Jacqueline's Dilemma by Emma - Part Twelve
The party from Hautefort was buzzing with excitement. The Limoges ball was going to be one of the social highlights of the season and everyone knew it. The events of that night were going to be the gossip of the court for months. At such a gathering anything could happen, romance, seduction, scandal of the highest magnitude. Everyone knew that it was going to be a night to remember and everybody in the long train of Royal carriages was beside themselves with glee at the prospect, well all but one.
Jacqueline had been in a melancholy state ever since she emerged from her chambers after taking a rest. Everybody had noticed how glum she looked as the household ate their meal before retiring to ready themselves for the ball. She had been quiet on the carriage ride from the manor, but she had no signs of depression over her then. It was as if something devastating had happened between retiring for a rest and her coming out to eat, but how could that be? She was alone in her chambers during that time and no messages came to her.
Danielle was concerned for her sister. Jacqueline had always been quiet, but for her to be in such a troubled state, Danielle had never known it before. Even throughout the very worst of times, she had always been a happy, cheerful girl. Danielle could only attribute this sudden gloom to nerves. This was to be a big night for her, one that would change her life if everything was to go to plan.
Hélène had also seen the rapid change in Jacqueline, but she did not attribute it to nerves. She was thoroughly unconvinced of any relationship between her and Marc Laurent that breached friendship, so the causes of this depression must come from elsewhere. Hélène could only guess what it was, but she felt that her ideas were fairly good ones. The arrangements at the Manor had not escaped her notice.
Right now however, there was more to be thought of than just Jacqueline. The train of carriages was growing ever closer to the Dordogne home of the Marquis de Limoges and the excitement was more intense than ever. Everyone had their own reasons for wanting to get there. Henry wished to show off his beautiful and elegant bride to the courtiers who had mocked his choice of wife. Danielle was eager to have Jacqueline married off before the evening was through. The King and Queen saw a great alliance with Hanover if the introduction to Prince Ludwig went well. Hélène and Steven would both be able to mix in society again, a pastime which both had shunned in recent years. Juliette would be experiencing her first event as a lady of the bedchamber. For nearly everyone the ball held something exciting.
For Jacqueline however, she only faced the prospect of having to show a contented countenance when her soul was actually screaming in torment. She could not allow herself to ruin the night for the rest of the party, but she knew that it would be a struggle to remain calm, especially when she knew that so many people would be watching her. Danielle now had her thoroughly convinced that she would be the centre of attention. If only Antoine had left her with some hope, even the smallest semblance that he could possibly return her affection would be enough for her. She just could not bear the agony that comes with the knowledge of knowing he felt nothing for her.
As the carriages made their procession down the crushed rock path towards the Marquis' home, fireworks exploded above them and burning torches lit them on their way. It was quite clear that the Marquis had spared no expense in receiving his vast array of Royal guests.
As the carriages stopped, a whole host of guardsmen dismounted their horses and stepped forward to help the ladies to the ground. The Royal entourage lined up in order of seniority, but Danielle did not take her place until she had stolen a glance at Jacqueline, who was now smiling, if not very convincingly. She had never seen her look so beautiful. Hélène and Juliette had done such an excellent job on her hair and jewels. Danielle had had the court jeweller make her a necklace, earrings and a headdress with the gold and jewels which had belonged to Rodmilla. How could Marc possibly resist proposing?
The Marquis was lined up with his Mother and siblings to welcome his royal guests. He was respectful to the King and Queen, joking with his friend Henry and flattering to the new Princess Danielle. He quite clearly wanted to make a good impression on the future Queen considering the amount of influence she had over her husband. To be in her favour would be to have real power.
"Your Royal Highness, I am honoured that you could come to my humble gathering," he said, bowing deeply and elaborately.
"Well I felt that I could not pass up the chance to meet you milord, Henry has told me much about you," Danielle replied.
"I hope he hasn't told you everything," he said laughing.
"Don't be too sure Arnaud," Henry said, teasingly.
Danielle laughed with them, but she was more eager to bring Jacqueline into the conversation. "Milord. May I present to you my sister, Jacqueline Claude Isabelle?"
