The Queen had gone for silver and gold. An indirect slap on the face to the Featheringtons for the ending ball from last season. The ballroom was decked out from ceiling to floor in gold and silver decorations, flowers, and paint. In the centre of the ballroom stood the band on a raised platform, around them dances were already beginning, and the Queen watched it all from her throne on the far wall, where she could look over the band and the ton. The set up proved elegance could be achieved through simplicity.
Eloise worried someone could see the sweat dripping down her neck like a slow river. Every eye in the room kept glancing at her before searching for Theo. Speaking of, where was he? She could not find him for the life of her.
Kate's hand brushed against hers, a gentle anchor to the real world. "Deep breaths El," the elder whispered, "deep breaths."
She took the advice as they approached the Queen. Then, as they stood in front of her, Eloise could physically feel her bodice tightening it's death grip around her. Ah yes, this would be how she died. Death by panicking. A worthy sentence to be carved into her tombstone. Eloise could see it clearer than day.
The Queen's voice nearly had her flying to the otherside of the room. "I got word that we would be expecting a new addition to the family?" she said, the hints of a smile on her lips.
Anthony held Kate's hand as he beamed with pride. "Yes, Your Majesty, we are delighted the letter reached you with such speed." He cast a loving look to Kate, who smiled in return. "Daphne is also yearning for another child, so rest assured there will be more good news this year."
Queen Charlotte smiled. "Congratulations, to all the Bridgertons," she said with pride. Though they were not her family, they were her matches, and they were working to a fine end, and the Queen took pride in this.
Her smile wavered as her eyes drifted to Eloise.
Pull it together, Eloise told herself as the Queen assessed her. Her mother nudged her forward and she instantaneously reached for Kate's hand. Kate nodded at her and Eloise stepped forward.
"Miss Bridgerton." Though the words weren't said loudly, the entire ball ceased to watch.
Eloise rose from her bow as elegantly as she could manage. "Your Highness."
"I'm rather pleased to hear your search for Lady Whistledown nearly produced results."
The nonchalance and ignorance in the Queen's voice sent a fresh surge of anger through Eloise. It appeared the Queen had not only completely forgotten about firing her but also the death threat she'd issued last season. Bitterness stung Eloise's tongue. She was suddenly not very appreciative of the Queen's words.
"It does not overlook the fact that I fell a bit short," Eloise returned, forcing any sign of resentment out of her expression and voice.
"Still, I am overjoyed that my favoured emerald almost brought me that foul writing scandal maker."
Eloise could feel her brain stop it's functioning. She blinked several times, tripping over her sentence even more so. "Favoured emerald, Your Grace?"
Queen Charlotte chuckled, waving a hand at her. "Please child, I may crown diamonds, but emeralds are far more precious, they are rarer, only found within the highest of mountains. While digging down to the mines can always give a diamond, only climbing a mountain can bring home an emerald."
The Bridgerton nearly leaped back when the Queen stood and walked to stand before her. The world spun as the Queen brushed her bangs away from her forehead and placed a kiss there. Like she had done for Daphne.
Eloise wondered how many people had fainted behind her. She then considered doing so herself. For panic and fear surely must have been etched across her face.
Being crowned the diamond was a horror story to her. But an emerald was far worse! Especially after the speech the Queen had given! And the blasted green gem was part of Her Majesty's favourite necklace! Gods, she had been cursed.
"Your emerald!" Queen Charlotte announced across the ballroom, sweeping a hand at Eloise, who was certainly purpling from lack of breath. "Far more colourful than a diamond, and rarer too!"
A thunder of claps and (reluctant) cheers.
Lady Bridgerton hugged her daughter with shining enthusiasm. She placed a kiss to Eloise's temple, speaking some unintelligible words Eloise could not care for right now. Instead the Bridgerton fell back, being caught by her brother's steady arms.
"We should have left me at home," Eloise told Anthony.
Kate set her bangs as they were, worry in her eyes, "Too late."
"Far too late," Anthony agreed.
While Anthony and Kate half dragged Eloise away, the attention spun to the family approaching the Queen. Or, rather, the new duke who ran the family.
Theo nervously stepped in front of the Queen, certain she could see right through him, and more so terrified she would somehow connect some imaginary dotes to him and Eloise's strange friendship last season. Though, technically, there was no evidence to support such claims. Another worry entered his head: the Queen could know he was a bastard and throw him back to the print shop in front of everyone.
"Ah, you must be the Duke of Isaacson. I've heard much about you." Queen Charlotte's voice was wam. Yet Theo felt like ice. "What's your name, as I'm aware the ton isn't knowing of it either."
Finding a scrape of confidence, he spoke. "Theo Hawthorne." He could feel his old last name on the tip of his to tongue. A sad reminder of the simple life he'd left behind. His mother came to mind, though she was on her deathbed, Theo pushed the depressing thought away. His younger brother would be joining him next week, which was the thought he focused on.
The Queen speaking drew him back to the present.
"You are certainly quite the mystery to the ton, Mister Hawthorne."
"I don't mean to be." Theo was fighting a nervous smile. And losing. Badly. He quickly reverted to the tactic he'd used when around Eloise last season: humour. It might land him in the dungeons in this situation, but it was the only card he had. "But it appears, Your Grace - and I truly hope you don't mind me saying this - that the ton isn't bright or witty enough to take on a new character such as my own."
Queen Charlotte instantly burst out laughing. Theo couldn't help but smile at the ground, though he could clearly feel the glares at his back.
"Right you are," the Queen laughed. "Though I think you'll find my emerald to be up for such a challenge."
Now Theo smiled. He knew of Eloise's nature. Absurdly chaotic at times, but also witty and shockingly bright.
"I'm certain of such things," he agreed, he cast a hand to his sisters. "Though I assure you my sisters can match your emerald, Your Grace."
Alison shot annoyed eyes at her brother while Celine and Lady Hawthorne smiled. The Queen's eyes latched onto Alison, who immediately righted herself.
Too late.
Queen Charlotte pointed a finger at the girl. "Alison, if I'm not mistaken?"
Alison bowed, "Yes, Your Grace."
The Queen thought for a moment. And then shot the second round of bullets for the night. "It's only right I crown my diamond tonight as well." She looked up to address the crowd. "I hereby declare Miss Alison Hawthorne as this season's diamond!"
Another round of claps and cheers.
Theo, however, was focused on the shock on Alison's face.
A gut feeling told him he'd screwed up, unintentionally.