Page 12 of Reputation, an Easy Thing to Lose (Reputation Verse #1)
Chapter 11
Sewing the Threads of Support
Darcy House, Mayfair, Lo ndon
19 April 1813
O n the morning of their second full day in London, Elizabeth and Georgiana dressed for their ten a.m. appointment with Mme. Devy. Both ladies were nervous for the first social outing where they would have to pretend Elizabeth was merely Georgiana’s social companion. At least it was acceptable for the women to publicly call each other by their Christian names so there would be no inadvertent slips, but there would still be introductions and inquiries. Each hoped that there would not be an irreversible mistake so early in the season. Darcy joined the ladies for a later breakfast than was his wont, to give the small family one last bit of communion before the whirlwind of the next nine weeks commenced.
“William, when did you say Mr. Bingley would be coming by today? Georgie and I shall be at Mme. Devy’s until at least luncheon, but perhaps we should take our meal in one of the tea rooms instead of coming home if he is to be by at that time.” Elizabeth would have loved to see Bingley, but was worried about having Caroline in the house for too long. She was inevitably going to have to suffer the lady’s company throughout the season, so she wanted to avoid contact when possible. If Caroline called with her brother, like she would no doubt try to do, but found the ladies of the house out shopping, she would not be able to stay for more than a quarter hour. She may not stay at all, as the butler knew to request she leave her card. Bingley was coming to discuss business, and Darcy was not home to cal lers.
“Charles is scheduled to come about eleven a.m., but he will likely arrive earlier, and Miss Bingley would never come calling before the fashionable hour. We will spend our time in the study then remove to White’s for luncheon and further men’s socializing. I shall be home for tea but promise to issue no invitations. You ladies are safe from Miss Bingley if you return for your meal, but do take your time and enjoy one of the fine tea houses if you wish. Do not forget to have Georgie carry the money and make any payments for you both. The dressmaker’s bill should come to the house, as well as any other clothes shops at which you choose to stop. Georgie, promise me you shall take your sister to look for some dancing slippers. I know you believe your old ones are adequate Elizabeth, but you should at least get ones that match the ball gowns you choose.” Darcy spoke with a smile, hardly concealed behind his coffee cup and snorted into his drink when he lifted his eyes to his wife’s scowling face.
Georgiana was also laughing without any attempt to hide her mirth. Since their wedding and the many gifts Darcy had obtained for his wife at Christmas, Elizabeth had been loudly protesting the number of gowns and accoutrement both her husband and sister felt necessary for this season. “Do not worry, brother!” Georgiana chimed in. “I shall drag poor Lizzy to all of the accessory shops and see to it that she acquires new dancing slippers, a set of summer riding boots, and at least two sets of day gloves. She shall be properly burdened with boxes before we make it to tea.”
“Fine! I shall cease my arguments about your spending money on totally unnecessary items for me if you will allow me to bring home at least one book of my sole choosing and promise to read it with me, sans complaint!” That sparkle in Elizabeth’s eyes was the greatest joy of Darcy’s life.
“My dear, I consent. Even if you bring home the most atrocious gothic novel full of sappy romance tripe, I shall read every word aloud to you and even modulate my voice with the characters if you come home with all the purchases Georgie deems neces sary.”
Husband and wife shook on the agreement and Georgiana let out a bark of laughter at their officiousness. Shortly after they had all drained the last of their morning refreshment, Marianne and Lilian entered with their ladies’ outerwear, reporting that the carriage was ready at the front entrance. Darcy gave his wife one last chaste kiss on the fore head.
“I love you dearest, and I am so proud of the strength you have shown in supporting our family. No matter what anyone says to you or about you, we are married. No one can take that away.”
A short quarter of an hour later, Elizabeth and Georgiana walked through the door to Mme. Devy’s shop, already full with ladies of the ton desperately trying get an appointment with the famed modiste. Immediately upon presenting themselves to the front attendant, the Darcy women were accosted by Georgiana’s acquaintances. Most of them were women who had been introduced to the young miss in Lady Matlock’s parlour but actually wanted an audience with her brother. Each in turn came up to the pair, greeted Georgiana as if they were the best of friends, and ignored Elizabeth. Unnoticed by either sister, Caroline Bingley was watching from a corner of the shop with a wicked look on her face: Elizabeth was being snubbed by London’s elite. That look faded with one word from the back of the shop.
“Lizzy!” Mme. Devy emerged from behind the curtain separating the fitting area from the front of the shop and pushed through the parting crowd to embrace the previously invisible woman. Every eye was now positively trained on Georgiana’s compa nion.
“My dear, let me look at you! You are as beautiful as the last time I saw you. Now, introduce me to your delightful friend.” Mme. Devy turned towards Georgiana and waved her hands looking the younger lady up and down. “Miss Darcy, I understand you are debuting this season, yes? Well, do not worry. I shall have you both looking like princesses before your coming out ball, just you wait.”
Caroline could take no more. “Miss Darcy, Miss Eliza, how wonderful to see you both a gain.”
Elizabeth barely contained a frustrated groan at the sudden appearance of Caroline. Thankfully, Georgiana had spotted her upon their entrance and was prepared to respond with some civility. “Hello, Miss Bingley. How good to see you a gain.”
