Chapter Four
“You look much more yourself this morning, my dear. Are you well? Ready to do some shopping today?”
“I am much more myself today. I honestly don’t know what has gotten into me since we arrived in England.
I suddenly felt as unsure of myself as after mama died.
Lost in a different land.” Elizabeth stared at her teacup for a minute.
“I dreamed of them last night. Mama and Papa. They were so happy. They told me they were proud of me, and that everything would be just fine. It was so real.”
“Oh Kitten. Maybe it was real. We do not know what happens after we pass. Did I ever tell you that my Roger visited me several days after he passed? No? He told me he would be watching out for me, and that everything would turn out well. I woke up smelling him on the sheets the next morning…even though the sheets had been freshly laundered.” That had been so many years ago, but the memory still brought tears to Mamie’s eyes.
They had not had a particularly good marriage, but it was comforting none the less.
The ladies both stood and hugged each other.
John walked into the room then, “Ummm…the coach will be here in an hour. Are we still going out today?”
Elizabeth turned and smiled brightly at him, “Yes! I am quite back to myself and looking forward to spending all of my money today!”
“I don’t think even you could spend that much money in one day. I’ve just come back from the bank, the funds your brother sent to establish our accounts has been deposited and will be available in a few weeks. We have more than enough ready on us to get by until then.”
“Excellent! I will go put on one of my drab gowns and be ready to look at fabrics and be poked and prodded by a seamstress…or modiste if we can find one.”
“You were shut in your room yesterday when we returned, but a Mrs. Gardiner gave me the name of her modiste. By the look of her gown, she is a good one.”
“Good! I will be ready on time, John.”
~~~~~
Mamie decided to mention nothing of meeting a Jane Bennet the day before.
Things would play out as they should. Mamie Russell was a strong believer that God led them on their paths in his own time, and that she should interfere as little as possible.
Regardless, she was excited to see how the day progressed.
Their very first stop would be Gardiner and Associates warehouse.
They had been told it was quite a large building, with everything from fabrics to artwork, furniture, and spices, fine wines, and tobacco.
It also carried ready-made clothing, which would come in handy.
Gardiners imported from all over the world.
There was nothing ‘cheap’ about this Cheapside establishment.
Bond Street merchants obviously shopped in Cheapside and then jacked up the prices for their exclusive clientele who would not even imagine setting foot in this part of town.
Silly creatures. From what it sounded like, things had not changed much in the last thirty years.
The haut ton still had their noses in the air and could not even envision that the world was run by commerce.
It was the bankers, the merchants, the tradesmen that kept their world working.
When she and Roger left for America, they had a clear vision of what the world actually was.
They left the ton, and their aristocratic families, behind for the new world.
It was interesting to see that very little had seemingly changed.
She looked forward to watching how her Elizabeth would react to their pretentions.
Although Beth had been docile since they arrived in country, she was an intrepid girl.
Very little daunted her. This should be fun!
“What is that look on your face Mamie? You look like you’re getting ready for a prank.”
“I am simply looking forward to shopping, my dear! It has been a long time since I have had a fashionable wardrobe. Since I am not in mourning, I think I might indulge myself just a bit.”
“How do you think I will look in lavenders and greys? Can I use lace while in mourning? Beading?”
“You will look lovely in greys and lavenders, as long as we find the right shades. Small amounts of lace are acceptable. No beading I’m afraid.
Embroidery in subtle colors is allowed. White with black trims are allowed.
I saw a lady in the tea shop wearing the most stunning costume in those colors, and she wore a black hat, instead of a bonnet. It was quite lovely, was it not John?”
“Yes. As I recall, it was a shiny white satin fabric, with black satin ribbon edging everything. I have never seen a hat like it before, but it was quite attractive.” John’s eyes always got a certain look when he was remembering something. It was like he was seeing the scene in his mind.
“It must be nice to be able to pull up memories the way you do John. I am quite jealous.”
“It is not always so nice, little sis. My memories are not always of good things. There are some things I wish I could forget.”
Elizabeth felt immediately guilty. Ethan had told her about some of the memories that haunted John. “I am so sorry John. I did not mean to be flippant. Some things are both a blessing and a curse.” She reached forward to pat his hand and nearly fell into his lap as the coach stopped.
John smirked, “I don’t like ya that way sis. Try and stay out of my lap.”
“Humpf. You’re too tall for me anyway. I barely reach your shoulder.” Elizabeth pushed hard off said shoulder as the carriage door opened. The coach they were renting for the day came with its own footman. “Well, this is a large warehouse! Maybe we can find everything we need here!”
