Page 24 of The Marriage Game
The staff scurried about the house for the entire week before the ball, cleaning everything in sight, rearranging furniture, bringing in foodstuffs and the like. Elizabeth hired a good number of extra footmen to help serve champagne throughout the evening. Menus were planned, musicians were hired, the floors were chalked, and finally it was time.
Georgiana was in an agony of nerves, of course. She had a stunning gown to wear – cream silk with gold embroidery and a gold net overdress – but she was certain that she would make a complete cake of herself. “What if I trip and fall on the dance floor?” she wailed to Elizabeth as she was being helped into her dress.
“Then you will pick yourself up and continue on, Georgiana, but tell me, when was the last time you tripped on a dance floor?”
Georgiana had to admit that it had never happened.
“Nor will it happen tonight. Very well, what else has you in knots?”
“What if no one asks me to dance?”
At this, Elizabeth began to laugh. “Georgiana, that is simply impossible.”
“Why is it impossible?” Georgiana’s lower lip was trembling.
“Your first dance will be with your brother, of course.”
“Of course. But then what?”
“Then you will be surrounded with young men eager to dance with Miss Darcy!”
“You are certain, Elizabeth?”
“Georgiana, this is your ball. Moreover, you are a lovely heiress with excellent connections. It will be seen as an honour to secure a dance with you; I promise you this!”
“Very well,” Georgiana sighed. “I suppose it will be all right.”
“All right? Georgiana, you will remember tonight with happiness for the rest of your life!”
***
Elizabeth’s prediction was quite accurate. As Cathy was arranging Georgiana’s hair, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy came in to give Georgiana her diamond tiara. Georgiana almost burst into tears of happiness, but Elizabeth cautioned her not to give in to her emotions, saying, “We do not want your eyes to be red!”
The one hundred and fifty invitations that had gone out had garnered them over four hundred guests. Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth and Georgiana stood at the entryway to receive the guests, and Georgiana was conscious of a good many admiring male glances.
The Earl and Countess of Matlock were in attendance, of course, as were the Bingleys and the Gardiners. The Countess observed Elizabeth speaking to a handsome woman attired in the first stare of fashion; the woman looked somewhat familiar, but the Countess could not recall if they had ever actually been introduced. Making her way through the crowd, she requested an introduction.
Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled mischievously. The Countess had obviously mistaken Aunt Gardiner for a woman of fashion, but she had requested an introduction and Elizabeth was happy to comply.
“Aunt Matlock, may I present Mrs. Gardiner? Aunt Gardiner, may I present the Countess of Matlock?”
The Countess’ eyes widened, as she realised that she had just been introduced to the wife of a merchant – at her own request! – but she carried it off with her usual good manners and elegance. “Ah, now I recall; I saw you at my nephew’s wedding! Mrs. Gardiner, I have heard much of you from your lovely niece – I think I must say our lovely niece! – and I am delighted to properly meet you at last.” The fact that the Countess had not requested an introduction at the wedding was not mentioned.
Mrs. Gardiner smiled warmly and curtsied most properly; then she said, “I have the honour of serving on the board of one of the charities that you sponsor, Lady Eleanor.”
“Indeed! Which one?”
“The London Home for Girls.”
“A most estimable organization,” the Countess said, nodding firmly. “I am proud to be one of its supporters.”
Satisfied that the conversation could now proceed without her, Elizabeth took her leave of them in order to assure herself that Georgiana was doing well.
She need not have worried. Georgiana was surrounded by admirers! Elizabeth chuckled as she watched all the young men who had been visiting her regularly attempting to crowd out the newcomers. Lord Fane was speaking to her just now, and Georgiana’s eyes were glowing in response to his attention. Was this going to become a problem, Georgiana and Lord Fane? How could the romance be discouraged before it went any further? Well, that was a dilemma for tomorrow. Mrs. Annesley was standing where she could watch Georgiana unobserved; Elizabeth caught Mrs. Annesley’s eye and they gave each other a brief nod of acknowledgement.
Elizabeth then searched for Caroline Bingley. Caroline’s manners had improved a good deal, but Elizabeth was not yet convinced that the change was real. She was happy to see Caroline sitting peacefully with her friends, the “nobodies” she had entertained at Bingley House, as well as a few others. Caroline was perfectly dressed for the ball, in a lovely green silk gown, gathered at the back in the center with a gold pouf. Her slippers were gold, with green shoe roses to match her gown. She wore a bandeau sporting three feathers, dyed green. Caroline had always adored dressing up – usually far more than the occasion warranted – but it had to be said that she looked very nice indeed.
