Dearest gentle reader
Last night not only the ton but the entire London saw an excellent display of fireworks as Countess Katharine Beaumont descended on this ton like an angel from the sky and what a grand entry it was. It was noted that many families tried to make their acquaintance but those she chose were Our Queen, Countess Danbury ( Not that it's much surprising to be acquainted with these powerful women ) She was even seen having delightful conversations with our two newest Debutante Ms. Eloise Bridgerton and our new diamond Ms. Edwina Sheffield. She was even seen sparing a few words with none other than Portia Featheringtion but I think that is mainly because she is new and trying to be a good hostess.
What was indeed surprising and maybe the highlight of the ball was when she took the dance floor with none other than Viscount Bridgerton. Could it be possible that our capital R.Rake has managed to charm the new Countess? Could it be the start of a beautiful courtship?
Rest assured I will be the first one to inform you.
Yours truly Lady Whitsledown.
Kate was scanning the crowd inquisitively, searching for a man who has ruined her life.
"Where is Earl Sheffield?" She inquires Jacopo, her most trusted and loyal friend.
He leaned forward as he whispered. "I believe Earl is still in Somerset with his Daughter but his wife and granddaughter are here in attendance." He then discreetly pointed towards fountain.
Kate eyes watered as they fell on young beautiful girl around eighteen years of age, dressed in pink gown.
"She is so grown up!" Last time she has saw her she was three years old.
"Control your emotions Kathani, we are not alone." Jacopo warned her and sure enough she watched haughty face of Lady Sheffield hovering around Edwina. "Make sure I get alone time with her without that old hag presence around her."
Jacopo nodded his head at her command and left while Kate was spotted by Queen and Lady Danbury as they approach her.
"What a spectacular ball you have given us Countess!" Queen praised impressively. "I must say this night has raised bar for upcoming balls, isn't it? Lady Danbury."
Lady Danbury who was assessing Countess like an interesting puzzle gave an amusing smile. "Indeed you are right your Majesty, after night like this the Countess has set quite a competition among the ton. Even if she took the honours of holding first ball which was always mine."
Kate pretend to appear remorseful even when they knew she is not. "Apologise Countess but it was not my intention to outshine anyone. I just wanted to be introduced on my turf but rest assured I will be enjoying rest of the season as part of this lovely ton."
It seem she has managed to won over both powerful ladies who gave her genuine smile. "In that case allow us to invite you in our respective balls." Queen snaps her fingers and present invitations to Kate.
"Also you were right Countess gems suits me more than diamonds." With these words Queen left both Countess.
"Welcome to the ton Countess Katherine. I hope we get even better acquainted this season." With tap of her cane Lady Danbury left her and Kathani has feeling that these women will help her in long run.
Penelope was alone near the refreshment table listening to gossip and getting as much information about Countess yet so far she couldn't get any valid truth. So far she can only find out that Countess Katherine is Widow of an old Count who used to live in an old country house in France while his younger step brother handle his business in Paris.
Sadly old Count died without any heirs and when widowed Katherine arrived in Paris the Count brother died in fire.
"Luckily Old count has left quite riches to his young wife so she can start a new life." She heard her mother gossiping this with Lady Cowper after hearing these details from Lady Cho whom must have heard from someone else.
Before she can here more she saw Eloise and Colin Bridgerton making their way towards her.
"Good evening Pen, enjoying the refreshments." She blushed as Colin took eclairs from her plate.
Meanwhile Eloise rolled her eyes at her brother's behaviour.
"I swear he lives for only food and travel but enough about him, what do you think about Countess?"
Penelope stared at the pair in amusement before responding. "I have yet to make her acquaintance but I saw her earlier with my Mama and she invited our families for tea tomorrow."
It was indeed the most intriguing part of this night and Penelope was sure her mama was swooning for receiving personal invite from Countess herself.
"Then you have to tell me everything that will happen at tea." Eloise urged but before Penelope could reply they were rudely disturbed by Colin. "Stop with interrogation El! Come Pen let's dance the next set."
He then lead Penelope to the dance floor leaving disgruntled Eloise behind.
Eloise searched for her family before finding corner and taking out new pamphlet about women rights.
"Ms. Bridgerton , can I join you?" A voice startled Eloise as she saw Edwina Sheffield approaching her nervously.
"Good evening Ms. Sheffield, I was just reading this to pass some time.
She smiled with understanding. "I understand completely. You see I myself has escaped from my grandmother's prying eyes for some respite. Oh I can't wait to be back in my room where new Austen novel is waiting for me."
Eloise found kinship with this girl. "I understand your longing, even my books are waiting for me in my room."
"Or you both can explore my vast collections of book in this Mansions Library."
Both girls stood up and curtsied as Countess smile at them.
"It's great to know that there is someone in this ton who held as much love for books as myself."
To girls delight she held both their hands in friendly gesture. "You both our always welcome in my home to read at your hearts content. We could even from a book club for like minded ladies."
Edwina eyes was filled with joy as she found such a kind hearted person opening her home for her passion. "Thank you so much Countess!"
"Please call me Kate." Countess implored and at that both girls beamed. "Then you should call me Eloise."
"And I am Edwina."
"Nice to make your acquaintance Eloise, Edwina. Now come let me give you a tour of my grand Library."
With that three ladies went inside while Lady Sheffield is lost in the maze thanks to Jacopo giving her wrong directions.
Anthony was searching for Countess but she has an ability to disappear just when he was close to reach her.
He was still pleasantly surprised that his mysterious rider was not his imagination but the most stunning lady he yet to get introduced.
He even begged his mother for introduction but it's seem Countess is popular in demand and it was quite impossible to reach her.
Feeling resigned he watched the dances while hoping to get one dance with their hostess.
