Chapter 26 #5
“Uncle Marcus, Aunt Eleanor, Mary,” Jane said warmly as she and Matthew approached them. “Pray forgive us for arriving so late. We never imagined there would be so many carriages in the street.”
“It was almost impossible to pass,” Matthew added. “I believe half of London must be here tonight.”
“Without a doubt, the place is full,” Marcus replied, looking far from pleased.
Eleanor smiled at him.
“It is not so dreadful, my love. Once you have danced a little and spoken with a few friends, you will feel much better.”
Mary looked at the general with sincere understanding,
“I comprehend perfectly how you feel, General Sinclair,” said Mary.
Eleanor turned to them both with a knowing smile.
“Then, whether either of you likes it or not, you shall have to dance together.”
Marcus bowed slightly to Mary.
“It will be an honour, dear Mary.”
Mary smiled faintly.
“It is probably the only good thing about being here,” said Mary.
Everyone laughed at her remark.
At that very moment, the marchioness noticed that Eleanor’s party had been joined by her grandson, Mateo, accompanied by a beautiful young blonde.
“And who is the blonde young lady who greeted Lady Campbell so warmly?”
Caroline could not conceal her disdain.
“That is Jane Bennet, another of Mrs Sinclair’s poor relations.
” Caroline practically sneered at the word.
“I believe she must now be married to the gentleman accompanying her. You need not concern yourself with those people, my lady. Jane Bennet is of no consequence in this society, and her husband even less so, for he is nothing more than a solicitor.”
As Caroline spoke, Dona María Alta Gracia knew exactly what she must do.
This was the opportunity she had been waiting for, and she had no intention of letting it slip away.
As the first set was about to begin, she asked Lady Westcliff to present her to the general and his family, explaining that she was most curious to meet the celebrated hero.
Caroline was disappointed that her new friend wished to meet those wretched Bennet girls. Still, she resolved to remain beside the marchioness so that she might appreciate the difference between a refined lady such as herself and those country girls.
Jane and Matthew looked radiant; without question, they were the handsomest couple in the ballroom.
After speaking honestly about the burden he had carried for so long, Matthew felt as though a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
He still had to tell Jane the truth about his maternal family, but that could wait.
After affectionately greeting the Sinclairs, Jane discreetly told her aunt about her conversation with her husband.
“Thank you, Aunt, for your advice. Matthew and I were finally able to resolve everything.”
“I am so pleased, Jane…”
Just then, Lady Westcliff approached the group.
“General, my dear Eleanor, if you would be so kind, I should like to present my guest of honour to you.”
The party followed her to where Dona María Alta Gracia was waiting with barely concealed anticipation.
At first, Matthew was unaware of his grandmother’s presence. He was so absorbed in looking at his wife that he paid little attention to what was happening around him. But when he finally looked up, he found his grandmother watching him intently while Lady Westcliff made the introductions.
“It is an honour to meet you, General. Men such as you are the pride of our nations,” said Dona María.
“Thank you, my Lady,” Marcus replied, somewhat puzzled. He and his family soon realised that, although the marchioness was addressing him, her eyes never left Matthew.
Silence fell over the group for several long moments.
Caroline was visibly displeased. She had no intention of allowing those Bennet girls to monopolise the marchioness’s attention. She was just about to speak when Dona María broke the silence.
“My dear Mateo, you cannot imagine how grateful I am that you came to this ball. I hope you will honour your grandmother by dancing the first set with her. No sabes lo feliz que me hace que por fin podamos hablar.”
**You cannot imagine how happy I am that we may finally speak.
Matthew froze.
“Senora, ?por qué no me deja en paz?”
** "Madam, why will you not leave me in peace?”
The atmosphere became painfully tense.
At last, Jane looked at her husband as though silently asking for an explanation, but Matthew kept his eyes fixed upon the floor, unable to meet her gaze.
Then Dona María astonished everyone with a declaration that took the entire company by surprise.
“Lady Westcliff, allow me to present my grandson. This is Mateo Anselmo Andrés de la Garza, Conde de la Carrera, and the future Marqués de la Pena.”
At that very moment, the music began to play.
“As the highest-ranking person present this evening, Mateo, it is only proper that you and I should open the ball together.”
Jane was so astonished that she could not help covering her mouth with her hands. Eleanor and Marcus immediately went to her side, while Mary hurried away in search of something for her to drink.
Yet no one present was more astonished than Caroline Bingley. To her, everything that was unfolding seemed nothing less than a nightmare.