Author's Note: Just a disclaimer, I'm not really well-versed with courtesy titles so there is a chance that I have used the wrong titles when being addressed or referred to. So, if you find mistakes about it, I apologize. I'm willing to learn. Enjoy!
The Diamond and the Irish
Chapter 2: The Diamond of the Queen
"Rose, please explain why I have to wear such a tight corset?" Peggy suddenly gasped and held tightly at her bedpost when Rose pulled on the lace on her corset.
"I believe Lady Carter has this idea of you…" Rose grunts as she pulls again, making Peggy groan, "Wearing the white dress, showing your tiny waist, wide hips, and voluptuous bosom,"
"Oh, God!" Peggy's breath hitches at the last tug.
Rose then exhaled deeply before standing up straight. She then taps on Peggy's tiny waist, signaling the end of the task. "Apologies, madam,"
"Don't apologize, Ms. Roberts, what she's wearing is necessary," Amanda Carter suddenly spoke, making everyone in Peggy's room a little surprised, "Margaret the reason for you to wear the corset tighter than usual is because you need to stand out among the other young ladies,"
Peggy couldn't help but roll her eyes as she slowly stood up straight, "Mother, why on earth would I want to stand out among other women?"
"Because you need to become the diamond of the Queen, of course," Amanda then gave a big smile to the brunette, "Now, now, practice that smile of yours,"
Peggy groans, "No," she then shakes her head as she turns away from her mother, "I don't want to be the Queen's diamond, I don't even want to partake in this social season. I don't even understand the logic of debuting to society, for what? To be eligible to get married?" she then grunts.
Amanda sighs exasperatedly at her daughter's whining. "Regardless of what you want, you are a debutante, and you are eligible for marriage now. It is respectful to the Queen to present yourself to her before you start partaking in the social season,"
"Don't I have a say in this?" Peggy counters, turning around to look at her mother, with her hands on her hips.
"No, you don't," Amanda frankly replies before she turns away and then points her fan to a servant before leaving, "Get her dressed, she needs to be done in an hour."
"Yes, Lady Carter," all the handmaids in the room chimed before beginning their work.
Peggy sighed in defeat as Rose looked at her apologetically before starting her task as well.
As Harrison and Amanda Carter stood by the foot of the stairs, waiting for their daughter to come down, Michael suddenly appeared from the back to greet them. He had a cheeky smile as if knowing he was going to be scolded for being late and yet didn't care about it.
"Where have you been, Michael? You do know how important this day is for your sister," Amanda comments as soon as her son stands at the other side of the stairs.
Michael chuckles at his mother's frustrated look, "Is it really? Or maybe it's yours?"
"Michael," his father warned with a raised brow.
"Apologies mother," Michael quickly says, bowing his head to his parents, "I'm just teasing you as I noticed how worried you are for Peggy,"
"It's Margaret," Amanda reminded before she started fanning herself, "The name Peggy remains here at home. Outside, she is Margaret. She needs to appear and be perceived as a high noblewoman,"
"Aiming for her to be the Queen's Diamond of the First Water?" Michael questions, earning a proud nod from his mother. Seeing her response made him feel a little pity for his sister. He could only hope she overcame this challenge for her.
"Michael, the first season is about to begin," Harrison suddenly interjects, eyeing his son for a reaction, "Any thoughts about what you plan to do?"
"Not really, father. Although, I have become interested in the idea of the British Militia," Michael pursed his lips at his father's unwavering gaze, but with his mother's gleeful gasp, all of their attention broke.
"Oh, Margaret, you are such a stunning debutante," Amanda uttered as she stared at her daughter at the top of the stairs.
Slowly, Peggy descends the steps. She wore a pristine white sweetheart-shaped dress that ended an inch away from the floor. Her dress was wrapped in a beautiful floral lace that hugged her waist and then opened down to the floor, becoming her gown's trail. Her puff sleeves were made of organza, an expensive fabric at that time, making her look elegant even more. She finished her look with pearl white silk opera gloves and a pearl headdress that had little white crystals scattered around.
"You are such a beauty, my dear," Harrison compliments as he cups the cheek of her daughter, who shyly smiles back at him.
"Thank you, father. It wasn't easy to get this look after all," Peggy replies, earning a snort from her brother, who was later on scolded by their mother.
"Dear, all of it is worth it. You will be the Queen's diamond for sure," Amanda gleefully cups her daughter's cheek too before looking back at her husband, "Am I right, Harrison?"
"She will always be a diamond for me," Harrison then winks at her daughter, who chuckles at his tease. But Amanda just rolled her eyes.
"Please, Mother, just promise me," Peggy then grasps her mother's hand, "You won't make any side comments if I'm not named as the Queen's diamond. After all, it's not just about beauty, I guess. It's about etiquette and—"
"And she lacks it," Michael cuts off, making Amanda scowl and scold at him.
Peggy sniggers at the red face of her mother, "Well, he isn't wrong,"
"Margaret!" Amanda exclaims, making Harrison a little worried and pulling his wife away from their children.
"All right, you two, stop taunting your mother, and let's go," He then pulled Amanda towards the door.
Michael and Peggy then snigger at their fuming mother, who is whining to their father about their mischievousness and their lack of etiquette.
"So, you are doing this social season? Taking part and all?" Michael whispered as he offered his arm to his sister, who then looped her arm to his.
