The Decadent Duke (17 page)

His glance lingered on her breasts as he drawled, “It would be a distinct honor to partner you in the opening dance, Lady Georgina.”

“Indeed.” She smiled sweetly. “And the distinct honor has been granted to Lord Henry Petty.”

The Duke of Bedford's eyes narrowed as the youngest son of the Marquis of Lansdowne came to claim the beautiful debutante and lead her out in the first dance, which was a lively tune played by the renowned violinist Neil Gow.

“Conceited young puppy,” Francis remarked.

“Petty is the same age as Lady Georgina. No doubt the duchess orchestrated the opening dance with the young nobleman.”

“Doubtless you are right, Henry. I shall partner your lovely wife and allow you to cool your heels.”

The demand to partner Georgina increased with every dance, until there was a waiting line of eager gentlemen. Before midnight, she danced with the prime minister and every Tory member of parliament. After midnight she started on the Whigs.

The Earl of Winchilsea, whom she'd met at Charlotte's, finally claimed her. She smiled up at him. “George, I swear more than half the gentlemen here are named for the king.”

“I'm sorry it is such a common name, my lady.”

“Pray, don't be sorry. I'm named for the king myself!”

Prince Edward partnered her in the mazey dance, where the couples lined up and the top couple raised their arms to form an arch. Then all the couples tripped beneath the arch, reversing the order of the line. The mazey dance always caused confusion and a great deal of laughter ensued.

The laughter encouraged the Marquis of Buckingham to announce a game of ballroom blindman's buff, and Lord Huntly volunteered to be blindfolded first. Dorothy Cavendish, who was enamored of Georgina's brother, made sure she was the one he captured. Because of her squeals, it didn't take him long to guess her identity. When it was Dorothy's turn, she caught Lord Holland, who in turn caught and identified Georgina.

“I think you were cheating, Henry. I warrant you could see that it was me all the time.”

“What man wouldn't cheat for a chance to get his hands on you, my dearest Georgina?” Lord Holland put the blindfold on her and secured it so that she couldn't see, then turned her three times.

With the crush of gentlemen crowded round her on the dance floor, it didn't take her long to catch someone. Georgina realized immediately that it was Francis Russell, and she knew that he had planned it. “Is it His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales?” she asked innocently. She knew the guess would offend Bedford, since Prinny was exceedingly stout.

“No, no, no!” everyone shouted. “Guess again!”

“Is it Lord Lauderdale?” She named another portly friend of Bedford's. “No? Then I give up.” She removed the blindfold and pretended great surprise.

“You little witch . . . you knew my identity,” Francis accused.

“Surely you don't want me to tell the truth and shame the devil, since I suspect
you
are the devil?” she teased.

When Buckingham saw that Bedford was disinclined to don the blindfold, he signaled the orchestra to play a Scottish reel.

Georgina relented and smiled at Bedford. “I promised when I came out I would be delighted to make your acquaintance.”

“And do you always keep your promises, m'lady?”

“I do, m'lord.”

“In that case I will partner you in this dance, if you promise you will allow me to escort you to supper later.”

“I'm sorry, but I already promised Prince Edward.”

Francis Russell took her hand to lead her onto the floor. “I shall simply tell the prince to bugger off.”

“I was warned your manners were shocking.”

He gave her a look that was close to a leer. “Do I shock you, Georgina?”

“Not at all. I know someone with far more atrocious manners than you.”

The duke looked offended. “Name him.”

“John Russell.”

She looked up and saw her father. “Here's the Cock o' the North come to partner his daughter in the first reel.” She took back her hand. “I'm sure you'll excuse me, Your Grace.”

Supper was not served until three in the morning. A knot of young gentlemen surrounded Georgina and escorted her into the supper room. Both Prince Edward and the Duke of Bedford were annoyed at the competition.

The more Georgina Gordon teased Francis Russell and rebuffed his overtures, the more determined he became to ensnare her. Her fresh beauty was a stark contrast to his aging mistresses. To the duke, her challenge was irresistible.

“You're a betting man, Edward. A thousand guineas says I can tempt the little vixen into a liaison before you.”

“You're on, Bedford. A prince trumps a duke any night of the week. It'll give me a chance to win back some of the money I lost to you at the races.”

In Russell Square, the Duke of Bedford used his key to open the front door. His brother, John, who had just come downstairs, eyed his evening clothes. “Good morning. You're just in time for breakfast.”

“Couldn't eat a thing. I'm stuffed to the gills.” Nevertheless he followed John into the breakfast room. “I'll tell you one thing, the Duchess of Gordon put on a sumptuous spread. It's no wonder the royals never miss one of her entertainments. You should have come with me. Everyone we know was there.”

“Why would I wish to attend a coming-out ball?”

“For the food . . . for the music . . . for the delightful company. John, you are in danger of becoming a dry old stick. These affairs are not simply to dance with the debutantes.”

“But surely that is expected. It would be bad form to
not
dance with the debutante.”

“Bad form, yes. That's exactly why I didn't dance with Lady Georgina. I seldom do what is expected. The saucy baggage told me I had shocking manners.”

“The young lady could use some lessons in manners herself.”

“I wouldn't mind giving her a few lessons, but manners wouldn't be on the agenda,” Francis drawled.

“I didn't think your taste ran to virginal debutantes.”

“Oh come on, I warrant you wouldn't mind having a go at her. The two of you have crossed verbal swords. You must find her attractive, and by what she said about you, you certainly piqued her interest.”

“What did Georgina Gordon say about me?”

“She said that she knew someone with far more atrocious manners than me. When I asked her to name him, she said,
John Russell
.”

John chuckled as he recalled their first encounter, and their last.

“There, you
are
capable of laughter after all. Come to the Devonshire House ball with me tomorrow night. I guarantee you'll find plenty of things to amuse you.”

