by Jane Odiwe
***
Fortunately, by the evening, Lydia’s spirits were restored at the prospect of some dancing, so for the moment, Mr Wickham was forgotten. By the time she was dressed in her new gown—a gift from her mama, the most heavenly, snow-white, spotted muslin that she had ever beheld—she was feeling thrilled with her appearance, especially when she considered that the Captain might be in attendance to see her look so well. To finish off, she had kid gloves and her new fan, her hair was all tumbled in curls around her head, interlaced with white beads and silver leaves, sent very kindly by her Aunt Gardiner from the shops in London. A pair of shoe roses, another treat from her mama, were stitched to her satin shoes—festoons of pink and white striped silk, edged in silver thread to match. Harriet, who looked a picture in Pomona satin, arrived at her door with Henry to set out for the promenade upon the Steyne at the fashionable hour. Their party was soon united with the officers, all looking most dashing in their evening clothes. Lydia was begged for half a dozen dances before they had even entered the Assembly Rooms, which were so magnificent in their splendour, she was forced to stop talking for two whole minutes as she stood enthralled before the majestic scene. Beautiful chandeliers sparkled above their heads, illuminating the spangles and silver trim on the ladies’ gowns, adding a flicker of fairyland magic to their glittering flower-dressed tresses.
Lydia was pleased that Mr Denny first begged her to dance before anyone else had a chance to whisk her away, but then as they came off the floor, Mr Wickham appeared at her side to take her hand. “Miss Bennet, dear sweet creature, may I beg the second dance as Mr Denny appears to have got in before me. As you are Brighton’s most popular partner, there may not be another chance, so please do not break my heart.”
She had the awful feeling that he was laughing at her. As she opened her mouth to answer, she was halted by his arresting glance. He had stopped smirking to pause for a moment, before he steadily perused Lydia’s form, from the top of her headdress to her satin slippers. His frank expression was of such marked desire that she was taken completely by surprise. She felt almost naked under his scrutiny and shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot, unable for once, to say a word. “I do hope you will forgive me this indulgence, Miss Lydia,” he began again, “but I cannot let this moment pass without telling you what pleasure it gives a fellow to see such beauty and animation in one so young. Your complexion is so becomingly flushed, and those black eyes, which promise so much—why it does my heart good. I should say Brighton’s air is suiting you already. It has put quite a bloom to your cheeks!”
Lydia knew he meant to discompose her. He clearly enjoyed mocking her and found it all very amusing, but she hardly knew what to make of it herself. Determined to ignore his behaviour and show him that she was not disturbed by his words in the least, she found her tongue at last. “Mr Wickham, I may reserve a dance for you later, though I see your teasing ways are unchanged. I warn you, it can have no effect. Come Denny.” With that, she took Mr Denny’s arm, slipping it through into hers and skipped onto the floor again, feeling rather cross that she had succumbed to Mr Wickham’s charms so easily. As much as she wished to feel affronted, she found she could not stop thinking about what he had said and wondered if perhaps there might be a chance that his compliments were based in truth. But as they came down the set for the second time, she chanced to look up, only to observe him nudging Chamberlayne with a laugh and a nod in her direction. How she seethed! What could he be saying that was so amusing to Mr Chamberlayne? Well, if Mr Wickham expected to click his fingers and have her dance with him, he was very much mistaken.
As she and Denny were dancing, her partner was quick to point out a very distinguished looking person who stood at the side of the room, making himself known to Harriet and the Colonel.
“Who is that gentleman, Mr Denny? Are you acquainted with him?”
“I think it is Mr Wade, the Master of Ceremonies. I expect our friends will now be formally introduced to many of the fine company. I daresay you too will now be in the enviable position of meeting with many more acquaintances, which I am sure, if I know you, Miss Bennet, will be both to your taste and advantage!”
