𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 | anthony bridgerton

𝐯𝐢𝐢𝐢. eumaeus

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

"Lady Bridgerton!" Queen Charlotte exclaimed, happily surprised. "And my diamond! How wonderful to see you both here today. I thought Lady Cowper and perhaps Miss Cressida would be accompanying you?"

"They were not able to escort me today, Your Majesty." Catherine said, as both she and Violet rose from their curtsies. "But they send their well wishes and hope to see you soon."

None of that was in fact true. Catherine had not informed her mother nor her sister of the Queen's invitation to join her in her gardens that afternoon. For the invitation had said to bring her family. And she had brought the closest woman she had to a mother other than her grandmother.

"Yes I'm sure they did." Queen Charlotte said with a raised brow. "Now come, this way. There is much to see. I have a truly impressive collection of animals, I am told you like animals as well, Miss Cowper?"

"Oh very much so!" Catherine said happily as she walked beside the Queen with Violet beside her. "I adore domestic animals but I have read of some of the more exotic ones in Africa and India, I have always wished to be able to see them."

"Well then you are in luck, my dear." Queen Charlotte said, her voice far more joyful than either Violet or Catherine had ever heard them. "These one's here, are called 'zebra'. Striped horses from Africa, in fact! Seven more arrive next week. Though I can't think what to name them all. After fifteen children I seem to have run out of ideas."

Catherine walked to the balustrade which overlooked a herd of perhaps eight, black and white striped horse like creatures with the most interesting tails Catherine had ever seen.

"It is the most spectacular menagerie, your Majesty." Violet complimented, also quite entranced by the exotic animals like the blonde girl beside her.

"Indeed it is." Queen Charlotte said before taking a breath and turning to her diamond. "Miss Catherine."

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Catherine said, smiling quite prettily at the Queen.

"I do hope you have been enjoying the attention you have surely been receiving as this season's diamond." The Queen said, eyes calculating as they studied the girl in front of her.

 Catherine took a breath before answering.

"Very much so, Your Majesty." She said carefully, smiling to prove the point. "It has been an exceptional honour."

It seemed the Queen did not notice her hesitation.

"It is not an easy mantle to take on, you realise. To have so many eyes on you at all times. Regardless of the truth, people... nay, gossips, they will contrive shameless falsehoods. Rumour can oftentimes be a great hardship to endure. Just ask Lady Bridgerton. Just ask me!"

"I aspire to learn from from your example, Your Majesty." Catherine said, as if she had been trained for this very statement. And perhaps she had. "Your marriage, the wondrous love you share with the king. I am not ashamed to say that I desire the very same."

"And you shall receive it." Queen Charlotte said, a smile on her face as she thought of her husband. "Should you know who to trust."

"Well, Lady Danbury and Lady Bridgerton have been steadfast guides for me this season." Catherine replied, sending a small smile Violet's way which she returned warmly.

"An inner circle if there ever was one!" Queen Charlotte exclaimed, inciting a small laugh from Lady Bridgerton. "Though you must know, there are many people trying to break it apart for their own ends. When those people inevitably reveal themselves and their rather sly intentions, I simply ask that you tell me who they are so that I may decide if they are worthy, of course."