"Well, if you ask me, I'm not really interested in taking part in any of this," Peggy whispered back as they began to head out. "Besides, I don't dream of being the Queen's diamond. Lady Whistledown will just scrutinize me,"
"Well, you will get her attention," Michael then glimpses at his sister's scrunched look, "I mean, how will the infamous writer know everything about the happenings in the social season if she isn't part of it too?"
"Are you saying, Lady Whistledown is just among us? An actual participant?" Peggy's eyes beamed in hope.
"It's plausible reasoning," Michael then grins when he sees the determined look of his sister.
"Well, then, that gives me a reason to take part," Peggy smirks to herself, "I shall get Lady Whistledown's attention and make sure she hears me out."
The waiting room was crowded with young ladies and their mothers, prepping them as they waited for their names to be called. Amanda Carter patiently attended to her frowning daughter, fixing the feather on her head.
"Frowning like that will make you have sad lines on the corners of your lips," Amanda then puts down her hand to stare hard at her daughter, "You should practice your smile,"
"Mother," Peggy sternly calls, "Wearing this tight corset, having a feather on my head does not really seem to be a fun thing for me. So, forgive me if I can't smile for you right now,"
Amanda couldn't help but roll her eyes, "Oh fine. But just make sure that once that door opens for you, you will put the brightest smile you could ever have," Peggy just grunts in reply.
Suddenly a pair stands before the door and they can hear the herald announce, "Miss Dottie Underwood! Presented by her mother, Lady Underwood."
Peggy glances at the young blonde, who stands tall and has a mischievous smile. The woman then gave a side glimpse at her, making the woman look even more tricksy and Peggy couldn't help but raise a curious brow. The door then opened and the pair walked out to the hall.
As the door closed once more, Peggy let out a nervous breath, "How long is this thing?" she complained, turning away from her mother.
"Just a few more ladies and then it's your turn," Amanda then looked around and noticed a familiar face, "Oh, look, the Martinellis are here,"
Peggy turned and looked at the direction her mother pointed. She then spots her friend, "Angie!" she calls.
The blonde quickly turns and gasps at her sight, "Peggy!" she then walks up to her friend with her mother in tow, "You are gorgeous!"
Peggy scoffs, hiding her timidity of the compliment, "Have you seen yourself? You look so elegant and poise,"
Angie laughs, "Well, if you stand straighter, and chin up, you'll look as poise as me," she said as she straightened Peggy's shoulders and lifted her chin.
"Oh, I have been telling her to do just that," Amanda comments, looking at the young blonde and then to her mother, "Angela has blossomed well, Lady Martinelli,"
"Oh, thank you, Lady Carter. I'm just glad to see my daughter well-prepared for this season. Margaret seems to be ready too,"
"How I wish that was true," Amanda then glances at her daughter, whom she catches rolling her eyes.
They hear the herald again, "Miss Lorraine Smith! Presented by her sponsor, Lady Davis."
"Angela, you're next to her, come along," Lady Martinelli then looked at Amanda, "We'll go ahead, Lady Carter."
And with that, the mother and daughter were then left on their own again. Peggy was ready to hear another reminder from her mother as soon as the Martinellis were out of earshot. When suddenly, Amanda made an interested hum.
"What is it?" Peggy inquired, looking at where her mother was paying attention. She then sees the Barnes family, whom her mother wasn't exactly fond of but has kept on her radar for reasons she wasn't sure.
"I didn't realize that Eliza is debuting too," Peggy smiled to herself before she raised her hand to capture the young lady's attention. But before she could call her, Amanda grabbed her wrist and forced it down, "What's wrong?" she asked.
"Don't call them," Amanda then turned away from the Barnes and focused her eyes on her daughter, "You're after her. She's a beautiful lady, but I need you to stand out. Got it?"
Peggy quirks an eyebrow, "Not really, no…" Amanda just sighed.
"Miss Angela Martinelli! Presented by her mother, Lady Martinelli."
A few minutes later the herald announces again, "The Honorable Miss Eliza Bea Barnes! Presented by her mother, the Right Honorable, The Lady Barnes."
As soon as the door closed, Amanda urged Peggy to walk forward before the door and excitedly stood behind her.
"All right now, Margaret put on your best smile, and don't walk too fast. Be mindful of your dress, walk with poise, chin up, and just breathe," Amanda then smiles widely at her, as if to encourage her daughter to do the same.
Peggy takes in her mother's advice, but she can't help but give a side remark as she tries to exhale, "Well, I'll try to breathe as much as this corset will allow,"
"Margaret—"
"The honorable Miss Margaret Elizabeth Carter! Presented by her mother, the Right Honorable, the Viscountess Carter!"
And with that the door swings open and Peggy holds her breath.
Queen Sonya grew up as a noblewoman from Northern Italy, Duchy of Parma. Before she was even crowned Queen of England, she had always been known to be a fierce and opinionated lady with the face of a loving angel. With her angelic look and soft smile, no one would immediately assume that she was a tough-minded person. She always seemed to be a bubbly person, with the amount of smiling and laughing she had to show to her people. But when it came to ruling the kingdom, she was not someone to fool with. She is known to have ironclad leadership.
However, when social season approaches, Queen Sonya likes to indulge herself in meeting new people; people who are not obnoxious and eager to question her authority. The social season was her time for mingling and socializing, searching for young ladies to inspire, and somehow help them find their life partner. After all, she had met her husband during a social season.
