Chapter 2 – A Royal Race Day
Elizabeth had woken first and was sitting on the window seat overlooking the neighbourhood. It was a glorious morning; there was not a cloud in the sky to mar the day. Elizabeth was excited; today they would be going to Ascot. Lady Marjorie had insisted the girls not see their dresses until today, and they had only been delivered two days prior.
Elizabeth went over to the bed to wake Jane, they had much to prepare and Elizabeth could smell the beginnings of breakfast being arranged in the parlour.
"Wake up, dearest Jane, today is the day!" Elizabeth had not been this excited for a long time. As Jane slowly roused herself from the comfort of the bed, they had shared last night. Generally, the girls kept their own rooms at night. However, both were so excited for today and all those who they might see (especially a certain red head), that neither could wait and had spent the night together in excitement. As their ladies' maids came in to help them dress for breakfast, both girls were pleasantly engaged in their thoughts.
As the girls made their way down to breakfast, they were greeted by their Uncle Clarges.
"How are my two favourite nieces this beautiful morning? Are you girls ready to set the London Ton on its ear again with your charm, beauty, and grace?"
"Surely you jest, Uncle, for we all know it is Jane's beauty and grace that has set the tongues' wagging? The competition increases exponentially upon her arrival and the young men constantly have her in their sights."
Jane blushed furiously. She had been looking at that young and every time they had gone out to be disappointed. She had not paid most gentlemen half as much attention as they desired and danced only with those who were brave enough to come up to her grandfather or uncle to ask her for a set. As a consequence of this, Jane had danced less than was her want. However, Sir Brampton helped to remedy that situation whenever he was present. Sir Brampton never failed to ask Jane for a set and would assist her uncle in keeping away any undesirable partners. The more Jane thought about it, the more pleased she was with Sir Brampton's attentions. While both girls had been forewarned that they did not need to make a match this Season, Jane hoped Sir Brampton would continue to call on her after the Season ended.
Elizabeth observed her sister's blush, perhaps there was a man that Jane was interested in, but that would have to save itself for tonight. There would be no chance of talking of young men today.
Elizabeth knew that her impertinent remark discounting her attractiveness did not show her in the best light, but she was used to it. There was no point in comparing herself to Jane. Jane was by far the fairer of the two and the most admired. After all, who would want a woman that was not only accomplished in womanly tasks but also in some pursuits which society only allowed men to pursue? Elizabeth knew that she would have to be careful with her comments at Ascot. She did not want to reveal just how much she knew about horses and their breeding. While it was considered good manners to have an interest in a gentleman's activity to better understand a gentleman, it was not a topic that was open to discussion in public areas. Her father had indulged her in that aspect; Elizabeth was permitted to converse with her father on more manly topics, but never outside the confines of his library.
As they selected their meat and potatoes from the sideboard, Lady Marjorie and Lady Amelia came in. Their grandfather had not yet risen for the day and would not be about for another hour.
"Good morning, girls, Husband. I trust you slept well and are rested for today's activities."
"I thought that after breakfast if it is acceptable to you girls, we would repair upstairs to my seating area for the final adjustments to your gowns" declared Lady Marjorie. She knew that would hurry breakfast along. Lady Marjorie had no plans in delaying any part of her day to ensure the girls were properly ready for the Royal Ascot. It should not be more than an hour's carriage ride to the race track, but considering the number of families that would be in attendance, it was important to be in the carriage as promptly as possible.
Breakfast was a quiet and quick affair as all members of the family were eager to begin preparing for the day at Ascot. The Duke would be joining the Clarges, Lady Marjorie and the girls for the day and the family would be enjoying the race from the Duke's box.
As Jane and Elizabeth made their way upstairs with their aunts, their anticipation grew in ways that knew no bounds. When they reached Lady Marjorie's sitting room, the girls dresses were displayed to their fullest advantage on the two chaises. Audible gasps were heard from Jane, Elizabeth and Lady Amelia as they admired the craftsmanship and design of the gowns. Lady Marjorie wore a pleased smile. She knew just how important The Royal Ascot was and made sure that both Jane and Elizabeth were bedecked splendidly.
