A Lie Universally Hidden by Anngela Schroeder

Author:Anngela Schroeder [Schroeder, Anngela]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-01-11T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

The sound of the bell as the door opened was overpowered by the lively chatter as the young ladies entered the modiste. Madame Claudette’s was an exclusive establishment, one which Lizzy would never have dreamed to enter before she had made Georgiana’s acquaintance. However, she was prepared to help her young friend select another lovely gown as a gift from her brother.

He takes such prodigious care of his sister, and although she has recovered with no noticeable scars from her almost elopement with Wickham, there are moments where I notice her withdraw in circumspection.

The girls were ushered in by a petite French woman. “Mademoiselle Darcy, how lovely to see you. We are so delighted to receive word from Monsieur Darcy to expect you and are so happy you have brought vos amis. You will be in the Lilac Room, where Madame Claudette will join you in a moment. Celine,” she said, indicating the young girl following them, “will be at your service. If you need anything, let her know, s’il vous plaît.”

“Perfect.” Georgiana turned to Lizzy and Kitty. “Wait until you see. She thinks of everything.” The three girls prattled as they were led down a long hallway and through a door into the largest modiste room Lizzy had ever seen. It was twice the size of her father’s library at Longbourn and rivaled that of the small dining room at Darcy House. There were floor to ceiling mirrors on every wall and raised pedestals placed throughout the room. Lavender and buttercream draperies covered the windows. Fresh flowers rested inside crystal vases atop small marble-topped tables. The wall which their chairs faced had thick curtains cascading from the ceiling and pooling on the floor.

“This room is magnificent,” Kitty whispered, sitting delicately on the edge of a chair and looking around in awe. “But, Georgie. Where are all the books?”

“Books?” Georgiana asked with a hint of a smile, sitting beside her friend. “What do you mean?”

“Why for all the patterns! How are you to choose dresses if you cannot see the pattern?” Lizzy asked.

At that moment, the curtains parted and out stepped a tall, elegant woman with striking features. “Mademoiselle Darcy,” she said with a lilting, Gallic accent. “It is such a pleasure for us to see you today.”

“Madame Claudette. May I present my friends? Miss Elizabeth Bennet. And Miss Katherine Bennet.” The lady curtsied with practiced grace.

“What wonderful creations I have for you, I assure you, Miss Darcy. You will be delighted. Today, you will be the first in London to see my newest designs.” With that, Madame Claudette clapped her hands and the drapery was pulled to the side and a young girl with Georgiana’s height and coloring walked out in a pale pink, beaded gown.

“Oh, it is beautiful!”

“Georgiana.” Lizzy turned to her young friend. “Is this how you select all of your dresses?”

“Yes. How else would I see her latest fashions?”

“That is wonderful.” Kitty sighed. “Are there more?”

“Of course, mademoiselle,” Madame Claudette said, clapping her hands again

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