Chapter 19

“I really am sorry Aunt, I did not mean for your guest to feel she had to leave.”

“She spoke the truth Roddy, we were about to part. If you are in town for the season then you will meet her here many times. She is to be my guest for the next three months.”

“Your guest? And for three months? I have not known you to have someone stay for so long before.”

“She is the ward of her uncle and his new townhouse on Bryanston Square is not yet ready for occupancy. It is easier for everyone if she stays with me. I have come to appreciate her youthful energy. Now tell me what prompted this sudden visit?”

“It is the last six months until I fully come into my inheritance. These eight years have raced by at times, yet at other times the days seem to drag. I am suffering one of the periods where the days drag. My suspicion is this period will extend until my majority.”

“Are you going to stay for the season?”

“Part of it I think. I will attend a few events but will save my big splash into society for next season. I will host a ball and properly and fully enter society. You may quietly pass the word around to your friends and connections. I would prefer little fuss this year.”

“You will accept invitations to private events?”

“No more than one a week. Do not have two good friends host events in the same week, I will not attend both. You know I rely on you for advice and I will listen to your counsel when it comes to events I should accept or decline.”

--

Elizabeth’s entry into some of the higher stratas of society gave her much to ponder, enjoy and rail against, often all three from attending one event. Her presence, as an unknown young lady, at the first event, a private ball meant that she was approached to dance by many young men, her card full before the first set was called.

As each set was half an hour she understood what Lady Maria had meant about the chance to meet a young gentleman and hold some conversation. Elizabeth knew this but her experiences were limited to just two Assemblies the previous year, at Michaelmas and Christmas. But her dance partners were men she had known all her life, there was no awkwardness. She was also thankful that her two cousins had started dance lessons, as her own lessons were many years in the past. But it was these random little thoughts that popped into her head during the ball. None of her partners annoyed her while at the same time none of them caught her attention, except one. A rugged cavalry Colonel who was personable and entertaining.

As the ball wrapped up, not too far into the early hours of the morning Lady Maria and her companion Mrs. Weatherby, and Elizabeth and Claire, entered the carriage for the short journey back to Hanover Square.

“How do you feel Elizabeth? Did you enjoy the ball?”

“I did thank you Lady Maria. I will confess to a few nerves as we drew up to the portico but even before the dancing they had settled. Was there any talk?”

Elizabeth tried not to look nervous and almost managed to be convincing.

“That you entered with me, and were clearly under my patronage, kept the questions from being too intrusive. But you are a new addition to society and people were genuinely interested.”

“And the taint of trade?”

“Elizabeth! Sir Edward is now a gentleman and is descended from gentlemen. The intervening two generations are conveniently overlooked, at least by those who can read the signs. I have told you this several times, you must believe me.”

“I do believe you Lady Maria. I am sorry, it is nothing more than some ingrained prejudice. I will master it and make reference to it no more.”

Their arrival at Leonard House stopped the conversation for the evening and they bid each other good night. But as they separated Lady Maria heard Elizabeth ask Claire to bring paper and quills to her small sitting room. The following morning over breakfast she asked about the request.

“Claire and I spent time going back over everyone that I met, especially the gentlemen who danced with me. We noted down our impressions as well as what we talked about. I added the same from my time out on the dance floor.”

Lady Maria was flummoxed.

“May I ask what on earth for?”

Elizabeth’s grin was broad and genuine.

“Of course. My uncle taught me to observe and note down everything about the people that I met. Five days out of six I would visit his offices to collect documents for his review and approval.”

“Excuse my interruption but could not a clerk or a footman do such a thing?”

“Perhaps, but my uncle did not trust anyone but family with some of the documents. I would bring contracts, sales agreements, manifests, all manner of document back to the house. That was the reason for my regular visits. But while I was there I would observe the gentlemen, servants and tradesmen who called at the office or warehouse. He had trained me to note the appearance of the person, the appearance of any servants or coachmen, the state of the horses, the carriage and all the reins and brasses.”

“Good grief Elizabeth, for what purpose?”

“Intelligence and knowledge of the people he was dealing with, be they suppliers, competitors or customers. My observations were often the first sign that everything was not as it seemed. He would ask additional questions and, for example, credit might not be extended, or a more limited amount. Things like that.”

“And last night?”

“An extension of the same thing. I have found that so-called gentlemen can be inconsistent with their tales, shading them depending on their audience and the purpose. I will note what we talked of, what he bragged about, especially that one, and then reference these notes as I attend other events.”

“Do you trust anybody?”

‘It is not whether I trust someone or not. It is just common sense. We have focused on the issue that I am unknown in this society, but for me, all of these gentlemen are equally unknown. If I happen to dance with the same person at another ball then I can continue on our conversation from before. It allows me to make a better impression.”

