“Work, eh? Very well, then, Darcy. If you want to hide away in your study and ignore what is happening in your world, that is your concern. But, you must realize you are affecting more than just yourself.” Richard stood and walked to the door when Darcy cleared his throat.
“Richard. What would you have me do?” Richard turned to see his cousin resting with his elbows on his desk and head in his hands. “I cannotnotmarry Anne. You yourself know that is impossible. It is expected and common knowledge amongst theton.”
“What does that signify? The ton? You are Fitzwilliam Darcy. Thetonwill cease their cackling with one word from you!”
“What about the scandal for Anne?”
“What scandal for Anne? She will claim her health has been poor, will return to Rosings, and all will be forgotten.” Richard chuckled at the possibility. “What say you, Darcy? Do something for yourself, for once.”
“For myself?” he mocked. “What have I ever done for myself since my father’s death? I have responsibilities, Richard. There has never been a way out for me. This is my destiny. At any rate, it would be impossible for me to ask for Miss Elizabeth’s hand. She is the daughter of a country squire with no connections, no dowry, and a vulgar mother. I… You must think me barbaric for my treatment of Anne.”
“No, not barbaric. Just a man cornered who has accepted the fate others have condemned him to.”
Darcy took a deep breath and set his jaw. “I must still marry her, Richard. It is my mother’s wish. It is what is expected.”
“Your sense of duty overpowers your sense of love?”
“Yes.” He raised his chin. “Yes, above all things.”
“Very well, then.” Richard seemed to growl as he turned to the door. “I will see myself out and pray for your future felicity. And Anne’s. I know she deserves it.”
Chapter 14
The soundof the bell as the door opened was overpowered by the lively chatter as the young ladies entered the modiste. Madame Claudette’s was an exclusive establishment, one which Lizzy would never have dreamed to enter before she had made Georgiana’s acquaintance. However, she was prepared to help her young friend select another lovely gown as a gift from her brother.
He takes such prodigious care of his sister, and although she has recovered with no noticeable scars from her almost elopement with Wickham, there are moments where I notice her withdraw in circumspection.
The girls were ushered in by a petite French woman. “Mademoiselle Darcy, how lovely to see you. We are so delighted to receive word from Monsieur Darcy to expect you and are so happy you have brought vos amis. You will be in the Lilac Room, where Madame Claudette will join you in a moment. Celine,” she said, indicating the young girl following them, “will be at your service. If you need anything, let her know, s’il vous plaît.”
“Perfect.” Georgiana turned to Lizzy and Kitty. “Wait until you see. She thinks of everything.” The three girls prattled as they were led down a long hallway and through a door into the largest modiste room Lizzy had ever seen. It was twice the size of her father’s library at Longbourn and rivaled that of the small dining room at Darcy House. There were floor to ceiling mirrors on every wall and raised pedestals placed throughout the room. Lavender and buttercream draperies covered the windows. Fresh flowers rested inside crystal vases atop small marble-topped tables. The wall which their chairs faced had thick curtains cascading from the ceiling and pooling on the floor.
“This room is magnificent,” Kitty whispered, sitting delicately on the edge of a chair and looking around in awe. “But, Georgie. Where are all the books?”
“Books?” Georgiana asked with a hint of a smile, sitting beside her friend. “What do you mean?”
“Why for all the patterns! How are you to choose dresses if you cannot see the pattern?” Lizzy asked.
At that moment, the curtains parted and out stepped a tall, elegant woman with striking features. “Mademoiselle Darcy,” she said with a lilting, Gallic accent. “It is such a pleasure for us to see you today.”
“Madame Claudette. May I present my friends? Miss Elizabeth Bennet. And Miss Katherine Bennet.” The lady curtsied with practiced grace.
“What wonderful creations I have for you, I assure you, Miss Darcy. You will be delighted. Today, you will be the first in London to see my newest designs.” With that, Madame Claudette clapped her hands and the drapery was pulled to the side and a young girl with Georgiana’s height and coloring walked out in a pale pink, beaded gown.
“Oh, it is beautiful!”
“Georgiana.” Lizzy turned to her young friend. “Is this how you select all of your dresses?”
“Yes. How else would I see her latest fashions?”
“Thatiswonderful.” Kitty sighed. “Are there more?”
“Of course, mademoiselle,” Madame Claudette said, clapping her hands again as the drapes drew aside to reveal another blonde young woman in a lovely lavender silk gown with pearl embellishments.
“Oh, Georgiana!” Kitty squealed. “That is the most heavenly dress I have ever seen! Look at the sleeves.” The young lady walked closer to the girls and Kitty reached out and stroked the soft silk before resting her hands in her lap.
Georgiana, with a gleam in her eye, nodded at Madame Claudette to continue. Over the next hour, after having presented many gowns, the French woman smiled. “Miss Darcy, I must confess that I have one more dress.” She glanced at Lizzy.
As Lizzy picked up her tea cup, the curtains opened again. “Oh.” Her breath caught at the sight of the design before her.
