Page 22 of The Marriage Game

March 1815

The day of their presentation to the Queen, the sixth of March, arrived; both Elizabeth and Georgiana were so nervous that they could barely speak. The Countess came to Darcy House in the morning and supervised their dressing.

“Eat some toast, but have very little liquid,” the Countess advised. “It is impossible to relieve yourself in these gowns.”

Georgiana blushed at the mention of such bodily functions, but Elizabeth simply nodded.

Elizabeth’s court dress included a petticoat of white crape richly embroidered with silver thread; the border was embroidered in Pomona green. The dress itself was that same Pomona green, also embroidered with silver thread. She had a train of Pomona green velvet, trimmed with silver. Her headdress was green velvet, adorned with diamonds and ostrich feathers. The required hoops were enormous, resulting in a gown that was so wide that Elizabeth thought she looked like nothing so much as a walking bell. She had to turn sideways to leave her room.

Georgiana’s attire was similar; as an unmarried young lady, she wore white, but had chosen to embellish the yards and yards – endless yards! – of white with Celestial Blue embroidery. She, too, wore a headdress; hers was Celestial Blue velvet, adorned with pearls and ostrich feathers.

The cost of the gowns had been astronomical, and Elizabeth had protested again against the necessity of her own presentation, but she had been overruled by both the Countess and her own husband.

As the process of putting on the gowns went on – and on and on – the Countess reiterated the lessons she had imparted over the past weeks.

“If the Queen speaks to you, answer in a friendly but respectful manner. You need not confine yourself to monosyllables. Do not, under any circumstances, cough or sneeze. It is difficult, I know, but if you feel a cough beginning, you must choke it back. Grind your teeth together if you feel a sneeze approaching, that will help arrest it.

“On no account should you fidget! Should a pin work its way loose and stick you, you must not take it out, no matter how painful. Should tears actually run down your cheeks, you must not wipe them; simply ignore them. Do you understand?”

Georgiana shot Elizabeth a desperate look.

“We understand perfectly, Aunt,” Elizabeth replied. “If I am honest, I think Georgiana and I are both sufficiently terrified that we will have difficulty walking, let alone fidgeting.”

Mr. Darcy had hoped to accompany his wife and sister to the palace, but the Countess scolded him. “Have you seen their gowns? There is scarcely room in the carriage for the three of us! You will stay here and wait.”

He scowled at his aunt, but he knew she was right. He attempted to lean over to kiss his wife; unfortunately, her skirts were so wide that he could not reach her.

Laughing, Elizabeth said, “I will tell you all about it when we come home!”

Georgiana muttered, “Assuming that I do not first faint from hunger, thirst or terror.”

***

There was a long line of carriages down Piccadilly Street leading to St. James’ Palace. Elizabeth was grateful for the Countess’ warning about not drinking. She was desperately thirsty, but understood that there was nothing to be done but get through it. “Are you well?” she whispered to Georgiana.

Georgiana turned her face to Elizabeth; the pallor of her skin was cause for concern.

“Georgiana, it will be fine!” Elizabeth rushed to assure her.

“Do you promise me, Lizzy?”

“I absolutely promise you,” Elizabeth said fervently, hoping that she spoke the truth.

Their carriage finally arrived at the entrance to the Palace; the Countess exited first, followed by Elizabeth and then Georgiana.

There was a line of ladies, waiting to be presented.

Elizabeth distracted Georgiana by pointing out some of the absurdities – were there truly thirty feathers in that lady’s bandeau?

How had she managed to keep them all in place?

One of the feathers drifted down as they whispered, causing them to have to stifle their laughter.

And was that lady’s gown truly covered in diamonds?

Why, it must weigh so much that it was a miracle she could walk!

By the time they reached the front of the line, Georgiana’s face had regained its colour.

The Countess walked in first and announced that she was presenting Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Georgiana Darcy. Elizabeth then walked up to the Queen and made the deep curtsey as she had been taught.

“So you are the country girl who finally captured the elusive Fitzwilliam Darcy?” the Queen asked. Her tone was so friendly that Elizabeth could not take offense.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I believe that to be my one and only claim to distinction.”

“It is distinction enough.” The Queen then nodded, which was a dismissal.

Elizabeth backed up, managing not to trip over her gown, and she breathed a heartfelt sigh of relief.

Now it was Georgiana’s turn.

“I understand you are a virtuoso on the pianoforte, Miss Darcy,” the Queen said.

That was the last thing Georgiana had expected to hear, but she understood that it would not do to contradict the Queen. “I love music,” she managed.

“You must come and play for me,” the Queen continued.

“I would be – be most honoured,” Georgiana stammered.

At the Queen’s nod, Georgiana gratefully backed up.

And at last it was over.

On the way home, the Countess congratulated them. “I could not be more pleased,” she said several times.

Elizabeth thanked the Countess for all her help and turned to Georgiana. Alarmed, she said, “Sister! Are you not well?”

Poor Georgiana! Now that it was over, she looked ready to faint away. Her eyes were wide, her face pale, her hands clammy.

“Breathe, Georgiana! It is done!” Elizabeth said, fanning the girl vigorously.

Finally, Georgiana began to recover her colour. Then she said, piteously, “Surely I will not have to play in front of the Queen!”

“Oh, I expect that you will,” the Countess said, unsympathetic to her niece’s nerves. “What a coup that will be!”

Back at Darcy House, Mr. Darcy stood waiting. Once he had been assured that all had gone quite well, he was left to entertain the Countess on his own, as his two ladies made their way upstairs with alacrity, wanting nothing more than to get out of these dreadful gowns and then – oh, heavenly! – drink some tea!

***

At dinner that night, Mr. Darcy was regaled with details of the presentation, including the Queen’s comment to Georgiana. Mr. Darcy was inclined to agree with the Countess that an invitation to perform for Her Majesty would arrive at some point. He did not wish to alarm his sister, but he thought it wise to be prepared.

“Georgiana, I recall that you have longed to have lessons with Master Lombardi. I understand that he was in Italy for a time, but he is now in Town. Shall I arrange it?”

His sister was no fool. “You think I will have to play for the Queen, do you not?”

He shrugged, hoping to look nonchalant. “It is not impossible, Georgiana, but nonetheless, would that not please you? And you know you will be asked to perform many times during the Season.”

“I would like it, Brother, yes.”

“I shall arrange it at once.”

***

The next day saw Jane and Caroline at Darcy House, eager to hear about the presentation. Upon learning that the Queen had actually said she wanted to hear Georgiana play, Caroline said, “Oh, Miss Darcy! I have been thinking that you and I should learn some duets! Would that not be a fine entertainment at a tea party or a dinner?” If Georgiana was to be touted as a fine performer, why should she, Caroline, not share in those accolades?

Georgiana did not know how to refuse without seeming rude, so she agreed, and a date was fixed for the two of them to practice together.