Finding the diamond for the first social season of the year is quite simple. Search for the young lady who embodies beauty, intelligence, benevolence, ingenuity, and determination. Many of the young ladies presented to Queen Sonya that morning have these characteristics. However, the ladies that stood before her seemed to have too much of one characteristic and less of the others, making them a little disproportionate to the diamond that the queen was looking for.
So, as the 199th lady stood before her, Queen Sonya couldn't help but sigh in tiredness as she watched the girl curtsey with poise, and yet stand nervously. The young miss had a beautiful face, held herself with grace, and had a charming smile. But she needed to know her sharpness about the world.
"Miss Eliza, tell me about yourself," Queen Sonya softly smiles as she tries to hide her boredom and tiredness.
"Your majesty," Eliza bowed her head before looking back at the queen, "I am fond of various crafts. My sisters and I love to do embroidery and even paint. I see myself doing these every day."
The queen hums disinterestedly. She thought about how common it was for girls to be committed to handy crafts, music, and books. There is nothing wrong about it, but she just wants to see a girl to think outside the box.
Queen Sonya smiled again at her, "That's nice to hear. Thank you," she then looked straight ahead and announced, "Proceed,"
The herald then clears his throat, "The honorable Miss Margaret Elizabeth Carter! Presented by her mother, the Right Honorable, the Viscountess Carter!"
The door then swiftly opens and guests inside the hall automatically turn their heads to glance at the last debutant to be presented. People softly gasp at the impeccable beauty of the young Carter, wearing her snowy white dress.
Margaret's eyes were wide in surprise, stunned at the sudden attention, making it more nerve-wracking to proceed. But then she schooled her face into calmness and smoothly began to walk with confidence in her posture and grace in her step.
Queen Sonya was piqued with renewed interest as she tilted her head and keenly watched the young lady walk up to her. She had this certain semblance of determination and tenderness that she didn't easily notice with others.
Margaret and her mother then curtseyed beautifully. Amanda couldn't help but proudly smile at her daughter's perfect posture.
"Miss Margaret, tell me something interesting about you," Queen Sonya stated as soon as the mother-daughter stood up. She quickly noticed the surprised look of the mother, who seemed worried for her daughter, but the young miss just confidently grinned as she bowed her head.
"Your Majesty, I am honored to tell you about myself," Margaret quickly glances at her mother, who seems to be mentally instructing her to say the right words, but she just shrugs it off and continues, "I am a seeker of knowledge. I may know how to sew, play piano, dance, and even sing, occasionally. However, I am not satiated by these activities. I tend to seek more, something that will nourish my mind, to learn about logic, science, and languages."
People quickly murmured at the back, making Amanda anxious as she had no means to interrupt. Speaking for her daughter would not give any better image to the Queen. So, she just grimaces to herself as she slowly curtseyed as if to compensate for the baffling words of her daughter.
Peggy could hear the mumbling of the guests and she felt a little angst as the Queen just stared at her with furrowed brows. Somehow, Peggy slowly loses confidence in her words as the mumbling continues to grow.
"Why do I hear people mumbling?" Queen Sonya suddenly uttered strictly, making everyone silent instantly. She then sighs and shakes her head, "Finally silence," she then looks at the young lady in front of her and smiles, "Thank you."
Peggy then curtseyed and walked back to stand among the other debutants. Soon enough, they were ushered to form one line and the Queen stood up and slowly approached them, giving a final glance before naming the diamond of the water.
As the Queen stood before them, each girl curtseyed until the queen passed them. When Queen Sonya stood in front of Peggy, the young miss quickly bowed her head and gracefully curtseyed. Until a soft hand gently touches her chin, making her look up to the queen with pure surprise.
Queen Sonya softly smiles at her, "You've done well…" She then trails off before she smiles even wider as she adds, "My diamond."
Peggy groans in annoyance as she peeks in her ajarred door. She could hear various voices in the drawing room, and servants were in and out serving snacks. Soon enough, Peggy sees Rose approach her bedroom door, making her yelp in a hurry to close the door and attach herself to her bedpost.
A resounding knock was then heard before Rose spoke, "Lady Margaret, you have callers waiting for you in the drawing room."
"Please tell them I am not feeling well—mum!" Peggy shrieks as her door bursts open and her mother marches towards her.
"Margaret, pull yourself together and get down to the drawing room as quickly as possible. You have tons of callers downstairs, wishing to talk to you," Amanda then placed her hands on her hips as she sternly looked at the brunette.
"Mother, I have no intention or desire to meet those lads downstairs," Peggy replies, making Amanda gawk in astonishment, "I don't want to accept callers," Peggy then stood confidently.
"Margaret," Amanda utters in her name in bafflement, "These gentlemen are respectfully and graciously waiting for you. Ever since the opening ball, they have wanted to officially meet you. I know that you have filled your dance card with fake names just so you could escape the dancing last night,"
Peggy snorts at the recollection, "Blame Michael for the idea,"
Amanda's eyes grew wide at the revelation. Suddenly she bellows her son's name and turns to see if the man has heard her. Hearing the urgent steps, Amanda knew her son was coming. She then turns her attention to her smirking daughter, "You, young lady, prepare yourself. You will meet your callers in a few minutes. Ms. Roberts—"
"Yes, Lady Carter?" Ms. Roberts answers.
"Help Margaret get dressed. She'll need to look as pristine as the day she was named the diamond," Amanda then turns away and closes the door.
