I do not own Bridgerton
I've read the books and seen the show. This will follow the story line of the show but have themes from the books in it, kind of mixing the two a bit more. Each chapter is an episode and each book is a season. I'm basically going to be obsessed until season three comes out, just a heads up. I hope y'all like it!
Chapter One: Diamond of the First Water
Letitia Everly was on her seventeenth spring. She had light brown hair and brilliant eyes of blue with a bit of yellow around the irises. Freckles lined her arms and shoulders, not that anyone could see the freckles on her shoulders through her modest gown. Her skin was clear and burned easily, but a small bonnet would cover her from the sun during outings to protect her delicate skin, that would then hold the tan left behind. She had a small nose that turned up slightly at the end and pouty lips, something her mother, Lady Elizabeth Everly, often told her to be thankful for. She played piano forte, violin even though she preferred a fiddle, and the spoons which she hated. She could not carry a tune or write captivating stories but she was rather attractive, liked to read, and was rather quick witted. Most importantly, to her at least, she was honest, loving, and a good friend.
Letty sighed as she stared at her reflection in the long, gold plated mirror, wishing beyond anything that she could wait another year before having to make her debut into society. She knew she wouldn't be alone, what with Penelope Featherington being introduced as well, but still. Eloise Bridgerton's mama had let her wait, so why couldn't the two of them? Instead of arguing, Letty stared. She watched as her mother smiled before leaving the room, watched as her lady's maid, Elsie, gave her a nod of approval, watched as a scullery maid set down a tea set and rushed from the room to return to the kitchen. Letty watched until Elsie told her it was time to go. Letty let out a low breath before heading out of her room, Elsie following behind at an appropriate distance as they walked through the hall, down the stairs, into the main room of the house and out of the front door where her mother was waiting.
Letty climbed into their carriage carefully, Elsie holding the train of her dress up and letting Letty focus on her head dress rather than the overly long gown that she was required to wear.
"Smile, Letitia," her mother scolded her.
"Yes, mother," Letty nodded before her practiced soft smile appeared on her face.
Pen had helped her master it just two days prior, knowing how often Letty allowed her emotions to play on her face. Her mother had always said she needn't ask Letty what she thought of something. All she need is to look at Letty and she'd know. Wonderful when her mother wanted to know her secrets, terrible when searching for a suitor. If the man were to say one thing that Letty didn't like, he'd know she thought poorly of him in a moment.
Letty stared at the window of the carriage, passing the Featheringtons and the Bridgertons as they climbed into their carriages. Letty gave Pen a true smile before her mother began speaking, demanding her attention. Letty's practiced smile returned to her face as she turned to her mother.
"You must bow before the Queen as we practiced," her mother reminded her. "If you are to be the diamond of the season, you will need to make a lasting first impression."
"Penelope and I practiced together all last week," Letty nodded, causing her mother to scoff. "I will do my best, mother."
"Your best may very well not be good enough," her mother stated, voice harsh and causing Letty to flinch slightly, hiding it by looking out the window again.
The rest of the carriage ride was filled with her mother advising her further before they came to the palace. Letty stared in awe, loving the architecture around her. She admired it as she climbed out of the carriage, walked up the stairs, and into the main room. Her mother snapped her fingers in her face, pulling Letty's attention again.
"Pay attention, child," her mother scolded and Letty gave a tight lipped smile as she followed her mother to a large, but packed, room.
She fanned herself as they stood waiting, Daphne and her mother giving Letty a kind smile when they saw her as the Featherington's went to their side. Pen and Letty shared soft smiles before turning back to their mothers, continuing to listen to the same advice that they'd heard hundreds of times at this point. Letty made sure that the air from her fan wafted across Pen as well as they stood beside each other, keeping them both from sweating as some of the other debutantes were, Pen's sisters included. At this rate they would begin falling over from the heat if names didn't begin to be called.
Finally, footmen began gathering names and they began lining up. Daphne gave Letty a reassuring nod as she passed her, causing Letty to give her one back before her mother snapped her fingers again. Letty sighed, taking a deep breath as she stood behind Pen, beginning to fan the back of Pen's neck for her. Pen turned slightly, giving her a thankful look before the Featheringtons were called forth into the next room to be presented. Letty went back to fanning herself, waiting and staring again.
