Virtue and Vanity: Continuing Story of Desire and Duty (10 page)

Madame Duval presented Sarah to those who had not met her at the English embassy. When they were through the line, she led her young charge to a comfortable sitting area and whispered, “I believe this is the count coming now. He looks very similar to his father.”

Sarah glanced up to watch the handsome, dark-haired man approach her. He walked with the air of confidence that seemed ingrained in people of rank. “Surely, such a man does not need a matchmaker to find a wife,” she whispered.

When he neared, Sarah stood with Madame Duval who said, “Count
DeFoe
, it is so good to see you. May I present Miss Sarah Bingley?”

The count bowed low and gently kissed Sarah’s hand, “
Enchante
.” He then stood and looked directly into Sarah’s eyes. In a wonderfully deep, base voice he asked, “Would you honor me by being my partner for the first two dances?”

Smiling, Sarah curtsied and said, “Certainly. It would be my pleasure.”

Sarah felt she had never danced more smoothly as the count expertly led her through the first two cotillions. He quietly managed to give her small signals to remind her of the upcoming step. While he seemed to walk through each pattern as though concentrating intently on the dance, his eyes rarely left Sarah.

As the second dance ended, he returned Sarah to her chair saying quietly, “I wish I could claim you for every dance, but etiquette demands that I fulfill my other commitments.”

“Thank you for the compliment, sir.”

“It is not a compliment, but a statement of fact.” He then turned his attention to Madame Duval, “May I get you some refreshment?”

“That is not necessary, but we thank you. Perhaps you will join us later for some refreshment?”

“I would be honored,” he said as he bowed briefly and walked away.

“What do you think of the count?” Madame Duval asked.

Shyly Sarah said, “He seems to be all that you purported him to be. He is certainly and elegant dancer; but, it is a bit difficult to judge a man’s character after two dances.”

Laughing softly, the matronly lady said, “You are not a bit like your sister. She would have happily committed to the man after seeing his good looks and knowing his position in society.”

“Perhaps not.
I believe she did learn something from John and Andrew’s cruel trick. I pray she will be more cautious in the future.”

“Yes, I hope so, too; but, one can carry caution too far. Take your time and ask the questions you need to, but do not be afraid to trust.” As the next dance began, Madame Duval smiled at Sarah. “Well, he may be going off to dance with others, but his mind is set on you. Can you feel his eyes upon you?”

Sarah hoped the blush was not showing on her face. “Yes. He has such intense eyes, it is hard not to notice when he is watching.”

As the evening progressed, Sarah danced with several handsome young men; but, she found her attention kept returning to the eyes that watched her. She enjoyed three additional dances with the count and they used the opportunity of one unscheduled dance to share refreshments with Madame Duval and partake in conversation. The Count was delighted to learn that Sarah enjoyed children, that she was well educated and to note the grace she had acquired while living in the embassy. He granted Sarah permission to ask any questions she would like.

She carefully phrased her questions, so as not to offend, and was quite pleased with the count’s answers. He appeared to be nothing like the Duke, who Lady Staley had warned her about.

When the two ladies deemed it time to leave, all eyes were on them as the Count himself escorted the ladies to their waiting coach. Once again, he bowed over each ladies hand before he assisted them into the carriage. He lingered over Sarah’s just a bit longer than necessary and then lifted her into the conveyance. 

He handed a card to Madame Duval and quietly said
,  “
Will you do me the honor of calling on me before I leave Paris?”

“Indeed. I am your humble servant,”

On the ride back to the embassy, the two women reviewed the events of the evening. Madame Duval said, “The count was quite taken with you. He gave me his card and requested I call on him before he leaves town–I am sure he wants to discuss my bringing you to his estate. Do you want to meet him again?”

“I am not sure,” Sarah said slowly. “At first meeting, he certainly appears all that you promised; but, we did not have much time to get acquainted.”

Madame Duval said, “Exactly why you should meet him again. Seeing his home will tell you much about the man and the slower pace of life on a country estate will allow you time to ask all the questions you desire. . . I am sorry, my dear, I did promise not to push. . . I so want to see you happily situated in life.”

Sarah smiled, “And you think marriage is required for me to be happy?”

“Perhaps not; but, being married to a man such as the count and to have your future provided for cannot hurt the chance of happiness.”

Both women were silent for a moment,
then
Sarah said, “I will discuss it with Sir Thomas and Lady Staley.”

Madame Duval laughed heartily. “I hope your decision will be in the affirmative. Your curious writer’s mind is longing such an adventure.”

Chapter Fifteen

Noting the lovely arrangement on the entry table late the next morning, Sarah said, “Aunt Georgiana, what lovely flowers. Are they from the embassy’s garden?”

“No. They are for you. Here is the note that came with them. Why don’t you read it while you enjoy
breakfast.
”

Sarah took the note and read it silently.

“My dear Miss Bingley,

While enjoying a morning walk in my host’s garden, I saw these flowers at the point of perfection; their beauty reminded me of you, so I gained permission to have the gardener pick them and deliver them to you.

Thank you for attending the ball last night and for honoring me with so many dances. I should like to have you visit my family at our chateau so we may get better acquainted.

