29. Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Twenty-Nine

May 21, 1812 De Bourgh House Charlotte

“ Y our friend seems to be a good sort of girl. Her liveliness will be a good counter for Darcy’s more sober personality.”

Charlotte nodded in reply, and Lady de Bourgh continued to speak.

“She will do well, I think. She is no bashful miss; her courage will be put to good use amongst the ton . Anyone with a weaker personality would fall victim to their schemes.”

“How did you escape?” Charlotte asked.

“After that first season, Anthony and I retreated to Briar Court. He comforted me and introduced me to his neighbors. They were more accepting of a country girl marrying the only bachelor in the neighborhood, and I gained my footing there. Then, when we returned the next season, I had a small circle of friends. They introduced me to their friends, and things improved from there. I met Lucy Fitzwilliam during that second season. She had recently married the Earl of Matlock. As first the daughter and then the wife of an earl, it was she who truly facilitated my acceptance in society. Now, my name and reputation are enough. Without them, Elizabeth’s experience will be much like mine.”

So, that was why the old earl felt like he could approach Sir Lewis. Charlotte nodded absently.

“Now, I must change the subject. What are your feelings toward my grandson?”

Charlotte’s head shot up, her full attention now on the lady seated in the chair across from her. “I do not know what you mean,” she prevaricated, though she could feel the blush of her cheeks betraying her words.

“I am not ignorant that Sir Andrew disappeared at the same time every day while we were at Rosings Park. He seemed particularly fond of your company. You cannot deny that.”

“I have no wish to deny it, though it does not follow that his interest has spurred feelings in my heart.” She stubbornly refused to see anything more than solicitousness in Sir Andrew’s manner.

“There is no shame in admitting your heart has been touched. I hope it has, for Andrew deserves to marry for love.” Lady de Bourgh looked at her knowingly, her eyes twinkling with good humor.

“Sir Andrew will not marry me. He disabused me of any expectations upon our first meeting.” Besides, he would never pick a plain, practically dowerless spinster to be his wife.

Lady de Bourgh sighed. “Oh, Andrew. He is letting his past interfere with his happiness again, I am afraid.”

Charlotte did not know how to respond. After a moment’s pause, she asked, “What do you mean?”

“It is not my story to tell, sadly. I shall have to invite him back to town. He may not come, but it is worth the attempt.” She shook her head, her white curls shaking as she did so. “That boy…”

Lady de Bourgh dropped the subject and instead spoke of their shopping expedition. “I hope you will do me the honor of allowing me to purchase a few gowns for you,” she said. “I never had a daughter to spoil and would enjoy it very much.”

“Your generosity is appreciated, your ladyship, but I would not prevail upon your kindness. Clothing is expensive, especially where I suspect you will wish to purchase it.”

Her ladyship laughed. “It is no trouble. Money is not an object, so I would be pleased to spoil you so. I have several designs in mind that would flatter you very well.”

“As you wish, madam. I would not suspend any pleasure of yours.” Charlotte knew dressing her in fine fabrics would be like putting a gown on a sow, but she did not seek to dissuade her hostess again.

She enjoyed the rest of the day immensely. Lady de Bourgh’s dinner table held many delights, and she found a few new favorites. They spent the evening in their own pursuits, Charlotte with her embroidery and her hostess with a book. They retired early, as was both their preference, and awoke at seven the next morning. Two days after tea, Mrs. Gardiner appeared with a coach filled with bolts of fabric. Lady de Bourgh’s footmen carried them all in and placed them in the large parlor.

“This room has the best light,” Lady de Bourgh said. “We had best utilize it.”

Unbeknownst to Charlotte, Lady de Bourgh had taken the liberty of writing to Mrs. Gardiner, asking her to select material she thought would suit Miss Lucas. They, too, were included in the delivery.

“Your niece will be here in thirty minutes, Mrs. Gardiner,” the intrepid lady said. “Will you stay and help us? I am certain Mrs. Darcy would be pleased to see you.”

“If it is not too much trouble, madam, I would be pleased to join you.” Mrs. Gardiner smiled in gratitude and pleasure.

Within the time specified, Elizabeth arrived and, upon seeing her aunt, greeted her enthusiastically. “It is such a pleasure to see you so soon!” she cried.

“I am happy that Lady de Bourgh invited me to stay,” came the reply.

“Enough of this Lady de Bourgh nonsense!” That self-same lady cut in. “I insist that you call me Amelia.”

The other ladies quickly agreed, insisting that Lady de Bourgh reciprocate and use their Christian names, and they began to peruse the selection. Mrs. Gardiner had brought a wide variety of wares, suitable for evening wear, day gowns, walking gowns, outerwear, and even fabric best used for riding habits.

“What would I ever do with a riding habit?” Elizabeth asked bemusedly. “I do not care for riding.”

“It is one of Mr. Darcy’s favorite pastimes,” Amelia informed her. “I have it from Sir Andrew. Your husband will eventually ask you to ride with him.”

Elizabeth sighed but nodded, and they selected a gorgeous bolt of dark blue and a vibrant wine red for two riding habits.

Charlotte fingered a fine piece of muslin. It was not a pastel, but it was lovely, and in a shade still suitable for unmarried ladies. The blue fabric had threads of gold running through it, and she could picture how lovely it would be when it was fashioned into a day gown.

