Looking pointedly at the timid girl who sat holding Elizabeth’s hand, she added, “Perhaps by the time her own turn arrives, she shall have developed a somewhat thicker skin.”
That evening, Elizabeth’s eyes filled as she took in the lustrous curls scattered about her feet.
Mr. Baldwin handed her a little looking glass. “Miss Bennet, you are weeping. Take this glass and observe how beautifully your hair has turned out.”
She wiped at her eyes and sniffed before accepting the mirror. Her hair now fell a little below her shoulders, and when she examined the back, she noted how full and glossy it appeared.
“I have cut layers into your hair, ma’am, to lessen some of its weight. All the damaged ends have been removed.”
He passed his hands through the dark length of it.
“You possess a lovely head of hair, miss. Observe how it now springs and catches the light.”
“Thank you, sir. I can now see that the cut has greatly improved the condition of my hair.”
“At this length and weight, it shall prove much easier to secure your curls in place whenever you wish to wear an elegant chignon. Or, should you prefer a more alluring appearance, Ihave cut it in such a way that a few locks may remain loose about your temples.”
He gathered up her hair, twisted it expertly into a chignon, and secured it with pins before drawing out a few carefully chosen curls so that ringlets framed her face.
“It is lovely, sir. Thank you. Forgive me for weeping. I had no notion that a skillful cut could so improve the management of one’s coiffure.”
After Mr. Baldwin departed the house, dinner was served on trays in an intimate salon. Lady Helen made notes upon paper in a brisk, businesslike manner while Elizabeth and Georgiana dined in silence, both too exhausted to feel inclined toward conversation.
Chapter 38: Rules Of Engagement
“Elizabeth, now that we have settled your day gowns and the three ball gowns, we shall turn our attention to your linens. Properly constructed stays shall do much to improve the profile of your bosom. We must also purchase gloves, silk stockings, and slippers. I have already prepared a list of everything you require.”
Lady Helen glanced toward Georgiana.
“Tomorrow we shall spend several hours at Harding Howell purchasing stays, under linens, and the like. Niece, you may also shop for your own needs. I perceive that you have grown since we last ventured out together.”
Once Elizabeth finished her meal, Lady Helen instructed her to write down all the songs she was accustomed to performing at home. When she had finished writing, Lady Helen held out her hand.
“Bring me the list, Elizabeth. I wish to examine your repertoire.”
Elizabeth observed the tireless woman marking several titles on the page.
“You know a number of lovely ballads, my girl. I have marked the pieces I wish to hear first. I shall select the best six, and then we shall proceed from there.”
Elizabeth played and sang through each selection, and once she finished, Lady Helen handed her a sheet of paper upon which six songs had been listed.
“These first four are the pieces you shall perfect under the guidance of the music master. I shall work on the final two myself, for I already know them, and they prove somewhatmore difficult than the others. We shall reserve them only for occasions when some hostess appears determined to run you into the ground.”
“Elizabeth, I dislike admitting it, but those hostesses with daughters of marriageable age shall be exceedingly angry that Fitzwilliam selected you as his intended, and they are not above embarrassing you so thoroughly as to frighten you from their circles or even drive away your suitor.”
“My lady? Perhaps it would prove best for Fitzwilliam and me to marry quietly and avoid society altogether.”
“No, that shall never answer. Your successful entrance into society shall lay the foundation for Georgiana’s own entrance one day and afterward for that of your children in their turn.”
Lady Helen fixed her with a stern look.
“You shall devote many hours to the study of these four pieces, missy, or I shall know the reason why. At present, nothing bears greater importance than your preparation to enter a society far elevated above any you have previously known.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Never imagine, Elizabeth, that the cats of society shall treat you kindly. The marriage mart is a fiercely competitive arena, and though my nephew already stands promised, do not believe for one moment that there are not women who would rejoice to boast that their daughter succeeded in stealing him away from another.”
Lady Helen fixed her with a pointed look.