Her mother grabbed her fan, snatching it and hiding it in her off hand as their names were called. Letty's smile was in place and she walked forward, head held high and back straight. She made brief eye contact with the queen when she reached her before curtseying gracefully. She heard an approving hum from in front of her before feeling someone lifting her chin to discover it was the queen herself. Letty's breath caught in her throat as she stood tall.
"Marvelous," the queen told her before stepping back to her seat.
Letty was able to breathe again and she took a small step back, curtsying once more before taking her leave with her mother. Once they were in the waiting room, Letty sat in the closet seat, her mother gushing to Pen's mother as Pen stared at her in wonder. Letty stared back, in complete shock, causing Pen to let out a laugh before she covered her mouth.
Daphne entered a moment later, joining the mamas and telling them about the queens compliments to her, Lady Bridgerton and Lady Everly receiving fake congratulations from the disappointed mamas of the ton. Daphne sat beside Letty, her bottom lip sucked in as she held in her smile of pleasure.
"Flawless," Daphne breathed in shock. "She called me flawless and kissed my head."
"She called me marvelous," Letty told her. "No kiss though. I believe that marks you as the diamond this year."
"Oh, that's too much," Daphne fanned herself with her hand.
"But it's true," Letty assured her. "Come. Let's all get some lemonade before we faint from the heat."
Penelope and Daphne evaded their mamas as they reached the refreshment table, Letty passing glasses to Daphne and Pen before getting one for herself. The three shared soft smiles before Daphne was dragged away by her mama. Lady Bridgerton gave Pen and Letty happy smiles before leaving, Daphne throwing an amused look over her shoulder at the two of them as she went.
Pen and Letty just stared at the crowd. They listened in, holding in their laughs at the most ridiculous rumors that they heard before finding a spot on the wall to discuss what they'd heard and their own thoughts on the matters.
"Penelope. There you are. We must be going," Lady Featherington stated, reaching them. "Come. Come."
"Lady Featherington," Letty bowed her head.
"Letitia. We shall see you for tea tomorrow," Portia bowed her head back before taking Pen's arm and dragging her away.
Letty sighed before going to her mother. Her mother grabbed her arm roughly when she saw her.
"Where have you been?" her mother questioned.
"Penelope, Daphne and I were getting lemonade," Letty explained, feeling bruises appearing on her arm. "I brought you lemonade to help cool you."
"Of course you were with them," her mother sighed, releasing her arm and taking the lemonade, downing it quickly. "Come. We must go. The room is getting too hot to stand in any longer. I'll be thankful for the breeze that awaits us outside."
"Yes, mother," Letty nodded, setting her glass down and following her mother out.
Letty was grateful to be outside, the breeze truly cooling. Her mother had the same relieved look on her face before she led Letty to their carriage.
"You did very well, Letitia," her mother commented as they rode home.
"I hope I made you proud," Letty told her honestly.
"You did," her mother nodded and Letty gave a real smile to her. "Now, we just need to keep it going. Daphne may be the top choice for diamond, but you are in the running. We must make sure that you make waves."
"Yes, mother," Letty nodded.
"New dresses will be needed. I'm sure you will have callers after Danbury Ball tomorrow night," her mother smiled before looking out the window.
Letty stared out the other window, seeing the Featheringtons just returning home. She kept herself from waving when she saw Pen. She looked to her mother instead.
"When are we to go to the modiste?" Letty asked curiously.
"We shall get you changed and go now," her mother told her.
Elsie helped Letty get changed into more suitable clothing for going to the modiste before climbing back into the carriage. Her mother had returned her fan and Letty was taking advantage of it, fanning herself as she rode with her mother, arriving in front of Madam Delacroix's shop. Letty smiled brightly upon seeing the modiste and her mother began speaking quietly to her, explaining exactly what she wanted Letty in.
