Chapter Twenty-nine
It had been decided, that since neither Kitty nor Lydia were out, that Gigi would spend the night of the assembly at Longbourn where Mrs. Greaves could look after them.
Mr. Bennet would escort his three eldest and dance the first with Mary since this would be her coming out.
Bennet hoped to ask Mrs. Russell for a dance or two.
The girls had been helping him brush up on his dance steps.
Lizzy had been the last to come out before his wife died, some five years ago, at the age of just fifteen.
It had been discussed for Lizzy to go back in, but Jane felt she was mature enough, and besides, she did not want to be the only one out.
Regardless, he was rusty and did not want to embarrass himself with Mrs. Russell or his daughter.
Beth brought Gigi over early so she could visit with her cousins before having to dress for the assembly.
“William is in a terrible mood today. Miss Bingley tripped and nearly fell into his lap last evening, and he thinks she did it on purpose. I saw her toe catch on her dress, and she was mortified when she fell into him.”
“But Beth, there was that time at Pemberley…”
“Yes, you told me, but I saw her trip.”
Lizzy raised an eyebrow, “So…she may have tried to compromise him before, but you do not think this was an attempt?”
“You surmised a great deal from a few words, but yes. Caroline flirts, badly, with both Theo and William. Neither have any interest her. She is a known social climber, but I find her interesting…and occasionally comical. If she would just be herself around the gentlemen, she might make at least a bit of headway.”
“I look forward to meeting her. What of the rest of the household?”
“Mr. Hurst likes his food and drink a bit too much, but he is polite and conversant. Mrs. Hurst, the eldest Bingley sibling, is quiet. She supports her sister in all things. She reminds me a bit of Kitty…more on the inside than shows on the outside. Mr. Bingley is…enthusiastic. He is a happy fellow, and not who I would ever imagine William having a close friendship with. I could be wrong about that. Will is not outwardly lively, but he seems to gravitate to people who are. Colonel Fitzwilliam is very spirited.”
“And you are very cheerful Beth. He liked you from the start. I have never seen him so relaxed around a lady as he is around you. You have said your brother is very much like Will, does he prefer lively friends?”
“Well, John is his best friend, but all the friends he brought to visit from school were very jaunty. Ethan is not quite as reticent as your brother though.”
Lydia had been listening quietly to the conversation. “I think Mr. Darcy is shy around those he does not know, and distrustful. He has been hurt and betrayed and protects himself.”
Both Gigi and Beth looked at her for a moment and nodded. “You are likely right, Lyddie.”
Elizabeth and Jane glanced at each other then Jane said, “Then we will not make judgements on first impressions. Mr. Darcy sounds like he will be reticent and standoffish in a gathering where he knows few. Do you agree Lizzy?”
“I know I tend to judge too quickly. I will try.”
“Please try Lizzy. Will has a mask he puts on in public. I wish the rest of you had met him in Ramsgate where he was so relaxed and happy.”
“He was playful too!” Kitty told them the story of him chasing Beth around trying to retrieve a letter.
“Well, I best get back and dress for the Great Meryton Assembly! One of my cousins is coming out, I have heard. I must not look like a country cousin from America when I meet all her friends!”
Mary made a face at Beth, “You have already met all my friends. You will only meet a few more of the four and twenty families here abouts.”
“Well then, I must impress them! Make sure to let Kitty and Lydia do your hair. Make sure it’s pretty and soft.” She gave all her cousins a hug, and an especially long one for Mary since she knew she was nervous.
~~~~~
“Beth, would you mind coming to my room and giving me your opinion?”
“If you wish Carloine. About what?”
“I cannot decide between two dresses. I would like you to tell me which you think is best. Although your dresses are a bit less ornate than I am used to, they are lovely and go with your complexion very well.”
“Certainly. Lead on.”
There were two dresses laid out over Caroline’s bed when they entered her chambers.
One was burnt orange and the other chartreuse.
Beth could not hold back her exclamation.
“WHY ever would you wear such horrid colors?! You have red hair and alabaster skin! These will make you look like you’re seasick! ”
Caroline was absolutely shocked by the outburst. “But..but..but these are the latest fashion. My friend said these colors were made for me!”
“That was not a friend, Caro. That was someone who is jealous of your beauty and wants you to look ridiculous.”
Caroline stood with her jaw flapping and then she burst into tears. Beth hugged her and they stood rocking for several minutes then Caroline started laughing rather hysterically. “Everything I bought for our sojourn in the country are these colors! Why did no one tell me?”
“You were not wearing either of these colors when I arrived, and I thought maybe you were wearing an old dress last night at dinner. Your morning dress was very nice.”
“I saw how you were dressed the day before, and I did not want you to feel like I was trying to show you up.”
“Oh dear. Shall we have a look in your closet?”
“Now this is a beautiful gown!”
“But it is from two seasons ago!”
Beth squinted and pursed her lips, “Caroline, do you truly think men pay attention to fashion? I mean, there are some dandies who do, but are you trying to attract that type?”
“Well, no.” Caroline looked pensive and sad.
“Caro, I like you. I really do. I am not competition for you in any way. I will likely either never marry or marry some farmer in Virginia. I have no reason to lie to you. I understand your desire to climb the rungs of society, but you need to reflect a bit, will it make you happy? Mr. Darcy is a farmer. No, no! Do not say anything yet. He is a rich farmer, but a farmer none the less. He would spend all his time in Derbyshire if his Fitzwilliam aunt and uncle did not expect him to spend time with the ton. Are you interested in spending your life in the wilds of Derbyshire?”
“But surely, he would spend half the year in London! He…”
“He would want to have a family right away and only go to town for a month or two a year for business and to see a play or two. Do not lie to yourself. He would not change who he is for any woman. And as for the viscount, you do not have the pedigree he requires.”
“But…but…”
“No buts my friend. If your true desire is to climb the social ladder, you must look elsewhere. A politician, a judge, a navy captain or army general. Someone ambitious who needs a beautiful and smart woman who will advance his career.”
“But I was instructed at one of the finest seminaries in England. I have twenty thousand pounds for a dowry! You said yourself I am beautiful. Why could I not attract a man of worth?”
“You have a rather narrow vision of a man of worth, Caroline, and Gigi’s dowry is twice yours. Mine is five times as much…that is between you and me…that only makes us more valuable to men who need money. It does not make us more valuable to men of worth.”
“Five times! You have one hundred thousand pounds?!”
“Well, dollars. It is the same. Anyway, the point is for you to find a man and a lifestyle that will make you happy. Mr. Darcy will not. Viscount Rosemont will not have you. Think about what you want Caroline. But take your time. No need to hurry, but we do need to hurry and decide on a dress. I still need to bathe and have a bite to eat. I do not like to dance hungry.”
Caroline again looked pensive and thoughtful, “Why did Louisa never tell me I look awful in those colors?”
Beth tipped her head to the side and raised an eyebrow, “What would you have said if she did?”
“I would have railed and told her she was wrong. Good lord, what a harridan I have been.”
“Well, I’m glad you know it! Let’s pick out your dress and accessories. Quick, quick! I want to show you all up tonight! Haha!”