Chapter 8 Meg Goes to Vanity Fair.
April was upon their sleepy town and the weather had finally lifted.
Meg was getting ready to spend two weeks at Annie Moffat's.
The King children had come down with measles, so Meg would be getting an unplanned holiday.
At first Mrs March had been hesitant to allow Meg to visit with the Muffets, but Sally Gardner promised to take good care of Meg, and now Meg's sisters were helping her get ready.
"'A whole two weeks of fun will be wonderful!'
Joe exclaimed as she folded Meg's skirts.
Beth added, "'You're lucky the weather has turned so lovely.'
She was sorting through neck and hair ribbons.
Amy sighed.
I wish I could have a good time and wear such nice clothes.
I wish you were all coming with me, said Meg.
I'll keep all my adventures to tell you when I get back.
It's the least I can do when you're all helping me so much.
Joe asked, What did Mother give you from the treasure chest?
A pair of silk stockings, that pretty covered fan, and a lovely blue sash.
I wanted the violet silk dress, but there wasn't time to alter it.
Meg had also borrowed all of her sister's loveliest items, but she was still disappointed that her wardrobe was so old-fashioned and longed for the finery of more well-to-do girls.
She lamented, I wonder if a time will ever come when I have real lace on my clothes and bows on all my caps.
Beth reminded Meg that yesterday she had been happy just to be invited to Annie Moffat's house.
You're right, Beth, I did say that, and I am happy.
Meg glanced at her trunk, which teared her up.
She said, "'Everything's ready, except my bald dress.
Mother is going to fix it for me.'"
Even though the old white dress had been mended many times, it still made Meg happy.
Early the next morning, wearing her best traveling clothes, Meg left for her two-week vacation.
When she arrived, she felt out of place in the Moffat's splendid house with its elegant, stylish occupants.
The Moffats were good, kind people, despite the frivolous lifestyle.
Soon Meg realized that they were not very sophisticated underneath all their finery, and she felt right at home.
She fell into a happy pattern of eating well, riding in a fine carriage, wearing her best dresses and doing nothing but enjoying herself.
She imitated the fashions of the day, just like the other girls.
She put on airs, used French phrases, and curled her hair.
The more Meg saw of Annie Moffat's pretty things, the more she envied her.
However, Meg didn't have a lot of time for self-pity.
She was too busy having fun.
The girls shopped, walked, rode, and visited friends.
They went to the theater or opera or frolicked at home in the evening.
Annie's older sisters were delightful and accomplished.
One, Belle, was even engaged, which Meg thought was very romantic.
Mr. and Mrs. Moffat took a great liking to the young March girl, just as their daughter had.
They called her Daisy and paid her many compliments.
She soon got used to all the attentions.
When the evening of the first formal party came, all the other girls were wearing new gowns.
Meg pulled out her own ball gown, which looked old and shabby in comparison.
No one said a word, but Meg's pride prickled and her cheeks burned with shame.
Sally, Annie, and Belle did her hair and helped tie her sash.
They even praised her pretty white arms.
Meg felt they were just pitying her for being so poor.
Her heart felt heavy until the maid came in with a box of beautiful flowers.
Annie quickly opened the lid.
Soon all the girls were admiring the pretty roses.
Annie said, they're for Belle, I'm sure.
Her fiancé always sends her flowers.
The maid said, the flowers are for Miss March.
She handed the note to Meg.
The girls fluttered around Meg, asking questions.
The note is from Mother, and the flowers are from Lori, Meg said, slipping it into her pocket.
Marmee's loving words improved her spirits, and she was so happy that Lori hadn't forgotten her.
She put aside a few flowers for herself and then made little bouquets for her friends.
She was so happy she almost forgot about her shabby dress.
That evening, Meg danced to her heart's content.
She had a grand time until she overheard a conversation that made her very upset.
A voice asked, how old is she?
Another responded, 16 or 17, I think.
It would be a good thing for one of those girls, don't you think?
Sally says they all get along so well and the old man just dotes on.
Mrs. March has laid her plans.
She'll play her cards right, even if it's a bit early for Meg to get married.
