Season's Feather

Chapter Two

Well, Delilah was judging. She looked at every one of the debutantes for the season, and granted many of them were beautiful, but none of them stood out. As they waited for Eloise, Delilah could only imagine how the girl was begging to not walk in front of the queen.

"The Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton and Miss Eloise Bridgerton." The announcer called. Delilah turned her head from Anthony's side.

Delilah watched as Eloise made her way clumsily down the aisle. She did look beautiful, Eloise was a beautiful girl. But she did not want to be in the position and Delilah understood that. And it seemed she got her wish when a small paper was rushed to the queen as Eloise had finally made her way down to the end.

"Anthony?" Delilah whispered. But it seemed he could not answer either.

"I've seen enough." The queen dismissed.

"But Your Majesty, there are still -"

"I have seen enough!" The queen repeated.

Eloise smiled, "Does this mean I can go?". Before Violet could answer, the girl was already walking away.

Daphne turned to her friend, "Truly, I cannot say I will long for any of this. Oh, Delilah do not laugh, it is most improper."

"Best of luck to the Lord Aevery," Anthony remarked, "He will not be marrying you, so he better not waste his other options."

Delilah smiled at the comment, though she had to avoid Daphne's eyes. Her head began to swim again though. Lord Aevery was the man she was supposed to marry. It made her scared. Was she going to lose everything?

"Dearest gentle reader. Did you miss me? As the members of our esteemed ton lazily sojourned in their rustic retreats, this author was doing but one thing. Honoring my skills. Or, should I say, hatching my plans? No, even better. I was sharpening my knives for all of you.

"Questions abound to this author's identity and means. Seeking those answers shall prove fruitless, indeed. 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."

"I don't think she is very good." Delilah whispered playfully to Benedict.

"I believe she can hear you." Benedict chuckled.

"I can hear you." Eloise sighed.

Eloise was dancing with Anthony. Of course, Delilah had forced him to help his sister learn against his will. And Eloise had most likely bruised his foot. But it was quite fun to watch.

He groaned in pain, "Watch my feet-"

"Might we be done?" Eloise asked.

"If you are to catch the queen's eye after that interruption, you must be perfect." Violet said.

Eloise scoffed, "I believe it was the interruption that was perfection."

Violet ignored this however, her gaze turned where Delilah and Benedict sat. The second Bridgerton son perused over the newest edition to Lady Whistledown, "Shocking that Eloise Bridgerton was not named the season's diamond, was it not?"

"Was anyone aware that dear Colin has decided to add Albania or some place to his itinerary as he gads about the world?" Anthony asked, coming around behind Delilah.

"No. But how happy for him that he can simply decide to do that." Eloise mumbled as Gregory came up to dance with his sister.

Anthony smiled down. "Now that the season has started I shall need to fill your coffers at the modiste and oversee the hiring of extra staff."

Delilah looked up at Anthony, "Joining us for tea, dear?"

"Yes," He replied, "I just need to ask my mother a question."

Delilah watched as he walked over and whispered something into his mothers ear. She didn't have a clue as to what he said, but when Violet's eyes grew wide Delilah quickly became confused.

"Anthony-"

"However, the fields by Ferryhallow. I was thinking we might hold off on leasing them due to the hard frost." Anthony redirected. 

"I beg your pardon?" Violet stuttered.

Anthony ignored this, "The frost hardens the soil, saps it of nutrients."

"That is very good. But you just requested my-"

"Thank you, Mama." Anthony interrupted.

Delilah sat with a confused look on her face. Had she missed something? She looked over at Benedict who just sat there with wide gleaming eyes. She had missed something. She just had no idea what she missed.