𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 | b. bridgerton

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 | joie de vivre

Jo folded her hands over her stomach, clearing her throat subtly.

In entered an older-looking woman, elegantly dressed in deep magenta from head to toe. Artful streaks of grey amongst her jet-black hair disappeared into a hat perched atop her head. The lady used a cane when she walked, which she tapped rhythmically against the wooden floors of the drawing room as she marched inside. She scanned all corners of the room, her expression curious, before it finally settled on the young duchess.

As difficult as it was to get used to after living almost her whole life away from high society, Jo was aware that her position meant she outranked almost everyone in the Ton, apart from high-ranking palace officials and the Royal Family themselves. But Lady Danbury had a commanding presence that made Jo feel as though she should be the one sinking into a curtsy. She resisted the urge however, and instead settled on a small tilt of her head and a smile as a greeting.

The older woman dipped into a small curtsy of her own against her cane, rising shortly after, still silent.

Anticipation crept up Jo's spine like a spider, the oppressively awkward dance of 'first impressions' too much to handle. She cleared her throat again, squeezing her hands where they were crossed over her belly.

"Would you care for some tea, Lady Danbury?" Jo asked, gesturing towards the elaborate tea set-up spread across the table.

"No, thank you, Your Grace," the woman answered flatly. She leaned a few inches forward against her cane. "May I?"

Jo was confused as to what was being asked of her but found herself nodding anyway, hoping it would steer them from this uncertain back-and-forth. "O-of course."

Lady Danbury took a few steps forward until she was only a few paces from where the girl was standing. Jo felt a small sweat form at the base of her back under the weight of the attention.

Oddly, one by one, Lady Danbury picked up each of Jo's hands, bringing them closer to inspect. Seemingly content, the woman let them drop again to her sides. Then, she tilted Jo's chin from left to  right, up and down, running her scrutinising gaze over the girl's visage.

"Turn, Your Grace," Lady Danbury ordered plainly.

Jo obliged, in disbelief that this was now her life as she caught her reflection in the large mirror mounted on the far wall.

"Hmm, very good," the woman hummed with a nod and a smile, the first admittance of approval making Jo relax inwardly.

Lady Danbury stood back again, her assessment over, settling back into her stance of both hands folded atop the handle of her cane.

Jo took a step of her own backwards, smiling to disguise her relief. "Please, take a seat," she advised, gesturing to the couch to her right.

The older woman complied, perched herself upright on the plush, velvet cushion. "I must say, you have grown into the most splendid-looking young woman, Your Grace." She smiled as she appraised the young duchess.

Jo had been assured, mainly by Alma, that she was not entirely unfortunate to look at, but receiving praise from such a serious lady told the girl that it must have been at least somewhat true. She felt her cheeks grow warm. "Please, call me Josephine. My uncle tells me that you two are good friends."

"Yes, I'm sure he did say that," Lady Danbury scoffed with a humorous glint in her eye. "I suppose one could argue that he and I are friends... Josephine."

Jo was thankful for the lack of questioning over propriety and whatnot, simply glad to have another person in her corner that she could trust with such a personal form of address.