Chapter 3 – Dresses, Dances & Disasters
"Oh my dear girls, you were perfect!" exclaimed Lady Amelia. She was absolutely in raptures over Jane and Elizabeth's performance at the Ascot. Though Jane and Elizabeth had socialised in a small circle, Lady Amelia had heard the talk about the girls.
Lady Marjorie knew the girls had spoken, perhaps not enough, but could not begrudge them. The family had counselled the girls to remain the picture of perfection and not to try and draw any unnecessary attention. Going to the Ascot was a place to be seen, not always to talk or gossip. Jane and Elizabeth had presented themselves to high society in a manner that befitted them; as demure young ladies who had the means and the backing to be seen with the elite and the gowns to match. Lady Marjorie hid a triumphant smile. Those gowns had not cost as much as everyone had thought. While French fashions were in demand among the upper class, Lady Marjorie had had the dresses done in Ramsgate. There was an up and coming modiste who was eager for the patronage of a high-class family. She had done the dresses at a reduced cost from the girls' measurements taken in London to showcase her work. Lady Marjorie had every intention of advancing the name of the modiste around. There was nothing she liked better than starting a trend among the London Ton.
As Lady Amelia waxed on about the raptures of her enjoyment at the Ascot, Jane and Elizabeth pondered their excitement in silence on the carriage ride back to Kenilworth House. The day had been full of excitement. While neither girl had spoken much, each had found delight in the day. Elizabeth whilst refreshing herself, had heard talk of a Darcy, the owner of Napoleon's Bane. The women were lamenting his loss quite vocally. Elizabeth could not ask any specific questions about the owner, having never met him, but from the sounds of it, this Darcy was a handsome specimen himself. Elizabeth sighed to herself. Mayhap she was just as interested in the owner as much as the horse.
Jane was disappointed. Her redhead had not been in attendance. She did not love animals as much as Elizabeth did and rode for convenience. Her father had remarked that a girl likes to be crossed in love now and again. However, Jane knew that the man she was interested in would not be an eligible match for her. He was evidently not from the first circles and could not associate with them very often. Sir Brampton was an infinitely better choice for her and Jane liked him for her own sake. Sir Brampton had come to call on their grandfather twice in the past month and had been very polite to the ladies, offering his greetings, but never staying for tea. Jane resolved to get to know Sir Brampton when he came for tea or dinner next. If he showed any interest in her, she would keep herself guarded as a lady should but would not openly discourage his feelings. Jane was resolved on the matter; nothing but the deepest love would induce her to matrimony and she meant to find it.
The family returned home in good spirits, missing the girls' thoughtful expressions. They had all enjoyed their day at the races and were glad they had no further engagements before the end of the week, except for the Matlock's dinner. The Duke was content, if Lady Eleanor helped the girls as well, he had no doubt that they would be settled quite well very soon. His daughter-in-law had trained the girls properly in running an estate the size of Longbourn, and Lady Amelia had taken to showing the girls the ropes of the mistress of Kenilworth house. Since both girls had been previously trained by their mother, it would not be hard for them to adapt to a larger estate quickly.
Lord and Lady Matlock arrived home in short order following the win at Ascot. Truly, such a win was unexpected for them. Apparently their jockey knew very well what he was doing.
Lady Matlock had found it odd that she had not been introduced to the two young girls with the Duke of Kenilworth. Perhaps it had been the ill timing, but Lady Matlock knew such a thing could be easily remedied. Lady Matlock knew exactly where she would be calling first tomorrow.
Jane and Elizabeth sat on Jane's bed plaiting each other's hair in preparation for bed. Both girls had dismissed their maids for the night and were anxious to discuss many things. Jane had not developed the courage to speak to Lizzy about the man she desperately wanted to see. She wanted Elizabeth's opinion of the man she should encourage. While Jane had not formed the resolution of not discouraging Sir Brampton, she was worried about setting her cap too low.
"Lizzy, I want your opinion." Jane had Elizabeth's immediate attention. Jane always looked to see the good in the world and while she did not walk around with rose-coloured glasses, she preferred her glasses tinted.
"Dearest Jane, ask me whatever you wish. I have a few matters of my own that I would like your help on as well."
"I wish to know your opinion and thoughts on Sir Brampton."
"Sir Brampton?" questioned Elizabeth. She was shocked if this was the man Jane had blushed about at breakfast. "I have received every politeness from him, Jane, but he has only asked you for dances. I have not had the opportunity to converse with him to gauge his character. Our grandfather trusts him, and as he loves to study personalities, I'm sure he would have discovered if Sir Brampton had a defect by now."
