Page 13 of The Marriage Game

The next day saw Georgiana attired in a pale green carriage dress of jaconet muslin, decorated at the hem, collar and wrists with cream ribbon. Her cloak was wool of a darker green.

She presented herself downstairs to her sister, and Elizabeth hugged her in excitement. “You look wonderful, Georgiana.”

“But what do I say to him?” the girl asked.

“You spoke with him easily enough when he called on you,” Elizabeth reminded her.

“But there were other people in the drawing room, but in the carriage, it will be just us!”

Elizabeth said, “Very well. To begin, he will compliment you and you will thank him. If he says nothing more, then you can ask how he is enjoying the Season. Enquiring if he has been to the theater of late is a good question. But he is a sociable man, Georgiana, and I think you can safely follow his conversational lead.”

“And other people will see us in his carriage?”

“Yes, indeed, and with any luck, you will be introduced to new acquaintances.”

As it turned out, Georgiana had no need to worry about conversation, as Lord Fane had brought along his sister, Agatha! Georgiana greeted her friend with joy and relief.

Lord Fane whispered to Elizabeth, “I thought having Agatha along would make your sister more comfortable.”

“How very thoughtful!” Elizabeth replied. “Georgiana is a gentle creature, and tends toward shyness.”

“I like that about her,” the Earl said simply.

Elizabeth turned to the maid who had been selected to accompany Georgiana on her ride, and told her that her services were no longer required.

***

When Georgiana returned from her drive, her cheeks and eyes were bright.

“It looks like you enjoyed yourself, Georgiana,” Elizabeth chuckled.

“Oh, very much! I met ever so many people – I think Agatha knows everyone in London! – and then we went for ices, though I had hot chocolate.”

“Did you get to know the Earl a bit better?”

“Yes, and he is ever so kind, Lizzy! We talked about why we prefer country life to Town life, though we agree that there is a good deal of enjoyment to be had in theater, opera, museums, and so on. I said that some of both, country and Town, would suit me very well, and this seemed to be the right thing to say, as he smiled and said he felt the same. And Agatha says they will give a ball during the Season, and we are sure to be invited!”

Georgiana’s enthusiasm was contagious, and Elizabeth found herself smiling widely as she listened. She was glad the Earl had brought his sister; Georgiana’s shyness had vanished the moment she had understood that her friend would be there to support her. The Earl had understood the situation and had handled it very well, she thought.

***

The carriage ride expanded Georgiana’s social circle a good deal, and every day visitors arrived and cards were left. There were balls at least twice a week, and Georgiana soon learnt that she could count on dancing almost every dance. Lord Fane was often at the same events, and he would inevitably ask her to dance.

***

The Countess made an appearance one afternoon. She wasted no time in telling Georgiana that she had made a good impression on Society so far. “To have Lord Fane, the Earl of Westmoreland, driving you in the park is no small thing, Georgiana. But there are plenty more fish in the sea, as the saying goes, and you are not to encourage him if you do not like him.”

“I do like him, Aunt,” Georgiana replied. “But it was just a carriage ride. Well, it has been four carriage rides so far. And any number of dances!”

The Countess nodded. “In any case, I came here to tell you that I have a date for your presentation to the Queen, and we must get you ready.”