Jane's gown was a gorgeous purple dress, embellished with lavender and rose floral beadwork. Around the bodice, the beads were done in such a fashion as to give the illusion of a gate covered in ivy that wound its way from the waist to the shoulders with roses interspersed. Hummingbirds were delicately sewn around the skirt and subtle lace details framed the hem with ivy-embroidered around it. Lace lined the sleeves and the neckline, giving all modesty and a hint of Jane's marvellous figure. Jane could not help the tears that began to flow as she admired her gown. It was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. She knew until the day she died she would treasure this incredible gift; it was a gown fit for a princess awaiting her knight in shining armour.
Elizabeth was in no better shape. While her tears did flow as readily as Jane's, her wonder at her gown could not be hidden. How had her aunt designed, let alone conceived of a gown so beautiful? The gown that lay on the chaise in front of Elizabeth was a royal forest green. Cascading from the neckline were subtle layers of lace in a V-shape to the waist. The lace was enhanced with gold thread that had been woven into its pattern in such a way that the light caught it and played with it across the gown. The sleeves ended in a scalloped lace that would be timeless. Gold, brown, and black thread were used throughout the skirt linking the pattern of roses, daffodils and daisies that had been sewn in light green, bordered in brown and black. The effect was ethereal, for one could not grasp all the details of the skirt in one glance. It was a skirt that demanded attention in a subtle and unostentatious way. If Elizabeth had her way, this would be the dress she was married in.
While both gowns were different, it was quite evident that they each suited their mistresses to perfection. Lady Amelia's gift to the girls was white parasols and white kid skinned gloves, the perfect items for the outfits' completion.
As the ladies maids were brought in to assist with dressing and their hair, Jane and Elizabeth wore looks of utter disbelief and excitement. Lady Marjorie and Amelia had planned their surprise splendidly. The girls would be the toast of the Royal Ascot this year.
As the ladies descended the stairs, the Duke and Clarges were astounded at their lady's beauty. Clarges was incredibly grateful he was married to the woman of his dreams, and while they had no children yet, he wished fervently that his daughters would be as beautiful as his lovely wife. The Duke was beyond proud of his daughters and granddaughters. Lady Marjorie had been absolutely right to choose these gowns for Jane and Elizabeth; the girls would break many hearts very quickly dressed as they were. If only men who were truly worthy of them existed, if only I could only see them even half as happy as I was with my dear Violetta, their grandfather sighed contentedly. I know I am not long for this world, but seeing them dressed so elegantly and knowing their dispositions, I know they will be happy.
The group departed with high spirits for the Royal Ascot.
The boxes were full of each family and their guests as the Bennets made their way through the crowds to their box. As the air had a slight chill, the party kept their capes about them. It was a crisp afternoon for the Royal Ascot. It was expected that the horses would be displayed for all to see their strength and prowess. The track was empty except for a few horses out to test the grounds.
As the Bennets seated themselves in their box, they espied the Earl and Countess of Matlock approaching to sit in the box next to them. The Duke loved a good horse race and was pleased that the Matlock's were next to him. The Earl had some marvellous studs which he and his sons took prodigious care of.
"Good afternoon Your Grace, Clarges, Lady Marjorie. I am so glad that we will be in the box next to you this afternoon. A bit of friendly competition between us will never hurt the horses down there."
"Good afternoon, Hugh. I'm so glad you and Eleanor could make it. Will your sons be joining us?"
"Not today. They have journeyed to console Fitzwilliam and Georgiana. Eleanor and I travel there in two days."
"I am sorry to hear about Robert. I had not seen him in a good year, with neither of us being in the best of health. He took Anne's death quite hard."
"Thank you" replied Lady Eleanor. She had been paying attention to the conversation her husband and the Duke had been having, but upon noticing two young ladies with Lady Marjorie and Amelia, she was promptly sidetracked. Jane and Elizabeth sat demurely towards the far side of the booth that faced away from the crowds and towards the track. Neither was focused on the crowds and looking for men, which impressed Lady Eleanor.
