Jane’s eyes narrowed. “Charlotte says he is touring in Germany and then travels to Greece, and that he is not expected home until later this year.” This thought inspired a sigh. “I had quite forgotten Alexander, and how completely he disappeared from my life. Yet he was very young at the time, Lizzy. Only seventeen.”
“That is true,” Elizabeth said. “Aunt, what would you suppose Mr. Bingley’s age to be? Four or five and twenty?”
Mrs. Gardiner considered. “Not so much as that, Lizzy, he is a young man, no more than three and twenty. A man may well know his own mind by that age, so we may allow ourselves some hope in that direction. Still, this was only our second meeting with him. Jane, I do advise caution, particularly where his sister is concerned. She is a social climber, and you may be certain she does not consider the Bennet sisters sufficiently elevated for her brother. Your credit will fall still further when she learns that you have no dowry to recommend you.”
Jane straightened in her seat. “Very well, Aunt. Your point is taken, and I shall be careful. Yet as I sit in this luxurious carriage, provided because he thought a hackney beneath me, I cannot help but hope.”
This observation caused the ladies to laugh until Mrs. Gardiner spoke again in a serious tone.
“Jane, my dear, you have nothing suitable to wear tomorrow.”
She turned to Elizabeth. “And you, my girl, cannot tour Vauxhall Gardens with Mr. Darcy, who is impeccably dressed, while you wear your mended walking gown. We must set out early tomorrow for a visit to Clara. Perhaps we may find something for you both, and while we are there, it would be prudent to place an order for additional gowns.”
The following morning, the ladies were waiting at the door when Clara, Aunt Maddie’s modiste, unlocked it and admitted them. A gown that suited Jane in both color and style was soon discovered, but nothing already made up could be found for Elizabeth. Clara dispatched her assistant to the best shops along the street while the fitting for Jane began.
Elizabeth sat with Mrs. Gardiner and reviewed the pattern books, then the bolts of fabric that were brought forward. After some consultation, several were set aside for her use.
At length, the assistant returned with a bundle wrapped in a linen sheet and laid it upon the table. When it was opened, Elizabeth saw that she had four gowns, each in a color and size likely to suit Elizabeth.
After she had tried on the four gowns, Mrs. Gardiner said, “Lizzy, we shall take these three gowns. They might have been made for you. With little alteration, you will wear them with good effect.”
Elizabeth lowered her voice. “Aunt, are you spending Jane’s money upon me?”
“Your uncle has already resolved upon the matter. He intends to stop at Longbourn and give your father a lecture that is long overdue, and he will request the funds required for your clothing. He is not blind to your situation. You wear mended garments passed down to you, while your youngest sister is dressed like a queen. There is injustice in such treatment. Lydia, at her age, ought not to be out in society, much less spending the pin money that should serve her elder sisters in making their appearance and securing a husband before they grow too old and are left upon the shelf.”
Elizabeth took her aunt’s hand. “This kindness must come from you, Aunt, and I thank you for it. If Papa is to be pressed for the money, then I consent to the purchase.”
During the course of the day, Elizabeth’s thoughts often turned to the previous evening. For a man who was so obviously a wealthy gentleman, Mr. Darcy had been remarkably amiable throughout dinner and had directed frequent though scarcelyperceptible smiles towards her. He had often appeared amused, and afterward had spoken generously in praise of her song.
Then the thought occurred that no one had compelled him to escort her to the pleasure gardens.
As her spirits rose at this proof of attentiveness, she remembered his request that his younger sister accompany them. It was as much for his sister’s sake as for her own that he had offered himself as escort, perhaps more for the sister.
Elizabeth began to question whether she was meant merely to serve as a companion to the young girl. She drew a breath and rebuked herself. There was no cause for excitement. This was not a romantic engagement. It was, in truth, an entertainment arranged for his sister.
Still, she had never been to Vauxhall, and she resolved to enjoy herself, whatever his motives might be.
Chapter 10: Georgiana Darcy
By one o’clock, Elizabeth drew near to her sister and asked, “Jane, will you assist me with my corset? Sarah will be up shortly to arrange my hair.”
Jane rose to do as bidden.
“Lizzy, I am much taken with Mr. Bingley, and I fear it may be too late to guard my heart. He is a most personable gentleman and has shown me marked attention.”
Elizabeth regarded her with concern. “Then do not conceal your feelings as carefully as you have done before. I am persuaded that Alexander Lucas withdrew from you because he was never certain of your regard, or never knew it at all. You must show Mr. Bingley more than you are accustomed to show. If you will not advance your own cause, you must not complain of the result. Why invite disappointment?”
Jane’s color deepened. “Lizzy, that would be most improper.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Very well, sister, then prepare yourself for disappointed hopes. Mr. Bingley cannot read your mind.” She turned to face her sister, her eyes narrowed in reproach.
“Furthermore, it is unkind to leave him in suspense. A gentleman requires encouragement to give him courage to proceed. I never suspected you could show such severity, my dear sister.”
At that moment, Sarah entered, and Elizabeth took her place at the dressing table while her hair was arranged. When bothsisters were dressed and coiffed, they went down to the drawing room to wait.
“Lizzy, shut the door, if you please. I would speak with you both.”
When they were seated, Mrs. Gardiner continued. “Lydia does not yet know that she is to be placed at school. She understands only that she was removed from Longbourn to safeguard her from Lieutenant Wickham. You must not mention school until your uncle returns. Lydia might attempt some rash scheme to gain her own way if she dislikes the idea.”
