Page 8 of The Marriage Game

The next day, the Countess sent a note telling Elizabeth to expect her for tea. All three Darcys, as well as Mrs. Annesley, waited in the drawing room; at the appointed time, the Countess was ushered in.

“I have the list,” she informed them, after enquiries as to health had been satisfied.

Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy exchanged wary glances. “The list?” Mr. Darcy asked.

“Yes, of course; the list of eligible gentlemen who will be in Town for the Season.” The Countess looked at them in astonishment. “I am certain I mentioned it, did I not? No? Well, in any case, all of you must familiarise yourselves with this list, so that you will immediately know which callers to encourage and which to discourage. I have also noted which of them have female relatives with whom you, Elizabeth, should become acquainted.” She flourished a piece of paper.

Feeling uncertain, but understanding what was expected of her, Elizabeth rose and took the paper from the Countess’ hand. “Thank you, Aunt Eleanor,” she said.

“You may very well thank me, for it took me the better part of two hours to compose. Make copies, Elizabeth, so that you may each have one.”

Elizabeth returned to her seat beside Mr. Darcy, and they looked at the list together. A quick skim revealed:

Eligible Gentlemen for the 1815 Season

Lord Fitzmaurice, Marquess of Lansdowne, thirty-nine years of age, mother is Lady Margaret, sister is Lady Charlotte

Lord Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, forty-one years of age, mother is Lady Catherine

Lord Fane, the Earl of Westmoreland, twenty-five years of age, mother is Lady Amelia, sister is Lady Agatha

Lord St. John, Viscount Bolingbroke, twenty-nine years of age, no female relatives

Lord Stewart, Viscount Emerson, twenty-nine years of age, mother is Lady Emmeline, sister is Lady Charity

Lord Preston, Viscount Gormanston, thirty-two years of age, mother is Lady Emma

Lord Julian, Baron FitzWalter, thirty-seven years of age, no female relatives

Lord Russell, Baron de Clifford, twenty-nine years of age, mother is Lady Edith

The list went on and on, including the names of gentlemen who did not have titles, but had substantial holdings in some part of the kingdom. Elizabeth reflected briefly that her own husband’s name had doubtless been on lists like these for many years!

“The first two are too old for Georgiana,” Elizabeth said at once.

“And they both have already buried one wife,” the Countess added.

“May I see it?” a soft voice queried.

“Oh, Georgiana, of course.” Elizabeth rose and gave the list to her young sister.

Georgiana’s eyes got wider and wider as she read, with Mrs. Annesley reading over her shoulder. “I am to memorise this?”

Mrs. Annesley patted her back. “Do not fear, Miss Darcy. We shall learn it together.”

“This Marriage Game gets more difficult by the day,” Georgiana complained.

“Marriage Game?” the Countess asked.

Elizabeth explained briefly, and the Countess was vastly amused.

“I suppose it is like a game,” she said. “But it is an important one, and it affects your entire life.”

***

The next day, Elizabeth and Georgiana put on their cloaks, put their calling card cases in their reticules and set out in the carriage to leave cards to as many ladies mentioned on the Countess’ list as possible. It took three days to deliver all the cards.

As expected, calling cards then began to be left at Darcy House. Seven ladies actually asked to come in, and Elizabeth, Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley were happy to see them.

This was the beginning.