Lady Eleanor was a renowned hostess of the Ton. Her balls were always exquisite and never garish. She had made her mark in the peerage by assisting her husband in the drawing rooms of London. Along the way, she had taught her second son, a Colonel, group tactics and the art of precision as she conquered every room in a humble, pleasing fashion yet with an unmistakable confidence and style.
Jane and Elizabeth were unaware of Lady Eleanor's scrutiny.
As the horses were lead out onto the track, Lady Eleanor watched as Jane and Elizabeth put aside their tea cups, took up their parasols and made their way to the edge of the box. Jane and Elizabeth unknowingly became objects of great scrutiny and admiration. The girls had removed their capes while in the sun and the beading and embroidery on their gowns caught the sunlight in a subtle but distinctive way. Both young ladies were unconsciously bathed in a glow from their garments reflection.
As the jockeys guided their horses towards the gates, all eyes were on the fine thoroughbreds. One horse stood out from among the rest as if it were the peak of a pyramid. All the other thoroughbreds stood surrounding him, but it only served to emphasise his excellent build and prowess. All bets were wished immediately off. Of course, Darcy would have the best horse.
However this year that honour belonged to the Matlocks. George Darcy's horse was too painful a reminder for the son; therefore, the Matlock's sponsored the horse for the season.
The horses queued up, all eager for the race. It was a bright day, not even a cloud of unexpected rain. Everyone stood in anticipation for the opening of the gates. Today was a good day for the Royal Ascot.
A sudden shot rang out as the gates were released. All raised their quizzing glasses or monocles to catch a better glimpse of the passing horses. Elizabeth was at rapt attention. While it would never be proper for a lady to race in such a manner, she could almost feel the rush of wind on her cheeks as if she was the horse. This was truly a glorious sport and spectacle. As the horses thundered by their box, all inside were pleased and excited.
The horses made their way around the track in good fashion. There was a stout bay in the lead for the first round, followed closely by the majority of the horses. Surprisingly, the finest horse was the last of the pack. Elizabeth was disappointed. The horse she came to see was not doing well. As the laps progressed, the horse didn't. The Matlock's were dismayed, what was their jockey doing? While the Matlock's kept magnificent studs, they knew little about the intricacies of racing. The jockey they had hired was a last minute pick. Should Napoleon's Bane lose, the Matlock's feared the loss of a considerable sum. The Matlock's had trusted the jockey's advice and not consulted Darcy to give him pain; perhaps a grave error.
But as the horses rounded turn two in the fifth lap, Napoleon's Bane gained five places. Everyone's eyes were arrested on the superior black thoroughbred as he made his way easily past the others with incredible speed. Cheers could be heard from around the track as Napoleon's Bane quickly past the other horses on the outside. Rounding turn four Napoleon's Bane caught up to the leader. All it took was one look between the horses and off like a lightning bolt, Napoleon's Bane went to the finish. The rapidity at which this distance was accomplished could only be marvelled at.
A raucous cheer went up from the crowd (at least as loud as could be expected from London's top society) as Napoleon's Bane took first place.
Representing the winning owners, Lord and Lady Matlock made their way from their box down towards the track, but they were not the expected victors. Many a young lady were disappointed in Darcy's absence; they craned their necks, in the most ladylike fashion possible, hoping he would emerge from a hidden corner as was his want. However much they wished it to be, they were not appeased.
Lord Matlock graciously accepted the ribbons and silver plate alongside his jockey. This would be a good day for the Matlocks.
As the Matlocks repaired to society's general company, Lady Matlock made a point of encouraging her husband to invite the Bennets for dinner the next evening. Lady Matlock could not resist the temptation of seeing Lady Marjorie again and meeting the loveliest girls she had seen in a long time.
Elizabeth was in raptures, she knew her favourite would win. She had seen one of the best and most celebrated horses race this afternoon and it had been won in a spectacular manner. Her happiness was complete when her grandfather informed them that the entire family had been invited to dinner at Matlock House the following night and had been graciously accepted.