“That decides it, then. Thank you, Lizzy!”
“What jewelry shall you put on?”
“Well, nothing too much, of course. It is daytime, and I am just a girl, not a married lady. I thought the silver choker Brother gave me for my birthday, with the matching eardrops.”
“Perfect, and exactly what I would have suggested.”
“What about you, Lizzy?”
“I am headed upstairs to see what Daisy has selected for me. She trained in London, you know, and I rely on her opinion.”
Indeed, Daisy had already laid Elizabeth’s dress and jewelry out on her bed. She had chosen a gown of Imperial Blue silk, trimmed with lace at throat and sleeves.
“You do not think it rather too much?” Elizabeth asked, doubtfully.
“No, Mrs. Darcy, I do not. You look very lovely in this gown, which will answer the question everyone will have in their minds.”
“And that question is?”
“Oh! Simply this: why is it that Mr. Darcy chose a simple country girl for his wife, when he had his pick of all the young ladies in Town.”
Elizabeth gaped at her. “Well, Daisy, you do not mince words, do you?!”
“You surely must know that by now, Mrs. Darcy!”
The two laughed together easily.
“And I see you have laid out the pearl choker and eardrops; perfect.”
***
At half past three, Elizabeth and Georgiana were seated in the drawing room. Mr. Darcy came in and asked them to stand up so that he might admire them properly. After complimenting them both, he announced that he was off to his club, where he would spend the afternoon.
“Are you sure, William? I know the ladies would love to see you,” Elizabeth teased him.
“Particularly Caroline Bingley,” Georgiana added, mischievously.
“Miss Bingley is to be here? Is that a good idea, Elizabeth? This is your first tea, you know.”
“We discussed this, William. And Jane has warned her that she must be on her best behaviour.”
Mr. Darcy shuddered visibly, wished them luck, and departed.
Georgiana asked, worriedly, “Do you think shewillbehave, Lizzy?”
“Well, if she does not, this will be the last event she attends with us.” Elizabeth’s tone was firm and decided.
Taggart cleared his throat as he entered the room. Elizabeth and Georgiana rose to their feet as he announced the first guest. “Lady Amelia Fane and Lady Agatha Fane.”
Elizabeth and Georgiana traded quick glances. Thanks to the Countess’ list, they knew these ladies to be the mother and sister of the Earl of Westmoreland. Their attendance at this tea was a social coup for the Darcys.
Within ten minutes, every guest had arrived and introductions had been made. Jane was there, of course, along with Caroline Bingley. Lady Edith Russell, mother to the Baron de Clifford had come, as had a small number of untitled ladies whose sons or brothers were considered suitable by the Countess.
Miss Beatrice Dunfred and her mother, Mrs. Dunfred, were sister and mother, respectively, to a Mr. Alfred Dunfred, a young man of fortune and character. Mrs. Julia Whitcombe was mother to Mr. Daniel Whitcombe, another young man who had made his way onto the Countess’ list. Miss Clarissa Sawyer and Mrs. Josephine Sawyer were sister and mother to Mr. John Sawyer, another gentleman on the list.
Elizabeth and Georgiana had left cards at these ladies’ homes the past week. There had been a few notes of regret sent, but all in all, the ladies in the Darcy drawing room were a complete dozen, and Elizabeth was satisfied with her first venture into London society.
The tea trays were brought out, and there was a good deal of ooh-ing and aah-ing over the offerings. The tea was pronounced unique and delicious, and Elizabeth explained that it had been the favourite of Mr. Darcy’s mother.
