A/N : I'm hoping somebody wise has already said that its easier to ask for forgiveness than to not err. Sorry. I have been AWOL for a long time. that too for an author who has said she had everything written down.

What can i even say. PhD has been one hell of a drag and I am constantly finding myself not up to the task. Crippling self-doubt and a ton of mistakes. Anyways. Here are a few more chapters for those of you who'd like to binge read.

This one is all Lady Danbury, our favorite Dragon.

CHAPTER - 14 - IN SEARCH FOR A DIAMOND

The illustrious Gold and Silver ball. When her majesty, the queen, might finally name a diamond. And tonight was the night when Lady Danbury could smell success coming her way. Ever since she stepped foot into the ballroom with the Sharma women in tow, she only hoped that the good word she put in for the younger Miss Sharma might be fruitful today in the form of the highest honor a debutante can be bestowed with. Being the season's Diamond. A most exceptional debutante. So Lady Danbury stood watching her Majesty's interactions from afar to identify any potential competition she might encounter today. However, given that Her Majesty did not look impressed with any of the young debutantes greeting her this evening, it erased any hope of opposition that Lady Danbury had expected. The Queen only seemed to consider some debutantes worth a conversation, while others were not even offered that. Even though Portia Featherington and three Miss Featheringtons had finally shed their mourning clothes, they were only met with an uninterested scowl, and not even Cressida Cowper's most fashionable jewels could bring out one of her Majesty's rarer smiles. At this moment, Lady Danbury did wonder if anyone could rise up to that challenge today.

As if her question was answered, Lady Danbury saw the Bridgertons walk towards the queen. The dowager viscountess was accompanying Miss Eloise Bridgerton, now the Miss Bridgerton, and was accompanied by two of her eldest sons. The Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, and Benedict Bridgerton. If one could identify an exasperated mama with ease today, that would be Lady Bridgerton. Eight were a handful of children to have, but it seemed as if three were enough today to wreck her nerves. While the young debutante would not stop fussing with her dress, the two Bridgerton boys seemed to be speaking in hushed tones. Hurrying the three in tow, she seemed to only hope that her majesty took no offense to anything that was about to happen. And ofcourse, a snippet of the boys' extremely urgent conversation fell into Lady Danbury's ears.

"Anyone here you have not yet rejected yet, brother?" questioned the younger one mischievously.

Anthony Bridgerton scowled in response. It was true that the Viscount was actively seeking a viscountess this season, however, he seemed to have started off on the wrong foot, for even after looking though half the ton, the young Lord did not seem to have found anyone that charmed him.

"You are the artist," he replied. "See anyone even remotely interesting here?"

Lady Danbury chuckled to herself. Why ever did she think that someone could charm the most eligible bachelor this season. He had danced with Edwina in the ball she had hosted at the conservatory, and the young miss spoke very highly of him, but the fact that Kate did not, seemed to put a stop in their path. Though Lady Danbury was sure gentlemen would approach someone they were charmed by, the viscount seemed to look for something else altogether.

Benedict however, looked playfully dismayed at that, so Anthony continued, "There shall be a diamond tonight, and I shall finally find a wife." Interesting, thought Lady Danbury. Some things might change after all.

His brother, however, teased again as they walked in front of the queen, "And I wonder who would be ignorant enough to reject your suit. Hmm."

Her Majesty's interaction with the Bridgertons was something Lady Danbury wanted to observe. After all, the previous season's diamond was a Bridgerton, so it seemed to be a good idea to look out for any competition from the source. And, the fact that the queen immediately began a conversation with the ladies as soon as they greeted her, piqued Lady Danbury's interest.

"Miss Bridgerton", began Her Majesty. "Such a shame your presentation at the court was rudely interrupted the other day."

The young miss seemed to shy away. "Shame indeed", she chuckled.

"I nearly forgot you were making your debut this season. After your elder sister's triumph, perhaps good fortune might run in the family."

But the young miss seemed too surprised to answer. Was it perhaps nervousness? For one would expect she would be excited to walk the path her sister exceptionally succeeded at. Lady Danbury however soon understood that it was the latter, as Lady Bridgerton pushed her daughter closer to the queen.

The young miss fumbled through her words. "I- It- is a delightful ball… Your Majesty", she chuckled nervously. But instead of reaching back to silence, she continued "I- Very.. Diamondy" and stood in utter silence.

As the Queen looked puzzled, the young girl then approached Her Majesty and whispered something, and a sudden horror spilled itself on the dowager Viscountesses face, and left the brothers stunned.

However, the queen broke into hearty laughter. "Oh dear, how thoughtful of you to know my favorite gem".

Eloise Bridgerton, however, looked shook herself. As if she had done something unthinkable.

"It seems you have come a long way since last year, Miss Bridgerton", the Queen finished, whatever that meant. Miss Bridgerton however, let out a hesitant chuckle through her shock, and curtsied away with her family.

