Edmund had spent almost all day preparing himself carefully for the ball, washing up, putting on his best attire... He wanted to be presentable, to make a good impression, and indeed, he liked what he saw in the mirror: a plastered white shirt, a beautifully embroidered vest and a long velvet coat, black breeches, white stockings, leather shoes of the latest London fashion. His wig was also impecable…

George Rathborne, a plantation owner who'd made a fortune on Barbados –yes, this man was almost as rich as Sir John Darcy – and his lovely wife, Honoria had sent the invitations two weeks ago, immediately after the arrival of their daughter and son-in-law from Boston. He was looking forward to the ball… not only to break the daily routine with a fun activity, as he liked social events, knowing new people and discussing with old acquaintances, but also to dance and, especially, to discuss more with this son in law of Mr. Rathborne’s… A business connection in Boston wouldn’t harm him at all, by contrary!

Besides, no one knew how to organise a reception like Mrs. Rathborne. She had good taste and all the possibilities for making an unforgettable event. Skilled slaves to do everything needed, the best music on the island, the profusion of flowers, the lights, the guests …everything contributed to made the hosts popular.

“Please, Georgiana, can you be ready in due time?” Edmund said angrily to his wife. “I have told you before this is no way for you not to come tonight! If that damn headache doesn’t let you breathe, then after the first dance you may sit somewhere quietly and look around… Nobody would disturb you…”

Of course nobody would! He would be too busy to dance with Jane… Sir John will be, as usual, at the faro table… Her only friend, Lady Mercy, will be also busy dancing, so she might remain in her corner as long as she liked! But it was too important an occasion not to have her by his side at least in the beginning. He wouldn't make a so good impression if alone.

“Edmund can’t you reconsider, you can do well enough at the ball without me,” Georgiana pleaded.

Georgiana got dressed as instructed in a pale green satin ball gown with emerald colored velvet trim, her auburn hair placed in a nice up do with some of her wavy locks descending downward towards the small of her back and paired white shoes and stockings. She wore her cross as always and her pearl necklace and ivory fan.

His orders upset her plans, not more then a few days before, she had met with a girl at the docks. Yes, she finally got the nerve to pack and decided to really leave him! This very morning she met again that girl in the town, arranging for the little luggage she was taking to be sent to the ship… It remained only for her to get to the docks tonight and leave Barbados behind … Now that Edmund was adamant about her attending the ball she had been forced to revert to Plan B, but what could that be.

Why should she attend, she thought he will only spend time with Lady Jane and ignore me for the rest of the night. As she looked at the portrait of the two in the hallway, she looked at it, she was sitting and he had his hand placed upon her shoulder standing, the two of them in their finest. Staring at the portrait and thinking to herself an epiphany hit her. Jane and Edmund would be dancing the entire time for sure, more then likely Mercy may take a few turns on the dance floor she thought. If I can leave without being seen, she thought, if only…

Her thoughts were broken by the footsteps of one of the maids passing by as Georgiana sat in a chair in the front hall waiting for the coachmen to bring up the coach. Edmund fancied his parties but all she ever saw was the same mind-numbing people.

Georgiana wasn’t one for idle gossip, but to the hostess of the party Honoria Rathbone was often meddlesome. Yes, she was friendly with the lady but her constant talk of what everyone in the town was up to was almost driving her mad.

Back to her plan, how could she leave without being seen, she thought. The steward had announced the arrival of the carriage. Fixing her dress she stood up and waited for Edmund.

“Finally you are ready!” he snapped, while his penetrating gaze inspected her looks.

Yes, she was presentable. Beautiful… she never was, with those freckles which showed her ancestors’ lower origin, and which can’t be hidden by the makeup she had to wear at the social functions, but they made a good impression together. She could be the right good wife he had needed… unless she opened her mouth and said something he didn’t like. And there were plenty such moments! If she stayed in his shadow, as she should, tonight was meant to be a success… But would he achieve tonight to convince Mr. Rathborne’s son in law that he was the right choice of a partner for the venture he intended?

“Edmund can’t you reconsider? You can do well enough at the ball without me!” Georgiana pleaded.

