The London Ton

Chapter 5 - Catching attention

Dearest readers,

This author find herself compelled to share the must curious of news. It seems our incomparable of the season has catch the eye of a certain Viscount. One of the most eligible bachelor in town, renowned rake and head of the Bridgerton family. The Lord and the Lady were seen sharing not one but two dances at the Dansbury ball last night and smiling fondly at each other. Could it be possible that Miss Wellesley will make him settle down ? Or will the Lord have to fight for her attention with perhaps his brothers, who also shared a dance with the young lady ?

This author is left to wonder where the lady's heart may fall ? What is sure is that the drawing room at Danbury house shall be a hive of callers this morning.

"This is a most insulting paper ! How can people find entertainment in his ?" Huffed Alina while sharing her breakfast with Lady Danbury.

"The ton is bored, my dear, sitting around all day, doing nothing ? They will like anything to keep themselves entertained." Answered Lady Danbury. "What matters most is that she does not speak ill of you. God knows, the ton believe anything she says. Anyway, your father is to return this morning and will be here when your callers arrive, unfortunately. I believe you should get ready, I am certainly not ready to be welcoming dozens of hungry and despicable men in my drawing room." She said with a sigh but a smile tugged at her lips.

Alina allowed herself a deep breath before pushing open the doors of the drawing room. Her father was here, talking with what Alina imagined was a caller.

"Alina!" Her father beckoned her. She did not know what to expect. Would he allow her to speak to any of the men or was he simply entertaining the ruse of the love match between her and the Viscount ?

"This is Lord Shelley." Her father introduced her, "He and I hunt together, I will let you two talk." And with that the Duke excused himself. Alina felt hope blossom in her, will her father let her choose someone of her own after all ?

However, any form of hope was crushed the moment the Viscount entered the room. The Duke's attention was solely focused on him as he brought him by Alina, efficiently cutting the conversation she was having. The Viscount greeted her before offering her a bouquet of perfect blue Cornflowers that brought a smile to her face. Did the Viscount had good taste in flowers ?

He also gave her a parcel and they sat in one of the couch so she could open it. She delicately removed the paper and found a beautiful notebook, bound with a leather reliure and certainly well finished. Her smile grew, as the men in the room started whispering about such a simple gift when most of them had brought something of much more value. She thanked Anthony, who seemed almost shy, once again, in front of her.

Her father then took it upon him to shoo away all the men in the room, except for the Viscount who was invited to have a cup of tea.

"Thank you, Lord Bridgerton, your flowers are exquisite and the notebook is simply perfect." Alina said sincerely. She knew her father would not retreat on his words and that she would be bound to marry the Viscount. She was utterly crushed that she would not be able to choose someone for love but she tried to find some solace for Anthony Bridgerton, albeit cold and arrogant seemed to be able to show kindness and vulnerability as well. She did not love the man, she thought as she studied him, he was handsome and cared for his family but it was all she knew about him. She did not loved the man but she was to marry him. She did not love the man for he was stranger to her but she was to spend the rest of her life with him.

After her father had managed to clear the drawing room of any suitors he called to the Viscount.

"Thank you, Bridgerton, for coming this morning, I see our arrangement is working." He said, shooting a warning glance at Alina, daring her to say something.

"It was my pleasure your Grace, I shall be on my way. Miss Wellesley, will you join me and my family to a picnic tomorrow ?"

"It would be my pleasure". At that the Viscount took is leave, kissing Alina's knuckles and nodding to Lady Danbury. He gave a cold good bye to the Duke and he was gone. When the door closed, Alina let herself relax in the couch, closing her eyes, wishing for more.

On the evening, Alina found herself attending the Opera with Lady Danbury. She was quite fond of the art and always enjoyed a good distraction from her father. The Queen was present as she and Lady Danbury made her way to her. They bowed to her and the Queen greeted them.

"Lady Danbury, dear Miss Wellesley, will you join me in my box this evening ?" It was not really a question as no one could declined the Queen wishes so the two lady followed the royal to her seat. Alina found herself seated directly next to the Queen. To say she was intimidated was an understatement. She took a quick look around, founding that most people were already watching her. In the box direct opposite to her in the opera was the Bridgerton family, she locked eyes with Anthony for a mere moment before addressing a nod to his mother.

"I believe Lord Bridgerton has caught your eye, my dear ?" The voice of the Queen made Alina direct her attention to her. She gave her a small smile.

"May I be honest with you, your Majesty ?" Lady Danbury shot her a warning glance but the Queen gave her a smile.

"Please do, God knows I am tired of people speaking in riddles to me." Alina smiled at that.

"I believe Lord Bridgerton to be a handsome man, that much is quite obvious, however shall I be to spend the rest of my life with the man, I would wish to know some more about him. I cannot believe, his face is all there is to him. What if he has bad taste ? What if he likes not to bath for a month ?"

At that the Queen laughed, and for the looks it caused, one could imagine it was a rare appearance.

"You are right my dear, we wouldn't want you to marry a man with a distaste for cleanliness." She said smiling. The Queen and Alina continued to talk for most of the play to the surprise of the entire room. They were smiling and laughing while talking and the ton could quite not believe the sight before their eyes. The night ended by the Queen inviting Alina for tea, the day after tomorrow.

Unbeknown to them, one man was not looking at the pair this evening but rather focused on the young lady. Anthony Bridgerton found himself once again entranced by Miss Wellesley ,to his despair for he had promised himself he would never again fall in love. His task may be will be harder than expected after all.