by Ted Bader
“Fine. Thank you.”
“It is so important that you meet the right people,” Lady Catherine said to her niece.
“I could not agree more,” replied Lady Westbrook and continued, “You have been hiding too long at Pemberley.”
They were interrupted by the announcement of, “His Grace, the Duke of Kent!” followed by, “the Honorable Samuel Moore of Kent!”
Georgiana turned and saw the Duke, whom she recognized, being followed by a taller young man with black hair.
“Who is Mr. Moore?” Georgiana inquired of her aunt.
“He is the second son of the Earl of Sussex. He is often in the company of the Duke. Do not pay attention to him, you need to greet the Duke.”
Lord Percy began coming down the long reception line. It was clear that many of the ladies were enthralled with him and, particularly those who were unmarried, greeted him with the greatest amount of delight their voices could feign.
Lord Percy stopped for a few moments in the group next to them; Georgiana could hear a sweet, feminine voice utter, “Pray tell, your Grace, do you know how to flirt a fan?” as she snapped her fan open.
He paused for a moment, took her fan and began fanning her as he reparteed, “No, but I do know how to fan a flirt!” Laughter erupted from the group.
The Duke then approached Lady Catherine’s party. He walked up, took Georgiana’s hand and bowed to kiss it.
“I am delighted to see you. You are the brightest jewel in the hall tonight.”
Georgiana had not expected such a declaration and found herself blushing.
“Would you honor me with the first two dances?” the Duke inquired of Georgiana.
With both Lady Catherine and Lady Westbrook looking intently at herself, Georgiana knew she had no recourse but to stammer, “Yes--Yes, I will.”
“Delightful,” was the Duke’s reply. He continued, “Allow me to introduce my companion, Mr. Samuel Moore. This is Lady Catherine, Lady Westbrook, and Miss Darcy.”
“How do you do,” was his reply as the women curtsied.
The Duke and Mr. Moore moved away. Miss Darcy stepped back from the line to take a few breaths, as her aunt and Lady Westbrook continued to greet other arrivals.
To think that the Duke asked her for the first dance! This was far more than Georgiana expected. She felt a certain pride and rise in self-esteem, since she knew many other ladies present would be thrilled to have the Duke ask them to dance!
While she felt her heart protected with Thomas, it would still be a benefit to associate with the Duke. He and others would help her learn the art of conversation; this would make her more engaging with Thomas when she returned to Pemberley. Lately, she had become aware of the handicap of her shyness, particularly when she wanted to keep Thomas’ attention in conversation.
She decided to respond to the Duke without giving him any particular encouragement.
After a few minutes, the two ladies walked with Georgiana to the beverage table. Lady Catherine advised, “Georgiana, you must be charming and entertaining tonight. Treat the Duke well.”
“How am I to do that?”
“Use your arts and allurement, girl.”
“What do you mean?”
“With your shyness, you have leverage in not being openly flirtatious as the other women are. Use it to your advantage.”
Lady Westbrook interjected, “What your aunt means is, do not look at him much; answer questions briefly. A man in the Duke’s position will either become fascinated or lose interest; in any case, outright flirtation is not working, and few women in the court will attempt the ‘disinterested’ approach. Your behavior will come naturally.”
Georgiana was relieved they were not asking her to act out of character; however, she had never considered her weakness as something in her favor!
The host of the evening came to where Georgiana was standing and asked if she and Lord Percy would be the lead couple to open the dance.
She was incredulous as the Duke came to take her hand. He led her to the base of the stairs, where the dance was to begin. She felt awkward since all the eyes in the ballroom were fixed on her and the Duke. The uncomfortable feeling continued until several other couples joined in the dance. Later, her aunt praised her facile movement during those moments.
“How is your family, Miss Darcy?” the Duke inquired during the latter half of the first dance.
“Fine.”
“I want to visit Pemberley to take up your brother’s invitation to fish there. Tell me, is your brother quite a sport at fishing?”
“Yes, indeed.”
Small talk continued until the middle of the second dance when the Duke looked at her and said, “Your beauty and accomplishments must have brought you many offers of marriage.”
She blushed and said, “Only once.” Realizing he expected more, she continued, “When I was young and naive.”
“Well, then, the men of Derbyshire must either be few or fools for that to be the case.” The Duke appeared to understand that he had embarrassed Georgiana, and he spoke no more during the second dance.
After Miss Darcy had rested a dance, Mr. Samuel Moore came over and asked her hand for one movement. At the beginning of it, he said, “I have heard of your accomplishments with the pianoforte and the harp. Is this true?”
“Yes.”
“And you sketch?”
“Not nearly so well.”
“I have never been to Derbyshire. Tell me about it.”
“It is quite difficult to give you short answers on that subject.”
“I see, you are quite right.”
Mr. Moore spoke in a much more amiable manner than his friend. The Duke spoke as to an audience, Mr. Moore as to one person.
Georgiana retired to the table of ladies where her aunt and Lady Caroline were seated. The emotional and physical performance required of her was quite exhausting. For the remainder of the evening, she listened to the court talk and turned down requests for dancing from several other gentlemen. Her party returned home at 2 a.m.
