If He Was Your Fan (A Henry Cavill Fanfic)

Chapter 68: Weighed & Measured

You have never been more nervous.

You have been invited to tea at a London Grand Dame function, Bring a Friend to Tea Day. You don't want to go, but you met a ladies named Sophia Spencer and Chiru Chandra at an equestrian event that you went to Henry with, and hit it off. You rode together at Hyde Park, Stag Lodge, and Ross Nye with her, and realized that Trent didn't have the same air as the ones you'd gone to. Trent felt more like home, and Chiru agreed she liked it best, too.

You look around. This place doesn't feel like home, either. You are much happier at The Library at County Hall or Betty's in York. 

"Nervous?" Sophia asks, interrupting your thoughts.

"Everything is an adjustment these days," you say diplomatically. You are grateful that you have not been photographed or followed of late. You have faded into Insta-oblivion.

Sophia smiles giving your arm a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry--Chiru!"

Chiru hurries to us, smiling.  She is beautiful and you love her clothes. She squeezes our hands in greeting. "I am so excited."

"Because of our secret language?" you ask in a whisper. You are Bridgerton fans and loved the language of the fan, deciding to create your own gestures to navigate teas and functions:

Follow me/Let's go – Clutch purse or gloves

Stop to converse – Hands folded in front.

I don't like him/her – casual wave of purse left hand

I like him/her - casual wave or purse right hand

I want to leave – palm up then hand over other in folded in front

This is true – tilt head to right

This isn't true – tilt head to left

Sorry – moisten bottom lip

No worries - shrug

Act dumb – tilt chin up and frown "hmm"

Save me – straighten dress

Gossiper/Nosy – tilt chin and nod low to left

Potential ally – tilt chin and nod low to right respectfully

Friend – right hand to left chest

Foe – left hand to chest

Pay utmost respect – right hand at center with nod or half bow

Enemy – left hand at center with nod

Bathroom/need break – hands flat at sides

Say little – one arm across, opposite hand gesture

Speak freely – one arm across, opposite hand gesture with "Ah"

Pay attention - fingers sweep hair back on side

Something to say in confidence – touch hand or shoulder

"Ah, so you brought her!"

You turn to see three ladies coming toward you. They are dressed very nicely, and have an air about them that makes you happy you have Sophia with you. You give a small smile and nod.

"Ah, Sara, Elaine, and Perline!" she greets them each with a squeeze of the hand. They greet Sophia and Chiru and look to you inquisitively. Sophia turns to introduce you, then says,  "This is Sara--" she nods and lowers chin to left. "Perline--" she introduces with her purse in her hand.  "and Elaine." She puts her right hand at the center of her chest with a gracious nod.