The Oak Trees

Chapter I

Dearest reader,

The time has come to place our bets for the upcoming social season. Consider the household of the Baron Featherington. Three misses foisted upon the marriage market like sorrowful sows by their tasteless, tactless mama. Far better odds might exist in the household of the widowed Viscountess Bridgerton. A shockingly prolific family, noted for its bounty of perfectly handsome sons and perfectly beautiful daughters. But one should not leave out the sons and daughters of the Viscount Deveraux and his late wife as they are expected to make a return to Londons high society after a long stay in the country only dealing with the most important of affairs. And such an affair starts today. Today is a most important day, and for some terrifying one, for today is he day London's marriage-minded misses are presented to her Majesty the Queen. May god have mercy on their souls. It is only the queens eye that matters today. A glimmer of displeasure and a young lady's value plummets to unthinkable depths. But as we know as brighter a lady shines, the faster she may burn. It has been said that, „of all bitches dead or alive, a scribbling woman is the most canine." If that should be true, then this author would like to show you her teeth. My name is Lady Whistledown. You do not know me, and rest assured, you never shall. But be forewarned, dear reader, I certainly know you.

Aurelia looks up from the gossip paper she just read to her family sitting with her in the carriage.

„A most anticipated return." Ambrose remarks as their carriage stops in front of the Palace her Majesty resides in.

„Ignore it. We will only stay here until Aurelia has found a suitable match. And hopefully you will find a wife as well this season. The time is rather sooner than later." Her father says to Ambrose who just musters a small and rather painful looking smile.

„Don't fret Father. I shall find someone when the time seems right."

„I truly hope you will both find love. But we must remember, Ambrose. You are the heir, the next Viscount. Time will not stand still for you." Henry turns to look outside the window of their carriage. „But let us try to enjoy the time with the ton first." Henry makes a pitiful grimace while probably trying to form a smile. Memories with Augusta during their time with the ton started to resurface. She was always great with them, he thought to himself and his smile started to become more genuine.

Someone opens the door of their carriage and held a hand for Aurelia to grab to get out of the carriage rather gracefully.

Standing outside she takes a deep breath. The outside never failed to soothe her nerves when she was excited. And indeed excited she is. It is her first season and also hopefully her last. She will have to dance, converse but before all that firstly impress the Queen herself. She is the key for a short season for dear Aurelia. Aurelia had by no means ambitions to be the Diamond of the season, but nevertheless the Queen was able to make her desirable in the eyes of every suitor.

Aurelia straightened her long white dress, trying not to look too far down as the delicate and feathery headpiece might fall on the ground otherwise. Ambrose hold out her arm for her to put her hand in the crook and started to led her into the Palace right behind her father, the Viscount.

„Miss Aurelia Deveraux, presented by her father, the right honorable, the Viscount Deveraux." Two servants opened the door to the grand vast room wherein the ton eagerly waited for all of the ladies to be introduced this season.

A long red carpet led to Her Majesty the Queen sitting in an extravagant gown on a podium, her judgmental gaze eyeing Aurelia closely.

„Just breathe." Her father whispered inconspicuous.