chapter 13
THE ARRIVAL
GROSVENOR SQUARE WAS IN A HUSHED FRENZY. Lady Whistledown's newest scandal sheet was a hot topic amongst the ladies and gentlemen of high society. The words of the anonymous scribbler spread like a contagious plague. It seeped off tongues with ease and was heard by all ears. It wouldn't take long for the entirety of high society to know of Lady Whistledown's gossip. Strings of words woven with an intricacy that often struck to kill. No mercy. The air that afternoon was not thick with the shocking nature associated with a scandal. But, of hushed excitement and intrigue.
Juliette sat alongside her cousin, Édith, on the wooden porch swing. She watched the bustling nature of Grosvenor Square whilst Édith read the newest scandal sheet in silence. Juliette avoided meeting her gaze with the Bridgerton house. Although a striking beauty with its iron-wrought gates and thick shrouds of wisteria, the events of the other day at tea plagued her. The turmoil that had settled in her heart, as well as her brain, pained her. Her attempt of repressing the feelings was futile.
"Three!" Édith shrieked in horror with wide eyes. She dropped the scandal sheet to her lap and focused her attention on Juliette. "Daphne Bridgerton has rejected three proposals!"
Juliette gasped. "Three?"
"All from this week alone!"
Juliette has yet to receive an inkling of a proposal, let alone a physical one. As the season continues, it appears as if Juliette's only hope for a proposal lands in the hands of Lord Blackwood. No other suitor has taken note of the girl since Lady Whistledown's scathing words some time ago. Being labelled an 'ineligible crone' does not fare well in the game of love. It seems as if Juliette had vanished from the mind and the eyes of all other suitors. But, that mere fact did not bother Juliette all that much. For she believed Lord Blackwood was a man she could learn to love. She cannot deny the flutter in her chest nor the giddy smile that arises in his presence. Juliette liked the man, and she can learn to love him as well. However, who is to say he will propose anyway?
"Well, Daphne is the diamond of the season after all," Juliette mused.
"But, you would think the girl would accept at least one of them," Édith argued.
Juliette shook her head at her cousin's innocence. "Édith, why would Daphne accept the proposal of a man she wishes not to marry?"
"Desperation?"
An inelegant snort fell from Juliette's nose as she stifled a laugh. Her fingers flew to her face, attempting to conceal the action. Juliette eyed her cousin to see an amused expression bestowing her features. Once she calmed down, Juliette exclaimed, "The Duke! The Duke of Hastings is Daphne's love match, we all see it. Why should she accept any proposal when she's awaiting the one that matters most?"
"Well," Édith pondered for a moment. "I do admit he's a bit slow at it? If he truly fancies her, then why is he taking so long?"
"He's a man," Juliette stated, her words blunt. She toyed with the skirt of her dress. "One cannot assume what goes on in that brain of theirs."
"Yet, it is a man's world we live in," Édith huffed, rolling her eyes.
The younger girl picked the scandal sheet up from her lap. She continued to read in silence, searching for something of worth to share with Juliette. Suddenly, her jaw dropped and her eyes widened in surprise and excitement. Édith proclaimed, almost bursting from pure thrill, "A prince!"
Édith words were loud, slicing through the noisy atmosphere of Grosvenor Square. Juliette winced from the closeness of the noise. The abrupt sound attracted a few pairs of curious eyes.
"Juliette," Édith continued in a much calmer and quieter voice. However, her tongue was heavy with interest. "A prince is soon arriving in London."
Juliette could almost see the mechanical gears whirring behind Édith's eyes.
"Well, isn't that exciting," Juliette hummed. She watched the ladies and gentlemen mosey around the square. She wasn't fazed by her cousin's words. He may hold the title of a prince, but that does not deem him an incredible man worthy of her every thought.
With haste, Édith dropped the sheet and cupped Juliette's face, forcing the girl to look at her. "Juliette, it is not simply exciting. You do not understand—a prince! Juliette, you may marry a prince!"
"I believe you are reaching, dear cousin," Juliette stated, finding her cousin's words amusing. Although, unrealistic. "For, a prince has no reason to show interest in me. I barely have one suitor as is!"
Édith groaned in annoyance, dropping her hold on Juliette's cheeks. "You are unbelievable!"
Juliette did not respond.
"What if said prince is at the ball tomorrow evening?"
Juliette's following words were light and careless, "then he's at the ball!"
. . .
The ballroom was lit under the haze of candlelight. Exquisite chandeliers dangled from the ceiling. The dance of flickering flames reflected in the crystals. Ladies and gentlemen milled about the room, chatting with one another. Women wore expensive frocks embellished with precious jewels. They glowed and shimmered under the candle flames, attracting the attention of men. They were so ethereal and intangible. Men yearned for a closer look.
Juliette stood by the sidelines amongst the beautiful bouquets of assorted flowers. A deep blue dress hung from her frame. The hem of the skirt brushed against the wooden floor and the gems sprawled across her bosom sparkled. Juliette Villeneuve was a hidden beauty. Gentlemen sent her flirty grins as they passed, but, they never stopped to chat. She couldn't help but feel like unwanted goods.
In a week alone, Daphne Bridgerton received three proposals.
And, Juliette struggled to have a mere conversation with a man.
As usual, the orchestra played a vivacious tune. The melody seeped through her skin and unleashed a childish joy. Juliette's chest warmed as she became lost in the meticulous and beautiful playing. She became lost in a world of harmony. Her eyes fluttered shut, delving into a world of music. She ignored the negative and feelings that tainted her thoughts and allowed herself freedom in the orchestra tunes.
