Lady Grierson left satisfied her “golden goose” was comfortable. She would not want Marianne to complain to her guardian and ask to be accommodated elsewhere. Emily, last night’s disappointment forgotten, arrived at the parlour door. She was accompanied by her maid with her arms full of clothes. ‘Marianne, I have brought a selection of dresses. As we are almost the same size I thought you might like to select a few for yourself. You could borrow from me until you have your own.’ ‘That is kind of you, Emily, and especially after my appalling rudeness last night.’ ‘Of fiddlesticks to that! You were tired and had the headache. It is hardly surprising you were out of sorts.’ The garments spilled enticingly over the settle and Marianne, who had considered herself above such trivial interests as fresh gowns, dropped to her knees to examine them more closely. ‘This is lovely; this particular shade of green is a favourite of mine. And the material is so fine—is it cambric or muslin?’ Emily shrugged.
