Chapter 11: Making Plans

London, England. December 24th, 1806.

"Aunt Elizabeth! Look!" Marianne said, running down the hall with two small envelopes in her hand. She was still in her nightgown and the sky was still dark, only now slowly starting to lighten up. The morning fog and the snow were not helping in that matter.

"What is it, dear?" Lady Lockhart asked, putting her pen down as she was writing a letter to someone.

"Invitations," Marianne replied. She broke the seal to the first one. "Oh, I think it is the royal seal," she whispered in awe. The blonde girl opened the letter and quickly read it over.

"It is an invitation to the Royal Christmas Ball," she said. She handed the letter to her aunt before opening the second one. "And this one is also with the royal seal, and it is an invitation to the Royal New Year's Eve Ball!" Marianne could not contain her joy and her smile could have brightened up the whole morning sky instead of the sun.

"Well, dearest," Elizabeth said. "You have been invited by name. I shall accompany you as a chaperone, though."

A shadow passed in Marianne's eyes. "The ball is tomorrow– what am I going to wear? Oh Elizabeth, I simply cannot go!"

Elizabeth was on her feet at once. "Nonsense. You shall go to that ball, whether we have to work all day and all night to get a dress ready. How is your needlework?"

Marianne shrugged. "Mama says it is decent enough, I suppose..."

"That will have to do," the older lady said. "Lucy!" she called out to her lady's maid. "Your presence is required at once."

Not a minute later, Lucy was in the doorway. "Yes ma'am?"

"Miss Marianne needs a dress."

"Shall I go to the modiste, then?" the maid asked.

"There is no time," Lizzy explained. "She needs one for tomorrow evening." She grabbed Marianne's hand and lead her to her own bed chambers. "We shall alter one of mine."

Between the three of them and the thirty-six hours they had ahead of them, they managed to make the most exquisite dress Marianne had ever worn. It was made of a plain white underdress with an overdress open in the front with short butterfly sleeves made of beautiful red silk. "A Christmas-y dress if one has ever seen one," Elizabeth had said as they decided on the fabric.

People usually had at least two weeks to prepare when receiving an invitation. Not even two days was highly uncommon and very rude. But when it came directly from the royal family, one could simply not refuse. And this had been one of the most important events they had been invited to since the beginning of the Season.

Dressed in her brand-new dress, Marianne climbed down the carriage that had stopped just in front of the Palace. Outside, the streets were still covered in snow and the atmosphere was silent, almost magical. She and her chaperone were guided inside and introduced to the hostess of the ball, the queen herself, to whom they curtsied flawlessly.

The two ladies stood to the side, watching as everyone seemed to know everyone, needing no formal introduction whatsoever to start lively conversations left and right.
Marianne was also looking left and right, awed by the luxury and the beauty of the dresses, jewelry, and hairdos.

"I do hope you still have some room left on your dance card, Miss Barrington," a familiar voice said, standing next to her.

"Mr. Dawson," Marianne said with a smirk. "As a matter of fact, my card is still rather empty."

"Then we shall remedy to that right away," he said. "Might I see your card, please?"

"Of course." She handed it to him and the young man scribbled something on it before handing it back to her. She smiled because he had signed Alexander Dawson. "But why did you fill in the last two lines, sir?" she asked, confused.

Prince James smiled, keeping his eyes on the crowd. "Two reasons, miss. The first is that more than two dances with the same partner would be highly improper and I do not wish to tarnish your reputation."

"And the second?" she asked.

"I will be dancing with other partners, but I shall be keeping my eyes on you the whole evening," he replied, finally looking at her. "And I want to spend my last two official dances with you."

Marianne's blush was rather pink, but it was her smile that could have blinded anyone looking her way.

"I shall see you later, Miss Barrington," the prince said, tilting his head, before walking away.

A minute later, a blond young man very well-dressed walked up to her. "Good evening, milady," he said, taking her hand in his for a kiss. "I noticed the Prince talking to you earlier and I was wondering who this young lady was who had caught his eye so."

Marianne took her hand back. "I do not believe we have been formally introduced, sir," she said. Aunt Lizzy was watching, so she better put to good use the lessons she had been given. Rule number fourteen: One should not speak to a person to whom one was not formally introduced by a third person first.

"Right," the man said. He turned around, looking for someone, but the prince had vanished amid the gowns and cravats. "Is there anyone here you know, miss?"

Marianne looked around also for the Prince, but he was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly she saw the redhead lady she had met at Hyde Park when skating coming her way.

"Miss Barrington," Lady Valery Windsor said, taking a gentle hold on her forearm. "Is this man bothering you?"

"Lady Valery!" Marianne said, relieved to see a friendly face.

"I merely wanted to be introduced to the lady," the blond man said with a sly smile. "And since you happen to know her, Lady Windsor, would you be so kind as to do the honors for us?"

Valery sighed. "Very well," she said. "Miss Barrington, this is his Royal Highness Prince Aleksander of York, Earl of Wessex. Prince James' cousin," she explained. "Your Highness, may I introduce Miss Marianne Barrington."

"A pleasure," prince Aleksander said, bowing to her. "May I have a dance, this evening?"

