Chapter One – Mrs. Bennet's Girls
"Jane! Elizabeth!"
"Coming Mama!" The girls echoed in unison.
"Your Aunt's, Lady Marjorie, carriage has just been spotted on the road up to the house! I will not have my two favourite daughters disappoint me in welcoming her. She pays us a high compliment in helping you girls get ready for your entrances to society. I will see you both outside immediately to welcome her!"
Jane, aged 19, and Elizabeth, aged 18, were well aware of the compliment that their Aunt, Lady Marjorie was paying them during their coming out. Both girls had wanted to come out together, so Jane had delayed her entrance into society for a year. Not that Jane minded things were always best done with her Lizzy at her side. Both dressed in the pale blue gowns they wore when working on the drying of herbs and flowers. Jane and Elizabeth hurried, as only ladies could, up the stairs and out the front door to stand with their Mama as Aunt Marjorie's carriage rolled to a halt outside of Longbourn's main house.
Lady Marjorie Victoria Bennet, the sister of Alexander Robert Bennet, the Marques of Clarges and Lord Thomas Bennet, was by no means an easy woman to fool. Having fallen in love once but never married, she had conquered the London Ton in a way very few women ever had. Her backing guaranteed any lady's success; although whether the lady could keep that success past the first season was a different matter altogether. Society's mothers all knew of her and many clamoured for her attention and respect; however respect had to be won in Lady Marjorie's eyes and unfortunately very few ever won it.
Lady Marjorie was only pleased as punch to help her favourite nieces into society. She had no doubt that they would break many hearts, fuel jealous remarks amongst the 'ladies' and find true love in a Ton that often scoffed at love's possibility.
As Lady Marjorie descended from her carriage, she espied the Bennet family happily waiting. Her brother had a few more grey hairs, her sister-in-law was glowing with happiness. Jane and Elizabeth looking as sweet and happy as two girls could be (she knew rather well that they would be anxious to begin seriously training for London). And young Mary and Henry were somehow outside instead of practicing their music as was their want. Lady Marjorie smiled happily; coming to Longbourn was always a desirable trip.
There were trips to be made to the modiste and the milliner's, among others in short order. While Jane and Elizabeth would have their gowns for their presentation at court made in London, day dresses, bonnets and accessories could be purchased in Meryton. Supervised assiduously by Lady Marjorie, Jane and Elizabeth bought new items for the Season that would be augmented with London lace and ribbon.
Meryton was a day's journey from London. However, all the best fashion arrived and stayed in the capital according to the Ton. Lady Marjorie had no problems with the styles picked in Meryton for Jane and Elizabeth; both girls knew what suited them and refused to purchase anything gaudy or covered in frippery. Lady Marjorie could not condemn a single item the girls chose. The colours and patterns chosen were modest, but not overly conservative, which would go a long way in recommending both girls to suitors.
The girls training for London began in earnest shortly after the arrival of Lady Marjorie. Jane and Elizabeth were both accomplished in the running of a household and in the modern languages and arts. Jane preferred Italian, French, needlepoint and singing while Elizabeth indulged German, Latin, painting and horseback riding; both were exceptional dancers. However being raised away from London and in a less varied society of four and twenty families, both girls knew they had to master the art of more refined conversation. Between the two girls good, sensible conversation was never lacking; Jane had the diplomacy to halt wars in the sweetest manner and Elizabeth the wit to challenge Cambridge's master debaters.
"Aunt Marjorie, do you think we would be able to go to Ascot during the Season," asked Elizabeth one afternoon during needlepoint, "I would dearly love to see the famed horses."
"And not the famed gentlemen who own them, my dear Lizzy," asked Mrs. Bennet.
"How can one know that they want to see the gentlemen who own the horses before they have even met them," asked a puzzled Jane.
"I have never met the gentleman who owned Napoleon's Bane, but I would dearly love to see him race" countered Lizzy. For any gentleman who has the sense of humour to name their horse after such a man would be an interesting gentleman indeed, she thought to herself.
"So you have been at your father's papers again Lizzy, and reading the sports section too! Hardly a lady's topic" scolded her Aunt. It was a mock scold, for anyone who knew Elizabeth well enough know that her curiosity and love of horses would never keep her away from a topic men typically knew more about. It was no secret that the books on animals in Mr. Bennet's well-stocked library were often perused by Elizabeth. "As a matter of fact girls, I do have tickets to the Royal Ascot this Season, knowing your love of horses Lizzy. This one occasion is where having sway in the Ton comes in very handy."