"You may indeed Your Highness." Arnaud smiled in an effort to conceal the boredom of meeting with the youngest de Ghent girl. Her sister Marguerite was the attractive one. It was a pity to have all that beauty rotting in palace servants quarters. From his recollection Jacqueline was frumpy and with nothing of elegance or beauty. So his surprise was great indeed when a ravishingly beautiful and elegant lady stepped forward and curtseyed. It was all he could do to stop his chin hitting the floor.
"Milord, It is an honour to be invited to such an event." She held out her hand. He took it and lightly brushed his lips on the back of it.
"The pleasure is all mine Milady. How could I possibly deprive my guests of having such a beautiful lady to admire?" To his surprise the lady did not blush or look embarrassed. This was a more sophisticated woman than he had imagined. "Might I be so bold as to ask for your hand for the first dance?"
Jacqueline was more than a little shocked at this request. She had been in the room for but a minute and already she had been asked to dance by the host. An honour indeed. "Of course I would be delighted milord." She curtseyed once again before walking away into the ballroom so that the Marquis might greet the rest of his guests.
This was an unexpected turn of events for Danielle. When deciding on the perfect gown for Jacqueline she had wanted to make her look as attractive as possible for Laurent. The idea had not even come into her head that other men might want to dance with her. She would now have to plot a way to ensure that the Captain got at least one dance with her.
Hélène was not surprised at all however. She knew of the rumours which flew about the ballroom concerning Jacqueline. According to many she had a large dowry provided by the crown and she was expected to marry very well. It was even suggested that she would be introduced to Prince Ludwig that night so that France might have a formal connection with Hanover. Hélène knew that the interest in her would be high that night.
As the crowds began to gather in the grand room, Jacqueline began to find her nerves and her sorrows were fading slightly. There were so many people there, she was sure that she would be able to find some sort of hiding place? It would not be that everybody would be watching her all of the time.
"Well, Arnaud certainly is wanting to impress," Henry said looking around at the vast array of musicians and fools who were there for the entertainment of the many nobles in the room. "I should think he is as anxious to make an impression on the Hanoverians as we are."
"Why do you think the Marquis was so eager to have the first dance with Jacqueline?" Danielle asked
"Arnaud has an eye for a pretty lady, and Jacqueline is certainly enough temptation for him."
"But you cannot allow him to take up all of her time tonight. Marc has to be given a chance to dance with her too." Henry nodded. He fully understood his wife's meaning.
"I'll go and speak to him later and I'll get Arnaud out of the way."
"Thank you," Danielle said quietly, squeezing his hand. "Jacqueline's happiness means a lot to me, and you may not show it, but I think you care for Laurent's happiness too." Henry blushed a little at his wife seeing this. The truth was Laurent was one of his best friends and he deserved to be happy.
Just as this conversation came to an end Laurent himself appeared with a group of people. Judging by the smile on Henry's face Danielle guessed that it was his family. His father was a jolly looking man, who she could tell was not immune to the benefits of a goblet or two of port. His mother on the other hand was a small thin lady, but looked just as merry as her husband. There was a young lady and gentleman with them, who Danielle assumed was his sister and her husband.
"Henry," his father said, warmly shaking Henry by the hand. Where've you been hiding yourself this past day? Haven't seen hide nor hair of you since we got back." He looked over at Danielle. "Oh, I forgot, the Princess was returning today, Oh well enough said," and the old man winked at Henry.
"Papa!" Laurent's sister said, obviously scandalised by her father's lack of propriety.
To break the embarrassing pause that ensued, Henry took Danielle's hand and drew her close to him. "Might I present to you my wife, Danielle?" The small party bowed and curtseyed in respect for the Princess. "Danielle, this is the Compte and Comtesse d'Avignon, Laurent's parents." She nodded in acknowledgement to them. "His Sister and Brother in law The Conte and Contessa di Napoli."
"It is a pleasure to meet you all. I don't suppose I need tell you how indebted I am to Marc for taking care of Henry all these years."
"Yes he has been a bit of a rogue hasn't he," Laurent's father said, clapping his hand across Henry's back. Danielle could sense the ladies embarrassment so she quickly changed the conversation.
