It's my first season in the marriage market. I managed to postpone my debut for a few years to thoroughly immerse into my education. I find an intuitive mind an attractive one and I intend to find a husband in which appreciates the same. I will settle for nothing else. Since the sudden divulge of the notorious Lady Whistledown and her power over society, my nerves could not get any higher. Lady Whistledowns gossip sheets are highly observant and incredibly harsh; able to sniff out any unforeseen scandal even if the participants cannot even see it for themselves just yet.
Since the death of my father, my elder brother Archibald has been obligated to lead me into my debut, along with my mother - the Dowager Duchess of Coventry.
Today is my presentation to her majesty, and as my mother is so high in society, she has been extremely strict on me. Watching my every move, like a hawk. For the past 2 years i have been trained 14 hours a day everyday until this presentation. I dare say i am exhausted. I am presented in ivory silk with cream lace introducing my bosom. My hair held tight in plaits into a strong held bun - one my mother and her lady's maids tortured me into; making me appear presentable. My virgin white silk gloves held high upon my arms as my fingers intertwine to play with my fingers, anxiety taking over.
My mother sees and quickly takes my arm in hers
"You shall do excellent dearest, you are my daughter after all, i have prepared you quite well" her tone sweet and comforting. I show my appreciation with a strong breath and a small smile.
I hold her arm tightly as i hear my name.
It is my turn to be presented.
My bosom rises and falls rapidly as my whole life has been transpired to this very moment. I take my final readying breath as the doors fly open, revealing me to the entire ton.
I glide down effortlessly, never meeting her majesty's gaze, of course. My nerves calming as i see a hint of pleasantness in the Queen's expression. This is it, i think. However, i am still only halfway - one wrong move and i shall be ruined.
And there it is; that one wrong move. As I levitate closer to her majesty, something, rather someone, catches my eye. I spot the bridgerton family out of the corner of my eye, spotting Anthony's awe-struck gaze.
That is when i see him - the second born son of the highly respected bridgerton family. Those beautiful blue eyes nearly have me in my tracks as his expression appears that of the most adorable of smiles. I feel my breath heavying again but i move on as fast as that moment transpired. T'was as though time had stopped for a mere moment.
I make it to her majesty and bow down, my heart in my throat as i manage a small smile whilst only making eye contact with the blood red carpet I see before me.
Then it happens, her majesty rises and lifts me by my chin to meet her gaze.
"Extravagant, dear child" she smiles through her compliment. I can barely hold my excitement.
As my mother and i leave i hear the eldest of the bridgerton sisters being called for her presentation.
Later on that evening, my mother's lady's maid frantically enters the drawing room where my brother reads the newspaper whilst i practise my pianoforte.
I halt at the dramatic entrance. "It is here ma'am!"
"Oh do bring it, at once, Mrs Hayes!" my mother exclaims eagerly.
I glance rather noisily to see a small sheet of paper as I realise Lady whistldown is back, and she is very pleased with my presentation.
"Eleanor you are in it!" my mother gasps at the gossip sheet. I jump up nervously.
"My love, she calls you a pearl of the night". I let out a breath I was unaware I held in. I cannot help but fill my face with the most happiest of expressions.
as I glance over the sheet i notice Daphne has been called the diamond of the first waters. I am ever so pleased for her, her beauty outstanding and her heart even more so. I hope this shall bring us closer, there has always been a certain distance between us that neither one of us overcame.
"Archie have you seen this?" I say running over with the sheet in hand.
"I have heard El, Father would be proud" he chimes, putting down his newspaper and standing up to hold me in his embrace.
"as am I" he smiles and i giggle happily.
As I finish touching up my dress and hair readying for Lady Danbury's ball, Archibald summons me.
"Eleanor! you must make haste!"
I roll my eyes and make my way down the stairs.
"Iam not one for frantics, sister, but must you always need so much time to prepare?" he questions, annoyance and sarcasm splattered over his tone.
"One must look one's best at these things, brother. How else should you expect me to find a husband?" I tease.
"Besides, one of us has to look presentable to the ton." I mock, a chuckle escaping my lips. My mother joins us and we head for the carriage.
The ride over I found quite bothersome. With Archibald expressing the seriousness of tonight's ball and mother chiming in, I find myself admiring out the window. The landscapes and the beauty of the birds flying over have me hypnotised. It is quite calming; an escape if you will, from the worrying tones with the utmost of seriousness that has now filled this carriage. Yet i am broken out of my trance by a nudge to my knee from my brother.
"Were you even listening, sister? Or is your future husband amongst the birds you seem to be admiring"
I stone him with my glare and I eventually reassure him that tonight will be extravagant.
"Rest assured, I shall be by your side the entire evening, sister"
I sigh, half expecting that.
As we arrive we are welcomed by Lady Danbury herself.
"Duke of coventry! Dowager duchess of coventry! What a pleasure. I have not seen your faces round here for quite some time. How have you been my dear friend?" she says towards my mother.
"Lady Danbury, i am pleased to see we have not been forgotten." she smiles "I am quite well. It is an honor to be back in your astounding home yet again"
Lady Danbury turns to me "You look rather exquisite, miss Eleanor"
I bow and thank her for her kindness.
I walk into the ball arm in arm with Archie. He scans the room for any well equipped suitors. I, myself however, are blatantly looking for the beverages.
"I think i should need a refreshment brother" I tell him as he greets many noblemen we have not seen for a while. he gives me a nod of approval and I flee.
I make my way towards the champagne glasses, as this is not my first drink of alcohol although archie shall never know that, I quickly snatch myself a quick sip before archie notices what my beverage contains. I have visited many parties at Sir Granville's. However i have never engaged with anything other than the drinks. Henry Granville made sure of it.
"I shall not be responsible for your ruin, El" he always reminds me.
"Started so soon, miss Eleanor?" a low voice whispers a mere fraction away from my ear, sending shivers down my spine.
I turn to see who stands before me. He seems so far away yet I swear I could feel his warm breath on my bare neck just mere seconds prior. As I meet his gaze, I shudder, those brightening blue eyes have me drowning in them.
I stand there for a moment admiring them before i realise the situation and bow.
"Lord Bridgerton" I say meekly, shyness evident in my stuttering voice.
"Nervous?" he chuckles, that sinful look in his eye.
"Well. i uh was just refreshing" I attempt at clarifying.
My words barely unable to be set free as i meet his eyes with my own.
"Don't be, darling, your secret is safe with me" he whispers yet again. My skin burning. My body tensing as it yearns to get closer; to feel him closer.
I open my mouth to speak as Anthony summons his brother.
"I apologise, my lady, it appears I am wanted. I shall bid you farewell. For now"
Those last two words set butterflies off in my stomach causing something to ache between my legs. I glint out a small dispointed look. "Oh so soon, My Lord?" I tease. Why am I teasing him? He looks back and chuckles. By heaven he's adorable. His voice was lustful yet his manner was friendly. To the ton that would have been an appropriate conversation. To me, however, it was promiscuous - almost dirty. And here I am yet again, left with nothing but the thoughts that should only remain my own.
However this time, I only have thoughts of Benedict Bridgerton.
