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“Your opinion is irrelevant, Lord Hambert,” she said. “The duchess and I are of like minds. We are not so blinded by wealth that we cannot see the worms eating the good things we have.”
He opened his mouth as if to say something but closed it. The dowager had a way of destroying one’s pride. Turning his nose up, he bowed and excused himself, heading toward the refreshment table.
The Earl of Hanover finally freed the laugh he had been holding and took Jenny’s hand. “Men like Hambert believe they are imposing when they are no more intimidating than a kitchen mouse.” He regarded her with all the pride of a father.
Just then, the Prince Regent was announced and he was accompanied by the Viscount of Down who was one of his very good friends. The Viscount shared a lot of the Prince Regent's views and they were both notorious for living very similar hedonistic lifestyles.
Some other members of the House of Lords who had chosen to be fashionably late were in the entourage, the Lord Chamberlain among them. Nicholas introduced Jenny to the Prince and the rest of the party.
“This is a perfectly planned ball, Duchess,” Prinny said. “May I request a dance? A waltz, preferably.”
Nicholas’ ire began to bubble beneath the surface and he was tempted to tell the Prince Regent that his wife’s dance card was full. He could not do that, of course. It would be improper. Thus, he swallowed his jealousy and allowed her to accept. His compliments did not come, however, without insinuations of how the evening would have been so much better if hispreferredsort of entertainment had been available.
The obsequious Lords around them would burst out laughing at every lewd joke the Prince would make until the Lord Chamberlain, who was known for being stern and most often the only person that could call the monarch to order, stepped in.
When the dowager was introduced, the prince mentioned how he had heard many wonderful things about her, especially her political views. He also mentions his admiration for unconventional women. When he thought no one was looking—which was never— he flirted with Persephone, causing her to fly her colors like a debutante.
“All opinions are welcome,” the royal declared, “It is, after all, modern times.” That opened the ground for the gentlemen to further argue their opinions.
He looked down at Jenny, giving her an apologetic smile. “I did not anticipate this ballroom turning into a debate room.”
She smiled. “I am rather enjoying it.”
“Well, that is a relief.”
The Prince Regent leaned close to Nicholas and whispered, "I certainly do not discriminate in all aspects of life. If you catch what I mean."
Before Nicholas could respond, however, a footman wanting Jenny's attention distracted him. She was needed to handle a household emergency. “Please excuse me,” she said graciously before hurrying away.
Nicholas immediately felt bereft and he forced his attention back to the Prince only for it to be snatched away by the Lord Chamberlain who changed the subject by asking Nicholas about his views on numerous aspects of politics.
Nicholas shared his honest feelings when he was asked about the dratted corn laws. “Our economy has been dealt quite the blow because of the war but I think that the corn laws contribute less to reviving it than what was initially expected.” He went on to enumerate how negatively the laws were affecting the common man. While he spoke, his eyes repeatedly glanced in the direction of the ballroom door in search of his wife.
The Lord Chamberlain considered what Nicholas had said before clapping him on the shoulder. “You are a man of change and substance, Seaton. One of the very few men that think of the humbler class. We should discuss more over brandy at White’s. It would be good to better know a man like you away from this stifling atmosphere.” He glanced askance in the Prince Regent’s direction.
“I shall honor your invitation, Lord Chamberlain.” He was making strides in the House of Lords but that brought him no pleasure. Only Jenny did that. As most of the gentlemen gathered were only too eager to impress the Lord Chamberlain and Regent, they unanimously commended Nicholas, too. Some even pointed out how more promising he was than his father, for he was more flexible and willing to explore and move with time.
The dowager practically dipped with happiness at this reception of him by the Lords, and before she excused herself to join the Dowager Duchess of Cheshire who had just arrived, she made sure to pronounce it, saying proudly, "Gentlemen, I shall now leave you withmy grandson."
Certainly, I am your grandson now and not just boy, Nicholas thought to himself as he watched her retreating form.
“I am here to make merriment, gentlemen, and not to work,” Prinny announced. "The Lord Chamberlain's wife practically competes with his work. You may follow him if you wish to work but I am here for the music, booze, and laughter. There shall be no more talks of the dratted House in my presence."
Nicholas grinned, agreeing with him, but when he looked once more toward the ballroom doors, he saw none other than Sir Phineas and his mood darkened. Then he stepped forward.