Chapter Twenty
Two days later, Georgiana was sitting alone in the parlor, after breakfast. She was surprised to have the servant announce “The Honorable Samuel Moore of Sussex.”
He came in with a bow.
“Please be seated, Mr. Moore.”
“You are likely wondering why I have stopped by. I came to discuss my friend, the Duke. You may need enlightenment on him.”
“Why?”
“Because you puzzled me the other night. . . .”
“I do not apprehend your point.”
“I have not decided if you are virtuous or innocent.”
Georgiana blushed and looked away.
Mr. Moore continued, “A virtuous woman has been tempted with evil desire and has triumphed; an innocent one has never been tempted. Many women delude themselves thinking they are virtuous when they are merely innocent.”
“What have you concluded?”
“I do not know yet. If you are virtuous, you need fear nothing. If you are innocent, he may prove to be too strong a temptation. Quite frankly, Miss Darcy, he has broken many hearts.” He paused for a few moments and then stood.
“I can assure you my heart is safe from him.”
“Good.” He walked to the door and paused before leaving, “If I can be of any service to you while in London, do not hesitate to call on me.”
After the door closed, Georgiana returned to the parlor feeling bewildered about the caller. Lady Catherine entered the room and said, “That impertinent young man. Sticking his head into our house.”
“But he came to give me a friendly warning,” Georgiana replied.
“What does he know in his young life about character?”
/> “He appears to be a long-time companion of the Duke.”
“Do not worry about what he has said. I knew the Duke’s parents for more than twenty-five years; they were some of the finest people in the kingdom.”
Georgiana wondered how her aunt knew what Mr. Moore had spoken about. Did she eavesdrop, or assume the report would be negative? Attempting to maintain composure, Georgiana went to the pianoforte and began playing. This always seemed to placate and settle her aunt down.
After she played for nearly an hour, the servant came again and announced “His Grace, Duke of Kent.”
He came in with a bow to the ladies. Georgiana rose from her pianoforte bench and came over to greet him. Lady Catherine excused herself upon some business and left the room.
Georgiana felt deserted by her aunt. “Please, sit down, my lord,” Georgiana said, trying to be as gracious as possible.
“How are you today?” the Duke inquired.
“Quite well, thank you.”
“I imagine you are missing the fine air and scenery of Derbyshire. I have only been to Derbyshire once myself, and that was as a child. I recall it being quite picturesque.”
“It is as you say.”
“My purpose in calling on you today is to extend an invitation for you to go riding with my friend, Mr. Moore, and myself in Hyde Park. It will give you some morning air, and we shall cross the park to an exhibition of Gainsborough’s paintings being held in Kensington. I understand you are an artist, and this may be something you would enjoy.”
“I am only an amateur sketch maker. I should like very much to see the Gainsborough exhibit--however, I have no horses for myself and my maid.”
He stood and walked to the fireplace and replied, “Not to worry. My family has six horses in town and we have two gentle mares for your use.”
Georgiana was vexed and confused. She did not wish to encourage the Duke’s attention, but she would like to ride and see the exhibition. She could undoubtably see the art display on her own. Lord Percy would be easier to turn down by note than in person.
“I will need to discuss this with my aunt and look at our engagements. I will send a reply to you later today.”
“You are most gracious,” replied the Duke as he bowed. “I will anxiously await your reply.” He then left the room and Lady Catherine entered.
“My dear, what did Lord Percy have to say?” inquired Lady Catherine.
“He invited me to go riding in Hyde Park and then to view the exhibition of paintings in Kensington.”
She sat down, looked at Georgiana, and finally said, “Well? Come, come girl! What was your answer?”
“I told him I needed to consult with you. Really, madam, I have not the least interest in riding with him. I believe my reply will be in the negative.”
“Oh! Surely not, Georgiana! You are taking this disinterested approach too far. An invitation like this must be accepted.”
“You do not understand. I am not interested in encouraging His Grace.”
“And why not? He is the most eligible peer in the land.” With her voice increasing in volume and emphasis she continued, “All the dukes and princes above him are married. He is sixth from the throne.”
Seeing Georgiana cringe, the matriarch fell silent for a minute. She continued, “He will inherit Rosings Park when I am gone. I should wish to see a near relation, like my beloved niece, inhabit its fine space.”
Georgiana bowed her head and said, “My heart is elsewhere.” She looked up again and saw the sneering countenance of her aunt surface. It was a facial expression that Georgiana had seen many times before, but which had been curiously absent during this visit.
Her aunt returned to a loud voice, “So, the rumors are true! I suppose you like that poor second son of a baronet, what’s his name?”
“Thomas,” Georgiana bowed her head again.
“Look, young lady, a woman has a duty to better herself by marriage whenever possible. You would be elevating the Darcy name and wealth by marrying the Duke of Kent.”
Georgiana chose not to reply to the last statement. After a few moments she looked at her aunt again and noticed the return of the calm expression.
Her aunt said sweetly, with a crooked smile, “Humor your old aunt. Please accept the Duke’s invitation, and I shall be most happy. I will not ask you to accept a second request.”
