The Decadent Duke by Virginia Henley Read Free Book Online

article from the Times about the grand ball at the Pantheon given to celebrate the king’s recovery from his devastating malady. You and Mother were patrons of the event. I was pea green with envy because I was too young to attend. It sounds like it was a most opulent affair: More than two thousand guests danced the night away, drank champagne, and sang ’God Save the King.’ The Duchess of Gordon and her daughter, the Countess of Lennox, decreed that all the guests should wear white and gold. The ball was opened by Jane, Duchess of Gordon, on the arm of Prime Minister Pitt to the sound of loud applause .’’
    "It was a mad crush, and unbelievably expensive. Ostensibly, the ball was to celebrate King George’s return to sanity, but in reality it was to mark the political victory of William Pitt.’’
    "Yes, the Prince of Wales and his friend Charles James Fox thought they could secure control of the administration when the king became incapacitated. But the brilliant Mr. Pitt introduced the Regency Bill in parliament to limit the prince’s power. The arguments in the House, both pro and con, delayed any action being taken, and before it was passed to the House of Lords for a decision, King George suddenly regained his sanity.’’
    "You have quite a grasp of politics for a young lady of fashion,’’ Charlotte said with admiration.
    "How could I not? Mother’s liaison with Henry Dundas, the prime minister’s home secretary, gives me a front-row seat about what’s going on in the government. I have to admit that I am fascinated by politics.’’
    " ’Tis said that power is an aphrodisiac ... Mother’s long-standing intimate friendship with the Scot statesman proves it.’’
    "Louisa and I regularly went up in the House of Commons gallery to listen to the speeches. Disguised as males, of course, to add to our enjoyment. I shall have to find another partner in crime to aid and abet me.’’
    "Surely Huntly will accommodate you, and with our brother as escort, you needn’t disguise yourself.’’
    "I suppose that will be the great advantage to my coming out. I will no longer be excluded from moving about in fashionable circles. I shall also be able to attend balls and entertainments thrown by the haut ton ’s leading hostesses.’’ Georgina wrinkled her nose. "Unfortunately, being thrust onto the marriage market will be the great disadvantage. ’’
    "When I came out, Mother set her sights on her dear friend and ally, William Pitt, believe it or not. She was so determined to make a match between us that she began to take me with her to visit him at his house in Wimbledon. Though William paid respectful attention to me, it never progressed to the amorous stage, and I believe it finally dawned on Mother that the prime minister was a confirmed bachelor.’’
    "Oh, that’s priceless. I’m so glad you didn’t allow her to choose your husband for you, Charlotte. I too intend to decide whom I shall marry.’’
    "Don’t delude yourself, Georgina,’’ her sister said dryly.
    "I wish...’’ Georgina’s voice trailed away.
    "What do you wish, my dear?’’
    "I wish Mother and Father weren’t estranged. Do you suppose they were ever in love?’’
    "I don’t know. They had a strong physical attraction at one time. They were certainly in lust—I don’t know about love.’’
    "She was unquestionably a good wife and mother. Though the Maxwells were far lower than the Gordons in noble rank, she made him a magnificent duchess. She certainly devoted herself to helping the Gordon tenants, and by doing so made Father’s fortunes grow. She started the local industry of weaving, and introduced the wearing of tartan into fashionable society, which in turn boosted Highland manufacturing. She taught the cottagers how to grow and dress flax. She