A caged parrot squawked loudly to her left. The poor bird interrupted the peace in which the instruments provided. Her eyes opened and she was immediately met with a sight across the ballroom.
She eyed the tall and slender form of Anthony Bridgerton as he spoke to a beautiful young lady. A cheshire smile donned his lips and a chuckle fell from his tongue. Evidently, he was enjoying the banter. A surge of bitterness ate away at her chest. Brutally, it slaughtered the warmth that once dwelled there. Nonetheless, Juliette did not allow the darkness blooming in her chest to taint the pleasant expression on her face. She repressed her feelings, for she shouldn't be feeling such things anyway. Anthony was not hers, hence he has free will to chat with any beautiful lady of his liking.
A few days had passed since she last stood amongst Anthony Bridgerton. The ghost of his touch was still felt against the small of her back as if etched there in permanence. Their proximity that afternoon was one where scandals often bloomed. As she reminisced the closeness of their lips — their phantom kiss — Juliette felt two things. One, her heart fluttered and relished in the passion. Two, her brain thought nothing but regret.
As per usual, the two vital organs were dependent on one another but acted in independence.
The act in the hallway was reckless. If anyone would have stumbled upon them in such a close position, a scandal would risk emerging. Lady Whistledown would have the utmost pleasure in stripping Juliette of her reputation. Who would deem her worthy for marriage then?
Juliette eyed Anthony's long fingers bringing a glass to his mouth. The bronze liquid kissed his lips so endearingly as he sipped. She couldn't help but think back to her letters. What was so terrible about his reasoning for not returning her letters, that he refused the words to slip past his lips? For, the alcohol coating his lips were of sinful nature. Were the words behind the reasoning of his neglect of worse nature? If so, what could be so horrendous that he was not able to tell her? Deemed too harrowing for a lady's ears?
Ever since their collision in the hall a few days prior, Juliette could not pry her mind away from the letters. Why did he stop responding with abruptness? Why did he neglect her love without care?
Were the promises shared during their summers fraudulent in nature?
Perhaps, there was no reasoning behind his neglect. Maybe their love was only a game, a game in which he no longer cared to play. Juliette couldn't help but think that perhaps Anthony Bridgerton no longer desired her existence.
A piece of her heart broke in her chest. Yet, an innocent passerby would never know, for the smile that danced upon her lips never faltered. Juliette maintained her ruse of happiness.
A commotion caught Juliette's attention, pulling her fixed gaze from Anthony. Ladies rushed to the entrance and the eyes of gentlemen bore a sliver of envy.
The prince.
Phillipa and Prudence Featherington rushed past Juliette. Their gowns were bright and somewhat tacky. That was true to the Featherington name. Truth be told, Juliette could not tell which girl was which as she has never spoken to them before. One of them exclaimed, "The prince is from Prussia, and dare I say, I just caught his eye!"
Juliette remained where she was standing and studied the situation from afar. She was never fond of busy crowds. The prince was already surrounded by a flock of hungry debutants, he should not have to deal with one more. Furthermore, she did not wish to be pushed and shoved by eager ladies.
Tearing her attention away from the prince, she eyed the ballroom in search of Lord Blackwood. After a few moments, she spotted his unruly black hair and striking grey eyes near the entrance. As their gaze interlocked, she noticed a smirk twitching at the corner of his mouth. Reginald Blackwood headed towards her, weaving through the hoard of ladies and gentlemen.
A man cleared their throat to her left, catching Juliette's attention. She turned and came to face the clear blue eyes of Prince Friedrich. His blond locks shined in the firelight and a kind smile was etched into his face. Juliette knew nothing of the man, yet, a certain giddiness arose in her chest.
He was a prince.
"I must say, your gown is simply exquisite," Prince Friedrich noted. He paused for a brief moment before asking, "Miss—?"
"Miss Villeneuve, your highness," Juliette said, her voice soft. A faint blush emerged from his kind words.
Prince Friedrich reached over, grabbing her gloved hand in his. In a manner that brought shortness of breath to her lungs, he kissed her hand. Through the fabric of her gloves, she could feel the warmth of his breath against her knuckles. "So lovely to meet you, Miss Villeneuve."
Juliette's tongue became tied, unable to muster even a weak string of words.
"May I have the honour of a dance this evening?" He questioned.
"It would be my pleasure."
Prince Friedrich nodded at the girl before stepping away.
As a large smile complimented Juliette's crimsoned cheeks, she could think of two things. One, a prince asked her for a dance. Two, Édith is going to scream in excitement when she finds out. Juliette hardly knew the prince and she never assumed he would show her any interest. She did not know if the prince was a man worth her thoughts, yet it was exciting nonetheless. A prince. Édith will be ecstatic to hear.
"I see you have garnered the attention of a prince," Reginald stated, standing in front of Juliette. His tone, although lively, was strained with a sliver of envy.
"It is a dance." Juliette laughed, amused by his words. "Not my hand in marriage."
A soft chortle fell from Reginald's lips. He suggested in a lighthearted fashion, "Perhaps my efforts of obtaining your heart should be met with more vigour."
. . .
rose's notes
I don't mean to be dramatic but Édith IS AN ICON, like >>>
Also, we see a little bit of jealous Juliette in this chapter 👀
Anyway, sorry for the longish wait!! I was buried with school work all week!!
I hope you enjoyed chapter 13! If so, please vote and comment! I love hearing what you have to say :)
- rose <3