Lady Catherine, ever perceptive, lifted her chin slightly. “You need not fear an interrogation this morning. I shall not speak of family matters.”
Elizabeth looked at her.
“Today is your wedding day,” Lady Catherine continued, more quietly than was her usual manner. “You are to think only of that. There will be time enough for the rest later.”
Elizabeth felt a small measure of tension leave her shoulders.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“Now—eat,” Lady Catherine added briskly.
Elizabeth reached for the tray—and then suddenly stilled. “Oh!”
All three ladies looked at her at once. “What is it?” Georgiana asked.
“I have nothing to wear,” Elizabeth said, her eyes widening as the realization struck her fully.
Lady Catherine waved a hand as though dismissing the concern entirely. “That has already been addressed.”
Elizabeth blinked.
“A gown has been taken from my daughter Anne’s wardrobe,” she continued. “A maid was retained—at additional expense—to remain awake through the night and make the necessary alterations. It should answer well enough.”
Elizabeth stared at her. “Through the night?”
“Of course,” Lady Catherine said. “We could hardly present you improperly.”
Georgiana nodded eagerly. “It is very pretty—I saw it before they brought it up.”
Elizabeth let out a breath, half laugh, half amazement, and picked up her tea.
She managed a little toast as the conversation turned to the breakfast below—flowers, dishes, the arrangement of the room. Lady Catherine spoke of it all with brisk satisfaction, while Lady Anne added quieter details.
“You are both welcome to remain at Rosings as long as you wish,” Lady Catherine declared at last. “It will be far more suitable than any immediate return elsewhere.”
She paused, then added, almost as an afterthought, “And you as well, Anne. And Georgiana.”
A small laugh passed between them, and Lady Anne said teasingly, “I see I have been replaced in your affections, Cathy.”
Elizabeth felt it then—lightness. A quiet, steady happiness that had nothing to do with certainty and everything to do with the present moment.
A knock sounded, and another maid entered. “The gown is ready, my lady.”
Elizabeth rose, allowing them to assist her.
The dress was indeed that of a maiden—altered with surprising skill, though not perfectly. It sat a little differently at the shoulders, the seams not quite as precise as they might have been.
But the color—
A deeper rose than she had ever worn before.
It suited her.
Where Jane’s pale gowns had always softened her, this one brought her to life—brightening her eyes, lending warmth to her cheeks.
Georgiana clasped her hands again. “Oh, Elizabeth—you look beautiful.”
Elizabeth looked at herself—then smiled.
