The group were escorted down long corridors to asmallreception room overlooking the gardens, where they were handed over to the majordomo, who ushered them into the room.
Queen Charlotte was seated in a comfortable chair with Lady Henrietta standing at her right hand. Several other ladies were seated by a window, busily engaged in needlework and quiet conversation.
The ladies performed deep curtsies while the men bowed respectfully as each of them was announced by the majordomo.
The Queen gestured for them to approach. ‘We are pleased to make your acquaintance. Please be seated and take a dish of tea with me.’ She indicated a group of chairs set conveniently close.
Her guests complied although only the duchess and Lord James could be said to be seated, all the others perched at the edge of their seats, something the Queen noticed but did not comment.
Once everyone was served, she addressed Jane, ‘We understand that we may wish you happiness since you and Lord James have recently become engaged.’
‘Thank you, Your Majesty. I am indeed most happy to be marrying such a worthy man.’
‘It must also be pleasing for you that soon you will be elevated to be amongst the highest in the land.’
‘We formed an attachment before I was aware of Lord James’ situation,’ Jane demurred, politely but firmly.
‘Pardon me, Your Majesty, but my sister agreed to marry Lord James despite his rank, not because of it,’ Elizabeth said with a polite smile despite bristling inside.
The Queen raised a brow and focused her attention on Elizabeth. ‘Indeed, Miss Elizabeth?’
‘Indeed, Your Majesty,’ Elizabeth confirmed, refusing to drop her gaze.
After a few moments the Queen relented and broke into a smile. ‘My reports were accurate it seems. You are quite the spitfire while your sister is the perfect lady. I believe each of you are well suited to the men whom you have chosen.’
‘How…’ gasped Elizabeth.
‘I am kept informed of all the major families in the country.’
The Queen had a few words for each of them until she addressed the duchess, ‘I was saddened when I was informed of your husband’s passing. When I first arrived in this country your husband was kind to me at a time when I had few friends and he never asked for favours in return. I do not forget such generous actions.’
‘Thank you, Your Majesty. May I ask, if that is why you agreed to receive us?’
‘That was indeed part of the reason. I also wanted to meet your son to see for myself if he takes after his father. I am pleased that he does,’ the Queen answered with a smile before handing her now empty cup to Lady Henrietta. ‘It was a pleasure to meet you all.’
As that comment was obviously a dismissal the visitors rose and after performing their bows and curtsies, quit the Queen’s presence.
~T~
Caroline Bingley was over the moon, walking on clouds, in seventh heaven even. After all the years of scheming she had at last achieved her goal.
The previous week, Mr Charles Bingley and Miss Caroline Bingley had received an invitation to a ball without the intercession of Mr Darcy. And not just any ball, but the premier ball of the season.
As soon as Caroline received the invitation, she sent an express to her brother to hurry back to London with all speed.
Charles Bingley arrived back in town at noon on the day of the ball.
Even though his sister felt that he had cut his return rather fine, since he had enough time to get cleaned up, have a rest and dress in his best ensemble, she was content not to berate him for tardiness… too much.
~T~
After leaving Buckingham House, the party returned to Barrington House where they would have an early dinner before changing into their finery for the ball.
The Fitzwilliams and Darcy were to join them and since the weather was fine, they would walk to Langford’s residence, which was only two houses down the street.
As they had time to spare, the Duchess took the sisters and the Gardiners on a tour of the house. She was particularly keen on showing Jane the mistress’s suite. ‘As I do not spend much time in town, I have not bothered updating these rooms in well over a decade. I would like you to think about the changes you would like to make.’
‘Lady Isabella, I have no intention of displacing you from your rooms,’ protested Jane.
