Chapter 28
London
January 2nd, 1812
Jane was staring out of the window, watching the light snowfall from inside the carriage. Her sisters were sitting across from her, searching through fashion magazines in an effort to decide on the style of their last few dresses, yet to be designed. Julia and Lucinda were next to her, sleeping. Her grandparents were in the second carriage behind them. They had dropped Alex and Adam off at their school on the outskirts of London and were heading to their house in town.
They arrived to their London house on Park Lane in record time. It was just before dinner time. The girls exited the carriage and looked up at the house in all its grandeur. It was plain on the outside, with a flat front, aside from three floors of bow windows and two chimneys. On the inside it was a breathtakingly large house, holding fourteen bedrooms, a grand drawing room, a colossal library, dining room for twenty-five, and a ballroom. They were greeted upon their arrival by Mrs. Robbins, the housekeeper. She ushered the large group inside the house and ordered the foot men to begin unpacking the carriages.
The group was quite eager to get settled and begin writing notes of arrival to their friends and family. Lucinda and Julia were quite exhausted from the trip and retired right away. Their grandparents had retired to their room to take refreshments and draft their letters. Mary began writing a list of tasks they needed to complete before the season started in a week. The girls began their tasks. Elizabeth was writing a note to her Aunt and Cousins, while Jane was to craft a letter to Miss Bingley.
Elizabeth had finished her letters, while Jane had torn up the letters and restarted more times than she could count.
"Jane!" Elizabeth called for the fourth time before getting an answer.
Jane finally looked up at her sister and replied, "I'm sorry, I was not attending, Lizzy -- what did you say?"
"I suggested that you just call on Miss Bingley, instead of sending a note; if she is not in, you can just leave your card."
"I suppose you are right," Jane conceded.
"Mary drafted an agenda, but we decided to wait until we talked with Aunt Elizabeth and Emily to finalize it, because they would modify it," Elizabeth informed Jane.
"They should be calling on us tomorrow after breakfast," Mary interjected.
"Yes that sounds very sensible," Jane replied.
"Are you nervous? About seeing Mr. Bingley?" Mary asked.
"Mary!" Elizabeth admonished.
"It is quite all right, Lizzy. I am nervous about seeing him again. I do not know what will happen with us -- will he treat me with indifference or will he be happy to see me?" Jane pondered.
"He is a fool if he is not happy to see you," Elizabeth declared.
"I dare say I agree," Mary added.
The supper bell rang and the girls filled in the dining room.
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Granville House, London
January 3rd 1812
Just after breakfast, the butler, Mr. Robbins, was announcing the arrival of the most anticipated guests.
"Aunt Elizabeth, Emily and Cecilia!" Mary cried at the group as they entered the drawing room. She immediately rushed over to hug her great aunt and cousins. Aunt Elizabeth walked in, followed by her daughter and daughter-in-law.
"Mary, ladies do not shout across rooms or rush over to greet guests," Cecilia admonished.
"Forgive me I-" Mary started.
"Oh Cecilia, do not be so hoity-toity; she is barely out of the school room," Aunt Elizabeth said, reprimanding her daughter-in-law and winking to Mary.
"This is her first season," Emily agreed, "And there is no one but family around." She added, pulling Mary into a hug.
Mary blushed. Cecilia rolled her eyes at her in-laws' antics, and put her arm around Mary's shoulder. "Fine," she warned, "But remember, first impressions are everything in this world. And there are no second chances."
Elizabeth cleared her throat, with Jane and Marianne standing behind her. "There are other people in the room," Eliza teased.
Aunt Elizabeth hugged her namesake and then Jane, followed by Emily and Cecilia. Marianne hugged the elder Elizabeth and informed the girls. "We shall be catching up. Emily and Cecilia will direct you, as I am sure they have better input than us old ladies. I am aware of the decisions they have made." And with that the two elder ladies left the room.
Cecilia and Jane sat on the chaise, while Elizabeth, Mary and Emily sat on the couch.
Emily started going over their itinerary as soon as they sat down. "We have an appointment with Madam Devy for noon today. There are five dresses left for you to choose; The dresses that Cecilia and I decided on are ready and will arrive tomorrow at noon."
Elizabeth, Jane and Mary excitedly nodded at the news.
"We have taken the liberty of arranging interviews for a ladies' maid for you each," Cecilia advised. "I know you are used to sharing, but you will have a great deal of events -- too many for one maid alone. The interviews have been arranged for tomorrow."