Jane blushed; she should have known better. Elizabeth was curious, and rightly so. Jane should have noticed that Sir Brampton had not asked Elizabeth for a dance.
"Tell me about the man that made you blush at breakfast, Jane. Who is he?"
"I confess that I do not know his name, Lizzy. We have not been introduced."
"Is that why you have been distracted at dances of late? Have you been seeking a way of introduction?"
"I do wish an introduction Lizzy. All I know is that he is a red-head of decent height. I saw him for the first time at Court, but he was not in our ballroom. He passed by ours briefly, but nothing more. While I did not get an excellent look at his face, it is one I wish to see again."
"Then see him again you probably will. I must caution you, Jane, if he was not in our ballroom at Court, it is likely that he is not of the same social standing as us nor a potentially acceptable match socially."
"I would wish… I should so much like to marry for love. I am determined that nothing but the deepest love shall tempt me into matrimony. As I have not seen him since we have been at Court, I can only suppose that we move in different spheres. That is why I desire your opinion on Sir Brampton. While he is an older gentleman, he is not vicious and is a good friend of our grandfather. I have decided that while I do not love him, I will not discourage his affections and see if love develops over time."
"Oh my dear Jane, you can still marry for love. You do not need to take care to fall in love with a man of good fortune. However, if he is so below our connections, it is likely that we will never meet him again. It pains me, to say it, but I cannot deny it."
Jane was disappointed but knew the validity of Elizabeth's words. Jane did not wish to be a degradation to her family in any way. She knew the connections her relatives had; they were among the most admirable in society. Her red-headed fellow would very likely not reappear in her life so Jane set about that instant to forget her attachment and folly. She was not a fifteen-year-old girl anymore. Lovely verses and good looks would not be enough for her to be tempted by love.
"Do not worry, Jane. There is a man out there who is worthy of you. He will be your security and will love you for who you are, not for the wealth you bring to the marriage. If it is any consolation, Jane, I rue my words from the other day. It appears that I am just as interested in Napoleon's Bane's owner as I am in the horse."
It was Jane's turn to be startled. Napoleon's Bane had been sponsored by the Earl of Matlock, a married man.
"Do not look at me so, Jane. I know the Earl of Matlock is married and I do not have any interest in him. I need to clarify. I have found out that Napoleon's Bane is not owned by the Matlock's, but by a man named Darcy. The women were quite expressive in his praise this afternoon and were upset he was not in attendance. It appears he is a wealthy and handsome man who has captured more than one woman's fancy."
Jane was dismayed. Had she really been neglecting goings-on so much? "We have not been introduced to a Darcy since our arrival in London. I do recollect Aunt Madeleine talking about the Darcy family having an estate in Derbyshire, close to where she grew up. I believe she had a former acquaintance with the family. Perhaps when we see her next, you should inquire after the family."
"It would be wrong of me to inquire, Jane, as we do not have any acquaintance with the family. No, I shall have to suspend my curiosity about the Derbyshire gentleman. It appears that the gentlemen we have chosen to be interested in are like sprites roaming the world. We are afforded only glimpses of them but never enough to determine their true form."
As the girls parted for the night with a hug and a yawn, they knew each other's dreams would be filled with teasing glimpses of their desires but no tangible results just like their own.
Lady Matlock was not one for keeping country hours in town, but they did have their moments. Those dresses worn by the young girls yesterday did not look like any style from any modistes in town and Lady Matlock knew all the latest styles. It was time to investigate.
Lady Matlock had an early breakfast and called for her carriage to be ready an hour after. She did not need any new gowns, but perhaps it was time to check the magazines. She had sent her maid on the errand of purchasing the newest magazines for her, which she would peruse at her leisure on the way to Pemberley. Lady Matlock knew it was rather early to be making any social calls, but this one was no routine visit. The Lady in question would not mind Lady Matlock's appearance so early in the morning thankfully, and would be understanding since they would be at dinner together tonight. Those two girls needed to be investigated before the introduction could be made. Lady Marjorie and Amelia had been sly not introducing the girls and letting the girls have their fun of the day. While it was most unusual, it did create a certain aura of mystery about them. No one doubted that the girls had good connections; after all, they were with the Duke of Kenilworth and his children. While too young to be daughters, there was a family resemblance; surely they were not the children of Clarges? Lady Matlock could not recollect if the Duke had any more children as the family was generally very private. She would have her curiosity satisfied. If the girls were half as connected as they appeared to be, the London Ton would have a fit when they realised the competition was about to get a lot stiffer.