Marianne could not say no. That was another one of those wretched rules: unless she already had another partner, she could not refuse a gentleman asking for a dance. And since her card was mostly empty but for the last two dances, she had to give him her dance card.

/ / /

Brighton, England. July 9th, 1815.

After meeting all of the ladies partaking in the so-called Selection for his hand in marriage, James was already making a plan. Not a plan to marry or fall in love, no. But a plan nonetheless. A plan that would hopefully get him out of this thing; or at least make it easier for him. In an ideal world, he would flee the country and hide on a ship to the Americas with Eleanor and start a new life. Anything to get away from marrying again. Even though he had no notion of cooking and would probably starve to death if he was left on his own. But alas; there were redcoats everywhere with strict orders to grab him by the collar like a kitten if he so much as stepped away from the Pavilion.

He excused himself to his chambers, claiming an oncoming headache due to the heat. Which was only half true: the heat was unbearable, but a headache was not bothering him. He took off his suit coat, rolled up his large linen sleeves, and sat at his desk. He took a precious sheet of paper and dipped his pen in the ink, making sure not to blotch the paper. He then made a list of gentlemen he knew of who was still single and in search of a wife, despite the previous Season. James did not have many friends, especially not since Marianne had died: she was the one making friends and he simply followed along, content.

The first letter was to his cousin.

Brighton; July 9th, 1815.

To His Royal Highness Prince Aleksander of York, Duke of Wessex

From His Royal Highness Prince James Schreave, Duke of Cambridge

Cousin,

I know it has been quite some time since we last spoke, and you might be surprised by my letter. But trust me, you were the last one on my list, yet your letter is the easiest to write.
Circumstances in our lives have made us part, but I am now in dire need of your assistance in an urgent matter. As you may know (and I have no doubt you had a good laugh out of it), I am currently in Brighton in search of a wife against my own will. Blame it on your uncle, but you know him: one cannot simply say 'no' to him.

There is only one me, and nineteen ladies. This meaning that you may have your pick of the lot if you wish to find yourself a wife and settle down once and for all. It would also reduce the number of ladies, thus making it easier for me. One thing my father was right about is that my daughter Eleanor needs a mother, and I shall find her one.

I would understand if you would deny my request for help, but if you do accept, I shall be in your debt for eternity.

I will arrange a room for you at the Gentlemen's Club in Brighton, without Henry knowing about this. Please do stay discreet about the matter and burn the letter when you read it. I shall be coming for you on August 1st at said Club; this shall leave you with enough time to prepare and come South.

Your cousin,

James.

James wrote seventeen letters in the like, all going to nobles currently residing in London or close enough for the summer. It took him the whole afternoon and once he was done, he sealed them all with red wax and his personal signet.

"Lawrence?" James called to his loyal valet who arrived promptly, always at the ready. "I need these to leave first thing in the morning," he said, giving him the seventeen letters tied together with a piece of twine. "Be most discreet: Henry must know nothing of this."

"Of course, my lord," Lawrence said, bowing to the prince. "I shall go myself to Brighton early in the morning and back before his Lordship is up."

"Thank you."

With that, Lawrence bowed and was out of the room with his precious cargo. James wondered how many of these seventeen gentlemen would come to his aid. He hoped the idea of finding a wife would be appealing enough for most of them, though he had his doubts about his cousin: last he heard, Aleksander was still the number one Rake in London. Would he want to find himself a wife? James would find out on August 1sthow many of them would be there.

/ / /

Now that James' first step of his plan was set into motion, the two next steps were to do as if nothing was amiss and let Henry do whatever he wished, and secondly to start getting to know the ladies better so that when the time came and his guests would be there, he could actually sort of promote them to his friends and keep the ones he liked best for his daughter. But now that he thought of it, the ladies were not cattle to be sold off to the market.

Yet, the marriage market of the London Season was not very far off of that imagery, so he hoped no one would notice.

Since he did not know which lady to start with, he decided to go on a walk around the garden, hoping to meet at least one and simply go from there. He had not done this in a long time– courting. And with Marianne, it was so natural, it had been so easy. He hoped that he would not blank when the time came to actually start a conversation.

James donned on his summer suit made of linen and light fabrics with a top hat and took a deep breath before heading outside. Amid the birds chirping in the trees, the breeze making the leaves whistle, and the crickets singing in the grass, he could hear joyful chatter and laughter not too far away. A group of ladies, then. Should he go or should he back away as if he had not heard anything?

He was about to do just that, but a stern look from Henry on the terrace made him turn around and walk toward the womanly noise. He found them under a large willow tree, in the shade, sitting on a linen blanket on the grass.

"Your Highness!" Miss Delaney exclaimed, scooting over on the blanket. "Why don't you join us, then?" she asked.

All the others who were with her quickly stood and curtsied before sitting back down. James nodded once and sat on the ground in the circle of women. He felt very ill at ease in this improvised picnic where he was the only gentleman. In the middle of the circle were cookies, cake, and lemonade. Lady Grierson offered him a glass of the cool beverage with a bright smile.

