Chapter 30
Jane and Elizabeth had discussed Miss Bingley insults that evening when the retired.
“I am very sorry for her,” Jane said in a tone which Elizabeth felt was unnecessarily forgiving. “If she had known of our elevation, she would never have spoken thus,” Jane explained.
“Yes,” Elizabeth agreed, “but can’t you see dear that it is all for the well. For she cannot now try to take advantage of the connection. She has revealed her true character and that cannot be undone.”
“That is why I am very sorry for her,” Jane explained.
Elizabeth did not have time to consider Miss Bingley again in the coming days. And she was sure neither did Jane. The whirl of fittings for dresses, delivered as they were made. More arriving each day. Did not even compare to the hours of preparation for their presentation. Another matter which Mrs Fitzherbert had arranged. She arrived the day after the visit to the modiste with Lady Madlock in tow. Lady Madlock had agreed to present Lady Meryton and her three eldest daughters. She also undertook to oversee there training to take their bow. Her companion, Mrs Allen, had trained many society ladies and was of great assistance.
The modiste had provided a practice dress for the purposes of learning how to curtsy almost to the floor without falling over. When Elizabeth was first told this, she though theladies of the ton must be quite simple. To need instructions on how to curtsy without falling over. But when Jane insisted she take the first try in the dress Elizabeth was shocked at how difficult the manoeuvre was.
Elizabeth, Jane and Mary were also instructed that it was very likely that the Queen would bestow a kiss on each of them. For the family was very honoured, as having apparently saved the life of the Prince Regent. Elizabeth felt this was hyperbole. The Prince Regent had not been in danger. He had merely been unwell.
The final part of the process was the retreat, and Jane was the only one of the family to be able to perform this without tripping on the train. It involved reversing out of the room while carrying out multiple curtsies. They each spent days practicing.
Their mother, being slight in both figure and height, found the whole process exceedingly trying. She was so sure that she would trip and make a fool of herself. Elizabeth saw the first sight of her mother’s nerves re-appear, having been absent since the Prince Regent’s visit. Elizabeth wished that Mrs Hill were here, for she always could manager her mother worries. But she need not have concerned herself. Lady Madlock saw that her mother was exceedingly worried. When they all sat down to tea on the third day she told some stories of some of the highest ranked ladies before their own presentation.
When Lydia had asked if she had had any upset on her own presentation. She drew herself up high with her chin towards the ceiling and intoned in a haughty voice. That she had been perfect in every way. But the twinkle in her eye belied her tone and words. A small giggle from Elizabeth had the whole party laughing.
The court dresses arrived and all the Bennet ladies who were to be presented perfected the steps in their own gowns. And finally the day of presentation arrived.
Lady Matlock presented them. Their mother performed her bow with a grace reminiscent of Jane. And Jane, Elizabeth and Mary were all bestow with kisses and kissed the Queen’s hand in turn. All retreated performing their curtsies without error and the whole ordeal was completed.
Secretly Elizabeth felt it was a damned waste of time and money. The cost of each dress being above five hundred guineas. Elizabeth knew ladies were not meant to concern themselves with such things. But she had cajoled Mrs Featherworth to find out for her. She had not let Elizabeth down. She thought perhaps Mrs Featherworth had been curious at the costs herself.
