Mrs. Birdwood's footsteps clumped precisely on the wooden floors as she headed towards the drawing room of Brintely Manor, intending to tell Lady Bridgewater that Lord Barrows required her attention.

"London's season is always exquisite," Lady Bridgewater's voice carries on in tremendous excitement.
"You're sure to find a suitable gentleman to tickle your fancy."

"I doubt it much." Came the doubtful reply from the young country Missus, Eloise, who arrived at Brintely Manor no more than two days ago.
"I doubt any gentleman in London would fancy a country lass for a wife."

Mrs. Birdwood finally reaches the drawing room, stopping at the entrance. She pauses at the door instead, not wanting to suddenly interrupt the conversation going on.

"Eloise, dear, you downplay your advantages far too frequently for your own good."

Lady Bridgewater makes way to the wine cabinet and pours herself a glass of sherry. She takes a small sip before going to sit on the couch beside her niece.

"I promised your mother that I'd find you a suitable husband as soon as you were of age."

"Yes, Aunt Amelie, and I truly appreciate your efforts and concerns towards me."

"Then, trust me. Trust me when I say that you'll make a buzz this season."

Eloise creases her brow worriedly, still looking at her aunt in uncertainity. She takes several moments before she responds:

"How do you intead to make my debut season a grand one?"

"I'm glad you finally asked!" Lady Bridgewater claps her hands in raptorous exhilaration, propping up from her seat at once.

"I have already contacted the finest dressmaker in all of London, Madame Boustiere. She is coming by noon today with all of her girls to take your measurements for your gowns and stockings."

Lady Bridgewater paces the length of the room whilst ticking some mental items off her fingers.

"What's more, I've called for an etiquette tutor to show you on the ways of being a proper and refined young lady in society. By this way, with your title and substantial inheritance as a young heiress, you'll have many suitable proposal by your feet before the season ends."

All the while, Eloise watched her aunt blabber on her already set plans and intentions towards her debut season.

"Poor girl." Mrs. Birdwood muttered underneath her breath - still eavesdropping from her stealthy position - as she watched poor, countrified Eloise recline uncomfortably in her seat.

"Lady Bridgewater does not seem to take into account that her preparations for Eloise's debut might be overwhelming for a shy, country bumpkin like herself."

"Soon, you'll have callers by your door everyday," prattled Aunt Amelie.
"They'll be proposing their undying affections for you and asking for your hand."

"Yes, of course."

"Eloise, you're a beautiful young woman."

Lady Bridgewater comes to a stop by Eloise, taking her face gently and smiling down at the bewildered girl who seemed to look no better than a trapped bird in a golden cage.

"With your charming eyes and glorious hair, any man will be stumbling over himself to have you."

"I better save the poor girl from her chattering aunt." Mrs. Birdwood finally emerges from her postion behind the door and enters the drawing room.

"Your grace, Lord Barrows has asked for your attention." Mrs. Birdwood bows a little, before quickly relating her message.

"Tell him I'll be with him in a minute."

"Of course, your grace."

Mrs. Birdwood gives Eloise a furtive, comforting glance to which she responds in a kind and warm smile.

"Lord help the poor Missus."

© All Rights Reserved

#regency #tapestry #romance #londonsociety #historical