Bridgerton - A Girl To Remember

Chapter Thirteen

I leave Lady Danbury's ball early, on Anthony's demands. He hopes the men will now desire me and Eloise even more, because they haven't gotten a chance to properly introduce themselves to us. I must say, I am delighted the night is over, it was fun for a bit, but my feet are hurting and these gentlemen are a little too posh for me. Most of them brag about their achievements instead of telling me something about their actual selves, others cannot stop stomping on my feet and even gave me some bruises.

Though that is better than lord Merbore, who showed me every single part of the room by dragging me everywhere with his big arms. I was nearly flying and was praying he would not let go of me and make me stumble into a wall. I am a little disappointed the best dance I had this night was with my own cousin Benedict, all because I do not feel the need to impress him, and I can just be myself.

I wonder what Lady Whistledown will be writing next morning, I would not mind if my name does not appear at all, but I am afraid I will be mentioned at least five times. Tomorrow the first visitors will get to our door, Eloise told me the gentlemen bring flowers mostly and then sit down to have a conversation. I laughed when she told me stories about the poems and horrible songs they sang to Daphne back in the days.

Anthony is convinced the room will be filled tomorrow, yet, I think he will send most of them away because they have a flaw. Anthony seems to notice those quite easily. He picked my dance partners extraordinarily careful at the ball, which led to men without any personality at all. Or maybe that is just the way men are...

Dear Readers,

Last night was a night that will not be forgotten quickly. The home of Lady Danbury was filled with young people searching for the loves of their life. As expected, the music was flawless, and we got to see marvellous dances from men as well as women.

Most noticed were miss Olivia Bridgerton, who arrived late and left early, most likely her older cousin's idea. She attended briefly but all eyes were truly on her, her dancing was without any mistakes and even with the worst possible dancing partners she managed to get her way out. A true performer I must say, she is either a quick learner, or her unknown past concludes some dance training as well.

However, no man has caught the eye of the new Bridgerton, she is not impressed yet. She is witty and knows what she wants, no lousy talking or braggy behaviour, she is looking for a true man. I assume she is searching for someone pure, honest and with a heart of gold, and so I think she deserves. Let us hope her perfect man is yet to arrive in this year's social season.

Besides Miss Bridgerton, heads turned to an unexpected side, and not just a few. Miss Hannah Krugdem, who entered society for the second year this time, made her appearance after miss Bridgeron had left the room. Her brightly coloured dress was truly eye-catching and so was her pleasing smile, attracting men from all sides of the room. It looks like miss Bridgerton has some actual competition now and us observers from the side-line will have a much more interesting season coming up.

We shall see who takes the best prize home, we shall find out whether miss Krugdem's appearance was only of short notice and will fade back into the background or if she indeed is worth dancing with. No matter what happens, one thing is certain, this author will hear and see it all, writing it all down for you to enjoy. Because what is a social season without its opinions?

Yours truly,

Lady Whistledown

I smile down at the paper, I do not see this 'Hannah' as competition at all, I am just glad there is someone else like me. Now they have someone else to focus on and I can relax a little more, I am praying she is friendly towards me.

That evening, Violet compliments Eloise and I on our behaviour the day before and Hyacinth does not stop asking for more stories about the ball. She is already planning her entire life; with the dresses she is going to wear and the dances she will do. I believe it is better for everyone to have her stay out of society a little bit longer...

The next days I spend with gentlemen who try to convince me to marry them, with Anthony who tells most of them to leave the building. Eloise who has some suitors as well but is not too excited about it, she would rather aducate herself on something more 'useful'. I spend the days practicing my dance abilities, which Benedict still helps me with, and I start reading a little more.

Daphne attempts to teach me the piano, but I am not very good at it. She tells me to keep on practicing and we have a good talk about our future. Anthony teaches me even more manners and I hopelessly try not to forget them, I know how important he finds them.

I count the days, the hours and the seconds until the day is there, four days after our last meeting it is finally time to sneak out of the house again. The closer I got to the night, the more excited I got. Weird, how something you are not allowed to do instantly makes everything ten times better.

I hope Chris is there, I hope he still wants to help and see me. I thought about his offer a lot and the longer I am locked in this world full of dresses and property, the more I long for stepping out of line. I want to be free, I wish to fly again, like I did before. Every night I imagine myself being brave enough to say yes and get on the back of Emily to show everyone that being a woman does not stop me from being worthy.

But that is only my imagination... is it not?