The next day Elizabeth arrived at Darcy house to collect Georgiana and was surprised when Mr Darcy presented himself too. She raised an eyebrow at him in question
"I decided it would not be proper to allow two young ladies under my protection out alone on Bond street."
"Yes indeed" teased Elizabeth "For we all know that the worst scoundrels can be found there, what would we do without you sir!"
He smiled "I am pleased you are in agreement Miss Elizabeth"
Georgiana watched their exchange with a small smile of contentment, happily anticipating their family party at Pemberley before long.
They arrived at Matlock house and collected Lady Matlock and Lady Eleanor. The greeting between Miss Elizabeth and Lady Eleanor was most gracious. Eleanor, for her part, was eager to meet the lady who was to take on the stern visage of her cousin and was happy to find a friendly and unassuming one. They quickly fell in to conversation about fashion and colours in anticipation of their trip. The five of them repaired to the Matlock carriage which had more space and they set off for Bond street. After half an hour of ladies chatter in the coach Darcy was happy to relinquish them to the private chambers of Madame Claude, the most sought after modiste in London, and after a brief word with his aunt he set off claiming an appointment with his tailor.
The ladies entered and were immediately welcomed by a large lady with a booming French accent who ushered them to the rear parlour. Lady Eleanor tried on a few of her new dresses which had been made for the end of the season and they were beautiful. Lady Matlock then had a word in private with the modiste and gestured to Elizabeth. she pulled her forward and turned her around
"Mais Oui, you are tres beautiful, non? tres graceful, you must walk or ride? mais oui we can do much here!" and with that declaration she bustled out of the room for a minute. Elizabeth barely had time to raise an eyebrow before returning with a beautiful pale silver blue silk gown which she promptly bade Elizabeth put on. It was partially made but in a new style and with no collar or sleeves yet attached. once pinned in Elizabeth stepped out and all the ladies gasped in appreciation. Madame Claude bustled around her tucking here and muttering to herself about this bit and that bit. She then turned to Lady Matlock
"I have some lovely spanish lace that would work here" she pointed to the neckline and the waist line, "and some new length sleeves are just the fashion non?"
"Lovely" declared Lady Matlock, Elizabeth could not hold her tongue any longer here
"It is beautiful, but I am not in need of any more dresses"
Lady Eleanor laughed heartily
"when facing the ton one always needs new dresses"
Elizabeth made to speak but Lady Matlock interrupted
"This is an engagement gift my dear, I have spoken to your aunt, this will be your wedding gown. In addition Mr darcy has requested a few items be made ready for after your wedding"
Lady Matlock turned away to talk to Madame Claude; indicating the discussion was at an end.
Lady Eleanor giggled "my my, Miss Elizabeth, anyone would think you had just been slapped. You can trust me here, when mother has made up her mind about something, it is best not to argue. This gown will be lovely, and I am sure my mother has already thought of an event it would be perfect for after your wedding. She always thinks these things through"
Elizabeth sighed "I suppose I should get used to new things, I understand I will need a fair number of new clothes"
"Oh yes" gushed Georgiana "why I have been accompanying Eleanor shopping for her season, there are so many things that are needed, it was quite terrifying the idea of needing to attend all of the functions, not to mention you will need new clothes for Derbyshire, the winters can be quite terrible there"
They all continued on discussing the differences in landscape and weather in Hertfordshire as compared to Derbyshire. Lady Eleanor, who lived near Matlock, had spent a fair amount of time at Pemberley and Elizabeth was very curious about her new home and the topic kept the ladies entertained until the end of the visit.
Once outside the modiste they ladies met up again with Mr Darcy. He was surprised when Elizabeth threw a glare his way. He made sure they slowed before entering the next shop
'Is something wrong?" He asked
"I have been told that you are directing some items of clothing, I would have liked to have been consulted"
Mr Darcy frowned "I have not directed anything, I did remind my aunt that there are a number of items you will need before heading to Derbyshire, if our plans come to fruition we will have very little time to have them made before we need to leave. I suggested to her that she could ask for them to be started so that they might be ready. I had assumed she would discuss with you."
"Discuss is not what she did, told is more accurate"
"I am sorry you felt imposed upon, but surely you see the sense of ordering now" Mr Darcy squeezed her hand that was sat in the crook of his elbow
"Yes, I suppose. It just such an expense, it all seems so unnecessary"
Darcy smiled "I am sure it seems so to you, but you will be Mrs Darcy soon" Elizabeth's breath caught at the mention of her name-to-be "you will have to get used to having more of things, It may seem excessive at first but I hope you will not get upset every time you or I buy something"
"no, you are quite right, I will try to stop being so sensitive. It's all so new"
Another warm smile from Mr Darcy and they entered the next shop together.
The rest of the trip went by with relative ease. Elizabeth tried not to think on the cost of everything as compared to her previous personal allowance. The differences in their stations was never more obvious than then.
Mr Darcy was everything that was attentive. More than a few ladies stopped Lady Matlock or one of the party to say hello, but the identity of the lovely young lady who was so intimate with the family group remained a mystery. Lady Matlock smiled as she heard some whispers and some of the rumors that were already forming. Her intent was to be seen and it was going to plan. The theatre trip would be the time to introduce Elizabeth a little and so for now she was just a mysterious dark haired beauty.