“It was the new gentleman from Netherfield.”
She laughed. “Is that all? Surely, he is like all the others—smitten with Jane and calling upon her.” Mr Fiennes had dined four evenings at Longbourn since his arrival and had called a handful of times besides. Each time he conversed equally with everyone present. “Perhaps he has at last decided to court my sister.”
Lydia shrugged. “I was hiding in the window seat and saw the whole thing. He looked about the room and then asked whereyouwere. And then when you could not be found, Mama spent fifteen minutes praising Jane’s accomplishments.” She sighed. “I wish I were old enough to come out.”
“All in good time, dearest.” Elizabeth kissed her sister’s head. “Enjoy your childhood while you can. Short stays are a misery, and long skirts only get in the way.”
Lydia pouted playfully but nodded, bouncing on her feet as she followed Elizabeth to the door.
“Thank you for the warning,” Elizabeth spoke softly as she departed. Lydia was a good girl, prone to high spirits and exuberance, but not a naughty child. She disliked being last in everything, and Elizabeth feared her younger sister might one day allow her discontent to sour into resentment if it were not gently guided. Resolving to sneak a treat away for her younger sisters, she returned to her chamber and began to ready herself for the evening.
“Wherehaveyou been?” Mrs Bennet waited behind the closed door, hands on her hips once more and a fierce glare marring her handsome features. “Not in your chamber where I said to be, that is where!”
Elizabeth tried to look contrite, but her mother’s absurd words brought a smile to her lips.
“Do you find my distress amusing, child?” Mama began to pace. “I gave you explicit instructions, and yet you defied me! Why could you not be sweet and compliant like Jane? Even Lydia behaves better.”
“That is because Lydia has not yet learnt that she need not obey every directive.”
Her jest fell flat, and Mrs Bennet advanced on her. “I will not be laughed at, Lizzy!” she cried. “If I did not have five daughters to marry off, I would make you stay home. Now, we have scarcely any time before we must depart. Get yourself ready!”
Mrs Bennet turned and swept from the room, calling for Hill as she went. Elizabeth sighed and plopped down on her bed. Staying home sounded like a marvellous idea. She had attended only a few gatherings since her parents had permitted her to go into society. Her official come out would not take place for another six months. Close family friends hosted the evening parties she attended, each with a limited guest list. Though she knew everyone very well, she found them tedious.She struggled to sit still or feign interest in conversation, for most of the talk held little appeal. Instead of listening, she amused herself by observing the other guests.
Papa had taught her to sketch characters, and she practised faithfully on those around her. Though their society was confined and unvarying, people altered so much over the years that there was always something new to puzzle out.
For instance, Lady Lucas had lately begun wearing the brightest-coloured fabrics Elizabeth had ever seen. They were certainly notfashionable, yet she paraded about in them as if they had been designed for the queen. From orange to purple, yellow to green, each seemed more absurd than the last. Elizabeth hoped, for the lady’s sake, that she would soon return to her former taste in dress.
Mr Long, too, had lately changed. He spoke more with the other gentlemen than was his wont and seemed on the verge of making some important decision. Elizabeth knew not what.
How is it so easy for Jane?she groaned inwardly. The eldest Bennet daughter appeared the very picture of perfection. Though her beauty was chiefly external, Jane’s kindness, genuine approbation of everyone about her, and her disposition to see the best in others gave her a grace that appearance alone could never provide. And she was always so calm and composed—the model of decorum.I shall never be half the lady Jane is.
She knew she ought not to think so meanly of herself, but it was difficult.How can one measure up to a paragon of womanly virtues?Sighing, Elizabeth rose and began unpinning her hair.Charlotte Lucas assures me that this is the most trying age,she reasoned.I shall come into my own soon and grow confident in who I am. My confidence will rise and not be shaken!With these internal words of comfort, she sat before the mirror, brushing out her hair as she awaited Sally.
There were sounds coming from the chamber next door—Jane’s room—and Elizabeth reasoned that her obedient elder sister had followed their mother’s edicts and was already well advanced in her preparations. With still two hours before their departure, poor Jane would be obliged to move and sit very carefully for fear of disturbing her appearance.
A full half-hour passed before Sally came to attend Elizabeth. During that time, she dreamed of spending the evening curled up with a book. The summer months brought extended daylight, and Elizabeth wished to take full advantage. Unfortunately, Mama’s love of society had put paid tothat notion. She briefly considered concealing a volume in her reticule, but quickly dismissed the idea. Mama was angry enough already, but she would be livid were Elizabeth to behave with such little regard for propriety.
A knock sounded at the door, and Elizabeth called, “Enter!” Jane appeared, with Sally following behind.
“I am sorry for the delay, Elizabeth.” Jane entered with her usual cheer. “We discovered a tear in my hem that required mending.” She wore a gown of blue silk that complemented her figure to perfection. Her golden-blond hair had been curled and arranged into an elegant chignon, adorned with blue paste pins placed so artfully that, whichever way she turned, they caught the light and sparkled. A pearl necklace completed the ensemble. Jane held her gloves, reticule, and fan in one hand, and had a shawl draped over her arm.
“The rose gown, miss?” Sally held up the dress that had been pressed earlier that day.
Nodding, Elizabeth rose. “Yes, that is what Mama wishes me to wear.”
Jane laughed lightly. “You sound as though you have been sentenced to death. I, for one, am delighted that you will be with me. It is dreadfully dull without you.”
Elizabeth regarded her sister with mock solemnity. “Have you no friends, dear Jane? Do the Misses Long not divert you? What of Charlotte Lucas or the Misses Goulding?”
“None of them is as dear to me as you, my sister.” Jane laid a comforting hand on her arm. “I promise, you will grow accustomed to society in time—and, since I know you so well, I dare say you may even come to enjoy it!”
Elizabeth smiled and turned so Sally might unfasten her buttons. Once her gown was removed, her petticoat hems were in full view. Jane tut-tutted and shook her head. “This is why Mama did not wish you to go out. Youcannot wear those under this gown!” Fresh linen was fetched from the wardrobe, and Sally directed Elizabeth behind the screen to change. When she re-emerged, having exchanged her petticoats and chemise for clean ones, Jane assisted her into her stays.
“This is the worst part,” Elizabeth groaned. “I detest it.”
“Another thing you must accustom yourself to.” Jane laughed lightly. “They are not so dreadful, and they do wonders for one’s figure.”
“Not that anyone is looking atmyfigure, Jane. I am nothing beside you.”
