𝐁𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝; 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙮 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙤𝙣

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏

    "MAMA, I FEEL THE TENSION RADIATING OFF YOU. What is this Lady Whistledown saying?" Adila said, her French accent slipping through as she gazed out at their expansive garden below from her spot on the balcony.

    "My dear, what she has to say holds no signifi-"

    "Please just hand me the paper, mother." Nadia shook her head as she took the thin paper out of her hands. Quickly skimming over the writing, she let out a breath of relief. "There is, of course, another unknown identity at present. Though this one you will be able to unearth...I speak of the season's diamond, wherever she may be. Perhaps our mysterious, french newcomer? Your move, Your Majesty."

      "Oh. That is all?" She hummed, hands folded on her lap, covered by her long baby yellow dress. "She is not all that bad is she then?"

     Shaking her head once more, Nadia affectionately squeezed her sister's arm with a gloved hand before wrapping her sage green shawl tighter around her body as the morning london breeze kicked up. "Just because she has refrained from commenting on you thus far, does not imply that you are out of harm's way, Adila."

     "Your sister is correct. It is crucial you uphold the same elegance you possessed yesterday until an eligible suitor comes your way." Their mother nodded along as she slowly lifted up her tea cup to her mouth.

     "Who shall I keep an eye out for then, mother?" Adila asked, graciously accepting the cup of tea handed to her by her maid.

     "Your father was kind enough to conjure up a list for us." Celine spoke, leaning over and picking up a small folded up piece of paper placed on the circular table which was adorned with all sorts of breakfast foods and tea.

     "That is quite shocking." Nadia said, her eyebrows shooting up. "He practically scared all of my suitors away when I had my debut."

     "Now, now dear sister. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, however you are already married and with child, simply no time to be envious of father's change of heart." The girl in yellow shrugged with a teasing smile.

     Giving her daughters a roll of eyes she cleared her throat. "There is no need to be jealous, this list is not very long. There is Lord Lumley, Earl of Dorset, Lord Fife-"

     "His sideburns are truly horrific." Eyes squinting in a disgust, Adila sighed. "Mama, I am afraid none of these men meet my criteria."

     "Not even the Earl of Edinburgh?"

     "Henry Lendorr?" Her eyebrows shot up. "I did not think he would begin his search for a wife this year."

      "I do not think it is a coincidence. He's always fancied you." The woman in green hummed as she returned her tea cup to its saucer.

     "That is impossible. I have only met him twice." Adila scoffed in disbelief as she leaned back in her chair.

      "Which is more than enough time for him to find you a suitable wife." Celine said with a raise of eyebrows. "What is it you two snuck off to do last time?"

     "Enough with the inappropriate innuendos, mother. We did not sneak off, we merely ventured to the garden for a moment, away from the stifling ballroom. And he and I are only friends, acquaintances if you will."

     "Your father and I were mere acquaintances. Now we have been married for ages and have four kids." Delicately arranging her fichus, the older woman in the deep red gown spoke with a teasing smile.

     "Now I shall be leaving."

     "Violet Bridgerton has kindly invited us to join her for tea at midday, so please remember not to forget."