“The first two are too old for Georgiana,” Elizabeth said at once.
“And they both have already buried one wife,” the Countess added.
“May I see it?” a soft voice queried.
“Oh, Georgiana, of course.” Elizabeth rose and gave the list to her young sister.
Georgiana’s eyes got wider and wider as she read, with Mrs. Annesley reading over her shoulder. “I am to memorise this?”
Mrs. Annesley patted her back. “Do not fear, Miss Darcy. We shall learn it together.”
“This Marriage Game gets more difficult by the day,” Georgiana complained.
“Marriage Game?” the Countess asked.
Elizabeth explained briefly, and the Countess was vastly amused.
“I suppose it is like a game,” she said. “But it is an important one, and it affects your entire life.”
***
The next day, Elizabeth and Georgiana put on their cloaks, put their calling card cases in their reticules and set out in the carriage to leave cards to as many ladies mentioned on the Countess’ list as possible. It took three days to deliver all the cards.
As expected, calling cards then began to be left at Darcy House. Seven ladies actually asked to come in, and Elizabeth, Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley were happy to see them.
This was the beginning.
Chapter Nine
The morning of their first official “tea” was a busy one for Elizabeth. She checked the drawing room first. The three sofas were upholstered in a lovely blue and cream stripe; the accent chairs in a matching cream. The draperies, hung on either side of the tall windows, picked up the blue from the sofas perfectly. The plasterwork on the ceilings had been recently repaired and newly repainted. The rug was an Aubusson, with blue flowers on a cream background. The rosewood tables were gleaming, with vases of hothouse flowers on each. The white marble fireplace was already glowing, the room warmed in preparation for guests. There was a pianoforte – Broadwood, of course – and also a harp for any young ladies who wished to display their talents.
Elizabeth checked the flowers, nodded in approval, and then went to speak to Cook. “What have you decided for our tea this afternoon, Mrs. Babcock?”
“I have some receipts from Mr. Darcy’s mother’s time, and I thought we would serve small sandwiches of chicken salad, tomato and cucumber with herbed cream cheese, smoked salmon, and egg salad. Scones, of course, with clotted cream and the strawberry jam you brought from Pemberley. Then I thought tarts of different flavours – blueberry, strawberry, raspberry – and little chocolate cakes for those who do not care for tarts.”
“I am hungry just thinking about it! And the tea?”
“Mrs. Darcy used to serve – begging your pardon, ma’am, I mean Mr. Darcy’s mother –a black & oolong blend with vanilla, dried orange peel, rose petals and lavender oil.”
“Do we have all the ingredients for that?”
“We do, yes.”
“Well, your plan sounds absolutely wonderful, Mrs. Babcock. If there is anything you require in order to create this feast, please let me know and I will send for it directly.”
“It is all in hand, Mrs. Darcy.”
Elizabeth left Mrs. Babcock and her assistants to get on with it, and went upstairs to find Georgiana.
“What have you decided to wear, dearest?”
“Oh, Lizzy! First I thought the China Blue with the white lace collar, but is it too dark, do you think? Then I thought maybe the Blossom sprigged muslin, which is very pretty and quite light, but is the neckline too low for daytime?” The girl had clearly worked herself into a bit of a state.
“What does Cathy think?”
“She thinks the neckline on the Blossom muslin is fine.”
“I recall that you looked lovely in that dress, and I did not think the neckline low at all. It is not nearly as low as your ball gowns, so I think Cathy has the right of it.”
