As the process of putting on the gowns went on – and on and on – the Countess reiterated the lessons she had imparted over the past weeks.
“If the Queen speaks to you, answer in a friendly but respectful manner. You need not confine yourself to monosyllables. Do not, under any circumstances, cough or sneeze. It is difficult, I know, but if you feel a cough beginning, you must choke it back. Grind your teeth together if you feel a sneeze approaching, that will help arrest it.
“On no account should you fidget! Should a pin work its way loose and stick you, you must not take it out, no matter how painful. Should tears actually run down your cheeks, you must not wipe them; simply ignore them. Do you understand?”
Georgiana shot Elizabeth a desperate look.
“We understand perfectly, Aunt,” Elizabeth replied. “If I am honest, I think Georgiana and I are both sufficiently terrified that we will have difficulty walking, let alone fidgeting.”
Mr. Darcy had hoped to accompany his wife and sister to the palace, but the Countess scolded him. “Have you seen their gowns? There is scarcely room in the carriage for the three of us! You will stay here and wait.”
He scowled at his aunt, but he knew she was right. He attempted to lean over to kiss his wife; unfortunately, her skirts were so wide that he could not reach her.
Laughing, Elizabeth said, “I will tell you all about it when we come home!”
Georgiana muttered, “Assuming that I do not first faint from hunger, thirst or terror.”
***
There was a long line of carriages down Piccadilly Street leading to St. James’ Palace. Elizabeth was grateful for the Countess’ warning about not drinking. She was desperately thirsty, but understood that there was nothing to be done but get through it. “Are you well?” she whispered to Georgiana.
Georgiana turned her face to Elizabeth; the pallor of her skin was cause for concern.
“Georgiana, it will be fine!” Elizabeth rushed to assure her.
“Do you promise me, Lizzy?”
“I absolutely promise you,” Elizabeth said fervently, hoping that she spoke the truth.
Their carriage finally arrived at the entrance to the Palace; the Countess exited first, followed by Elizabeth and then Georgiana. There was a line of ladies, waiting to be presented. Elizabeth distracted Georgiana by pointing out some of the absurdities – were there truly thirty feathers in that lady’s bandeau? How had she managed to keep them all in place? One of the feathers drifted down as they whispered, causing them to have to stifle their laughter. And was that lady’s gown truly covered in diamonds? Why, it must weigh so much that it was a miracle she could walk! By the time they reached the front of the line, Georgiana’s face had regained its colour.
The Countess walked in first and announced that she was presenting Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Georgiana Darcy. Elizabeth then walked up to the Queen and made the deep curtsey as she had been taught.
“So you are the country girl who finally captured the elusive Fitzwilliam Darcy?” the Queen asked. Her tone was so friendly that Elizabeth could not take offense.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I believe that to be my one and only claim to distinction.”
“It is distinction enough.” The Queen then nodded, which was a dismissal.
Elizabeth backed up, managing not to trip over her gown, and she breathed a heartfelt sigh of relief.
Now it was Georgiana’s turn.
“I understand you are a virtuoso on the pianoforte, Miss Darcy,” the Queen said.
That was the last thing Georgiana had expected to hear, but she understood that it would not do to contradict the Queen. “I love music,” she managed.
“You must come and play for me,” the Queen continued.
“I would be – be most honoured,” Georgiana stammered.
At the Queen’s nod, Georgiana gratefully backed up.
And at last it was over.
On the way home, the Countess congratulated them. “I could not be more pleased,” she said several times.
Elizabeth thanked the Countess for all her help and turned to Georgiana. Alarmed, she said, “Sister! Are you not well?”