“Is there anything else that you can tell me about the nine dancers from last night?”

Claire returned two minutes later with Elizabeth’s notes.

“So I danced with nine gentlemen. Of them six were uninterested in conversation beyond the usual found at such events. I do not know their impression of me, but mine of them was they were. I was going to say boring but that is too strong. Maybe the best way of describing them was as.”

Elizabeth stopped again.

“Constrained, almost afraid to deviate from an agreed script. Does that make sense?”

The word that Lady Maria did not say, even as she nodded, was normal. Perfectly normal society gentlemen.

“Two of them were perfectly pleasant but when I expressed an opinion out with the agreed script they could not hide their surprise or the subsequent dismissal. I will not dance with them again, not that I would expect an invitation.”

Also nothing out of the ordinary in society, and throughout the Kingdom.

“And the final gentleman?”

“He was a cavalry Colonel who was interesting, fascinating even, and I thoroughly enjoyed my set with him. It was after supper and during the dance I wished that he had requested my supper set as I would have enjoyed talking to him further.”

“What was his name?”

“Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

Lady Maria nearly choked on her tea, Susan’s second son!

“Do you know him?”

“Not well, but I am close friends with his mother. If nothing else I can tell her that he acted the gentleman at the Harrington Ball.”

--

It was not until her fourth event that Elizabeth attended a second ball, the intervening events had been a dinner and a less formal soiree. It was also to be attended by the Duke.

“Will you grant me a dance tonight Miss Bennet?”

“I would be delighted to, but may I request it be one of the sets after supper?”

“Of course. Is there a particular reason?”

“Dancing with the gentleman who will the premier Lord at the event will incite talk. I would prefer not to be the subject of conversation for everyone at supper.”

The Duke of Desmond laughed, his enjoyment of the contrary nature of Elizabeth showing.

“Knowing you now as I do, I understand. At the same time, we understand each other well enough for you to know that there will be no expectations raised with any of the young ladies. My aunt has been very clear in her discussions, it is now well known and accepted within the Ton.”

“There are two things I would say in response Lord Roderick. The first is there will be the wilfully blind and deaf who think that you have just not met the right young lady, and they are that young lady. And the other is I am making my way in society and do not wish a target on my back. Any of the sets before supper, and of course the last set, lead to speculation. I appreciate the honour of being asked but the sixth or seventh set are less conspicuous.”

The Duke had been such a regular visitor to Hanover Square that he had granted Elizabeth leave to call him by his given name, rather than constantly being addressed as ‘Your Grace’.

“I understand your reasoning, as well as the tenacious claws of the matchmaking mamas and their daughters. But I put you on notice, at future events I might need you to save me from stubborn suitors.”

They laughed but there was a truth to the statement. Nothing had been said between them but it was clearly understood they were friends, with no inclination on either side for there to be more. Lady Maria had discussed it with Lady Susan. The two old friends were now meeting weekly.

“So Richard danced with Miss Bennet?”

“He did, and was the only one of her nine dance partners who she appreciated.”

Lady Maria explained Elizabeth’s detailed notes on the event, which had been repeated after the dinner two nights earlier.

“We all keep track of things in our head, it is normal and necessary. But this is taking it to another level.”

“For Elizabeth, it is a return to the familiar. She is entering a new society even though she has spent close to five years in London. There has been so much change in her life over the last year and this is a way for her to maintain her balance, keep her poise.”

“When I think on your words I can see what you mean. Most of the guests at these events have been trained from an early age in how to act. They will have literally years of experience on her. How did she perform?”

“Very well. She is not a stupid young lady, anything but. She knows how to dance, although the tale behind that is quite funny.”

“How do you mean?”

“She did not attend one dance while she lived in London. She had been taught in her childhood and youth but had never danced in public. She was fortunate that her two cousins were setting forth on their own education and so she was able to refresh her skills as part of their tutelage. She attended two Assemblies in Hertfordshire but that was it. The Harrington Ball was only the third time she had danced in public. Actually, there was a fourth time, but she only lasted seven minutes before her partner for the first set crushed her foot and she was unable to dance for the rest of the evening.”

The conversation was side-tracked for a few minutes as the inadequacies of Mr. Collins were detailed.

“What has been the reaction to her? Has she made a positive impression?”

“I am partial but I believe so. She is honest and unaffected, she does not try to be someone she is not. She tells people that she is the daughter of a minor country gentleman and that she now lives in London under the guardianship of Sir Edward Gardiner.”

“She was probably the lowest ranked lady at the Harrington’s Ball.”

“I do not doubt that. But she seems to use it to her advantage.”