"We shall promenade at Hyde Park next week. There are a few dinners, which your grandmother has arranged with a few of her favorite acquaintances, that you will attend in the upcoming weeks, to get you acclimated to the ton.There will be an influx of invitations after your curtsey to the queen and your ball in March," Emily gushed, "But we will go over those invitations with you all."
"And of course you three will be securing your almack's vouchers," Cecilia noted looking at her sister in-law.
"Yes, they are all but secure; the two patronesses who stand in your way are Lady Jersey and Countess Lieven. Dance whenever Lady Jersey suggests it, and, Elizabeth, make sure you discuss politics with the Countess -- she is of like mind and will adore your for it. Mary and Jane, make sure you have a good enough understanding to follow along in the conversation and have an opinion," Emily insisted.
Jane and Mary nervously nodded.
"Do not worry, we shall practice," Elizabeth told Jane and Mary.
"Now, we must not tarry, for we need to visit the draper before we go to Madam Devy's,"
Emily directed.
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Darcy House
January 3rd 1812
Georgiana Darcy had awaken bright and early to break her fast. She had to so many things to do, to set her plan in place, before her brother arrived in Town. Shopping was at the top of her list, because she needed some dresses that were not so childish. Her aunt and Anne were doing an etiquette lesson, to get Anne acclimated with hostess duties. Therefore, they had been unavailable to escort her to the shops today. She had picked out some fabrics this summer that she was eager to wear in town. Luckily, her favorite seamstress, had an opening for eleven today, and Fitzwilliam would be escorting her. He did not know full details of her plan, so he could deny his involvement. She had one chance at this and she could not afford to mess it up. Her brother was already reluctant to let her enjoy small freedoms, she thought recalling their quarrel before her departure.
Pemberley
December 29th 1811
"Brother, I was thinking, I should leave for town tomorrow, with the Matlocks, Anne and Fitzwilliam." Georgiana suggested
"Georgie, I thought you were leaving with me?" Darcy asked his sister puzzled
"Well, you will be traveling with Mr. Bingley. I do not want to be a burden." Georgie replied
"You could never be a burden. Bingley does not mind your presence." Darcy stated
"Well if it is all the same, I would like to still leave with the Matlocks." Gegiana pressed
"Did I do something wrong?" Darcy inquired, slightly panicking, thinking back to the events of Ramsgate this past summer.
"Of course not!" Georgiana shouted. She rubbed her fingers to her temple trying to figure out how her simple request had gone so wrong. " I just would like to settle in for the season, before the season starts," Georgiana answered calmly
"You are not out and participating in the season, why do you need time to settle in?" Darcy questioned
"William! I shall be out next season, it is not as if I am some child! " Georgiana huffed "I wanted to help Aunt Eleanor plan her usual event and spend more time with Anne. Why is letting me go, so difficult? Is it because of Ramsgate? I feel like I have paid my penance, If I have not in your eyes, Fitzwilliam will be there to keep me in line," Georgiana complained
William sighed and hugged his sister. "Georgiana I trust you and I am sorry if I have given you the impression that I have done anything wrong, Of course you may go to London with our family, I shall not hinder your plans." Darcy agreed knowing his cousin and her other guardian was fully capable of looking after Georgiana for a week if trouble arose. That was not the reason he was reluctant to let her go, if he let her go, he would be alone at Pemberley until Bingley arrived from Yorkshire. And he did not think he could last a week alone, with his thoughts. He was sure to think of her.
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London, Bond St
January 3rd 1812
Jane, Lizzy and Mary were in one carriage, followed by their cousins in another carriage. They stopped in front of a quaint shop that had two windows each window was bordered by two columns. The columns were bordering a small walkway with four steps that led to a red door. Jane walked inside, followed by Lizzy and Mary. They all stopped upon entering, puzzled by the display in front of them. There were about twenty different styles of dresses on wire figures that were shaped like a woman.
"They are called mannequins, they are very popular for fashion in France," A woman with a heavy french accent spoke to sisters.
"Madam Devy," Emily greeted "These are my younger cousins: Jane, Elizabeth and Mary."
The girls exchanged pleasantries with Madam Devy.
"I only have two fitting areas available now, the third is still occupied. Though I am sure she will be done quite soon." Madam Devy assured
Jane spoke "Lizzy and Mary may go first, I need to decide on a style for two of my gowns still. I shall wait look through the mannequins."
"Very well Jane," Lizzy responded
"Well we have to stop in the haberdashers, to retrieve our order. We shall return in a half hour, you are in good hands," Cecilia stated pulling Emily away.
