Everything I Do, I Do For You

Chapter 3

It was a cloudy Monday morning when the season officially started. The kind of weather that prompts one to sleep in. For Belinda, those prospects seemed highly unlikely. Despite her overall excitement surrounding the opportunity to soon achieve spinsterhood, Belinda couldn't help but notice how much more effort her mother was making to make sure everything turned out semi-perfectly.

"I figure we shall go all out if this is to be your last season after all" her mother said, readjusting one of the buttons on Belinda's bejeweled bodice. The first event of the season was to take place tonight, and Belinda found herself in an outfit that looked like a flock of birds exploded on it, respectfully.

She had never cared too much about fashion, in fact sometimes when she was sure she was alone, she would sneak into her brother's room and grab a pair of breeches. She enjoyed how plain they were and how easy it was to move around in them. It was a shame, she thought to herself, that this was one thing she couldn't get away with.

"You look stunning,"

"I feel like a sausage all wrapped up" Belinda tried to move her legs to release some of the tension on her hip area, but no movement helped. At that moment she decided she would spend the evening sitting down. If she could she would find a way to sneak her journal out with her, and take notes on the evening's festivities.

In the beginning, it was easy to avoid dances and conversation, but it seemed the whole ton was on to her constant headaches. And no person could hardly drink as much lemonade as she seemed to imply that she did while attempting to escape conversation. General disinterest had become the best option for avoidance.

Another excuse for her slipping away was the tight knit group of young ladies who seemed to enjoy being a wallflower as much as she did. But that group, which had started out at nearly seven, had dwindled all the way down to just one.

"Before we leave," Belinda said, hanging back as her mother made her way out, "I just need to grab something."

"Don't try escaping, you won't get far without me noticing," the duchess answered

"If breaking out was an easy option, I assure you mother, that I would have done it two years ago" Belinda retorted

"I suppose you are right," the duchess conceded, slipping out the door, "Just be down in five minutes. We won't leave without you."

Shuffling herself over in the least uncomfortable manner, Belinda grabbed her diary and one of those French pencils that her sister Caroline had sent over for her while she was vacationing in Paris. Belinda quickly stuffed both objects into her bag, and hurried down the stairs.

"I told you I wouldn't try to escape<" Belinda said, giving her bag one final pat, in an effort to make sure it was shut. "Not this time at least"

"Belinda, you look stunning" her father said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You know this is probably the most excited I've ever been about an event" she answered.

"I am guessing that this excitement is not fueled by the prospect of marriage?" the duke asked her.

Belinda let out a light laugh, "Surely not. But this is the beginning of the end, and for that I am very grateful"

Tonight's festivities were taking place at the Langley estate. Belinda did not know the Langleys well, she knew that they were young and had a daughter the same age as her youngest brother Edward, but beyond that she had no idea. For the wealthy members of London's ton, everyone's homes looked alike, so she just hoped the Langley family would not take offense to her underwhelmed response when she arrived.

After giving her customary greetings to other members of the ton, Belinda walked around the perimeter of the open areas, trying to find the best place to sneak off and write, unnoticed. She found her safe haven in a dimly lit corner of the main hall. It seemed to be the perfect spot for someone like her; just enough light for writing, but not enough for people to recognize her or try to make any requests from her.

"Is this seat taken?" she asked no one, plopping down and pulling her journal and pencil out of her bag.

"It is an excellent day" she penned, "Possibly one of the best days of my life. For it is the beginning of the end. A year from now, my life will be carefree. I don't think it will be too hard to coast out the end of this season, most of the men of the ton understand my position, and leave me be. Of course, my father will likely send some poor newcomers my way, but I will soon send them on their way. As you know, it is not that I do not care for the male species, but the concept of marriage is most detestable. If I had it my way, as I often do...

"Is this seat taken?" her thoughts were interrupted by an unfamiliar voice. Halfheartedly, she glanced up, noticing her unwelcome guest.

"You must be new." Belinda temporarily shut her book, finally making eye contact with this stranger.

"What an astute observation from such a beautiful young woman." The stranger answered.

Belinda let out a sharp laugh, "Yes. You certainly are new to the Ton. And I'd say with your accent, you're from Scotland"

"Yes, a charmer with a brain, I do enjoy that" the stranger sat down across from her anyway, "My name is Kellan Butler, and you are?"

"Not interested," Belinda returned her eyes to her journal and tried to refresh what she was going to write.

"I see you are playing hard to get" the Scotsman answered.

"I am not playing anything at all. And if you have any common sense, you will leave me alone."

The Scotsman didn't move, "You hardly know anything about me yet."

"And truly, I do not wish to know anything about you." Belinda replied sharply, 'Now if you are trying to find an eligible lady, why don't you go somewhere else. I'm sure there are plenty of women who would be thrilled by your false flattery."

"Are you not eligible?" She couldn't get the damned man to leave.

Belinda stood up, clearly this spot would not be her safe haven, "No. Now if you'll excuse me, though I don't care if you do or don't, I must go."

"Will you at least tell me your name?" he asked her, as she turned her back.

Belinda let out a sigh, "Will you leave me alone if I do?"

"Yes," he answered.

"Belinda, Belinda Bassett."

"A pleasure to meet you, miss Bassett," The man stood up and bowed,

"No, I'm sure it wasn't" Belinda set off in hopes of finding somewhere else for solitude.