Page 54 of To Love And To Cherish (Pride And Prejudice Variation #3)

They had arrived in London two days earlier. Rain had kept the women confined indoors, but on this dry, cold morning, Darcy announced at breakfast:

"Ladies, you are to be measured for new gowns. Miss Catherine," he added, "since you are going husband hunting in March, I shall see you properly outfitted."

Kitty blushed, and Elizabeth smiled as Darcy continued.

"I made enquiries at my club. Mr. Daniel Grant is the son of Mr. Humphrey Grant, a respectable gentleman who has a fine estate in Kent, within the Hunsford parish.

His London house is in Grosvenor Square, and he is well-regarded. I heard nothing ill of him or his son."

"In fact," he added with amusement, "I heard nothing at all of the son. If he ever had a London season, he made no impression on the ton."

Elizabeth turned to Kitty. "At least, my dear, you need not fear competition."

Then, glancing wryly at her husband, she asked, "And how about you, Mr. Darcy? Will I encounter any cats ready to claw my eyes out for having caught you in my net?"

He gave a half-smile. "Perhaps, Mrs. Darcy. But I had no designs on anyone. Therefore, none may accuse you of theft."

Georgiana and Kitty exchanged a wide-eyed look.

They listened with an astonishment bordering on alarm at Elizabeth’s lively, sportive manner of talking to her husband.

He, who always inspired respect, was now the object of open pleasantry.

Their minds received knowledge which had never before fallen in their way.

By Elizabeth’s instructions, they began to comprehend that a woman may take liberties with her husband, which a brother or father would not allow in a sister or daughter.

The visit to the modiste lasted four hours.

Each young lady was measured, then seated at a small table, and presented with fabric samples and fashion plates.

Elizabeth felt quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices.

Her own tastes were simple but elegant. The modiste urged her toward lace and ruffles, but Elizabeth selected patterns for three habits and four walking dresses, all modest and refined.

She deferred choosing patterns for evening or ball gowns, overwhelmed by the sheer number of options before her.

Upon returning to Darcy House, a note from William awaited her: Lady Helen would arrive at four for tea.

"We are to entertain Lady Helen this afternoon," Elizabeth told Georgiana.

"Aunt Helen!" Georgiana lit up. "You will adore her. She is the kindest woman, and scarcely proud at all because she never expected to become a countess. Uncle Henry was the younger son, but he inherited unexpectedly."

Elizabeth asked, "How should we dress to receive her?"

"Your jonquil gown will do well," said Georgiana. "Perhaps Kitty might wear your pale blue muslin?"

Elizabeth agreed and sent for both gowns to be pressed. "Fitzwilliam says Lady Helen is sending the former maid of Lady Danville for an interview. All others have been cancelled until I make a decision on her."

By four, the three women were waiting in the drawing room, nerves high. Elizabeth wished Darcy were present to introduce her to his aunt. Where was he?

A carriage rolled up, and they all rushed to the window. A tall, elegant woman descended, and moments later the butler announced: "Lady Helen, Countess of Matlock."

She entered and took them in at a glance. "Well, well. You must be Mrs. Darcy."

"Yes, my lady," Elizabeth curtsied.

"And your sister, I presume. You look very much alike."

After Elizabeth completed the introductions, Lady Helen stepped closer to her. "My dear, you will do very well. You are elegant, and blessedly, you do not screech."

The countess laughed. "Fitzwilliam could never endure a screecher."

"Indeed," Elizabeth smiled, "he would not tolerate it."

"Let us sit," said the Countess. "I am Aunt Helen to you."

She kissed Georgiana and assessed her. "My dear, I can nearly see your ankles. Fitzwilliam tells me you visited Madame Dupree’s?"

"Yes, Aunt. We chose habits and day dresses, but no evening or ball gowns yet."

"Good. We shall see to that." She turned to Elizabeth. "I will host a ball for you and Fitzwilliam in eight weeks. Elizabeth, have you received instruction in etiquette?"

"No, Aunt Helen."

"Then a master shall come tomorrow. You need at least six weeks. You must be prepared for society, if not for your own sake, then for your future children."

She continued, "If you approve Abby Gibbs, she and I will accompany you to Madame Dupree’s to select your ball gowns. You shall need at least three. I cannot persuade Fitzwilliam to attend any more than that."

The three women found this most amusing. Elizabeth smiled and began to relax.

"Miss Abby Gibbs," the butler announced.

Lady Helen greeted the maid. “Abby, this is Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Elizabeth, I’ve known Abby for several years.

Everyone knows her, for she transformed Mrs. Danville, a very plain young woman, into someone quite striking.

Abby is remarkably skilled at dressing hair and designing gowns to flatter any figure.

” Turning to Abby, she asked, “Have you taken a new position? "

"I serve the Fitzroy sisters, my lady. Miss Elena Fitzroy is to come out next year."

"I see. Agnes Fitzroy will be cross with me, but I am used to that. May we hire you away?"

Abby turned to Elizabeth. "Will I be permitted to visit my family in Tideswell?"

"Yes," said Elizabeth warmly. "We will see you delivered and returned on your free day."

"Then, Mrs. Darcy, I shall be honored to serve you."

Lady Helen smiled. "Good. We begin at once."

When the maid had gone, Lady Helen asked, "Do you play? What are your accomplishments?"

"I play and sing, Aunt Helen."

"Then sing for me now. I must know whether to hire a music master."

Elizabeth sat at the pianoforte and sang Sweet William’s Ghost.

"A lovely voice," Lady Helen said. "But you must practice more on the pianoforte.

Your skills at playing do not match your lovely voice.

I will send a master. Elizabeth, you will learn three or four songs very well, just enough to get you through the next twelve to sixteen weeks.

I doubt we will keep Fitzwilliam in town any longer than that. "

She rose. "Now, I must leave. I have much to plan. We shall dine with the Viscount in four days. My son Phillip and his wife will help ease your way into society."

After she left, the girls turned to one another. Georgiana spoke first: "Well, Elizabeth, at least we shall be well dressed."

"Indeed," Elizabeth said. "I care little for fripperies. So long as I do not embarrass William, I shall wear whatever Lady Helen prefers."

"And the etiquette master?" Kitty asked with a wince.

Elizabeth groaned. "We shall all benefit. Georgiana may be exempt, but you and I, Kitty, have much to learn."