Page 56 of The Scarred Duchess
Her mother handed her a lovely yellow sun hat, the colour of sunshine, adorned with a forest-green ribbon and aperfectly placed bow on the side. The ribbon cascaded down the back of the bonnet, creating a playful touch. It was topped with a pale green full veil, intricately woven, that draped over the brim. Jane thought it very clever. She turned to her audience, her eyes down.
“I cannot see the veil,” said Lydia, “nor any sign of your scars.”
Moved by such news, Jane looked up. Her sisters applauded.
“Next,” directed her aunt. Mama removed her yellow bonnet and chose a sea-blue riding cap with a deep blue ribbon wrapped around the crown. The matching blue veil added a touch of elegance to the ensemble. It hung delicately in front of Jane’s face.
“Your eyes do justice to this creation,” her mother whispered. Jane glanced at her sisters. Kitty’s eyes were misty. Jane curtseyed. The applause was enthusiastic.
Next came a clerical hat with a stylish veil infused with black beads throughout in an intricate pattern. Jane stared at it in awe.
“It was Mary’s idea,” admitted Aunt Gardiner. “She wrote of it in her last letter. I put her concept to work.”
The gasps that followed buoyed her spirits. Mama held up a hand mirror. She was beautiful.
Her sisters joined hands and danced about her, giggling. Aunt Gardiner restored decorum and clapped her hands. “It is time for thecoup de grâce.”
She approached Jane with a cream-coloured Easter bonnet. A matching ribbon was sewn to the front, the stitching intricate. The back had a large bow attached at the centre; long matching maypole tendrils trailed to the floor. The front brim sported a thick quarter veil providing justenough coverage to add intrigue. The fashion was arresting—and so wrong!
Jane’s hands shook as Mrs Gardiner placed her creation. Jane’s reaction disturbed her; it only took a moment to realise her error. She turned, but Mrs Bennet had the hand mirror ready.
Jane crumbled to the floor. Her body heaved with her loss of composure. Her younger sisters stood unmoving in shock. Franny knelt and embraced her. Once she had regained herself, Jane accepted her mother’s and aunt’s assistance to stand. She returned the fashion to Mrs Gardiner.
“Forgive me.”
“I understand, my dear. It is I who must ask for your forgiveness. I had not meant to be so thoughtless.”
“I do not understand,” whispered Lydia. She looked to Kitty, who wiped her eyes, and turned back to Jane. “I thought you to be beautiful. You looked like a bride.”
Jane grasped Lydia’s hands. “Yes, Lydia. You are correct, save one thing,” she said ruefully. “I shall never be one.”
Lydia looked at her mother in dismay, but before Mrs Bennet could speak, Elizabeth did. “Lydia is correct, Jane. Someday, you will be a beautiful bride.”
“Lizzy...”
Their mother nodded. “And when that time comes, your sisters will have this magnificent creation waiting for you to wear as your father walks you to your betrothed.”
From that day forward, Jane never appeared without one of the three creations her aunt Gardiner had brought her. Kitty and Lydia took on the challenge of expanding her hat choices. It was on Easter Day they revealed their masterpiece, a bonnet made from the finest quality black silk and velvet. The brim, wide and circular, framed her face and would provide protection from the sun's rays. A wide black satinribbon wrapped around the crown that would allow the addition of flowers, feathers, or other decorative accoutrements.
The most striking feature of this hat was the veil, which was attached under the brim at the midpoint. It cascaded down the front and tapered upwards, finishing at a point tied to the centre back. Made from delicate black lace, it added an air of mystery and allure. The lace was intricately patterned, with flowers and leaves woven into it, giving it a natural and feminine touch.
“It is me,” Jane whispered. “You have captured my soul.” She fiercely hugged Kitty and Lydia.
Within months, Jane had a dozen distinctive, fashionable choices to complement her existing wardrobe. Yet, it was the black beauty that she wore the rare times she passed through Longbourn’s gates.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
April 1810
“A moment, Colonel.”
Bennet continued to brush Eirene. Bill had spoilt the horse, and the Longbourn patriarch found he could clear his mind while grooming the beautiful mare. It was a perfect way to spend a temperate April afternoon day.
“Legget.”
“I seen a new wagon in front of the smithy.”
“What type?”
