Though the countess could take her comment as petulant or accusing, it was clear the lady understood. “It is the unfortunate fact of the world we live and move in, Elizabeth. A certain sophistication—what those who look down on others consider as such—is expected of those who move in the circles you will now inhabit as Mrs. Darcy. Your gowns are lovely, and there is no need to replace what you already have. All I propose is that you purchase more for evening wear sufficient to keep the naysayers at bay and deny them an easy avenue to criticize you.”
“Had I known this conversation would arise,” interjected William, “predicting how it would proceed would have been no trouble at all.”
Elizabeth pierced her husband with a look no less pointed than a warning, but William gathered her hand in his and squeezed it, not intimidated by her threat in the slightest.
“I have no complaints about your appearance, Elizabeth, for you are as beautiful to me as you ever were. In this instance, however, I believe we should listen to Lady Susan, for she has moved in these circles for years.”
“When I came to London,” added Jane, “I also went shopping with Lady Susan. Papa provided some funds, but Lady Susan insisted on discharging my purchases herself.”
“As is proper,” said the countess with a decisive nod. “It is not uncommon for those of my level of society to take on a protégé, and though you are the sister of the new mistress of Pemberley, in my eyes, you are here at my invitation and under my patronage.”
Jane nodded her agreement, and the company turned their attention back to Elizabeth. Lord Matlock had been watching the discussion behind a blank façade, one that showed cracks to the amusement he felt underneath it.
“You should also recall,” said his lordship, “that though Darcy is not a blood relation, his relation to the previous masters of Pemberley gives him a connection to my family. Many will not even remember that Darcy’s connection to the previous family was remote enough that the blood connection does not exist, though if they think on it at all, they will realize it.”
The earl paused and shrugged. “While I am not disposed to concern myself with the opinions of our set to any degree, itisthe truth that you reflect on us to a certain extent. I have no qualms about your behavior, for you are as genteel as any of them. I agree with Susan—it would not do to expose you to criticism on such a paltry issue.”
“And itisminor,” interjected William. “It is not as if a few gowns—or even a full room of them—will bankrupt us, my dear. For once, take the opportunity to indulge yourself, for we can well afford it.”
Elizabeth nodded, wishing to close the conversation. “I was not opposed. I am not inclined to excessive shopping, but I appreciate new clothing.”
“Excellent,” said Lady Susan. “Then let us plan for the day after tomorrow. I suspect Georgiana will wish to accompany us, and Jane and Kitty are welcome to join us too.”
That matter settled and the outing planned, they moved on to other topics. As the season was ongoing for the past several weeks, there were many events and much news about the goings-on in society. Jane spoke a little about her experiences, while Georgiana and Kitty said something of their activities that often included Lydia. Of more interest to Elizabeth was Jane’s accounts, including Mr. Bingley’s frequent and ardent visits, which were all her sister could hope for. This discussion led to some other matters of interest, not the least of which was the man’s sister.
“Miss Bingley is not displeasing when one comes to know her,” said Lady Susan after speaking of her introduction to Miss Bingley at a recent event. “I have encountered her on Bond Street once, and on another occasion she visited with her brother.”
“That is quite astonishing, Lady Susan,” said William. “Had I considered the matter at all, I might have thought you would prefer to keep her at arm’s length. If nothing else, there is the infamous incident with Jameson Darcy to consider.”
Lady Susan laughed, as did her husband. “Yes, I recall that, for Jameson was not at all amused by her conceit.”
“He ranted about it for an entire morning, as I recall,” said the earl.
“Regardless,” said Lady Susan, “Miss Bingley is to be a connection in a roundabout sort of way—should Jane make a match with Mr. Bingley, which appears likely, we must acknowledge Miss Bingley as a connection.”
“As disturbing as such a notion is,” muttered William, “I cannot deny your logic.”
“If Miss Bingley had behaved differently when she was in Hertfordshire,” said Lady Susan, “this conversation would be quite different. As it is, I am more interested in ensuring that she does us credit rather than embarrassing us at every turn.”
“Yes, I can see that,” said Elizabeth. “Miss Bingley’s behavior after our wedding was a surprise, but it was well chosen, it appears. If she continues in this vein, she will reap the benefits of association with us.”
“I mean to make sure that she does,” agreed Lady Susan. “Miss Bingley has kept the company of such objectionable ladies as Lady Diane Montrose, who is a baron’s daughter and one of the most supercilious women I have ever met.”
“She is a school acquaintance, or so Bingley has told me,” said William.
“That is what Miss Bingley told me,” said Lady Susan. “The problem is that Lady Diane only tolerates her, regardless of her expressions of friendship. Miss Bingley will do much better to move in our circles, and she may even find a husband.”
“Then it will please Elizabeth and me to leave her in your capable hands. As I count Bingley one of my closest friends, I have no objection to associating with Miss Bingley, so long as her behavior remains acceptable.”
“You need not concern yourself for that, as I have everything well in hand.”
At that moment, the door opened, and a young woman stepped in. She was perhaps four or five and twenty, dark of hair and pale of feature, slender to the point of gauntness, yet her eyes were a piercing blue. Though Elizabeth had no notion of who she was, she thought she saw some resemblance in her features to Lord Matlock and suspected she was a relation of some sort. In her, Elizabeth saw a woman of less than perfect health, for the paleness of her skin was so pronounced that itstood in stark contrast to her dark hair, yet for all that, she was not unattractive.
“Aunt, Uncle,” said she when she entered, nodding to Jane, Kitty, and Georgiana, “I heard the Darcys were visiting and thought to beg an introduction.”
“Of course, Anne,” said Lady Susan, smiling to greet her niece.
The lady then offered the introductions, a surprise to Elizabeth, who, though she had heard of Miss de Bourgh’s ill health and now understood why she appeared familiar, had not thought she would be in London. From everything Elizabeth had heard of her, she never left Rosings Park, and not without Lady Catherine’s company. That last thought made Elizabeth wary, for she wondered if Lady Catherine was lurking in some alcove ready to strike down the interloper who had presumed to take the position the lady had designed for her daughter. Something in her face must have shown, for Miss de Bourgh spoke to her at once.
