My Maggie,

III

The first ball of the season had begun at the residence of Lady Danbury, and all attendance were entranced by the beauty of the ballroom. Pink blushes dresses and Cosmo yellow frocks littered the dance floor. As the Nighthowers carriage pulled up outside the front of the grand manor, a footman and stable hand rushed toward the carriage, placing a small velvet stool to help the passengers get out. Practically sprinting out the carriage was Angelica quickly followed by Gilbert who held her hair back behind her. The poor girl does get terribly carriage sick. "What a graceful entrance." Gilbert remarked. "Shut it and hold back my hair." Sassed the youngest Nighthower in return. Next to exit was Lady Nighthower herself wearing a dark red and black laced dress and a pair of long black silk gloves as dark as midnight on Halloween. The footman offered her a hand which she gladly accepted. "Why thank you sir," she said before walking toward her two younger children "Oh Angelica dear I told you to sit beside the window." Next came Ophelia, her white floral dress held up from the floor, as to not stain. She too took the gentleman's hand and gave him a curt nod and one of her angelic smiles. before following her family. Tobias exited the carriage, frustration written on his face, I wished to be anywhere but here however he had made a deal with his mother. She would not force him to marry however he did have to attend every gathering in search for marriage one day. His dark navy suit matched his gloves which he started removing and placed in his side pocket. He looked back at his younger sister and offered his arm, he always hated these events but at least he could accompany his sisters and ensure they married suitable gentleman, even if he believed no one was good enough for them. Taking his arm Margret offered a kind smile before stepping on the plush stool, her beautiful green ballgown fell to the floor around her. "You look beautiful sister," Tobias commented, "You both do." Offering his other arm to Ophelia the trio re-joined their family and all together walked through the grand doors of the manor.

As the doors opened the family was greeted with various chitter chatter and the sounds of the string quartet playing some uneful melody. Many eyes watched family as all six saunteed into the ballroom. A flash of blonde made their way toward the family. "Oh thank goodness you're here, please tell me you have read the latest release from Lady Whistledown."

"We don't read that non-sense," Tobias stated, "not since the rumours she spread about my father of his death." 

"Well that I do understand however you must read what she said about Ophelia and Margret!"

"She wrote about my girls?" Questioned Elizabeth, an unreadble expression upon her face. After all a comment from Lady Whistledown can make or break a lady in seek of a husband, tarnishing all her future prospects. "Whatever does it say Matilda?" Elizabeth had always had a relaxed relationship with the Featherington girl, thinking of as more of her own child. In a fluid motion Matilda slipped the folded up news sheet from her sleeve and passed it to Elizabeth. 

Dear readers, 

It appears we have this seasons diamond, Miss Daphne Bridgerton. What a fine choice our majesty has made, her natural elegance and beauty did attract many eyes during the presentation, and will throughout this season i predict. However I will not discount the interest the queen made in other ladies, in particular Miss Ophelia Nighthower, who I did not expect to be in attendance as no one has seen any of the Nighthower children since the passing of the Lord. Yet she did attend and my oh my did she make an impression, her beauty truly is one to be envious of. However my eyes will be focuses mainly on the other Nighthower girl, Miss Margret. For she did make a memorable impression on the queen, it seems with have a ambitious soul in this season, I for one will keep a close eye on this Nighthower.

Yours sincerely,

Lady Whistledown.

"Oh Mamma she said my looks were to be envious of," exclaimed the eldest sister. 

"She said I made an impression," questioned Margret, "is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"A good thing dear sister, it means you shalln't be forgotten." Ophelia exclaimed.

"Or a bad thing that people will see you as a walking scandal and mess and no one will wish to marry." Angelica said true fully before skipping toward the beverage table. "Ouch" Margret whispered. "I don't like that Whistledown." Tobias quipped. "We know dear brother but she called me pretty so she is getting closer to her good books." Ophelia spoke with grace, "no let's find me a partner to dance with for i fear i am missing the fun." She said before dragging Tobias by his elbow toward the swarms of men.

"You ready Mar?" Asked Matilda as she returned the copy of Whistldown to her sleeve and nodded her head toward the ballroom. 

"No but I will go with you anyway."

"Correct answer."