Chapter Text
“Simon!” I call from beneath his window. There is no rustle of curtains or opening of his window. Just silence. “Simon, come out to play! Please?” I yell through my cupped hands. However there’s no movement to be found until the front door of the house opens. One of his maids. I know her well. She’s one of my favorites. I joyously run up to her, sporting my new dress. “Can Simon come out to play? I’m wearing a new dress and I’d love Simon to see the flowers on it! I asked mother to make his favorites, tulips.” I ask her, a smile present on my face.
Her face, though, is sullen. Her eyes sunken in and I get this feeling in my stomach I can’t describe. “Lady Eudora…” she begins but doesn’t continue.
“What’s happened?” I say, my hands dropping down to my sides.
“Simon’s….gone….”
“What do you mean? He needs to see my flowers…”
I snap back into my current self, realizing I’m standing still amongst the flurry of activity as our household prepares for the journey to London. Eliza, one of my younger sisters, can hardly contain her excitement. At just nineteen years of age, this would be her first Season in London society, and she’s been telling me that she will make the most of it.
Beside me, my elder sister Henrietta bustles about, her brown curls bouncing with each step. At twenty-one, Henrietta is considered one of the most sought-after young ladies in all of Hampshire. Her beauty, charm, and impeccable young manners has captivated many a gentleman, and this Season she has her sights set on an even loftier prize- the coveted title of Diamond of the Season. However, I’ve decided I won’t be participating this season. Which leads me to be pushed onto the back burner in my household.
“Eudora, do stop dawdling and help me with these trunks,” My mother chides, gesturing to the pile of luggage that needs to be loaded onto the carriage.
I snap to attention, quickly moving to assist my sister and the other servants. “Sorry, mother, I was just-”
“Daydreaming as usual,” she finishes with a sigh. “Really, Eudora, you must learn to focus if you hope to make a good impression in London this season like the last one.”
I feel a flush creep up my neck. “I will, I promise.”
My mother rewards me with a smile. “That’s my girl. Now, hurry along and fetch the rest of those hatboxes, won’t you? We can’t very well arrive in London without the proper headpieces to complete our ensembles.”
As I scurry to obey, I can’t help but feel a flutter of anticipation. London, with all its grand balls, glittering soirees, and eligible bachelors, is finally showing itself once more. Once the last trunk has been secured, we all climb into the waiting carriages, settling into the plush seats with an air of excited expectation.
“Just think, sisters, in a matter of hours we shall be the toast of London society,” Eliza murmurs, gazing out the window as the countryside rolls by.
Henrietta nods, looking out as well. “I can hardly believe it. It all seems so surreal.” I chime in.
As the carriage rumbles on, we pass the time by discussing the latest fashions, gossiping about the eligible bachelors we might encounter, and rehearsing our introductions. I listen raptly, committing every detail to memory. Our brothers in the other carriage must be bored as I am though.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the familiar spires of London come into view, and I feel a thrill of anticipation. We’ve arrived. Our townhouse is a vision of elegance, its pristine facade and well-tended gardens a testament to our family’s refined taste and wealth. As the carriage pulls up to the front steps, I can see our aunt, Lady Prudence and our uncle Lord Alaric, waiting to greet us, their expressions of excitement.
“About time you all arrived!” Lady Prudence exclaims, sweeping forward to embrace her nieces and nephews. “We’ve been waiting for you all morning to see your pretty and handsome faces.”
Our mother laughs, accepting the embrace with her usual grace. “Forgive us, Sister. The journey was simply interminable.”
“Hmph, I’m sure it was,” Aunt Prudence replies, her eyes twinkling. “Well, no matter. You’re here now, and that’s what counts.” She turns her attention to me, her expression softening. “And look at you, my dear! You grow more lovely every year. London is going to adore you, I’m sure of it.”
I feel my cheeks warm at the compliment. “Thank you, Aunt Prudence. I do hope I’ll make a good impression.”
“Nonsense, child,” she says dismissively. She loops her arms with my mother’s and begins leading all of us up the steps. “Now, come along. We’ve much to do to prepare you all for tomorrow!” as soon as she says it, Archie is chasing his twins Georgia and Winifred through the foyer as our uncle, father and elder brothers talk amongst themselves.
~~~~!!~~~~
Our Uncle and Aunt’s household is a flurry of activity as we prepare for Henrietta’s big moment. Today, she will be presented to the Queen as a potential Diamond of the Season, and the pressure is palpable.
