“Your generosity is appreciated, your ladyship, but I would not prevail upon your kindness. Clothing is expensive, especially where I suspect you will wish to purchase it.”
Her ladyship laughed. “It is no trouble. Money is not an object, so I would be pleased to spoil you so. I have several designs in mind that would flatter you very well.”
“As you wish, madam. I would not suspend any pleasure of yours.” Charlotte knew dressing her in fine fabrics would be like putting a gown on a sow, but she did not seek to dissuade her hostess again.
She enjoyed the rest of the day immensely. Lady de Bourgh’s dinner table held many delights, and she found a few new favorites. They spent the evening in their own pursuits, Charlotte with her embroidery and her hostess with a book. They retired early, as was both their preference, and awoke at seven the next morning. Two days after tea, Mrs. Gardiner appeared with a coach filled with bolts of fabric. Lady de Bourgh’s footmen carried them all in and placed them in the large parlor.
“This room has the best light,” Lady de Bourgh said. “We had best utilize it.”
Unbeknownst to Charlotte, Lady de Bourgh had taken the liberty of writing to Mrs. Gardiner, asking her to select materialshe thought would suit Miss Lucas. They, too, were included in the delivery.
“Your niece will be here in thirty minutes, Mrs. Gardiner,” the intrepid lady said. “Will you stay and help us? I am certain Mrs. Darcy would be pleased to see you.”
“If it is not too much trouble, madam, I would be pleased to join you.” Mrs. Gardiner smiled in gratitude and pleasure.
Within the time specified, Elizabeth arrived and, upon seeing her aunt, greeted her enthusiastically. “It is such a pleasure to see you so soon!” she cried.
“I am happy that Lady de Bourgh invited me to stay,” came the reply.
“Enough of this Lady de Bourgh nonsense!” That self-same lady cut in. “I insist that you call me Amelia.”
The other ladies quickly agreed, insisting that Lady de Bourgh reciprocate and use their Christian names, and they began to peruse the selection. Mrs. Gardiner had brought a wide variety of wares, suitable for evening wear, day gowns, walking gowns, outerwear, and even fabric best used for riding habits.
“What would I ever do with a riding habit?” Elizabeth asked bemusedly. “I do not care for riding.”
“It is one of Mr. Darcy’s favorite pastimes,” Amelia informed her. “I have it from Sir Andrew. Your husband will eventually ask you to ride with him.”
Elizabeth sighed but nodded, and they selected a gorgeous bolt of dark blue and a vibrant wine red for two riding habits.
Charlotte fingered a fine piece of muslin. It was not a pastel, but it was lovely, and in a shade still suitable for unmarried ladies. The blue fabric had threads of gold running through it, and she could picture how lovely it would be when it was fashioned into a day gown.
“Yes, that is an excellent choice, Charlotte. You will look very well in it.” Amelia approached from behind, making her guest jump a little.
“We are shopping for Elizabeth right now,” she replied. “I can wait.”
“I requested that material be selected for you, too.” Amelia smiled smugly. “When we go to the shops there will be no need to delay having gowns made for you and for Elizabeth.”
Charlotte smiled gratefully but said nothing, still wondering how she had managed to secure such attention from the wife of a baronet.I am just Charlotte Lucas, daughter of a knight and spinster in the making. She may dress me as finely as the daughter of an earl, but I shall only ever be me.
“This color does not favor Elizabeth. She can wear bolder shades now that she is married, and that is the direction we will go. Jewel tones suit her coloring better.” She glanced at the topic of their conversation, who was stroking an emerald-green silk. The cloth shimmered in her hands.
“As you wish.” Charlotte allowed Amelia to lead her away. “You are no longer a girl just out of the schoolroom. We shall make a few bolder selections as well. Pastels, I am afraid, will wash you out. No, we need blues and greens of a darker shade, though not as bold as what Mrs. Darcy can wear.”
After more than two hours, Charlotte and Elizabeth had acquired quite a pile of fabrics. Amelia seemed satisfied, and the following Monday was chosen for shopping.
“Bring your sister if you wish, Elizabeth. I am certain Miss Darcy would appreciate the outing.”
“Thank you, I shall.” Elizabeth farewelled her friend and her aunt before returning to Darcy House.
“I am very pleased with this selection, madam,” Amelia said to Mrs. Gardiner. “If you have no objection, I shall give your husband’s name to a few of my acquaintances. They are alwayslooking for superior wares, and I have rarely seen such quality outside Bond Street.”
“I thank you, Lady de—Amelia. I take pride in my husband’s business. All my gowns are made from his inventory.” Mrs. Gardiner smiled pleasantly. “Unfortunately, the fashionable shops in town have used other suppliers for a long while and have not seen fit to sign new contracts.”
The footmen removed the last of the unwanted bolts of fabric and Mrs. Gardiner departed with them in her coach.
“A walk is in order after being inside all day,” Amelia said when all was quiet once more. “Will you accompany me?”
“Of course.” Charlotte felt eager to be out of doors. There was a park nearby, and she wondered if that was to be their destination.