They came off the floor, and though Lydia did not wish to seek out Mr Wickham, she found herself scanning the room to see what he was about and whether he was coming to claim her. She was most surprised, therefore, when she was applied to by Mr Wade himself and it was soon evident why she had been particularly sought out. Standing a little way away and looking on with great anticipation was none other than Captain Trayton-Camfield, who as soon as the formalities were over, had ushered her onto the dance floor before she could refuse him, causing Lydia to thwart Mr Wickham who had just stepped up to take her hand. As she was whirled away, she looked back to see the reaction from her friend and was glad to see, if only for a second, that he was most put out. However, not to be outdone so readily, he quickly found another partner in Harriet. Lydia felt she had had the last laugh, although to tell the truth she was more than a little vexed that Mr Wickham had given up on her so quickly.
“Well, Miss Bennet, it is as I surmised,” her partner began as he took her hand in the dance.
“And what, pray Captain, have you surmised?” Lydia had a suspicion that he was about to compliment her and was very ready to hear what he had to say. She only wished Mr Wickham was within hearing distance.
“I knew the very first time I set eyes on you that you would be a marvellous dancer; with such graceful movement and ease of action, you make the perfect partner!”
“Thank you, sir,” she replied. “If I may be so bold, I would say you have a discerning eye. I flatter myself that my accomplishments on the dance floor have oft merited much attention and praise. But one must have the correct partner also,” she added, “one whose strengths display the other’s to great advantage.”
“We make a pretty couple, I’ll be bound,” he said. “Look around; all eyes are upon us. They are all wondering who you are and how I managed to entice you onto the dance floor.”
Indeed, it did seem as though everyone was looking in their direction, and it was true that she became a most consummate performer when she had an audience. She couldn’t help but show off her skills, and to dance was all the more pleasant when one had a partner who was not only easy on the eye but an elegant exhibitor.
“You are here with the Derbyshire militia, is that correct, my dear?” asked the Captain as they came together in the dance.
“It is indeed,” Lydia replied, “I am the guest of Colonel Forster and his wife. Harriet is my very best friend. It was her idea that I should come to Brighton, and I have to say I have not been disappointed. I have never been so far from home before, Captain. It is such an adventure, you cannot imagine.”
“And your parents, are they here too?”
“Oh, Lord no! Though my mother would have liked it very much, my father would not be prevailed upon. He is not a very sociable person and will not stir out of his library from one week’s end to the next, with his nose in a book and a bottle at his elbow. My poor mother is quite the opposite and, as you may imagine, suffers very much for it, though she does the best she can for company with our neighbours.”
The Captain smiled at this last comment. “Has anyone thought to show you around the camp? I daresay Colonel Forster is very busy and his wife must have little time too. It would be my pleasure to be your escort and introduce you to some of the other fellows. They always enjoy the sight of a pretty girl they have not met before, and we cannot have you being on your own and lonesome in Brighton, now can we?”
Lydia’s heart swelled. She could not think of a nicer invitation. “Thank you Captain Trayton-Camfield. I would be honoured to accept.”
As soon as they walked off the dance floor Lydia could not believe the number of gentlemen who surrounded them, wishing to be introduced. Some she recognised as being officers of the Prince’s regiment in thei
r distinctive colours, and they were so entertaining, she could not think why Denny kept insisting that they were aloof and sneering in their manner. Lydia was quite delighted with them. Harriet and Colonel Forster were soon introduced and then she was overcome by the invitations to dance; indeed, she sat down not once during the entire evening. Such fine manners and such compliments flowed that, although she was sure she deserved every one, she almost had her head turned.
“I am so pleased with your handsome Captain, I think you have certainly captivated him with your charms,” Harriet insisted. “You will see that I am never wrong when I say that I am sure it will not be long before you receive a declaration.”
“I do not like to presume so much.” Lydia smiled at her friend, bursting to tell her news. “As for a declaration, that might only be your fancy. But the Captain has expressed a desire to see me again and wanted to know if I would honour him with the pleasure of my company for a tour of the camp followed by a meeting at the Promenade Grove on Sunday!”
