“You have only just arrived,” Mrs. Hurst continued. “And already you speak of going back to town?”
“Caroline has offered to be my hostess when Jane goes to London for her wedding clothes.” Bingley spoke in a rush, forestalling Caroline’s reply—they had agreed to keep the full truth from the Hursts until all matters were properly sorted.
“And when is this wedding? Have you even set a date?” Mrs. Hurst flounced to a nearby chair and seated herself, folding her hands with deliberate poise.
“We plan to marry in March,” Jane said, beaming at her betrothed.
“Well, I suppose it is wise to order your gowns before the season’s rush. I could introduce you to my modiste, if you like. Madame Pierre is very fashionable and highly sought after.”
“I thank you for the offer, however my aunt’s modiste, Madame Dubois, will be making my wedding clothes.”
Mrs. Hurst gaped. “Your aunt…the one from Cheapside?Sheis one of Madame Dubois’s clients?” Her expression mingled doubt and disbelief, and it took all of Elizabeth’s self-command not to laugh aloud..
“Yes. She has made our family’s clothing for years,” Jane replied evenly. She spoke the truth. Mrs. Bennet had secured the appointment quite by chance after encountering Madame Dubois in Hyde Park. Impressed by her efforts at clothing and raising five daughters, the modiste had offered her services. Though her clientele was exclusive, she had taken a liking to the family and made room for them. They paid handsomely, of course, but their gowns were modest in design, making the cost manageable. The connection to their Aunt Gardiner had been revealed later.
“Well, then.” Mrs. Hurst muttered, adjusting a fold in her skirt. “When is this little excursion to take place?”
“We shall leave before Twelfth Night,” Bingley cut in. “Darcy’s sister will be in town, and he plans to accompany us. Mrs. Bennet and Miss Elizabeth will go as well.”
“Well, what will Hurst and I do?” Mrs. Hurst huffed, folding her arms like a sulky child. “We have come all the way to Hertfordshire and now you mean to abandon us?”
“You may come to London or remain here.” Bingley said with an indifferent shrug. “If you choose to stay, Mrs. Nicholls will see that you have everything you require. And you have met enough people in Meryton and the surrounds that you should not want for invitations. I am sure I could persuade young Master Bennet to go shooting with you, Hurst.”
“A capital idea,” Hurst exclaimed, his florid face lighting with enthusiasm. “Cracking good shot, that boy. Gave me quite the challenge last time.”
Mrs. Hurst looked ready to protest, but thought better of it. She pursed her lips into a thin line and fixed her eyes on her clasped hands.
“We must have a celebration dinner, in honor of your engagement.” Caroline clapped her hands in delight. “James, do you not agree?”
“I would agree to anything that brings you pleasure, my love,” he replied, gazing at her with unabashed affection.
“Wonderful! When shall we have it?” Caroline’s excitement was infectious, and Jane and Elizabeth exchanged bright smiles.
Louisa interjected, frowning. “I am the hostess here, Caro.”
“Then you will know the best day to hold a dinner. Jane, Elizabeth, do you know your mother’s schedule?”
“We have no fixed engagements until the week of Christmas,” Jane answered. “Our uncle and aunt will come then. Longbourn always hosts a Christmas Eve soirée for the neighborhood.”
“Then next week, it shall be!” Caroline turned to her brother for confirmation, ignoring Louisa’s irritated huff.
“We shall send round an invitation,” Charles agreed with a smile.
Jane and Elizabeth did not linger at Netherfield much longer. Caroline and her betrothed walked them to the door, trailing behind the two happy couples. Before Elizabeth stepped into the carriage, Caroline gave her another tight embrace.
“I shall call and share every memory I can recall,” she promised. “And we shall never be parted again, not even when we marry, for we will exchange letters five times a week.”
Elizabeth laughed. “That seems a little excessive,” she replied, but I shall do my best.” Yet even as she smiled, a small doubt stirred within her. Caroline’s zeal to resume their former closeness as if nothing had ever happened gave her pause. What if Caroline Bingley disliked the woman Elizabeth Montrose had become? What if she expected Elizabeth should act as the girl she once knew—not as her current self? It did not bear dwelling on, and Elizabeth resolved to act only in the manner most likely to secure her own happiness.
Chapter Twenty-Four
December 24, 1811
Longbourn
Elizabeth
Longbourn’spublicroomsbrimmedwith guests. Mrs. Bennet had outdone herself in the matter of refreshments, dinner, and entertainment. The large parlor offered ample seating and a well-laden table of delectable confections and savories for the enjoyment of ladies and gentlemen alike. Mr. Bennet had the drawing room rug rolled up, and the furniture moved to make room for dancing, whilst the sitting room held card tables, a chessboard, and other games of quiet amusement.
