After the Prince of Wales married Maria, he became a completely different person—or rather, he became like Napoleon Bonaparte just after crossing the Alps, parading around with a portrait of his new wife. As the intermediary, or rather, as someone forced into becoming one, the Duchess of Devonshire had to listen to his endless declarations of love and boasting at the theater, while people in the other noble boxes watched the show through opera glasses and lorgnettes.
He had painted his Eve inside a locket, containing only one of her eyes. He gave Maria a locket as well, containing one of his eyes.
At the time, Europe had a tradition of using miniature portraits as dress buttons. Such ostentatious jewelry had been imported from France.
Georgiana also had a bracelet containing a lock of Bonaparte's hair, just as he carried a lock of hers.
Fortunately, she had worn that bracelet when she set out this time, so she put it on her right wrist.
It was rather inconvenient to sign documents while wearing it. After signing the letter authorizing the transfer of fifty thousand francs from the Sèvres Porcelain Factory's account, she took it off and put it on her other wrist.
Then she handed the letter, along with a shopping list, to Matilda.
"Take this letter to Recamier Bank and withdraw the money from them. Then buy the things on this list. Whatever is left is yours," Georgiana told her.
"Thank you, Madam." Matilda's eyes shone.
"Be restrained, and keep a low profile," she instructed softly. "I don't want you running around like gargoyles. You must carry yourself like La Grande Odalisque."
Matilda clearly did not understand the wizarding proverb, but Georgiana had no desire to explain further and dismissed her.
Her expenses had not been great before, so