"Comtesse, do you care for tea? We have cases of it at the palace, the Portuguese have brought back so much from the East they don't know what to do with it."
"I must confess Your Highness I have not yet had the pleasure of trying any."
"Well you must join me for some. We can have a chat. Perhaps tomorrow afternoon, after Sunday mass has been heard."
"But of course Your Highness. I would be delighted."
"That of course includes you Contessa," Danielle said And so the plans were made. Danielle would have to get Jacqueline to join them. It was most important for her to make a good impression on his family. Before Danielle could begin to promote Jacqueline to them however, the dancing was upon them.
The musicians started to play and the couples took the floor for the first dance which was to be a Pavane. Jacqueline breathed deeply as she saw the Marquis walk towards her to claim his dance. She was nervous at the thought of so many people being able to see her, judging her. She had always been a good dancer, but had suppressed her talent so as not to disappoint her mother's opinion of her being useless.
"Milady Jacqueline, shall we?" the Marquis said, offering his arm. Jacqueline took it and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor where they stood opposite each other in the line of couples who were also going to dance. At the head of the line was Danielle and Henry, followed by Jacqueline and the Marquis and then with several other couples behind them, including Lord Grey and Hélène.
As the stately dance proceeded, the room stood still and watched the graceful sequence of movements, but eventually nearly all eyes were trained on just one person. Jacqueline de Ghent's talents as a dancer were obvious to all. That this was a shock to most people in the room was an understatement. This was the talentless and dim witted daughter of Rodmilla de Ghent, not the graceful woman that they now saw. Only to Danielle, who had often seen her practising her dancing alone in her room, was this not a shock. She knew that Jacqueline had many talents and she was glad of being able to give her a chance to exhibit them.
Arnaud de Limoges could not believe he had got his judgement of this enchanting creature so wrong. From their brief conversations he could tell that she was clever, her dancing proved that she was graceful and she was without a doubt one of the most beautiful women in the room. He could see only the Princess and Hélène de Lyons who rivalled her, but in truth he doubted there was a woman in the world who could rival Hélène for beauty.
"I understand mademoiselle, that you are well acquainted with a cousin of mine," the Marquis said.
"That is possible milord, who is your cousin?"
"The Duc de Polignac." Jacqueline's smile faltered slightly as she heard this name spoken. She was desperately trying to forget him, even if it was only for one night, she wanted a little happiness before she gave herself up to a life of tormenting unrequited love.
"Yes he is a guard at my home," she replied quietly. "He is a great asset to the Manor."
"I'm sure he is, I never saw a better swordsman than Antoine. I do hope he's behaving himself though." He said, chuckling. Jacqueline could not answer this. Fortunately the dance soon ended and she was released from the Marquis. However as she moved away to the side of the room she was quickly approached by another gentleman who she recognised as the Compte de Paris. They had been very briefly introduced at court when her mother was trying to make Marguerite's face known to the nobles.
"Milady de Ghent, I was wondering, if you are not engaged, may I have the next with you?" She thought about this for a moment before accepting. She could not allow Antoine de Polignac to ruin her life. He would be mortified if he knew of the suffering he was causing her.
And so the night went on with partner after partner being introduced to Jacqueline. She danced Galliards, Courantes, and even an Allemande with Prince Ludwig, who was quite clearly enchanted by her charm and the fact that she spoke German. The introduction between them went so well that the King even allowed himself to dare imagine an alliance between them.
Danielle watched her move from person to person with a feeling of pride and admiration. She was no longer the timid girl who would deliberately underplay her natural gifts so as to avoid upsetting her mother. She was now a woman with sophistication and a purpose in the world. The fact that not a soul who spoke to her was not captivated by her was immensely gratifying to Danielle. However no moment pleased her more than when she finally joined Laurent in the final Pavane.
They moved so well together. It was as if they were put on the Earth to enjoy this moment together. Marc had not the grace of Jacqueline but he complimented her in a way that Danielle was sure nobody else could. Every pair of eyes in the room was fixed upon the dancing couple, but one in particular, peering from the shadows, could only take in Jacqueline.
