"High praise," Lady Ashford informed her.
Elizabeth set down her fork. "From Richard or Basil?"
"Basil."
"Then I am honoured."
At the head of the table Lady Matlock smiled into her wine. Lady Ashford was already treating Elizabeth as though she had belonged to the family all her life. Colonel Fitzwilliam had apparently adopted her as a cousin within the first quarter hour. Darcy's attention followed her whenever she spoke, though he attempted to conceal it. Even Lord Matlock appeared content merely to listen.
As the ladies withdrew after dinner, Lady Ashford returned immediately to a subject she had apparently been contemplating since receiving news of the engagement.
"There is scarcely a fortnight."
Mrs. Gardiner laughed.
"There it is."
"Of course there is. Does nobody else understand the situation? Elizabeth requires an entire trousseau."
"A what?" said Elizabeth.
"A trousseau," Lady Ashford repeated. "You cannot arrive at Pemberley with only half a dozen gowns and expect society to believe Darcy has married properly."
"I had not considered the matter in quite those terms."
"That is why you have us."
"I have no objections," said Mrs. Gardiner.
"Nor I," said Lady Matlock.
Before Elizabeth could answer, Mr. Gardiner leaned back in his chair with a look of innocent interest.
"As it happens, a shipment arrived only within the last sennight," he said. "Several cases of French lace. Very fashionable, I am told."
Lady Ashford turned to him at once.
"You see? Even Edward understands the urgency."
"I understand nothing of the sort," he replied. "I merely know that every lady in London appears determined to purchase it."
Elizabeth reached for her wine.
"Uncle, you know how I hate shopping."
"Nonsense," said Lady Ashford. "You merely hate shopping when left to your own devices. Fortunately, you shall have assistance."
"That is precisely what alarms me."
Mrs. Gardiner laughed.
"I begin to think she understands us perfectly."
Elizabeth looked helplessly toward Darcy.
He smiled.
"I believe you are outnumbered." He picked up his glass.