The squeals that could be heard in Mr. Bennet's library could only be described as from the happiest of girls in Meryton.
"I have spoken to your father girls, your dresses and bonnets for The Royal Ascot will be my birthday gift to both of you this year." Lady Marjorie was promptly hugged by Jane, Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet is quick succession. As little as Mrs. Bennet cared for society and the Ton, in general, she knew very well that a day at Ascot was the place to be seen and see the top of society. Lady Marjorie's dowry of sixty thousand pounds and family name allowed her in the highest of circles when she chose to. Mrs. Bennet knew that the Ton's scheming would have to be cunning in the very least to get past her and reach Jane and Elizabeth. While Mrs. Bennet was sorry to see her children grow up, she had every faith in Lady Marjorie to bring Jane and Elizabeth every success in the Season.
Lady Marjorie, Jane and Elizabeth departed Longbourn a frosty March morning to the tears and well wishes of the Bennet's. It had been decided that they would be staying at the Duke of Kenilworth's house in London. During the Season, they would be making their social calls with their Aunts, Lady Amelia, the Marchioness of Clarges and Lady Marjorie. Their Uncle and Aunt Gardiner had just welcomed a new addition to their duo and would not be attending this Season except for the girls' presentation at Court. Familial solidarity was a must as Jane and Elizabeth had been raised away from London and the Ton's families.
Jane and Elizabeth had not seen their grandfather Bennet, the Duke, since Christmastide and were anxious to see him. His health had not been good and he had not stayed over a week before returning home. Lord and Lady Clarges had left with the Duke and taken care of him all winter. The Marques would not be attending too many social events this Season as the Duke had charged the Marques with ensuring all accounts were in order and taken care of should the Duke be taken from the world soon.
The Duke, Lord and Lady Clarges stood waiting on the steps of Kenilworth House in Grosvenor Square, London precisely at four o'clock in the afternoon to welcome Lady Marjorie, Jane and Elizabeth. While the air had a nip to it, it was a sunny March afternoon. Walks and drives were beginning in Hyde Park; London was slowly filling in anticipation for the Season.
As they espied a familiar carriage coming to stop in front of the house, Lady Clarges could hardly wait. She rushed down to the carriage to bring her nieces into warm hugs as they descended the carriage leaving her husband and father-in-law chuckling by the door. The Bennet men were the strong silent type but given over to the enjoyment of human follies; a trait Elizabeth had distinctly inherited.
"Welcome to Kenilworth House ladies. I trust your trip to London was pleasant and the roads were in good condition."
"Thank you Uncle" replied Jane, "The roads improved as we got closer to London, a bad rainstorm last week had damaged part of the road leaving Meryton but not by too much."
"Come into the house my dears, I do not want you or your grandfather to catch your death in the cold; we have been out here far too long already without proper outerwear."
As Jane and Elizabeth were bundled into the house servants appeared to remove their outerwear. The light green walls were covered in a lotus print, only slightly darker than the wall to bring a distinctly oriental elegance to the front hallway. The grand staircase leading to the second floor was polished teak, the effect, understated opulence. As the gentlemen followed the ladies of the house into the sitting room, one could not help but admire the elegance of the arrangements. There was not an element of the room that looked out of place or that did not bring an added touch of familial belonging and warmth to the room. The Duchess, God rest her soul, had done an excellent job of enhancing the designs of the great ladies who had gone before her. The portrait that hung above the mantel reminded the room's occupants of the matrons that had held court in the same chaises they now relaxed upon. Only the family could be truly happy under the Duchess' portrait, for the Ton would ever only be in awe of her.
"So tell me, my dear granddaughters, how do you feel in anticipation for the Season? I know your Aunt has secured entrance to The Royal Ascot and you have your presentation at Court, but are there any other places you wish to visit that this old Duke can take you to?"
"Oh grandfather, spending time with you and our family are our biggest concerns this Season. Mama has advised us not to take a serious interest in finding a suitable husband yet. As we have yet to reach the age of majority, we may not find a partner who is comfortable in complying with our independence and men who may only think us as headstrong and foolish girls."
"I agree with your mama, Lizzy. You girls must not appear too eager to catch a husband in your first Season as you both have plenty of prospects and the dowry to ensure you may marry for love."
"If I could find a man that would take me for a mere 50 pounds a year, I should be very happy. But then again I could never marry a man who is out of his wits" Elizabeth said with a teasing smile.