Caroline spotted Elizabeth and waved her over. “Elizabeth, Lady Alicia hoped to speak with you.”
Elizabeth recalled being introduced to the young lady in the receiving line. Ah, yes, this was the young lady who had made the grievous misstep and had been rescued by the Countess! “Lady Alicia, I hope you are enjoying yourself,” Elizabeth said, kindly.
“Mrs. Darcy, I am, yes. I wished to convey my gratitude for the invitation to Miss Darcy’s ball.”
“Lady Alicia, I believe it is Caroline to whom you should express your thanks, though of course I was more than happy to comply with her request.”
Caroline added, “Lady Alicia was escorted here by her brother, Mr. Gregory, who is the Earl’s second son.”
“Oh, yes, I recall meeting him in the receiving line,” Elizabeth replied.
Lady Alicia spoke again, eyes now on the floor. “I have not received many invitations of late, you see, so I am very grateful for this one.”
“I am glad you are here,” Elizabeth said firmly. “It is fortunate that you were discovered in time, as an elopement is rarely a good idea for the young lady; it is unfortunate that the tale was spread about Town. But I was happy to learn that you are now facing into it, Lady Alicia. Continue to be seen in Town and hold your head high. The whispers will die down, I promise you.”
“That is exactly what my friends said, and that is what I plan to do! Thank you, Mrs. Darcy, I appreciate your kindness and understanding.”
Elizabeth then turned to see her husband right behind her, grinning broadly, and beside him – “Richard! I half-believe that I must be dreaming! I never expected to see you here!”
“My general agreed that it was unconscionable for me to miss Georgiana’s come-out ball, and so here I am!” He smiled widely. “He has also tasked me with finding a new mount for him while I am in London; he trusts my judgement when it comes to horses.”
“I could not be more delighted, truly,” Elizabeth said, warmly. She had become fond of Colonel Fitzwilliam at Rosings; in the course of her marriage, that fondness had deepened into mutual affection and respect. “Have you seen Georgiana?”
“I have, yes, and she was able to persuade one of her suitors to relinquish a dance to me.”
Mr. Darcy’s eyebrows rose. “Her card is full?”
“It certainly is. Are you surprised?”
“No; I simply do not want her to become overwhelmed.”
“Darcy, she is having the time of her life,” the Colonel told him, laughing. “It is you who are struggling with all this.”
Mr. Darcy reddened. “She is my little sister!”
“Not any longer,” his cousin said, pointing to the dance floor. Georgiana was laughing gaily as she danced with Mr. Taylor.
Elizabeth’s gaze swept the ballroom and she spotted Lord Fane, standing with his sister, Lady Agatha. They were both watching Georgiana and Mr. Taylor.
Elizabeth nudged her husband, and jerked her chin toward Lord Fane. “See how he watches her?” she whispered.
Mr. Darcy sighed.
“What is it?” the Colonel enquired.
Mr. Darcy replied, “Georgiana’s preferred suitor seems to be Lord Fane, and he appears to reciprocate that preference.”
“Lord Fane? The Earl of Westmoreland?”
“The very one.”
“But is that not cause for rejoicing?”
Elizabeth spoke up. “Do you think Georgiana would be happy as the wife of an Earl? Think of the entertaining, the politics!”
“Not all Countesses are like my mother, you know. Some live relatively quiet lives.”
“You are forgetting something,” Mr. Darcy reminded him. “Were she to make a spectacular marriage, what might come to light?” He spoke softly, so as not to be overheard.
The Colonel looked blank for a moment, and then dismayed. “I should have killed him,” the Colonel growled
“It is not too late,” Elizabeth muttered.
“Would you make your sister Lydia a widow?” Mr. Darcy asked.
“Better a widow than the wife of a snake! But, Richard, you can see why we cannot approve of the match.”
“I do, of course. Shall I speak with her?”
“I think not; we hope she will lose interest in Lord Fane. Richard, would you do me a very great favour?” Elizabeth asked.
“Name it!” he declared.
“Ask Caroline Bingley to dance.”
“Anything but that,” he responded immediately, his distaste plain on his face.
“She is much improved, I promise you!”
“Must I?” The doughty Colonel sounded like nothing so much as a sulky little boy.
“You must,” Elizabeth said, trying not to laugh.
***
Meanwhile, Mr. Gregory Lindsay had already had a dance with Caroline, and the two had laughed and spoken together easily. He immediately asked her for the supper dance as well; recalling Mrs. Annesley’s advice, she smiled prettily and said, “I would love that, Mr. Lindsay, but it is my policy not to dance with the same gentleman twice.”