Though she spoke softly, Meg recognized Mrs. Moffat's voice.
She blushed when the flowers came and then pretended she hadn't expected the note.
It's a shame.
She could be quite pretty, if only she were more stylish.
Think we could lend her a dress for Thursday.
She's proud, but that dowdy dress is all she has to wear.
I'm going to ask that Lawrence boy to come as a favor to Meg.
By the time Meg's partner arrived with her drink, she was flushed and feeling very agitated.
Her pride helped hide her anger.
She tried to forget the conversation she had just heard, but it kept replaying in her head.
She desperately wanted to rush home and talk to her sisters and to ask her mother for advice.
Neither option was possible, so she did her best to appear happy and make it through the evening.
And she was successful.
No one suspected that she was acting.
When the party was over and she was in her room, she cried a little.
She lay awake for a long while, thinking hard about what had happened.
The next morning, Meg had a heavy heart and puffy eyes.
Her vacation mood had drastically changed.
She knew she should have spoken out and set the record straight last night.
As the girls sat sewing that afternoon, they treated Meg with an air of respect.
She was both surprised and flattered.
Belle said, "'Daisy!'
I've invited your friend, Mr. Lawrence, to the party on Thursday.
We'd like to get to know him better.
We thought it would also be a great favor to you.
Meg blushed.
She thought for a second and said, You're so kind.
He probably won't come.
Belle asked, Why not?
Meg replied, He's too old. old is he?
What?
Nearly 70.
Meg tried hard not to laugh.
Belle giggled.
You goose, we met the young man.
There isn't any, Meg said.
Lori's only a boy.
The sisters exchanged strange looks.
Annie said, he's about your age, isn't he?
Meg replied, not really.
He's more my sister Jo's age.
I'm going to be 17 in August.
Annie said, but he sent you those flowers.
Meg replied, he does things like that all the time for my family.
My mother and his grandfather are old friends.
It's quite natural for us to play together.
She hoped that would put the matter to rest.
Annie whispered to Belle, She's very innocent, isn't she?
Mrs. Moffat came into the room to ask if the girls needed anything.
Sally said her clothes were all set for Thursday.
Meg said the same thing, even though she needed many new things she simply couldn't have.
After Mrs. Moffat left, Sally asked, What are you going to wear?
Meg said, My old white gown again, if I can fix it for Thursday, because I tore it last night.
Sally said, Why don't you send home for another?
Meg swallowed her pride and answered, I haven't got another.
Belle said, No need to send home.
You can borrow one of mine.
Meg smiled.
That's so kind, but my old dress suits me just fine.
The girls begged and pleaded until Meg agreed to borrow Belle's dress.
She had forgotten all about last night's conversation.
On Thursday, Belle shut Meg inside her room.
With the help of the maid, they transformed her into the height of fashion.
They laced her into a tight blue silk dress.
They curled her hair.
They powdered her neck and arms.
They would have applied rouge if Meg hadn't sternly declined.
They added bracelets, a necklace, and earrings.
Meg felt very unlike herself.
She looked very beautiful.
Meg went downstairs in the high French heels, trying hard not to trip over the dress.
Compliments poured from everyone.
Sally even told her how lovely she looked, trying not to be jealous.
The atmosphere at this party was completely different from that of the last one.
Girls who refused to notice Meg before now paid her a great deal of attention.
Young men who before only stared now asked to be introduced.
Mrs. Moffat was busy explaining Meg's identity to many of the older women.
Daisy March, she said.
Her father's a colonel in the army.
She's from one of our first families.
They've fallen upon hard times, but she's an intimate friend of the Lawrences.
She's a very sweet girl.
My Ned's quite taken with her.
Meg was shocked at Mrs. Moffat's bold lies.
It was hard to act like she didn't hear the whispers and the conversations.
She simply decided to have fun.
She played her part well, even if her feet hurt from the shoes.
She even flirted with a young man for a little while.
Suddenly, she saw Lori arrive.
He stared at her with great surprise and disapproval.
Belle and Annie gave one another knowing glances.
This confused Meg even further.
She decided to right the situation and greet Lori.