"Bridgerton!" He watched as Lord Fife and Lord Cho approached him. "Gentlemen." He tilted his head in greetings.
"You are not on the dance floor?" Fife inquires while staring at debutantes. "We thought this year Viscount is in search for Bride."
Anthony grimaced remembering what he endured since making his decision for marriage this season. "I don't think young debutant near my sister's age will be suitable for me ."
Both guys looked surprised by his statement. "Why Bridgerton? Haven't you heard, the younger fields give splendid crops."
"Don't be so crude Cho! I just cant imagine these young girls take mallet of Viscountess let alone be my wife and mother of my children ."
"Oh come off it! If I were you I will choose the prettiest chit and wed, bed and bread her so I can enjoy most pleasurable pursuits ."
Before he could even rely they heard the sharp voice. "Gentlemen please explain me what makes you think any dignify women will accept your suite?!"
All three of man turned to face her in surprised as Countess waiting for her answer.
She looks extremely calm but her eyes were filled with rage as she step forward. "Well? Are the young ladies of London have such low expectations that they would tolerate you lot as their husbands!? She glared at Fife and Cho making Anthony sigh in relief that he didn't run his mouth in this conversation otherwise he would be facin a similar scolding.
"Apologies Countess we didn't mean any offense. " Cho stammered but he was cut off as she raised her hand. "Enough, leave at once you both, or I will make sure you both will be incapable of wed, bed, and bred any woman in future.
Anthony choked back his laughter as both Cho and Fife ran away with their tails between their legs.
"I hope they won't cross my path again. " Countess murmured before f inally acknowledging him. "Pardon me, my Lord I forgot my manners, I am Countess Katherine Beaumont."
Finally getting his chance to be introduced Anthony kissed her gloved hand before introducing himself. " A pleasure to meet you, my Lady, I am Viscount Anthony Bridgerton."
He may be mistaken but as soon he said his name she gasps as her eyes widened in surprise
Flashback Eighteen Years Ago!
Anthony and Benedict were running around in the Palace gardens with other children.
The King and Queen held a special luncheon for the entire ton to celebrate their Wedding anniversary.
A while later kids decided to play hide and seek Anthony find per the perfect spot for him and his brother to hide.
" Come, brother! Let's hide In the greenhouse. "
Both Ran excitedly towards their hiding place.
once inside they saw many different kinds of plants and flowers they have never seen before, Not even In their mother's gardens.
Anthony then saw some lilacs nearby. "Ben look! Those are flowers mother likes very much."
Both boys rushed forward to pick some flowers but then a voice stopped them. "Don't!"
Benedict flinched while Anthony stood bravely in front of his brother. "Who is it?!"
Amongst Tulips rise a girl of eight years of age. She has long curly black hair bound in a braid and she was wearing a lilac color dress.
"It's not nice to break Flowers, it hurts them." The girl told them her accent is quite different from other ton members.
"I just wanted some flowers for my mother," Anthony explained.
"We didn't mean to hurt them." Benedict says in small voice.
They watched as the girl scrunched her face and then beamed at them. "Just wait for a moment."
She left and then appear with small empty pot. Both brothers watched as she dug in were
Lilacs were growing. She then skilfully dug out some flowers with their roots and neatly placed them in her small pot.
Once she finished she held out plotted lilac pot towards them. "Here you go, you can gave these to your mother so she can plant some in her gardens. This way they won't hurt and blossom more flowers."
Anthony smiled gratefully at her. "Thank you Ms? Oh we didn't introduce ourselves. I am Anthony Bridgerton and this is my brother Benedict."
Both boys bowed in courtesy making her giggle as she greeted them like a lady. "Nice to meet you, I am Kathani Sharma."
She held out her hand and Anthony remembering his father's teaching took her palm and kissing her wrist. "It's lovely to meet you Ms Kathani Sharma."
End of Flashback
" Countess? Countess?"
Kate blinked as she stared
at her old friend. It took great strength as she composed herself.
"Apologise My Lord, I just remembered we had seen each other before."
"Ah! Our race earlier this morning."
Anthony smirked at their secret but Countess just laughed. "You called that a race, I don't even remember you tried to win it."
At this, he narrowed his eyes. "That's because we didn't decide on the finish line."
He watched her eyes assessing him and then she held out her hand. "Dance with me lord Bridgerton and if I am impressed, I will race with you again."
She can see by his shocked expression that he wasn't expecting this outcome.
"Ladies don't ask for a dance." He informed her but still took her offered hand and then gulped as she stepped even closer and whispered in his ears. "I am not like any lady you have met before."
Violet Bridgerton was enjoying wine with Lady Danbury and Queen when they hear a murmur. "What is going on?!" Queen inquire and soon enough they found out as they saw Viscount Bridgerton and Countess Katherine take the dance floor.
All three ladies can hear sigh from the other ladies as they both began dancing in harmony, lost in each other eyes completely oblivious to the magic they are creating on the dancefloor.
"My, My Lady Bridgerton, it seems our Countess has enchanted your son." Lady Danbury mused and the queen agreed. "They do make a handsome couple, I believe this season has found its greatest match."
But as Violet watched her son's face lit with joy she knew it was much more then that.
" I think we have a true love match in the making."
Sure enough, these three experienced ladies can feel the love blossoming between them.
At the same time in Somerset!
A woman was tied to her bed in chains as she trashed and scream at the man in front of her. "Murderer! Monster!"
The man then signal and maid quickly burned something before holding her breath as she made that women enhale the smoke.
They watched that soon woman's scream dies down as she fell in peaceful slumber.
"Double her doze, I don't want my daughter to gain her awareness again." With that Earl Sheffield left without a backward glance as Mary Sheffield slipped in her previous cationic state.