Season's Feather

Chapter Four

"The season's opening ball at the Danbury House is the most highly sought-after invitation indeed. For every darling debutante from Park Lane to Regent Street knows, if anyone can throw a crush of a party - it's Lady Danbury. Tonight, the answers to our most urgent of questions will finally be revealed."

The Danbury Estate. A beautiful mason with elegant features brought out by the vast decorations that adorn the roof, floor, and walls. Delilah had loved it since she was a child. Memories of running the halls while her mother conversed with Lady Danbury played through her mind.

The evening was slightly blurred with the promise she made Anthony and her mother to come. Her worry had been skyrocketing since she exited the front door of her home. Even though she didn't want to be away from home, in the pits of her stomach she was glad she could come.

Delilah walked in with the Bridgerton family. Daphne entered first with Violet. And then Delilah, with Anthony. Both the girls look around, then at each other. Both of them were amazed by the sheer beauty spiking around the elegance.

"Mama...it is magical," Daphne says.

At the sound of her voice, men turn to look at her. They smile, and Daphne smiles back.

"It is certainly captivating." Delilah agrees. The men look at her. They too smile. But, Delilah is only interested in one man.

"Which bachelors might forsake their terribly rakish ways for the exquisite blisses of matrimony instead."

Anthony brings Delilah closer and walks up beside Daphne. Glaring at everyone who sends them a smile. Specifically more for Delilah than Daphne. He leans over to Violet. "They are all staring, mother." He whispers.

Violet looks at Daphne and Delilah, she smiles widely. "Allow them to come to you, dearest's." She advises.

Daphne nods, and Delilah, well, she still only looks for one man's eye.

"Which ladies shall forever capture their hearts? Thereby securing their futures. And avoiding the grim, dismal condition known as a spinster.

"And shall one Lady Featherington finally resist bedecking her misses in the most unflattering of colors? Or will she have them appear as only the most undesirable pieces of overripe citrus fruit, once again?"

Daphne and Delilah accompanied by both Violet and Anthony are approached by a man in his 30's, and quite handsome. He looks at both Daphne and Delilah, but his gaze is a little more focused on Daphne.

"Lady Bridgerton. Miss Bridgerton. Miss Silvester." He greets. He then turns to Anthony, a little tense, however, "Lord Bridgerton."

"I believe you have already been introduced to my daughter, Daphne, and her friend, Delilah. Girls, Lord Ambrose." Violet introduces the two girls. Daphne gives him a charming smile, and Delilah gives him a light-tipped one.

Lord Ambrose nods his head, "Yes. We met at your brother's levee."

"If I recall, my lord, you had just won your first race at Newmarket," Daphne says. Delilah stands a little behind, uninterested. She turns to Anthony as Daphne makes conversation.

"Must we be here? Mama is at home, I need to be with her." Delilah says.

Anthony looks at her with a towering gaze, "Delilah. You need to get out of that study. And, your mother would want you here, finding a suitor." He reminds. "You're a pretty girl, a beautiful one. Don't waste your talents in taxes."

Delilah sighs in agreement.

Anthony turns to look at Lord Ambrose and Daphne, and then suddenly something in his eye changes. "I have not had the pleasure of seeing you at our club lately, Ambrose." His gaze hardened as he spoke.