My Maggie,

II

The atrium of the palace was as lavish as expected. Green marble pillars roofed with golden thrills held the white ceiling up and paintings of England and the various royals littered the walls. Girls and their mothers anxiously marched through the room awaiting their turn to be presented to the queen, their heels echoing of the marble. A footman entered the room and the nervous whispers instantly silenced. "Brigerton," the man announced before leaving through the oak door her just emerged from, instantly Vicountess Bridgerton and her eldest daughter, Daphne hurried out of the room. "Margret," the Nighthower gril heard someone whisper her name, letting her eyes scan the room, she saw her best and only friend, Miss Matilda Featherington. "Tild!" squeadled the girl before running toward her and allowing her arms to wrap around her. The girls attracted a few judgemental eyes from the mammas of the room but their attention was short-lived and returned to their lavishly decorated daughters. "I must admit i did not quite believe you when you told me you would be taking part in this years season." Matilda said reviewing the girl, Matilda Featherington was the only person in London to have any contact with the Nighthower family. Since birth Matilda and Margret had been inseperable, and Matilda always claimed she was more of a Nighthower than  a Featherington. Which was a fair statement. Her mamma never spent much time with her unless she was being sized for a new dress, Matilda spent all her time at the manor before Lord Nighthowers late passing. "How I wish it were so," the Nighthower girl breathed, "unless this is all just some nightmare and if so I wish to wake up, right this moment." Without warning Matilda took the girls arm in her grasp and gave a sharp pinch. "Ow," squealed the girl. "No, i do believe this is reality" the blonde girl chimed, "oh well, no you will just have to accompany me to the balls, Prudence says that they can be a bore and i do not wish to endure a second of it without my best friend." 

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"You can take it as one," The blonde girl countered, "after all I will not even think of engagement with a man my best friend does not approve of."

"Well then i do suppose it is a good thing I'm here."

The two girls smiled widely at one another before embracing each other once more. 

"I have missed you Mar," Matilda whispered but it came out muffled in the Nighthowers brown hair. 

"I missed you too Mat."

"MATILDA" the yell of Lady Featherington separated the girls. "Do not hug, your dress will crinkle!" She exclaimed. Matilda, like her sisters wore a bright yellow dress that hugged her curves nicely however the colour lessened the beauty of her blonde hair. "Ah, Margret how lovely it is to see you," Lady Featherinton continued, "don't you just look lovely dear."

"Why thank you Lady Featherington, both you and Matilda look beautiful as well."

"Featherington!" The man bellowed once again.

"Yes well we must be off, Prudence, Penelope, Philippa and Matilda come now." She said sweeping out of the entrance hall. With a playful roll of her eyes Matilda followed her mother alongside her three red-headed sisters. 

Once Margret had returned to her sister and mother the three sat in the corner just watching the commotions made by other Mammas until they finally heard: "Nighthower." 

Ophelia stood on her mothers left and Margret on the right, the three girls followed the footman till they reached a hall with two beautiful and grand oak doors. "Ophelia and Margret Nighthower, accomapined by their mother Lady Elizabeth Nighthower." They heard yell from the other side of the doors before they opened reaveling a large isle surrounded by people come to witness this years debutants. At the end of the isle sat the queen and her ladies maids. Her peircing gaze which sent shivers down Margrets spine. The three Nighthower ladies began walking down the blue and gold isle, all eyes on them. 

The Bridgertons stood on the right. Anthony and Colin in discussion both joyous over the presentation of Daphne went so perfectly, neither had even noticed the doors open until their youngest sister Hyacinth whisper "they are so pretty." Followed by the sister Eloise, "They truly are beautiful." Both Bridgertons directed their gaze toward the oak doors and it seemed as if time stood till for a moment. Colin's eyes instantly fell to Margret. "My goodness Margret looks extremely grown up." Murmured Violet as she glanced at her old friends children. Violet and Elizabeth had been friends since childhood, but since the passing of Lord Nighthower Elizabeth had no wished to see her, write to her or even answer the door when she called. Last time she had seen Margret she had been a frail little thing, with bushy brown hair and always had mud stains on her dresses from exploring the parks and gardens of London. Now their see stood, her brown hair knot free and beautifully braided, she had come into her womanhood being blessed with the Nighthower figure, and like all Nighthowers she had a sense of calmness. "Doesn't Ophelia look beautiful in that pink dress." Whispered Francesca to her brother Colin, yet he was not looking at Ophelia, for his gaze was firmly stuck on the beautiful girl in blue.

Feeling a piercing gaze on her right Margret let her attention waver following the feeling, until they caught the eye of a tall, handsome man that stood beside Lady Bridgerton. His gaze sent a rush of excitement course through the girls veins, his eyes caught hers. They were unwavering, intoxicating. A gentle smile painted his lips and it sent a flush of pink to the girls cheeks, snapping her gaze back to the queen she had to remind herself to look forward, she had to restrain herself to not look upon the mysterious Bridgerton. 

As they approached the queen the three girls simultaniusly bowed to their queen. Silence. "Rise," commanded the queen. As they did for the first time they may have seen a smile grace the queens face. "Lady Nigthower," she greeted. 

"My queen." 

"I see your beauty has shone through these girls."

"Thank you Marm" Elizabeth responded. 

"Tell me what are your names agian girls?" The queen questioned. 

"Ophelia Louise Nighthower, your highness." The elder sister said instantly curtseying once again.

"Ophelia, what a unique name, i do believe it means the act of giving aid? Does it not?"

"I belive so ma'am." She responded. "I do love to help those less fortunate than I."

The queen gave a small nod before directing her gaze to the younger Nighthower girl. "And you girl? What is your name?"

"Margret  Anne Nighthower Madam." 

"What do you do Margret?" The queen questioned, her gaze examine every feature of the girl.

"I beg your pardon? I don't quite understand the question?"

"Your sister helps the less fortunate, your mother was known to sing, I seem to remember your brother was a very exceptional polo player. What do you do Margret?"

The girl was left speechless. What did she do? She read, she baked, she explored. 

"I dream My Queen."

"You dream?" surprise rang through the queens tone, "pray child, tell me what do you dream?"

She could feel all eyes piercing her back, the sound of a chair squeaking rang through the room, everyone was listening. 

"An adventure." 

A wide smile graced the queens features. A wide genuine smile. She gave a small nod dismissing the Nighthowers. Stepping toward her brothers Margret was as red as a tomato. 

"Margret." The queen added causing the girl to stop in her tracks. "I do hope you continue to dream."

"Thank you Madam." She responded before walking toward her younger sister and two brothers.