But the truth remained in Lady Danbury's eyes, that the queen had been impressed of some sorts with Miss Bridgerton. Hence it was time for her sponsee's to shine. With Lady Danbury leading the two young misses, and Lady Mary following them, the four of them soon stood in front of her Majesty in an elegant curtsy. Successfully, Lady Danbury looked up to find one of those rare smiles her Majesty displayed in the presence of Eloise Briderton, although how the anxious girl brought it out would remain a mystery to her.

"Your majesty," the ladies greeted, who extended her greetings to Lady Mary first.

"I do hope you are finding everything in town to your satisfaction, Lady Mary".

"Indeed I am your majesty", came a confident reply.

"This time around that is", snipped the Queen. Ah, she still harbors some strong feelings towards being blindsided by her years ago, thought Lady Danbury. Now would be the time to refocus Her Majesty's attention elsewhere, should she want her sponsee's to rise up in the London society, and make good matches.

"Perhaps your mother would enjoy some refreshment, Miss Sharma", Lady Danbury turned to Kate with a suggestion. Kate immediately took her instructions and led the Sharma women towards the Lemonade table.

Lady Danbury turned to face Her Majesty again. "I might think Lady Mary deserves some recognition ma'am", she began. "It is certainly a sign of true devotion on her part, having sought to introduce her daughters under the discerning eye of your majesty, after all", she suggested.

The Queen seemed to consider for a while. "The younger one in particular, I think, will certainly make a match that will be the envy of the ton. She has all the qualities that would make one shine", Lady Danbury extended boldly.

Queen Charlotte smiled at that. "Why do I sense my strings being pulled Lady Danbury?" she smirked.

Finally, thought Lady Danbury. Her Majesty is finally interested in what she had to offer.

"You said you wanted to shake up the season", she replied. "Now is your chance."

Lady Danbury walked away and stood in wait after planting the seed that would soon offer her the shiniest of the fruit this London Season. However, it seemed as if there was no better choice to go with, for trumpets triumphed in the notion of her majesty, who seemed to have made a decision.

"Your presence is noted," Her Majesty began, stepping down from her podium, "and your Queen is most appreciative. Allow it to now be my honor, to present to you the season's diamond."

The entire room went silent on hearing those words. Nary a peep out of anyone, for the golden moment of the day was here. This is what would decide the entire course of the season now. The flawless young lady chosen by her Majesty. Lady Danbury's most awaited moment.

"Miss Edwina Sharma."

All the attendees gasped in surprise and began chattering among themselves. Lady Mary and Miss Sharma's faces shone with pride, and Miss Edwina's surprise and excitement was emanating off her face. Soon the entire ballroom began to clap, and Miss Edwina was directed towards the Queen.

Edwina dipped into the most thankful curtsy. The Queen gently tilted her chin and exclaimed, "My new Incomparable".

And thus began the flocking around Miss Edwina. All the jealous debutantes, and the intrigued gentlemen.

"I suppose I should thank you, Lady Danbury", came the voice of Miss Kate Sharma. Lady Danbury turned around to face the young debutante.

"Oh, child. It is much too soon for that", Lady Danbury chucked. "You must know the real work begins now."

"Indeed", she smiled along. "There will be a mire to wade through on behalf of my sister, to be sure."

"Speaking of-"

"Viscount Bridgerton", came the sudden voice of the Queen. As her enthusiastic shrill went up in the air, Lady Danbury turned around to witness what could be more enlivening than announcing the incomparable.

"You are looking for a Viscountess this season, are you not", she questioned the young Lord, who immediately approached her.

"Yes, your Majesty", he replied.

"Hmm. Have you met my Diamond?" she pointed to Edwina. Lady Danbury could not help but notice a spark in her Majesty's eyes. Who would have thought that the Queen herself would want to orchestrate a match this season.

"I am most grateful, your Majesty", he remarked. "I only hope I shall be afforded the pleasure of a dance", he smirked as he took a chance and offered his hand.

Her majesty looked impressed. The young miss however looked towards the Queen for approval, who of course nodded in agreement. Miss Edwina then approached the Viscount and accepted his hand, allowing him to lead her to the floor. And so Miss Edwina Sharma began to dance with the Viscount Bridgerton.

The Viscount. Lady Danbury looked instinctively towards Kate and was met with a sullen expression.

"You look surprised, Miss Sharma", remarked Lady Danbury, at the unsettled expression cast by her. It was no secret that she disapproved of him whole-heartedly. But now, the elder miss stood in silence as she watched her sister dance with the very same gentleman.

"It is only one dance, Lady Danbury. There are many other gentlemen", she answered monotonously.

"He is the most eligible bachelor of the season. You would be wise to rethink your notion."

"But he cannot offer her love," she insisted again, before leaving her side.

Maybe not, Lady Danbury thought. But there was something that made Lady Danbury feel as if something was lurking in the shadows, waiting to astonish everyone.

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A/N : Since I shifted the scenes around a bit, Kate is not surprised to see Edwina dance with Anthony. If it was unclear before, here is the recap.

Unlike in the series, Anthony had already danced with Edwina the night of the conservatory ball whom he interviewed as well, and later on with Kate the same night he "proclaims his many requirements for a wife". So this is not the first time Kate has seen Anthony dance with Edwina, nor is she surprised by it. I hope you can take that bit of alteration happily.

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