“I had no idea you were returned from Pemberley. Mr. Darcy hardly ever comes to London before the first week of May. I shall have to call as soon as possible, and you must come to dinner at our townhouse as soon as Mr. Darcy’s schedule will allow. I know he is busy with business in the next few days before the season officially starts, but it is refreshing to take dinner with good friends before the hectic social agenda begins, don’t you agree? I shall have the invitation to your house before the day is done.” Anticipating that the dressmaker knew Elizabeth’s tradesman uncle, she asked her next question with a wide smile. “Now Eliza, you must tell us how you know Mme. Devy so well.”
Mme. Devy hated the Caroline Bingleys of the world. Superiority and snobbery from the daughters of royal dukes, she could stomach. They had made her family very well situated over the years, and what was the point of a title except to over -i nflate the ego? But tolerating women whose money was as ‘tainted’ as her own, who were coming into her establishment for no purpose but to look down upon others, was not worth the profit she made from their purchases. She also knew Caroline’s ploy was to get Elizabeth to admit that the Devys were friends and business partners with the Gardiners, thus exposing the Bennet family connections in trade. But Mme. Devy was prepared for such an attack. Her parents had bought the house next to Mr. Edward Gardiner, Sr. only a few years after coming to London, and quickly became friends, then business associates with the gruff old tradesman. The Devy and Gardiner children had all played together when they were young, and Mme. Devy was fond of her old friends. Fanny Gardiner had married Mr. Thomas Bennet and moved into the country, then the younger sister had met and married the town solicitor near her brother - i n -l aw ’s estate, but Edward Gardiner Jr. had stayed in the family home and continued to run the family business. Mme. Devy’s brother had taken a position as a footman with a respectable family many years ago and was now the butler to a great house near Kensington. So Mme. Devy and her family lived in the house her parents bought all those years ago next door to the Gardiners. Now that Mme. Devy was one of the most sought -a fter dress makers in all of England, and Edward Gardiner was among the largest importers of fine fabrics, their families’ business relationship was invaluable. Nearly all the most exclusive fabrics every season, sewn into fashionable creations at Mme. Devy’s shop, worn by the highest of the high of London, came from Gardiner Imp orts.
“Why, Miss Bingley, I thought you knew! Miss Elizabeth Bennet is the daughter of a well -r espected gentleman from Hertfordshire, God rest his soul. But since your family is from trade, I understand that you do not keep track of such things as the important landed gentry outside the London scene. Tsk tsk.”
Mme. Devy turned from Caroline and led Elizabeth and Georgiana to the dressing rooms in the back, continuing to speak about the Bennet family to all the assembled la dies.
“But no matter. I have known Lizzy and her sisters their entire life. My father was a long -s tanding gentleman’s tailor here in London and also the official tailor to Oxford University. He made all the school robes and attired many of the gentlemen who attended school there. Mr. Bennet was an Oxford man and began coming to my father when he was at univer sity.”
For dramatic effect, Mme. Devy turned around and tapped Elizabeth on the arm with her measuring tape. “I do not know if even you know this Lizzy, but your father met your mother through a shared connection with my fa ther.”
Elizabeth’s surprise was real. “No, madam, I do not believe I have heard that before. I thought my parents were introduced at my mother’s coming out ball.”
“They may have been introduced at a ball, but they first saw each other in my father’s shop.” Mme Devy spoke to Elizabeth and Georgiana but her strong voice could be heard by the whole shoppe. “Your mother’s father was also a client of my father’s, and one day, while Mr. Bennet was being fitted for his last term senior robes, your mother came by to retrieve an order. In addition to the suits, I had just finished your mother’s ball gown for her debut. Even though I had not established my own shop yet, a select few of the wives and daughters of my father’s clients had allowed me to make them dresses. Your mother’s was my first ever ball gown. She looked absolutely magnifique . Before your mother was out of sight of the window, Mr. Bennet turned to my father and asked how he could secure an invitation to her ball. I believe they were courting before the end of the night and engaged during Oxford’s first term break. The rest is history and five beautiful sisters. Since then, I have made at least one gown a year for each of the young Bennet ladies, and often more.”
The whole store was si lent.
Caroline seethed inside from the modiste’s snub, but she could not let her anger show. She still had not secured an appointment with the woman despite being in town all winter, and it would be unacceptable to wear a ball gown from any other establishment at Georgiana’s debut in a short nineteen days. “How lovely. I am sure Miss Eliza has always cherished such finery as can only be obtained in London. I know that the Meryton dressmaker leaves something to be desired.” Caroline looked at the dress Elizabeth was wearing for the first time and noted the superior cut and fine quality of the dress. Where in the world had she gotten such an ense mble?
“While I never wanted for acceptable clothing in my old home, I must say that Mme. Devy’s creations have always been my best pieces. In fact, one dress she made for me before I left for Pemberley last September is undoubtedly without equal.” Elizabeth looked upon the older lady with gratitude in her eyes and hoped she unders tood.