"Right you are my dear," said Aunt Amelia "But we have kept you long enough. You are still in your travelling clothes and need to change and rest before dinner. For tomorrow, we visit the modiste on Bond Street. Now don't give me that look, Lizzy, you know very well that your gowns for Court will take ever much longer than your others and we need to start immediately!"
Jane and Elizabeth rose to kiss their grandfather on the cheek before repairing upstairs to complete their toilette. "We shall call you soon for dinner my dears."
Jane and Elizabeth made their way up the grand staircase accompanied by their ladies maids. At Longbourn Jane and Elizabeth were used to one maid between three sisters, so having their own ladies' maid was a new sensation that the girls would have to get used to for the Season.
"They have grown into such beautiful young girls" mused their grandfather wistfully. "I do not know how we will be able to give them up one day or if suitable husbands could be found for the girls. I dearly want them to marry for love and lead happy lives." I have seen too many marriages based on monetary wealth to know that they are not ones I want for my granddaughters.
The first month in London passed in a flurry of visits to shops, family and attractions. The Bennet family visited the Royal Menagerie, London Tower and attended a night at the Opera. While Jane and Elizabeth were not formally out, it would not do for them to sit around at home. Growing up in the country had given them an increased stamina, very useful for the Season, and a fondness for country hours.
"Girls you must practise! I know your dancing Master did not teach you very much about dancing in a wide hoop skirt, but you must learn. It will do no good that you should be able to curtsey to the Queen when you are incapable of properly standing up with a gentleman. Your reputation will be degraded well below what either you deserve."
Elizabeth pouted while Jane smiled serenely during practise. As capable as both girls were at dancing, hoop skirts had become a requirement again at court for the ladies and were among the most tedious for dancing in.
Very quickly the time for the girls' presentation drew near. Their dresses had arrived from Bond Street not three days prior and the girls were very anxious for the night.
St. James' Court was festooned in lively colours and an assortment of the peerage that evening. Lords and Ladies decorated the various rooms with the sole priority of seeing and being seen. Dresses were decorated with frills, lace and feathers of all kinds, some exotic and others local.
As the Duke and his granddaughters took their place in the queue for presentation into the Presence Chamber, Jane and Elizabeth admired the ceiling's mosaic. It would not do for the ladies to become anxious over the finery displayed by other ladies and gentlemen. Lady Amelia had the girls practice a stare that could be mistaken for unfazed to ensure they would be taken advantage of by gossip or the 'ladies' parading that night. As their names were called, Jane and Elizabeth sucked in deep breaths simultaneously as they prepared to descend the stairs to their societal coming out. Luckily Jane and Elizabeth had had time to practice descending the stairs in their gowns; else Elizabeth was sure they would have tumbled head first down the stairs dragging their grandfather along with them.
As they entered the ballroom shortly after that, Jane and Elizabeth stood on either side of the Duke, followed by Lord Clarges with Lady Clarges and Marjorie and finally Lord and Lady Gardiner. They presented a remarkable party, dressed in their royal court finery. Much to the happiness of the Duke, neither of the girls had seemed to be of much importance to Prinny. However, that could always be of short duration. If either Jane or Elizabeth made a very favourable impression on any of the first circles, there would be unwelcome attention that could not be escaped as granddaughters of a Duke.
Jane was taken aback slightly by the opulence that was displayed at St. James' Court. The vaulted ceilings, velveteen and velvet indistinguishable from one another in the various ballrooms and magnificently ornate walls decorated with tapestries and frescos from the monarchies' history. There were the matrons of the society, young ladies her age and men young and old standing around the ballroom appraising each prospect. Jane suddenly felt very self-conscience. Bringing the stare her Aunt had drilled into her, Jane set her face to mask her anxiousness. Across the room was a young man in his early twenties who had the most brilliant red hair. He was just walking past the exit to the Presence Chamber as Jane espied him. It appeared that he would not be joining their ballroom for the evening much to Jane's dismay. Jane was so busy noticing the young man across the room that she did not see the gentleman making his way up to her and the Duke. Somehow Elizabeth had already made her way onto the dance floor for Take a Dance with a young man Jane had no idea about.
"Good evening, my Sir Brampton. I trust that matters at the high court to not keep you too preoccupied these days."
"My good Duke, how could I miss this ball when you informed me your entire family would be in attendance?" Sir Brampton replied with a hearty smile and chuckle.