“Yes, that is an excellent choice, Charlotte. You will look very well in it.” Amelia approached from behind, making her guest jump a little.

“We are shopping for Elizabeth right now,” she replied. “I can wait.”

“I requested that material be selected for you, too.” Amelia smiled smugly. “When we go to the shops there will be no need to delay having gowns made for you and for Elizabeth.”

Charlotte smiled gratefully but said nothing, still wondering how she had managed to secure such attention from the wife of a baronet. I am just Charlotte Lucas, daughter of a knight and spinster in the making. She may dress me as finely as the daughter of an earl, but I shall only ever be me.

“This color does not favor Elizabeth. She can wear bolder shades now that she is married, and that is the direction we will go. Jewel tones suit her coloring better.” She glanced at the topic of their conversation, who was stroking an emerald-green silk. The cloth shimmered in her hands.

“As you wish.” Charlotte allowed Amelia to lead her away. “You are no longer a girl just out of the schoolroom. We shall make a few bolder selections as well. Pastels, I am afraid, will wash you out. No, we need blues and greens of a darker shade, though not as bold as what Mrs. Darcy can wear.”

After more than two hours, Charlotte and Elizabeth had acquired quite a pile of fabrics. Amelia seemed satisfied, and the following Monday was chosen for shopping.

“Bring your sister if you wish, Elizabeth. I am certain Miss Darcy would appreciate the outing.”

“Thank you, I shall.” Elizabeth farewelled her friend and her aunt before returning to Darcy House.

“I am very pleased with this selection, madam,” Amelia said to Mrs. Gardiner. “If you have no objection, I shall give your husband’s name to a few of my acquaintances. They are always looking for superior wares, and I have rarely seen such quality outside Bond Street.”

“I thank you, Lady de—Amelia. I take pride in my husband’s business. All my gowns are made from his inventory.” Mrs. Gardiner smiled pleasantly. “Unfortunately, the fashionable shops in town have used other suppliers for a long while and have not seen fit to sign new contracts.”

The footmen removed the last of the unwanted bolts of fabric and Mrs. Gardiner departed with them in her coach.

“A walk is in order after being inside all day,” Amelia said when all was quiet once more. “Will you accompany me?”

“Of course.” Charlotte felt eager to be out of doors. There was a park nearby, and she wondered if that was to be their destination.

Amelia and Charlotte gathered their outerwear and changed into walking boots. They went slowly, Amelia’s walking stick clacking against the paving stones as they went. They did, indeed, go to the park a short distance away, footmen trailing behind them like sentinels.

“Andrew loves this path,” Amelia said. “He often walked here with his father and mother. My younger son lived in the townhouse with his family. I enjoyed having them there and was pleased to save them the expense of leasing other rooms.”

“You must miss them.” Charlotte felt great sympathy for her hostess. Losing so many family members would be a sore trial.

“I do,” she replied. “I am an old woman. I have been without Anthony for longer than I care to admit. Andrew’s father, Arthur, has been gone nearly twenty years, and Lewis for even longer.” She sighed. “Anne will not marry. And if Andrew does not have a child, our line will die. There are no more de Bourghs.”

“I am dreadfully sorry.” Charlotte patted the hand that held her arm. Amelia needed the extra support, and she did not mind giving it.

“I wonder what you would do, Miss Lucas, if you received an offer of marriage from a man you did not love.” Amelia turned and regarded Charlotte steadily. “You are a practical sort. I wager you would accept it.”

Charlotte nodded. “I once wished for love, but at nearly eight-and-twenty, I cannot afford to be so exacting. My brother will eventually seek a wife, and once my mother and father are dead, he will begin to resent caring for an older, unmarried sister.”

“What of love?”

She shook her head. “My chance for love came and went a long time ago. I never had a bloom, as they call it, and I fear I grow plainer as I age. Wrinkles and lines appear almost overnight. No, if I am to marry, it will likely be a marriage of convenience.”

“Such a sad perspective. Marrying for love is infinitely preferable. I wish that happiness for you. Any man would be pleased to have you as his bride.”

“You are not the first to say that. Unfortunately, I do not seem to be the sort of woman who attracts a man.” It did not hurt to say this. Charlotte had come to that conclusion years ago.

“Mayhap your fortune has turned,” Amelia murmured. “Time will tell. Now, let us turn back. I grow weary and I think I shall rest before dinner.”

Charlotte complied, and they turned their steps back to de Bourgh house. Amelia went to her chamber, leaving Charlotte to entertain herself.

She spent her time in reflection. Amelia was correct; Charlotte had been granted the opportunity to change her fortunes. Her hostess wished her to stay until at least July. Would that be enough time to find a man and secure a proposal? If she were honest with herself, she did not want to return to Lucas Lodge without one. Her mother and father had been far too eager for their eldest to accompany Lady de Bourgh to town, even though she had so recently returned from Kent.

Their behavior hurt, though she understood its impetus. Her father was not a wealthy man, and he had another daughter he would need to marry off as well. She would take advantage of her position as Amelia’s guest and do all she could to find a husband. Surely, there was a widower looking for a mother for his children, one who did not need a handsomely dowered bride. I can only hope.