With the exit of their cousins Lizzy and Mary timidly followed Madam Devy to a large area surrounded by mirrors there were three fitting platforms in the middle of the room and three changing rooms towards the back. There were two attendants in the room waiting to assist the Bennet sisters. The footmen carried in the fabrics from their shopping
In the rush of getting everything they needed this morning Elizabeth was unaware of the styles and fabrics that her sisters bought this morning. As the attendants carried and sorted their choices, a bold blue green fabric caught her eye. Elizabeth was impressed. Her sister's choices tended to be very dull more of a brown, grey or puce.
"Mary, that color will look stunning on your complexion!" Elizabeth gushed, pointing to the blue green fabric that caught her eye.
Mary blushed "I thought, It might be too much."
"No, absolutely not, you must wear that to our first major outing, you shall, turn the heads of many men" Elizabeth declared looking through Mary's other choices in fabrics, there were a few soft colors of pink, yellow and green.
"I could never, not when you or Jane are in the same room; No one will pay any attention to me," Mary conceded
"Mary, you are quite pretty and will catch the eye of some man, and will have to eat your words." Elizabeth teased to her blushing sister.
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Meanwhile, Jane was in the front of the store looking through mannequins, followed by her attendant. She had been staring at her options for a long time. She was sure she would never be able to make a decision before it was her turn.
The store was becoming busier, she was joined by two other women shopping and a gentleman with a kind face, pacing off to the side in regimentals. He looked quite out of place, yet quite comfortable. He was speaking with an attendant. He gave her a soft smile, when he caught her staring. Jane looked down at the mannequin in front of her blushed immediately. He must be waiting for his wife. She mused. He was not old enough to have a daughter.
Jane needed to focus-- she was having a hard time deciding on the style of her dress because most of the dresses were quite lavishly decorated with feathers and lace, Which was not to Jane's tastes at all. She was very used to not dressing so brazen.
"Is there any dress style that is less ornate?" Jane asked her attendant
She heard giggles coming from behind her. The two women who were shopping were hiding their laughs behind folding fans.
Jane glared in their direction. Her attendant informed her that she could pick the trimmings to her tastes, but these were popular choices. Jane nodded at this statement and continued looking.
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Elizabeth and Mary stood on two of the three platforms, while the attendants measured the two women. Asking each about the style they wanted the fabric cut in. The Empire high waisted style was the most fashionable option, but Elizabeth hated it. Her small frame seemed to get swallowed by the high cut style, but a corset was worse. Empire it was.
"May I make a suggestion ma'am?" her attendant asked her shyly.
Elizabeth nodded curiously.
"The basque waistline would suit you quite well, it is similar to the corset, but not as tight." the attendant replied
"I shall take your suggestion," Elizabeth responded
Just then an blonde girl of no more than 16 was usher from a dressing room by her attendant wearing a white satin dress with blue flowers and a blue lace trim at the bottom. Madam Devy entered and complimented the girl right away.
"Oh, I knew that this dress would fit you well," Madam Devy exclaimed to the young woman.
"Yes," responded the young woman. She seemed unsure of the choice.
"The other dresses that you would like should be completed in the next two weeks, if this one is not to your satisfaction." Madam Devy promised
The younger girl sighed and walked over to the third fitting platform next to Elizabeth and stared into the mirror. Still unsure. She turned to Elizabeth nervously and, asked "What is your opinion on this dress? I overheard you speaking earlier-- forgive me." The girl said shaking her head and looking at the floor.
Elizabeth looked curiously at the girl. There was a certain familiarity there that she could not place. "I think the dress is quite pretty, but it seems like it is not to your liking."
"I am not sure if the dress suits me, I feel, I look as if I belong in the nursery." She admitted.
Mary gave the girl a reassuring smile and spoke "It is my first season too; I just feel so lost! How many events are you attending this season?"
"I am not quite sure, I am trying to get my brother to let me attend a few, I do not have my debut until next season," she confessed
Elizabeth laughed. The young girl flushed.
"Forgive my impertinence. I was not laughing at you, this reminded me of a situation, where my eldest sister was officially out, but I am a year younger than her and I attempted to join her on a few of her outings. My father denied my request. He had his reasons; he noticed my sister and I were too dependent on one another and wanted us to grow. It was for the best,my sister and I became independent of each other."
"So I should talk to him?" the girl sighed
"Yes, but still get the dresses you like made, in case he decides in your favor. If he does not, they will work for next season." Elizabeth mentioned
The girl looked in Elizabeth's eyes and spoke, "Thank you for your advice, I believe you are correct in you assessment."
