Elizabeth smiled. Miss Darcy was nothing if not persistent. She had not heard of Madame Dupont, but she had no doubt at all that her services were beyond Elizabeth’s means. “I do not need a new dress, Miss Darcy.”
“But I would like you to have one,” said Miss Darcy. “I feel guilty for dragging you away from your home.” She blushed. “I have extra pin money – far more than I could possibly spend. My brother is very generous. I would like to use some of it to give you a few gifts, if I may. Please, would you accept it? You have helped me so much, and I would love to give you something in return. We can look at the latest fashion plates before we go.”
“Did Mr. Darcy suggest this?”
“William?” Miss Darcy looked surprised. “I do not think such a thing would occur to him. He never concerns himself with my clothing. I do not see why he would be concerned with yours.”
Elizabeth gave a mental sigh of relief. For a moment she was worried Mr. Darcy did not think her clothes were fashionable enough for her to be seen with his sister.
“But if he does not see to your clothes, who does?”
“In the past, my aunt, Lady Matlock, would take me to the seamstresses to obtain new clothes, and then when Mrs. Younge was in charge—” Her voice faltered.
“Mrs. Younge?” Elizabeth was puzzled.
Miss Darcy glanced towards Mrs. Annesley. “She was hired as my companion when I went to Ramsgate.”
Seeing that Georgiana was in danger of sinking under the weight of her memories, Elizabeth swiftly directed the conversation back to their expedition.
“So, are we agreed we are going to Bond Street this afternoon?”
“Of course! I have been thinking of nothing else all morning,” replied Miss Darcy eagerly, all signs of melancholy disappearing. “You said you believe I have good taste. Did you mean it? Will you allow me to pick out my own clothes? And to pick out a few things for you as well?”
Heavens! Georgiana was giddy with the feeling of independence. It was not Elizabeth’s role, but she felt duty bound to urge some restraint, as she would have done with Lydia.
“I thank you for your generosity, Miss Darcy, but I have everything I require. I do intend to buy a new pair of white gloves, since mine have a stain that cannot be removed. That is all, and I am perfectly capable of paying for it myself.”
“Gloves? That is nothing! Wait until we get there! I am certain you will find something that will catch your fancy, Miss Bennet. If not today, another day. We have quite a few purchases to make in any case. We need to pick out some new curtains for the breakfast room, and a new China tea set. We may not have time to visit themodiste.”
They set out for Bond Street in the company of Mrs. Annesley, two maids, and three footmen. Elizabeth could only imagine how much Miss Darcy intended to buy if she needed three footmen to carry her packages.
Miss Darcy flitted from one shop to another, exclaiming at various objects that captured her attention, her face shining.
“Look at this lace, Miss Bennet! Have you ever seen anything so delicate?”
Elizabeth had not, since the price of the lace was outrageously high, but she had to laugh. Miss Darcy was sounding so much like Lydia.
“Should I buy some?” Miss Darcy looked appealingly at Elizabeth.
“Do not askme. You had better ask Mrs. Annesley. She has a better idea than I do how much you should spend and what you really need.”
“I do need new lace. And new dresses. I have outgrown many of mine, and some of the ones I have not, I used to wear at school. Even if I am not out yet and will not be appearing in any large social events, I would like a wardrobe that is more suitable for my age. I am no longer a schoolroom miss. Do you not agree, Mrs. Annesley?”
Mrs. Annesley smiled indulgently. “Of course you must acquire what you need! I am sure your brother can have no objection. It is so nice to see you finally enjoying yourself.”
“There!” said Miss Darcy, turning to Elizabeth. “Miss Annesley has given her permission. And Miss Bennet, I hope you will allow me to gift you a few things. I want to show my appreciation for everything you have done for me. Oh! Look at those exquisite satin slippers with the blue ribbons! Everyone is wearing them. You tie them around your ankles in the Classic style. You have such fine ankles, Miss Bennet, they will suit you perfectly, especially now that dresses are worn shorter.”
Elizabeth looked at them doubtfully. “Are you certain the dresses are cut high enough to show the ribbons? Is it not improper to show so much of the ankle?”
“Not at all! That is why I must acquire new clothes. Only matrons allow their dresses to extend below their calves. Just look around. Most young ladies have taken up the fashion.”
After observing some of the other ladies in the street, Elizabeth had to acknowledge that Miss Darcy was right.Perhaps she needed to add a dress in the latest fashion to her wardrobe. She would have to write to Papa to send some funds.
“I will think about it. Let us focus on you for now. I can always have my current dresses taken up a little. I am not in urgent need of new clothes – unless my clothes are so terrible you feel I need to burn them,” she said, playfully.
Georgiana looked horrified. “Of course not! I did not mean to suggest such a thing! I would never—. I just wanted to—” she became tongued-tied.
“I was just teasing,” said Elizabeth quickly, seeing that Georgiana was genuinely upset. “I know you are offering the gifts to me in the spirit of generosity, and I very much appreciate it. But let us first buy you what you need for the house, then see how far your pocket money will stretch, shall we?”
