Having satisfied herself on the main point, the duchess continued her interrogation of Jane about her background, including her family, her accomplishments and education, as well as her knowledge about society.
By the end of the long interview, the duchess felt that while there were gaps in Jane’s education, which was to be expected since she was not raised to be part of the nobility, she was sensible, intelligent enough to learn all she needed, and had the innate graciousness and good manners to deal with people at all levels. And while she was kind and compassionate, she also had the strength of character not to be taken advantage of.
At last, she sat back in her chair. ‘You will make a very good duchess if you decide to accept my son. And yes, to answer your earlier question, I will do all that I can to help you,’ the duchess said with a wide smile.
‘Thank you, Your Grace,’ Jane said with gratitude although she felt utterly exhausted by the interrogation.
‘There is no need to thank me and please call me Lady Isabella. While it is longer than your grace it sounds infinitely more gracious. And you must know that helping you will be my pleasure. Especially, to see all those vicious harridans and their empty-headed daughters being greenwith envy at missing out on catching my son.’ The duchess chuckled and turned to her cousin. ‘Well, Henrietta. Have you seen enough?’
‘I have indeed. I believe that you will have an invitation for Miss Bennet and her sisters within a few days.’
Jane was startled when the lady spoke as she had forgotten her presence. ‘An invitation?’ she queried. ‘An invitation from whom?’
‘The Queen of course. You cannot possibly marry a future duke without having been presented at court.’ When Jane looked thunderstruck, Lady Henrietta could not help but join the duchess in a small chuckle of her own.
~T~
While Jane was closeted with her visitors, Lady Matlock arrived all afire with curiosity.
‘Forgive me for intruding unannounced, but Deveril just stopped at our house to collect Richard and he mentioned your visitors.’
‘Lord James’ mother wished for an opportunity to become acquainted with Jane.’
‘Deveril also mentioned that Lady Isabella brought along her cousin, Lady Henrietta.’
Although it was not phrased as a question, Elizabeth answered, ‘Yes, indeed. The duchess said that she wanted someone to accompany her when she returns to her house since she sent Lord James away.’
‘Which Lady Henrietta was it? There are two in her family.’
‘The duchess introduced her cousin as Lady Henrietta Chester. Why does it matter?’
‘Oh, my. Lady Isabella is bringing out the big guns,’ exclaimed Lady Matlock with an admiring nod. When she encountered only looks of incomprehension, she explained. ‘Lady Henrietta is a lady in waiting for Queen Charlotte. I suspect that Lady Isabella is trying to arrange an introduction to the Queen.’
‘You think the duchess wants to introduce Jane to the Queen?’ Even Mary was getting a little flustered by the lady’s supposition.
‘Well, if Deveril is set on marrying your sister, she will have to be presented at court. Arranging for a private audience has two big advantages. It is more prestigious than a public presentation with fifty other debutantes and Jane will not have to wear one of those ridiculous court dresses, which makes women look like overdecorated Christmas apples. This of course also saves about five hundred pounds which is the cost of one of those dresses.’
‘Oh, my. What an honour for Jane if your assumption is correct,’ breathed Mrs Gardiner in awe. While the lady had no special respect for much of the nobility, she did revere the royal family despite the King’s illness.
Lady Matlock suddenly smiled impishly. ‘I suspect that you all had better dust of your best dresses and party manners as well. Knowing the way, the duchess thinks, I would not be in the least surprised if she will include all of you in that presentation.’
The three ladies looked at each other in consternation until Elizabeth brightened and said, ‘At least we will not have to wear court dresses either.’
~T~
Eventually all the visitors left Gardiner House, allowing the ladies to discuss the astonishing morning. As Jane related her conversation, she gradually recovered.
When she had finished her report, Mary could not help but comment, ‘What is it about ladies in the first circles that they all seem to take charge of any situation.’
‘They have wealth, position, and power, as well as husbands who will back their decisions. The better ladies will use those assets to protect their families and support their friends,’ said Mrs Gardiner who had had several years to observe the machinations of those ladies.
‘I suppose the less honourable ones will use those same assets to destroy anyone who stands in their way,’ Elizabeth surmised.
Jane sighed and corrected her sister. ‘My dearest Lizzy, as far as I can tell from speaking to Lady Isabella, all the ladies are capable of destroying their opponents. The difference is simply their motivation. Some, as you surmised, will use their power for ambition and greed,while others, as Aunt Madeline has said, will use it for protection and support.’
‘I certainly hope that the duchess is one of those who uses her power to help,’ Elizabeth murmured.
Jane smiled at her sister and raised her brows in a friendly challenge. ‘Considering the character of Lord James…’
