Location: Willoughby estate
Time: 2 hours before the Queen’s ball
Bridget’s favorite violin practice
Bridget opened her eyes, and gently set her violin down on the stand. Her thoughts drifted to the Queen’s presentation earlier that day as she turned her head to feel the breeze gently dancing through the cracked open window, she had recalled hearing the announcement, feeling the swell of her chest as she had taken a deep breath and heard the powerful oak doors swing open as well as the hush that befell the crowd, all seeing eyes were on her. A gentle shiver ran down her spine as she could feel the stares of the entire ton watching, waiting to pass silent judgement, but of course only one person’s judgement mattered today, the Queen. Her body began to move rather gracefully forward as if on it’s own though her mind was unsure of where she was headed, she remembered her mother subtly whispering of what was directly in front of her even though her path remained clear as it had many times before, she was ever so grateful for continued assistance . As she passed through, She could smell the myriad of scents that flooded her nose from the perfume of the women and hear the ever so subtle whispers of the ton. She internally fought every natural instinct within her to turn her head and investigate every new scent or sound. Her face remained forward as she approached, counting the remaining paces left before she had to stop, in her head. Bridget’s right hand quivered slightly, yes, she was nervous why wouldn’t she be, the slightest provocation from the Queen could deem her an eligible match, or completely worthless…well, more than she already was anyway. She had stopped before the Queen and bowed her head, staying silent, unworthy in the presence of Her Majesty. It felt an eternity…no, much longer than that until her mother guided her along.
A sudden opening of her door and the subtle hug of a rather familiar scent filled her lungs snapped her from her recollection, rosewater & ivy, though a simple scent it held much meaning to her. A soft smile adorned her face “Good afternoon, Mother.” Bridget said without turning around, her eyes still staring blankly ahead upon the empty stand. Her mother smiled softly in return, “How do you manage to do that every single time someone enters the room?” Bridget giggled and simply shrugged, "I suppose it must be the soap one uses. Her mother shook her head, “As you know, the Queen’s ball is tonight, and I believe we have picked out a most exquisite dress that will go well with you.” Bridget stood up and faced her mother, smiling softly as she felt the fabric of the gown, “Though I cannot see, I choose to believe you would not lead me astray and have picked a most beautiful dress, indeed.”
~~~
Bridget took a deep breath, once more feeling her chest rise and fall. She didn’t know why she was so nervous, after all she knew the odds of a man willing to court her, much less dance with her given her…condition. She entered the ball, with her mother on her left and her elder brother, Edmund on her right. Come, dear sister, we must make our rounds. He escorted her around the room until he saw Lady Abigail approaching them. Bridget smiled softly upon smelling her favorite scented ivory soap, lavender. “Brother, may Abigail please escort me?” Edmund was silent for a moment before replying, "Very well, however I shall be but a moment away if you need me.
@LunaticLeviTheSecond ~ Abigail
(should anyone wish to converse with her in the meantime, I wouldn’t be opposed to it.)
