Chapter 24
Chapter twenty-four
Darcy was accustomed to taking his breakfast alone, and paused slightly upon entering to find Elizabeth, her father, and Georgiana already assembled at the table. Mr. Bennet was engaged with his newspaper and coffee, while Elizabeth and Georgiana were finishing their breakfast.
“Good morning. I hope you all slept well.”
Elizabeth and Georgiana both assured him they were well. Elizabeth greeted him with an easy smile. “The room was very lovely. I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was.”
Mr. Bennet lowered his paper, his eyes twinkling. “I hope I may expect a visit to this famed library that I was promised.”
Darcy allowed himself a brief smile. “I shall see to it personally after breakfast.”
After helping himself, Darcy took the seat beside Elizabeth. “Have you plans for the day?”
“Yes, we are to visit the Gardiners.” She hesitated, and he thought he detected a slight shift in her composure.
Darcy leaned slightly nearer. “Is everything well? What is the matter?”
Her smile returned, though not as easily than before. “We are to go shopping on Bond Street.”
Darcy regarded her with mild curiosity. “I do not understand the difficulty.”
Elizabeth exhaled softly. “We are to be accompanied by Lady Catherine and Lady Matlock.”
Darcy found it more amusing than alarming. “That does sound like an adventure.”
“Adventure,” she repeated, as though testing the word, “I shall endeavour to think of it so.”
Darcy studied her a moment. “Then we must secure some relief for the afternoon. Might I persuade you to meet me at Gunter’s when your obligations are concluded?”
Her expression brightened at once, the earlier strain gone. “I should like that very much.”
Georgiana looked up with immediate enthusiasm. “Oh yes, I do so love Gunter’s.”
When Darcy had finished his breakfast, Mr. Bennet lowered his paper once more. “When you can be spared from attending to my daughter, Mr. Darcy, I should like very much to see your library.”
Darcy inclined his head. “Of course, sir. I am ready now.”
The gentlemen rose.
Elizabeth looked toward Darcy. “May I claim the privilege of seeing this library as well?”
Darcy met her gaze and did not immediately relinquish it.
“I should consider it a particular advantage, Miss Elizabeth, if you would join us.”
Georgiana stood at once. “Then I shall come too, if I may.”
***
Darcy led them upstairs to a set of double doors and opened them.
The library was filled with light from three tall windows, just as Darcy preferred. Shelves stood in orderly rows through the center of the room, with additional cases lining the walls. Before the windows were arranged several comfortable chairs and low tables, placed for ease rather than display.
Darcy's lips curved as Mr. Bennet’s countenance brightened at once at the sight of so many volumes.
Darcy explained that the collection was grouped by subject rather than appearance. He pointed out the catalogue which lay upon the adjoining desk.
Darcy watched as Elizabeth moved slowly along the shelves, her attention caught here and there, her fingers occasionally grazing the spine of a book as she passed.
Mr. Bennet turned to Darcy. “I must confess, sir, I had thought you were exaggerating, but this is a most admirable library. You will know where to find me.”
Darcy allowed himself a slight smile. “Then you must come to Pemberley, sir. That library is more than twice the size of this one.”
Elizabeth glanced at Darcy. “It appears you judged the matter exactly.” She looked fondly at her father.
Darcy noticed that Georgiana looked between them with quiet pleasure. Georgiana added, “Oh yes, Pemberley’s library is much larger.”
Elizabeth paused and drew a volume from the shelf. “Ode: Intimations of Immortality,” by Wordsworth. I have heard of this but have not yet had the opportunity to read it.”
Darcy watched her for a moment before speaking. With a slight inclination of his head, he said, “You may command any book here.”
***
Elizabeth entered the carriage, and Georgiana followed, taking the seat beside her. Jane and Mary sat opposite. The carriage set off toward Gracechurch Street, the steady rhythm of its movement soon carrying them through the quieter streets of Mayfair and into the busier thoroughfares beyond.
Elizabeth watched from the window as the familiar surroundings gradually gave way to greater activity.
The carriage slowed as they turned onto Oxford Street, where the press of carts, carriages, and pedestrians rendered their progress more deliberate.
Mary glanced out before turning back to Elizabeth. “It has been some time since I last visited the Gardiners. I am quite eager to see how my cousins have grown.”
Georgiana smiled. “How many cousins have you?”
Mary returned the smile. “They have four children, two boys and two girls, all of them most engaging.”
She turned to Jane. “How old are they now?”
Jane considered. “Edward is nine, the eldest, and Isabella is eight, she is particularly fond of Lizzy. Then there is Thomas, who is six, and little Emily, who has only just turned four.”
Georgiana’s expression softened. “They sound delightful. It must be very pleasant to belong to such a family. I have often found it lonely with only my brother and myself.”
Jane’s tone was gentle. “They are very sweet, and remarkably well behaved.”
The streets grew narrower and more crowded, and before long the great dome of St. Paul’s rose above the surrounding buildings.
Georgiana leaned slightly toward the window. “It is even larger than I imagined,” she said softly.
Elizabeth glanced at her. “You have never been inside?”
Georgiana shook her head. “No, I have not, though I do recall it was built by Sir Christopher Wren.”
“It is very impressive, and well worth seeing,” Elizabeth replied. “Perhaps we may find time to visit.”
At last, they turned into Gracechurch Street and drew up before a brick house, its windows neatly adorned with flower boxes.
Harris stepped down and opened the carriage door, assisting the ladies as they alighted.
Elizabeth approached the door, the others following. They were soon admitted and warmly received by Mrs. Gardiner, who embraced each of her nieces before turning with a welcoming smile.
“And who is your friend?”
