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“The Dukedom of Desmond is within the Peerage of Ireland?”
“Indeed Miss Bennet. My father died seven years ago when I was only 13 years of age. I finally reach my majority in August.”
“I too reach that milestone this year. Excuse my asking but are your ancestors from the Norman invaders?”
“No they are not. Why would you think that?
Elizabeth flushed.
“Des monde, the two separate words, in French mean of the world. I was wondering at your title as Duke of the World.”
The Duke looked startled for a moment and then burst into laughter.
“I am not short of confidence or vanity but even I would baulk at such a title. No Miss Bennet it is an Anglicisation of the original Irish meaning South Munster. It is a geographical term.”
Elizabeth blushed at her faux pas. She stood to leave.
“Please do not leave on my account Miss Bennet.”
“Thank you, Your Grace, but I was about to leave just before your arrival.”
Elizabeth looked at Lady Maria.
“2.00 tomorrow afternoon?”
“Excellent, I look forward to it.”
Chapter 19
“I really am sorry Aunt, I did not mean for your guest to feel she had to leave.”
“She spoke the truth Roddy, we were about to part. If you are in town for the season then you will meet her here many times. She is to be my guest for the next three months.”
“Your guest? And for three months? I have not known you to have someone stay for so long before.”
“She is the ward of her uncle and his new townhouse on Bryanston Square is not yet ready for occupancy. It is easier for everyone if she stays with me. I have come to appreciate her youthful energy. Now tell me what prompted this sudden visit?”
“It is the last six months until I fully come into my inheritance. These eight years have raced by at times, yet at other times the days seem to drag. I am suffering one of the periods where the days drag. My suspicion is this period will extend until my majority.”
“Are you going to stay for the season?”
“Part of it I think. I will attend a few events but will save my big splash into society for next season. I will host a ball and properly and fully enter society. You may quietly pass the word around to your friends and connections. I would prefer little fuss this year.”
“You will accept invitations to private events?”
“No more than one a week. Do not have two good friends host events in the same week, I will not attend both. You know I rely on you for advice and I will listen to your counsel when it comes to events I should accept or decline.”
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Elizabeth’s entry into some of the higher stratas of society gave her much to ponder, enjoy and rail against, often all three from attending one event. Her presence, as an unknown young lady, at the first event, a private ball meant that she was approached to dance by many young men, her card full before the first set was called.
As each set was half an hour she understood what Lady Maria had meant about the chance to meet a young gentleman and hold some conversation. Elizabeth knew this but her experiences were limited to just two Assemblies the previous year, at Michaelmas and Christmas. But her dance partners were men she had known all her life, there was no awkwardness. She was also thankful that her two cousins had started dance lessons, as her own lessons were many years in the past. But it was these random little thoughts that popped into her head during the ball. None of her partners annoyed her while at the same time none of them caught her attention, except one. A rugged cavalry Colonel who was personable and entertaining.
As the ball wrapped up, not too far into the early hours of the morning Lady Maria and her companion Mrs. Weatherby, and Elizabeth and Claire, entered the carriage for the short journey back to Hanover Square.
“How do you feel Elizabeth? Did you enjoy the ball?”
“I did thank you Lady Maria. I will confess to a few nerves as we drew up to the portico but even before the dancing they had settled. Was there any talk?”
