Invisible Strings | Anthony Bridgerton

two

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"Celestia!" Catherine shouted from the bottom of the staircase. "It's time to go!"

Celestia let out a breath of air, closing her eyes to take a deep breath, clearly nervous. She turned to the stairway, holding her lavender dress skirt in one hand as she descended the steps. Truly representing her family prolifically. She had tears of golden rose woven through her long, wavy blonde hair and a small golden rose necklace resting upon her collarbone.

As she reached her parents at the bottom of the stairs, she realised how truly lucky she was to have such perfect people raise her.

"You look perfect, my sweet girl." Catherine held a hand to her heart, taking in her daughter's appearance, she had never looked as beautiful as she did in that moment.

"You truly do." William nodded, a clear smile on his face, he held his arm out to both the women, escorting them to the Bennett carriage outside of their residence.

"I do feel quite nervous." Celestia chuckled, holding a hand to her stomach as she felt a flutter.

"We wanted to speak to you before we arrived at Lady Danbury's ball." William told her. "I just wanted to remind you of how cutthroat the ton can be, as soon as you make yourself known to them, they will stop at nothing with the comments and jealousy"

"If you find yourself a man of high status, don't be surprised if you get a lot of disgruntled looks from some of the girls mamas." Celestias mother added in.  "Just remember to always be kind, no matter if they aren't to you."

"I will remember that, mama." Celestia smiled, nothing more being said. She looked out the window at the carriages around them, realising that she was soon to be presented to society.

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"Lord and Lady Bennett! I am so delighted to see you again." Lady Danbury greeted the family as they entered the venue which sparkled with the glass that hung from the ivy that surrounded them, and the music that filled the room as well as the sweet smell of flowers. "I have been awaiting your arrival, I am most intrigued to see your daughter again after so many years, I understand this is be her very first season."

"Of course." Lady Bennett grinned, sending a warm smile to the older lady as she moved to the side so her daughter could step forward. "I'm sure you remember this to be Celestia."

"It's a pleasure to meet you again, Lady Danbury, I believe I was to be quite young since our last meeting." Celestia said with a small curtsey.

"Miss Bennett, you have grew up beautiful indeed." Lady Danbury nodded, taking in the blondes appearance.

Lady Danbury had remembered the Bennett family from years ago when they once visited the ton, having family who are no longer here, in the area. The older woman had always been fond of Celestia when she was younger, finding her wise beyond her years, and clever enough to please anyone. Lady Danbury was always the one to find the diamond before the Queen herself and she was most certain it was the lady stood in front of her now. Once she set her eyes on the fully blossomed Celestia, she was sure the season had found its diamond.

"Would you mind if I were to walk her through the hall?" Lady Danbury asked the elder Bennett's, to which they curtly nodded, going off to interact with other members of the ton. "I believe you were absent at the presentation yesterday?" Lady Danbury said, hooking her arm in Celestias as they walked around the ball.