Page 52 of Count the Cost (The Secrets of Elizabeth Bennet #2)
E lizabeth was ready and waiting when Lady Palmer’s coach drew up outside twenty-three, Gracechurch Street. She kissed Aunt Gardiner goodbye and hurried down the steps.
“Good morning, Lady Palmer. I hope it is not too cold for you to be out, but I am grateful for you facilitating the opportunity for a day out with Lady Mildred.” Elizabeth was barely in the carriage before the words tumbled out, and the older lady laughed.
“I have missed your voice, my dear, and the speed with which you think. And remember, young Mildred thinks I am your great-aunt, so I do not want too much of Lady Palmer and my lady!”
Elizabeth felt herself blush. “I had quite forgotten, my lady , and think of you as a very dear friend!”
Her aunt laughed at the heavily accented words. “Your impertinence hasn’t waned, my dear, and I am glad of it.”
At Bedford House, they were shown into an elegant drawing room, where Lady Mildred was waiting with her father. Lady Bedford was not there, and Elizabeth released a quiet breath of relief.
She curtsied deeply, as Lady Palmer nodded her head at their host.
“Lord Bedford. I am glad you have agreed your daughter can join our outing today.”
He nodded affably. “Mildred has been anticipating it keenly, Lady Palmer. Good morning, Miss Bennet. Are you happy to be back in town?”
“I am, my lord.” Elizabeth dipped her head politely. “And I have been very much looking forward to seeing Lady Mildred again.”
“I am so happy to see you,” the girl murmured, her head still lowered in shyness.
Lord Bedford regarded her fondly. “I am glad you spoke to me, my lady, about delaying Mildred’s come out until the Little Season; I agree it is the best thing for her.”
Mildred nodded fervently, and Lady Palmer laughed. “It was Elizabeth’s idea first of all. I merely spoke to you about it.”
He looked at Elizabeth with new respect. “Then, thank you , Miss Bennet.”
She dropped another shallow curtsy, and murmured her thanks for his notice.
She rather wished that society was not quite so — drawn out.
But she was very glad to see that Mildred seemed to have more confidence in her father.
She wondered whether Lady Bedford had been difficult about it, and wished her own father took as much notice of his daughters.
It must be quite a rare thing, for a father to actually listen and support what was best for his children.
But eventually the three ladies were in the carriage and rolling along towards Lady Palmer’s favourite tea rooms.
They were met with flattering deference and shown to a secluded corner with luxurious upholstery and curtains, and a beautiful table setting. Elizabeth found herself looking appraisingly at all the silverware and ornamentation, being very careful not to be noticed doing so.
Lady Palmer ordered hot chocolate for all. “It is far too cold to drink tea.”
She sat back when all was ordered to her satisfaction, a small cake on her plate, and left Elizabeth to converse with her friend.
It took considerable effort, but before the cakes were all consumed, Mildred seemed a little more confident, and was contributing to the conversation a little more. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“For what?” Elizabeth frowned.
“Well, for noticing me, and for helping me. I know I am not easy company, even with people I am familiar with.”
Elizabeth shrugged slightly. “I like you very well, Mildred. It is not a trial to me to be friends with you. I hope very much that you will develop a good sense of self-worth, for that will give you confidence.” She nudged the girl gently with her elbow.
“Already you are more accomplished than I am, and that’s not just on the harp! ”
Lady Palmer rose to her feet. “Well, I must be getting home to rest my feet. You have a lovely time, my dears. My footmen will remain here with you, and I will send my coach back for your use until you are both home.”
Mildred looked terrified, but Elizabeth spoke in soothing tones.
“Please don’t worry.” She squeezed her hand.
“I will not leave you. Lady Palmer knows that it will be more comfortable for us without her presence. Remember, it is not just her footmen; my maid and my uncle’s man are at the next table. We are well protected.”
The girl took a shaky breath. “I don’t think I’ll ever be as confident as you, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “I grew up as one of five sisters, and within the lower gentry. I had to learn to be confident and rather self-sufficient.”
She leaned back to the proprietor. “May we have tea, please? And a few more of those lovely cakes — I have never tasted the like before!”
The man beamed and hurried away, and Elizabeth turned back to Mildred. “You can learn to be confident, my friend, and with me at your side, you will not be able to help it. Now, tell me, what are you learning at the moment?”
Mildred shrugged a little. “Mama is insisting I join my sister when the dancing master is here, so that I am ready for the season, even though I won’t be out. But I also have a music master and that is so much fun. I do enjoy the harp — and the piano, too, of course,” she added anxiously.
“When I heard you playing at Horston Grange, that was very obvious,” Elizabeth said encouragingly.
It was after dinner that Elizabeth pondered on the day. She had not understood how difficult it would be to try to assist Mildred to become more confident, and she wondered how Mr. Darcy was helping his sister. She frowned. Had he told her she was very shy?
No, she could not recall it. Perhaps she had just gained the impression that she wasn’t very confident when he had told her that the shawl she had bought from Gardiners had made her feel special . Yes. That must be it.