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After that things went reasonably smoothly, with Elizabeth allowing her austere style to be modestly adorned. The fabrics were rich and bold but the styles were subtle. There was one interesting development.
“Lizzie, can I talk to you please?”
“Of course Georgie, is there something the matter?”
Georgiana Darcy hummed and hawed before admitting her concern.
“I am worried that you think me frivolous.”
“Why would I think that?”
“I much prefer gowns that have more adornment. You prefer a quieter style, it seems more sensible.”
Elizabeth chuckled and assured Georgiana she was not laughing at her.
“Every woman is different. You have not yet been out in society, at evening events. There is no one style, there are many gowns that are similar, but every lady there wants to stand out. I favour the quality of the fabric over excessive adornment but every lady wants to be distinct. That is the mark of the most successful modistes. You have just turned 16 and have at least two more years before you enter society. We will be in London for parts of the season and you will continue to gain experience in the ways of the Ton. Lady Susan has talked to you about attending events before you officially come out but only being able to dance with family members. These are exactly the kind of events where you can observe what all the other ladies are wearing. If you see a dress that catches your eye then it will be easy to find out the name of the modiste.
“I have my style but it does not, and will not, suit you. You will develop your own style. Even something as simple as changes in your figure will amend that. What may suit you now may not work in two or three years’ time.”
Georgiana flushed at the reference to her changing figure but was acutely aware of what Elizabeth was talking about. There had been many new dresses and gowns that very season as her old ones no longer fitted across her bust.
“Wanting a more expressive style is not being frivolous, it is the way that you present yourself to society. If you are happy with your appearance then you will be more confident. Your Aunt Susan and I will be there to assist you. We will guide but not demand.”
Elizabeth was engulfed in a grateful hug.
--
“Are you being careful around me?”
Elizabeth’s question stopped Darcy in his tracks. They had been walking in Hyde Park, at their usual early hour.
“Why would you ask that? Do you think that I am?”
“No William, I do not think anything of the sort. I was thinking about our relationship and confess to being slightly worried it is going too well.”
Too well? Darcy was confused, this hardly seemed to be a problem.
“I do not see that as a worry yet you are concerned. Why?”
“We spent two months courting, without either of us being aware of the fact. You proposed on the spur of the moment in front of your family. And we have met close to every day over the last month. In all that time, we have barely had a disagreement. I always thought Jane was the placid sister yet I find that it could apply to me as well.”
“You think I am holding back so that we do not fight?”
Elizabeth sheepishly nodded.
“Have you been doing so?”
She shook her head.
“That is what spurred me to ask the question. Is there such a thing as too perfect?”
Darcy laughed and patted Elizabeth’s hand on his arm. His smile and action let her know that he was laughing at the situation not her.
“Think back to the very first night that we met, even although we were not introduced. I was atrociously rude to your sister and you, very rightly, gave me the cold shoulder at other events for several weeks afterwards. But during the time you were nursing your sister and especially at the ball, we were able to converse without any problem. At the ball, we talked during the set we were to dance and again at supper. Despite my gaffe at the beginning of our relationship there was always been a connection. Think about how easy it was to slip into a comfortable, familiar manner whenever we met. The two of us were blind to what everyone else could see as plain as day. Is it a surprise that we complement each other so well?
“On the ride to the Assembly at Meryton I did not know what I wanted in a wife. But I did know what I did not want, the lady with her claws on my arm being a representative example. I discovered I wanted an intelligent wife, not schooled in the ways of the Ton, but passionate about the world about her. Previously I had found dealing with ladies at social events to be a chore, awkward and borderline painful. With you Elizabeth, I felt none of that. So no, I am hiding no bad habits from you.”
That last was not entirely true. The idea of kissing his fiancé was a daily flight of fancy. But he was a gentleman and was going to remain one. He would confess his sin in a month’s time.
