Edited by SamH294
PPP
April – May 1812
Every week Lord Frederick received a detailed report of the gossip in London and of the people he was watching. He was very pleased with the latest report and to be sure there were no doubts concerning his support of the Darcys, he and the Matlocks were hosting an engagement ball in honor of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.
The only thing worrying him now was his son, who he noticed was pensive and less talkative than usual. So, a week after Darcy's engagement with Elizabeth was announced, he went to his son's house to speak with him.
He noticed laying on top of his son's desk were two books: "The Prince" and "The Art of War."
Looking at the titles, Lord Frederick commented, "Machiavelli and Sun Tzu. Two great strategists; a diplomat and a general. Which do you prefer?"
Lord Sebastian looked into his father's eyes and shook his head. "Honestly, I do not know. And you Father?"
Lord Frederick sighed. "You know, Sebastian. One of the things I have learned over the years is the power of diplomacy and the importance of knowing all the weaknesses of your potential enemies. It is better to live in peace and for this to happen, it is often necessary to let your enemies know that you have the possibility of destroying them, should they move against you."
"At times I feel that I will never be prepared to be a Marques." Lord Sebastian confessed to his father. "At times I wish I was just Sebastian and not Lord Sebastian. I would like women to see me and not my title and the power and money I have." He added bitterly.
"I understand you. Believe me, you are much better prepared than I was when I was your age." He paused. "I was lucky enough to marry an exceptional woman like your mother, but back then I was not a Marquess." Looking into his son's eyes, he asked. "Are you interested in any particular young lady?"
He shook his head slightly. "No, but I confess I am jealous of Darcy."
"Why?"
"In the eyes of the world, he is Georgiana's only brother and I will always be on the periphery of her life. In addition, he is going to marry an exceptional woman, who at one point I thought of potentially marrying."
Lord Frederick smiled slightly. "I understand very well how you feel, Sebastian. I have lived thirty years on the periphery; first looking from afar at the woman I loved more than anyone and anything in the world, and then at my daughter." He paused and added, "Darcy is also jealous of you. You must take into account that until a few months ago he was Georgiana's only brother and the most important person in her life. Overnight we appeared in Georgiana's life and Darcy had no choice but to accept us for Georgiana's well-being."
"I never thought of it that way."
"Over the past few months, I have been watching Darcy closely, I have seen his eyes and his expression every time Georgiana talks with you and even when Miss Bennet talks to you." He smiled slightly. "We are still adjusting, and I am sure that with a little more time we will reach a balance."
Father and son talked for over an hour and Sebastian was finally able to see clearly that he should not be jealous of Darcy, nor Darcy of him. The important thing was that they should have a good relationship for Georgiana's sake.
PPP
Elizabeth and Darcy's engagement ball was a success. Although Lord Jersey and his family were invited, he chose not to attend and refused to let his family attend. In any case, Lady Isabella had no desire whatsoever to attend.
As expected, Darcy and Elizabeth opened the ball, and subsequently, Elizabeth danced with Lord Frederick, Lord Matlock, and Lord Sebastian. While Darcy danced with Elizabeth's Aunt, Lady Matlock, and Marianne Campbell.
Lord Frederick, who genuinely liked Mrs. Campbell, much to her husband's annoyance and jealousy, asked her to dance. Despite her 45 years, Mary Campbell was still a very beautiful woman, and since she had met Lord Frederick, she felt happy and it was reflected in the expression on her face, making her look younger.
Over the years Mrs. Campbell and Lord Frederick continued to have an excellent relationship, and three years later, Lord Sebastian married Marianne Campbell. Gossip said that Mrs. Campbell and Lord Frederick were lovers, and perhaps they were, but who could blame them, he was a widower and her husband was known for his infidelity.