Before long it was time for Elizabeth to dress for her first ball as a married lady.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Geoffrey appeared only just in time to change before they were to depart.
As soon as Elizabeth had finished dressing, she went to his bedchamber and engaged in some very wifely behavior by watching while he tied his cravat.
Mayhap being a little nicer would help him along.
It only took three attempts before she could applaud his results. “That’s very elegant. What is it called?”
“The Throne d’Amour.” Nettle helped Geoffrey don a dark blue jacket of Bath suiting and handed him his watch and quizzing glass. The only fobs he wore. Offering her his arm, he said, “Shall we, my dear?”
The endearment took her aback for a moment. He was not in the habit of using sweet nothings, except “sweetheart,” and that was only when they were in bed.
She had been correct this morning. He was definitely improving. She hoped it would not be long before he could tell her he loved her.
Once they arrived at the Duchess of Richmond’s house onrue des Cendres,she and Geoffrey were announced and shown into a drawing room.
“Harrington.” The duchess came forward to greet them. “I am so pleased you were able to join us.” The lady then glanced at Elizabeth. “You must introduce me to your bride.”
Geoffrey released his hold on her arm so that she could curtsey. “Your grace, I am proud to introduce my wife, Elizabeth, the daughter of Lord Turley.”
“How lovely and so graceful.” The duchess smiled at her. “Harrington is lucky to have found you, my dear. Welcome to our home.”
“Thank you, your grace.” Elizabeth returned the smile. “I am glad we arrived in time to attend.”
Geoffrey had already claimed Elizabeth’s arm again, but her grace placed her hand on his other arm. “I shall introduce you to the others. But first, Harrington, you must tell me how your mother is doing. I know how she says she is going on, but one never knows.”
“She is very well, ma’am,” he replied. “When the conflict is successfully resolved, we have invited my parents to visit Paris next spring.”
“Excellent. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy Paris.” Her grace led them into the drawing room, making introductions as they went.
There were several foreign princes, including the Prince of Orange, and other foreign aristocrats as well. All of whom were either counts or barons, a smattering of other peers, but Elizabeth was disappointed that the Duke of Wellington was not present.
Geoffrey handed her a glass of wine. “These are the types of people we shall be associating with in Paris. What do you think?”
The question surprised her. She had expected him to praise her on her deportment—that is what he had done previously. “Naturally, they are all polite. I would have to get to know them better before I could tell you what I think of them.”
He saluted her with his wineglass. “Just so, my dear. An astute observation.”
Elizabeth tried not to smirk as a gentleman in a foreign uniform ogled her, and Geoffrey drew her a little closer. Definitely better.
A lady a little older than Elizabeth came up to them. “Harrington, Mama said you had arrived. I have not seen you since we were children.”
Geoffrey stared at the lady for a moment. “Georgy! I’m glad to see you here.” He released Elizabeth’s arm enough so that she could make a shallow curtsey. “My wife, Elizabeth.”
“My dear, Lady Georgiana Lennox, the third daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Richmond.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you.” The lady smiled warmly. “Congratulations on your marriage. I hope we will become good friends.”
“It is very nice to meet you as well, my lady.” Elizabeth hoped they would be friends as well. “How do you like Brussels?”
“We have been extremely gay here. I hope it will continue. But please, call me Georgy.”
“In that case, you must call me Elizabeth.”
They joined a group of Prussians, and the conversation turned to German.