“Ever?” he asked.
“Well, unless we had an understanding, of course. I do not want to become an object of gossip.” She lowered her eyes, the very picture of maidenly sensitivity.
“I appreciate the delicacy of a lady’s situation,” he said, smiling warmly.
Mrs. Annesley had evidently been right again; a real gentleman would understand her refusal! But hold, the gentleman coming towards her, was that? – yes, it was Mr. Darcy’s cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam! Caroline had not thought that he would be at the ball, but here he was. He was not a handsome man, Caroline thought, though his formal dress uniform showed off his broad shoulders. He had never had a good deal to say to Caroline, but he was the son of an Earl, after all, and must be treated respectfully.
The Colonel bowed and very politely requested Caroline’s next available dance.
Caroline curtsied and replied, “The next set is open.”
When the music for the dance began, he led her to the floor. They danced in silence for several minutes; Caroline finally said, “I am surprised to see you here.”
“I was able to get leave to attend Georgiana’s ball.” His reply was stiff.
“I am sure she is delighted.”
“I hope so.”
Caroline grit her teeth. Heavens, he was difficult to talk to! The dance separated them for a time, too short a time, in Caroline’s opinion! When they returned to one another, she managed, “How long will you be in London?”
“A few weeks, perhaps.”
The next few minutes passed in painful silence. Finally, she snapped. “Do you know how to carry on a conversation?”
He snapped back, “With people I like, yes!”
“You do not like me, then?” Caroline bit out.
“No; I never have.”
Caroline stopped dead and stared at him for a long minute. Then she walked off, leaving the Colonel in the middle of the dance floor. He stared after her, aware that he was now an object of some interest to the onlookers. Doubtless they were wondering what he could have done to offend a lady so badly that she left him in the middle of a country dance! He walked off the floor with as much dignity as he could muster, teeth gritted in fury.
He should not have been surprised to find his mother at his side, glaring at him. “Is this how I brought you up, Richard? Good Lord, what did you say to the girl?”
“You know I do not like her, Mother.”
“Then why did you ask her to dance?”
He opened his mouth to say that Elizabeth had forced him to, but realised in time that he would sound like a child. Instead, he just shook his head.
“She is pretty enough, I think,” his mother continued.
The Colonel thought about it. “Well, I suppose she is tolerable, yes, if you like a sharp nose, a sharp chin and a sharp tongue.”
“Not as sharp as some. And did she speak with you?”
He sighed, knowing himself to be very much in the wrong. “She tried, but I did not help her along at all. And then I told her that I did not like her.”
“I have never liked her either,” his mother said, easily. “But she has surprised me of late, and I think there is more to her than I had suspected. And certainly a gentleman should not tell his dance partner that he does not like her! Heavens, Richard!”
“Have you spoken with her?” the Colonel asked, skeptically.
“I have not permitted her to be introduced to me, as her manners have always been appalling and her dress sense even worse, but she has changed all that. Moreover, she has a good deal of pluck. You should have seen her at Gunter’s, ready to do battle on behalf of a friend! I have decided to permit the introduction – which you will perform – and then you will apologise to her.” With that, the Countess sailed off through the crowd, dragging a reluctant son behind her.
“There she is,” the Countess said. Caroline was sitting with her group of friends again, whispering to them. Her occasional glances toward the Colonel left the Countess in no doubt of the subject of their conversation.
The young ladies all rose and curtsied as the Countess approached them. “Richard, please introduce me to Miss Bingley.”
Richard presented Caroline to the Countess, and Caroline’s eyes grew wide. She had long hoped that the Countess of Matlock would deign to notice her! If only someone other than Colonel Fitzwilliam had been the means of that introduction! But no matter.
“Miss Bingley, I was impressed with your behaviour at Gunter’s. You were right to stand up for Lady Alicia; her situation was unfortunate and she was lucky to have loyal friends.” The Countess smiled kindly at Lady Alicia as she spoke. “I am not, however, impressed with my son’s behaviour.” She turned and looked meaningfully at Richard.
The Colonel was well aware that his manners had been dreadful, worse than anything even Miss Bingley had ever exhibited, and he very much owed her an apology. “Miss Bingley, I regret my ill-tempered words. My only excuse, such as it is, is that I traveled for twelve hours without rest to get to the ball, and I am quite weary.”
Miss Bingley replied immediately. “You are forgiven, of course. But may I request that you never ask me to dance again?” Caroline had put a good face on it, as she knew she must, but her feelings had been badly hurt; worse, her self-confidence had taken a hard hit. She would never subject herself to that again!
