Page 65 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“This gown is styled from a fashion plate in London, like the one I wore to the assembly. I know you would not see such here—”
“Of course I have. My aunt Gardiner subscribes to all the current magazines, such as La Belle Assemblée, and my uncle Gardiner imports from all over the world for the most luxurious colors and patterns. I would not lead you false. Other styles and colors would be far more becoming on you.”
“You cannot pretend to know fashion, Miss Lydia,” Miss Bingley said with every evidence of being affronted.
“I do not pretend, I know. I could have you admired by all men in a room, should you wish it. These colors make you look affright.”
“I beg your pardon.”
Ignoring the lady’s upset, Lydia continued. “I suggest we change your style and color choices. You will then be looked upon favorably by those men near you. First, because you are not wearing something so ghastly, then because you will look handsome, graceful, and striking.”
“Hmm… I would be willing to try, Miss Lydia,” Mrs. Hurst said when she saw her sister contemplating the overture.
“Of course. Your fabric colors also detract and are unsuited to your coloring.”
“I should like to see this. You can craft me three gowns. One must be a ballgown, another a daydress, and the third I can wear to a dinner for which I am hostess. If I like your designs,I will ask the mantua-maker to create them,” Miss Bingley said, tapping a fingernail on the stone tabletop.
“Oh, yes. I shall require the same,” Mrs. Hurst said, the twinkle in her eye proof she thought the endeavor only a lark.
“Meet me at the mantua-maker’s tomorrow at eleven,” Lydia said, sipping her lemonade.
Lydia made every effort to emulate her sister Mary and hide the satisfaction of knowing she was about to do Mr. Bingley’s sisters a good turn. She hoped it would be repaid in their kindness to Jane, who might one day be their sister.
“La! We will come in the coach to retrieve you at ten-thirty, Miss Lydia. I look forward to this little scheme. You have quite diverted me. It is most appreciated as my brother and your sister cannot be counted on for lively conversation. Charles and Miss Bennet would hardly be aware of it if the rest of us fell off the edge of a culvert.”
“I am happy for them, for is not their incivility the very proof of love?” Mrs. Hurst said, pressing her cheek to Mr. Hurst’s shoulder.
The Younger Ladies Enjoy the Afternoon to its Fullest Extent
“Tell me you play croquet,” Georgiana asked her new friends when the footmen had finished setting up the game.
“I have played but once,” Miss Kitty said.
“And I only a few times.” Miss Maria shook her head.
“Oh, do say you will play. I will show you,” Georgiana said, tugging at Miss Kitty’s hand.
The foursome chose their mallets. Soon, they were laughing as they knocked the balls through the course.
The picnic lasted until three, then Georgiana asked Miss Bingley if she might invite Miss Mary to spend the night at Netherfield Park. The invitation was issued before her request was complete.
When Miss Mary was near tears at the request that she stay rather than any of her sisters, Georgiana understood. Having watched her older sisters remain together and her younger sisters pair off, Miss Mary was left to her own pursuits, the same as she often was. Miss Mary’s sisters promised a trunk would be sent. The carriage had not yet set off before Miss Mary and Georgiana had made their way to the music room.
As the carriage departed, Miss Lydia called out, “I shall be ready when you come to Longbourn at half ten, Miss Bingley.”
Chapter 9
A Difficult Night at Longbourn
Whilst Jane brushed Elizabeth’s hair, there was an unexpected knock on the door. Their youngest sister rushed in and climbed onto the bed. Crying, Lydia rested her head on Jane’s shoulder. “I know I have not been so good a sister as Jane, but I wanted to hear her say she was sorry she snitched about my taking her pin money. She refused, and I was so mad that I broke all her drawing pencils again. Now she has locked herself in Mary’s room and will not comeout.”
“How could you?” Jane admonished.
“I losteverythingthis evening. I knew I would be punished, but Father had told me I was to use some of my pin money to buy those items that I no longer had to return to my sisters. Motheragreedwith him, though she demanded that you give me your pin money. I lost half my gowns, half the ribbons I had—” Lydia hiccoughed.
“You lost what was never yours. But I am sorry you are upset, and that our mother is unhappy,” Elizabeth said, rubbing Lydia’s back.
“What doyoucare? You have never liked our mother. And Mother does not like you at all,” Lydia accused, flinching away from Elizabeth’s touch.
