“I always thought you would be the smallest one of us girls but you are taller than Mary now and nearly Charlotte’s height. If you continue to grow at this rate, you will be taller than me!” Jane giggled. “Perhaps you will be as tall as young Mr. Darcy someday.”
“Would that not be a miracle?” Lizzy laughed loudly. “I thought him a giant and he is still the tallest man I know. Georgiana will be as tall as Mrs. Anne, I am sure, but I think I will stop soon. I am very happy to be out, though, to tell you the truth. I was able to attend the lecture on philosophy with Mr. Darcy last week and Uncle Edward promised to take me to London Stock Exchange, even if only for a tour and not during working hours. I am enjoying being able to do things that are not open to young girls, even if I am still limited, due to my sex as a female. I only detest doing those activities that ladies are required to do and I still like too much sugar in my tea.” She winked.
Jane and Lizzy walked arm in arm with smiles and joined Lady Anne who was waiting for them in the foyer.
“Georgiana will get to experience what it is to prepare for a coming out ball and we are going to make you the most beautiful debutante that London has seen in ages, Jane.” Lady Anne beamed. “I am so glad to have you girls with us. Your mama will be thrilled when she and your papa join us next week before Easter and will love the dresses that we will choose. Now, Jane, if I am pressing you for something that you absolutely detest, you must speak up. I would hate for my tastes to overshadow your likes because this is for your enjoyment. And Lizzy,” She looked at the young lady, “you must let me know if you think I am too ambitious with my selections. I need your honesty and you are the only one I trust to be painfully blunt if I need it.”
“Of course, Mrs. Anne.” Lizzy smiled. “You know I will not hold back.”
Lady Anne replied, “I know it well. But I must warn you, young lady,” she warned, “you will get your six dresses and accoutrements to go along with them. You are formally out as of last week and I will not have you looking shabby by any means. You are a beautiful young woman now and we must flaunt your assets!”
The ladies laughed as Lizzy rolled her eyes and sighed in concession. They rode in the luxurious Darcy carriage to Bond Street, where they met an unexpected but pleasant acquaintance.
~*~
“Mr. Bingley! How wonderful to see you here, sir.” Lady Anne exclaimed outside of the modiste’s on Bond Street. What brings you to London? Is it for Miss Bingley’s season?”
Mr. Bingley bowed deeply to Lady Anne and nodded his acknowledgment to the young ladies, “Quite right you are, of course, Lady Anne. My Louisa married Herbert Hurst two years ago and I am looking to see if I can give away my second daughter once again. She is visiting the modiste here and my son and I are waiting for them here after completing our own errands. You remember Charles?”
Lady Anne smiled, “But of course. It is a pleasure to see you again, Master Bingley. We are also here to shop for Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, and my daughter is observing and learning.” She saw that Jane was blushing as she eyed Charles Bingley and the young man was doing the same. “Even if Miss Bennet is coming out this season, she has plenty of time to enjoy herself before she has to choose a partner for life.” She returned to the elder gentleman. “Please enjoy your stay in town and call on my husband when you have a chance. I am certain he will be happy to see you again and you can bring your son to Darcy House.”
“You are all graciousness, Lady Anne,” Mr. Bingley beamed. “Thank you, madam. Good day.”
The ladies entered the shop and the owner immediately flew to their side. “Lady Anne, you look as beautiful as ever. Please come with me to the back room. We have prepared a large space for your dear young ladies and they will have their choices in designs and colours today.” She flustered to cater to her best client.
The ladies were following the proprietor to the back rooms when they saw Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. Lady Anne, knowing how Caroline Bingley had attempted to deceive her son of an ankle injury, only nodded to the younger woman while smiling at the older, “I greeted your father outside, Mrs. Hurst. I hope you enjoy the season.” She nodded again and continued following the modiste.
Jane smiled pleasantly at both and curtseyed, while Lizzy raised her eyebrow to smirk and Georgiana rushed after her mother.
“Was that...” Caroline Bingley gasped. “I think that was the impertinent chit who was asking me all those questions in front of Mr. Darcy. What was her name? Alice? Emily? It must have been that little hoyden, but I hardly recognised her!”
Louisa Hurst nodded, “I believe you are right, sister. She is no longer the child we met at Darcy House two years ago. I wonder if she knows how she now appears to others. She has a figure most men would drool over.”
“Oh, shut up, Louisa!” Caroline snipped. “What do you know about what a man likes? She was a hoyden and will always be a hoyden. She probably still climbs trees and gets filthy dirty. Let us go and see if papa knows more about young Mr. Darcy. I hope he is
