A Rake, A Spinster, And An Arrangement

Chapter 1 : A Tea Party (Ep1)

Dearest Readers, in years past, I would have welcomed you to place your bets on the upcoming social season, for indeed, this would be the very day that every young lady would be presented.

They would wear their finest gowns, their mamas proud at their side, and they would enter the room, announced officially to the ton, and subject themselves to the ever watchful gaze of our illustrious Queen.

But alas, it is not to be this year, as our Queen is not in the best of health, but we shall all wish that she returns to us soon, for indeed, what is the social season without our Queen presiding over it?

Instead, dearest readers, we shall have to make certain allowances, and accept that the first event of the season shall be one that men will not even take part of. No, instead it will be a Grand High Tea in the Gardens of one of the loveliest houses here in London.

Our host, the Marchioness of Waterford, otherwise known as the Lady Andromeda Black Tonks, with a number of her closest friends, all of whom also hold the Queen's ear. While she may not be here in truth, the Queen's presence will still hold a heavy weight.

It might not be the Queen's gaze upon you, but surely, a few whispers into her ear...

Ah, well. Surely every young Lady can survive something as simple as a tea. We shall see, dear readers. We shall indeed see.

Yours Truly,
Lady Whistledown

.oOo.

"I cannot do this," Hermione whispered, standing in the front hall of Potter House. She was wearing a beautiful white gown, her hair pinned into place, ringlets falling down over her shoulders in a wild mess, and even a tiara in her hair.

They had not been worn for many years - Potters did not often have daughters - but Harry and Ginny both swore that they looked lovely on her.

When Hermione looked in the mirror, all she could see was a fraud.

"It's just tea," Ginny insisted, glancing towards the mirror herself. She tucked in a few strands of hair, and then twisted and turned, clearly pleased with what she saw. "You've had tea hundreds of times."

"Not like this," Hermione hissed, wanting to turn and run from the door, to keep from actually going forward with this.

"Exactly like this," Ginny said with a roll of her eyes. "You present yourself, with me at your side, then we politely sip at tea, look at flowers, and chat with anyone that approaches."

Hermione gave a nod, trying to tell herself that it was much the same thing... except it certainly was not. This was prim and proper. Past teas where she had to present herself were certainly... they were nothing like this. Before, they had been Hermione presenting herself as but a child, and then as a student, and eventually as a governess. Now, she was being presented as a young Lady in want of a husband.

In the past, she had only needed to be quiet and intelligent, a calming presence for small children. Now, she had to have the weight of society's gaze rest upon her, had to impress every mama, had to fit into a mold that she had no right to step into.

"They will see straight through me," Hermione insisted, looking to her sister-in-law, trying to hide her stress and failing.

"They will see what you want them to see. Show them that you are intelligent, yes, but show them that you were raised by Lily Potter to be an exceptional young lady. Show them that you have all the proper breeding that they require. Allow them to answer the questions they are asking themselves - are you worthy of joining them."