Debutante || BRIDGERTON

[05]: A Poet

1814 ― Mayfair, London

Artemis Reyes had no idea why she had to attend the soiree at Lady Danbury's house, but they received the invitation and she knew her mother would never reject her friend. She and Delilah attended the event with their mother. Most of the suitors were trying to impress Edwina Sharma, which was the main reason why Artemis did not understand why her attendance was necessary. She found herself standing behind the couch and next to Kate Sharma who muttered.

"At least it is the men who are making fools of themselves this time," Kate said and Artemis turned to her. The two of them becoming friends is one of Xavier's biggest fears.

Because they're too alike.

"Was this your idea?" Artemis asked as she looked at her. Kate smiled as she shook her head.

"I wish I could take credit, but no. Lady Danbury encouraged a poetry reading. The men, thanks to their spirit and competition, concocted the rest of this farce on their own." Kate said and Artemis scoffed a little.

"Of course they did." She responded. As the current suitor finished up his dance, Artemis was presuming because that's what it seemed like, the room was filled with soft applause.

"Oh, yes. Marvelous." Lady Danbury said.

"You are Viscount Reyes' sister, yes?" Kate asked as she turned to Artemis.

"One of them, yes. But do not hold it against me, and you must be Miss Sharma," Artemis said and Kate smiled at her. Artemis had to hear plenty of complaining from her brother about Kate Sharma, and Xavier knew she wasn't on his side. From what Xavier had complained about, Artemis found it entertaining how easily Kate could push his buttons. "He actually told me his worst nightmare would be the two of us becoming acquainted. It seems you are the only person besides me, of course, who truly knows how to get under his skin." She said and Kate laughed.

"Well... him not wanting us to be friends sounds like a perfectly good reason as to why we should become acquainted," Kate said and Artemis smiled.

"I do like the way you think. I believe that to be one of the reasons why Benedict Bridgerton befriended me... because he knew Viscount Bridgerton would hate it. Must be a second-born tendency." Artemis teased and Kate laughed.

"The fact that Viscount Reyes is of your relation almost makes me think better of him," Kate said and Artemis smiled.

"We should certainly not give him too much credit now, should we?" Artemis teased as she and Kate turned to each other and they shared a laugh again. The women turned back to the front and Artemis could not figure out what was going on in front of her. "What?" She mumbled mainly to herself but Kate still stifled a laugh.

"Yes. Yes." Lady Danbury walked out as the last finished and she smiled at everyone. "How about a pause?" She said. Everyone clapped and broke out around the room and Artemis turned to Kate.

"If you will excuse me, Miss Sharma, I should like to find my sister Delilah before Lord Bridgerton does. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Artemis said and Kate smiled.

"And you as well, Miss Reyes."

⇎⇎⇎⇎⇎⇎

While Artemis was looking for Delilah... Delilah had found Colin. He was standing off toward the back of the room by himself, and she walked over to him in hopes of continuing their conversation from the race.

"So, what will it be for you tonight?" Delilah asked as Colin turned to her. "A song? A jig? Some hidden hoop-rolling talent you have yet to share with the world?" She teased and Colin laughed.