"'I was afraid you wouldn't come,' she said."
Joe wanted me to, so I could tell her how you looked.
Meg asked, what will you say to her?
That you look very unlike yourself.
You look so grown up that I'm a little afraid of you.
That's silly, Meg said.
The girls dressed me up for fun.
Wouldn't Joe stare if she saw me now?
She sure would.
Meg's feelings were hurt.
You don't like me like this.
No, I don't.
Why not?
Lori looked at her fine dress, bare shoulders, and curled hair.
I don't like fuss and feathers.
Well, this was too much coming from a boy younger than she was.
Meg fumed.
You are the rudest boy ever.
She walked to a window to cool off.
Overhearing a nasty comment about her overdone outfit, she realized she should have worn her own clothes rather than feel so uncomfortable and ashamed.
She stood half hidden behind the curtains until Lori came, held out his hand and said Please forgive my rudeness and dance with me.
He explained that though he didn't like her dress, she did look lovely.
She tried to act angry, but her favorite waltz was playing.
They twirled merrily around and only stopped when Meg got out of breath.
Horry, she asked.
Can you do me a favor?
Of course.
Please don't tell them at home about my dress tonight.
Lori asked.
Why did you wear it if you are so ashamed?
I don't mind if they know, but I want to tell them myself.
She paused.
I'll need to confess how I've been acting so silly.
Lori nodded.
Well, what shall I say when they ask?
Just that I had a good time and that I look nice.
Lori looked concerned.
Are you really having a good time?
Not at this moment, no.
I wanted a little fun, but now I'm getting tired of it.
Ned Moffat came to collect his three dances.
Meg looked at Lori and rolled her eyes.
He laughed, knowing Meg meant that Ned was such a bore.
Lori didn't catch sight of Meg until after dinner when she was drinking champagne with Ned and his friend Fisher.
Both boys were acting like fools.
Ned went to get another drink and Fisher left to retrieve Meg's fan.
Lori whispered to Meg, You'll have a splitting headache tomorrow if you drink too much.
Your mother might not like it.
She replied, I'm not Meg tonight.
I'm a doll who does crazy things.
Tomorrow I'll be back to my old self and put away all of my fuss and feathers.
For the rest of the evening, Lori watched Meg dance, laugh, chatter, and flirt.
He was embarrassed by her behavior and would have said something, but Meg avoided him until it was time to say goodnight.
Not a word.
Shh, she put her finger to her lips.
Lori replied solemnly, On my honor.
All the girls were curious to hear about Lori, but Meg was too tired and her head ached.
She was glad Saturday was only two days away.
She couldn't wait to go home, feeling very used up after two weeks of fun.
Meg told her sisters all about her adventures when she got home.
On Sunday, after Beth and Amy had gone to bed, she sat quietly by the fire.
Home is a wonderful place, even if it isn't splendid, Marmee said.
I'm so glad to hear you say that, Meg.
I was afraid home would feel dull after your fine accommodations.
Meg thought for a minute and then said, Marmee, I have to confess.
She told her mother and Joe everything that happened at the Moffat's party, including the fancy dress and the champagne.
She said that she knew Lori was disappointed by her behavior.
She described her flirting with the boys and the gossip she had overheard.
Marmee's lips turned white.
Joe exclaimed, Well, that's just nonsense.
Why didn't you tell them so?
Meg looked down.
I felt shamed and embarrassed.
Then it just made me angry.
Joe exclaimed, imagine us being nice to Laurie and his grandfather just so he'll marry one of us.
How silly.
She laughed.
The next time she saw Annie Moffat, she vowed she'd give her a piece of her mind.
Marmee quietly told Joe that gossip must never be repeated but forgotten as soon as possible.
She did have plans for them, but they weren't at all like the ones Mrs. Moffat had outlined.
She wanted her girls to grow up and be accomplished and good, to be admired, respected and lead useful, pleasant lives.
She wanted them to find love, but never to marry just for the sake of a fortune.
She added, be patient and leave these things to time.
Everything will work out exactly as it should.
With that piece of excellent advice, both girls went up to bed with untroubled thoughts and hopeful hearts.