“You know very well that I can’t!” he answered exasperately. ”At least not this time, when so many people come, new ones as well as the ones we know! What would they think if I come without you? Instead of getting to the town this morning only accompanied by Becky, you should have had enough sense to remain at home and prepare yourself for the ball! Then you would have had time to rest afterwards and the headache wouldn’t have been so terrible!”

Actually he was more annoyed at the idea that she availed herself of the opportunity of an errand Toby, the coachman, had to make and she went out without his prior permission. Yes, indeed, she had been properly accompanied… but what kind of chaperone may a slave be?

He specifically had asked Sir John, when they arrived in Barbados, to help him find a comfortable residence outside the town, not too big and not too small, just suitable, and with black slaves only. He wanted Georgiana outside the tentation of a town, home alone like any proper wife. He also didn’t accept any white servants around his wife. Who knew what an indentured servant might have discussed with Georgiana – especially if the maid happened to be from the same corner of Scotland where she had relatives – and his wife, who had no social sense at all, might even have befriended her! Besides, he knew from other people’s stories how dangerous such strange closeness could be… Surrounding her by polite ebony shadows, more frightful than she was, solved his problem – at least for the moment. Could she really have made an ally out of Becky – and, if yes, to what kind of deeds?

The carriage arrived. The Rathbornes were living outside the town, in the opposite direction. It would be a rather long ride. “However, not being blatantly late, only arriving when a crowd was already formed, might have advantages!” he smiled conceitedly.

"You haven't told me yet... what was so important that couldn't wait a few days? Why did you go out today?" he remembered to ask her, once seated, without hiding his anger.

Georgiana froze, did he know of her plans she thought. Quickly she came up with an answer “Well…” she started “I know your birthday is not for a few more days and I wanted to get you something special for the occasion”. Hoping he would like her answer, as he loved receiving gifts and it was true his birthday was coming in a few days. She gave him a half smile to seal the deal; she indeed did purchase a gift for him.

It was a globe made from the finest materials, she had admired the two globes in the Darcy Manor and she knew that Edmund’s jealousy would want him to have one. Sir Darcy owned a celestial globe that stood proudly in his office along with a globe of the world. Sir Darcy had invited them to tea once and this is where she had seen Sir Darcy’s new globes. As Sir Darcy talked of business with her husband she was forced to endure spiteful looks from Jane. As the conversation turned towards the purchase of his two new globes she had sensed Edmund’s growing jealousy over someone having something he did not have.

“I hope you are not still angry with me” she said sweetly trying to calm Edmund, “I only wanted to give you a surprise for your birthday after all you only have a birthday once a year”. Georgiana hoped that this answer might content him, “How are your sisters” she asked “Mary is still at the priory is she not and Catharine is still a member at Court if I am correct, Edmund”.

Looking out to lane they passed many sugarcane fields and plantation homes. When they reached the Rathbone’s estate she liked how lively all the people were. Greetings from various people who knew her husband were exchanged between him and his associates.

Asking his permission to leave Edmund to his talk of business ventures, Honoria caught up with her and introduced her to her daughter Madeline. Georgiana was known for being shy around the people of Bridgetown.

This post has been edited by Georgiana Campbell on Dec 27 2009, 02:33 AM

He couldn’t remain annoyed with her after hearing her immediate, undoubtedly sincere answer:

“Well… I know your birthday is not for a few more days and I wanted to get you something special for the occasion”.

Indeed, it seemed exactly her way of thinking, She could be sweet and mindful sometimes, as her wifely duty required – and it was less than one month until then. A surprise for him justified indeed this hurry… He’d question Becky and Toby later, to ascertain where exactly she was… but a birthday surprise sounded kind of her.

He offered Georgiana the same smile one would give to a child showing a nice drawing.

“I hope you are not still angry with me!” she said sweetly. “I only wanted to give you a surprise for your birthday. After all, you only have a birthday once a year!”.

“Yes, it is only once a year… this is why I was wondering if you are feeling well enough to organise a party like the housewarming one we had upon our arrival here!”

Then she changed the subject, asking about his family.

“How are your sisters? Mary is still at the priory, is she not? And Catharine is still a member at Court if I am correct, Edmund…”.

She knew that he had received two days ago a letter from England – and, as usual, he didn’t bother to tell her anything about it.

