"Come home with me, Charlotte. There are assemblies at Kympton and in Bakewell. There is sure to be at least one eligible gentleman in the neighborhood. The rector is already married, as is the physician, but I am certain we can find someone."
Jane said, "But Charlotte, you must agree to allow Elizabeth's maid to cut and dress your hair in a more flattering style. And you will need a new wardrobe."
Elizabeth was already examining her friend's gown.
"You are right, Jane dear. Charlotte, you dress like a girl. Your neckline is too high for a woman of your age."
She continued to study her friend.
"And the waistline of your gown sits at the natural waist instead of the Empire silhouette that has been fashionable these past twelve years."
Elizabeth looked directly at her friend.
"My dear Charlotte, you are dressed in a style that has been out of fashion for more than a decade."
Charlotte looked down at her gown. She ran her hand over the waist and then smoothed the full skirts. Looking up at her friends, she said, "Mamma insists that Maria and I dress in this antiquated fashion. She says these new styles are too daring and quite indecent."
Elizabeth said, "Well then, my dear, you must come home with me to Pemberley. Never mind your wardrobe. I shall set Gibbs to shopping with you. I have not spent any of my pin money since I married Fitzwilliam. He has accounts at all the shops and pays for everything himself. I shall make you a gift of a new wardrobe,and Gibbs will see to your hair. But Charlotte, you must agree to every change, or you may tell me now and remain here at home with your mother."
Charlotte sat silently, considering Elizabeth's offer.
The other two Bennet sisters watched as their friend struggled with the decision. She could remain in Meryton as she always had, or travel to Derbyshire and perhaps change the course of her life.
At last, she looked up.
"I am afraid, Lizzy."
Elizabeth pressed her friend's hand.
"You can do it, Charlotte. One small change at a time. We shall begin with one gown and your hair, and when you have grown accustomed to the narrower lines of the current fashion and the lower necklines, we shall add another gown or two until you have left the old fashions behind and fully embraced the new."
Her friend sat silent, staring back at her, and Elizabeth said, "But if you would rather not, then I shall not ask Fitzwilliam if I may have you for a visit."
"I will go with you, Lizzy. I will submit myself to your maid, and I will give myself a chance at a new life. And perhaps, if I am very fortunate, I shall meet a gentleman who wishes to marry me, and I too will have children."
The three sisters applauded their friend.
Elizabeth rose to her feet.
"Wait here, Charlotte. I shall ask Mr. Darcy at once so that you may begin to pack. We shall remain here in Hertfordshire foranother fortnight, and then we shall spend a month in London. Fitzwilliam has business to attend to there, and afterward we shall travel on to Pemberley."
Elizabeth found her husband in the larger of the two drawing rooms, engaged in conversation with Beaumont and Edward Gardiner. When she entered, he acknowledged her at once.
"Is all well, Elizabeth?"
"I would have a word with you, sir. It will take but a moment."
He excused himself, and the couple withdrew into the hall.
"Fitzwilliam, may I invite my good friend Charlotte to travel with us to Pemberley? I should like her to be our guest for the next two or three months."
His eyes crinkled with amusement.
"Darling, I wondered when you would take up another project."
Elizabeth raised her brows and replied with dignity, "Sir, she is not a project. She is my good friend..."
He finished for her.
