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(Chapter two.)
"Don't tell her I said that"
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After the two girls' encounter with Anthony Bridgerton, Andromeda led them through the woods and back to Mayfair. Once back at Lady Danburys house to two made their way to the drawing room, Andromeda once again leading the way. As they drew closer they could hear the conversation taking place. "Well she did get off the ship with you last night, did she not-"
"Apologies!" The three women turn to see Kate hurrying in, a bit rumpled from her ride. But what really surprised them was the princess right next to her. "Kate!" The younger Sharma sister exclaimed at the same time their mother said "There you are, dearest." Kate smiles "I do hope I did not keep you waiting long. The gardens here are so lovely. After such a lengthy journey, I found that I wanted some freshness and morning air. But I am here now." Kate exchanges a furtive glance with Edwina, who motions at the bit of mud on Kate's hem. Kate shifts, trying to obscure it. Trying to draw away the attention she then says, "I also ran into a new friend!" she says gesturing to Andromeda as Lady Danbury just eyes her. "Mama, Bon, this is Andromeda, she is-" "The Princess," Lady Danbury finished, looking at the girl, "and my goddaughter" Andromeda smiled as she walked over to the dowager, and kissed her cheek. "Hello," The older woman smiles back at her, "Hello, dear." Andromeda then turns to the others watching as they both curtsy lowly, "There is no need for such formalities around me, truly, I'm not fond of them." She said smiling at them warmly, "It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness," Edwina says, slightly starstruck from meeting the Princess. "Please, call me Andromeda, or even Andy if you like." Hearing Kate refer to her as a friend made her smile brightly. She has never had any real friends. Only ever acquaintances or people her mother knows.
Mary smiled at the young Princess, but was slightly nervous because of who her mother was. "It's lovely to meet you, Andromeda," she said kindly. Before turning to Kate and introducing her "My eldest, Lady Danbury. Miss Kate Sharma." Lady Danbury nodded back "Well. Now that we have all arrived and been introduced" "Almost." Kate said. "I beg your pardon?" The dowager questioned, confused "We have almost all arrived. There is also Newton. Is he still upstairs?"
Newton, an adorable corgi now sat in Kate's lap as Andromeda pat him from her spot next to Kate. A distracted Lady Danbury eyes the dog, as Mary and Edwina sip their tea. "Mama tells us that you host the first ball of every season, Lady Danbury." Edwina says placing her tea back on the tray."Yes. I have appropriated a conservatory for this year's festivities." She says, taking her eyes off the dog and onto the young girl. "Did you hear that, Edwina?" Kate says excited for her sister. "Well, that sounds delightful," Edwina says beaming. Lady Mary looks at her happy daughters and smiles "It will make for a most spectacular entrance to society indeed. I cannot tell you how eager the young ladies are for the upcoming season." Lady Danbury agrees "As am I. I would have ensured their presentation to Her Majesty The Queen, but I thought it wise for me to examine their deportment prior to their first engagement. Her Majesty is most discerning, you understand."
