eight  o'clock
Lady Juliana had already frowned a contemptuous refusal , but in due time it was changed to a sullen assent , at the pressing entreaties of her husband , to whom any place was now preferable to home . In truth , the mention of a party had more weight with her than either her husband 's wishes or her aunts ' remonstrances ; and they had assured her that she should meet with a large assemblage of the very first company at Lochmarlie Castle . The day appointed for the important visit arrived ; and it was arranged that two of the elder ladies and one of the young ones should accompany Lady Juliana in her barouche , which Henry was to drive . At peep of dawn the ladies were astir , and at eight o'clock breakfast was hurried over that they might begin the preparations necessary for appearing with dignity at the shrine of this their patron saint . At eleven they reappeared in all the majesty of sweeping silk trains and well-powdered toupees . In outward show Miss Becky was not less elaborate ; the united strength and skill of her three aunts and four sisters had evidently been exerted in forcing her hair into every position but that for which nature had intended it ; curls stood on end around her forehead , and tresses were dragged up from the roots , and formed into a club on the crown ; her arms had been strapped back till her elbows met , by means of a pink ribbon of no ordinary strength or doubtful hue . Three hours were past in all the anguish of full-dressed impatience ; an anguish in which every female breast must be ready to sympathise .