Chapter Two - Indexes and Interviews

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As the members of our esteemed Ton lazily sojourned in their rustic retreats, the author was doing but one thing.

Honing my skills.

Or should I say, hatching my plans?

No, even better.

I was sharpening my knives, for all of you.

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"Who do you think Whistldown is?" I ask, peering up from the gossip column and towards Frederick.

He sighs and shakes his head, "I have no idea... although Charlotte has been fuming with their return to London. I think that we all enjoyed a rather quiet summer... away from the drama and the secrets that this town seems to thrive on. Are you not supposed to be getting ready for your tea with the Queen, darling?"

I sigh and glance back down at the column, continuing to read.

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Questions abound as to this author's identity and means. Seeking those answers shall prove fruitless, indeed.

There is, of course, another unknown identity at present. Though, this one you will be able to unearth. I speak of the season's diamond, wherever she may be.

Your move, Your Majesty.

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I take another sip of my tea and watch as the Queen continues to read the column.

As I quietly gaze around the room, I make eye contact with lady Danbury, who sends me a small smirk as she sips her tea.

The entire visit had been eerily quiet, with the Queen more focused on what Lady Whistledown had written than the guests she had invited over. Lady Danbury and I had been forced to sit in a rather awkward silence for the entirety of my trip, which, thankfully, ended early when I was reminded that I had to leave to start towards the Bridgerton house, where I had promised to meet Lady Bridgerton a few days earlier.

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I fight back my laughter as I watch Eloise halfheartedly dance with Gregory while Francesa played the pianoforte by the window.

"One and two. One and two," her dance teacher instructed, counting along with the music as he watched her dance with disbelief.

"It is... better," I offer, watching and wincing as she dances so offbeat that I had to hide my cringes.

"I do not think she's very good," Hyacinth says simply, turning to look at me and Benedict.

"I believe she can hear you," Benedict says, fiddling with his pencil but not bothering to disagree with her.

"I can hear you," Elosie snaps, glaring at her sister as she is spun around by Gregory.

"She can hear you," I repeat, grinning towards Hyacinth, who merely giggles in return.

"Ow!" Gregory steps away from Eloise and huffs, "watch my feet!"

"Might we be done?" Eloise asks, looking towards her mother with hope.

Violet only sighs and looks toward Eloise with determination. "If you are to catch the Queen's eye after this morning's interruption, then you must be perfection."

Eloise groans and reaches for Gregory's hand once more, "I believe it was the interruption that was perfection."

"Shocking that Eloise Bridgerton was not named the season diamond, was it not?" Benedict says, glancing up from his sketchbook and throwing his sister a smile.

"Was anyone else aware that dear Colin has apparently decided to add Albania or some such place to his itinerary as he gads about the world?" Anthony asks, stepping into the room and glancing around at everyone.

"No, but how happy for him that he can simply decide to do that," Eloise huffs.

"Joining us for tea, Anthony?" Violet asks, offering her son a hopeful smile.

"Anthony pauses, before shaking his head, "uh, I'm afraid I must pass. Too many calls on my funds today. Now that the season has started, I shall need to fill your coffers at the modiste and oversee the hiring of a few extra staff. And your ring. When you get the change, I shall need it. The fields by Ferryhallow. I was thinking we might hold off on leasing them due to the hard frost."

Violet pauses her walking and turns to gaze at her son with wide eyes. "I beg your pardon?"

"Did he truly just casually ask your mama for her ring?" I ask, leaning over towards Hyacinth, who munched down on yet another biscuit and nodded, watching the two like a pall mall match.

"The frost hardens the soil, saps it of nutrients," Anthony explains.

"That is very well," Violet says, dismissing his words entirely as she continues to gaze at him in wonder. "But you requested my ring?"

"Father's betrothal ring," Anthony says in agreement.

"Did someone catch your eye at the presentation, Brother?" Benedict asks, grinning as he turns to look at his older brother, a twinkle of mischief hiding behind his eyes.

"I thought all of the young ladies looked beautiful," Hyacinth added in happily.

"Not particularly," Anthony said simply, brushing both of their words aside, "and all the young ladies looked the same. Like young ladies. I should simply like to be prepared for when the opportunity presents itself."

"The opportunity?" Violet repeats, a brow raised.

"I've already compiled an index of the season's eligible misses and arranged interviews," Anthony continues.

"Interviews? Indexes? What on earth are you doing? Interviewing every debutant until you find one meeting your criteria?" I ask, looking at him with wide eyes.

Violet chuckles and takes a deep breath in before looking back towards Anthony with a smile, "dearest, I shall be more than happy to give you my ring when you find someone with whom you are very much in love. Besides, it is in safekeeping at Aubrey Hall."

Anthony nods his head, "very well."

Violet casually leans over the couch towards Benedict and looks at him with a raised brow, "see that he is quite well."

"Me?" Benedict asked, looking insulted at the very idea.

"I'm not in need of coddling," Anthony calls out, turning around and glancing back towards his mother, "I assure you all, everything is in order."

He pulls out his pocket watch and glances at it for a moment before slipping it back into his pocket and starting out of the room.

"Do you think he has an 'interview' with one of the debutantes from his 'index'?" I ask, smiling when Hyacinth giggles beside me.

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"Oh, Cress!" I race over to her and quickly engulf her in a bone-crushing hug. "It has been far too long!"

"I completely agree!" Cressida exclaimed, pulling back and looking me over with a rare beaming smile. "How was your first summer of married life? Everything you had hoped for?"

"And more," I agree, smiling back at the memories fondly, "but, I will admit, I am glad to be back... despite this Whistledown drama."

"Ah yes..." Cressida sighs and moves to sit down on the couch, "Mama was talking about how excited she was to see you Mama this season..."

"Mama has been over the moon with all the gossip that has been coming out- even if it isn't up to par with what Whistldown reports," I say, "she and Papa visited us for a few days during the summer."

"What about your bother?" Cressida asked, brow raised.

"Henry? He is off somewhere traveling the world and wooing every woman he comes across, I am sure," I say, waving him off, "he writes Mama and I every once in a while."

"Could you imagine," Cressida says breathlessly, "being able to travel near and far... I think that it would be a rather wonderful way to live. Being able to experience so much all the time."

"I am sure that it would be a wonderful thing to experience, Cress," I whisper, leaning back against the couch, "I am sure that you will be able to do it... one day."

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guys... how are we feeling about the announcement of Colin and Penelope's storyline coming next season!? i am so ready (sorry Benny)!

don't forget to comment and vote!

-T