A Rake, A Spinster, And An Arrangement

Chapter 2 : The Nottingham Ball (Ep1)

An invitation to the season's opening ball at Nottingham House is the most coveted of all prizes. Every eligible young lady of the Ton will be on display this evening, with every young Lord that is in want of a bride, searching among them. If one is to have any success this season, they simply must be in attendance.

Of course, some also may be in attendance simply for the benefit of gossip. After all, the invitation to Nottingham House was extended by Lady Parkinson, which is most assuredly not her proper title. Indeed, this writer notes that she is certainly not a Parkinson, and also not much of a Lady, but! If we must amuse her this evening, then we shall do so, all in hopes of catching a glimpse at her young visitors...

Hermione's arm was wrapped around Harry's, Ginny only a step behind them. It felt odd, to be the one at her brother's side, but she understood propriety. If the former Viscount and Viscountess were still alive, Hermione would be on his arm, with her only a step behind, holding onto Harry's arm, while Ginny was on his other side.

It would have been the five of them, this evening, elegantly gracing the ballroom floor.

Of course, before their deaths, Hermione had no intention of ever joining a season. She had accepted her fate, to become a spinster, and had relished in it. Remaining unmarried would mean she had control of her own fate, given that both James and Harry loved and adored her, and would allow her to follow a path of education, however-

Things changed. Things always seemed to change, whenever Hermione began to get settled, whenever she began to accept what the future held for her. Everything always fell apart, and Hermione was left to scrape up the pieces, and begin anew.

She missed them, having her parents here. She had never thought that she would ever be presented into society, but doing it without them...

Her grip on Harry tightened as she forced herself to no longer look forward, and to instead look around the room.

It was full, of course, with bright candles, laughter, and people. There was a dance floor, filled with couples twirling to the sounds of the musicians, and groups of young ladies stood along the wall, seeking to be approached by any young gentleman.

A few mothers and fathers were dotted around the room, but she noted that many were instead upstairs, likely watching to see how their children fared.

There were a few within that Hermione recognized - the Weasleys, of course, so many redheads about, and Luna Lovegood, whom she had been introduced to at Lady Waterford's party. There were a few more, dotted about, gentlemen who she believed she may have seen with Harry once or twice, but for the most part, everyone seemed to be a stranger.

And now they were all starting to look at her.

"Why is everyone looking at us?" she asked softly to Harry, who was looking around the room with her in awe.

"I told you, you made quite the impression," Ginny said, stepping up from behind to whisper into Hermione's ear. "Let them come to you. You do not want to seem too eager. In time, they will all approach you."

"I don't want them to all approach me," she said, turning her head back to look at her brother's wife. "I don't want to talk to even half these people."

She felt her heart starting to race, when she felt Harry's hand tighten on hers, grounding her. He would remain calm, of course. She could rely on him for that, at least.

"Let us go for a turn about the room. We can greet those whom I know, and perhaps you can say hello to any Ladies that you met at the party. Look, Gin- your mama is already trying to gain your attention. I shall join you once Hermione has a partner on the dance floor?"