Page 45 of The Scarred Duchess
June 15, 1807
House of Stuart’s Last Hope Dies with Lord Henry Benedict’s Demise
Uninterested, he pushed it aside and closed his eyes.
No,I shall remain here until Hill takes up my care.
This evening would be Jane’s come-out into society. Where had the time gone? It was only yesterday he had held a serene little bundle in his hands, fearful he would drop her. His terror then was nothing to how he felt now. He dreaded what would come next, with four more daughters.
The assembly hall was ablaze with window tapers, casting warm light on the polished floors and flickering lanterns. It was nearly a crush: ladies in elaborate dresses with intricate beading and lace, their hair styled in the latest fashion spoke with gentlemen in tailcoats and finely knotted cravats, who stood about with confident postures. Abovethe throng were a half-dozen musicians tuning their instruments. The cacophony was a pleasant mix of chaos and expectation. They entered in a myriad of emotions—Bennet amused, Franny cautious, and Jane excited. She looked up at the ceiling lanterns.
“They are well-placed so that you young swans do not experience the disgrace of tallow droppings upon your feathers,” he told her.
“Mr Bennet, do not tease Jane. This is her special night,” said his wife.
“I do wish Lizzy had been able to come with us,” said Jane.
“Her turn will come soon. Then you two may sit up all night discussing your conquests,” her mother replied.
The opening dance notes wafted across the hall. The rustling of skirts and tapping of boot heels followed as couples drifted towards the room’s centre.
“Bennet,” said Sir William in greeting. “How good of you to come.”
“I would not miss Jane’s first dance. What father would?”
“None that I know.” Sir William turned to welcome Franny and Jane. “Capital. Capital. Such beauty we have not seen in years. Your dance card will fill up quite soon, Miss Bennet. And I am sure you will not disgrace any of your partners.”
“She has worked diligently not to do so,” said Bennet.
Moments later, Jane blushed at the appearance of a handsome, albeit familiar, young man.
Bennet sighed.And so it begins.“Good evening, Mr Smyth. We are surprised to see you away from Cambridge. What brings you home?”
“A most important task, sir,” he replied. “Mrs Bennet, may I solicit two sets from MissBennet?”
Mrs Bennet turned to Jane, who nodded, her cheeks pink.
“You may have the second and the fourth. Mr Bennet has the honour of her first.”
“As a father should,” he replied. His attention claimed, he bowed and departed.
Bennet escorted Jane to the line and thoroughly enjoyed himself. He was sure his pride was evident to all, even if his dread was not.I shall repeat this performance for four more daughters!
Jane gripped his arm as they returned to Franny, who cried, “Oh, Jane! You dance so heavenly.”
A moment later, Smyth was there, bowing and extending his hand to Jane. “Miss Bennet? May I claim the honour?”
“You may.” Hand-in-hand, they moved towards the centre line.
Bennet waited a few moments then turned to Franny. “You are pleased, no doubt?”
“Are you not? They are our closest friends. Should a match be in their future, Jane would remain in the neighbourhood.”
And closer to the danger he represents.
Bennet’s concerns grew as the evening wore on, and expanded exponentially when Jane danced the final set with Mr Smyth.
It was their third.
