“If you are sure…” she said, turning slightly to see the back of the gown. The gold brocade pattern trailed down her back and wove around the hem. “Hannah, did a lovely job with my hair, but I wish I had something more than flowers. They seem so mundane for such a regal gown.”
“Maybe some feathers?” Jane suggested innocently.
“I believe your Mr. Bingley’s sister will be wearing enough feathers for a complete hen house.”
“Now, Lizzy. She is a thoughtful woman, who is very attentive to her brother’s needs. She is, I will grant you, a little opinionated.”
“A little? Oh, Jane, your kindness is a blessing.” She turned back to her reflection. “I do look well, yes?”
“Yes, Lizzy. It is unfortunate that Mr. Hamilton will not be in attendance. But he had to travel to Longbourn to visit Papa, then …?”
“Then to Ashby Park in preparation for a possible bride. But do you not find it odd that at the beginning of our courtship he has abandoned me for his estate?”
“Lizzy…”
“It is fortunate that we have known each other since our youth—”
“Might I say something which you may find impertinent?”
“Impertinent? You?” Lizzy chuckled. “Jane, you could not be impertinent if you tried.”
“I am concerned. I thought to see more sparkle…”
Lizzy shook her head rapidly. “No, no, Jane. Mr. Hamilton is a good man and a wonderful match. I am just anxious about the ball.” Attempting to change the subject, she said, “Oh, I almost feel as if I am playing dress up in Mama’s sitting room as we did when we were children.”
“You are an elegant lady. You have yet to truly see yourself, my dear. Now the carriage should be here shortly. Shall we go down?”
As they gathered their wraps from the bed, a maid entered. “If you please, Miss Elizabeth. This just came for you.”
Lizzy looked from the young maid to Jane before taking the package. “Thank you. That will be all.” The girl bobbed a curtsy and left the room while Lizzy unwrapped the brown paper from the small box. She looked quizzically at Jane on seeing the name of the establishment embossed on the lid. As she opened the box, she gasped. Two diamond encrusted gold combs lay delicately wrapped in velvet.
“Oh, Lizzy. They are beautiful! Who are they from?”
“There is no card.”
“I am sure they are from Mr. Hamilton.”
“Yes. They must be. But what a surprise! He was to be off early this morning.” She traced the fine edges of the combs and sighed.
“I will help you to not displace any of your curls.” Jane pinned them up effortlessly. “Perfect.”
And they were. Lizzy could not deny how the stones set off the strands of dark honey-gold in her brown hair. “But, Jane. Surely, these combs are more than Longbourn brings in at quarter day. How can I flaunt such wealth?”
“You can, my dear sister, because tonight you are not Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn. You are Elizabeth Bennet, future mistress of Ashby Park.”
* * *
Hundreds of candlesreflected off the mirrors throughout the hallway of Matlock House. Conversation hummed all around leading to the ballroom. Greenery and flowers dripped from bannisters, chandeliers, and candelabras while footmen moved fluidly throughout the crowds with crystal flutes filled with champagne.
“Is this not the most elegant place you have ever been?” Jane asked, leaning into Lizzy while walking through the crush.
“It is, Jane. I am in awe that we are here.”
Miss Bingley sniffed at her comment and rolled her eyes before smiling ingratiatingly at an acquaintance.
Mr. Bingley cleared his throat and said, “Miss Elizabeth, allow me to say how very fine you look this evening.”
She smiled sweetly at his sister before thanking Mr. Bingley.