Respectfully yours,

Count Julius Frontenac

“This was very kind of him.” She handed the note to Georgiana and asked, “What do you think I should do?”

“First, you should select your breakfast. Cook left several items warming for when you awakened.”

Sarah smiled and began to gather her breakfast from the sideboard. “What should I do concerning the count?”

“What is your desire?”

“I knew that’s how you would respond,” Sarah said as she settled into a chair at the breakfast table. “He is an intriguing
man.
. . he may be my only opportunity for marriage. . ..”

“Trust me, my dear, with your many fine
attributes,
he will not be your only chance.”

“But, I do not have the beauty of my sister Laura and I have this smallpox scar. I certainly do not know, or care about, coquetry.”

“You have a very comely appearance; but, more importantly you have inner beauty. As for the art of coquetry, I have never cared for it either. I believe it is better to be honest and communicative and see if a friendship develops.” Georgiana added, “You alone must decide what to do about the count; but, please, do not marry a man simply because you think you cannot have another nor because you feel pressured.”

Sarah was silent for a moment and then asked, “Would it be unseemly for me to want to get further acquainted with him? I do not know enough about him to decide about marriage; but, I must confess, what little I have seen of him I like.”

“The count has made his wishes known and after meeting you he forwarded the invitation. You would be well chaperoned by Madame Duval; so, a visit to his home seems the most appropriate way to become better acquainted.”

“Perhaps I shall agree to the second meeting,” Sarah said softly.

Lady Staley took a sip of tea and said, “You can tell a lot about a man by the condition of his home and his reaction to it. I remember when Sir Thomas took me to his home prior to our becoming engaged. His grounds and the buildings had fallen into disrepair due to lack of funds; but, he was so embarrassed by their condition that I knew it would not be long before he had restored his home to its original condition. It told me that he had pride and determination to succeed. Also, I saw how he loved his father and the kind way he treated his servants.” Looking at Sarah, she asked, “How many children does the count have?”

“I believe he has only one; but, now that you ask. . . I am uncertain.”

“Well, watch how he treats his children or how they respond to him; and, keep in mind that he and his family will be their best, hoping to impress you. If you see any negative behavior, you can probably depend on seeing it ten times more often if you marry him.”

“I never thought about anyone going to an effort to impress me,” Sarah said softly. “I shall look beyond surface appearance.”

“I am happy you are planning a visit.”

When the appointed time came, Sarah shakily climbed into the carriage. “I do hope I will not prove an embarrassment to you, Madame Duval. I am so nervous.”

“There is nothing to be uneasy about, my dear. The count has already found out what he wanted to know about you; now, this is your opportunity to get further acquainted with him and his family. If you like what you learn, that will be wonderful. It you do not wish to continue the relationship, perhaps it will provide fodder for a pleasant diversion in one of your stories.”

Sarah relaxed a bit and smiled, “If I do not desire a deeper acquaintance with him, I hope you will not be angry with me for taking so much of your time.”

“Nonsense.
My delight in life is to watch young people interact with one
another.
. . and, I shall enjoy this little adventure of seeing the Count’s chateau. I am sure we will be treated like royalty.”

The journey seemed to last forever, yet once the chateau came into view, it seemed to Sarah that they were
arriving  much
too soon. Oh, why
did I ever agree
to this, she thought. She tightly gripped the seat as she viewed the huge, gothic-looking chateau and saw people gathering at the entrance.

Madame Duval, “Relax, my dear. Just be yourself.”

Sarah forced herself to take a few deep breaths before she alighted from the carriage and was greeted by Count Frontenac, his twelve year old daughter, Felicia, and the housekeeper. Apparently, Sarah greeted people appropriately, because soon she and Madame Duval were
led  through
long, dark corridors to the room they would share. “Dinner will be served promptly at six in the main dining room,” the housekeeper said. “The maid will bring warm water for you to freshen up and then, perhaps, you would like to rest a bit before the evening meal. Would you like some tea sent up?”

“That would be nice,” Madame Duval said.

The maid brought their water and then returned to set the tea service on a little table in a lovely alcove with a window that overlooked a small garden. She then excused herself, with a promise to return shortly.

“Well, I must say, this will is a pleasant spot. I was afraid the whole house would be as gloomy as the hallways,” Madame Duval said as she poured the tea.

“I was thinking the same thing,” said Sarah sheepishly. “They seem to have the usual number of candles lining the hallways, yet they seem to give little light.”

“Perhaps the dark stone does not reflect the light or it could be that no light from windows can manage to find
it’s
way to the interior of this building. If you should decide to make this your home, I am sure the addition of some mirrors would greatly brighten the place.”

The maid quickly returned and unpacked their cases while they finished their tea. “I believe we shall rest a bit before dinner,” Madame Duval said.

“Of course, Ma’am.
Shall I return at five o’clock to help you ladies dress?”

Madame Duval glanced at Sarah and then said, “Yes, please.”

“Enjoy your rest,” the maid said as she backed out of the room.

“I am surprised I actually slept for
awhile
,” Sarah said as the two ladies rose to begin preparations for their first meal with the Count.

