Dance 1 with Priti Mehta
Three years. Three long years alone. This season that would change, that much was clear. How else could the sole heir of the family ever hope to have an heir of his own? To secure the family legacy, one must marry and have children. Though, this season held another, separate importance. His younger sister, Emma, was making her societal debut. Their older sisters had all debuted and married ten years prior, and now it was Emma’s turn. If all went as intended, they would each be preparing to marry by the end of the season.
However, the introductions to the queen did not necessarily bring about the best start for his sister. While she was with her mother waiting for her turn to be introduced, the Queen unexpectedly left, resulting in Emma, along with a few others, missing their introductions. Something which would have been important, despite the diamond having been chosen by that point. Nevertheless, this first ball would be important for his sister, and just as much for himself.
Edmund attempted to be present in society the previous year, do as he was expected to. Be present at events, socialize, find someone he could marry, but he couldn’t do it. His mind and heart were elsewhere. A part of his heart would always be, but he had a duty to fulfill, and it was time to do what was expected of him.
By time for the ball, Edmund had lost sight of his sister, and there was a part of him that wanted to do no more than search her out, to keep an eye on her, or to keep to the edges of the room, alone and away from the dancing. However, he knew that would not be best. While there were several lovely ladies in attendance, some who may have especially caught his attention for one reason or another, Edmund found himself approaching a young lady nearby who had just made her debut. “Miss Mehta. You look lovely this evening. Might you honor me with the pleasure of a dance?”