“Yes, my annoyingly pious sister is worried about not having had news from me lately. As if I had the free time she has, to write her! And Catharine and her much so noble husband seem to get along so well at court, while I am stuck in a humid uncivilized world!”

Here in Barbados it would have been really unbearable if Jane wasn’t by his side… and well, if the Carribbeans weren’t in a war making smuggling a flourishing business in which anybody could take a great venture. Besides, he couldn’t stand Catharine and her husband since their outrageous behaviour at his father’s death.

Finally they arrived and went to exchange pleasantries with the Rathbornes. The hosts were greeting each guest with a warm smile. The newcomers were introduced to the members of the local high society. Edmund made the acquaintance of some naval officers of various ranks, then finally got introduced to Mr. Rathborne’s son in law.

He noticed Jane somewhere farther, with Sir John, who was talking to one of the Committee members. He smiled at her over the crowd. Business first, pleasure to follow… Until the dance gets opened, it’s the first part!

Mercy had spent the afternoon with Madeline Rathborne, a childhood friend who she rarely saw now that Madeline had joined her husband in Boston. And she had stayed for a light supper with the family before the evening's events. When other guests started arriving Madeline was called away by her mother to greet them.

Mercy found a seat for herself near the musicians, observing the guests as they arrived, waiting to see someone she knew. Her sister, Diana, wouldn't make an appearance at the ball until later, and probably resented having to attend at all.

The Campbells were among the first to arrive. Mercy stood and walked towards them, either to wait nearby until Georgiana could leave her husband's side or to join whichever group they attached themselves to.

Once ashore, Miss Clarke and Percy discovered that a carriage, originally for Thorne, had been provided and now took them to the Rathborne estate outside Bridgetown. The journey was quick enough, and soon they entered the foyer of the large mansion. They arrived among other guests, and joined the short line that had formed to greet their hosts.

“This looks very grand,” Percy remarked to Miss Clarke. The foyer itself was impressively decorated, or ostentatiously, to put it less kindly. The view through the doors revealed rooms just as lavishly decorated, and glimpses onto guests moving about. Percy caught sight of other naval officers, as well as Rear Admiral Westchester, whom Percy wasn't keen on meeting again.

They met their hosts, Percy made the appropriate excuses for Captain Thorne. “The Captain deeply regrets not being able to attend tonight. I hope you'll think me an acceptable substitute as guest. But at least you haven't been deprived of Miss Clarke's attendance.” An exchange of meaningless pleasantries and they had done their duty, and could move on to the other rooms.

“Shall we find something to drink, Miss Clarke?” Percy asked, glad to have a perfectly good reason to delay greeting Westchester a little longer.

George Rathborne was a stout man of medium height, with a pleasing countenance and a plain face on which a pair of grey lively eyes brightened with intelligence. He was happy to be the host of today’s social event, held in the honour of his beloved daughter and her husband. He was proud to introduce his son-in-law, a Bostonian merchant in the business of so called “colonial goods” – sugar, tea, coffee and spices – to all the guests. And there were some naval officers there who had to get acquainted with Barbados’ high society, as well as three captains of merchant ships who were transporting the goods for members of West India Planters and Merchants Committee…

His wife Honoria had stayed for a while by his side, but afterwards she got busy introducing some ladies recently arrived in Bridgetown to the Governor’s family, to Madeline and other female guests. People had started coming, indeed. His main business rival, Sir John Darcy, was there, as well as his secretary, a man much more pleasant than his boring boss.

Another Navy officer had just appeared, accompanied by a tall, blonde young lady with a fashionable silk dress. Most eyes in the room were set on them, both men and women wondering about the newcomers, when the officer came to greet him, introduced himself and his companion, explaining that he was replacing Captain Thorne of the “Steadfast”.

“The Captain deeply regrets not being able to attend tonight. I hope you'll think me an acceptable substitute as guest. But at least you haven't been deprived of Miss Clarke's attendance.”

Of course George Rathborne knew the story of “Steadfast” and its unsuccessful fight with the “Sea Hound”, news traveled fast. He was lucky that no one of the merchants and planters from Barbados had anything on “Persephone”, otherwise he wouldn’t be smiling now so naturally! And perhaps the captain had been wounded in battle…

The host smiled and answered politely:

“Both your presence and this of the lady accompanying you are more than welcome on this remote corner of the colonies! Plenty of ladies and gentlemen would be glad to hear any news from the ports you have been in recently… and from our beloved Britain…”

Actually he didn’t miss so much the foggy country where he was born, but he knew this would be the main subject of discussion for most people.