Letty was forced onto a pedestal in front of a mirror. She stayed still as Madam Delacroix began grabbing fabrics and pinning them here and there, until she seemed satisfied. Letty just stared again. She stared as her mother tutted a color before suggesting a different fabric completely, stared as Madam Delacroix nodded with a tight lipped smile and tried to hide her annoyance before taking the fabric off of Letty and draping a new one over her, stared as the silk, dark blue fabric that made her eyes seem brighter.
Madam Delacroix and Lady Everly both sighed, smiling happily at the fabric on Letty before Madam Delacroix got to work. Once satisfied, Madam Delacroix removed the fabric from Letty and promised to have the gown ready the next afternoon, promising to have a footboy deliver the gown as soon as it was ready. Letty's mother thanked Madam Delacroix before Letty gave her a grateful smile and slight bow.
Once home again, Letty went up to her room, deciding to read for a bit before supper. Supper was a quiet affair, her father sitting at the head of the table and a silence filling the room. Once dessert was finished, her mother and father dismissed her for the night. Letty snuck out of the house quickly, running through the backyard until she reached the Bridgerton's backyard. Eloise was already on a swing, waiting for her.
Letty accepted the cigarette that she was offered, smoking it slowly as she sat on the swing next to Eloise's, swinging gently as they both sat quietly.
"So, you were a success," Eloise finally spoke up.
"Please don't remind me," Letty begged. "Mother is thrilled."
"I'm sure you're proud of that," Eloise laughed lightly.
"Mm," Letty hummed before taking another drag and inhaling the smoke. "She then proceeded to tell me that I needed to best your sister to become the diamond of the season. I wouldn't dream of trying to oust your sister of the title. She can have it."
"At least pretend to want to marry," Eloise smirked.
"Where would the honesty in that be?" Letty smirked to Eloise, causing the other girl to laugh. "We went straight to the modiste afterwards. Apparently I was in need of a new dress."
"You hate dresses," Eloise smirked.
"I still have the trousers that I purchased in secret from Madam Delacroix. She replaces them every year," Letty smiled softly. "They're much more comfortable. I must convince you to try them some time."
"I may take you up on that sometime," Eloise smiled back.
"Do you think my future husband will burn the trousers when he sees them?" Letty joked, causing Eloise to laugh again. "Or maybe he'll simply wear them himself."
"Do you plan to choose a husband who is the same size as you?"
"Heavens, no. Can you imagine a man our size?"
"Well, I'm sure men were our size at some point in their lives."
"Well, I'm not choosing a child, so my trousers will remain safe for the time being," Letty smirked as Eloise smiled brightly. "How's your novel coming along?"
"Well," Eloise sighed, telling Letty exactly how it was actually going.
"If you allow me to read it, I can help," Letty offered.
"No," Eloise shook her head. "I want to do it on my own first. Once it's done, I'll let you read it and edit it for me. You'll probably be the only one to read it anyhow."
"You could always use a fake name," Letty shrugged. "Have one of your brothers help you publish it."
"Possibly," Eloise sighed as she finished her cigarette. "Have you spoken to Penelope? Her presentation was not the best. Not marvelous or flawless at all. In fact, her sister fainted in front of the queen!"
"No!" Letty gasped. "Oh, poor Pen. I see her tomorrow while our mothers have tea. I didn't have time today."
"We should be getting to bed," Eloise sighed and Letty finished smoking.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" Letty asked.
"I'm sure we'll cross paths," Eloise smiled before waving Letty off.
Letty fell asleep quickly, waking early and dressing before eating a small breakfast and heading to the Featherington home with her mother. The footman answered, giving Letty a soft smile before allowing the two women entrance. Letty stepped into the sitting room to hear Pen trying to convince her mother to let her sit the season out once more.
Letty sat beside Pen by the window before the footman entered, announcing Pen's cousin having arrived. Pen stood by her mother, Letty staying in her spot and reading the gossip article Pen had left in her seat, holding in her gasps as she read full names being called out. She glared when she saw the insult about Pen, hiding the smirk about Pen's sisters, before seeing the compliments about herself and Daphne, calling them each other's competition for the diamond of the season. She rolled her eyes before looking up and getting a look at Pen's distant cousin, her mouth dropping open when she saw her.
