It was June 1st. The London Season was due to begin in exactly four days and the British summertime weather certainly looked to be promising. The gardens had officially regained their summer colours and London was simply awash with the most vibrant and fantastical floral assortments.
The days began at no later than four o'clock and stretched on until easily after ten in the evening. This meant wonderfully long days. And long days meant promenades, picnics, and perpetual balls as the young (and sometimes old) join together in the disaster pud attempt to play Cupid and match up the latest bachelors of London society.
Final preparations were well underway as the highlight of the summer season was about to begin - the Queen's ball. Excitement could be found in every house on the Ton, but no house was quite so flustered that morning as the Bridgerton's.
With Daphne, Simon and their newborn son having returned ahead of the Season, the house had been spun into disarray. And, indeed, it was about to be even more chaotic with the present arrival of one Aurora Grey.
Aurora Grey, who had recently turned nineteen years of age, was a tall, brown haired young woman with a pale complexion and what can only be described as an average body shape - she wasn't what one might consider skinny but neither was she curvy, she was simply Aurora. And Aurora was famed for three particular features: her status as Earl Grey's only daughter (a blessing considering his five sons), her vast intellect, and her affinity for fencing.
On this day, in exactly twenty minutes, Lady Grey was destined to arrive at Bridgerton House where she would finally meet the family of her closest friend Daphne Bridgerton, the two having met at a ball the duchess had hosted late November of the year prior.
Of course, Mrs. Bridgerton had been absolutely thrilled at the prospect of a potential daughter-in-law and widely-regarded young lady paying a visit to the family. And, as such, she had absolutely demanded that all three of her eligible sons - especially Anthony - be present to receive her.
And so, Mrs. Bridgerton was most displeased to hear from Benedict a mere ten minutes before the girl's arrival that the young Lord Bridgerton would not be attending because he had "far more important business to which he must attend."
Indeed, Mrs. Bridgerton was on the verge of a full blown speech about matrimony when the Grey carriage stopped outside the gates of Bridgerton House. Painted in black, navy blue and gold it was the very picture of stately, Northern beauty.
The Bridgerton and Basset families were now stood patiently upon the steps of the house, awaiting the reception of their new guest, many of them were filled with nerves, particularly Eloise who had heard much of the lady's intellect and who had many questions to ask.
It was not long before they were finally afforded a glance at the woman in question. The valet reached forward and opened the door to reveal Aurora in all her curious beauty.
The afternoon sun shone behind her casting a most attractive glow upon her countenance and providing her hair with the shine that deemed her almost ethereal in the eyes of the Bridgertons.
At this very moment Mrs. Bridgerton though of her dearest son Anthony and the anger she would have for him later at missing the opportunity to see the Lady Grey. She though that had he been present he should have made a proposal almost immediately.
Mrs. Bridgerton was shook from her thoughts as the woman in question smiled broadly and broke into a run, hugging the eldest Bridgerton girl and laughing loudly.
"Oh, it is so good to see you again" declared Aurora as she loosened her grip on Daphne. "I am so excited to finally meet your family, I feel as if I already know them all already!"
Aurora turned and quickly hugged Simon before turning to the Bridgerton boys with a witty grin. "You must be Benedict and Colin? I could have sworn there was another one? Daph told me all about some grumpy older brother who never smiled. What was his name? Archibald? Andrew?"
"Anthony" Benedict cut in, "I'm afraid he's away on business, although you're not missing much."
"His company is terribly boring at times." Colin joked.
"We don't call him Boring Bridgerton for nothing."
"Eloise!" Chastised Mrs. Bridgerton. "Anthony is an excellent brother. He is kind and intelligent and he'll make a fine husband one day." Mrs. Bridgerton carefully directed the final section of her sentence to the Lady Grey who now stood in front of her with a kind smile.
"I dare say you are right, Mrs. Bridgerton. I am sure he will." Aurora replied politely.
"Shall we go inside, I am quite ready for some tea. Besides, we can continue our conversation later" intervened Daphne in an attempt to save her from the clutches of matrimony, at least until the London Season had begun.
*****
Hello, firstly I ought to say that I hope you've enjoyed the initial chapter and do please stick with the story.
Also, do please share your thoughts on the story and your predictions in the comments as I always have a laugh reading them.
Can I ask that you possibly refrain from negative comments where you can - it doesn't do any good!
Finally, if you enjoy this story, do check out my other two Bridgerton works or my original novel St. Thaddeus!
Valentina x