[2] The Queen Mother of Württemberg | A. Bridgerton

Chapter 3

Welcome to London

Bridgerton House, London

The atmosphere within the Bridgerton household was electric with anticipation as the pivotal moment of Eloise Bridgerton's society debut approached. Each member of the illustrious family was meticulously attired, exuding an air of effortless elegance, as they eagerly congregated outside Eloise's bedroom door. However, as the moments stretched into what seemed like an eternity, impatience began to gnaw at the Dowager Viscountess, the Viscount, and the younger siblings, disrupting the once serene ambiance with palpable restlessness.

"Is Eloise not yet ready?" Benedict questioned.

"She's requested time," the Dowager Viscountess responded.

The chattering continued amongst the Bridgerton Family, and the debutante of them had yet to be ready and out of her bedroom. Little did they know, the Duchess of Hastings and last season's diamond had just walked into their home for their aid.

"Shh! Let her come out on her own," Violet insisted.

"Is this the plan?" Daphne questioned in disbelief.

"Thank goodness you're here," their mother breathed with relief.

"She's requested time," Benedict added.

"We do not have time," Daphne stated firmly. "Stand back—"

"No offense, Sister, but you are the last person she'd like to see," Benedict stopped her from marching into Eloise's bedroom.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" She gasped.

"Are we sure she's even in there?" Hyacinth asked everyone.

"Of course she is," Francesca stated.

"Where else is she supposed to be?" Anthony questioned while their mother continued to shush them.

"Climbed through the window, escape through the chimney—"

"Quiet! She may hear you," Violet cut off her second-born son.

"Do you realize that I left my husband and child at home for this?" Daphne glared impatiently at her family.

"I told everyone this would happen, now we're late for the queen," Anthony stated.

"I hear something," Francesca raised her hand to stop her family's chattering and listen.

The Viscount groaned with annoyance and went to open the door, only to be abruptly opened from the inside. Then, all maids walked out of Eloise's bedroom, shocking everyone how down and upset they looked.

Then, like a ray of sunshine, walked in Eloise Bridgerton, dressed in white and gold, tiara and feathers on her head, and a long tail behind her. Everyone stared at the Bridgerton girl in awe of her beauty.

"If one of you utters a single word..." Eloise threatened, glared at all of them as she uncomfortably moved and walked. "Let us get this over with."

ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

Buckingham House, London

"I yearn for someone fresh, someone unexpected, to turn this season to its head," the Queen told Lady Danbury. "That is what we need. There is no room for indifference. Apathy is a blight the monarchy simply cannot endure."

"Of course, Your Majesty, a young lady cannot be a diamond until you anoint her as such," Lady Danbury remarked. "So, if for any reason you do not find one among the candidates today—"

"You think she would return? We have heard nary a peep from Lady Whistledown since last season ended," the Queen said. "Perhaps the writer came to her senses. Perhaps she realized taking on her Queen was a bad idea, and she will never publish again."