"Very true. May I present my granddaughter, Miss Bennet? Miss Bennet this is Sir Brampton, a judge at the exchequer division of the High Court of Justice."
Jane curtsied respectfully, "Good evening Sir Brampton. I trust you find this evening at Court delightful."
"It is always a lovely evening when one is blessed with lively company and a beautiful dancing partner. If you are not otherwise engaged, may I solicit the next set with you, Miss Bennet?"
"I am not otherwise engaged and would be delighted Sir" smiled Jane prettily through her lashes. Even though he is not the youngest man or the one with reddish hair, I am very pleased to make his acquaintance. It is a good thing that he is a friend of my grandfather's or I am sure I would not be so inclined to dance with an older gentleman first.
Jane was pleasantly engaged in her thoughts until the next set. Shortly after Elizabeth was returned to their grandfather, Sir Brampton came to collect Jane for their set. As he led Jane out onto the dance floor, she noticed that he was perhaps not as old as he appeared and the stress of his vocation left more grey hairs than she had thought possible. Jane silently chastised herself, it would not do to disparage a man she did not know, even in her private thoughts.
"I trust that you have been enjoying your stay in London Miss Bennet. Is this your first visit to London?"
As they queued up for L'Amour Fidelle, Jane smiled, embracing the irony that her first dance of the season should be named for faithful love, a rarity in the Ton and society in general. Happiness in marriage is entirely chance. It is taught that a woman should show more affection then she feels if she is to secure a man; there is plenty of time to get to know him after the wedding. "This is my first Season in London Sir. I have visited with my mother's brother Lord Gardiner, Viscount Ladlaw and the Duke before."
"I see that the Viscount is in attendance today. I have yet to wish him and his wife my congratulations."
"That is kind of you to remark Sir. I did not know that you were a close friend of my family in London." Perhaps he does improve upon close acquaintance. There is nothing to fault his manners and I am enjoying his company.
"Perhaps we shall see more of each during the coming months as the Season progresses."
"I look forward to it Sir." Unknowingly Jane blushed lightly giving her a glow that could not be described as less than youthful and absolutely becoming. Sir Brampton was smitten immediately.
Elizabeth had passed the Take a Dance with a young Viscount whom she wished to forget quickly. If dancing was a step to a good match, that young man had quite a ways to go. Elizabeth was much happier by the side of the Duke, watching Jane and Sir Brampton and trading insights on the follies of those in attendance.
It was during this time that Elizabeth noticed a rather orange dress that must have been designed to accentuate the woman's rather thin figure with feather and ruffles to decorate and exceed every requirement of a court dress. The Duke noticed Elizabeth's distraction as her eyes followed the movements of the lady moving around the entrance to the ballroom hoping to be admitted. But it was not to be as she was escorted by a red-headed gentleman back to another ballroom.
"They, my dear, are the Bingley's. They are from the north of England and possess only five thousand a year. Bingley senior was granted a knighthood for his service to Crown through his trade and it looks like his son wishes to become a landed gentleman. He will do very well, but that woman you saw, his sister, is well on her way to being on the shelf."
"Grandfather! You gossip almost as bad as the old matrons!" exclaimed Elizabeth.
Lady Marjorie had come up to the duo as Jane's dance was ending with Sir Brampton. "I am afraid my dear that your grandfather is right. Miss Bingley is a known social climber and it is rumoured that she has set her cap on a friend of her brother's that she has yet to be introduced to."
As Sir Brampton escorted Jane back to her family and left the party in search of refreshment, Jane became included in the conversation. Not wishing to think ill of anyone (regardless of the length of an acquaintance); Jane sat shocked that a woman of such means would be seeking her brother's friend in a ballroom that she was not attending. Jane dearly wished that her attempts had not been too noticeable for Miss Bingley's sake. But, Jane had missed the episode of the orange dress and the red hair of the man she wished to be acquainted with.
While Jane and Elizabeth did not dance every dance that evening, they left with smiles and happy memories. It was a night of revelations for both sisters. Both girls had yet to meet with a man in whose company they wished to be in. However, neither girl chose to dwell on it. The Season had just begun and there would be a whirlwind of teas, luncheons, balls, plays and operas to attend after St. James' and The Royal Ascot. The finery of St. James' Court had left both girls in awe of the London Ton and all it could produce.
However, the girls had severely underestimated the effect The Royal Ascot produced on the London Ton.