It is difficult for any young lady to enter the upcoming social season, but for Amelia Everdale who detests the idea of it, it may be more difficult than she previously thought. One Anthony Bridgerton will not make it easy for her.
Anthony Bridgerto...
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The Everdale's, much like any family that resides on Grosvenor Square with a daughter entering the upcoming social season, were in disarray. Large amounts of shouting could be heard from far across the household, servants were running to and fro. Though the loudest shouting could be heard from a Miss Amelia Everdale.
"I can hardly breathe Mama!" Amelia exclaimed, her personal maid Anna tightening her undergarments.
"Now, now, my dear. This will all be over soon. You will look absolutely beautiful in your gown," the Viscountess Everdale stated very matter-of-factly.
Ever since Amelia was young, she dreaded the day she was to enter into high society. She would much rather be attending to her hobbies than preparing for and attending balls. Not to mention the idea of conversing with multiple suitors simply exhausted her.
Across the large mansion, hidden away in his study, was the current head of the household – Lord Everdale, Amelia's older brother. His head raised from his work as he heard stomping approach his door. With a sigh, he stands – but before he can reach the door it slams open.
"I can not endure this much longer Samuel. Kill me now! It would be a mercy kill," Amelia states while swiftly shutting the door. She was finally in her dress, hair nearly ready, but her face clearly showed her displeasure at the upcoming event.
"Amelia! Come out at once!"
With a snort, Samuel walked around his desk to stand in front of his younger sister. "You can't hide from her forever sister. She has the nose of a bloodhound, you know." And just like that, their mother came bursting into the room and dragging Amelia off to meet Her Majesty the Queen.
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Amelia truly felt like she may be sick at the moment. "I am not prepared for this. I'm going to make a fool of myself," she whispered to her mother. Her mother just tsk'd her and continued to fix her headpiece.
While waiting to be presented to the Queen, Amelia ran into her dear friend Daphne. Amelia was able to have small talk with most of the girls she was forced to be around, but Daphne Bridgerton was one of her only true friends.
"Oh, you look absolutely gorgeous Daph," Amelia said, a bright grin upon her face at the sight of her friend. Her first genuine smile of the day for her dear friend.
"You look positively gorgeous yourself Amelia," Daphne replied, with her usual radiant smile. They quickly embraced each other before stepping back, lest they mess with their hair and gowns.
"I must say I don't feel gorgeous. I'd much rather be home right now than here," Amelia said with a huff, realizing her time was soon approaching to present herself.
"Oh, nonsense. You will do amazing out there. I just know it," Daphne said, before she was swiftly ushered off by her mother to prepare.
All around Amelia were young daughters and their Mama's fussing about. Amelia was thankful that hers finally understood to give her some breathing space. She watched as the Featheringtons were presented to the Queen, and Amelia couldn't help but wince at what she witnessed. "Poor girls," she whispered to her mother.
Watching Daphne did nothing to help with her nerves. She looked flawless and radiated confidence. "Miss Daphne Bridgerton, presented by her mother, the Right Honorable, the Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton." Amelia was not surprised at all to see the Queen acknowledge her beauty, "Flawless, my dear."
Then, it was her turn. With a deep breath, Amelia stepped towards the door. "Do not worry my dear, you look amazing," her mother whispered right before the doors were pulled open.
"Miss Amelia Everdale, presented by her mother, the Right Honorable, the Dowager Viscountess Everdale."
Upon that, Amelia started walking forward. She tried her best to keep her eyes forward, but she couldn't help but glance to the sides. There she saw her brother Samuel, he gave her a small smile and a nod. Her eyes trailed along with the mass of people watching her, locking onto Anthony Bridgerton. His face was almost unreadable to her, but she could have sworn she read the initial look of surprise upon his face when she first stepped into the room. With a quick lick of his lips upon making eye contact with her, he smiled at her and gave a quick nod.
She quickly looked back towards the Queen. She halted in the middle of the room and bowed. The silence of the room was almost deafening to her. Amelia, who didn't care much for any social events, couldn't help but feel fearful at how the others were perceiving her right now.
That was until she heard the Queen take a step. And another. Until she was holding her chin up, like she did Daphne's. "Gorgeous," she simply stated, before giving Amelia a kiss upon her forehead and walking away.
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But as we know, the brighter a lady shines, the faster she may burn.