Georgiana stood and walked across the room to the pianoforte and plucked a simple melody. She felt a quiet sense of victory. Finally, she had made her feelings known about Thomas. With this fact being secure, she was not disinclined to accept the riding invitation and would even look forward to the exhibition; further, she would no longer be obliged to her aunt, at least in terms of the Duke. She then replied, “I think I shall accept the invitation.”
“Excellent, my dear! You please your old aunt very much. Let us send him a note promptly.”
Chapter Twenty-One
The next morning, as Georgiana and her maid were escorted downstairs into a carriage, she was pleased to note the sunshine and unusually clear air. While they traveled the short distance to the riding stables, she felt a sense of confidence; a feeling that she was controlling her destiny, rather than having others determine her actions. The company was not special to her, but the ride and exhibition would be interesting. She was greeted at the stables by Mr. Moore and taken to the door of the livery. There she saw Lord Percy mounted atop a black, spirited stallion.
A groomsman had control of the horse’s head. As the horse stamped its hooves, the servant pled, “Your Grace, the bit is too tight for him; he may be difficult to control.”
Lord Percy cursed, “Do not talk to me that way! Do you believe me ignorant of horses? Leave it be. The way I placed it, he will respond to my slightest command.”
The horse began settling down a bit, and the Duke looked up and saw Georgiana. As she approached he said, “Fine horses, such as this, need careful control.”
Mr. Moore added, for Georgiana’s sake, “You need not worry about your mounts. They are gentle mares.” He then showed them a calm pair of horses; one of which was gray and the other brown. Mr. Moore assisted Georgiana and her maid into their saddles and then mounted his own.
“We will go through the center of Hyde Park,” Mr. Moore said as he followed behind Georgiana and her maid. “Lord Percy will lead the way for us.”
Georgiana could observe the Duke tipping his hat to several ladies. They passed several stands of trees and the center fountain. At times, the group had to stop while the Duke asserted control over his nervous steed.
Mr. Moore’s horse was beside her own. He asked, “Are you looking forward to the exhibition?”
“Yes, indeed,” she replied. “I believe there are several paintings by Gainsborough, my favorite artist.”
“I have heard the same,” was his reply.
Some time later, Georgiana’s horse came in close behind the Duke’s. They had passed the center fountain by a furlong. Suddenly, the Duke’s horse, amid curses of its rider, reared completely. As the Duke fought for control, it backed into Georgiana’s horse. Georgiana’s horse tried to backup; but, then lurched forward several feet. As the lead horse reared again, her mount began to rear a few inches. In the confusion, the black stallion backed up again. It pushed into Georgiana’s horse. Both horses reared again. The stallion then fell into Georgiana’s mare, causing both horses to fall over. The stallion immediately regained its feet and raced, riderless, across the park. Lord Percy stood in a daze. He did not pursue his mount.
Georgiana laid still. Her mount finally regained its feet after several attempts. Mr. Moore and the maid quickly dismounted and ran to where Georgiana lay. Lord Percy came over in a frightened stupor and asked, “Is she dead?”
Mr. Moore replied, “No, but her pulse is thready. Run a
nd summon a wagon for help. We will stay here and watch.”
The Duke seemed roused by the need of action. He mounted Mr. Moore’s horse and galloped back towards the livery. The maid carefully lifted her mistress’ head onto her lap. Mr. Moore stood and collected the two remaining horses and tied their reins down. He asked the gathering crowd to stand back. The open wagon soon came with a bed of hay. Mr. Moore and Lord Percy, along with two accompanying groomsmen, carefully lifted her body into the wagon. The maid climbed into the back of the wagon to insure a safe ride for her mistress.
Arriving at the Grosvenor street residence, Lady Catherine heard the commotion and hurried down the stairs, meeting the group at the door. She shouted, “What happened?”
“A grievous injury to your niece while riding,” Mr. Moore replied and continued, “May we bring her inside?”
“Yes, of course. Take her up to her room, my servant will show you the way.”
Lady Catherine could easily ascertain that her niece was unconscious and that the Duke appeared guilt-stricken.
Georgiana was placed in bed. Outside the room, Mr. Moore related the story of the accident to Lady Catherine.
“I think she struck her head. There is a bruise over her left temple which extends a little over her jaw.”
Lady Catherine turned to a manservant. “Hurry to Mr. Perry, the doctor. Now! Tell him it is an emergency.”
An hour later, Mr. Perry emerged from Georgiana’s bedroom and said, “She is unconscious. She probably has a concussion; fortunately, her neurological examination is normal. I have not dealt with many cases of this type, so my prognosis may not be accurate.”
“Should we engage a consultant?”
“Indeed, I would recommend Dr. Parkinson, here in London. He is one of the best practitioners in England.”
“I will stop at nothing for the welfare of my niece.”
“I will send my man to Shoreditch to get him.”
In the evening, Dr. Parkinson came to Lady Catherine and spoke. “Your niece has begun to awaken. She finally opened her eyes and spoke to me. As expected, she has a terrific headache. She remembers going to the livery this morning, but nothing after that. She does have a concussion, but I expect her to recover fully.”
