There was a moment’s silence as the Countess adjusted her thoughts and expectations. “Ah. Because of Abby.”
“Indeed. I have known Kate all my life, and I trust her implicitly. But I know she is not well-versed intonmatters and manners. I thought perhaps there might be someone who could train her…?”
The Countess said, quickly, “Nothing could be easier. And you need someone to help you dress and do your hair while you are waiting for this trustworthy Kate. I will loan you Alice for the next several weeks; Alice serves as a lady’s maid when we have guests who have not brought their own servants. She will know what you need.”
“That would be most helpful, Aunt Eleanor,” Elizabeth said, humbly.
“Will your family be willing to give Kate up?”
“I thought to bring my sister Mary here as well; that leaves only Kitty and Lydia at home, and they can do for each other. It is Mama who will most miss Kate, though I will send her enough money to hire two new maids; that should put paid to any ill feeling.”
“An excellent plan. I will have Alice accompany you back to Darcy House this very day.”
***
Immediately upon arriving at Darcy House, Elizabeth put Alice in Mrs. Armstrong’s hands to get her settled. Then she composed two letters.
Dear Mary,
For a variety of reasons which I shall explain when I see you, I am in London on my own. I would very much like to invite you to stay here with me for as long as I am in residence. I would be very grateful if you were to bring Kate with you as well. You need not pack much, as I will provide clothing suitable for Town.
I enclose a note for Mama, which I encourage you to read before you give it to her.
Your loving sister,
Elizabeth Darcy
Dear Mama,
Mr. Darcy is quite busy with the harvest and has encouraged me to go to London to enjoy Town on my own. I believe exposure to Society could be of benefit to Mary and I must have Kate to accompany her. Mama, I enclose twenty pounds, which will allow you to hire two maids so that you will not miss Kate at all! I will send my coach to bring them both to me on Wednesday next.
I will write again soon with more news, but for now, I remain,
Your devoted daughter,
Lizzy
There, Elizabeth thought, sealing her mother’s message inside Mary’s, along with two ten-pound notes, and ringing for a footman.
Chapter Sixty-One
September 1812
Elizabeth now possessed more clothing than she had ever beforeseen, let aloneowned, and the Countess deemed it time to introduce her to society. “Just a small dinner party to start, Elizabeth,” she said.
“I put myself entirely in your hands, Aunt Eleanor.” Elizabeth tried to inject some enthusiasm into her voice, knowing that the Countess had gone to a good deal of trouble on her behalf.
The Countess was not misled by this apparent show of interest, but continued on. “I have invited a small group of influential people to Matlock House in two days’ time. Wear that lilac gown with the silver trim; it has just the right sort of elegance for my dinner.”
***
Elizabeth had paid close attention to Mrs. Annesley’s directions as to dinner etiquette, which she had conducted over a few evenings at Pemberley, and thus she had no concerns regarding the Countess’ dinner plans. Alice helped her into her gown and put up her hair, and then regarded Elizabeth carefully.
“It would be better if you had jewelry,” Alice said.
“Oh! I had forgotten.” Elizabeth went to her drawers and took out the velvet bag in which the jewelry her husband had given her still resided. Her pearl necklace, given to her by the Gardiners, was in the bag as well. She sorted through the treasures and drew out an amethyst necklace and matching eardrops. “Will these do?”
“Perfectly!” Alice fastened the jewelry and then stood back to admire her handiwork. “Oh, you look very nice indeed, Mrs. Darcy.”