She schooled her features before standing and introducing herself. Marina was kind and sweet, giving Letty a smile. Pen and Letty escaped to the backyard, talking quietly for a few hours before Letty was forced home to get ready for the ball, her dress arriving just as she did. Letty ate a small snack before Elsie began dressing her. She pulled her hair into a tight updo and added rouge to her cheeks, oil to her eye lids, and a pink stain to her lips. Letty stared at her reflection, almost not recognizing the woman that stood before her. Her mother appeared behind her in the mirror, gasping before a smile took her features.
"Perfect," her mother smiled. "Now, let's get a move on. Can't be late not, can we?"
"Yes, mother," Letty smiled back, following her mother from the room and to the carriage that waited for them.
Once at Lady Danbury's estate, Letty was left with Elsie as her mother joined Lady Featherington and Lady Cowper on the balcony. Letty wondered a bit before finding Colin and Benedict Bridgerton. She gave them bright smiles as she joined them, accepting the offered glass from Colin.
"When did you sneak in?" Benedict smirked.
"A few minutes ago," Letty admitted, sipping her drink. "Where's Daphne?"
"I'm sure her and Anthony will make their entrance any moment now."
"How terrible is Anthony being?" Letty sighed the question.
"Let's find out. There they are," Benedict pointed to Anthony and Daphne. "Anthony! Daph!"
Letty followed Colin and Benedict to Daphne and Anthony, smiling brightly at Daphne when they made eye contact.
"You look lovely, Daphne," Letty complimented.
"As do you," Daphne smiled back. "Blue just makes your eyes shine."
"Did I tell you I'm to begin my tour in Greece?" Colin asked Daphne.
"Greece? How adventurous, Colin," Daphne looked intrigued before Anthony's eyes widened.
"On guard," he coughed and Letty turned, finding Lady Danbury approaching them.
"Too late!" Lady Danbury called as the three Bridgerton men tried to run off. "I've already noted you."
"Hello, Lady Danbury," Letty bowed. "Thank you for the invitation. Everything looks amazing."
"Thank you, Miss Everly. You and Miss Bridgerton look lovely this evening. Is there a reason why I have yet to see either of you on the dance floor?" Lady Danbury asked curiously.
"I was about to ask Miss Everly for her first dance," Benedict spoke up, offering Letty his arm. "Shall we?"
"I'd love to," Letty smiled, giving Lady Danbury another bow before heading to the dance floor with Benedict.
"Sorry for whisking you away," Benedict sighed as he led her into a waltz. "Lady Danbury makes me rather nervous."
"I like her," Letty smirked. "She's rather brave; unafraid to say what she thinks. We should all hope to be more like her one day."
"You need not say anything," Benedict smirked.
"Yes, yes. I know. My face says it all," Letty smirked. "My mother likes to tell me as much every chance she gets."
The two completed the dance, bowing to one another as another began. Lord Boxford approached Letty, asking for the next dance. Letty glanced to Benedict but he was already disappearing into the crowd, unable to save her as she accepted. Marina and Colin joined the two and Letty relaxed with a Bridgerton close by, actually enjoying herself a bit during the dance, able to hold in her grimace when Boxford stomped on her toe.
At the end of the dance, Colin asked after her foot and she laughed, dismissing him before leaving the floor to find something to drink, looking over and seeing Lady Bridgerton on her own. Letty grabbed another glass of lemonade and joined her quickly, passing her the glass and smiling when Lady Bridgerton thanked her.
"Where's Daphne?" Letty asked curiously, not seeing her anywhere that she looked.
"Anthony has already whisked her away for the night. He claimed that dancing with anyone is too much or something along those lines," Lady Bridgerton sighed.
"That makes no sense. How is she supposed to find her match if she isn't here meeting anyone?" Letty asked in confusion.
"I do not know," Lady Bridgerton sighed. "She looked rather put out by having to leave so soon as well."
"I…"
"Miss Everly?" Lord Weatherby appeared at her side. "May I have your next dance?"