As the carriages began to arrive at Matlock House that evening, there was an air of excitement among the guests. While it was not to be a big dinner, this would be one of the only entertainments the Matlock's would host this Season. While Lady Matlock loved to entertain, the sombre mood of being still in their mourning period had not yet left her family after her brother-in-law's death. The Matlock's had only been to Almack's twice this season; indeed, they were limiting their amount of socialising as a whole. This lent the dinner they were about to have, that much more exclusivity. An idea they liked very much.
As the Bennet's carriages arrived, even the Duke was in a cheery mood, teasing his girls much to their chagrin as much as their amusement. The Matlock's had two unmarried sons of marrying age. One was a Viscount and the other a Colonel in His Majesty's Army. While the Viscount was rumoured to have a mistress, the Colonel was well-known to be a very honourable gentleman and a respected commander.
"Don't you worry, my dears, if the gentlemen are there, we may have you yet affianced before the end of the season," chuckled the Duke.
Elizabeth and Jane both became red-faced at his teasing. Neither wanted to be engaged by the end of this season; they had yet to meet the men of their dreams, who daily occupied their thoughts. The door to Matlock House could not open fast enough for the girls.
As they entered, the Bennets were greeted by the Earl and Countess, sans sons. The Bennets were the last ones to arrive, however on time they may have been. As they entered the drawing room, the remainder of the party was introduced.
"May I introduce Lady Jersey, an esteemed patroness of Almack's and Lady Amelia Heartwright? It is unfortunate that my sons could not join us this evening as they in Derbyshire with their cousins."
"Good evening to you all," replied the Duke, "allow me to introduce my family, Lord and Lady Clarges, you know, my daughter, Lady Marjorie Bennet, and my two granddaughters of my son Lord Thomas Bennet, Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
As everyone bowed and curtsied in turn, Jane and Elizabeth immediately found themselves the object of scrutiny. While they were not surprised, knowing the importance of the other attendees, they became internally nervous despite their outward demeanor.
My courage rises with every attempt to intimidate me; I shall not let them see me nervous or timid. I am a smart woman and will be treated as such, vowed Elizabeth to herself. I passed off at Court as a young lady with grace; I can do so here, even without the dancing.
While Jane did not have the immediate courage Elizabeth did, she knew in her heart that it was imperative for her to make a good impression. The ladies are all dressed very elegantly, I am glad Aunt Marjorie chose our gowns; it would not do to be underdressed at a dinner such as this.
Lady Matlock was impressed, to say the least. I had completely forgotten there was another son in the Bennet family. That means if Clarges does not have a son, the estate will pass to Lord Bennet. And if I remember correctly, Lord Bennet does not come to town very often. "Come sit down everyone, dinner will not be served for a bit, and I believe we must have some conversation."
"But of course! While it is too early for music, there is no time like the present to get to know one another. I have yet to meet these stunning beauties that you call granddaughters, your Grace. If they are half as accomplished as Lady Marjorie and Lady Clarges, we shall have some delightful entertainment this evening," exclaimed Lady Heartwright. "There is nothing that I delight in more than honest amusement."
Jane chose to sit next to Lady Jersey, Elizabeth by Lady Heartwright and Lady Matlock while the gentlemen went to converse by the fire. The antics of the French were the talk of the Season, and any intelligent man was discussing it.
Lady Marjorie and Amelia had chosen a chaise all to themselves. While not entirely polite, it was a good middle ground between the great ladies and their nieces. "I hope that we are not wrong in having kept Jane and Elizabeth from meeting too much society. It was my hope that we would be able to land them an invitation such as this. Lady Jersey, Matlock and Heartwright have the ability to make or break their reputations. I believe the girls have picked up enough during their lessons. However we have yet to see them apply everything they have been taught."
"I wouldn't worry too much, Amelia, between the mysterious dressmaker, Jane and Elizabeth's talent for conversation, and their beauty; they should be able to acquit themselves very well tonight. I do worry about the seating arrangements for dinner; the girls don't seem to be interested in suitors at all this season."
Suddenly, there was a loud clap of thunder and the sound of a hundred horses running as the skies erupted into a sudden, violent thunderstorm. All the ladies started at this; there had not been a cloud in the sky earlier this evening. There was a momentary pause as everyone adjusted to the sound of the light raindrops began to fall in the evening's dusk.