Chapter 29
Elizabeth had thought she would not sleep a wink. After dinner, the sisters all readied for bed and agreed to meet in the sitting room shared by Jane and Elizabeth. There they chatted gayly for above an hour until yawns finally drew them to their beds.
The next day brought them to Mademoiselle Binet shop. Elizabeth had never seen such an array of silks. Nor such a rainbow of colour. Lydia’s eyes were wide with wonder. Mrs Featherworth had accompanied them, and Elizabeth saw a twinkle of mirth in her eyes.
Mademoiselle Binet greeted them, introducing herself. Their mother made the necessary introductions. Mrs Cavendish had arranged appointments for the all to be measured so the modiste had been expecting them. Mademoiselle Binet suggested that they all they browse while they awaited Mrs Fitzherbert’s arrival. They did not have long to wait.
Mrs Cavendish accompanied Mrs Fitzherbert. And Elizabeth had to own that she was happy to see that lady again. Mrs Fitzherbert had mainly kept company with their mother and Mrs Cavendish, except at mealtimes. But Mrs Cavendish had accompanied Elizabeth for a short walk each day. And the two had got on famously, and Elizabeth was fond of her.
“Now, I cannot remain long,” Mrs Fitzherbert said, her words escaping in a rush. “Mademoiselle Binet,” MrsFitzherbert said. “Lady Meryton, Lady Jane, Lady Elizabeth and Lady Mary will all need court dresses. They are to be presented at court as soon as may be.”
Elizabeth’s mother grabbed her hand quite tightly. They had all discussed this. So her mother was not surprised. She knew that as a newly minted wife of an Earl. She would need to be presented. Elizabeth and Jane had also assumed they would be presented but were unsure if Mary would be this year or next. This pronouncement made it clear that Mary would join them this year. She knew Mary had no great desire to be at court. But as it was necessary it was preferable to her to do so at her sisters’ sides.
“Lady Catherine and Lady Lydia are not yet out in London and are not to be presented for at least another year or two. They will not need ballgowns, but they will need some evening attire. They are out in the country and will sit at table in their father’s house. And in all likelihood will be invited to some smaller family gatherings in homes with daughters of a similar age.” Mrs Fitzherbert explained to the modiste.
“They will all need a complete fit out,” Mrs Fitzherbert said. “They will all need day dresses, gloves, slippers, spencers and pelisses. Bonnets, reticules and parasols as well. And whatever other thing you they need,” she said, which Elizabeth inferred correctly referred to chemises, strays and petticoats. They were to be dressed from skin out and top to bottom.
“Lady Jane and Lady Elizabeth,” Mrs Fitzherbert addressed them. “You may choose your own fabrics and colours. Except for the court dresses. You need to leave that total in Mademoiselle Binet experience hands. Ghastly apparitions and all those nasty ostrich feathers,” she said shaking her head. “But you must wear them.”
“Lady Meryton, I will assist you. But I will leave your court dress to Mademoiselle Binet. And Mrs Cavendish willassist Mary,” she looked at Kitty and Lydia. Then she looked at Mrs Featherworth.
“I understand from your Mama,” she said looking to Lydia, “that you have a very fine eye for fashion. I will leave you and your sister Catherine to make your own choices. But,” she said pausing, “Mrs Featherworth must approve everything you chose. I will not have you dressed in a way that is not in keeping with your age and your station.” Lydia nodded and so did Kitty. Mrs Featherworth smiled.
Their mother went to measured, and Mrs Fitzherbert began selecting fabrics. Everyone else took this as an instruction to begin their own perusal.
Mrs Fitzherbert and Mrs Cavendish remained with them above two hours. Consulting with the modiste and advising the ladies. Once Mrs Fitzherbert felt everything was in hand, they made their goodbyes and left the Bennets to finish being measured and making their selections. They remained in the store for more than five hours. Mademoiselle Binet had closed the store to all other customers during the visit. And had arranged for tea to be served halfway through the appointment. She had even arranged for their coachman who awaited them to be served refreshments. Elizabeth liked this condescension very much.
Finally, the visit was complete. Mademoiselle Binet and her team would be visiting their home in a few days’ time with the first of their dressed and accoutrements. They were a happy bunch as they left the store. Only to bump into the last people they expected to see
“No wonder she has had to close to other customers,” the strident voice of Miss Bingley rang out. She was with another young woman. Who in Elizabeth’s opinion was an overdressed for a day shopping as was Miss Bingley. Miss Bingley had worna gown fit for a London ballroom to the Meryton assemble. She now wore a dress suited to an assemble to shop.
“She would not like the ton to see the class of customers she is serving now,” Miss Bingley continued to her friend, looking towards Jane. Making it clear she recognised her but still continued with her insults. Jane gasped, and when she might have said something, Elizabeth whispered to her. Jane nodded and turned her head away and entered their carriage. Elizabeth was only glad that their mother, Mary, Kitty and Lydia had already entered the carriage. Therefore only she, Jane and Mrs Featherworth had heard the invectives.
