Madame Cecil said, “I will hire extra seamstresses to sew the straight seams. We will have all the gowns ready by next week. Shall we bring the gowns to Pemberley for the first fitting, Mrs. Darcy?”
“Yes, that would be most convenient,” Elizabeth replied.
“We shall send a note when we are ready,” the modiste said. “Perhaps by Monday next.”
“Has my husband opened an account with your shop?”
“Not yet, madam.”
“No matter. I will send word to the steward. How much is needed to begin the work?”
Each lady paid her portion, including Elizabeth, and the party returned home tired but satisfied with the day’s labor.
As they climbed the stairs to dress for dinner, Mary said softly, “Elizabeth, thank you for everything. I already feel more elegant knowing I shall be beautifully dressed.”
Elizabeth wrapped an arm around her sister’s trim waist. “We shall have a delightful summer, Mary. When we are dressed aswell as any woman around us, it will be easier to hold our heads high and feel that we are enough. Now, excuse me, I must speak to Mrs. Reynolds about Ruby. I do not wish to overburden Ellis.”
Elizabeth found Walters in the hall. “I need to speak with Mrs. Reynolds.”
“Yes, Mrs. Darcy. Where shall she meet you?”
“I will wait in the blue salon.”
A few minutes later, the housekeeper entered, and Elizabeth rose to greet her. “Mrs. Reynolds, my sisters need a maid. They will share one between them.”
“Yes, ma’am. Shall I place an advertisement, or will we promote from within?”
“No. I have decided on Ruby, the scullery maid, to assist them.”
Mrs. Reynolds hesitated. “The scullery maid, ma’am? She has no experience as a personal maid.”
“It is only temporary, while my sisters are here for the summer,” Elizabeth explained. “Her duties will be relatively unskilled, carrying bath water, laundering, and helping them dress. If she does not know how to dress hair, Ellis will do it or teach her how to dress hair using simple styles.”
“The upper chambermaids would be the usual candidates for promotion, ma’am.”
“Yes, I know,” Elizabeth said gently, “but since this is temporary, I prefer not to disturb the regular order of the household.”
The housekeeper’s expression reflected her displeasure. “Very well, Mrs. Darcy. I will explain that to the staff. Ruby can begin this evening.”
Later that evening, when Fitzwilliam knocked at her door, Elizabeth was waiting for him. Ellis admitted him, then excused herself.
Elizabeth was seated by the fire when Darcy joined her. She handed him a folded letter.
He studied the graceful handwriting. “Your hand is lovely, Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, sir. That is the invitation to Mr. and Miss Lewis.” She handed him another. “And this is for your solicitor.”
He read both letters, then drew two slips of paper from his breast pocket. “Here are their directions.”
She thanked him and then handed him a card. “Ellis visited the four dressmaker shops in Kimpton and selected Madame Cecil. You do not yet have an account with her. Shall I ask your steward to set one up?”
He took the card and slipped it into his pocket. “I meet with him tomorrow. I will see to it.”
He looked curious. “Aunt Helen uses Madame Mariana. Was there a reason you chose another?”
“Yes, sir. A woman needs every advantage to look her best for her husband. Madame Cecil is the woman for the task.”
He grinned. “Is that so, Mrs. Darcy? And do you wish to look your best for your husband?” His eyes were warm.
