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Formed under pressure, desire by many, yet possessed only by a fortunate few, there is nothing on earth quite so envied as a diamond.
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"Your Majesty, an honor as always," I say, falling into a deep curtsy and offering Charlotte a smile. Beside me, Frederick bows his head before standing back up and offering Charlotte the same small smile.
"How wonderful to see you both in attendance," Charlotte says. "I am glad that you were able to step away from your work to attend my ball, Frederick."
Frederick, like a child getting chastised by their parents, turns a faint shade of pink and lowers his head. "I will always make time for you, Your Majesty."
"Hm," Charlotte purses her lips but we both see a small smile appear across her face.
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Might our Queen finally extinguish the fevered speculation and bestow the highest of honors to a most fortunate young lady tonight?
With so many futures at risk, I suspect this author is not the only one waiting with bated breath. ______________________
"Cressida! Lady Cowper!"
"Florence!" Cressida offers me a rare smile and a small curtsy.
"Your Grace, an honor to see you tonight," Lady Cowper says politely. "You must come to Cowper House again and visit. Cressida was just telling me how lovely it was to see you again."
I nod at her words before offering them both a beaming grin. "Of course, Lady Cowper."
Cressida lets out a little hum as she glances around the room, grabbing my arm and pulling me over to a more secluded corner of the room. Behind us a few of her little followers linger, chatting away merrily with each other about who they were going to dance with that night and who had called on them that morning.
"Eloise Bridgerton," Cressida says, smiling at the duo as she steps in front of them, a smile plastering onto her face. "The diamond. Perhaps now you might stop spending time with insipid wallflowers all evening and refine your circle of friends. I may have an opening-"
