rage. [A. Bridgerton]

ii

'Grosvenor Square. The sixth of April, 1813. A frenzied sight outside the Bridgerton and Featherington homes on this most momentous of occasions... nonetheless, a rather alarming serene air outside the Ellsworth household. One would simply forget the eldest, and only, daughter of Edward Ellsworth, Duke of Edinburgh, was up for seizing this season."

"I think I may vomit, Charlotte," Evelyn anxiously declared as the dirty-blonde haired maid fastened Evenlyn's white dress. "It's just the nerves, my lady, they will calm," Charlotte stated, before continuing to fasten the dress. 

After what felt like years to Evelyn, the white dress was secured delicately around Evelyn's curves. The small white beads were strategically placed throughout the dress; the white-laced puff sleeves added a little more spice to the colorless gown. Her arms were covered by long white-laced gloves. Evelyn's dark brown hair was neatly arranged into a bun, a braid had snaked its way around it. Small curls hung delicately out of it as a petite golden crown sat nicely upon her head. Evelyn looked like a work of art, waiting to be painted.

In the grand entryway, stood the rest of her family. Aunt Hattie sat in a chair, having made the journey to ensure her niece's respectable entrance to society. The widow had a large agenda to take care of upon returning home; however, she would worry about that later. As it was Evelyn's day to make the queen and bystanders fall in love with her with a simple glance.

Evelyn's father sat quietly in a chair, reading the newspaper as he waited for his only daughter's appearance. Elias and Elliott were giving their younger brother a hard time about a new invention he was trying to create. 

"Hear me out, instead of horses... who often get tired, might I add, we find a way to transport oneself a different way... there is no way there is not some type of substance we can use that could help us move from one place to another, as our carriage does," Emmett began again. The youngest Ellsworth had a mind with endless ideas. "It would be horseless. And I-I wish to call it a... a... a motor wagon!"

Elias and Elliott looked at each other before both doubling over in laughter. "A motor wagon, brother?" Elliott voiced, still in a fit of laughter. "You truly have a boundless mind, Emmett," Elias stated, putting a hand on his younger brother's shoulder. "Please, tell us more about this... motor wagon."

Before Emmett could say anything else, a loud gasp came from Aunt Hattie. The brothers all faced the direction where her gasp was directed at. Evelyn was seen strutting down the grand staircase. 

"Oh, darling!" Aunt Hattie exclaimed loudly, almost knocking the butler over as she greeted Evelyn at the end of the staircase. "You look absolutely marvelous," she praised. Emmett snorted after seeing the clearly annoyed butler trying to catch his balance once again. 

"Finally," Elliott chipped in, "I almost thought we would meet our demise waiting for you, sister." Evelyn blushed out of embarrassment and laughed softly. "I'm sorry I did not make haste, Elliott. It is almost as though this is not an influential moment of a young woman's life."

...

'For today is the day London'smarriage-minded misses shall bepresented to Her Majesty theQueen... One's triumph at the palace todayinvariably signifies one's successon the marriage mart tomorrow...' 

The spring air hit Evelyn as she escorted herself out of the Ellsworth residence. Charlotte holding the end of Evelyn's dress behind her. It was a beautiful sunny day, perfect to be welcomed as a young woman. Evelyn made her way to the carriage, almost missing the Bridgerton family leaving their own household. Evelyn fidgeted with her gown, looking for a particular Bridgerton.

Evelyn was disappointed to see that he was nowhere to be found.

...

'Pray, it is the Queen who shallkeep the fashionable world apprisedof a lady's single most valuableand desirable asset: herreputation. As such, any lady failing to securethe court's glowing endorsementshall endure the consequences...'

The Ellsworth carriage came to a halt as they had reached their destination. The family left the carriage one by one. Emmett holding out a hand to aid Evelyn out. She thanked him for his help.

To her right, she saw the Bridgerton family. Every one of them looked absolutely enchanting. Evelyn's heart skipped a beat when she finally saw him. Viscount Anthony Bridgerton. In all of his alluring honor, there he stood. At that moment, she had almost forgotten what happened before she left for the summer.

The mamas surrounded their darling daughters. Evelyn took quick notice of each one of the girls. There was Penelope, Prudence, Philipa, and Portia Featherington... God rest the poor souls of those young women. Then there was Violet and Daphne Bridgerton, in all their stunning grace. Evelyn couldn't help but feel a little sting in her heart. 'At least they have a mother with them to help,' she thought. 

"I miss your mama, too," Aunt Hattie interrupted Evelyn's thoughts as if she knew exactly what Evelyn was thinking. Hattie grabbed Evelyn's hand between her own two hands, cupping it gently, and smiling softly when she said, "I know you wish your mama to be here but she is looking from the heavens and watching her dearest daughter grow into such a fine young lady."

"She is so proud. Just like your papa, your brothers, and I am of you." 

Aunt Hattie had minimal wrinkles. In fact, the only piece of age that Aunt Hattie showed was her salt and pepper hair. She was the epitome of grace. Evelyn cursed herself as she had been selfish with her previous though. She was thankful for her aunt to be here. And Evelyn truly only hoped to be as sumptuous as her. "Thank you, aunt, I truly appreciate everything you have done for me," Evelyn hugged her aunt tightly before breaking away and smiling softly at the older woman.

"Come," Aunt Hattie smiled and fixed the feather in Evelyn's hair, "It is time to make your debut."

'And not just from Her Majesty...'

Evelyn could've sworn her heart was about to leap from her chest, her nerves almost getting the best of her. The tall white and gold doors slowly began to open as she heard the lord-in-waiting begin to introduce her.

"Miss Evelyn Ellsworth..."

Evelyn took a deep breath through her nose and put on a smile, determined to make one remarkable entrance. 

"...presented by her aunt, the Right Honorable, the Dowager Lady Coderre."

It all suddenly felt too real... the room sat judging Evelyn. She could hear their whispers.

Evelyn walked rhythmically towards the queen. Her head held high as she got closer... and closer. She felt holes being burned into her skin as onlookers tore her apart with their eyes. Evelyn's heart raced yet her smile did not falter. 

A regretted quick glance, she met eyes with the Viscount. Her breath suddenly got caught in her throat. He gave her a reassuring smile. Evelyn only looked away before coming to a stop in front of the queen.

She bowed, her eyes looking at the floor. She could hear her breathing. She thought of him. Her heart was quick. She remembered what it felt like to be in his arms. She remembered his smile. She remembered everything. Yet, it did not matter. He did not matter.

'...but from me.'

It felt like a lifetime had passed before the queen rose from her chair and stepped down the stairs, stopping right in front of Evelyn. She put her fingers under her chin, lifting her head to carefully examine Evelyn. This caused Evelyn to stand, a small blush emitting from her cheeks. "Breathtaking, my dear," the queen smiled and placed a gentle kiss on Evelyn's forehead. Evelyn took a few steps back to stand beside her aunt and the two of them bowed then took their leave. 

It was a bit much, all of it.