“Meaning?”

“Again, it goes back to her demeanour. She makes no effort to ingratiate herself. She is polite, charming but also safe. She stands out just by being different to those around her. It is why the Duke likes her.”

“Desmond?”

“Yes. She knows that there is no way she could be considered as suitable as the Duchess. Rather than make things uncomfortable for him and awkward with me, she treats him like I do, as a member of the family.”

“She is that familiar?”

“No, I am clearly not explaining this very well. She is polite and proper but not cloying or grasping. That she is treating him ‘normally’ has endeared her to him. He does not have to be on guard and she does not have to present some kind of facade. He has granted her permission to call him Lord Roderick when in private.”

“My goodness. He can relax with her because she treats him properly but does not put him on some kind of pedestal?”

“A good description.”

“Why does she not aspire to be a Duchess?”

“The highest rank of the peerage? Even if she became a Baroness there would be talk. Would you allow her to marry Andrew?”

Lady Susan’s elder son, the heir to the Earldom and already with the courtesy title of Viscount. She nodded in understanding, before grimacing.

“I see your point exactly, but frankly if I could get him to be serious with any young lady I would be delighted.”

“Should I bring Miss Bennet to tea one day soon?”

“That is unkind. But I would like to meet the young lady, heavens even Richard has met her.”

“And what of your nephew? He has not been in company much since his return.”

“I think you have named the only person even less inclined to marry than Andrew.”

Lady Maria heard Lady Susan sigh, given the frequency that Elizabeth sighed she was more aware of them now.

“That is unfair to either of them. They are both acutely aware of their responsibility to marry and provide an heir for their respective estates. My son is perfectly sociable and I hope that there will be some news this season. Although, I will allow there is the wishful thinking of a mother involved in that hope. My nephew is different, his nature is not as outgoing. He even spoke of it with his sister on the journey south. He confessed to finding it difficult to deal with society, he was uncomfortable compared to managing his estate.”

“I know that we joked of him and Miss Bennet, but do you believe there is a possibility?”

“Darcy has some stubborn notions of consequence and respect for the family history. It is also entangled with ensuring that Georgiana marries well. He believes that unless he marries well her prospects will be reduced, perhaps severely. Part of the challenge is, other than a courtesy visit upon his return to town, I have not seen him. He spends his time at his club. In fact, I will invite him to dinner this week, listen to what he has to say.”

--

“Good evening Colonel. It is a pleasure to find you here this evening.”

Elizabeth was still oblivious to how pretty she was, and that a genuine smile enhanced her beauty. It took all his military discipline for Richard Fitzwilliam not to preen.

“Good evening Miss Bennet. May I say that you look remarkably well this evening. How is your card? Do you have a set available for a mere officer?”

His impish smirk was met by an equally impish smile in return.

“I have the supper set available Colonel.”

The set was pencilled in.

“May I take this opportunity to request your company during the supper as well.”

“I would be delighted.”

“Excellent, not just a dance but the chance for conversation over supper. I cannot wait.”

As other gentleman approached Miss Bennet the Colonel stepped back thinking about her dance card. He had swooped in as soon as he saw her enter the ballroom. The card was empty other than the seventh set where the Duke of Desmond was already marked down. Rather than offer him the choice of sets Miss Bennet had all but requested that he dance the supper set, which he was happy to accept. He smiled at the prospect of an interesting evening.

For Elizabeth it was another full dance card and the opportunity for eight new partners, seven of whom were unknown to her. What struck her, even during the sets, was how similar it was to the previous ball. The first four sets followed the pattern, polite conversation within strict confines. The notable difference was two of the gentlemen spent a significant amount of the dance outlining their own consequence. It was not until the next day Elizabeth understood why. Finally it was the supper set and as she and the Colonel lined up Elizabeth was already looking forward to the next two hours, first the dances and then the supper. Once the dance started they were able to converse.

“Do you have any preference for conversation this evening Colonel?”

“Whatever you wish Miss Bennet.”

“Thank you Colonel, may we discuss the latest news from the Peninsula, the capture of Cuidad Rodrigo?”

Colonel Fitzwilliam was happy to discuss the war but was surprised at doing so on the dancefloor.

“I am happy to oblige. Do you have questions?”

The next 30 minutes passed with the two of them verbally bouncing back and forth on the latest news coming out of Spain. It was a circumscribed version of conversations between officers in every regiment in the Army.

“That was an inspired choice of conversation Miss Bennet. I was surprised when the music stopped and I realised that the set was over.”

Once plates of food had been procured their conversation resumed.

“You were well informed on the situation at Cuidad Rodrigo.”