“The rest has done wonders to help you look more at ease.”

“Indeed. I am determined to enjoy our adventure from this point forward, without worrying about the future.”

“Wonderful. I am sure this visit is one we will never forget,” said Madame
Duval.”I
believe I hear the maid returning, and right on time. The Count must have his staff well-trained.”

With dressing complete, the maid began to arrange their coiffures. “Oh, your hair is most becoming,” Sarah said as the servant finished her work on Madame Duval.

Sarah then took the spot the matron had vacated and allowed the maid to work her magic. As she felt her hair being pulled back and fastened away from her face, she placed a hand over the scar on her forehead. “You must not pull my hair back on this side,” she said to the maid.

“I am sorry Ma’am. Count Frontenac gave me specific instructions as to how your hair should be arranged.”

A sense of panic welled up in Sarah and she said rather sharply, “It is my hair and I will not have a man, who is not even my husband, telling me how to present myself.” Softening at the look on the maid’s face, she said with a sigh, “Do not worry, you may fix it as directed.”

Madame Duval watched the exchange. “The scar is barely noticeable, my dear.”

As soon as the maid left, Sarah pulled some of her hair forward to cover the unsightly spot.

“Whatever are you doing? You told the maid she could follow the Count’s instructions.”

“So I did; but, I will not go to dinner with my temple showing. If our host makes inquiries, I shall explain that I rearranged my hair to cover a scar. We are certainly not of such an intimate acquaintance that I am required to let him see it.”

Madame Duval said, “You look lovely, my dear, and eager to embark on our fact finding adventure.” She slowly turned, “Do I pass inspection?”

“Indeed,” Sarah said. “Shall we sally forth and find the dining room?”

Linking arms, they retraced their steps through the dark hallways and down the broad staircase to where their host awaited them. Sarah felt his dark eyes fixed upon her before she saw him. Glancing at him demurely, she accepted the hand he extended when she reached the base of the stairs.

“You look as lovely as my memory of you,” the Count said, even if the maid did not follow my instructions. I shall talk with her later.”

“Please do not lay the blame on your servant. I rearranged the hair around my face to cover a small scar.”

The count looked taken aback and the two stood silently staring at one
another  for
a moment.

Finally, Sarah forced a smile and said, “Surely I am allowed the feminine frivolity of wanting to look my best?”

A shorter, nervous silence followed before the count curtly nodded. Then, regaining his courtly voice, he said, “Of course, Miss Bingley.” He then offered an arm to each lady and led them into the cavernous room where they would dine. Felicia was already waiting to the left of the table’s head, looking very small in the huge space. The Count seated Madame Duval to the left of his daughter and assisted Sarah to a chair on his right, while he took the seat at the head of the table.

As the servants delivered the
appertif
, Sarah took the opportunity to gaze around the room. The table looked large enough to accommodate twenty or more–the Count must have been quite serious about needing a hostess, Sarah thought. Two of the dark stone walls were covered with beautiful tapestries. The outside wall had three good-sized windows, but they seemed small in contrast to the room’s vastness. The focus of the fourth wall was a fireplace, larger than any Sarah had previously seen. Above it hung a set of portraits.

The Count noticed her focus and said, with no emotion in his voice, “When we marry, I will of course have your painting done to replace that of Marcella, my first wife. We’ll dispose of her painting then.”

Felicia started at this and bit her lip.

Poor child, Sarah thought, surely she would like her mother’s portrait to remain and her memory to be cherished.

“I have never enjoyed people looking at me,” Sarah said softly but firmly. “Marcella was a beautiful
woman,
I would rather have her picture gracing the room. I am sure
Feclicia
. . ..
”

“That would not be proper,” the Count said. “We will remove her picture as soon as we wed.” Then softening his voice to the courtly one Sarah was familiar with, he said, “We will leave my portrait hanging there until you feel ready to have yours added. Now, let us talk of more pleasant things. Please try the
appertif
. Our cook is one of the finest anywhere.”

Madame Duval gave Sarah a look that said
,
He is trying to be pleasant now. Follow along.

“Do you not wish to say grace?” Sarah asked.

“If you wish, I will do so.” He quickly recited a standard table prayer.

Well, at least he knows a grace, Sarah thought. “Thank you,” she said and then tasted the food before her. “Your cook is excellent. This combination is very pleasing to the palate as well as to the eye.”

“I am glad you find it so,” said the Count. “The housekeeper has been overseeing menu plans since my wife died; but, of course, you will take over when we marry.”

“If we marry,” Sarah said kindly, but with emphasis.

Madame Duval turned to Felicia and said, “You are a very mature young lady. I am happy you are in our company this evening.”

“Thank you Madame. It is nice to be old enough to eat with the adults.”

Sarah hardly noticed what she ate that evening. She could feel the gaze of both the count and his daughter with each of her movements. When a dish of cheese was served, the Count pointed out that the cheese was produced locally. It’s creamy, sharp quality was exceptional. Felicia seemed friendly when responding to Madame Duval’s questions, but she answered Sarah’s queries with a sullen formality. As dinner ended Felicia courteously wished the three adults a bon
nuit
and made her way upstairs.