Yours sincerely,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
The three ladies exchanged smiles, and Jane and Elizabeth clasped hands and indulged in a small dance in the hall.
Lydia entered and looked between them. “What is the cause of all this happiness?”
“Jane and Elizabeth have received invitations to the theater from Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy.”
“I wish to go to the theater. Jane and Lizzy have all the pleasures. They went to Vauxhall Gardens yesterday, and now they are bound for the theater. It is not fair.”
Mrs. Gardiner took Lydia’s hand and drew her closer.
“My dear, that is no manner in which a genteel young woman ought to conduct herself. You are not yet sixteen, and you are no longer out. I have considered asking your uncle to take you and me to Vauxhall Gardens when he returns, but should you behave ill, he and I shall go alone, and you will remain at home with the nurse.”
Lydia stood silent for a moment, then declared, “I shall write to Mamma and tell her how unfairly I am treated here.”
“You may do as you choose, my dear,” Mrs. Gardiner replied, “but your father has entrusted your guardianship to your Uncle Edward. From this time forward, he and I shall determine what you may and may not do. If you conduct yourself with propriety, you will accompany us to Vauxhall Gardens. If you do not, you will remain here with little Edward. Do you understand me, Lydia?”
The young girl stared at her aunt, then answered, “Yes, Aunt. I understand.”
“Very well. Come, girls, let us go in to breakfast. We must speak of evening gowns suitable for the theater. Neither of you possesses anything fit for the occasion.”
Lydia opened her mouth, then thought better of it and remained silent.
Mrs. Gardiner turned to her youngest niece. “You conducted yourself well, Lydia, in refraining from complaint. You are not out and will not be until your elder sisters are married. The pin money must first be devoted to Jane, who will be two and twenty in November, then to Elizabeth, who will be one and twenty in March. After them, Mary must be settled, and then Kitty. You will not be out until you are nineteen or twenty, about the age Elizabeth is now.”
Lydia frowned, her mouth falling open.
“If you wish to accompany us to Vauxhall Gardens, you will close your mouth and compose your countenance. Such an expression is unbecoming in a young lady of your age.”
Lydia shut her mouth at once and moved to the sideboard to prepare her breakfast plate.
Mrs. Gardiner then addressed Jane and Elizabeth. “We shall return to Clara’s shop. I did not see any evening gowns yesterday, but she may send her assistant to inquire among the neighboring shops. We will depart directly after breakfast.”
They spoke of gowns and suitable accessories until the meal concluded and continued the discussion throughout the drive to the shop.
Elizabeth felt a deep satisfaction that Mr. Darcy had chosen to invite her, of all people, to the theater. The thought of spending an entire evening in his company, attired in a proper evening gown and received as though she belonged to his circle, stirred her deeply. Had he known that red roses signified romantic love and admiration? Even desire? She was drawn from her reverie by Mrs. Gardiner.
“Lizzy, my dear, it appears to me that Mr. Darcy has selected you as a companion for his sister.”
The pleasure she had felt sank at once. Of course. His interest lay not with her, but with Georgiana. He had been careful to say that his sister had never been to Vauxhall and that she would be one of the party. The invitation to the theater followed the same thread. She was useful. She was the friend his reserved young sister lacked.
Elizabeth drew a long, slow breath. “Yes, Aunt. Mr. Darcy’s sister has no friends in London. She likes me, and that is why I am included.”
Though this observation destroyed every prospect of her own for what at first had promised to be a romantic evening, Elizabeth was not formed for ill humor, and it could not dwell long on her spirits.
She reasoned with herself, and her cheer soon returned.
“I am very well pleased, Aunt. Though Mr. Darcy is no suitor, he has invited me to be one of the party. He could very well have attended with only his sister on his arm. I shall wear a lovely evening gown and attend a play at Drury Lane or Covent Garden. I am fortunate to enjoy this treat, at least once in my life.”
Mrs. Gardiner patted Elizabeth’s hand. “It is a fine opportunity for you to enjoy an evening out with a gentleman of high society.” Then, with her usual practicality, she continued, “Now, my girls, go upstairs and change your gowns for another day of shopping while I write to Mr. Darcy. Which shall it be, the comedy or the tragedy?”
Jane turned to Elizabeth. “You must choose, Lizzy. I care little which we see, provided Mr. Bingley is present.”
“Then the tragedy. I know the comedies by heart, but I have never heard ofAdelgitha. I should like very much to see a new play.”
Lydia groaned and muttered that it was not fair.
