Many thanks to my wonderful beta reader and co-author Sam. H.
Late November – Early December
In the midst of enjoying their breakfast the following morning, Elizabeth and the Gardiners were interrupted by the housekeeper. A note had been hand-delivered, and the young man was waiting in the kitchen for a response. The Gardiners were astonished upon reading the note, containing an invitation from the Marquess of Hertford to the premiere of A Midsummer Night's Dream in five days' time. It was astonishing, as Mr. Gardiner had not seen the marquess since his move to Liverpool.
Elizabeth was equally surprised, as she had not considered Lord Yarmouth, so intent in regard to his invitation. Mr. Gardiner responded to the note immediately, accepting with pleasure, and expressing their gratitude for the invitation.
Both Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth were excited by the Marquess' invitation. After breakfast, the ladies went up to inspect their gowns. As guests of the Marquess, their appearance required extra special attention. Looking through Elizabeth's gowns, Mrs. Gardiner sighed, "Lizzy, we must go to the modiste today."
"Aunt, are you sure?"
"There is nothing to be done for it, you simply have nothing suitable to wear. We will visit Mr. Gardiner's warehouse first and choose a fine silk in a becoming colour, with a matching lace of net for an overlay."
A little later, perusing through the options in her uncle's warehouse, Elizabeth's eye was immediately drawn to a stunning gold fabric, while Mrs. Gardiner opted for some delicate lace to embellish one of her gowns at home. Taking their finds to the dressmaker, she assured them an elegant gown, made up with the fabric Elizabeth chose, would be ready a day before the premiere, with an appointment set for a final fitting in 3 days.
Before returning home, they visited the milliner's shop to purchase a new fan and ribbons for Elizabeth. These particular accessories were crucial to complete her ensemble for the upcoming event.
Elizabeth and her aunt were enjoying tea in the drawing room, resting after their busy morning. "Aunt, Mary and her husband are due to return from their wedding trip tomorrow. Shall we invite the Darcy's for dinner in two days' time? Do you think Mr. Darcy will consent?"
"That is a lovely idea, Lizzy I shall send around a note inviting them."
Some weeks had passed since the murder of Sir Frederick, yet Darcy was still too uneasy to allow Georgiana near Cheapside. Luckily, they already had plans to attend a dinner at the Matlocks' house and had a reasonable excuse to refuse the invitation. Darcy would not wish to cause offence to either Elizabeth, or any of her family. To make up for not being able to accept the invitation, Georgiana extended an invitation for Elizabeth and Mary for tea at Darcy house, the following Monday.
PPP
When Mary and her husband entered the Gardiner's house, Elizabeth could see her sister was content. Dressed in an elegant gown, she glowed with love for her husband, and he appeared to be just as smitten.
The dinner conversation was lively, with the Trevors' sharing the sights they had seen on their recent wedding trip. After dinner, Mr. Trevor and Mr. Gardiner left the room to discuss business, and Mary handed Elizabeth a note from Kitty.
As Elizabeth read, her face lit up with joy. Mrs. Gardiner, who was sitting next to Elizabeth, noticed her expression and asked, "What does Kitty have to say, Lizzy?"
"John Lucas proposed to Kitty, and she accepted."
Mrs. Gardiner smiled, "I am so glad. Kitty has admired him for years. I hope your mother has no objections. She has known John Lucas since he was born, and in addition to being the heir to Lucas Lodge, he is a kind gentleman."
"Our mother does not object." Mary smiled, "In fact, she is quite pleased about the match. Lady Lucas, on the other hand, has been overheard commenting about her hopes for her son marrying someone with a larger dowry. Despite this, she did not oppose the engagement."
"When shall the wedding take place?" Mrs. Gardiner asked.
"Kitty does not mention a date in her note," Elizabeth answered, and looked at Mary questioningly.
Mary shook her head, "I have no further information. The betrothal was very recent."
The ladies continued conversing, delving deeper into the topic of Kitty and John Lucas' wedding, and Mary adding more recent news about Elizabeth's other siblings.
"Lydia is jealous of Kitty and all the attention she is getting because of her betrothal, but more so, due to our mother paying Kitty so much more attention than usual."
"Oh, Lydia. She always did need to receive the bulk of our mother's attention," Elizabeth interjected.
Mary continued, "And Jane has devoted a significant amount of her day to taking care of Tommy. Our mother does not often leave the house any more."
"Is mama well?"
"I believe so. Perhaps still melancholy from the loss of papa."
PPP
On Monday afternoon, Mary and Elizabeth attended Georgiana at the Darcys' house for tea. They were warmly greeted by both Mr. Darcy and Georgiana, and Elizabeth reintroduced Mary to them both. The party was joined by Amelia Thompson, a young lady about the same age as Elizabeth, who was making her entrance into society.
Georgiana had recently met Miss Thompson at Lady Matlock's residence, along with two other ladies. Out of the three, Georgiana found Miss Thompson to be the most interesting with shared common interests.
Miss Thompson was a shy and reserved lady who had suffered a heartbreak in the past, much like Georgiana herself. Thankfully, her father had intervened before the unfortunate event could lead to any permanent damage.
The conversation between the five of them started stiltedly, but soon, with Elizabeth's warm engaging manner, lively discussion occupied the whole group.
Miss Thompson, an avid reader and theatre enthusiast said, "My parents and I plan to attend the premiere of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Elizabeth, with a smile on her face, chimed in, "I shall be there as well, along with my Uncle and Aunt."
Darcy was taken aback by Elizabeth's revelation and commented, "I was not aware you were planning to attend."
"The Marquess of Hertford sent an invitation to my uncle Gardiner. The Marquess had been a friend of my father's and knew my Uncle Gardiner for years." She hesitated, "Do you plan on attending the premiere, Mr. Darcy?"
"It depends. I have business meetings, which may not finish on time," replied Darcy. He had not intended on going to the premiere. He found the crush of the crowds uncomfortable. However, if Elizabeth was going to be there, he would attend. Her invitation from the marquess gave Darcy some concern. Could Lord Yarmouth have any serious intentions towards her? Just sitting in their box will raise many gentlemen's interest, and the thought of potential suitors vying for Elizabeth's attention made him uneasy.
"However, I am sure I can rearrange my meetings. It is after all, an event, not to be missed." His half smile belying the serious tone in his voice.
"Well, perhaps we shall see you there." Elizabeth replied, with a bright smile and her eyes shining.
The remainder of the visit was enjoyed by everyone and time passed quickly, until the Gardiners' carriage arrived to fetch Mary and Elizabeth.