. I do hope there is nothing amiss."
She assured her employer with an honest expression, "No, Mr. Darcy, all is well. I was hoping that you might spare a moment."
"Of course," he said, indicating the seat for her to sit before reseating himself behind his large mahogany desk. He observed her slight nervousness, though he could not determine that there was anything wrong by her demeanor. Patiently he waited for her to speak.
"Sir, I have been considering my position with you and thought to ask you what your intentions were for Miss Darcy."
Darcy portrayed his surprise. "I am sure that I do not know what you mean. I intend to present Georgiana to society during the next season, I believe she shall be ready."
Mrs. Annesley smiled, "Indeed, I agree that she shall. I am talking about my role as Miss Darcy's companion. She has come a long way and soon shall have the benefit of Miss Bennet's guidance." Darcy lifted his chin slightly, absorbing her speech. "I should like to continue to be a friend to Miss Darcy and write to her, if she is amenable. However, I believe that she is no longer in need of a companion."
Darcy nodded, "I see. I have not thought of it and I hope you understand that you are welcome to stay with us. Nevertheless, I will gladly write a recommendation for you and also inquire about other positions you might fill, if you desire it."
Mrs. Annesley was grateful for his understanding and generosity. With a curtsey she went to join Georgiana, leaving him to complete the business on his desk.
Before returning to his paperwork, Darcy sat considering any positions as a lady's companion that he might be aware of. He would never suggest Miss Bingley as a possible employer—Mrs. Annesley would certainly be unhappy working for that lady. There were other ladies that could benefit from Mrs. Annesley's gentle nature and guiding hand… perhaps he knew of the perfect charges for her next assignment.
P&P
The fitting went well, if not quickly. Elizabeth had elected to have a muslin dress of cream made with trimmings to match a silk and lace Spenser for the wedding. It was simple, though she knew that she would feel lovely, and Darcy was sure to think that she looked lovely, wearing it once it was completed. Mrs. Bennet tried to add extra layers of trim and padded rolls to elaborate the design and look more fashionable, but Elizabeth was adamant that she would not wear anything ostentatious; she preferred to be comfortable and did not wish to overshadow her sister.
Jane was so pleased with Elizabeth's choice, that she sought approval from her sister regarding her own gown. Jane had always had trouble committing to a design that she could not visualize personally wearing and wanted to look perfect for her Charles. Elizabeth assured her that she would look stunning in light blue muslin with cream overlaid lace and a cross-over bodice with long fitted sleeves. Elizabeth stood firm to advocate for Jane so that Mrs. Bennet did not get her way by adding triangular or ruffled decorations to Jane's costume.
The girls did concede to allow Mrs. Bennet to design their night attire and robes for their wedding night, which pleased all the ladies and saved the brides the embarrassment of listening to their mothers points of argumentation on the subject. They were rather astonished at the translucent quality of the fabric chosen for the office, since neither sister considered their mother to own a passionate nature.
Mrs. Gardiner approved heartily of Mrs. Bennet's choices and slyly smiled at her nieces.
Mrs. Bennet had sound reasoning for ordering such suggestive night attire, though she did not share the true reasons with her daughters. After many years of marriage, she understood the nature of men, and felt it necessary to begin a marriage by engaging a husband's interest—even if a bride did not care to regularly seek favors after their wedding night.
When Georgiana converged with Lady Matlock, she was eager to learn about the dresses that were chosen for their wedding. Once they bid Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Bennet a good afternoon, she happily listened as Elizabeth described their choices. Jane nodded and added to the descriptions to account for Elizabeth's exaggerations.
"I am certainly glad that is finished," Elizabeth said. "There are so many fashions to sift through and choices of fabric and trimmings to choose from. I am thankful that I did not have to design all the gowns Fitzwilliam ordered prior to arriving in town. I fear that I might have spent an entire se'nnight mulling over the fabrics, trim, and layers for all the clothing."
Jane shook her head, "It is not as bad as you make it sound, Lizzy. You are much more talented and confident in your choices than I."
Lady Matlock smiled at her future niece as they were handed into her carriage by the footman. When the four ladies were comfortably situated she said, "You will get used to it, my dear; though it sounds as if you and Miss Bennet made fine choices. No one pays any attention to the gowns worn at a wedding; in any case, people shall be too occupied with your expressions of profuse happiness."
Jane was very grateful for Lady Matlock's prediction. Jane asked the Lady to use her given name in address since Georgiana had already been asked to use it. Lady Matlock agreed and reciprocated the request.
"Helen, may I ask what the plan is for today?" Elizabeth asked.
Lady Matlock raised a brow, "I thought it would be nice to know you and Jane better. Shopping is always great fun and there are always new items and styles to look at." Her reasoning seemed rational to Georgiana and Jane. Though Elizabeth was skeptical, she nodded and allowed Georgiana to change the subject as the carriage rolled toward a more fashionable shopping district.
Lady Matlock greatly anticipated the excursion. She had let her plans 'slip' on a couple of calls to acquaintances to ensure that she could introduce Elizabeth as her future niece. Her efforts were not for naught. She introduced shop keepers and some patrons to the young ladies and instigated conversations with certain aristocrats who might prove useful to her cause.
Lady Elliot was seen briefly with her niece and gleefully made the introduction to Lady Matlock, Elizabeth and Georgiana.
Jane and Elizabeth were also introduced to Viscountess Torrington, who was hosting the ball on the twenty-sixth of October. The Lady was middle aged and seemed amused by Lady Matlock, but was polite and offered her congratulations for the nuptials. The daughter of the Viscountess was discontent to stand about socializing, so Viscountess Torrington graciously smiled and suggested they chat more at the ball before following her daughter into another shop.
It soon was apparent to Elizabeth that Lady Matlock did nothing frivolously, except shopping. Anything the young ladies admired was purchased. If Lady Matlock was conversing with the patron or an acquaintance, and Georgiana noticed Elizabeth admiring an item, Georgiana would purchase it waving off Elizabeth's objections (Georgiana had gladly taken her brother's request to heart that she bring about the purchase of anything Elizabeth fancied).
Elizabeth felt sorry for the footman who stood by patiently waiting for bundles to be repeatedly carted back to the carriage.
AN: Thank you for the correction of Sir Lewis' name in the previous chapter, I could not find his name so I thought I would test you... you passed the P&P test! (ok that was a bad joke).
I am SOOO sorry I wasn't able to update sooner. I am afraid that my kids are wearing me out this summer and I had to read the new Outlander book that I've been waiting impatiently to read forever…I DO understand how frustrating it is to wait for the next chapter/book to be published.
Next is the Opera. Love to hear from you! Who will be there? Maybe the Viscountess or Lady Elliot? What intrigues with Jane and Elizabeth at Darcy's house? Who would make the perfect charges for Mrs. Annesley?