Chapter Sixty
A good number of packages made their way to Darcy House over the next several days, delivered to the back door. Elizabeth did her best to deal with the gowns, coats, hats, gloves and shoes herself, but she realised she would need a good lady’s maid if she were to make the sort of social splash that the Countess had in mind.
But who could she trust? Who, after the debacle with Abby, could make her feel safe again? “Kate,” she thought. “I want Kate. Kate could come with Mary.”
Kate was no London lady’s maid, and Mrs. Annesley had made the distinction clear when instructing Georgiana, but perhaps Kate could be taught. With the help of one of the upstairs maids, Elizabeth put on one of her new gowns and matching slippers, and felt quite the lady-about-town. She asked that same maid, Agatha, to accompany her to call on the Countess.
“Mrs. Darcy,” Cunningham, the butler at Matlock House, greeted her with a bow. “I shall tell my lady that you are here.”
Once tea had been served, the Countess eyed Elizabeth. “That colour suits you nicely,” she said. “It was a good choice on my part.”
Elizabeth managed not to smile, and instead to speak sincerely. “I thank you, Aunt Eleanor. But I am here not to praise and be praised, but to ask – well, a favour. Another favour, as you have done so much for me already.”
“Name it and it is yours.”
“I need a lady’s maid.”
“You do, of course, and I have just the person.”
“Wait, please. I want my maid from Longbourn.”
There was a moment’s silence as the Countess adjusted her thoughts and expectations. “Ah. Because of Abby.”
“Indeed. I have known Kate all my life, and I trust her implicitly. But I know she is not well-versed in ton matters and manners. I thought perhaps there might be someone who could train her…?”
The Countess said, quickly, “Nothing could be easier. And you need someone to help you dress and do your hair while you are waiting for this trustworthy Kate. I will loan you Alice for the next several weeks; Alice serves as a lady’s maid when we have guests who have not brought their own servants. She will know what you need.”
“That would be most helpful, Aunt Eleanor,” Elizabeth said, humbly.
“Will your family be willing to give Kate up?”
“I thought to bring my sister Mary here as well; that leaves only Kitty and Lydia at home, and they can do for each other. It is Mama who will most miss Kate, though I will send her enough money to hire two new maids; that should put paid to any ill feeling.”
“An excellent plan. I will have Alice accompany you back to Darcy House this very day.”
***
Immediately upon arriving at Darcy House, Elizabeth put Alice in Mrs. Armstrong’s hands to get her settled. Then she composed two letters.
Dear Mary,
For a variety of reasons which I shall explain when I see you, I am in London on my own. I would very much like to invite you to stay here with me for as long as I am in residence. I would be very grateful if you were to bring Kate with you as well. You need not pack much, as I will provide clothing suitable for Town.
I enclose a note for Mama, which I encourage you to read before you give it to her.
Your loving sister,
Elizabeth Darcy
Dear Mama,
Mr. Darcy is quite busy with the harvest and has encouraged me to go to London to enjoy Town on my own. I believe exposure to Society could be of benefit to Mary and I must have Kate to accompany her. Mama, I enclose twenty pounds, which will allow you to hire two maids so that you will not miss Kate at all! I will send my coach to bring them both to me on Wednesday next.
I will write again soon with more news, but for now, I remain,
Your devoted daughter,
Lizzy
There, Elizabeth thought, sealing her mother’s message inside Mary’s, along with two ten-pound notes, and ringing for a footman.