Georgiana brightened. “You knew my mother?”
Mrs. Gardiner shook her head. “Not personally, but I saw her on several occasions. She was known to be a most gracious lady.”
The sound of quick footsteps upon the stairs drew every eye. In another moment, four children came hurrying down, gathering about the ladies with eager questions and bright curiosity.
Mrs. Gardiner’s expression grew mildly reproving. “Is that the proper way to greet our guests?”
The children fell quiet at once, looking properly abashed.
Her smile returned. “That is much better. Now, return to the nursery. You shall see your cousins again very soon, for they will remain in town for some time.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Yes, but we must not delay. Lady Matlock and Lady Catherine would not thank us for keeping them waiting.”
The return journey proved equally crowded, but at length they arrived before the establishment of Madame Beaumont. It was just before noon.
Not long after, another carriage drew up, conveying Lady Matlock, Lady Catherine, and Miss de Bourgh.
As they descended, Lady Matlock cast a doubtful glance toward the shop. “Madame Beaumont does not generally receive without an appointment.”
Elizabeth met her gaze with quiet composure. “We are expected.”
***
Inside the shop, stood Madame Beaumont and two assistants.
“Welcome, Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet. And are these ladies your sisters?”
Elizabeth smiled. “This is Miss Georgiana Darcy, and my sisters, Miss Bennet and Miss Mary Bennet.”
Madame Beaumont’s attention shifted as the remainder of the party entered. “Lady Matlock, welcome. And may I be introduced to your companions?”
Lady Matlock inclined her head with composed ease. “This is my sister-in-law, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and her daughter, Miss de Bourgh.”
Lady Catherine’s lips pressed together; Elizabeth could not mistake her displeasure at not being immediately distinguished, though she said nothing.
Madame Beaumont greeted them all with equal warmth. “You are most welcome. How may I assist you today?”
When no one spoke at once, Elizabeth stepped forward.
“My sisters and I are in want of new gowns, and I believe Miss de Bourgh is as well.” She turned slightly. “Georgiana, do you wish to be fitted today?”
Georgiana shook her head. “No, thank you. I wished only to accompany you.”
Madame Beaumont glanced toward Lady Catherine and Lady Matlock.
Lady Matlock returned a small, approving smile. “I should be very glad of a new gown myself.”
Madame Beaumont’s expression brightened. “Excellent. Let us begin with the fabrics, and then we shall take measurements.”
At her direction, bolts of fabric were soon brought forward, while her assistants conducted the ladies one by one for measuring.
Georgiana lingered near the display, her gaze moving over the silks and muslins. “I cannot wait until I may choose gowns of such elegance.”
Lady Catherine examined the selections with a critical eye, her attention exacting, though her remarks were, for the moment, withheld.
Lady Matlock, looking up from a fashion plate, smiled. “The materials are very fine.”
At length, Lady Catherine offered a pointed observation regarding one of Anne’s selections, but Lady Matlock countered it with easy warmth. “How very pretty it will look on you, Anne.”
