Page 100 of To Love And To Cherish
Darcy sighed. “Must we have a ball?”
“Certainly,” Lady Helen replied. “You’re no longer a nonpareil, Fitzwilliam. You need to dance only with your wife, and no one will mind. One of the benefits of being a married man.”
He relented. “Very well. Plan the ball for eight weeks from now. I’ll arrange the announcement and sign the settlements at Longbourn.” He grimaced and added sardonically, “And then return to London for a round of social engagements and delights.”
His aunt sniffed. “You will thank me when, years from now, you are obliged to return and find spouses for your own children. Set the foundation now; it will serve you well. In fact, Georgiana will benefit in another year or two.”
Darcy huffed. “Very well, Aunt. As for Georgiana, perhaps in three or four years, unless she should fall in love with a man so exceptional that waiting would be sheer folly. Though I won’t hold my breath.”
“Excellent,” she said. Then her eyes narrowed. “Who is managing her wardrobe?”
“She and Georgiana are at Madame Dupree’s today.”
Lady Helen relaxed. “Very well. I shall send Gibbs, Lady Danville’s former maid. She’s a genius with hair and fashion and knows exactly how to prepare a woman for society.”
Darcy smiled. “Thank you, Aunt.”
“I will take tea with your wife and Georgiana at four. I shall judge for myself whether she is an Incomparable.”
Darcy stood and kissed her cheek. “You are very good to me. I shall go to my solicitor now and instruct him to publish the announcement.”
Richard rose beside him. “After, perhaps you’ll take me to meet your new uncle. I’m eager to invest.”
Darcy grinned. “Come, then. Let us go.”
Chapter 51: Lady Helen
They had arrived in London two days earlier. Rain had kept the women confined indoors, but on this dry, cold morning, Darcy announced at breakfast:
"Ladies, you are to be measured for new gowns. Miss Catherine," he added, "since you are going husband hunting in March, I shall see you properly outfitted."
Kitty blushed, and Elizabeth smiled as Darcy continued. "I made enquiries at my club. Mr. Daniel Grant is the son of Mr. Humphrey Grant, a respectable gentleman who has a fine estate in Kent, within the Hunsford parish. His London house is in Grosvenor Square, and he is well-regarded. I heard nothing ill of him or his son."
"In fact," he added with amusement, "I heard nothing at all of the son. If he ever had a London season, he made no impression on the ton."
Elizabeth turned to Kitty. "At least, my dear, you need not fear competition."
Then, glancing wryly at her husband, she asked, "And how about you, Mr. Darcy? Will I encounter any cats ready to claw my eyes out for having caught you in my net?"
He gave a half-smile. "Perhaps, Mrs. Darcy. But I had no designs on anyone. Therefore, none may accuse you of theft."
Georgiana and Kitty exchanged a wide-eyed look. They listened with an astonishment bordering on alarm at Elizabeth’s lively, sportive manner of talking to her husband. He, who always inspired respect, was now the object of open pleasantry. Theirminds received knowledge which had never before fallen in their way. By Elizabeth’s instructions, they began to comprehend that a woman may take liberties with her husband, which a brother or father would not allow in a sister or daughter.
The visit to the modiste lasted four hours. Each young lady was measured, then seated at a small table, and presented with fabric samples and fashion plates. Elizabeth felt quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Her own tastes were simple but elegant. The modiste urged her toward lace and ruffles, but Elizabeth selected patterns for three habits and four walking dresses, all modest and refined. She deferred choosing patterns for evening or ball gowns, overwhelmed by the sheer number of options before her.
Upon returning to Darcy House, a note from William awaited her: Lady Helen would arrive at four for tea.
"We are to entertain Lady Helen this afternoon," Elizabeth told Georgiana.
"Aunt Helen!" Georgiana lit up. "You will adore her. She is the kindest woman, and scarcely proud at all because she never expected to become a countess. Uncle Henry was the younger son, but he inherited unexpectedly."
Elizabeth asked, "How should we dress to receive her?"
"Your jonquil gown will do well," said Georgiana. "Perhaps Kitty might wear your pale blue muslin?"
Elizabeth agreed and sent for both gowns to be pressed. "Fitzwilliam says Lady Helen is sending the former maid of Lady Danville for an interview. All others have been cancelled until I make a decision on her."
By four, the three women were waiting in the drawing room, nerves high. Elizabeth wished Darcy were present to introduce her to his aunt. Where was he?
