The season always began with the presentation of the debutantes to the Queen and the ball given by Lady Lee. All these festivities would take place tonight. Brooke would indeed be present at the ball but there was no question of her being presented to Her Majesty among the other young women of high society. First of all, it was clear that she was no longer old enough to be considered a debutante, for even though at twenty-two she was still far from being a spinster, she still knew the world better than her younger sisters. Especially her, especially after the life she had always led. Besides, no one knew of her existence, she was not a Londoner by birth and she could meet the Queen anyway that evening at the ball.

Brooke quietly got ready with the help of her maid. She put on a magnificent pale pink dress with floral details and soft pearls. She tied her hair up in a large bun, topped with a diamond tiara, and lightly applied eye makeup before putting on the jewelry Lady Lee had had brought for her, as well as her gloves, which she never took off. She was simply dazzling. Madame DelaCroix was an outstanding milliner, that was no small feat.

Beyond her bedroom door, Brooke began to hear music echoing in the ballroom. She took a deep breath after politely dismissing Camila. She stayed in her room for a while, watching the carriages parade through the courtyard, then finally decided to join in the festivities. So she went down the grand staircase and arrived at a side door that led to this great moment: her entrance into the world. Anxiety rose in her throat. She was part of French high society by name, but she had never taken part in anything. Her father always took her and her mother with him on his travels to the other side of the world, and she had lived more on a boat than in a ballroom. She had the manners of a Lady, her mother had seen to that, but she had never taken any of it into practice. Yet it was time to try it. So she sat down on a small bench and caught her breath, ready to jump in at the deep end.

... : Miss, is everything all right?

Brooke turned to meet the gaze of the man who had just addressed her. He was wearing a black suit that suited him perfectly. His slightly long blond hair gave him the air of a charming adventurer, while she could see the blue of his eyes as he approached her. She could only hold her breath in front of such beauty.

... : Miss?

Brooke quickly stood up, composing herself, and bowed slightly to her interlocutor.

Brooke : Sorry... I'm fine, thank you, sir...

... : Scott. Lucas Scott. When I saw you in the shadows like that, I was afraid you might feel unwell.

Brooke : Thank you very much for your kindness, but I'm fine. I was just getting ready to jump into this lion's den. A season opening ball is no small feat!

Lucas : Indeed, you're quite right. And now that this little moment of solitude is over, do you feel ready to take the plunge?

Brooke : Absolutely, let's go...

Lucas : Well, I'll let you go alone. Not that I don't want to enter this ball with you on my arm if you wish, but it would be highly inappropriate for the crowd to realize we were alone together without a chaperone.

Brooke couldn't help but blush as she realized the meaning of his words. Everything was so complicated and thought-out in London.

Brooke : Indeed, you're right. We'll probably meet inside then, Mr. Scott.

Lucas : It would be my great pleasure. I hope to write my name in your dance card.

Brooke : I'll be sure to leave a blank for you.

He bowed with a laugh and gave her a mischievous wink before slipping away. Brooke watched him leave and was surprised to feel her heart pounding faster in her chest. This evening was very trying. And without further ado, so as not to delay the deadline once again, she gently pushed the door open to join the party.

The room was absolutely splendid. Flowers cascaded everywhere around her, hundreds of candles lighting the room with a soft glow as couples twirled on the dance floor or chatted and laughed. Brooke moved slowly along the walls to observe everything, but she quickly felt the weight of stares on her. She hated it. She had been on the run for weeks and had done everything she could to avoid being noticed. Yet, here and now, everything was different. All eyes were on her. And the situation didn't improve when Lady Lee joined her.

Debie : My dear little one, you look absolutely radiant.

Brooke : Thank you.

Debie : Come on, let's have a lemonade to start these beautiful festivities.

Brooke followed Debie, who didn't hug the walls, subjecting the young woman to the eyes who hadn't yet noticed her. She grabbed a glass once she reached her destination and slowly sipped the delicious nectar.

... : Lady Lee, I see you're once again surrounding yourself with lovely plants this season.

Brooke bowed low when she saw the woman who had addressed them. It wasn't hard to tell it was the Queen herself.

