The women visited each of the three jewelry shops. In the first, Mary looked through the glass case and soon found a delicate quizzing glass designed for a lady. She lifted it and showed it to her sisters. “This one is light and elegant.”
Georgiana took it and studied the engraving. “It is etched with a climbing rose vine.”
Elizabeth motioned to the clerk. “We will purchase this one, sir.”
After paying, she handed the quizzing glass to Mary.
“This is a gift,” Elizabeth said softly, “to celebrate our freedom from Mamma’s tyranny.”
At the third shop, they found a lovely lorgnette and a delicate chain. Elizabeth purchased those as well, and Mary could hardly find words to thank her.
When they were later browsing a haberdashery, the carriage returned with Miss Ellis, who called Elizabeth outside.
“What is it, Ellis?” Elizabeth asked. “Were the dressmakers all unskilled?”
“No, ma’am,” Ellis replied, “one is quite skilled, though young and just establishing her business. Would the shop that Miss Georgiana usually uses cause trouble for the master if we took our custom elsewhere?”
Elizabeth thought for a moment. “Even if it did, my pin money is my own, and I have a right to spend it where I please. I have no wish for gowns that are ill-made or unflattering.”
Ellis smiled. “No, ma’am. Then I recommend Madame Cecil. I can walk back now to choose fabrics and patterns. “I know what will suit you and Miss Mary best. You share similar coloring, and your figures are much alike.”
“Excellent,” Elizabeth said. “Peter, please escort Miss Ellis to Madame Cecil’s.”
She noticed Ellis smile at Peter and saw him flush. Elizabeth was pleased. Her maid was far from home and could use a friendly face. So long as Peter behaved properly, she would not interfere.
The sisters finished their shopping and were pleased with the fine silk stockings, elegant gloves, embroidered handkerchiefs, and a large selection of ribbons they had purchased. By the time they arrived, Ellis had already laid out fabrics for three morning and two afternoon dresses, a riding habit, and two evening gowns.
“Mrs. Darcy,” Ellis said, “I also chose fabrics for a carriage dress and a matching pelisse.”
Elizabeth said, “I leave myself completely in your hands, Ellis. I care only that I look well for my husband.”
Ellis nodded, a small smile lighting her face. “You are the sort of woman I most enjoy dressing, Mrs. Darcy. You have a fine figure, and you trust my judgment. Before we turn to Miss Mary’s gowns, I must say that both of you dress very modestly. Mrs. Darcy, since you are a married woman, the fashion is to wear bodices cut rather lower, about here.” She ran a hand across her own bosom to indicate the proper depth of theneckline. Then she turned to Mary. “And you, miss, dress like a child, not a young woman of almost twenty. Your bodice should be cut at least to here.” Again, she demonstrated.
Mary’s face flamed. She turned to Elizabeth, who said gently, “Mary, Ellis is correct. You must dress like the woman you are, and I shall dress as a newly married woman ought.” She winked at her sister. “After all, I must keep the jaded man’s attention, must I not?”
Mary laughed softly and relaxed. “Very well, Lizzy, I agree to dress like the woman I am.”
Elizabeth turned to Ellis and whispered, “Ensure my gowns are riveting, so that my husband cannot take his eyes off me.”
Ellis grinned at her mistress, then turned to Mary. “Miss Mary, do you have any preferences?”
Mary shook her head. “No, Miss Ellis. Treat me as you do Lizzy. Choose what will suit me best.”
Ellis’s eyes traveled over her form. “Your figure is similar to Mrs. Darcy’s, though she is a little slimmer.”
Mary laughed. “That is because Lizzy walks everywhere, and I prefer to remain indoors.”
“You share the same color palette, but we will purchase different shades,” Ellis said. “You will each have your own distinct tones.”
Jane, who possessed an expert eye for style and fabric, had already chosen her materials and was now selecting patterns. Madame Cecil herself was consulting with Georgiana when Elizabeth joined them. Together, they selected fabrics until Ellis approached, inspecting each choice.
She set aside a bolt of jonquil silk. “No, Miss Darcy. It makes you appear sallow. And this green has too much yellow. It bleaches your complexion.”
Georgiana obediently deferred to her.
The modiste kept the shop open late to accommodate them, and by the time they were finished, all the gowns had been ordered and patterns chosen.
“Please prioritize Miss Mary’s gowns,” Elizabeth said. “She is in greatest need.”
