The Red Diamond

Chapter One: A Thorn in the Bouquet

Inside of Lady Danbury's estate, maids were arranging the final details of the room for the Lady's guest of the season. Whispers about the new arrival circulated throughout the house. One maid believe that a prince from another country would be the suitor she was hosting this year. Another dreamed up a loud American girl who's parents had been long friends with Lady Danbury. The maids working on the room knew a little more about the guest, as they had to set up a writing station for them along with ample supplies for on the go scribing. Lady Danbury herself had not spoken much about the guest other than that she wants to ensure they are treated with the utmost respect while they are at her estate. 

Finally, the time to meet the suitor had arrived. Lady Danbury walked to the entrance quietly behind her was the majority of the workers of the estate. A smug smile grew on her face, knowing how much her employee's had anticipated the next arrival. The guest's of Danbury were esteemed for creating drama in the season, first the Duke, then Kate, everyone wanted to know who was coming next. A carriage made its way to the entrance, Lady Danbury waved gently as it came closer. As it stopped, everyone seemed to hold their breath. The driver walked up to the carriage door and opened it. That's when a beautiful young woman emerged alone from the door wearing a simple pale green dress which complimented her tanned skin and light brown hair. 

"Miss Nexus Thornwood!" Lady Danbury greeted her, she held out her arm to begin escorting her around the estate. 

Nexus kindly took her arm and smiled, "Lady Danbury, a pleasure to finally meet you."

At that the maids immediately started up their whispers again. They were all shocked that this was the first time Lady Danbury had met her guest. How did she choose her?  She did not dress like royalty or seem out of place like an American. Who was she? 

"Be gentle in your steps Miss Thornwood," Lady Danbury whispered, "they seem to already be causing an avalanche."

"I will be cautious as ever." Nexus giggled back. 

Lady Danbury then showed her around the majority of the estate with pleasant conversation about her journey from France. Together they laughed and eventually they found themselves at the guest chambers that were arranged for Miss Thornwood. Like an excited young child receiving a new toy, Nexus' face lit up with joy when she saw the writing desk set up distinctly for her. 

As she rushed toward the desk Nexus smiled, "Thank you Lady Danbury. This was ever so kind of you. You did not need to go through such trouble for me."

"This was no trouble at all." Danbury answered walking toward the wardrobe,"This, however, you can thank me for."

She opened the wardrobe to reveal a plethora of dresses made just for Nexus. Not a single one lacking in beauty. They looked like they were made for the noblest of ladies. Miss Thornwood was taken aback. 

"Do you like them? I wanted to make sure you had proper attire for all of the events you would be attending." Danbury started.

"You are the kindest woman alive Lady Danbury but you did not have to do all of this just for me." Nexus responded.

"Nonsense, if you are going to write about the experience of our courting season you have to experience them to their fullest extent."

"It's just another silly romance novel Lady Danbury."

"We both know that is far from the truth Miss Thornwood, if you are going to be my guest, you may not speak ill of your writings again. Is that understood?"

"Understood."

"Good, now let's prepare you for tonight's events." The smug smile reappeared on Danbury's face.

"Tonight? I thought the first ball was not until tomorrow and the presenting the day after that." Confusion washed over Nexus as she grabbed of her journals tucked in her luggage that laid on the bed. 

"You are correct Nexus, but I believe it is important that you have at least one friend aside you in the ballroom aside from me so I have taken the liberty to invite Lady Bridgerton and her daughter the Duchess to dine with us this evening."

Nexus bowed her head and a soft grin grew on her face.

"Now get ready and be prepared for a wonderful first night back in London." Lady Danbury said, leaving Nexus alone in her room for the time being. 

With a deep breath, Nexus scanned through the room. When she first wrote to Lady Danbury she did not even truthfully expect a response. After all, she was just a writer in search of her next story. But one response turned into two turned into seven turned into an invitation to stay with her and experience the entire season for herself. Something that she had never even dreamed of. Growing up in a small lower-class town in London she had only heard rumors of what the seasons were like. Her friends and her had played pretend, dancing around the kitchen as if they had been invited to one of the many infamous balls but it was never anything more than pretend. Now she was to be presented to the Queen as if she had been apart of this life the whole time. Even if it was a more extravagant version, it was just another big game of pretend. Pretend to be apart of this world. Watch love blossom and bloom. Then go home and write about what this kind of life, this kind of love, was like. 

Nexus started to unpack her things and get ready for her diner tonight with Lady Bridgerton and the Duchess. She felt prepared and so unprepared for the start of her experience all at the same time. But here she was. Jumping in head first.