Peggy just gawks at her mother before looking back at Rose with a pleading look, "Not the tight corset,"
Rose sheepishly smiles at her.
Walking together in the Grosvenor Square, Peggy and Angie walked aimlessly around. Their chaperons were at their back, looking around, and observed the gentlemen glancing at the two young ladies. But the young ladies themselves were too preoccupied to take notice of the attention they were getting.
"So, I heard, the Carter household held a lot of callers yesterday," Angie teased as she playfully bumped the brunette, "How was it?"
Peggy couldn't help but roll her eyes, "Oh, goodness, believe me, it was dreadful. I thought it would never end," she then shook her head "Who knew there were tons of gentlemen, eager to find a wife,"
Angie snorts at the comment, "Well, when the diamond is you, of course, they will be eager,"
Peggy grunts in reply, "I hate that," she then sighs, "I find it unnecessary to name a lady as the diamond of the first water as if only one lady would be the best. I mean, every debutant made an effort to be part of society. So, why name names?"
Angie laughed, "You have been reading too much of Lady Whistledown's pamphlets. The fact that she agreed that you are a perfect image of a diamond, tells us that it's necessary,"
"Although," Peggy suddenly points out with her finger, "She also believes that there is no need for such a title. Every debutant deserves to be named as a diamond, just like you," she then grinned when Angie gave her a shy look.
"Well, thank you," Angie gently nudges the brunette, "It's nice to hear from the diamond that I am worth to be named as a diamond too. But, among all the diamonds that we are, you are the brightest among us,"
Peggy heaved in displeasure, "Regardless, I don't like the attention,"
"Why? No eligible gentleman for you?" Angie and Peggy then stopped by a bench and sat down together, "I heard Mister Wells came yesterday, offering you the biggest bouquet in Mayfair,"
Peggy snorts at the memory, "Goodness, that bouquet can fill the whole house with flowers. It nearly drowned me,"
"Well, he certainly made an impression," Angie teased, "Aren't you interested?"
"No," Peggy shook her head as she chuckled, "I am not interested in looking for a husband—well not yet. What I want, is to find Lady Whistledown and have a decent conversation with her,"
"Oh, Peggy," Angie whines as she rolls her eyes, "Stop obsessing about Lady Whistledown. If you only know, she's looking for her husband too,"
"What if she's not?" Peggy smirks, "She's just looking around, observing, and then writes up what is wrong about this whole social season,"
"I doubt that." Angie shakes her head in disagreement before she suddenly turns quiet as she makes eye contact with a handsome gentleman. She slowly bows her head to him in acknowledgment then sees her mother walk up to the gentleman and Angie takes that as her cue to stand up as well, "For a moment, Pegs,"
"Sure, no worries," Peggy then smiles as she watches her friend walk up to the others and sees her being introduced to Lord Falsworth.
Seeing her friend being introduced to Lord Falsworth was an interesting interaction. She has known the gentleman from Michael. He was a decent man, and she thinks Angie would appreciate their interaction. Suddenly, her mind wanders to a memory of a man with whom she had a decent conversation with too. Despite the brief interaction, she knew that he was a conversationalist. She still remembers those beautiful ocean-blue eyes, soft-looking blonde hair, and his striking jaws.
Despite the dreadful idea of accepting callers yesterday, Peggy had wondered somehow if she'd see the Irish man at all, lining up to meet her again. If he did, she'd probably be surprised and delighted to have a more real conversation with him. But sadly, no such man ever arrived. But she wasn't going to feel disappointed about it. Instead, she'd rather put it behind her mind again.
"Stand up, Margaret," a stern voice snaps the brunette out of her thoughts. Peggy then stood up and saw her mother standing next to her, "Angela is promenading, you should too. As the Diamond, for sure tons of eligible gentlemen are around waiting to be introduced to you. Let's go,"
Peggy didn't make a snark remark, but she rolled her eyes as she followed her mother.
Lady Miriam Fry was one of those known baronesses who loved to sponsor a season ball. She always believed that this was the perfect opportunity for young ladies to meet their future husbands, hence the large invitation made in Mayfair. Tons of gentlemen arrived, and even more young ladies attended to finally find themselves a gentleman.
However, this was not the case for Peggy. Once again, as forced as she is, she finds herself standing by the entrance of the dance hall in Lady Fry's home. Accompanied this time by her brother and mother, Peggy stood stupefied at the number of guests dancing and mingling that night.
"There are tons of people here," Peggy mutters softly as she just observes the place.
"Yes, and unlike you, these young ladies wish to be introduced to find their fine husband," Michael then smirked when Peggy glared back at him.
"You do know well that this is not my kind of cup of tea," Peggy then looked away as she sighed in defeat, "I'm doing this so that I still have an ear after all that scolding from mother,"
Michael sniggers but then someone nudges him, making him stop. As he looked at his side, his mother was looking at him with daggers. He then sheepishly smiled at his mother before whispering to Peggy.
"Come on dear sister, let's turn her frown into a smile," Michael then stepped ahead to lead her sister. Peggy risked a glance at their mother and immediately agreed as she followed Michael into the crowd.
Standing beautifully by the corner, Peggy wished to catch her breath. Her dance card was nearly filled with actual names. Her mother made sure that names written were only those being introduced. But as she finds rest in the corner after a tedious dancing with Mister Thompson, she can't help but desire to hide somewhere in the estate. So, she slipped out of the dancing hall and exited to the gardens for fresh air.
