The girl blushed, her fingers brushing over the delicate fabric. “Thank you, Miss Lizzy.” She dipped into an awkward curtsey before hurrying out to join the others. The door closed behind her, and the room erupted into a brief, shared sigh of relief.
Georgiana, perched by the vanity, turned toward Elizabeth and Jane, a bright smile lighting her face. “Well! That must mean it is our turn. Come with me—I shall lend you my room to dress. It is the least I can do.”
Elizabeth blinked, brushing a stray hair from her cheek. “Georgiana, you are too generous. We could not—”
“Not at all,” Georgiana interrupted, rising to her feet. “I insist.” Her tone held a note of steel that was probably a family trait, and she took Elizabeth’s hand as if to pull her along.
Jane laughed softly, looping her arm through Elizabeth’s. “It seems we have no choice, Lizzy. Come, let us not keep her waiting.”
Elizabeth hesitated, her gaze sweeping the room. The hum of activity had quieted, and the last few ladies were gathering their courage before moving downstairs.
“Very well,” Elizabeth said, allowing herself a small smile. “Lead the way.”
Elizabeth stepped inside Georgiana’s room and paused. There, laid out on the bed with careful precision, were the new gowns Aunt Gardiner had bought for them last month—Jane’s rose chiffon and Elizabeth’s moonlight blue silk.
“Flora and Mary brought them up and got all the creases out of them,” Georgiana explained, moving to the vanity where a small assortment of pins and ribbons had been arranged, along with some of the prettiest roses and lilies for their hair. “They wanted to help you, too—they insisted everything be perfect.”
Jane smiled warmly as she stepped to the bed, smoothing her hand over her gown. “It’s as though they knew we would be the last to make our preparations.”
“They do seem to have thought of everything,” Elizabeth said softly.
Jane picked up her gown and swept behind the dressing screen, while Elizabeth stared at her blue gown. Tonight, Darcy would see her in it… and she hoped it would give him as much pleasure as he had given so many others this day.
“Well,” Georgiana replied with a playful twinkle in her eye. “Shall I fix your hair?”
Elizabeth laughed softly, finally lifting the gown from the bed. “If you insist.”
“Lizzy, wait for amoment.”
Elizabeth tucked a stray curl behind her ear as they started for the stairs in their evening gowns. “Is something the matter?”
“No, not at all.” Jane fidgeted with her hands. “In fact, it is… the opposite.”
Elizabeth tilted her head and drifted down the first step. “Go on.”
“Mr. Bingley… he has asked me to enter into a formal courtship.”
Elizabeth froze on the step and whirled on her sister. “Jane! He—he has? You are not just easing me this time, are you? This is real?”
“It is! He intends to speak to Papa tonight.”
“Oh, Jane,” Elizabeth breathed, her hands flying to her sister’s. “That is wonderful! I could not be happier for you.”
“You mean that this time?” Jane asked, her eyes searching Elizabeth’s. “You did not seem very happy before.”
“Of course I do, and I am! You deserve all the happiness in the world, and I have no doubt Mr. Bingley will do everything in his power to give it to you.”
“Oh, I hoped you might feel that way. I know you have been… uncertain about Mr. Darcy, and I thought—”
Elizabeth shook her head quickly. “No, Jane. I am not at all uncertain about Mr. Darcy. But anyway, this is not about me. You and Mr. Bingley are perfectly matched, Jane. You have my full blessing.”
Jane reached out, clasping Elizabeth’s hands. “I wish you could feel the same joy for yourself, Lizzy. I have seen how Mr. Darcy looks at you. He cares for you, I am certain of it.”
Elizabeth’s heart squeezed, but she shook her head, her voice faltering. “Jane… I shall not speculate—”
“Why not? You are worth everything he has to offer, and I believe he sees it.”
Elizabeth swallowed hard. “Well. Let us think only on the pleasant things for now. Tonight is about Christmas and joy and caring for others. I shall not attempt to manipulate that poor man again.”