Elizabeth nodded and smiled. As, the girl alerted her attendant and turned back to the fitting rooms to change into her dress.
There was something familiar in the young girls gaze , that left Elizabeth feeling unsettled. The girl seemed quite nice and Elizabeth would love to have a new friend in town, when she comes out I shall introduce myself.
Soon another attendant appeared from the front of the store and began to frantically spin searching the room. "Where is Miss Dar-- " The attendant turned came face to face with the young girl as she exited the changing room . "Oh there you are! The Colonel needs to depart immediately and asked me to come fetch you."
"Oh dear, I have been here longer than I intended, Thank you!" the young girl said waving at the Bennet girls and rushing out behind the attendant.
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Jane was stuck still trying to find a dress design that she liked; everything her attendant showed her was too gaudy. Jane sighed believing she would be regulated to not finding anything until a dress caught her eye. It was very simple yet, with the fabric she had chosen she was sure it would look amazing. Jane alerted her attendant that she had found what she was looking for. The two women, from earlier, walked by to see Jane's choice and began to speak.
"Really Harriet, woman who cannot afford to shop her, should not be given an individual attendant to help them, while well paying customers are forced to wait." One of the two woman whined loudly, glaring at Jane and her dress of choice.
"No Phoebe, she can afford it, she just reeks of trade. Her gown is of great quality, but it is very plain, just like her hair, there is a definite lack of refinery in her appearance." the other woman declared, giving Jane the once over.
Jane opened her mouth to reply, when someone else began speaking. "Some women are quite beautiful and adding and ornate amount of lace detracts from their beauty," The stranger announced staring at Jane causing her to blush again "On the other hand some women need an ornate amount of lace to get noticed; even then it is like putting a hog in silk." The stranger continue changing his gaze to the rude women.
"How dare you sir! Do you have any idea who we are?" Harriet shouted
"Do you have any idea who I am?" The man retorted
The girls ignored him claims and stormed off declaring that the man, would lose his commission and never move in polite society again.
Jane looked over at her protector.
He chuckled at their claims. "If only they had that power, I would be glad to retire this commission and leave polite society and all their rules."
Jane smiled at the kind man. "Thank you, for your help, though I hope the do not cause you harm or trouble," Jane remarked
"My pleasure ma'am, no harm shall come to me, though I am quite sure you did not need my help-- there is a certain fire behind those eyes," The stranger revealed
Jane blushed for the third time.
"Forgive my manners, I am Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam."
"Jane Bennet," she replied quickly curtseying.
"Well Miss Bennet, I hope I shall see you again, but I am afraid I must be off." Colonel Fitzwilliam announced bowing, as he saw a blonde girl of no more than 16, approaching them. He walked over to greet her and out of the door of the shop.
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Grosvenor St, London
January 3rd 1812
Finally after two hours of fittings and being poked and prodded, Jane was on her way to make a call to the Bingley's residence; Elizabeth and Mary rode in their cousins carriage back to their townhouse, so Janet could make it to Grosvenor St, before the end of calling hours. Jane was nervous about the pending visit and kept fidgeting. Soon enough she was arriving at their home.
Jane took a deep breath before stepping out of the carriage, to help calm her nerves. The house was not as grand as Granville, but still quite posh. After all it was I a fashionable area of town. She walked up the few steps and knocked on the door. The butler opened the door and ushered her into the foyer. She gave him her card and waited. After several minutes of waiting Janet was shown into the drawing room and greeted by Caroline.
"Dear Jane, you did not send word of your arrival and I am afraid, you were quite unexpected."
"Yes, I have not been in town, two days yet; I was eager to see you all," Jane responded.
"Well Louisa is quite unwell and is resting upstairs. I have been caring for her alone in my brother's absence. He is still up North with the Darcys. I expect to hear good news upon their arrival," Caroline hinted.
"Good news?" Jane asked puzzled. She could not possibly be hinting at that.
"Yes, I dare say by the end of the season I shall have a new sister, my brother is quite fond of a young lady from up North," Caroline boasted.
Jane was silent visibly shaken by the news of Mr. Bingley moving on so quickly. Were his sisters trying to wedge them apart?
Caroline yawn and stood up. "Dear, Jane your visit was a joy, but I must tend to Louisa."
"Of course, I am staying in--" Jane started.
"Our butler has your card, we shall call soon," Caroline promised walking Jane towards the door.
Jane was left in the foyer as her carriage was brought around, wondering where her relationship with the Bingleys stood. Once her carriage arrived she looked back at the house predicting that this would be her last time seeing it.