Nearly stumbling out of the hall, Peggy finds herself chuckling. She saw some of her friends still dancing and mingling with their gentleman for the evening. Angie is still conversing with Lord Falsworth, then she recognizes Maria Hill having a pleasant dance with a gentleman she knows as a baronet, named Sir Jason Wilkes.
Smiling to herself, she couldn't help but feel happy for her friends. Angie has always been vocal about wanting to find herself a husband, while Maria has always doubted that she'd ever enjoy partaking in dancing. But here they were finding themselves preoccupied, leaving her to herself with her thoughts about how to figure out who Lady Whistledown was in the crowd.
As soon as the cool air hits her skin, Peggy whirls around to take in the fresh air. The dancing hall was becoming stuffy with all the drinks and people congested inside. She needed that refreshing breeze when suddenly she heard laughter at the far end of the gardens. Peering to see who those were, Peggy slowly approached the group only to see a familiar blonde man.
"Steve?" Peggy mumbled to herself as she stared long at the gentleman. She couldn't be wrong as she could never forget his face. She remembers how his blue eyes pierced straight to her soul when he listened to her talk and how his smile made those fluttering in her stomach exist.
Suddenly, the man slows down from his laughter and notices her staring. His expression was unreadable, but she recognized the brief surprise in his eyes. Peggy then bows her head in acknowledgment, to which the gentleman follows.
"Peggy?" a familiar voice called, snapping Peggy to look back immediately.
"Michael," Peggy uttered in surprise.
Soon enough, Michael approached her and whispered, "What are you doing here? I thought you were dancing inside with Mister Thompson?"
Peggy gave an exasperated look, "That man is a terrible dancer,"
Michael sniggers, "Well, he can improve his steps. But he's said to be a decent man,"
"Not in my standards. Too boastful for my liking," Peggy then looks away from her brother and notices the group of friends Michael left. But her eyes quickly ended up with the blonde man, whom she didn't know her brother knew too.
Suddenly she was curious, "I didn't realize you have friends I didn't know,"
"Hmm?" Michael then turns around to look at what Peggy is talking about. He then smiled knowingly to his sister, "You know that I am acquainted with James Barnes,"
"Barnes?" Peggy then peeked at Michael's shoulder and finally recognized the brunette, "Oh, yes. I know him."
"Do you want me to introduce him to you?" Michael teased.
"Oh, god, no. I know him enough and again, I'm not interested," Peggy then sighed before her eyes landed on the blonde again, who seemed to preoccupy himself with talking to Barnes.
Michael notices the glance and quickly looks over his shoulders. His smile grew wider before looking back at Peggy and surprised her.
"Gentlemen," Michael started as he placed his hand on Peggy's back and urged her to walk forward. The young lady was stunned as she slowly walked up to the group.
Her eyes were on Steve and looked at him with worry as if he'd suddenly blurt out that he knew her from Bloomsbury.
"This is my sister, Margaret Elizabeth Carter," Michael then glanced at Peggy's astonished face, "The Queen's diamond for this first season,"
"Right of course. Good evening, Miss Carter," James Barnes muttered, bowing his head. Steve does the same too, making Peggy quirk her eyebrows in confusion. "You were after my sister, Eliza. She admires you for being so poise and elegant, being smart and all."
Peggy stared at Barnes for a moment before watching the blonde for any reaction. But Steve only looked at her with a neutral expression and a gentle smile.
"Well…" Peggy starts, still keeping her eyes on the blonde before looking back at the brunette, "Miss Eliza was a stunning debutant. I think she deserves to be treated like a diamond too, all the ladies in fact,"
Steve suddenly smiles but quickly hides it as he ducks his head. But Peggy notices it, and so does the two gentlemen.
Michael then clears his throat, "Lord Rogers, I'd like to introduce you to my sister,"
Peggy's eyes then grew big as she faintly heard his voice in the back of her mind.
"Should I address you as sir or Lord?"
Steve shook his head, "Just Steve, Miss Peggy,"
"Good evening, Miss Carter, it's a pleasure to meet you for the first time," Steve bowed his head formally and then looked back at her with a gentle expression.
Peggy couldn't help but furrow her brows, "First time? Are you sure?" she questioned.
"Peggy," Michael whispered as he nudged her a little. But the brunette ignored her.
"I believe we've seen each other before," Peggy then gave a stern look as if challenging him to question her. But Steve just looked at her with confusion.
"I don't think we've met," Steve smiled.
"No—" Peggy retorts but is interrupted by her brother.
"Peggy, Lord Rogers is a traveler. He just arrived in Mayfair a few days ago. So, I believe you have mistaken him for someone else," Michael then widens his eyes to his sister, who sighed in defeat.
"Apologies, my lord," Peggy curtseyed but Steve quickly waved his hand in embarrassment.
"No, it's all right," Steve then tries to reassure her with a soft smile, "I do get that a lot. My face is quite similar to others, making me a little common-looking man,"
Barnes suddenly snorts and shakes his head, "I highly doubt that, Steven. You have a certain face that is remarkable. What do you think Miss Carter?"
Peggy stared back at Barnes for a second before looking at Steve, "I agree…" She then quirks an eyebrow at him, "People have different faces. Even twins, for sure are similar in many aspects of their looks but there will always be something distinct between them,"
The group was then silent, stunned by Peggy's wisdom about the sudden topic. Michael could only clear his throat to snap everybody out of their surprise.