"Oh. Of course," Letty nodded, setting her glass down. "Lady Bridgerton."
"Letty," Lady Bridgerton smiled softly, watching as the girl left to join the dance floor.
"So, Lord Weatherby, how are you finding your evening?" Letty asked.
"Most enjoyable," he smiled. "I was hoping to dance with Miss Bridgerton, but it seems she has disappeared."
"She had a bit of a headache," Letty lied quickly. "I'm sure she'd be thrilled if you were to check on her tomorrow."
"Of course," Lord Weatherby smiled brightly.
Letty was released after the dance and she sank into the shadows, letting out a slow breath as she watched everyone dancing. She wondered just how many suitors were there for Daphne after she'd been named diamond in the gossip rag that morning and if being called her competition would cause her any problems. Lord Berbrooke spotted her and Letty fled her hiding spot as quickly as possible, finding Pen a few moments later.
"Thank goodness," Letty groaned. "Berbrooke was chasing me."
"He was chasing Daphne earlier," Pen smirked.
"Does the man not know that women do not like being chased after?" Letty questioned, leaning against the wall and watching everyone walk by. "We are not simple bucks to shoot at."
"I do not believe that he does," Pen laughed.
"Heard anything interesting yet?" Letty smirked.
"No," Pen sighed. "I was thinking of doing a lap around the room. Care to join me?"
"Absolutely," Letty smiled, following Pen out of the shadows.
Lord Fife and Lord Cho approached them, both wanting to sign Letty's dance cards.
"I will dance with both of you, however, you simply must dance with Penelope while I am unable to attend to her," Letty told them, looking serious. "You wouldn't leave a lady unattended, would you?"
"Of course not," Fife shook his head, signing Penelope's card before leading Letty onto the dance floor.
Letty saw Cho lead Pen to the floor and smiled brightly to her friend. After they each danced with the two Lords, they hid against the wall again.
"You didn't need to do that," Pen told her in a whisper.
"Pen, you're my best friend. Of course I did," Letty argued before noticing her mother calling for her. "Seems like my fun may be ending for the night. Goodnight, Pen."
"Goodnight, Letty," Penelope smiled, watching as Letty left before sinking into the shadows again.
"It's time to go," her mother told her.
"Yes, mother," Letty nodded, immediately taking her mother's arm and being led from the ball.
"How many men did you dance with?" her mother questioned. "I lost sight of you."
"Five," Letty told her. "Mister Benedict Bridgerton, Lord Boxford, Lord Weatherby, Lord Cho, and Lord Fife."
"They are all acceptable choices," her mother nodded. "We shall see who calls upon you in the morning. Did Mister Bridgerton really ask you to dance?"
"He was trying to escape Lady Danbury," Letty explained. "Nothing serious."
"Well, Daphne Bridgerton left rather early so I'm sure you may very well just be one of the top ladies of the night," her mother smiled.
"We shall see in the morning," Letty smiled to her mother as they pulled up to their home. "I'm rather tired."
"I would think so after all that dancing," her mother smiled. "To bed. Early morning tomorrow."
An early morning indeed. Letty had six suitors call upon her the next morning. They came bearing gifts of flowers, which made Letty sneeze, and boxed chocolates, which Letty expertly passed over to Elsie to have as she broke out in hives when she even touched chocolate, let alone eat it. They were all so boring though and Letty knew that she must look bored as she listened to them speak, as they dismissed themselves the moment they realized that Letty had no interest in them. Her mother was not thrilled. The only gentleman that seemed even slightly interesting had been Lord Lumley, who had stuttered through the conversation as he asked after Letty and the books she liked to read.
"Could you at least to pretend that you like one of them?" her mother groaned out the question.
"Sorry, mother," Letty sighed. "I wish it were that simple. They're all so boring though."
"How could you tell if they were boring or not? You didn't give them a chance," her mother pointed out.
"I feel like I could have napped as they all spoke," Letty defended. "I want someone who captures my attention, makes me laugh and feel special and safe. Not someone who will bore me to death."
"It may take you a while yet to find the person you're searching for," her mother warned her.