Debie : Well, Your Majesty, I do indeed know where to find charming young ladies to introduce to you. This is my niece, Miss Brooke Davis.

Brooke : Your Majesty, it is a great honor...

She nodded respectfully.

The Queen : Tell me, my dear, where do you come from to have such a singular accent?

Brooke : From France, Your Majesty.

The Queen : Oh, and what do you think of our sweet London? Have you arrived here recently?

Brooke : It's only been a few days since I arrived among you. But I must admit that everything is so lively and pleasant! A city of character, like its Queen, no doubt. I am delighted to be here with my aunt for this season.

The Queen : I like you, Miss Davis! And what are you looking for in coming to join us? A husband, I presume.

Brooke : Well, not really, to be honest, Your Majesty. I wouldn't turn away from true love if I met him, but I wouldn't be competing with all these pretty debutantes. I'm just passing through, visiting my aunt, who has so kindly agreed to take me in.

The Queen : I understand, my dear, but I'm very disappointed. It would have been very nice to see you enter the husband-hunt. Watching a court is so distracting for your Queen. But I respect your choice to seek only love. And even though I have found my diamond this season, you will be the muse of our balls, Miss Davis.

Brooke : Thank you very much, Your Majesty.

The Queen smiled at her and slipped away with her entire court. Brooke knew very well what the sovereign had just done. She had spoken loudly, complimented him, and made him desirable to the gentlemen. Even though Brooke had said she did not wish to participate in an active husband-hunt, the Queen wished to enjoy her participation in these games. Wonderful... She could already feel the jealous glances of the mothers and daughters, as well as the charming smiles of the gentlemen.

Debie : Well, you have made a strong impression, my dear.

Brooke : It seems...

Brooke approached the buffet again, having already seen a few men moving in her direction. How was she going to extricate herself from this situation? She was trying to think of an answer while sipping a lemonade when she felt a presence behind her.

Lucas : Is there a spot on your dance card before you're mobbed?

Brooke turned to face the first person to ask her for a dance. She was relieved, however, to see Lucas Scott facing her. This realization of relief disturbed her, though. Why was she relieved to see him when she hardly knew him? He was holding out his hand with a charming smile.

Lucas : Could I have that first dance then?

Brooke : Of course, Mr. Scott.

Brooke replied with a big smile and a curtsy. They both step onto the dance floor and begin to waltz.

Lucas : The Queen seemed to have taken a liking to you...

Brooke : Indeed...

Lucas : You obviously don't like it...

Brooke : I'm not here to chase after a gentleman. I just came to visit my aunt.

Lucas : Well, I think the Queen has decided otherwise. Is Lady Lee your aunt?

Brooke : Exactly, she's taking me in for a while before I head off on my adventure.

Lucas : Adventure? Isn't that a little dangerous for a lady?

Brooke : I'm not really going on an adventure, I'm just going to put my bags down a little further away. Don't worry, I'll never put me in danger.

Lucas : Maybe you'll find your parents?

Brooke : No, I'm alone.

Lucas : Oh... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say anything silly. My family often says that's my habit, though.

Brooke : You couldn't have known, Mr. Scott, don't worry. And your family says other things about you?

She smiles mischievously to lighten the mood.

Lucas : It seems that I don't always know how to say the right thing. That I'm a tease but deeply kind. I won't say anything more, it might seem like I'm bragging, which wouldn't be my style at all...

Brooke : Oh, Mr. Scott, I'm sure your family says many other things about you. Perhaps one day I'll have the pleasure of finding out more...

Lucas : I'll bribe them to keep quiet forever. Besides, you already know way too much about me, in my humble opinion... especially since I still don't know your name.

Brooke : Indeed, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Brooke Davis...

She gave a short curtsy, which blended seamlessly into their dance.

Lucas : Well, Miss Davis, welcome to London!

He curtsied back, signaling the end of the waltz.

Lucas : May I offer you a lemonade so I can learn a little more about you and your arrival?

Brooke : My pleasure, and thank you for your warm welcome.

She followed Lucas to the drinks table, and he handed her another glass, which she quickly lifted to her lips.

Lucas : And where are you from, Miss Davis? You have a charming little accent.

