Brooke Davis finds herself on the stern of a ship that is taking her to her new life. She leaves behind her childhood and her habits, determined to hide her darkest secrets deep within her soul. She will dock alone in England in a little less than an hour, under the rising sun, and will reach the capital in the evening. A new beginning was emerging before her, and she held her breath. Few people had the chance to start all over again. Many would have given anything for that. Yet, Brooke was far from being those people. But she had to live with it.
Brooke returned to her cabin, packed the few belongings she had been able to take with her, and tied her black hair in a blue kerchief she had stolen from a sailor. Traveling on a cargo ship, surrounded by men of the ocean, had been no easy feat. Brooke rejoiced in her strong character, which had surely saved her more than her honor during this voyage. She was a Lady, but here, there was no way she was showing it or she would have been eaten alive.
When she finally saw the port, adrenaline seized Brooke and a warmth ran through her body. She went to thank the Captain who had also protected her... It wasn't only high society men who were gentlemen.
Brooke then stepped off the boat and was delighted to set foot on land. She had always been at ease at sea; her childhood had at least taught her that. However, she enjoyed the quietness of the earth beneath her feet. When she didn't want to move, nothing stirred around her!
One of the sailors then brings her horse, which had made the crossing with her, as always. Noisette, as she was known, also had sea legs but would appreciate stretching his hooves. So Brooke climbs onto his back, unconcerned about not riding sidesaddle. She has a long way to go; she'll have plenty of time to be a distinguished young lady later. She takes one last look at the ship, a sign of her former existence, and sets Noisette off into a gallop.
The hours pass, hair blowing in the wind, and the only sound in the countryside is the sound of the steed's hooves pounding the ground. Brooke loved it... Riding until she couldn't take it anymore. She was a skilled rider, as her mother liked to remind her. Just remembering her proud expression brings a smile to Brooke's face. But melancholy quickly gives way to this sweet memory and she accelerates her mount to arrive more quickly.
Brooke finally arrives at the gates of London as night has already fallen. The streets are quiet, and the closer she gets to the posh neighborhoods, the more alone she feels in the deserted streets. She finally arrives at Grosvenor Square, in front of the splendid and immense home of the woman who was waiting for her. Brooke dismounts from her horse, entrusting the reins to a surprised valet, and then goes to knock on the door.
Valet : Miss, what can I do for you at this late hour?
Brooke : I've come to see Lady Lee. She's expecting me. Tell her that Miss Davis has arrived.
Valet : But it's midnight, Miss.
Brooke : Indeed, and unless you wish to leave a young lady on your mistress's steps, especially when she's expected, I would be grateful if you would go and inform her of my arrival.
Valet : Very well, Miss Davis. Please come in. Please stay here.
Brooke : Of course, thank you.
Brooke waited a few minutes, looking around. The vast entrance was dimly lit by candlelight. However, she could make out the portrait of an old man and a young woman on the wall. She was beautiful. Far too beautiful for him, who seemed to be trying to dominate her just by looking at that portrait.
Debie : Miss Davis?
Brooke : Hello, Lady Lee...
She curtsies deeply.
Brooke : I'm so sorry to wake you up so late. I rushed here, but the night got to me.
Debie, who was standing in front of Brooke, was as beautiful and charismatic as the young woman in the painting. She looked at Brooke with a surprised and apologetic expression.
Debie : Don't worry, my dear. But how did you get here? You look exhausted. Far be it from me to upset you; you still look lovely despite these... rags.
Brooke : Hazel, my horse, is the fastest I know. And the most enduring. Do you think he could be taken to your stables to rest?
Debie : Of course. Witney, lead Miss Davis's horse and see that he is well looked after. Also, please keep Miss Davis's arrival quiet for now. I'm counting on you.
The valet took his leave after nodding, leaving the two women facing each other. In her nightgown, Lady Debie Lee was far more elegant than the attire Brooke wore. But how could she not when she had to remain incognito and flee?