 
It was two o'clock in the afternoon before all the Gordon ladies arose and gathered in the breakfast room to read the society pages of the various newspapers.

“Listen to what the
Times
has to say.” Georgina licked her lips and read:
“Fair and lovely as the rest of the duchess's female offspring are undoubtedly, Lady Georgina seems to outrival them all. Her eyes with magic power endued, fired many a youthful heart and produced many a wistful glance.”

Charlotte read from her paper:
“Georgina's fascinating form, grace of gesture, and pleasing manner quickly inspired the whole company and made them totally forgetful of the severity of the season or the cares of the world.''

Jane interrupted. “Never mind the weather report. What does it say about me?”

“Here it is,” Susan said:
“Mirth and plenty reigned around. The noble hostess herself, who was all attention, pleasantry, and conviviality, looked not for these ten years past more engaging or more youthful.''

Pleased as Punch, Jane remarked, “The
Times
can always be counted upon to print the gospel truth.”

“There's more about me. They describe how I opened the ball with Lord Henry Petty and mention the lively tunes played by Neil Gow, who was brought especially from Scotland.
“The Marquis of Buckingham officiated, and where he presides hilarity and good humor are diffused on every countenance.''

Charlotte added:
“The ladies eager to resume the mazey dance soon summoned the gentlemen from the supper room. After two or three country dances, Scotch reels commenced, which did not finish till six in the morning, when each with seeming regret separated from a society in which all were delighted.''

“Such a triumph!” Jane declared. Her ecstasy lasted only a moment. “Was there no mention of the Prince of Wales and Prince Edward attending?”

Susan picked up another society page and scanned it quickly.

“Yes, it's all here. They go on to remark that it was a stylish occasion and mention all the ladies' dresses and hair ornaments.”

“Read the last bit,” Georgy insisted.

Susan continued:
“The incomparable Lady Georgina outshone all the other debutantes.''

“Lud, there'll be no living with the little cockroach,” Charlotte declared.

“Incomparable
little cockroach, if you please!”

Jane's brows drew together in a frown. “Georgina, I did not see the Duke of Bedford partner you. I am sure you could have enticed His Grace to dance, if you'd encouraged him with your irresistible charm.”

“I did my utmost to
discourage
him.”

“I beg your pardon, Georgina? I sincerely hope that was a facetious remark. Surely I do not need to remind you that the Duke of Bedford is the most eligible bachelor in the realm?”

“Francis Russell is not interested in marriage,” Louisa said with a toss of her auburn curls.

“Not many dukes are,” their mother pointed out. “Because you failed to snare the prize is no reason to discourage your sister. Georgina, it is up to you to ply your feminine wiles and engage his attention. That is the first step. Once you pique his interest, I will do my utmost to encourage and promote a relationship.”

Georgina shot a look of alarm at Charlotte.

“She was in great demand by all the gentlemen last night. Surely it is far too early to set her sights on just one.”

“Dukes are few and far between, Charlotte, especially unwed dukes with vast wealth and property. We cannot allow this one to slip through our fingers. We must all make a concerted effort on Georgina's behalf. Each of you must plan an entertainment in the coming weeks and make sure Francis Russell receives an invitation. We will coordinate our strategy.”

“Mother, you make it sound like a military campaign,” Georgina protested.

“And so it is,” Jane assured her. “You must engage the enemy; then, en masse, we will overcome his defenses, and when he is most vulnerable, you deliver the coup de grace.”

Georgina licked lips gone suddenly dry. “And what is the finishing blow?”

“You seduce him, of course.” The duchess gathered up the newspapers so she could read them again. “Georgina, what are you planning to wear tomorrow night to the Devonshires' ball?”

“I haven't had a chance to catch my breath from my own ball.”

Charlotte commiserated. “Poor Georgy. From now on you'll be plunged into a continual and frenzied social swirl of entertainments. Thank God I'm only expected to put in a token appearance at Devonshire House. Then we are off to Goodwood so the children can spend time with their other grandparents.”

“Goodwood House will make a spectacular setting for your ball, Charlotte. The Duke and Duchess of Richmond's opulent mansion filled with priceless treasures is just the sort of place to impress the Duke of Bedford. I'm sure Her Grace of Richmond will do her part to launch our incomparable Georgina.”

“Well, enjoy yourself at Devonshire House, Georgy. We are off home to Kimbolton as soon as I'm packed. I miss the children,” Susan admitted.

“Kimbolton Castle is the perfect setting for entertaining. With all those bedchambers, it is a simple matter to accommodate weekend guests. I am counting on you, Susan,” Jane admonished.

“Get lots of rest, Georgy,” Susan advised. “Whenever you accept an invitation, you won't see your bed before six in the morning.”

John Russell opened the note that a parliamentary page handed him and read:
I would greatly appreciate a word in private.
It was signed with the initial P, and John knew it was from William Pitt. At the afternoon recess, he made his way to the prime minister's private chamber.

William Pitt shook his hand. “Thank you for coming, Russell. Please have a seat. Though we are on opposite sides of the floor, at the moment we have common interests.”

John nodded. “The union of Great Britain and Ireland.”

“I want to propose an Act of Union. If you can work behind the scenes and guarantee me a dozen Whig votes, I believe we can get it passed in the House of Commons. Once we have a union, Catholic emancipation will quickly follow.”

“What about the king's objection?”

Pitt steepled his fingers. “That is a delicate matter, and one I would not discuss with any other Whig. Can I trust your integrity? Will you work for the common good, rather than cry for a regency that would bring down the House?”

“I pledge you my word.”

“I have been in King George's company on several occasions recently and have come to realize he is no longer capable of a detailed interference in politics.”

“Simply put, you will not mention emancipation to him.”

“Exactly.”