I watch as my younger sister stands before the full-length mirror, her gown cascading in elegant folds around her frame. Her curls have been artfully pinned atop her head, and the delicate feather perched atop it.
“Oh Hattie, you look absolutely divine,” Emmaline breathes, clasping her hands together in delight. “The Queen is sure to be captivated.” she’s come here to celebrate with us. Already being a Diamond of the Season a few seasons before, she’s found her husband and has three children. She’s the only person in our family to have been chosen and although none of us would say it, it gives us much more hope that Henrietta will be chosen if the Queen and suitors alike remember Emmaline’s once popular reputation.
Henrietta’s lips curve into a pleased smile. “Thank you, Emmy. I do hope I make a good impression.” Her gaze flickers to me. “What do you think, Birdie? Does it all meet with your approval?”
I nod emphatically. “Truly, you look stunning, Hattie. I daresay…you’ll be the belle of the ball along with Emmy.”
Henrietta’s shoulders visibly relax, and she reaches out to give my hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m so grateful to have you all by my side today. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Eliza, who has been quietly observing from the corner, steps forward. “We’re with you every step of the way, Hattie.”
We share a tender moment, our love and support for one another palpable in the air. But the tranquility is soon shattered by the voice of our mother echoing up the stairs. “Eudora, dearest! I need you to run an errand for me with your brother!”
I grimace apologetically. “Duty calls, I’m afraid. Wish me luck.” With a final reassuring smile at my sisters, I hurry down the stairs, smoothing my hands over the pale blue muslin of my dress as I go. I find my mother in the foyer, a look of harried concern on her face.
“There you are! I need you to run to the modiste and pick up Henrietta’s spare gown. You know how particular Madame DeLacroix is about ensuring everything is perfect.”
“Of course, Mama,” I reply dutifully. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Don’t forget me!” I hear the sound of my brother, Laurie’s voice as he bounds down the stairs to where I am. As we step out into the crisp air, bustling down the Strand, I was grateful to have Laurie with me as I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice the imposing figure of Lady Danbury until I almost collided with the formidable woman if it wasn’t for Laurie pulling me out of her way.
I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy for my sisters. They’re all so poised and elegant, whereas I often feel a bit like the awkward duckling of the family. “Oh! Forgive me, my lady, I-”
“Yes, forgive us my sister was-”
Lady Danbury raises a hand, cutting off our flustered apologies. “Miss Hawthorne and Mr Hawthorne! What a delightful surprise.”
I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment and I go to speak but Laurie does it before me. “Lady Danbury, I’m so sorry. My sister was in quite a hurry and-”
“No need to apologize, my dear, especially not for your sister as I’m sure she could have done it herself.” Danbury interrupts, her keen eyes appraising me with obvious interest. “In fact, I’m glad you’ve bumped into me. I was just thinking of your family.”
Laurie and I both blink in surprise, looking at one another before I answer with, “You were, my lady?”
Lady Danbury nods. “Indeed. I heard whispers that your sister Henrietta is to be presented to the Queen today, in the hopes of being named Diamond of the Season, amongst the hopes of other young ladies.”
I feel a flicker of pride. “Yes, my lady. Henrietta is ever so excited, and we’re all so proud of her.”
“As you should be,” Lady Danbury replies, a rare smile gracing her severe features. “Henrietta is a true beauty, and I’ve no doubt she’ll captivate the ton.” Her gaze shifts to me. “And what of you, my dear? Will you and your other sisters be looking for matches as well?”
“Oh, ye-yes of course,” I stammer, suddenly aware of my own relative insignificance compared to my stunning sister. I suppose it will depend on how Henrietta fares today.”
Lady Danbury’s eyes twinkle with amusement. “Well, in that case, I should like to extend an invitation to you and your sisters, and brothers, to attend my ball tomorrow evening. It would be a wonderful opportunity for you all to find suitable matches.”
My eyes widen in surprise and so do Laurie’s. “Lady Danbury, that is most kind of you. I’m sure our family would be delighted to attend.” Laurie speaks.
“Excellent,” Lady Danbury declares. “I shall look forward to seeing you all there.” With a nod of her head, the formidable woman sweeps past us, leaving Laurie and I feeling both flustered and elated.
“Did that truly just happen? Lady Danbury inviting us face to face to her ball?” I ask Laurie. “We have to tell mother!” Laurie agrees, nodding his head as I remember we need to hurry along to the modiste to grab Henrietta’s dress.