The windows started about eight feet off the ground and the building went up at least three stories.
They entered a large vestibule where two clerks stood waiting.
There was a good amount of light, and the ceiling was at least twelve feet.
“Welcome to Gardiner and Associates! Are you looking for something particular today?”
“Fabrics mostly. We are in need of new clothing for the season. We are a bit late arriving.” Mamie answered for them.
“Very good madam. We have every type of fabric, but we also have ready made clothing, slippers, shoes and boots, coats, and all the accoutrements. There is also an in-house tailor and seamstress to do adjustments. All of those things are on the second floor. May I show you up?”
“Yes, please.”
They had been shopping for more than an hour when a lady walked up, “Mrs. Russell? I saw your nephew in the men’s section when I came by, I thought I would look for you.”
“Mrs. Gardiner! So good to see you again. Your husband’s warehouse is truly spectacular! This young man has been most helpful. We shall hardly need anything made by your modiste, if she can make time for us. Is Miss Bennet with you?”
“She is not. Jane returned to Hertfordshire this morning. One of her sisters will be joining us in a few weeks.”
Elizabeth heard Mamie talking and strolled over with a bolt of fabric. “Did I hear you say Hertfordshire? I will be visiting there soon.”
“Yes, you heard right. Would you mind introducing us Mrs. Russell?”
“Of course. Mrs. Gardiner, this is Miss Elizabeth Darcy, Miss Darcy, Madeline Gardiner.”
Both ladies were stunned for just a moment. “Are you Aunt Maddie?! Are Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine, and Lydia your nieces?”
“Yes! And you must be their cousin from America! I did not make the connection yesterday when I met Mrs. Russell, and Jane was being inattentive. She will be so sorry she missed you! Will you go to Hertfordshire soon?”
“It is undecided. I would like to meet the Darcys first if they are in town.”
“I recently read in the paper that Mr. Darcy was seen at the opera. There is a good chance you will meet him soon.”
“That will be wonderful. I need to send him a note this afternoon. We just wanted to refresh our wardrobes before meeting anyone. America is several years out of fashion, I have heard, and I need half mourning clothes.”
“I am so sorry. Elizabeth…my niece...your cousin…this is awkward your having the same Christian name.”
“Oh! Please call me Beth. That’s what my father always called me. My brother has many names for me…some not so nice.” The ladies all chuckled.
“Alright Beth, you may call me Aunt Maddie too. Anyway, I was so sorry to hear of your father. Elizabeth has kept me up on what you have written. I hope you do not mind. She paints such vivid pictures from your letters, we all feel like we have visited America. I have lost both of my parents too. It can be quite difficult.”
There was an awkward silence for a moment.
“Umm…thank you…Aunt Maddie. Elizabeth writes her letters with the most vivid descriptions. I feel like I already know this side of the family very well! Jane and Mary occasionally write, but it is Lizzy who is a regular correspondent. I receive a letter from her at least once a month! I am looking forward to finally meeting my Bennet family in person.”
“Have you written to her that you have arrived? Do you mind if I mention it in the next letter I send her?”
“I had intended to write her this evening also, but I do not mind if you tell her I spent a prodigious amount of money at your husband’s warehouse!” Once again, the tension was broken and the three ladies laughed.
“Come! Let me show you where my husband keeps the best of the fabrics, then, if you would like, I will take you to meet my modiste. I am sure she will make time to fill your orders. If your nephew would like, Edward can take him to his tailor. I am sure he will get the family discount.”
And there was the tension again. “Ummm…Aunt Maddie…John is not Mamie’s nephew.
Just as I am not her niece. We thought it would be safest if we traveled as family.
John is a good friend of my brother. I have known him my whole life.
When we travel, he is my brother and Mamie is my aunt.
With family, John is my…umm…man of business, or footman, or bodyguard.
Whatever role he needs to play. Mamie was my governess and is my companion. No relation.”
“Oh. Well, that is very practical. I can see why you would do that. Would you prefer to be introduced as siblings and your aunt while in London then?”
“We would, with anyone but close family. We will not prevaricate with relations, of course.”
“Of course. I will let Edward know, but I see no reason why anyone else should. Come! Let us shop!”
The tension was completely broken, and they had a wonderful day of shopping. Right around mid-day, Mr. Gardiner came seeking his wife and introductions were made. John was given into his care, and the ladies continued to more shops and the modiste. Dinner plans were made for the next evening.