There were many balls given in Brussels at this time, but we know the Duchess had been nervous about the timing of hers, given that Napoleon’s armies were known to be massing on the border. When asked, Wellington is said to have replied: “Duchess, you may give your ball with the greatest safety without fear of interruption.” But of course the ball would be interrupted by that messenger.
Wellington pocketed the note for a few minutes before opening it discreetly – a display of sang-froid designed to calm civilian nerves and keep the Duchess’s party going. Then he quietly asked his host if he had a good map of the area, which they then withdrew to consult in the Duke of Richmond’s dressing room, where they spread the map across a bed. But word of the military situation soon got out, the music stopped mid-bar and the military men began saying their farewells – despite the Duchess’s pleas to stay just a little while longer. Some of the civilian guests stayed up to witness the army marching out of Brussels at 4am.
Ultimately, Wellington would win his famous, if bloody victory – and present the Richmonds with a notable trophy of the battle, Napoleon’s campaign chair, which now resides at Goodwood. In one sense, the Duchess’s ball was ruined. In another sense, it’s worth pointing out that very few parties are still talked about – or indeed re-enacted for television – more than two centuries after the candles have been snuffed and the hour for carriages has passed.
This article was taken from the Winter 2019/2020 edition of the Goodwood Magazine.