"You must be parched my sister," Michael then held Peggy's arm to pull her toward the entrance to the dance hall, "Would you like me to get you some drink?"
"I'm all right, Michael," Peggy smiles at her brother sternly as she stops them both from leaving.
"If you wouldn't mind, Miss Carter," Steve suddenly says, grabbing the attention of the two.
"Please, just Peggy," Peggy says as she turns to look at him. She then smirked when she saw the glint in Steve's eyes, who seemed to recognize the banter she was trying to make between them.
Steve couldn't help but chortle before clearing his head and repeating, "Miss Peggy, may I invite you for a dance? If your dance card isn't full yet?"
"Lucky for you, there is space for one more name," Peggy then raised her wrist with her dance card dangling before the man. Steve smiles at the news and quickly writes his name on the card.
Once done, he looked at Michael and gave an acknowledging nod before offering his hand to the young brunette. Soon enough, Peggy placed her hand and walked with the blonde back to the dance hall.
As Peggy and Steve settled themselves on the dance floor with other couples around, waiting for the music to begin, the two kept their gazes on one another. Peggy was giving a skeptical and challenging look at Steve, while he looked back at her with amusement.
Soon enough the music played, and Peggy and Steve quickly stepped forward, wrapping their arms around one another. Steve's right hand gently settles on Peggy's left shoulder, while her left hand grasps his bicep. Their other hand gripped each other softly, with Steve squeezing her hand a little for a reality check.
As they danced in waltz, the two remained silent for a moment before Peggy decided to speak her mind.
"Do you really believe we haven't met yet?" Peggy glimpsed at the blonde, who quickly smiled but kept his eyes away from her.
"Did you really want me to reveal to your brother that we have met in Bloomsbury?" Steve finally looked back at Peggy, and noticed the tinge of pink on her cheeks, "I had to pretend we didn't know each other,"
"You didn't have to," Peggy replies before looking away from the man, but her smile remains, "Michael knows me well enough that I tend to make my runs in Bloomsbury alone."
"Probably," Steve responds, suddenly directing her to a turning waltz step, "But I doubt he'd be thrilled to know that you were all alone with a man instead of your handmaid,"
Peggy whipped to look at him and slightly gawked at him. She was about to retort when she remembered Rose's words on their way home that dawn. Peggy quickly looked away, bashfully, "Well, then, thank you for not spilling,"
"Of course," Steve peers at the lady, "I wouldn't want to put you in trouble,"
The two were silent again as they waltzed around the room along with the others. Peggy couldn't help but notice the flawlessness of Steve's steps in dancing.
"You are quite an excellent dancer," Peggy comments.
Steve chortles at a memory before looking back at Peggy, "Well, I did hope to be good at it after all the times I stepped on my mother's foot when I was younger,"
Peggy laughs at the thought, "I hope her foot is all well now,"
"Oh, yes, they have healed, finally," Steve joked, making Peggy laugh.
Hearing the brunette laugh made Steve's heart thump. He couldn't get enough of how beautiful she looked in her lavender dress, her sharp jaws that looked tantalizing to kiss, and her scent that engulfed him. But the most attractive thing about Peggy was her mind, how quick-witted she was, how well-informed she was on many topics, and how opinionated she was in life. Women with such great minds and personalities, like her, don't easily fall for a guy who dances with her.
"Have you found the footman yet?" Steve suddenly asks, making Peggy furrow her brows. She then remembers what they were chasing together.
"Oh, no…" Peggy smiled, shaking her head, "I haven't been to Bloomsbury yet again. Although, I am aware that Lady Whistledown is on fire. She's been writing up pamphlet after pamphlet. Have you finally read one?"
"Ah, yes," Steve chortles to himself as he remembers the time, he was handed one during one morning in Grosvenor Square, "She is quite a writer. Indeed, an opinionated one,"
"She is, although, I'd hope she would be more opinionated on a different matter," Peggy breathes out despondently, "She's wasting her time talking about social season,"
"I'm guessing you didn't like her comment about you being the perfect picture of a Queen's diamond," Steve glances down at the brunette, who certainly was blushing at the name.
Peggy has been named that numerous times by people already, and she's getting tired of it. But hearing this man call her the Queen's diamond, somehow made her heart flutter, and make her blush. But she gets a hold of herself and shakes her head.
"I have no interest in being any royal's diamond or any jewel in this world. There is more to life than trying to be someone's beautiful crystal, and I don't intend to fit into the expectation they want for a diamond," Peggy then looked away, despite the lingering stare the blonde man had on her.
"No wonder you are the Diamond," Steve suddenly states.
Peggy stunned looked back at him, "Excuse me?"
"You are a rare and exquisite gem of this world," Steve smiles softly at Peggy, making the pattering inside her chest double up in speed.
The trance of last night's dancing remained with Peggy as she tried to entertain herself with a book in the drawing room. She had explicitly instructed that she was in no condition to accept callers unless it was from a certain blonde man. But of course, Peggy didn't outwardly say this.
As she reminisced about last night, she suddenly started when the doors to the drawing room opened, and Rose hurriedly walked toward her.
"Who is it?" Peggy asked, closing her book.
"Lady Whistledown, Miss Carter," Rose then handed the newly published pamphlet.
Peggy was surprised at the sudden release of the article. She didn't expect Lady Whistledown to write down immediately and publish something as quick as that. She snatched the paper and quickly read the pamphlet.