He introduced them to his son – in – law, to Sir John Darcy and Edmund Campbell, then he got busy with other newly arrived guests.

Thomas Locke had been in his house for no more than half an hour before his lovely wife brought up the subject of the Rathbornes' party was brought up. They party was the next day, and his lovely wife Elizabeth was just thrilled that she would now be able to attend. Of course being in high society as his family unfortunately had to be, meant he had to be outfitted with the latest fashion outfit. Which meant hours of standing still getting measured, as his figure had certainly changed since the last time he had been on shore. He was leaner, with just a tad bit more muscle.

While his clothes were being prepared, he took his son to a beach for an hour or so, and then came back and spent a lovely night with his wife. The next day was full of being fit into the clothes right, and making sure everything was perfect. He did manage to get back to the ship to check on some things, but as the evening grew closer, he was back at his sister's house preparing to go to the ball. His sister and her husband were also attending and the four would be taking a carriage ride there together.

Once they were in their finest, they headed for the party. Thomas' outfit consisted of the new blue jacket and waistcoat, black breeches, white shirt and stockings, black shoes, and to top it all off a powdered wig. If he didn't insist on keeping his hair short to make his work a little easier, he would just tie it back and powder that. The group went rumbling through the streets of Bridgetown from their mansion on one side, to the Rathbornes' house on the other side.

They finally got there and the party seemed to be in full swing. Thomas wouldn't enjoy the party, but he wouldn't show it. Having gone to these events for most of his life had helped him learn how to deal with them. As they wandered into the party, they were introduced to the people already there. Elizabeth was hanging on Thomas's arm as usual, and they both went around the party trying to find people to talk to.

Georgiana was never used to being the center of attention exchanging pleasantries with some of the other guests. Georgiana had always been shy around people but she sometimes was a bold little thing much to the dismay of her husband. Making a beeline for Mercy she greeted her.

“How are you Mercy” she asked, Georgiana had not seen her in a few days. “I hope your family is well”. Not seeing Diana anywhere in sight she then asked “Will your sister be joining the festivities later”.

Much to Mercy's delight Georgiana did not linger at her husband's side. She smiled as Georgiana came to meet her.

“How are you Mercy?” Georgiana asked, “I hope your family is well. Will your sister be joining the festivities later?”

“Very well, and how are you? I'm so glad you're here! Oh, Diana will be arriving later, but I doubt we'll see much of her. But you'll have to meet Madeline later.”

Mercy hooked her arm through Georgiana's and pulled her towards a table set with drinks. “Come let's get refreshments. They've made an awfully good drink with some sort of fruit juice that I don't think I've tasted before.”

There was no polite way to avoid Rear Admiral Westchester any longer, so Percy went to greet him and the circle of officers in conversation with him. He was glad of Miss Clarke's company, hoping she, or rather her status as an accomplished naval officer's daughter, might occupy Westchester. And so it did; Percy quietly retreated and went in search of Mr. Rathborne.

He looked around and at the other guests with interest. Presumably Bridgetown was a relatively small community and most would be familiar with each other. He heard someone address a quartet of newcomers as Lord and Lady Thomas, Lady Anne and the Honourable Francis Compton, and curiously turned to see who they were. It seemed so strangely formal for a small social event on a colonial island.

Percy couldn't be sure who was who, he didn't know any of them. Yet the tall man in the blue bespoke coat seemed oddly familiar. But where could he have seen him before? Maybe it was just a chance resemblance. Percy wound his way past another group of people, then saw Rathborne.

Their host was standing by himself, a glass in hand, maybe wanting a quiet moment. Percy joined him.

“Mr. Rathborne.” Percy smiled at him, trying to remember what Rathborne had said when they spoke before. “You don't miss the north very much, do you? You seemed a bit languid when you mentioned Britain earlier.”

“I wonder, do you take any newspapers? Would you perhaps have an edition from London that isn't older than two months?” Percy asked.

