Chapter Ninety
As Anne had told Elizabeth, she had been to Hunsford, but always under the supervision of Mrs. Jenkinson, who had been directed by Lady Catherine not to allow Anne to make her own decisions as to what to purchase.
Thus, the shops that lined Meryton’s main street, small as they were, entranced Anne for the simple reason that Mrs. Jenkinson was mercifully absent, and so Anne could actually buy something for herself.
Her reticule, which she had carried with her to Meryton, was stuffed full of notes and coins.
Elizabeth, eyes wide upon beholding the contents of Anne’s reticule, whispered, “Anne, you did return the three thousand pounds to your mother’s safe, did you not?”
“I did, of course, Lizzy, as you asked. Why do you – oh, I see! No, this money is my pin money, which I receive every quarter but am never permitted to spend. Oh, Lord, look at that lovely shawl! I must have it.”
Inside the shop, Anne saw so many lovely fabrics and ribbons that she stood, entranced. Mrs. Alcott, who served as Meryton’s modiste, frowned upon seeing Anne’s gaudy dress and came to her at once. “May I help you, Miss?”
Anne turned to her at once. “I need a gown for tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow!?”Mrs. Alcott raised her eyebrows. She turned to Elizabeth in unspoken appeal.
“It takes several days to make a gown, Anne,” Elizabeth said.
Anne shook her head, determinedly. “No, I must have it for tomorrow.” She opened her reticule. “How much? I need it delivered to Longbourn before breakfast tomorrow.”
“Mrs. Alcott, perhaps there is something you were making for someone else that might be adjusted for Miss de Bourgh?” Elizabeth suggested. “My friend is willing to pay extra for the difficulty involved.”
“Well, I suppose some arrangement could be made,” Mrs. Alcott said.
Kitty and Lydia watched, open-mouthed, as a price was agreed upon and paid in advance. Lydia murmured to Elizabeth, “She is quite rich, is she not?”
“Quite,” Elizabeth whispered back.
“You will need shoes to match, Anne,” Kitty suggested. “And a nice new bonnet!”
“Oh, I shall, of course! Where do I get them?”
What followed was a veritable frenzy of shopping. Kitty and Lydia were each presented with a new bonnet, new gloves, and more ribbons than they had ever imagined. Both were utterly delirious with joy, and thought Anne de Bourgh the most wonderful friend imaginable.
Elizabeth was offered gifts as well, but she could not feel easy about Anne spending her pin money on the Bennets, and so declined, and all of Anne’s urgings could not sway her.