Elizabeth returned her smile. “Georgiana, may I introduce you to my aunt? Aunt, this is Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
Georgiana curtseyed. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Mrs. Gardiner regarded her kindly. “You bear a strong resemblance to your mother. She was much admired.”
Georgiana brightened. “You knew my mother?”
Mrs. Gardiner shook her head. “Not personally, but I saw her on several occasions. She was known to be a most gracious lady.”
The sound of quick footsteps upon the stairs drew every eye. In another moment, four children came hurrying down, gathering about the ladies with eager questions and bright curiosity.
Mrs. Gardiner’s expression grew mildly reproving. “Is that the proper way to greet our guests?”
The children fell quiet at once, looking properly abashed.
Her smile returned. “That is much better. Now, return to the nursery. You shall see your cousins again very soon, for they will remain in town for some time.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Yes, but we must not delay. Lady Matlock and Lady Catherine would not thank us for keeping them waiting.”
The return journey proved equally crowded, but at length they arrived before the establishment of Madame Beaumont. It was just before noon.
Not long after, another carriage drew up, conveying Lady Matlock, Lady Catherine, and Miss de Bourgh.
As they descended, Lady Matlock cast a doubtful glance toward the shop. “Madame Beaumont does not generally receive without an appointment.”
Elizabeth met her gaze with quiet composure. “We are expected.”
***
Inside the shop, stood Madame Beaumont and two assistants.
“Welcome, Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet. And are these ladies your sisters?”
Elizabeth smiled. “This is Miss Georgiana Darcy, and my sisters, Miss Bennet and Miss Mary Bennet.”
Madame Beaumont’s attention shifted as the remainder of the party entered. “Lady Matlock, welcome. And may I be introduced to your companions?”
Lady Matlock inclined her head with composed ease. “This is my sister-in-law, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and her daughter, Miss de Bourgh.”
Lady Catherine’s lips pressed together; Elizabeth could not mistake her displeasure at not being immediately distinguished, though she said nothing.
Madame Beaumont greeted them all with equal warmth. “You are most welcome. How may I assist you today?”
When no one spoke at once, Elizabeth stepped forward.
“My sisters and I are in want of new gowns, and I believe Miss de Bourgh is as well.” She turned slightly. “Georgiana, do you wish to be fitted today?”
Georgiana shook her head. “No, thank you. I wished only to accompany you.”
Madame Beaumont glanced toward Lady Catherine and Lady Matlock.
Lady Matlock returned a small, approving smile. “I should be very glad of a new gown myself.”
Madame Beaumont’s expression brightened. “Excellent. Let us begin with the fabrics, and then we shall take measurements.”
At her direction, bolts of fabric were soon brought forward, while her assistants conducted the ladies one by one for measuring.
Georgiana lingered near the display, her gaze moving over the silks and muslins. “I cannot wait until I may choose gowns of such elegance.”
Lady Catherine examined the selections with a critical eye, her attention exacting, though her remarks were, for the moment, withheld.
Lady Matlock, looking up from a fashion plate, smiled. “The materials are very fine.”
At length, Lady Catherine offered a pointed observation regarding one of Anne’s selections, but Lady Matlock countered it with easy warmth. “How very pretty it will look on you, Anne.”
Anne’s face lit with quiet pleasure. “I have chosen two gowns for evening, and several for daytime wear. It has been a most delightful excursion.”
After two hours of measuring and selecting fabrics and patterns, the party was at last finished.
Lady Matlock turned to Elizabeth. “How came you by such an appointment?”
Lady Catherine’s gaze returned to Elizabeth with renewed scrutiny.
Elizabeth met it with calm composure. “Madame Beaumont is acquainted with my aunt and uncle.”
***
Leaving Madame Beaumont’s establishment, Elizabeth and the younger ladies proceeded along Bond Street toward Gunter’s, which stood only a few doors away.
Georgiana’s attention was immediately caught by the activity of the street, and she walked beside Elizabeth with quiet eagerness, while Jane and Mary followed behind.
Lady Catherine paused at the top of the steps, casting a dissatisfied glance toward her carriage. “Really, I do not see why we should walk, when the carriage might be brought forward.”
Lady Matlock only smiled. “It is but a short distance, and the air is pleasant.”
By the time Lady Catherine had resolved to proceed, the others had already reached Gunter’s and taken their places at one of the small tables set just beyond the shopfront.
She approached with measured steps, her expression still faintly displeased, though she seated herself without remark.
Elizabeth had arranged matters so that the seat beside her remained unoccupied.
A few minutes later, Darcy approached the group. “Good afternoon, ladies. May I join you?”
Elizabeth inclined her head toward the empty seat. “Of course.”
Soon, all but Lady Catherine were enjoying their ices.
Elizabeth glanced toward her. “Lady Catherine, you do not care for ices?”
Lady Catherine frowned slightly. “It does not seem a very dignified indulgence.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “I can understand the concern, but you are the most dignified person I know. I do not believe a flavored ice could alter that.”
Lady Catherine regarded her for a moment, then allowed a faint smile. “I suppose I might try one.”
Elizabeth’s expression warmed. “I think that is an excellent idea.”
Darcy turned slightly aside, as though to conceal his amusement, while Lady Matlock gave a small, approving nod. “They are indeed very good.”
Darcy’s gaze returned to Elizabeth, his expression thoughtful. Leaning slightly toward her, he said in a low voice, “I believe you might persuade anyone and do so without their being aware of it.”
Elizabeth met his gaze with a hint of amusement. “Then I must take care how I employ such influence.”
His gaze lingered a moment longer. “I think it far more likely you would use it only where it is most needed.”
Lady Catherine set aside her spoon and regarded Elizabeth with a measured look.
“You appear to be very well acquainted wherever you go, Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth met her gaze steadily, her expression, composed and did not immediately reply.