"I'm prepared for that," Letty nodded.
More suitors came over the next two mornings and Letty received more flowers and chocolates than she ever wanted near her, Lord Lumley bringing her a book of poetry rather than the two things in the words that made Letty feel a bit sick. The only highlight was Lady Whistledown's paper, which she was now reading. She glared as the woman spoke poorly of Daphne, called Letty hard to please, and questioned the queens judgement on the two before speaking highly of Marina. On the fourth day, no suitors came and Letty knew it was due to Lady Whistledown's papers. Her mother excused her for the morning and Letty escaped to the Featherington estate.
Pen was relieved to see Letty, pulling her to the chair beside her as a man sprouted poetry to Marina, a dog in her lap. Colin and Pen spoke to one another, Pen making Colin laugh before he bid them both ado and left.
"Has every morning been like this?" Letty questioned.
"Yes," Pen sighed. "How have your mornings been?"
"Well, Lady Whistledown called me hard to please so now my mornings are empty. I'm not sure if I should be pleased or not. I'm sure Daphne's not doing well."
"Eloise says that Anthony is scaring off every man and now Lady Whistledown has written so poorly about her," Penelope sighed.
"I didn't care for what she had to say about any of us honestly," Letty complained. "I am hard to please, so at least that's true. You are more than a simple wallflower and you do not need me in order to get a dance. Charity. It was no such thing. Daphne is going to have a difficult enough time as it is with Anthony controlling her calendar without someone writing such things about her."
"So, not a fan of Lady Whistledown?" Pen questioned.
"I'm a fan of what she had to say about the Cressida Cowper," Letty smirked. "Desperate wretch deserves every bit of it."
The next few days were much the same. A few callers were brave enough to return, taking up Letty's morning before she was free to parade in the park with Eloise and Penelope. On the next morning that Whistledown was released, Letty was with Pen when it was received.
"Berbrooke and Daphne? How terrible," Letty groaned before seeing Pen staring at Colin as he flirted with Marina. "Pen?"
"Hmm?" Pen asked, tearing her eyes away.
Letty just stared at Pen for a few moments before looking over at Colin. Letty's eyes widened before she looked to Pen again. Penelope looked panicked suddenly and Letty reached out, taking her hand gently and giving it a small squeeze, assuring Pen that her secret was safe with her. Pen looked relieved before going back to playing with the dog and sending longing glances at Colin.
The next night, The Everly's and the Featherington's were walking around the opera house, Pen and Letty speaking softly back and forth as they found their seats, choosing to sit beside one another rather than separate. Pen and Letty noticed Daphne and her mother being called over to Lady Danbury and the queen and both glanced at one another before paying close attention, the small group being close enough that they could hear the conversation rather easily.
"Your majesty," Lady Bridgerton and Daphne curtseyed. "You must remember my daughter, Daphne."
"Yes. She made quite the impression," the queen commented before looking to her footman. "However fleeting it may have been."
The queen left and Lady Danbury invited Daphne and her mother to her box for the evening. Pen and Letty exchanged glances again, both wondering if Lady Danbury was going to try playing matchmaker with Daphne and the duke or not before they began listening to other tidbits of gossip happening around them. Everyone quieted as the opera began and Letty stared in awe as the opera singers began, closing her eyes as she listened to them. Pen had to bump her arm to bring her back to the real world a few times, both smiling with a mischievous twinkle in their eyes.
Vauxhall Ball was across a river that everyone was to be rowed out to. Letty wondered what would happen if one of the boats were to tip over before hoping it would be Cressida's boat if it were to happen, the hag. Letty stepped onto the shore, not a hair out of place and her light blue dress completely dry as she did so. Elsie chaperoned her as she walked around the party, her mother having to stay home with the doctor, saving just enough time to remind Letty to be more acceptable beforehand. Letty smiled as she looked around, noting the strange glass that was in the trees and above the dance floor before she found Benedict.
"What are you doing all by yourself?" Letty questioned him.
"Waiting for you to show up," Benedict smirked. "You look lovely this evening."
"Thank you," Letty smiled to him before looking at his waist coat. "I like this one."
