Chapter One #2
Her ladyship had been exceedingly gracious.
She had undertaken to introduce the two Bennet sisters to the ton and, as though that generosity were insufficient, purchased dozens of gowns suited to every occasion.
Jane and Elizabeth protested the extravagance; however, Lady Sterling insisted that such gifts gave her great pleasure.
Indeed, she reveled in the details of trims, ribbon colors, and sleeve lengths with every mantua-maker they visited.
Elizabeth’s eyes eagerly feasted on the spectacle before her.
She had never beheld such a crowded ballroom.
There must be at least one hundred people!
And such elegant gowns. Lovely silks and satins in every color imaginable.
The musicians were excellent, playing a piece Elizabeth knew well, and her feet twitched with the urge to dance.
“Thank you again for affording us the pleasure of this ball,” Elizabeth said to Lady Sterling.
The older woman waved that away. “I need no more of your thanks, Lizzy. It grows tiresome. I will be rewarded by watching you two amuse yourselves. I loved to dance when I was younger.” She sounded a bit wistful.
“I do not expect to dance much,” Elizabeth said. “I am acquainted with no one here.”
Her ladyship regarded her with raised eyebrows. “And nobody can ever be introduced at a ball?” Elizabeth gave a chagrined laugh. Lady Sterling continued. “No doubt I will encounter some old friends tonight. They might find you some partners. A number have grandsons.”
Lady Sterling herself possessed no children or grandchildren.
She was the widow of the Earl of Derwood, who had died more than twenty years ago.
Upon his decease, she had taken up residence in his country house in Hertfordshire—not far from Longbourn.
Whenever she was asked why she had left London for Hertfordshire, Lady Sterling replied that “London is too full of people who were eager to tell me what to do.” However, she maintained a London townhouse for occasional visits.
She had been a generous friend and neighbor, particularly for the two eldest Bennet daughters, and served as Elizabeth’s godmother.
She had hired music and dance instructors to ensure that the girls developed the accomplishments expected of ladies.
Jane knew how to play the harp because of Her ladyship.
And Elizabeth would not have learned to ride a horse without her godmother’s stables.
“Which of your friends will be here?” Elizabeth’s gesture encompassed the whole ballroom.
Lady Sterling had related many diverting stories about her friends, and Elizabeth was eager to meet them.
Her godmother was scarcely less eager. She said had not attended the London Season in more than a decade.
“Lord and Lady Carrington,” her godmother said. “I knew his mother very well. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Martin, it must be ten years since I last beheld them. Lady Mary Kirkwood. You met her when she came to visit.”
“She was quite pleasant company.”
The older woman pointed forcefully at Elizabeth and Jane. “But you must not spend all your time with old people like me! You must meet people nearer your own age.”
Elizabeth longed to dance. But, to be honest (and she always tried to be honest with herself), it was unlikely she would find a wealthy man who would suit her—or a poor one, for that matter.
Actually, Elizabeth doubted she would ever marry, although she had not uttered such a shocking sentiment to many people.
The more she had seen of men, the more disappointed she had become.
Her principal exposure to men in childhood had been her father.
Although he was well-spoken and erudite, he possessed (Elizabeth was forced to admit) a few—well, several—failings as a husband.
And his accomplishments as a father were trifling.
Although Elizabeth was his favorite daughter, he often called his other daughters “silly,” and they tended to fulfil his expectations.
Mr. Bennet had a propensity for allowing his younger daughters to do as they pleased rather than insisting on proper behavior.
In the last few years, he had sometimes imbibed more than he ought and made unwise decisions.
Elizabeth conjectured that many men in Hertfordshire would emulate her father as they aged. Many of the young men in London were even worse. They were rakes and libertines or so high in the instep they would barely deign to glance in Elizabeth’s direction.
Thus, Elizabeth’s expectations for the night were low—so low she was in danger of tripping over them.
She intended to admire the splendor of a London ball, particularly the fashionable gowns (no one remarked on the men’s garments).
She hoped for some palatable refreshments.
And, if she were exceedingly fortunate, she might find a few dance partners.
If all that came to pass, she would be content.
“I appreciate your efforts on our behalf,” Elizabeth said to her godmother.
Lady Sterling gave her a sideways glance. “What did I say about thanking me?”
“I was not thanking you. I was expressing my appreciation.” Elizabeth gave the woman a pert smile.
The other woman rolled her eyes. “Your generation has no respect for your elders.”
“On the contrary—"
Lady Sterling playfully wagged a finger at her. “Do not contradict me. I know you only listen to half of my advice.”
“Not at all! I listen to everything you say and take at least a quarter of it to heart.”
Her ladyship laughed heartily.
“Lizzy takes more advice from you than from my parents,” Jane chimed in.
“Naturally!” Lady Sterling pronounced. “I give far superior advice.”
“How do you advise me to conduct myself tonight?” Elizabeth inquired.
Lady Sterling frowned in mock sternness. “No tree climbing or jumping into ponds to save wailing children who are not drowning.”
Those events had indeed occurred, and Elizabeth was accustomed to being teased about them. “I am not equal to such promises. If the ballroom is supplied with trees or ponds, I might be tempted. However, I do promise not to go in search of them.”
All three women laughed.
“Oh! I am acquainted with him!” Lady Sterling waved to a passing gentleman.
The young man started and then hurried in their direction. Elizabeth found much to approve of in his initial appearance. He was handsome and blond, with a smiling countenance and an unaffected bearing that suggested an open and amiable personality.
He bowed. “Lady Sterling, you are a vision!”
“Flatterer!”
“I have not encountered you in Town for some time.” He eyed the younger women curiously.
“Yes, it has been too long. Mr. Bingley, let me introduce my neighbors visiting me from Hertfordshire. Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”