Lady Miriam Fry is indeed an excellent host for the season's ball. Gathering all eligible men in Mayfair and even in neighboring towns for the freshly debuted ladies of the society. Bringing all the gentlemen in one place makes her home the perfect arena to fight over a gentleman.
All the mothers were so preoccupied with getting their daughters introduced to the most eligible bachelor in the ball, that they failed to see who the Diamond was eyeing. Of course, Miss Margaret Carter had her dance card filled with names that Viscountess Carter had ensured to be the perfect fit for the Diamond. But the most commanding mother in the ball did not anticipate her daughter's last dance with an Irish traveler from Augher.
Given that Miss Carter is not your typical pristine, refined lady, it is no wonder that she has found interest in knowing a stranger of Mayfair. Now the question is, who is The Lord Steven Grant Rogers of Augher, and what can he offer a lady with such nobility as the Carter family? Also, a pondering question, why would such a diamond settle for such a gentleman? Perhaps she sees something with him that others don't. I wonder if the Queen would approve of this.
"This is ridiculous!" Peggy snaps as she slams the pamphlet on the couch, "It was just one dance. Why would she think I had my eyes on Lord Rogers?!"
"Lord Rogers?" Rose curiously asks, "Are you acquainted with him before last night?"
Peggy eyes Rose for a second before she sighs in defeat and whispers, "Remember the man you saw with me in Bloomsbury?"
"Oh, yes, the tall broad man," Rose smiles giddily, "What about him?"
"He is Lord Rogers," Peggy slumps back to the couch, "Apparently, he isn't just Steve. He is now a Lord, governing a land in Augher and I have been casually addressing him,"
"Oh…" Rose bafflingly takes in the information and then recalls something, "Oh, yes…You and him,"
"What do you mean?" Peggy questions, scrunching her brows in confusion.
"I told you back then, if people spotted you together, you are going to catch everyone's attention by being such a pleasing pair," Rose then smiles happily, as if ready to tease the young lady. But Peggy sat up straight and scowled, despite her reddening cheeks.
"That is a ridiculous notion, Rose. I do not accept such a statement," Peggy then stood up and headed out of the drawing room, "I'm heading to my room, Rose. I need to find a way to get my opinion to reach Lady Whistledown,"
As Peggy slipped out of the house in the middle of the night, she quietly ensured to tuck herself in her usual black cloak. Soon enough, she finds her discreet carriage and asks Aloysius to head towards Bloomsbury.
Just like before, Peggy easily blends in with the small crowd in the town and heads to the printing shop. With the erratic schedule of the infamous writer, Peggy could only hope that she would find the messenger of Lady Whistledown.
"Well, isn't this a surprise?" a man's voice suddenly spoke, making her jump at her hiding place.
She abruptly turns to look at the man, only to gawk in surprise, "Lord Rogers?"
"Just Steve," the man says, smirking before stepping closer to the brunette and hiding behind the wall too, "Waiting for the footman too?"
Peggy was still stunned at the blonde's appearance that she barely noticed their short distance. But hearing his question, she couldn't help but raise a brow, "You're waiting for the footman? Why?"
"Well, I think Lady Whistledown deserves to know my opinion about her perception of the other night's ball,"
Peggy couldn't help but grin at the notion and the glint in Steve's eyes. She then turns around to check on the well-lit printing shop, "So do I,"
Surprisingly, with the two working together, Peggy and Steve finally catch the elusive footman. He wasn't the same footman that Peggy had seen come out last time, but when Steve caught him, a bundle of letters slipped out of the man's grasp, which was the original writing of the infamous writer. This brought them to the conclusion that Lady Whistledown had various helpers to get her writing to reach the ton.
Before they had allowed the footman to reach the printing shop, Peggy and Steve had cornered the footman and read the upcoming article. To their relief, Lady Whistledown had turned her attention to another point of interest, which was Lady Romanoff, daughter of Count Ivan Romanoff, who was visiting to talk with the queen.
The idea of scaring off the footman was not a good one as Peggy realized that it might cause them to lose their communication with the infamous writer. So instead, she made a deal with the footman that she and Steve would not disturb him again if they passed their letters to Lady Whistledown.
Despite the denial of the footman of knowing who Lady Whistledown is, Steve makes sure that the footman understands what they want him to do.
"Okay, let's say you do not know her personally. But I am sure, that you know of someone who has direct contact with her. You just have to hand these letters to that bridge, and let the bridge do its job," Steve said as he clasped the shoulder of the shorter footman.
"What if the bridge refuses to accept?" the footman asks, nervously.
"Well then, expect us to find you," Peggy then smirks, "I definitely can remember faces,"
"And I can draw your face too," Steve adds.
Peggy was stunned at the information, "You're an artist?" she asked.
Steve looked back at Peggy with a tinge of red on his cheeks, "Uh, yeah, sort of,"
"Perfect!" Peggy then looked back at the footman, "Now you know you'll have a constant tail if you do not pass on our letter to Lady Whistledown,"
The man shivered at their mischievous grins before he shakingly took the letters from Steve, "All right I'll try to get it to the bridge and get it to her,"
"Well done," Steve and Peggy then grinned at the man.
As Steve walked Peggy back to where her carriage waited, the two were surprisingly silent. At the sight of the carriage, Peggy finally clears her throat and turns to Steve.
"I'm guessing this is another secret of ours," Peggy purses her lips.