Saturday, June 5th
I have received several letters from home and at last Kitty is writing to me. I cannot be bothered to write such huge missives back, but I have managed to dash something off to mama before heading out to the camp, being very careful to withhold any information that I feel she does not need to know.
My most fanciful dreams could not have prepared me for such wondrous visions that were presented to me upon Sussex Downs. The camp stretches out forever; there are rows of tents and rows of soldiers wherever one casts the eye. What was most diverting was to hear my name uttered over and over again—oh, the nudges and winks and nods from those to whom introductions have already been made. I daresay there is not a soldier who does not know who I am now, and being in the Captain’s company is such an advantage; I have never met so many officers in my life! I met some of their ladies, who were as elegantly dressed as any I have ever seen. When I expressed my heartfelt desire to be as fashionably attired, one of the officers said, “Well, I daresay if the Captain has his way, it won’t be long before you will have the run of Mayfair’s finest warehouses.” He kissed my hand and added, “Could you enjoy life in a tent, Miss?”
This can only mean one thing! I will have to live in a tent if I am to be an officer’s wife!
What would mama think if she only knew she had a daughter on the brink of matrimony with a Captain in the Prince’s own regiment. I laugh to think on it!
We had such a wonderful ball this evening at the Castle Tavern, and our acquaintance grows ever larger. I have never seen such a sumptuous room for dancing; the ballroom, ornamented in the Greek style, glittered with candles and company. The Captain immediately made himself known to me yet again and engaged me for the first three dances!!!
I do believe my dear friend Mr Wickham may be a little jealous of my suitor. He has not exchanged more than two words with the Captain and made some comment about him being a coxcomb and a new-moneyed dandy. I am very cross with him, and whilst I am very pleased with my new partners, I must still admit that nobody in the world dances like George Wickham. He did not ask me to dance; I do not think he looked my way all evening nor spoke to me despite my efforts to flirt a little with him. HE is a perfect example of the worst kind of coxcomb and sometimes I just HATE him. He thinks every woman is in love with him and what is most annoying is the fact that it is probably true.
Captain Trayton-Camfield flattered and adored me by turns. He is handsome and rich, and I think it will not be long before I fall in love with him.
Chapter 6
WITH MORE THAN USUAL enthusiasm did Lydia hurry to the Promenade Grove, certain that she would see the Captain. The little pleasure park situated next to the pavilion proved to be as wondrous as she had anticipated, fringed with an avenue of elm trees and beautifully illuminated with swags, garlands, and festoons of brilliantly coloured lamps. It was said to be like a miniature Vauxhall, decorated with flowers and bowers, and having a box for the minstrels. The crowds were great and, as the pathways were dimly lit and narrow, bumping into others was a constant hazard. Lydia admitted, it was quite diverting to be accidentally nudged by a handsome soldier or two in the dark and deemed it the most delightful exercise.
Captain Trayton-Camfield soon presented himself to the party and fell into step beside Lydia. She had not seen him since he had shown her round the camp; she believed he spent a lot of his time at Raggett’s along with all the other fellows who preferred gambling to female company. She had overheard Mr Wickham boasting to Denny that Raggett’s was as fine as any club in London and that he was enjoying a good run on the cards. Despite his good fortune, Mr Wickham appeared to be in great ill humour and seemed most preoccupied. Lydia could not account for his rude manners and was exceedingly displeased with his behaviour. She ignored him as much as she could and did not attempt to strike up a conversation. He soon left their party, vanishing into the night as though he had an appointment to be met. Lydia was pleased to see him disappear; she always felt awkward in the Captain’s company when Mr Wickham was about.
The Captain was excessively companionable; indeed, she could not think when anyone had ever taken quite so much time and effort to secure her comfort. She wondered if she would ever get used to such behaviour. Every little attention that could be paid, any refreshment that could be offered, nothing was too much for her partner. “Miss Bennet, would you care for an ice or a lemonade? There may be a glass of wine to be had, of course, but lemonade is a ladies’ drink I always think and perhaps if we see somewhere to have a glass, we will stop. I am a little peckish myself. Perhaps some cake and biscuits, or we could partake of some ham and thinly sliced bread and butter. We could sit in a booth and sup on a syllabub, now what do you say? But perhaps you are not hungry at all? We could look at the entertainments; the singers are second to none. Now do be careful here, the path is rather uneven. I would hate for you to meet with an accident in the dark. Do take my arm, Miss Bennet, I would not wish you to stumble. There now, I can see your pretty face so clearly now. Moonlight becomes your delicate features, my dear, in a most becoming manner.”
