The dark-haired young woman wore a deep burgundy silk with gold embroidered filigree patterns across the bodice and hem.
“It is exquisite,” Lizzy said almost reverently. “Look at the beading on the sleeves. How they dangle so prettily against her skin.”
Madame Claudette interrupted. “This dress is designed by my sister in Paris for a member of the royal family. This fabric was from an expedition to India. The Vicomtesse, however, felt it was un-French to wear a dress made from the fabric of a country supporting her enemy, and so her loss is our gain.”
“Oh, Lizzy. You must try that on!” Kitty cried. “It would be so becoming on you.”
Lizzy smiled at her sister’s enthusiasm. “Kitty, this is not our appointment.”
“Yes, let’s try them on!” Georgiana cried. “I will try on the pink one. Kitty, you the lavender. And Elizabeth, this one is yours.”
“Georgiana, surely Madame Claudette does not have time for us to try on dresses during your appointment—”
“Miss Bennet.” The French woman smiled. “Miss Darcy can do as she likes. If she wishes for you to try on dresses, then that is my wish as well. Celine” —she beckoned to the young girl who had come in with them— “attend Miss Darcy and Miss Katherine. I will attend Miss Bennet.”
* * *
Fitzwilliam Darcy was sograteful Miss Katherine Bennet had accepted his sister’s invitation to Town. The reasons were numerous, but none more than seeing the girls happily off into the carriage for a day on Bond Street. He hated to shop. However, when he discovered his sister had unwittingly left her reticule behind, he was uncharacteristically predisposed to deliver it himself at Madame Claudette’s.
Walking into the door, the smell of perfumes and the sound of female voices was everywhere. He had hoped to enter undetected, but his very presence caused a titter amongst the female patrons and most of the assistants as well. How often did the most sought after bachelor in all of London, nay England, appear in the most exclusive modiste without his sister?
“Monsieur Darcy, what a nice surprise. Might I escort you to Miss Darcy’s private room?”
“Yes, thank you.”
He was following the young woman, nodding quickly to acquaintances when he heard a soft but forceful, “William. What are you doing here?”
Startled, he looked into the face of his betrothed. “Anne? I was on my way to see you.”
“At Madame Claudette’s?”
“No, no.” He stumbled over his words. “Georgiana forgot her reticule and I thought to deliver it on my way. How have you been?” He was surprised to see her in the blue silk and with such a glow in her cheeks. “You look lovely.”
Anne smirked. “I am well, Cousin. And thank you. That is very kind. While mother has returned to Rosings, I have been shopping. You say Georgie is here?”
“Yes, with her friends. She is in a private salon.” He shook his head in amazement and said, “I have never seen you so fashionably attired. It becomes you.”
She gurgled at his surprise. “Thank you, Darcy, but please remember a woman needs to be flattered. Temper your disbelief.”
He laughed heartily.
“Thatis why I could not speak with Madame Claudette. I was told she was with a very important client.”
“Georgiana is here so frequently, I should offer to have a room built solely for my sister.”
Anne chuckled at his jest. “What are your plans for the day? You have seen me now, so there is no reason to call at the house.”
“I see. Ready to be rid of me so soon? Maybe I will take Georgie and her friends to lunch. Would you care to join us? Do you have a previous engagement?”
“No, I do not. I would like that very much. Thank you.”
He extended his arm to her and they followed the young woman to the private salon.
“Tell me about Georgiana’s friends. Richard was by earlier before he was to meet His Lordship at White’s and said they are both charming. Very sweet and accomplished.”
“They are true friends to Georgie, which she so rarely finds.”
They were shown into the private room where two giggling girls stood, one clad in pink and the other in lavender. “Oh, Kitty, that gown is beautiful on you! Such a becoming color.”
