tomfoolery / bridgerton au

chapter 10

"Remarkable... stunning... wow." Daphne hums as she sees Alma come down the stairs.

Alma blushes deeply and looks at the sage dress she wears, then nervously adjusts the cape to ensure her shoulders are covered. "Do I look okay?"

"Daph, Alma, come o- wow." Simon stops short. "Wow." He shakes his head in surprise.

"That's what I said." Daphne giggles. "Our Ally has grown up in an instant."

Alma blushes more. "Let us go. Before you embarrass me so much I throw up - then who will dance with Mr Jones?"

"Alfie?" Simon scowls. "What about h-"

"Let's go!" Daphne claps and they rush off as Simon scowls. Why does his sister and wife keep mentioning the son of some lowly Earl?!

Bassinger Ball is usually the ball to kick off the main season; regardless or who you are or what you do, you will be invited. Just so they can show off their home and their wealth. None will dare to book their ball the same day! April 1st - as always.

Alma looks around as they arrive, sticking close to Simon and Daphne. Daphne slips a dance card on her wrist and holds her cheek. "You can do this. Follow their lead."

Alma nods small and exhales slowly, following her brother and sister. She looks around, watching people twirl and spin around the dance floor. She has to do THAT!? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Her heart leaps into her throat and she swallows hard to contain it. So many people...

"Duke Hastings! Welcome!"

"Lord Bassinger. Lady Bassinger." Simon bows respectfully. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Who might this be?" Lady Bassinger asks, eyeing Alma.

"This is Alma Basset. My sister." Simon places a hand on the small of Almas back.

Alma curtseys gently. The Lady's brows shoot up. "The... illegitimate one?" She asks. "Huh. At my ball... huh."

"Precisely." Daphne gives a tight lipped smile. "Come, Alma, let's go wait for that dance."

Alma allows Daph to pull her away and she takes a breath - she didn't realise she was holding it. "I can't do this." She whispers.

"Yes you can. Drink." Daphne looks around and swipes on of the whiskey glasses left on the table for the gents. "Quick."

Alma pulls a face as it burns her throat. "Ugh! Simon drinks this willingly!?"

"Liquid courage." Daphne looks around and downs one herself. She takes Alma's hands. "Now, deep breath. You are doing phenomenal."

Alma nods small and takes many, many deep breaths. She finds herself stood with the Bridgertons, using them to hide herself when needed. She doesn't particularly want to dance and anytime a gentleman sees her, they beeline for her.

"There he is there he is!" Eloise gasps and repeatedly slaps Almas arm.

"Ow who what!" She tuts and shoves her off.

"Alfie Jones. Here. Wow. He NEVER comes to these things." Eloise muses.

Alma blushes deeply and looks down, hoping he looks right past her. She would love nothing more than to dance but the truth is, surprisingly, she can't. And she wouldn't want to embarrass either of them.  Her plan is foiled, however, when she hears a deep chuckle.

"Anyone would think you are hiding from me."

Alma blushes and slowly looks up at Alfie. "Not so much you as every other male in the room?" She offers. "If that helps."