Every now and again Harriet looked with great approval at her friend. She was clearly impressed by the Captain’s behaviour, but Lydia had to admit, if only to herself, that she was beginning to find his manners quite wearisome. She had looked forward very much to seeing the Captain this evening, but there was something about his conduct that she did not quite like. She felt she was hardly allowed to make a decision for herself; as much as he appeared to be asking her to express her desires, she was not permitted to speak a word before he ran on again to something else or pointed her in another direction. She was not used to anyone taking over the conversation so completely or telling her what she must do, and she did not like it. Before she had a chance to say that she would enjoy both a meal and an ice, preferably washed down with a large glass of wine, they had moved on again without stopping for anything and all the while he did not pause for breath.
But he was so handsome and looked so well in his uniform that every lady in the Grove looked at her with envy, and she knew every one of them would swap places with her if they could. Her grumbles were soon forgotten. Lydia must admit she liked to be stared at as she walked at his side, and she began to feel happy once more.
At nine o’clock, they congregated in front of the box to hear the musicians, and although she heard the Captain suggest they might try the other side for a better view, she was so engrossed that she did not at first realise that he was propelling her towards the quieter, leafier side of the gardens. One moment they were in the thick of the throng and the next they were in the darkness of the avenue, with the leaves of the trees whispering above them.
“Please forgive me, my dear,” he started as he guided her steps away from the path and towards the darkness of a roman temple, “but I have so longed to get you away on your own. We are constantly surrounded, are we not? Please permit me to tell you h
ow earnestly I admire you, and although we have enjoyed but such a short acquaintance, I have to tell you that I am afraid I am falling in love with you.”
Lydia did not know what to say. She was extremely flattered, and to be told by someone, especially a man as handsome and rich as the Captain, that he was falling in love with her was certainly a step towards matrimony, even if it was rather sudden. As she contemplated a suitable answer, for one did not immediately spring to mind, the Captain clutched her hand in the next instant and took a step towards her, his lips puckered as if in expectation of a kiss.
Lydia was astonished at the speed with which everything was proceeding, and when she felt his lips clamped on hers, she could not have been more shocked, though to tell the truth she was quite ready to appear willing. There had never been much opportunity for kissing young men, certainly not any handsome beaux, and here was a chance which had presented itself without any effort on her behalf. She had always hoped that some day she would be adored, loved, and cherished for herself alone, and here was the Captain proclaiming that his heart was hers! Closing her eyes and pouting her lips as seductively as she felt able, Lydia prepared to give herself up to rapturous feelings. However, whether it was because she had been caught by surprise she could not say, but try as she might, she could not return his ardent kiss. Indeed, she found the whole experience rather disappointing, despite her full attention to the matter in hand. He was a little too eager, and she thought her neck might snap, so wrenched back it had become as she tried to draw breath between his enthusiastic pecks.
She had not noticed it before, Lydia reflected, as he lunged at her a second time with quite as much vigour, but his aquiline nose, which she had previously thought rather noble, now seemed overlarge and kept getting in the way. Perhaps if she moved her head around she might have more success! But on doing so he moved his with great zeal and, not only did their heads clash with a huge blow to both parties, but she managed to catch the end of his nose between her teeth. To her horror she realised it had all gone terribly wrong. However, when the Captain pulled back to look longingly into her eyes, she knew that, as far as he was concerned, his experience had been more than pleasant. How she wished she could feel the same! Still, undaunted by the first attempt and resolute in her desire to improve, she was on the point of begging the Captain for another try when they were disturbed.