Mme Devy’s eyes sparkled. “It was nothing, my dear! I knew you would love it and it is my pleasure in life to make clothes for those who are grateful and look splendid wearing them. Now come, come! We must begin.” Turning around, Mme. Devy clapped her hands and sent her assistants scuttling off into the back of the sh oppe.
“Miss Darcy, Lizzy, I hope you will not mind but I have already started your collections. For Lizzy, of course, I could make a dress that fit like a second skin without even consulting her measurements, but I took the liberty of asking your housekeeper to have the Matlock modiste send your measurements, Miss Darcy, dear. I have chosen a few fabrics that are of the finest quality and made them into my most fashionable patterns. We can always adjust the sleeves and necklines if you do not like what I have chosen and I have left the trims for you to decide, but seeing you both here today, I am sure you will love the silks I have already started. This way, you can each have a ball gown, two evening gowns, and five day dresses before the official season even starts. Oh! And Hannah dear, bring out the matching gloves, slippers, and sh awls.”
The stunned silence continued as two young assistants brought out eight dresses each, mostly finished, for Elizabeth and Georgiana. When the assistant named Hannah returned with armfuls of accessories in matching fabrics, the tittering began. Many of the women in the shop were curious about Elizabeth, who obviously came from a good family, even if they had never heard of her. It was also generally noted that Georgiana was not being given dresses of noticeably higher quality than her companion. From the perspective at the modiste’s shop, the two were eq uals.
Caroline had slunk back into the corner of the shop during the flurry of activity. Once Elizabeth and Georgiana were standing hostage in front of the assistants with pins in their dresses, Caroline decided to once again bring up the topic of Elizabeth’s inferior family. “Miss Eliza, how is your youngest sister? Has she been safely deliv ered?”
Technically, speaking of such an indisposition in public was not the best of manners, but since this was a woman’s establishment such topics were not outright banned. And the reaction from the watching crowd was as Caroline had wanted. With the mention of a younger sister with a babe, the titters stopped to hear whatever details would be divulged. Amazingly, it was the usually shy Georgiana who came to Elizabeth’s def ence.
“Oh yes, Miss Bingley. Mrs. Wickham has been safely delivered and her son is the sweetest babe I have ever beheld! He is so pudgy about the cheeks and has crystal clear blue eyes. I know both Lizzy and Mrs. Wickham were glad to see each other before we had to leave for Lo ndon.”
This was definitely not what Caroline was expecting. She tried to soldier on. “Miss Darcy, you have been to visit the young, widowed mo ther?”
“Of course, Miss Bingley. Did you not know that Mrs. Wickham is living with my great -a unt , the Lady Gwyneth Fitzwilliam, in her house in Scarborough? My great -a unt had been looking for a new companion to come live with her, since both of her sons are now grown and out of the house, and Mrs. Wickham was delighted to join her after both her husband and father passed. Lady Gwyneth was even more excited to have the young widow once her condition was confirmed, and she adores having a babe in the house again. We all visited in late March since Fitzwilliam had been wanting to visit her ladyship anyway. Even my Fitzwilliam cousins, Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Viscount joined us for a few days.”
Mme. Devy joined the conversation once more to put any negative gossip to rest. “Yes, my dear. I was so heartbroken to hear about little Lydi’s husband and then to lose her father in less than a sennight! How terrible. But that is what sometimes happens when one is married to an army officer. They do not all last through the wars. At least she has her son to remember his father and provide love on lonely ni ghts.”
Elizabeth was extremely grateful to both her sister and her long -t ime friend for deflecting Caroline so effectively and with so much of the truth. The insinuations were only slightly left of completely accurate. “I do believe that Lydia took our father’s death the hardest, since it came so swiftly after the loss of Mr. Wickham, but she is content with her situation in Scarborough and has enjoyed living with the Fitzwilliams. Mr. Darcy was generous to be named as my nephew’s godfather. His own father had been godfather to Mr. Wickham, and it seemed only right that the next generation continue that connection between the families. It was indeed a joy to celebrate the new life after so many losses this past year.”
Caroline decided that no good could be achieved in the dressmaker’s shop, especially since the renowned Frenchwoman was so obviously biased in favour of the little chit and her disgraceful family. She would have to have an exclusive tea party at Louisa’s townhouse in the next few days. Then she would be able to give the real gossip behind the Bennets, telling everyone that the ‘army officer’ and Mr. Bennet both really died in a duel over an elopement. For now, she would bow out, but not before she reminded everyone of Miss Elizabeth’s posi tion.
“Well, I’m glad to hear that both your sister and nephew are healthy and well settled in the north. It is a shame she will miss the season, as I remember how much Mrs. Wickham loves to dance, but you will no doubt be able to give her many delightful details of your time chaperoning Miss Darcy. It was very kind of Mr. Darcy to give you the opportunity to join his household after your father’s estate was entailed to your cousin. I am sure you will enjoy the entertainments for as long as Miss Darcy has need of your serv ices.”
With a kind smile and more truth in her words than Caroline could ever fathom, Elizabeth replied, “Yes, Mr. Darcy is very kind, and I have never been happier than this winter as a valued member of the Darcy family household. I am sure that Georgie and I will have a wonderful season and enjoy each other’s friendship for many years to come.”