The Bennet sisters and their aunt capitulated in the face of such determination.
~T~
On Thursday the servants at Gardiner House were busy heating enough water for everyone to have baths before dressing in their new finery.
The sisters were thrilled to wear their lovely new silk gowns for the first time. The previous day Mrs Carleton had arrived to help choose the dresses. ‘While the Ashcroft Ball is important it is not the mostimportant function of the season,’ she explained. ‘Therefore, save your best gowns for another night.’
As it was, Jane was stunning in pale blue, Elizabeth in a soft green and Mary in pale peach. Each of the gowns had accents in the same colour but darker shades.
The experiments and practice the maids had had in the previous weeks paid off when they created elegant and deceptively simple hair styles.
Once they were dressed, they gathered in Jane’s sitting room, where they were joined by their aunt and uncle.
Mr Gardiner smiled when he saw his nieces. ‘I always knew that you were beautiful, but tonight you exceeded all my expectations.’ He lifted a hand in which he carried three boxes. ‘I have brought something to add a final touch to gild the lilies.’
He passed one box each to the sisters who gasped as they opened their box. Each contained a necklace, bracelet, earrings, and a ring.
‘I cannot possibly accept this,’ gasped Jane. ‘These must have cost you a fortune.
‘They did not cost me a penny. All this jewellery belonged to Aunt Mary. I have been keeping it safe for you girls.’ He smiled apologetically at Mary. ‘Normally I would have chosen rubies to complement your outfit, but because of your age, pearls are more appropriate.’
‘I much prefer pearls. They are warmer than rubies,’ Mary replied honestly.
‘In that case, let me help you,’ offered Mrs Gardiner.
As Mr Gardiner had not bought them but only passed on Aunt Mary’s largesse, Jane and Elizabeth accepted the sapphires and emeralds respectively.
When Mrs Gardiner fastened the clasp of Elizabeth’s necklace, her niece said, ‘You knew about this, did you not? That was why you chose those hairpins for us.’
‘I could not very well let you go to your first ball with mismatched jewellery, now, could I?’
The sisters bestowed heartfelt thanks and embraces on their pleased relatives.
~T~
The residence on Portman Square was lit with a plethora of torches when the two carriages pulled to a stop. The gentlemen exited first and helped the ladies disembark.
Jane, who had been conveyed by the Carletons had been surprised to discover that James Deveril was also in the carriage. Mrs Carleton’s innocent expression notwithstanding, Jane became even more suspicious when his ensemble also featured blue accents.
There was no chance to speak privately on the short carriage ride, but Deveril did not miss the opportunity to request the first set from Jane which she was happy to grant. Jane had enjoyed his conversation at the family dinner but was cautious about considering that he could have any interest in her. But no matter what his intentions, she was prepared to enjoy his company.
Elizabeth quirked a questioning eyebrow at Jane on their arrival but did not have a chance to talk to her sister as Mr Carleton offered his second arm to her, while Mr Gardiner escorted his wife and Mary into the house, following the Carletons. Jane and James brought up the rear of their party.
~T~
Mr Carleton introduced the Gardiners and the Bennet sisters as his cousins to Lord and Lady Ashcroft, who reciprocated by calling two of their nephews who were hovering nearby.
Peter and Marcus Ashcroft had initially been reluctant to be pressed into service to dance with Mr Carleton’s cousins. That reluctance evaporated the moment they laid eyes on the ladies. The two young men were delighted to be introduced to the sisters and immediately requested the first set from Elizabeth and Mary, after one look at Deveril convinced them not to ask Jane for that particular set.
As the party moved towards the ballroom, Lady Ashcroft murmured to her husband, ‘I believe the duchess will be pleased to hear that unlike her step-son, at least her son will continue the family name.’ When LordAshcroft quirked his brow at her, she added, ‘I can recognise that look. The boy is hooked, and she does not even realise it.’
‘Ah, well. He can afford a gentlewoman without a title and with a small fortune. And my cousin will be only too delighted that he is thinking of settling down to worry about anything else.’
~T~
The Carletons and their guests mingled with the other guests and introduced the sisters. The Gardiners were already familiar with quite a few of the attendees since many of them invested with Gardiner.
When Mrs Carleton introduced the sisters to Lady Sefton, another of her dear friends, the lady took one look at them and exclaimed, ‘Where have you been hiding these lovely creatures. It has been years since I have seen such beauty, elegance, and poise.’ She addressed the sisters. ‘You may be sure that I will send you vouchers for Almack’s.’
