8 Meg Goes to Vanity Fair

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 Moffats, but Sallie Gardiner 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!" Jo 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." Jo 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 sisters'

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 cheered her up. She said, "Everything's ready except my ball 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 Moffats' splendid house with its

elegant, stylish occupants. The Moffats were good, kind people, despite their 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 attention. 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. Sallie, 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 Laurie," Meg said, slipping it into her pocket. Marmee's loving words improved her spirits, and she was so happy that Laurie