“I am happy to comply with your request,” the Colonel answered quickly. Indeed, nothing could make him happier! He would never have to dance with Miss Bingley again, no matter how much Elizabeth begged him to.
***
Theodore Fane, the Earl of Westmoreland, knew his duty. As an eligible – very eligible! – gentleman, he must dance every dance, and select a different lady each time. He had managed to secure Miss Darcy’s supper dance, and then did his duty with any number of young ladies. Each of them was pretty, well-dressed, and well-mannered, but he found himself simply counting down the hours until the supper dance.
He kept a close eye on Miss Darcy, noting who she danced with. Surely Mr. Dunfred was holding her too close! And Mr. Taylor certainly took his time in releasing Miss Darcy’s hand at the end of the dance! Hold; was Mr. Stanley actually staring at her bosom? He scowled fiercely at that gentleman, causing his current partner to ask him, in some alarm, if he was quite well. He apologised to her for his momentary distraction and did his best to pay more attention to her.
He and his sister had spoken candidly about his feelings for Miss Darcy. Frankly, though, he had no idea if Miss Darcy was interested in him at all, so all this worrying might very well be for naught. How he wished he could just ask her how she felt, instead of having to guess! She smiled at him a good deal, but she smiled at everyone. She was happy to play the piano for him, but she played for everyone. She always thanked him sweetly for the bouquets he sent her, but she thanked everyone sweetly. She had seemed delighted to ride in his carriage, but did she not speak with his sister as much as with him?
Did she care for him at all? How in heaven’s name was a gentleman to know?
***
Lord Russell, the Baron de Clifford, asked Caroline for her supper dance. He had been informed that she had a dowry of twenty thousand pounds, and she was not at all bad-looking. He had also heard, via the servant’s grapevine, that her brother was eager to marry her off. Lord Russell had experienced a series of bad losses at his club, and marrying a good dowry seemed the best solution.
He had been very interested in Miss Darcy and her thirty thousand pounds, but of late he had gotten a very strong feeling that his interest was not returned. While everything polite, she had nonetheless been quite cool to him.
Miss Bingley was, he thought, a good alternative. Twenty thousand pounds was not as inviting as thirty thousand, and Miss Bingley’s connections were vastly inferior to Miss Darcy’s, but Lord Russell was very familiar with the saying that beggars should not be choosers! Also, Miss Bingley was not unattractive, with her red-brown hair and green eyes; siring an heir would be no difficult chore.
He had secured Miss Bingley’s supper dance easily enough; she had blushed and curtsied to him. Doubtless the idea of being Lady Russell had great appeal to the daughter of a merchant. As he led her into supper, he made certain to find her a good seat, and then asked solicitously after her food preferences.
Caroline had been thrilled to have been asked to supper by Lord Russell. He was tall and good-looking, and – heavens – a Baron! What a gentleman! How very different from that odious Colonel Fitzwilliam! And he was evidently very wealthy, as he spoke a good deal about his acreage, his horses and his carriages. When he asked if he might call on her, she was thrilled and very quickly replied in the affirmative.
***
Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth watched Caroline and Lord Russell dining together with some concern.
“It is none of our business, is it?” Mr. Darcy whispered to his wife.
“I think we must at least tell Charles what we know about the man,” his wife whispered back. “He might not care if Caroline is married to a fortune hunter, as long as she is out of the house, but he should at least be made aware, should he not?”
Mr. Darcy bit back a groan. He very much disliked being involved in schemes such as these; someone was bound to be hurt. But Elizabeth was right; he owed Bingley the truth about Lord Russell before things went too far.
***
Georgiana and Lord Fane were sitting together rather closely. Lady Agatha had joined them with her own dance partner. Georgiana’s plate had been filled by Lord Fane with all manner of delicacies, but she could only pick at her food. Her head was filled with the nearness of the man she – loved? Perhaps! But did he like her as well as she liked him? And could she truly learn to be a Countess?
Mr. Stanley was sitting on Georgiana’s left with his dance partner. He addressed Georgiana occasionally with his usual kind smile, finally asking if he might come to Darcy House next week with his violin; he had not attended to his music as regularly as he should, but perhaps Georgiana would play a duet with him? Georgiana agreed, thinking that perhaps Mr. Stanley would make a better husband for her than Lord Fane. They were both musical, he had an estate that could support a family, and Georgiana would not be required to become a political hostess.
How was a girl to choose?
***
The ball concluded in the early hours of the following morning. The Darcys were exhausted and were glad to wave the last stragglers home.