Page 10 of Gold and Good Sense

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With Lydia and Mary at her side, Kitty waved Papa and her two oldest sisters off the next morning. Kitty was a bit jealous about not getting to go to London, but she was not overly upset about it. She had plans to carry out right here in her own neighborhood.

Once the carriage was out of sight, Lydia grabbed Kitty’s hand and practically dragged her back inside. “Lydia, you don’t need to pull me so.”

“But I need your opinion on my new gown,” said Lydia. “I settled on which cloth I wish to use, but Mama has so many new ribbons I can’t decide at all.”

By this time, the two sisters were in the drawing room. Mary had not followed. Kitty assumed she either went to the music room or up to her bedroom to study. She was always in one of those two places.

Kitty and Lydia were now standing near a worktable which was strewn with what seemed like a hundred different ribbons as well as little packets of beads and spools of brightly colored silk embroidery thread.

Mama came in just after them, and Kitty asked her, “Mama, do you think I could have a dress made before the Goulding’s party next Monday?”

“My dear, that’s only three days away, and one of those days is Sunday,” said Mama. “I’m afraid that is simply impossible. However, if you want to look your best, we can alter one of your existing gowns and go shopping for new hairpins and gloves.”

“Yes, please,” said Kitty as she clapped her hands once in her excitement. “I do so want to look my best for Mr. Goulding.”

“Do you mean Alan Goulding or his father?” asked Lydia.

“That’s a silly question,” said Kitty. “Why would I want to look nice for an old married man? But Alan Goulding…well, he is quite the handsomest man in the neighborhood. I have always thought so. And now that I have a fortune of my own, I might be able to get him to pay attention to me.”

“Oh, what an excellent plan!” cried Mama. “I have a few things to speak with Hill about this morning, but then the three of us can go shopping to make you look quite as pretty as possible.”

“It isn’t fair!” cried Lydia as she stamped her foot. “Why can’t I be out as well? Why does everyone else get to have fun, and I’m stuck at home with no reason to make myself pretty and nothing to do?”

“Lydia, my love,” said Mama, “you will have plenty of time to go out in the evenings once you are fifteen, but you truly are too young to go into mixed company simply because you aren’t old enough to get married. Still, I will make sure to buy you some things while we are out this morning, so you won’t feel too left out.”

Lydia gave her mother a reluctant smile. “I suppose there is no help for it,” she said, “but I do hope I can make up for all my restrictions when I come out this summer.”

“Of course, Lydia,” said Mama, “of course. We shall make you the talk of the neighborhood, I’m certain.”

Kitty was annoyed at this exchange. It was always like this. If Lydia was around, and she always was, no one else could hold Mama’s attention for long. Still, Kitty had what she wanted, which was a shopping trip for new accessories.

Mama left the room shortly afterward. Kitty and Lydia began sorting through the ribbons. As they did, Kitty pretended to help Lydia find one for herself, but in reality, she was searching for the perfect ribbon to go with her pale blue silk gown.

Chapter 5

The night of the Gouldings’ party, Kitty felt that she was as pretty as she had ever been. She had trimmed her blue gown with a darker blue velvet ribbon, and Mama had helped her fix the neckline and waist to better show off her figure. Additionally, she had new silk gloves and two lovely bracelets to wear over them.

Her efforts had exactly the effect she wished for. As soon as Kitty, Mary, and Mama entered the drawing room, Mr. Goulding walked straight up to her and said, “Miss Kitty, you look remarkably well this evening. Is that a new bracelet on your wrist?”

Kitty blushed that he would notice her enough to know when she was wearing something new. “The one on my left wrist is new. The other is older, but it is quite my favorite piece of jewelry.”

“I can see why,” he said. “It is perfectly lovely. As are you.”

Kitty’s happiness at such compliments made her feel as light as a feather. The slightest breeze would surely send her floating away.

Mr. Goulding leaned forward and said quietly in her ear. “I also quite enjoy this new gown you’re wearing, for it shows off your figure in the most appealing manner.”

The blush which was already painting her cheeks pink deepened, and Kitty thought she might just burn up. It was the most attention she had received from Mr. Goulding since she came out over a year ago. Usually, he just greeted her then ignored her.

“Thank you, Mr. Goulding,” she managed to say through her pleased embarrassment.

“Mr. Goulding is my father,” he said. “Please call me Alan.”

Kitty looked up at him, and she felt her smile grow wider than it ever had been before. “Of course. I will be pleased to call you Alan. You may call me Kitty if you like.”

Once again, he leaned down and said softly, directly in her ear, “As you will, Kitty.” The way he said her name felt more like a caress than a word. Pleasant shivers went down her spine. He stood up and said, “Now, Kitty, do tell me all the news of Longbourn.”