Brooke : Allow me to give you this, Lady Lee...
She hands her a small letter that the matriarch had quickly read. When she looks back at her guest, a particular light, filled with nostalgia and sadness, shone within it.
Debie : Well... I will show you to your apartments. A room has been ready for some time since I didn't know when you would arrive. We will rest and discuss your arrival tomorrow. Take your time. Rest. We have plenty of time to get to know each other.
Brooke : Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Lee.
Brooke follows the lady of the house through the halls of the mansion and enters the immense suite she had prepared for her. A weight lifts from Brooke's body when she sees the large, soft bed. Somehow, she felt at home here even though she had never set foot in it.
Brooke : Thank you, Lady Lee. Have a good night.
Debie : Good night, Miss Davis. Oh, and I wanted to tell you that you have your mother's eyes. I miss her terribly.
Brooke : Me too, Lady Lee. Me too...
Brooke had slept like a log. It had been several weeks since that had happened, since she was always on edge in her sea cabin, and for even when she opened her eyes, she was pleasantly surprised to see sunlight illuminating her room. A desk caught her eye, as did the large dressing table in the corner of the room. She took the time to examine the place, lingering in front of the window that overlooked the flower garden below. Her mother had told her so much about this house. Everything was just as she had described it.
Brooke then left her room and wandered the halls until she heard a noise downstairs. She entered the room and saw Lady Lee talking with Witney. They turn to her when they hear her approach, and Brooke realizes, seeing her host's magnificent attire, that she must have looked ridiculous in her Cinderella getup. Witney leaves them, and Lady Lee rings for servants, flashing Brooke a smile. A young woman quickly arrives.
Debie : Camila, please accompany Miss Davis as she prepares. It would be preferable if she wore something more appropriate. Miss Davis, you will find a dress in your closet. I'll send for the milliner right away to create a proper wardrobe for you.
Brooke : Thank you, Lady Lee, and please excuse me for this outfit. This is all I have in my bag since I left in a hurry.
Debie approaches and takes her hands in hers.
Debie : My dear, never apologize for being a strong woman.
Brooke thanks her with a sincere smile and slips away after Camila, her new maid.
Taking a nice hot bath was a delight for Brooke, and despite the awkwardness of having Camila in her room with her, she thoroughly enjoyed it. Brooke may have been part of French high society, but her life of travel had never led her to settle down anywhere, much less to have servants assisting her in every move. She had learned to fend for herself, like any young woman who wasn't part of that stuffy world. And she was proud of it.
Brooke then put on a pretty dress that Miss Lee had left her. It was a little too big for her, but it would do until she had something else. Brooke had always been self-conscious about her body, which was thinner than other girls her age. She tried to compensate for this with her wit, but the reflection in the mirror wasn't always easy. Disappearing among the crowds had caused her great pain. Yet she knew that it was also thanks to this that she had been able to escape her previous life. So, for the first time, she appreciated her reflection in front of her in the pretty purple fabric. She tied her black hair into a simple bun and applied makeup to her large green eyes. Brooke was rediscovering herself.
Brooke thanks Camila and returns to the small living room where Debie was waiting for her.
Debie : My dear, English fashion looks wonderful on you! The milliner, Madame DelaCroix, will be arriving shortly, but I'm sure she'll be delighted to dress such a pretty flower.
She approaches Brooke and grasps her hands once more in a warm and soothing gesture.
Debie : You look lovely.
Brooke : Thank you, Lady Lee. Thank you for everything.
Debie : That's only natural, my dear. I can't refuse your mother anything, even though she's not with us. I have so many wonderful memories of her. Despite our age difference, your mother always stood out from the crowd with her wit and beauty. A well-made mind, no doubt! I miss our exchanges, but the memory of them fills me with joy... But don't just stand there, come and have a bite to eat. I've had a little treat prepared for your arrival, and the tea is still hot. Tell me about your journey.
