Part 42: Her Humble Vanity

The shops of Salisbury were not as varied or accessible as Bath's had been, but Mrs. Allen determined to sample the newest fashions regardless. A manservant and the two eldest Morland girls attended her in lieu of Mr. Allen, whose business occupied him as much by inclination as necessity. Sally enthused over every little bounce in the carriage and then eagerly followed her guides from one novel experience to another.

Catherine smiled as well, happy for her sister's happiness, and grateful for the diversion from their usual routine. Yet her mind would occasionally wander from examining a shawl to consider how long it was taking to embroider a T on the handkerchiefs she had, after weeks of uneven toil, finally sewn. Then too, it was increasingly difficult not to mention anything of the matter to Henry, as she had grown used to sharing nearly every stray thought or feeling, and she was sure something must have slipped by in her last letter despite every intention not to. She so wanted to offer him a pleasant surprise.

It would certainly be a welcome surprise to her if the stitching turned out half so well as these several fine samples on display.

Title from Chapter 2 of Northanger Abbey: "Such words had their due effect; she immediately thought the evening pleasanter than she had found it before—her humble vanity was contented...."