Reticence [a.i.] (Bridgerton/Regency Era AU)

Chapter 1: The Debut

Spring was just around the corner as Mallory was preparing for her debut of the London Season. She and her mother delayed her debut for over two years so she could focus on her studies in order to become a more well-rounded "global citizen" in the words of her globe-trotting father, the esteemed Captain Huxley of Her Majesty's Navy.

"Do you need it tighter, Dove?" her mum cooed as the servant adjusted the stays in her corset. Mallory shook her head.

"I think I'm okay, Mama. I don't want to pull too tight and swoon over the wrong gentleman," she forced a chuckle.

"Well, there will be plenty of swoon-worthy Lords at the ball tonight. I hear even the Duke of Zealand should make an appearance!"

"How on Earth do you know that, Mama?" Mallory laughed again.

"If the sellers in the market are good for one thing, it certainly is gossip." Her mother gave a smile that made her eyes twinkle.

Her maid, Mary, helped Mallory into her white debut dress that had pink woven into the fabric, a color that her mother requested her to wear because it complimented her rosy complexion in a way that made her look naturally blushed and glowing, especially against her green eyes and dark hair. Her hair was twisted into an elaborate style at the back of her head. A dainty diadem graced the crown of her head, it was rumored to have been given to her Father by a noblewoman from Spain, but he told his girls growing up that he received it after a long day at sea from a mermaid, making Mallory and her sisters see the small object as intensely magical and a sign of good luck.

"Oh darling, you look beautiful. Shall we go show your sisters and your father?" her mother said. 

Mallory nodded. She opened the door and descended the manor stairs with an elegance envied by her younger sisters. The Huxley's had a total of six children, two boys-- Harry and Ernie (both older than Mallory) and her three younger sisters-- Lydia, Clara, and Hattie. Needless to say, the Huxley's had their hands full, the last baby only trading her leading strings for stays but a few years before Harry's engagement to Miss Delia Beaumont. Harry and Delia would be back for the Season and Mallory's debut, her mother had assured her earlier in the week. As she descended the stairs, a small group of astonished gasps littered the crowd that awaited her at the bottom-- siblings and servants alike.

"Oh my, Mal! You look gorgeous!" Ernie said and embraced his sister.

"You look like a princess, Mowie!" Hattie said, taking her sister's hand. The use of the nickname created by her younger sisters made Mallory question her debut yet again. She shook the thoughts of childhood from her mind and squeezed her hand tight, knowing she was setting the example for Hattie's debut down the line.

She got other compliments from her servants and she only blushed at their kindness.

"All of your kind words are too much!" she smiled.

"If that's too much, I can only imagine how you'll feel once you meet a gentleman who wants to come calling." Her father said from the doorway. "If callers are good for one thing, it's flattery."

"What do you think, Papa?" Mallory said, twirling in a small circle to show off her dress to its fullest. It swished around her ankles as she spun, making the pink threads catch the light in just the right way that she looked like she was spinning in pure light.

"You look lovely, my dear. You will find a fine husband in no time!" He smiled and kissed her forehead when he walked over.

"Now, if we don't hurry we'll be late for your debut at court! Come come!" Her father said and offered his arm and escorted her into a waiting carriage.