"Thank you, Lady Grierson," he said. "So," he started, not really knowing where this was going. "What have you all been talking about, if it is not too private to share, of course."

Beitris MacLeod, still wearing her Clan's brooch on her shoulder but without the Tartan, picked a flower in the grass next to her. "We were discussing fairies," she said. "Do you believe in the Fair Folk, Your Highness?" she asked, her big doe-like green eyes lit with wonder.

"Er, I do not believe I do," James replied.

"How could you not?" she said. "They do exist!"

"I've been trying to tell her that those are only in books and stories for children," Lady Letitia Davies said.

"Absolutely not," Beitris countered. "Have you ever encountered a fairy circle, then?" she asked the Prince.

"No, I do not think so." To be completely honest, talking about fairies was the last subject of conversation he had expected to partake in.

"Well, if you ever do, Your Highness," the Scottish redhead clanswoman continued, "do NOT walk in the middle of the circle if you want to live."

James raised an eyebrow. "I shall keep that in mind. Thank you for the warning." At that, Beitris' cheeks flushed a bright pink and she looked away. How she could be this sweet a lady and wield a sword at the same time was quite incomprehensible to the prince.

"What about ghosts?" Jemima asked. "Do you believe in them?"

A chill ran down his spine as he remembered his encounter with a ghost not so long ago. "I do, yes."

"Have you met one, then?" Beitris asked, suddenly very curious.

James did not want to discuss his experience. "Yes, but the details are not interesting," he lied. "Have you?" Deflecting the conversation with others was one of his many talents when he decided to use them.

James did not really listen to the rest of the conversation and simply nodded and agreed with anything that was directed his way. He did not know how much time had passed, but Valery was making her way towards them and he felt rescued, for some reason.

"Your Highness, ladies," she said, stopping right by them, "We shall be dining in an hour or so if you would like to come back inside to get ready.

The ladies did not have to be asked twice and everyone carried something inside – the blanket, a basket of food, hats, and bonnets – and they headed inside. Valery and James stayed behind, walking slowly.

"How is everything going with the ladies?" James asked. "I hope they are not too much trouble."

"No, everything is fine," she replied. "Some need more work than others, but we shall manage." She paused as they took a few steps in silence. "How about you? How is everything going with the ladies?"

James shrugged. "I haven't courted in a long time, Valery, and I do not know where to start. Even a simple conversation seems like a mountain to me."

Valery nodded. "I understand." Another pause before she resumed talking. "Do you… Do you also find little bits of Marianne in them?" she asked, afraid to voice her thoughts.

"Yes," James said. "In some more than others. And it is quite disconcerting, to say the least." He looked at his friend. "I know you also held some deep affection for Marianne, and I wished to thank you for helping Henry run this… Selection."

Valery nodded. "In all honesty, James, I do not even know why I accepted to help. It hurts every day to see them trying to compete for your heart– yet I know your heart was only for Marianne." She took a deep breath, a little shaky, and let it go slowly. "I hope we are not betraying her, you know?"

James nodded. "I understand the feeling for I had the exact same."

"Not anymore?"

"No." He paused. "Mari would want me to find a mother for Eleanor, and I shall." He took off his top hat and wiped his brow with a kerchief he fished out of his pocket and placed the hat on his head again. "Besides, I will not find a love match."

Valery nodded, understanding, and they stepped inside the Pavilion, both going their separate ways. Then James saw Henry, and he approached him. "A word, Henry?"

"Of course, Jamie!" the fat man said with a smile. "What may I have the honor to do for you?"

James guided Henry to a private room. "I do not even know where to start a conversation, let alone organize any outings with the ladies. Would you assist me in the matter, old friend?"

Henry's smile widened, but then he frowned. "What are you up to, Jamie?" he asked. "I thought you did not want to do this."

"Nothing is up with me," he lied. "The faster I start spending time with them, the faster I shall find a bride, and the faster we can all resume our lives." Or rather, the more he let Henry believe he was actually in control of this event, the better. And the easiest it would be to go about his plan.

"I see. Well," the Earl said, "as a matter of fact, I have gone ahead of your demand and actually made some sort of schedule. I took into consideration your first meetings with the girls because you already promised some of them a specific outing or moment together." He took out a paper from the leather folder he was holding. "As for the rest of them, I asked them what they would like to do with you, and I made–"

"You did not," James said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "There will only be garden picnics and beach walks!"

Henry was silent a moment as he went over his schedule. "Well, yes, a lot of them wanted something like that, but not all!" He handed him the paper. "Look for yourself, then. This is simply an idea of a schedule; you may change the activities or the order of the ladies as you see fit."

James went quickly over the list and nodded. "No, this is perfectly fine. Thank you, Henry." He tipped his hat to his friend and went to his chambers to get ready for dinner as well.


Hi and thanks for stopping by, again! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! let me know what you thought about it!

also, as you have read, James will be inviting some single male friends to the Selection... I have already some dudes made by some of you (thank you, by the way!), but if you wish to make one too, please let me know and I will give you a small form with some basic questions to fill. once they are introduced, I will add them to the Pinterest board ;)

See you next chapter for the first Solo Date hehe! bye!