Desire for Love

Chapter 1

    Looking at myself in the mirror I notice how mature I have become. It feels like just yesterday Daphne and I would sneak out of her room to catch a peak of the balls her parents would throw. Now I stand here wearing a huge feather in my hair about to be presented to Queen Charlotte. "Oh Elle, you look absolutely beautiful" my Mama beams from behind me. I smile at her in the mirror.
    "Oh Mama I am so nervous, what if I trip or the Queen does not like me? I'm sure Papa could figure out a way to let me wait another year. I-" she interrupts me,
    "Nonsense Elle, you will do just fine and your Papa has already been looking into suitors. Now come we mustn't be late." She kisses my cheek and leaves my room. I take one more look in the mirror and take a deep breath.
    "You will do amazing Miss Burton" my maid, Bertha smiles. I nod thank you and walk out of my bedroom. At the bottom of the stairs my siblings and parents wait for me. As soon as they see me, my sisters smile and my brothers try to hide their giggles. Mama gives them a stern look.
    "Sorry Sister, it's just that the feather on your head makes you look like a bird." George, the youngest laughs along with my older brothers. Annie, my older sister smacks George's arm.
    "Stop, I think she looks exquisite, her Majesty will adore you as she did I" Annie pulls me into a hug.
    "Thank you sister" she nods and walks towards the front door. I smile and turn towards George. "I may look like a bird but at least I don't cry for Mama when I have a nightmare" George frowns and starts to protest. My brothers laugh and push his shoulders. Mary, my younger sister smiles and grabs my hand.
    "Good luck Elle" I kiss her cheek and turn towards Charles, the eldest. He offers his arm to walk me out the door.
    "Let us get this over with sister" he leads me to the carriage. Next door the Bridgertons are entering their carriage. I see Daphne, my best friend. She sees me and waves. Her brother, Anthony looks over and smiles at me and Charles. The Bridgertons have been close friends of our family. Daphne and I are the same age, we have been attached at the hip since birth. My brothers and hers also best friends.
    The carriage ride is full of advice from my sister and talk of potential suitors. Annie's first season was last year, she married Lord White and was the Queen's favorite. She was actually able to find a love match, something my mama hoped for. My patents were not a love match. They were friends who eventually found little things to love about each other. They were good friends who respected and cared for each other. I desire to find love, but there is much pressure to get married in my first season, I at least hope to find a match like my parents. Daphne and I have been looking forward to this our whole lives. We have talked about finding a love like her parents did, now that we are older we realize how silly we once were.
    When we arrive I have to wait in line to be presented to the Queen. My hands shake as I take deep breaths. One by one the ladies are introduced with their mamas by their sides. Mama grabs my hands and forces me to look at her.
    "Darling you will be fine; just smile and everything will be perfect." I nod as I hear the guard say my name.
    "Miss Eleanor Burton presented by her Mother right honorable Lady Burton" we walk in synch toward the Queen. A slight smile on both of our faces. The Queen stars at me as Brismley whispers to her. I smile and curtsy as low as I can. I wait a second scared that she will say nothing.
    "Just as beautiful as your sister, good job my dear" the Queen says smiling. I smile wide and nod.
    "Thank you your Majesty" my mama grabs my arm smiling and walks me out the door. When we are out of the Queen's sight she wraps me in a hug and kisses my forehead.
    "Elle you did wonderful, I knew you would. All that worrying for nothing." I smile and hug her. I feel a weight lifted off of my shoulders, hopefully this will help me find a husband this season. We wait for Daphne and the rest of the Bridgertons. I hear her name and hold my breath, I hope she catches the Queen's attention. I want success for my season but I know Daphne deserves the Queen's attention especially since her father is not here to help her. Anthony has no idea what he is doing and I'm scared he will not put enough into finding her a suitor. She comes out smiling.
    "Elle she told me I was flawless, I did it, we did it, I heard what she told you." She hugs and laughs.
    "If only our younger selves could see us now" I laugh as we walk arm in arm. Perhaps the both of us will have a successful season.

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Thank you for reading! I am so excited for this story! Please let me know if there is anything specific you want to see in this story. Please enjoy!