“I had the pleasure, and privilege, of meeting an officer last summer who had been wounded at the Battle of Fuentes de Onoro. Over the course of the evening he explained the campaign in Portugal in ’10 and ’11. I have a good memory and he mentioned the French siege of the Cuidad Rodrigo. Less than two years later we have retaken the fortress, although at great cost.”

“I am at a loss for words Miss Bennet. That is a command of detail both surprising yet very impressive.”

Lady Maria wanted to smack the Colonel around the head. He had just reconfirmed Elizabeth’s fears and done so without malice or thought. She, Elizabeth and both their companions heard the unspoken three words at the end of the Colonel’s compliment, ‘for a woman’. You could not tell it from Elizabeth’s expression or the quality of their discourse.

“What is the role of cavalry during a siege?”

“Scouting, protecting foraging parties and regular sweeps to ensure that the garrison cannot escape, and equally that there are not armies advancing to relieve them. The siege is a tight circle round the fortress while we sweep in wider circles ensuring there is not relief or breakout.”

Supper continued with Lady Maria drawn into the conversation more often. It was a relaxed and enjoyable meal. Once dancing resumed Lady Maria instructed both companions to watch sections of the room when the Duke escorted Miss Bennet to the dancefloor. As usual he was under constant scrutiny, as his dance partner Elizabeth was also watched. The conversation over breakfast would be interesting.

“You have escaped the clutches of your most determined pursuers?”

“You make me sound like a fox.”

“Well if you hear any of the young ladies shout ‘tally-ho’ you know it is time to escape Your Grace.”

The Duke’s smile was broad.

“Not only am I going to imagine that when I approach my next partner, you have planted another seed in my mind. The next time I am out hunting when the shout goes up I will be checking over my shoulder for pursuers.”

“Best not confess that to the other members of the Hunt.”

“How are you finding this evening? Is it similar to your first ball in town?”

“It is Your Grace. Colonel Fitzwilliam and I flouted convention and spoke of the war rather than the weather, but other than that it has been very proper.”

“You spoke of the war?”

“The news of the capture of Cuidad Rodrigo. He was able to explain some of the descriptions, his military knowledge making things clearer.”

“I do not think I have been introduced to the Colonel. You had met him before?”

“Yes, he was one of my partners at the Harrington Ball. His mother is friends with Lady Maria.”

“Fitzwilliam, Fitzwilliam. Oh yes. Sorry, it took me a moment to recall the family. He must be the second son of the Earl of Matlock.”

Elizabeth and the Duke spoke for the rest of the dance but she had no recollection of any of the conversation. The Colonel was the cousin of Mr. Darcy and Lady Maria had made no mention of it.

The next morning after the breakfast dishes were cleared the four ladies remained at the dining table.

“Will you share your notes from yesterday evening Elizabeth?”

“Of course. I am confused by the words of most of my partners. Seven of the nine gentlemen were typical society gentlemen, there was a script to be followed in the conversation between dance partners. However, five of the gentlemen also spent a large part of the time extolling themselves.”

“Extolling themselves? What do you mean?”

“Bluntly put they were bragging, highlighting their titles, estates, their overall consequence. It was not subtly done at all, and I am at a loss to explain it.”

“Elizabeth, you danced with the Duke. As you said to him in this very house before the dance, the premier Lord in attendance. The other gentlemen were trying to present themselves in as favourable light as possible.”

“Oh!”

“You and the Colonel seemed engrossed during your dance.”

“We were. The discussion of Cuidad Rodrigo distracted us both.”

“And supper?”

Elizabeth looked at Lady Maria.

“Colonel Fitzwilliam is not only an amiable gentleman and a perfect partner on the dancefloor, he is also a brave soldier. My understanding is that he has been wounded twice, although he makes no reference to it himself. But yes, he is also no different than any other gentleman, unable to hide his surprise at even an hour of intelligent conversation with a lady. His other qualities are excellent. I will be happy to dance with him or have him as my neighbour at a dinner table. He has no title, is only the second son, but he has courage and bravery.

“What he also has is a cousin. One with whom I am already acquainted. Was this to be a surprise for my birthday?”

“The Duke?”

Elizabeth nodded.

“Unintentionally. He recognised the family name and mentioned the Earldom in passing. When I thought back over our conversations I recalled that you had told me Mr. Darcy’s first name. That it was the same as the Colonel’s family name, well I should have made the connection, or asked the question, sooner.”

“I had been hoping that the two of you could meet without any interference from myself. But rather frustratingly, the two of you have managed to accept different invitations which occur at the same time. Or he is out and you are home, and vice versa.”

“You are not trying to match me with Mr. Darcy?”

“I was wanting you to meet someone who you could claim a prior connection.”

Elizabeth noted that was an answer, but not of the question asked.