The Red Diamond

Chapter Two: Roses

As she headed into the dining room Nexus's mind started to race. She felt like an imposter going to meet someone as important as a Duchess. Why would Lady Danbury even think that she could be apart of this world so easily? For some reason meeting the whole ton felt like it would be far easier than trying to just meet two people. Maybe it was because Danbury had written in her letters about the love the Duchess Daphne had with one of her previous guests. Maybe it was her nerves just getting the best of her. Either way she had to attend this dinner and act presentable at minimum. The dress she chose to wear was a champagne colored and felt casual enough for a dinner but proper enough that she would not make a fool out of Lady Danbury. It was one from her personal collection that she had brought along with her but she wasn't quite ready to assume the role of what the gowns Lady Danbury had gifted her carried. When she entered the room she was greeted with the warmest of smiles from both Daphne and Violet. 

"You understated her beauty Lady Danbury," Violet stated,"she is sure to be in the running for the diamond of the season."

Before Nexus could speak Lady Danbury answered for her, "I did not mean to underplay what dear Thornwood was presenting. I felt like once you met her you would learn and see all that you needed to." 

"You are quite beautiful." Daphne said as it was nothing but fact.

"I- thank you, your words are very kind." Nexus said shyly.

With a light giggle in her voice Daphne responded, "You're not on trial Miss Thornbush. Please come sit with us."

"Yes of course." she said walking to her place at the table the was right next to Daphne and right across from Violet. 

"Now Lady Danbury tells us that you are came here straight from France. Have you lived there long?" Violet asked.

An ease flushed over Nexus as she looked at the women gathered at the table, they meant her no harm, there was not a single ounce of judgment in their tones.

"Only for a bit over two years," Nexus started,"I was there writing a novel that I finished about six months ago. That's when I connected with Lady Danbury."

"Ah yes, she wrote me seeking some research for the romance novel she is writing now." Danbury added.

"You're a writer?" Daphne asked with a dumbfounded look on her face.

"Yes." Nexus replied with a slight sigh.

She was ready for the condescending tone to start that she was so used to from everyone when they learned that she was a lady with an occupation and not only an occupation but a writer at that. 

"That's wonderful, you must meet my sister Eloise. She would love to meet a woman writer. Do you have trouble getting your writing published as a woman?" Daphne leaned in excited to hear all about Nexus.

"Oh," the ease came back to Nexus once again,"I actually just publish under my last name Thornwood. People don't seem to have much problem accepting my work if they don't know a woman is writing it. Most of my published work is just poetry but I have written two novels of mild success. They have left me pretty well off for myself."

"She is modest Daphne. Miss Thornwood's first novel is the reason why I decided to invite her to stay this season. It was breathtaking." Lady Danbury chimed in.

"You must send a copy to the Duke and I to add to our collection." Daphne said placing her hand on Nexus's shoulder. 

"Of course." Nexus said with a smile.

"Are you just here for your writing then?" Violet said looking to both Lady Danbury and Nexus.

"Yes, Lady Danbury was very kind to offer me the opportunity to experience what courting season was like here and I thought it would be the perfect way to write my story genuinely." Nexus replied.

"So you have a husband?" Daphne asked.

Nexus answered hesitantly, "No, I don't have a husband or a betrothed. It's just not the reason I am here."

Daphne smiled a knowing smile as if she could predict the future, "Of course, my apologies."

"No apologies needed." Lady Danbury assured, "Just because it is not the reason she is here doesn't mean that Miss Thornwood should not or will not experience our season to its fullest extent."

"Yes, please do not apologize." Nexus rushed to speak. 

The group of women laughed at her playing catch up. Their laughter grew as if they had all been life long friends. Nexus no longer felt any fear going into the events of tomorrow knowing that the Duchess, Lady Bridgerton, and Lady Danbury would be by her side. It all seemed less frightening when she knew that she already had managed to not completely mess up her first "event" of the season. She once again could breathe.