Jane Austen & the Archangel by Pamela Aares

Author:Pamela Aares [Pamela Aares]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SeaStar Press
Published: 2012-06-25T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Lanterns lined the entire lane to Avdingdon Park, their light sparkling through the trees like hundreds of dancing stars. The great house blazed with light from its enormous chandeliers, and they cast a glowing circle onto the stone paths edging the closest gardens. As they approached, Jane saw the shadowed figures of dancers already swirling in the main ballroom. She watched and wondered whether her slippers would bear such rigorous activity. Then she scoffed at the silly thought, for she knew no one present aside from the Baringdons and was unlikely to be asked to dance.

Their party moved through the crush of festive revelers in the foyer. Lady Baringdon was intent upon greeting their hosts and angling for an introduction to Princess Charlotte.

“Mama, on a mission to intersect with royalty, is unstoppable,” Serena whispered to Jane in apology.

They were halted in their progress when Jane found herself surrounded by a group of ladies who began pelting her with questions about her books. They were obviously acquaintances of the princess, or they wouldn’t have known Jane’s identity. Unaccustomed to such attention, she couldn’t summon astute answers to their many, and varied, questions. She was particularly thrown when one young lady asked whether the hero of Pride and Prejudice had been modeled on the night’s guest of honor, Lord Darcy Hathloss. Darcy had yet to arrive, and Jane felt a pang of chagrin that he would be subject to their speculations when he did. She vowed in that very moment that she would never again name characters after identifiable friends.

A flutter of activity at the entrance to the ballroom released Princess Charlotte into their midst. She was speaking in animated tones with a gentleman whose back was turned to their group. Jane saw him gesture and froze when she recognized the movement. Her chest tightened, and she quickly tried to convince herself that it was simply not possible, that her senses had obviously deceived her.

Princess Charlotte, seeing Lady Baringdon, turned, opening the circle, and acknowledged them. A lady whispered in the princess’s ear. The princess nodded, her gaze settling first on Jane before tracking to Lady Baringdon.

“Lady Baringdon”—Princess Charlotte smiled—“I am pleased that you and your party could join us for this celebration.”

Lady Baringdon offered a long-practiced curtsy, as did Jane and Serena.

“You are most gracious, Your Highness,” Lady Baringdon replied as she curtsied again. “May I present my daughter, Lady Serena, and her friend, Miss Jane Austen.” Her voice revealed only the slightest tremor of nerves.

“Miss Austen.” The princess greeted Jane with a tilt to her head. “You have no idea the entertainment you’ve provided me and my circle. We’re positively in your debt.”

Jane did have some idea, for the Prince Regent’s severity in restricting the princess’s activities was well known. That she’d managed to gain permission to host the ball was a wonder. Though the princess was only seventeen, an air of timeless oppression hung over her, in spite of the spirited light that danced in her eyes.

Before Jane could formulate a reply, the princess’s companion turned toward them.

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