Coal Among Diamonds │Benedict Bridgerton

Chapter Two: A Spot of Orange Paint

As the morning sunlight illuminated the room, it fell on Franny, who was already on her feet, with a brush in her hand filling the once white canvas with varying shades of orange and yellow. Completely immersed in the process, she lost her sense of time and place as she focused only on capturing the sunrise and missed the knocking at the door.

"We must get you ready for the opening ball at the Danbury house, after all, that is the most sought-after event of all," Mrs. Granville chattered as she walked into the room. Realising what Franny was up to, she stood behind her, watching her in silence.

"You have made excellent progress my dear. You must show this to Mr. Granville, he will be delighted to see that you took upon advice."

"Certainly so. Nevertheless, I shall start practising portraits soon."

"Should you finish your painting, and clean-up, come down to break fast with us. Then we will pay a visit to the modiste, it is high time for a new dress. A dress, in which you are not allowed to paint," on her way out, Mrs. Granville squinted at the spots of orange paint on her nightgown.

"A completely useless dress, then, I shall have," Franny muttered, as she finished the final touches.

 ✦

"Now remember Frances," Franny knew that she was about to receive a scolding. Her uncle rarely called her anything but dearest niece, or Franny, except when she was in trouble. In trouble, indeed she was, after last night's memorable introduction.

"This ball is a chance for you to make up for your rather... unruly debut. Whilst we share your concerns about marriage, our reputation is on the line."

"I understand, Uncle. And I apologise once more, it was not my intention to cause damage to the Granville reputation. You have been nothing but kind and supportive of me, and I am grateful for that," Franny replied with genuine regret.

"One could argue that there is not much of a reputation to be damaged," Mrs. Granville muttered, exchanging their characteristic, knowing look with her husband. "Nonetheless, you promise not to offend any of the high esteemed members of the ton, don't you, Frances?"

"Not even ambitious mamas?"

"Especially not ambitious mamas."

"This evening shall hold no fun for me then."

Mr. and Mrs. Granville sighed.

 ✦

As Franny entered Danbury Hall, arms locked with her uncle and aunt, she was captivated by the buzzing atmosphere, the crystal chandeliers glistening, the low murmur and laughter filling the room. Naturally, the spectacle of the evening was the impeccably dressed lords and ladies in sparkling dresses dancing to the vibrant rhythm of the violin. Whilst she disapproved of the lavish lifestyle the ton pursued, she was not impartial to beauty, on the contrary, as an artist, she was drawn to it, constantly on guard for new material to be captured, painted, immortalised. Speaking of immortality, muttering in excitement, the crowd gave way to new arrivals.

Franny's eyes, as everyone else's in the room, immediately fell on Daphne Bridgerton, the diamond of the first water, the season's incomparable. She couldn't help but feel jealousy rising in her. Whilst she was slender, with long, blonde hair that never seemed to behave as expected, she believed her appearance to be under par. The corset had almost nothing to elevate, she found her nose too long, her face too round, with almost no cheekbones which were particularly fashionable nowadays. She always felt inferior in the company of young ladies who radiated confidence and effortless beauty. Franny held that her value should not be measured by her appearance, yet she couldn't help but feel insecure. She was well-educated, as educated as a lady could be, observant and quick-witted, and on her better days, she could be endearing and amiable. Nevertheless, despite everything, she desperately longed to be glamourous and careless, to fit perfectly in, even for a day. Daphne Bridgerton embodied everything lacked: she was graceful, magnificent, with a polite countenance and impeccable manners, and, of course, a wish to be married. Daphne's flawlessness made her painfully aware of her own imperfections.