“Meeting family before Elizabeth gets her feet under her would just cause problems. I have never seen her so disturbed. She is usually so confident. Almost reckless. I am not unhappy she is being a bit quiet, but I hope she returns more to herself before meeting the Darcys.”
“She may have been knocked for a loop, but she’ll be fine. I know it. Shall we return and see how she is?”
John escorted Mamie to the stairs and decided to speak to the concierge for more ideas on their shopping trip on the morrow. A coaching service was recommended that would take them around all day without having to rely upon hackney cabs. It would meet them in the front at 10:00 the next morning.
Chapter Four
“You look much more yourself this morning, my dear. Are you well? Ready to do some shopping today?”
“I am much more myself today. I honestly don’t know what has gotten into me since we arrived in England. I suddenly felt as unsure of myself as after mama died. Lost in a different land.” Elizabeth stared at her teacup for a minute. “I dreamed of them last night. Mama and Papa. They were so happy. They told me they were proud of me, and that everything would be just fine. It was so real.”
“Oh Kitten. Maybe itwasreal. We do not know what happens after we pass. Did I ever tell you that my Roger visited me several days after he passed? No? He told me he would be watching out for me, and that everything would turn out well. I woke up smelling him on the sheets the next morning…even though the sheets had been freshly laundered.” That had been so many years ago, but the memory still brought tears to Mamie’s eyes. They had not had a particularly good marriage, but it was comforting none the less. The ladies both stood and hugged each other.
John walked into the room then, “Ummm…the coach will be here in an hour. Are we still going out today?”
Elizabeth turned and smiled brightly at him, “Yes! I am quite back to myself and looking forward to spending all of my money today!”
“I don’t think even you could spend that much money in one day. I’ve just come back from the bank, the funds your brother sent to establish our accounts has been deposited and will be available in a few weeks. We have more than enough ready on us to get by until then.”
“Excellent! I will go put on one of my drab gowns and be ready to look at fabrics and be poked and prodded by a seamstress…or modiste if we can find one.”
“You were shut in your room yesterday when we returned, but a Mrs. Gardiner gave me the name of her modiste. By the look of her gown, she is a good one.”
“Good! I will be ready on time, John.”
~~~~~
Mamie decided to mention nothing of meeting a Jane Bennet the day before. Things would play out as they should. Mamie Russellwas a strong believer that God led them on their paths in his own time, and that she should interfere as little as possible. Regardless, she was excited to see how the day progressed.
Their very first stop would be Gardiner and Associates warehouse. They had been told it was quite a large building, with everything from fabrics to artwork, furniture, and spices, fine wines, and tobacco. It also carried ready-made clothing, which would come in handy. Gardiners imported from all over the world. There was nothing ‘cheap’ about this Cheapside establishment. Bond Street merchants obviously shopped in Cheapside and then jacked up the prices for their exclusive clientele who would not even imagine setting foot in this part of town. Silly creatures. From what it sounded like, things had not changed much in the last thirty years. The haut ton still had their noses in the air and could not even envision that the world was run by commerce. It was the bankers, the merchants, the tradesmen that kept their world working. When she and Roger left for America, they had a clear vision of what the world actually was. They left theton,and their aristocratic families, behind for the new world. It was interesting to see that very little had seemingly changed. She looked forward to watching how her Elizabeth would react to their pretentions. Although Beth hadbeen docile since they arrived in country, she was an intrepid girl. Very little daunted her. This should be fun!
“What is that look on your face Mamie? You look like you’re getting ready for a prank.”
“I am simply looking forward to shopping, my dear! It has been a long time since I have had afashionablewardrobe. Since I am not in mourning, I think I might indulge myself just a bit.”
“How do you think I will look in lavenders and greys? Can I use lace while in mourning? Beading?”
“You will look lovely in greys and lavenders, as long as we find the right shades. Small amounts of lace are acceptable. No beading I’m afraid. Embroidery in subtle colors is allowed. White with black trims are allowed. I saw a lady in the tea shop wearing the most stunning costume in those colors, and she wore a black hat, instead of a bonnet. It was quite lovely, was it not John?”
“Yes. As I recall, it was a shiny white satin fabric, with black satin ribbon edging everything. I have never seen a hat like it before, but it was quite attractive.” John’s eyes always got a certain look when he was remembering something. It was like he was seeing the scene in his mind.
“It must be nice to be able to pull up memories the way you do John. I am quite jealous.”
“It is not always so nice, little sis. My memories are not always of good things. There are some things I wish Icouldforget.”
Elizabeth felt immediately guilty. Ethan had told her about some of the memories that haunted John. “I am so sorry John. I did not mean to be flippant. Some things are both a blessing and a curse.” She reached forward to pat his hand and nearly fell into his lap as the coach stopped.
John smirked, “I don’t like ya that way sis. Try and stay out of my lap.”
“Humpf. You’re too tall for me anyway. I barely reach your shoulder.” Elizabeth pushed hard off said shoulder as the carriage door opened. The coach they were renting for the day came with its own footman. “Well, thisisa large warehouse! Maybe we can find everything we need here!”
The windows started about eight feet off the ground and the building went up at least three stories. They entered a large vestibule where two clerks stood waiting. There was a good amount of light, and the ceiling was at least twelve feet. “Welcometo Gardiner and Associates! Are you looking for something particular today?”
“Fabrics mostly. We are in need of new clothing for the season. We are a bit late arriving.” Mamie answered for them.
“Very good madam. We have every type of fabric, but we also have ready made clothing, slippers, shoes and boots, coats, and all the accoutrements. There is also an in-house tailor and seamstress to do adjustments. All of those things are on the second floor. May I show you up?”
“Yes, please.”
