Free The Irish Duke by Virginia Henley Page B

“Brava!” went up in the theater.
    “She has a marvelous talent,” Johnny declared.
    “Yes, she’s incomparable,” Abercorn agreed. “Someday I intend to make her my wife.”

Chapter Five
    T he affable Duke of Clarence sat quaffing claret in Woburn’s library in the company of his host and a crowd of male guests.
    John Russell signaled his son Jack, who spoke up on cue. “We have arranged a hunt tomorrow in your honor, Your Highness. The pheasants are particularly plentiful this year. There will be no need to beat the bushes—the dogs will flush them out. You won’t get better shooting in all of England.”
    “Splendid! I was hoping for a game shoot and brought along my guns, just in case.”
    “Jack has agreed to help me manage the estate. For our many friends who come to Woburn for the game, my son has agreed to organize all the hunts from now on.”
    “You are indeed lucky to have such fine sons, Bedford. You are blessed.”
    Abercorn kept a straight face, though inwardly he was amused. The king’s brother had sons aplenty, albeit illegitimate. He had fathered five sons with the Irish actress Dorothea Jordan, who all bore the surname FitzClarence .
    Once the Duke of Clarence had been fortified with wine and mollified with the promise of a good hunt, John Russell brought up the subject of his son’s ambitions for a naval career. “Now that Edward has completed his studies at Oxford, all he talks about is joining the military. I told him he could seek no better advice than yours, William. No man breathing is more informed about the navy than the former Admiral of the Fleet.”
    Abercorn was amazed at how adroitly Bedford handled the Royal Duke. With a combination of charm, flattery, and familiarity, he induced Clarence to use his influence and put in a word for Edward at the Admiralty, which would ensure a plumb naval commission. Edward is extremely fortunate to have John Russell for a father. My stepfather, Aberdeen, is so dour and abrasive that he offends everyone he deals with.
    Bedford refilled Clarence’s glass. “Drink up, William. It will fortify you against the impromptu ball the ladies have planned for this evening.”
     
    In the Venetian drawing room, the ladies were regaling Princess Adelaide about the birthday ball they were holding that evening.
    “Oh, I simply love to dance,” Adelaide admitted, “but I’m not sure I brought a suitable ball gown.” She put her hand up to her hair, rather self-consciously.
    “Nonsense, Your Highness. We are completely informal here in the country. We don’t wear Parisian fashions at Woburn, I assure you. And if you like, I’ll have my maid do your hair in the latest style,” Georgina suggested.
    “Princess Adelaide, you have such lovely thick, shining hair,” Louisa declared. “If it were fashioned into large curls and pinned up high with glittering ornaments, it would be extremely flattering.”
    “I shall take your advice, my dear. I find it decidedly pleasant to be surrounded by young people. It makes me feel alive,” she confided.
     
    Lady Sophia hurried into Louisa’s bedchamber. “I hear the pipers and the violins. I don’t want to be late for the dancing. Will you help me fasten my gown, please?”
    Georgy threw her sister a look of disgust. “I told you our dresses were out of style, Lu. Slim empire gowns are decidedly old-fashioned. Waists are back to their natural place, and everyone in London is wearing full skirts and puffed-out sleeves.”
    “It won’t matter tonight, Georgy. The young men from Oxford won’t know what the latest styles are,” Louisa assured her. “Mother will have new gowns made for us before we make our debut. She’s very fashion conscious.”
    “We have only three bachelors to partner us tonight, Sophia, so please don’t push yourself forward and take advantage. You’ll have to seek a husband elsewhere.”
    “Georgy, I’m not husband hunting. As a matter of fact, I’m being