𝓜𝔂 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓞𝓬𝓽𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓪, 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 | 𝓑. 𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓰𝓮𝓻𝓽𝓸𝓷

Chapter eight - Courtship

Eudaimonia- the contented happy state you feel when you travel.

A courtship generally began with simple conversations. From this point, the couple might take a walk together, with a chaperone in attendance. The next step of a courtship could include spending time together at social events. If everything progressed well between the lady and gentleman, they would become engaged.

Octavia Pov

April 18th 1813

It is my birthday three months from today, I will be 25, and if I am not married I will be deemed an old lady's maid.

There is a ball today and a picnic next week, I do not want to attend either. Why? Because I will have to see Benedict.

Whatever had happened that day, it has not departed my memory, not that I am displeased, simply confused.

I sit there at my vanity as Grace applies rouge to my upper cheek.
I have just gotten dressed, my dress is most beautiful. It is a lovely blue colour most identical to my eyes, with gold flowers lacing the top.

"Something the matter miss?" Grace asks as she alters my hair slightly.

"I just do not wish to attend that is all" I smile looking at her through the mirror.

"Is this about Mr Bridgerton?" she inquiries smiling whilst still altering my hair.

"Not at all" I respond to wanting this night to be over.

✽✽✽✽

I enter the ballroom my hand supported by Mycroft, with Lady Danbury and Simon just ahead.

Where we collide with the Bridgertons.

I immediately get lightly pulled away to where the beverages are.

"I wanted to apologize again for the other day" Benedict states

"You need not apologise, you did nothing wrong" I found out yesterday through Simon that Bridgerton's father passed away from a bee sting.

"Would you care to Dance?" He asks holding out his arm.

"I shall" I respond as he guides us to the dance floor.

As we dance his hand slides up and rested his hand on my upper back.

My eyes are locked on his.

The song ends. Oh, how I wish it lasted longer.

Just as we were about to sit down, Lady Danbury pulls me for a chat. And Anthony with Benedict.

"And you say he does not like you?" she states as if I know what she's on about.

"Pardon," I implore smiling with confusion.

"Benedict Bridgerton" she proclaims. Viscountess Bridgerton here's this and walks over to the two of us.

"Something about Benedict?" she questions worried.

"Nothing to worry about. All I was saying is that Benedict likes miss Octavia. And I am willing to make a bet that he proposes by the end of the Month." Lady Danbury explains, completely ignoring my hanging jaw.

"Oh, yes I completely agree with you there Lady Danbury. Yet I do not think that Benedict will propose for at least two months" she counters.

I manage to slip away and find myself in the corner on my own.

Yet Lady Danbury and Viscountess Bridgerton still manage to find me.

"How many children do you want dear?" Lady Bridgerton implores.