"I aim to please," Benedict smirked.
"Well, consider me pleased. How you manage to pull off such clothing, I do not know," Letty smirked. "Do you happen to know what those glass balls are for?"
"I hear it's some sort of experiment," Benedict stated, grabbing a glass from a tray as it passed, handing the champagne glass to Letty.
"Thank you."
"Of course."
"How's Daphne?" Letty asked, noting the look that took over Benedict's face. "Does someone need to yell at Anthony?"
"He'll learn, I'm sure," Benedict sighed.
"If Daphne ends up married to Berbrooke because of him," Letty shook her head.
"She will not end up with Berbrooke," Benedict insisted. "No more of this. Come. I must have your first dance of the evening."
"Must you?" Letty smirked, setting her glass down and taking Benedict's arm anyway.
"Yes," Benedict insisted, leading her to the dance floor. "I got here early just to wait for you."
"You jest, Benedict," Letty smirked.
"I assure you I do not. You're the only reason these things are bearable," Benedict insisted.
"Well, you could always go spend time with Miss Dewey," Letty offered.
"You take that back," Benedict gasped, causing Letty to laugh before they bowed to one another and began a lively dance, Penelope and Colin joining them a few moments later.
Letty smiled brightly at Pen as she danced happily with Colin. She gave her attention back to Benedict as the music sped up, making sure to stay in step with him. He ended up spinning her quickly, causing her to laugh as they continued.
"Ladies and gentlemen! May I have your attention!"
The dancing stopped and Benedict offered Letty his arm to hold.
"It is with great privilege that I present Vauxhall's newest spectacle of illumination. Feast your eyes above and allow all that is radiant to overwhelm you!"
Letty gasped as the glass lit up, brightening the darkness that had begun to take over everything. She clapped with everyone else, staring up in wonder and awe. She looked over, seeing Benedict just watching her.
"What?" she questioned.
"Nothing," he shook his head roughly. "Sorry. I need to make a few rounds. I'll come find you soon."
Letty didn't get to respond before he left her alone. Letty watched him walk away, confusion clear on her face before she left the dance floor, giving Pen a soft smile as she went. She found a spot to sit and grabbed a glass of champagne as a waiter passed her, sipping slowly. She noted Daphne stomping away from Anthony but decided to let her cool off before going to check on her in a bit, wanting to give her time first.
Letty just stared around herself, watching as people spoke of the lights, of other people, of the food and drinks and décor. She didn't really pay too much attention to it as she sipped her drink, wondering where Benedict ran off to so quickly before her eyes caught something else.
Letty smiled brightly as she watched Daphne and the duke walking onto the dance floor. The two were unable to take their eyes off of each other and Letty stood, walking to the edge of the dance floor to stand next to Pen and watch the two as they bowed to one another. They moved closer to one another, staring deeply into each other's eyes before they came together, dancing with one another as fire lit up behind them on the ground and in the air.
Letty could not think of anything more romantic in the moment. The lights and fire, the intense stares, the just barely there touches. Benedict chose that moment to reappear, offering Letty his hand. She smiled before taking it and joining the dancing, Benedict staring into her eyes so intensely that she almost felt naked in front of him from how exposed she was. He slowly dipped her and Letty felt a feeling blooming in her chest, the feeling getting stronger as she was pulled back up right by Benedict.
The song ended and the two stayed still, just staring into one another's eyes.
"I should go," Letty whispered suddenly, removing herself from Benedict and almost running to the boats.
She escaped by herself, not caring if anyone had seen her leave or not in that moment. She was trying to catch her breath, but nothing she did could calm the frantic beating of her heart in her chest. She made it home in record time as she told her valet to hurry, going straight to her room once they reached the house. Elsie was there a few minutes later, staring at Letty in shock.
"I need out of this dress," Letty complained. "I can't breathe in it."
Elsie undressed her quickly and Letty pulled her nightgown over her head, dismissing Elsie before she laid on her bed, trying to sort through her thoughts in the moment but unable to. Only one thing was coming to her mind in that moment.
Letitia Everly had feelings for Benedict Bridgerton.