"In Bloomsbury, I'm just Steve and you are just Peggy. In Mayfair, we play a part, and the best course is to pretend that we do not know each other in this manner," Steve then tucks his hands into his pants pocket, "How will we ever talk about what happens next?"
Peggy hummed in contemplation, "There is one way," she then looked Steve in the eyes, and somehow, she felt bashful with the way his eyes intensely gazed back at her, "Promenade," she said.
"Promenade?" Steve repeats, as if clueless about what it means, "Are you suggesting that we meet in public and walk together to talk about Lady Whistledown?"
"Yes," Peggy replies sharply.
"Did you not understand Lady Whistledown's implication about you and me? I'm not from here and I don't hold a good reputation as a stranger snatching Mayfair's diamond,"
Peggy huffed as she crossed her arms, "And so what if that was her opinion? That doesn't make you ineligible or undesirable. I believe she was trying to make you desirable as much as making me less desirable,"
"That's not what she meant," Steve shook his head, crossing his arms too.
"Let's agree to disagree," Peggy smirks as they both chortle, "If you don't find promenade helpful, then, maybe we'll just see each other again in Bloomsbury, chasing after the footman again,"
Steve sniggers as he ducks his head. The two were then silent for a second before Steve looked back at Peggy with renewed conviction inside his chest.
"All right, promenade it is. I can meet up with Bucky in Grosvenor Square while he takes his sisters for promenading and try to find you,"
"Bucky?" Peggy tilts her head in confusion, "Who is Bucky?"
"Ah," Steve laughed "Sorry, James Barnes,"
Peggy suddenly chortles at the revelation, "That's his nickname?"
"Yes, and surprisingly he prefers that. But don't tell him I told you," Steve then grins with her.
Suddenly Aloysius spots Peggy and calls her name, making the two realize that they are on borrowed time. Looking back at Steve, she then smiled at him and said, "Okay, so, I guess I'll see you later when the pamphlet comes out,"
Steve nods his head, "Yes, I'll look for you,"
"Goodbye, Steve," Peggy softly smiles at him before she turns away and hurries back to her carriage.
Walking behind his sisters, James Barnes mutters to himself as he reads the pamphlet of Lady Whistledown. It was bafflingly to read about Countess Natalia Alianovna Romanoff, daughter of Count Ivan Romanoff of Muscovy. The countess had arrived during the opening of the social season but has yet to appear in any dance balls.
He had seen her once accidentally, in an opera theater, when he was sneaking out with friends. He was surprised to see her practice dancing on stage. She was dancing beautifully and she was an elegant ballerina, making him admire her ever since. Although knowing their difference in status, he knows that he'll never get a chance to meet her personally. Unless he sees her again secretly in the opera theater.
"What are you reading?" a familiar voice asks, making James look away from his paper to see his friend walking next to him.
"Steve, have you read this?" he hands over the pamphlet, "Lady Whistledown talks about a Russian countess, joining the social season of England. Do you think, Countess Romanoff will appear in the upcoming balls?"
Steve glances at his friend, "Am I sensing that you are interested to know her?"
Barnes smirks, "Well if you've seen her, she is the most beautiful ballerina to dance on stage, I think you'll want to know her too,"
Steve just chortles at his childhood friend's dreamy look. He then tucks the pamphlet away and looks straight ahead at the two Barnes ladies.
"It's a miracle that Rebecca and Eliza are together for the promenade," Steve comments, making the brunette hum in agreement.
"Rebecca had refused to come out, but Mother had insisted that some sunlight would do her good," James then sniggers when Rebecca glances over her shoulder and throws a dagger look.
"Well, it's nice to see you three. I'd say it's a rare occasion," Steve then grinned when Eliza turned around to look at them.
"Are you here to join the promenade, Rogers?" Eliza asks.
"Maybe, maybe not," Steve smirks when the young Barnes pouts her lips.
"Oh, come on! You must be on the lookout to see Miss Carter!" Eliza exclaims, making her sister turn to her and nudge her.
"Eliza, that's not appropriate," Rebecca mutters before looking back at Steve, "Apologies, my lord. My sister can be quite a romantic,"
"It's all right," Steve replies when suddenly he notices Peggy walking in their direction with Michael in tow.
At that sight, Steve couldn't help but smile as he clasped Barnes' shoulder. "Will you excuse me?"
"Where are you going, buddy?" James questioned as he and his sisters stopped to watch the blonde walk ahead of them. They then see him approach the Carters and respectfully nod to Michael.
Soon enough, they see Peggy and Steve turn away from them and walk next to each other while Michael stays behind a little before glancing at them.
"Barnes," Michael greets as he approaches them, "I didn't know you were here,"
Bucky huffs as he watches his friend walk away with a lady next to him while he is stuck accompanying his sisters. Finally, he smiled at his friend as he approached the man, "Mister Carter, I'd like to introduce my sister," Bucky then encouraged Rebecca to step forward, "Rebecca Anne, the Queen's diamond from the last two year's first season,"
"Of course," Michael bows his head, "I remember. May we walk together?"
"It would be my pleasure, Mister Carter," Rebecca sweetly smiles as she bows her head to him in acceptance.
Soon enough, Rebecca and Michael were trailing behind Peggy and Steve, while Bucky accompanied his sister, Eliza, giddily watching two couples falling into a romantic trance.
"Aren't they adorable?" Eliza asks no one in particular before she sniggers next to her brother.
To be continued…