Brooke : Thank you, Lady Lee. Mother has often spoken of you too. I must admit that I've often been told that I inherited her character, and I'm very proud of it! We women must make our place in society because nothing is ever taken for granted. Time may prove us right, but we won't be here to rejoice! In any case, I am truly grateful for your welcome and hospitality. I admit that being able to put down one's suitcases in a quiet place does a lot of good. After boarding a cargo ship at the port of Marseille with my horse, I sailed with it these sailors until docking in England and finishing my journey on horseback.
Debie : It must have been exhausting and frightening! But your suitcases? Forgive my audacity, but your suitcase is very empty for a lady! Running away must have been difficult to force you to equip yourself with the bare minimum like that.
Brooke : Indeed...
She sips her jasmine tea from her cup, savoring the warm liquid as it flows down her throat.
Brooke : The opportunity presented itself, and I had no choice but to leave quickly. I'm leaving many memories in France, but it's for the best. I just hope my past doesn't catch up with me at a gallop. I absolutely don't want to cause you any harm, Lady Lee. I'm only too grateful for that. If my past were to knock on your door, I'd leave without further delay, rest assured.
Debie : My dear, you're safe here. No one will find you. And while gossip is the delight of London high society, rest assured that no one will ever know why you're here. I'll see to that. But to do that, we absolutely must find a reason for your arrival, create a perfect identity for your entrance into this world.
Brooke : Lady Lee, I'm not here to compete with the debutantes. I'm just looking for a little peace and quiet. The kind I've been seeking for so long.
Debie : Miss Davis, if you don't mind, I'll never equate you with the debutantes, but it would still be wiser if finding a husband were your goal. For your safety. In any case, and if you agree, I will introduce you to society as my niece. I don't think this will attract any prying questions.
Brooke : That suits me perfectly. And I will participate in every event you deem important. I will try never to tarnish your reputation, shame you, or bring dishonor upon you. I have good manners, I am educated and knowledgeable. Mother saw to that. But I cannot seek a husband. I will not unite with someone and impose my life, my family heritage, on them.
Debie : But my dear, you cannot remain alone indefinitely.
Brooke : I think it will be better this way. I will have time to settle in and leave you, I will live my life alone, don't worry.
Debie : Miss Davis, I'm going to introduce you as my niece, and it's not out of obligation. Even though we just met, I hold you dear to my heart because you're my best friend's daughter. Victoria Davis was my best friend, and you're truly like my niece. I can't leave you in this situation, and I won't tolerate not helping you.
Brooke : I'm already abusing your generosity. The dresses, your riches, your hospitality. I can't accept it for too long. I'm already not one to stand by and do nothing. I'm not that way anymore... Not anymore.
Debie : I know that only too well. And I repeat myself, but you're not abusing anything. It makes me happy to help you. I also reiterate, the best thing that could happen to you for your safety, and also all I wish for your heart, is to find a loving husband who will offer you peace. No one will be able to force you to do anything anymore.
Brooke : My past is my cross, Lady Lee. One season, one company, and I'll be gone. But I'm taking advantage of this situation, unpleasant as it may be, to get to know you and perhaps enjoy the distractions of London life. I can never thank you enough for all you do. But my decision is made to protect you.
Debie : To protect me?
Brooke : Yes, my past is my problem. I will never allow it to become anyone else's.
Seeing Brooke's resolute expression, Debie lets out a long sigh.
Debie : I hope time proves you wrong, my dear. But I see in your tenacity all the soul of your mother. You are strong and proud like her. You are resilient and dedicated. I hope this doesn't ruin you the way it ruined her.
Brooke : It's her heart that ruined her. I won't be fooled.
The two women face each other. One is gentle in her eyes but has a shell harder than iron. The other is cold in her appearance yet so tender inside. The tension is palpable, yet there is a deep respect and affection between their two generations... Between these two women who have been through so much.
Valet : Madame DelaCroix has arrived, madam.
Debie : Good! We can now move on to the festivities!