The Countess was taken aback. It took her a moment to respond. “Unhappy is perhaps a strong statement.”
“Is it inaccurate, however?”
“I suppose it is not. I counseled him to marry in order to take the attention off Georgiana, but…” She trailed off.
“But you did not expect him to offer for someone like me. Truly, your ladyship, I think we will deal better together if we are honest with one another.”
“Very well. Yes, I thought he would do better. But I will add that I am given to understand that you and Georgiana are very fond of one another, and that is important.”
“Oh, yes, I love Georgiana dearly. Mr. Darcy and I are also very fond of one another; is that not important as well?”
“It is generally not considered necessary in Society.”
“It is necessary for me, Lady Ellen. Let me assure you that I agreed to marry your nephew because I love him, not because of his position in society, his estate, or anything else.”
The Countess hardly knew how to reply to this.
Elizabeth continued, “We have a good deal in common, he and I, and I think we will do very well together.”
“At Pemberley, perhaps, but what of London?”
“I do understand that the Season will be something of a trial, but I have every intention of helping Georgiana in any way that I can.”
“You are very sure of yourself,” the Countess said, doubtfully.
At this, Elizabeth chuckled. “I am glad that it sounds that way. I was hoping to convince you that I am capable of mingling in Society, but of course I am full of doubts! I will just have to do the very best that I can, as Georgiana depends on me to do so.”
“She does, yes.” The Countess looked Elizabeth over. “Your appearance is good, I admit. And you speak well. Your manners seem adequate, though I must insist that you be open to correction.”
“I am open to correction, yes,” Elizabeth said. “Mr. Darcy seems to think that you will help me when it comes to my attire; I am not ashamed to admit that I will need support in that area and hope that you will be willing to provide it.”
All in all, Elizabeth was better than the Countess had feared. She was pretty, her figure was good, she was not painfully shy, she was able to speak intelligently and to the point. Shewas romantic, which was not a trait the Countess admired, but romance had become fashionable of late. She suspected Elizabeth would do well in Town. She reached a decision. “Then I will help you. I will introduce you to my own modiste and we will order everything that you will need. I will invite you to my own events, of course; whether or not you receive other invitations is not up to me.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I understand.”
“I am given to understand that you have relatives in trade; you must not visit them during the Season.”
Elizabeth shook her head, decisively. “That is not possible.”
“I must insist upon it; you cannot be seen near Cheapside.”
“If I am seen, then it means someone else is there as well. In any case, I will never be persuaded to snub my aunt and uncle.” Elizabeth’s jaw was set.
The Countess knew she would not win this battle; she shrugged and changed the subject. “Do you enjoy the theater?”
“Very much, yes, and opera as well.”
“Do you play?”
“Enough not to embarrass myself, but I would not call myself a proficient. Certainly I do not play at Georgiana’s level.”
“And you dance?”
“Yes; we have a dancing master here in Meryton, and he comes to instruct us girls regularly. My parents met at an assembly, and so my mother is convinced that we will do the same; thus, she is willing to sacrifice some of her household money for dancing instruction.” Elizabeth laughed. “My sister, Mary, very much wishes that Mama had met our father at a piano recital, rather than at a dance, but alas for her, that was not the case.”
The Countess found herself joining in; the girl’s laugh was downright infectious.
***