George Rathborne was sipping from his glass with fine English gin when one of the officers… the one representing “Steadfast”, if he remembered well, approached him with a smile:

“Mr. Rathborne… You don't miss the north very much, do you? You seemed a bit languid when you mentioned Britain earlier.”

“Well, one will always miss the place of his childhood… but the sunny Indies are more welcoming for the bones of a man of a certain age!” he laughed light-heartedly. “Besides, the sugar cane, tea and coffee growing here are so much sought in London… so owning a plantation here is much better than only dealing with the import of colonial goods in the City! Anyway, it doesn’t mean that anybody here around is not curious to hear all the news from the mother country directly from persons who have been there more recently than us!”

Speaking about news, the officer asked with badly hidden curiosity:

“I wonder, do you take any newspapers? Would you perhaps have an edition from London that isn't older than two months?”

The host smiled again. Did this officer think that here in Barbados they rely only on mouth-to-mouth news? No, they might be in a remote hell hole, as seen by others, but it is still a corner of the civilized world! At least, people like the Governor’;s family, like him, like Sir John Darcy, like Edmund Campbell and a few others take care of this!

“Of course we have, <Morning Glory> has just arrived yesterday in port, and her captain brought us newspapers too! Some of them were bought in the very day of the ship’s departure, and I remember that he told me about having had a good wind behind, pushing the ship here with the best speed! If you want to browse them, please follow me in the library! But you know… the newspapers deliver only certain kinds of news… while most people here, at the edge of the Empire, want to know much more beyond these!”

He was proud of his collection of newspapers.

A ball.

Gordon Burr finished retying the knot of his cravat and studied his face in the mirror. That was as close to perfect as he could manage, as he had given his valet the evening off. He was dressed in his finest this evening. A long-tailed coat of smooth red velvet, complimented by fine cream breeches, a smart white ruffled shirt, and a red paisley waistcoat. Burr adjusted the cravat's knot a final time before reaching for his hat.

A ball. Of course it was an occaison he could not refuse to attend. The prospect of finding and cultivating new business contacts was much too tempting. So it was that he pulled himself up into his horse's saddle and spurred toward the opposite end of town.

"Good evening, sir," a footman said as Burr drew rein outside the brightly-lit residence. "Take your horse, sir?"

"Yes." Burr surrendered the reins with barely a glance. Without another word, he made his way up to the front door, which was opened promptly by a blank-faced butler. A footman appeared to take his cloak and hat, only to disappear just as quickly. Burr folded his hands behind him and stepped into the main drawing room, where he might see and be seen more easily.

Rathborne seemed genial, good-humoured and astute, and Percy immediately liked him. When Rathborne confirmed that he indeed ordered newspapers, and had some as recent as possible, Percy didn't try to hide his joy. He followed him to the library.

“But you know… the newspapers deliver only certain kinds of news… while most people here, at the edge of the Empire, want to know much more beyond these!” Rathborne said.

“I certainly hope the news I'm interested in didn't make it into oral circulation!” Once spoken, Percy realised how stupid a remark it was. He rolled his eyes to mock himself and smiled. “What I mean is, there's an issue I'm hoping has been resolved without generating interest beyond a small mention in the paper.” Maybe Rathborne would just assume he was referring to a financial issue.

The library was a very pleasant room, with an impressive collection of newspapers laid out on a side-table; the more recent issues, judging by the dates. Percy glanced over the titles and saw Read's Weekly Journal.

“This is excellent, Mr. Rathborne. Thank you.” Percy took the paper and looked through it intently.

A short article caught his attention:
"On Saturday last the Rev. Mr. Swinton, Fellow of Wadham-College, Oxford, mov'd his Majesty's Court of King's Bench for an Information against the Printer of a Pamphlet lately publish'd, entitled, A Faithful Narrative of the Proceedings in a late Affair between The Rev. Mr. John Swinton and Mr. George Baker, &c. and the Court made a Rule to shew Cause next Term."

“You bloody, obstinate fool!” Percy swore quietly. His best guess was that Baker's accusation had come to nothing, which was a tremendous relief. And which must have prompted this pamphlet, why else would John try to sue, presumably claiming defamation? Why couldn't he just leave well enough alone and not try something so reckless?

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To source the quote, the short article is from RWJ in 1739.