Brooke : From France. But I've been traveling the world with my parents since I was a child, so I can't say if my accent comes only from my home country or if it's a result of all our travels.

Lucas : You've been traveling? It must have been enriching. I myself just returned from a trip across the Mediterranean, particularly to Greece. I thoroughly enjoyed this magnificent country. So rich in culture and color. It was a real pleasure.

Brooke : Indeed, it seems you enjoyed your visits... You look so happy, you still seem to be on a white sand beach! But I understand, Greece is splendid. We stayed there for a few months, and it was one of the most beautiful countries I had the chance to see.

Lucas : Perhaps we'll have the opportunity to discuss all this and...

... : Miss Davis, would you be willing to give me a dance?

Brooke seemed uncomfortable at being interrupted like that, but couldn't help but accept the invitation. She gave Lucas a slight bow, giving him an apologetic smile, and set off down the track with her new date.

Lucas watched them leave and felt annoyed. He saw Lord Shepherd, Miss Davis's partner, place his hand on her waist before making her dance, and something rumbled inside him. They were talking, she was smiling at him. Just as she had just done with him. He hadn't known her before tonight, before he saw her sitting on that bench. He had immediately worried about her, and when she stood up, revealing her sweet face, he had been speechless. She had also made him smile during their exchanges. She seemed full of life, joy, and yet filled with mysteries. And he couldn't tolerate the idea that someone else might want to unravel them for him.

... : My brother, I absolutely need you!

Peyton's arrival forced Lucas to let go of the couple's gaze. He adored his sister, but she could be so annoying!

Lucas : What's wrong, Peyton?

Peyton : Dance with me!

Lucas : I beg your pardon?

Peyton : Mother's been looking for me everywhere with a boy on her arm. She absolutely wants me to dance with him, and Anna cowardly abandoned me...

Lucas : Well, accept, it's just a dance, Peyton...

Peyton : So you're betraying me like this too. I thought I could count on you, at least. Please!

She begged him with a desperate expression. And when he rolled his eyes, she knew she'd won. She grabbed her brother's hand and pulled him as discreetly as possible onto the dance floor when she saw her mother arrive with a big smile, a gentleman under her arm. Lucas quietly led his sister in a dance, taking the opportunity to watch the pretty French girl smile at her date.

Peyton : You seem elsewhere, brother.

Lucas : In any case, I would like to be...

Peyton looked in the direction he kept looking and understood immediately.

Peyton : Well... you too succumb to the charms of novelty and exoticism... At least, between the diamond and the muse of the balls, the Queen has managed to give me some shade. I just have to run away from Mother as best I can, and my season should go wonderfully.

Lucas : Don't think that. Running away from the Queen is something I know you have talent for, but running away from Mother... not even the fastest stallion could do it, my sister, especially if she's talking about marriage.

Peyton : So maybe you'll be the one to overshadow me when you decide to woo the young lady...

She spoke mischievously, her eyebrows dancing suggestively.

Lucas : Don't be silly, I don't woo every young woman I dance with.

Peyton : Maybe. But you don't look at them all with that look either. The last time I saw you like that, it was for Miss Strauss.

Lucas : And look how that turned out.

Peyton : Certainly, brother. Besides, she's very pretty, but she's already the talk of the town tonight. A pretty face and a lot of mystery make for a lot of talk... I'll never understand how a woman can't be considered interesting based solely on the beauty of her face. I can understand it through her secrets, but...

Lucas : Her secrets? Miss Davis has secrets?

Peyton : Of course. A new niece for Lady Lee, whom no one knows. A woman who is finally reasonable and loudly proclaims that she's not looking for a husband, yet has solid manners. And finally, no father or mother to chaperone her or push her into marriage. A very pleasant gamble and a real talking point for all of London. Lady Whistledown must be rubbing her hands with glee.

Lucas then looked up at the young woman who intrigued him so much. She had just changed partners. And indeed, if she looked closely, she seemed open to all eyes and all conversations, as almost every group of mothers, friends, and gentlemen were looking at her, even staring at her. Peyton seemed right; secrets were Lady Whistledown's stock in trade, and with Miss Davis, she wasn't likely to disappear anytime soon.