Nobles of the old era often lived in ancient neighborhoods, in old detached houses that looked rather dreadful from the outside, their staircases all somewhat grimy. Yet once one pushed open the front door and stepped inside, it felt like entering another world—a little world where everything was noble and elegant, exquisitely maintained as if new.
To some extent, the lives of France's middle class and former aristocracy during Napoleon's era remained just as they had been, seemingly unchanged since the reign of Louis XIV. The only thing that had changed was the servants. Some were already very old and still served their masters. These aged servants reminded Georgiana of Kreacher, a nagging House-elf.
During his "honeymoon period," Leon seemed to enjoy playing dress-up, frequently taking Georgiana to all sorts of parties within these "high society" circles.
There was no sign of food shortages in these wealthy households. Every kind of delicacy was laid out buffet-style. At first, she had intended to say something about it, but eventually she could not resist eating the delicious food herself.
The Tuileries Palace was to hold a reception welcoming the British envoy. Although Napoleon's sisters were all experts at organizing balls, Bonaparte believed such balls were unsuitable for a formal diplomatic occasion.
As a Briton, Georgiana naturally understood British customs and habits best. Yet a state banquet could not lack French character, so he once again used work as an excuse to come out and have fun.
Money gained suddenly was always squandered quickly.
Whenever Bonaparte was present, the ladies dressed very conservatively. Now, however, they were once again dressed like the "Greek goddesses" of the Directory era, swathed in sheer gauze from head to toe, almost as if they wore nothing at all.
At first, she was angry in a very "British"