In Essentials: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Helen Williams

Author:Helen Williams [Williams, Helen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Meryton Press
Published: 2021-10-10T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Elizabeth arrived at Mr Darcy’s townhouse feeling a little delicate. She had been unwell for much of the day before and into the morning, but she was determined not to miss this dinner. Fortunately, her will prevailed over her body—this time—and she sallied forth, prepared to make the best of things. She knew that her future as Mrs Darcy would hold many such evenings and wished to pass this first test—if not with flying colours, then at least with fair dignity.

Once she and her family had been welcomed by Mr Darcy and greeted by the Osbournes and the colonel, Mr Darcy introduced his dear friends. Elizabeth thought Mr Townsende very gracious and easygoing, but found his wife particular—or, rather, calculating. Mrs Townsende regarded the new arrivals with a view to determining what value the connection would be to her and her husband. It was clear from her mannerisms that Mr Bingley, Jane, and the Gardiners were found wanting. Elizabeth, however, as the future Mrs Darcy, was a relationship worth cultivating. Subsequently, that lady lavishly greeted Elizabeth, who saw through such designs with amused patience.

“I must say, your gown is very fetching, and given the quality, one would think it was made here in town rather than in…Meryford, was it?”

“Meryton,” Elizabeth corrected her with a smile. “But you are quite right to be suspicious. My aunt can tell you more since I borrowed this gown from her, so all compliments for taste must be directed accordingly.”

“But it is you who wear it so well, my dear,” Mrs Gardiner put in.

“And the praise for that must also go to you, as you very well know. The truth, Mrs Townsende, is that I decided at the last minute I was dissatisfied with my own frock. But my aunt rose admirably to the occasion and saw me sewn into this gown with time to spare.”

“Oh! I have done precisely the same thing—taken against one of my gowns, I mean,” Lady Veronica revealed with charming candour, “usually just as poor Osbourne is stepping out the door. It quite exasperates him! But you, Miss Elizabeth, look lovely just as you are, and I should never have known about your hasty alterations.”

Elizabeth thanked her for the compliment and shared a speaking look with Mrs Gardiner. No one else need know that Elizabeth had discovered her own evening attire to fit very poorly—rather than simply not to her taste—after her prolonged illness. Fortunately, her aunt had a slender form, but a trip to the modiste was most assuredly in order.

Lady Veronica proved to be an ideal hostess, and Elizabeth was further convinced that she would be happy to spend more time with her soon-to-be cousin. In the drawing room, Lady Veronica disclosed to the ladies that she had written to her mother on the subject of Mr Darcy and his engagement and just that day received a reply. She reported that the countess was very pleased by the news, though naturally curious about Elizabeth, and keen to meet her.

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