Augustus gracefully greeted the first light of day. His desire was to commence the morning by witnessing the majestic sunrise. Accompanied by a retinue of loyal hounds and his treasured journal, he upheld a cherished tradition that had its origins when his elder sisters made their debuts into society. During those times, there were three of them, united in this ritual. Today, however, the field was graced solely by his presence.
Marcella, now a bride with an heir and another on the way, had moved into a different phase of life. Elvina, regrettably, was no longer amongst the living. Augustus foresaw that when his younger brother embarked upon the world of society, he would introduce him to this venerable custom. Yet, for this morning, he yearned for solitude in the midst of tranquility, a rare departure from his accustomed realm of clamor.
Augustus, who had grown accustomed to the constant company of his five siblings and a multitude of cousins, found solace in this solitary reverie. With quill in hand, he meticulously inscribed his thoughts upon the vellum pages of his journal, poised to embark upon the day’s agenda.
He recognized that he still had some responsibilities to fulfill on the family estate today. Technically, he didn’t have to involve himself in the day-to-day operations of the farm; there were always plenty of hired hands and skilled workers to handle the toil. However, he found a sense of purpose and satisfaction in contributing. Augustus had witnessed the steadfast work ethic of his father and his grandfather. They were not the type to merely sit back and issue commands. Instead, they were actively engaged, sharing the burdens and responsibilities of the farm as their own. The Hatcherman held an unwavering commitment to the land and the livelihood it provided. And so, despite his elevated status and the privileges that came with it, Augustus willingly joined the labor, determined to honor his family’s legacy of understanding the value of hard work.
He was incredibly excited for today. To see everyone with wide smiles as the season began and of course to dance. He loved to dance. He was pretty confident in his skills too. He had been taught by his mom, sisters, and cousins. They wanted to make sure he was able to not step on any toes in any way. Dancing or by coming off rude. He would never think of such a thing. He was also cautious about others’ feelings.
The prospect of the day filled the boy with immense anticipation. It marked the beginning of a new season, a time when everyone’s spirits would be lifted, and the ton would come alive with joyous faces. But what excited him the most was the promise of dancing. Augustus had an ardent love for dance, and he carried a quiet confidence in his skills. His dance education was an affair conducted with meticulous care, overseen by his mother, sisters, and attentive cousins. Their aim was not only to refine his dance moves but also to instill in him the grace and tact of a true gentleman. They wanted to ensure that he glided through the ballroom without ever stepping on toes, either in the literal sense or through any unintended rudeness. Augustus held himself to a high standard of courtesy and consideration for others’ feelings. The notion of causing offense or discomfort was threatening to his character.
At the ball, Augustus mingled with some family friends, he couldn’t help but overhear the hushed conversations regarding who had been anointed the “Diamond of the Season.” A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he pondered what would happen if the roles were reversed, with men competing for that coveted title. Inwardly, he allowed himself a modest hope that perhaps he would have been among the contenders, though he bore no resentment should the honor fall to another gentleman.
In truth, Augustus recognized the significance of being chosen as the “Diamond.” Such a distinction implied not only the favor of society but also the admiration of the queen herself. A man who won the heart of the Diamond of the Season was unquestionably a victor in the eyes of all, for the Diamond was deemed virtually perfect, a paragon of grace, beauty, and charm. And who, indeed, would dare to dispute the queen’s judgment in such matters?
As Duke Jameson Ellis turned his attention toward Augustus and addressed him directly, a sense of duty and courtesy washed over the boy. The Duke requested that Augustus engage in conversation with Lydia, a young debutante experiencing her first season in society. With a subtle nod from his mother, a toothy grin, and a final adjustment to his tie, Augustus gracefully obliged. He recognized the importance of being friendly and making connections in the social circles of Regency society, not only for himself but also as a show of respect toward Lydia’s family, known for their more stringent customs. Augustus had been friends with Aurelia before her unfortunate injury and was pleased to hear she had returned to society. He made a mental note to congratulate her on her recovery while also being cautious not to inadvertently cross paths with her brother, Cassian.
With a characteristic hop in his stride and an ever-present air of happiness, Augustus made his way toward the young woman, Lady Lydia. His joyful disposition was contagious, and he couldn’t help but radiate warmth and friendliness as he approached her, despite the small squeak of his unbroken-in shoes with each step. Lydia’s beauty didn’t escape his notice, and he appreciated the delicate charm that seemed to envelop her, from her blushing smile to her petite stature. He likened her to a small mouse, in the most endearing way, but decided to keep that observation to himself, mindful of how it might be received.
As he drew nearer, Augustus greeted her with a sincere smile, his cheeks slightly flushed with anticipation. Lady Lydia, he began with polite deference, How are you this evening? His voice was warm and inviting. Can you believe it’s already the season? Time has a way of flying, doesn’t it? And speaking of time, the weather should be turning soon. Are you a fan of snow? He inquired, genuinely interested in her response and ready to engage in amiable conversation. He knew his sister would be yelling at him to stop rambling.
@novella