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Our story begins in June of 1702 near the countryside of France. We start with Lord and Lady De Grace; the biggest know family in all of France. Their daughter had just turned eighteen at the beginning of the summer and it was time to begin her season. Men and boys alike would be presented as possible suitors. Lord Simon De Grace received word earlier in the week that King Francis himself would be presenting his son, Prince Louis. Just the other day, he got word that to find peace, Queen Anne of England was sending her son, Prince William. There were so many suitors already that had accepted the invitation for tonight's ball. Lord Simon was just relieved he wouldn't have to do the picking of a husband; he left that to his daughter. A few years ago, a tragic accident had claimed the lives of three of Lord Simon's children and almost his youngest daughter. Due to that, everyone knew that Lord Simon and his wife, Lady Violet, had agreed there would be no arranged marriages. The lord and lady were looking over the lists when Lord Simon noticed the worried look on his wife's face.

“What is it, darling?"

"I don't know. What if she doesn't find anyone tonight? Or if she decides she not ready this year?"

"There's going to be a lot of people here tonight. More are expected to arrive. If she doesn't find anyone tonight, she has all season. If she decides she's not ready this year, Pierre will be standing by to get her out and up to her room safely."

Lady Violet smiled and kissed her husband, then left to check on her daughter's dress. Ms. Lola, the seamstress, was given a room just so she could make the dress. Lady Violet designed the dress herself. It was the most beautiful dress Ms. Lola had ever made or seen. It was made of purple silk and lace fabric with silver trimming and accenting along the bottom. The bodice and waist were lined with real diamonds. The shoes matched her dress perfectly. There was a diamond necklace and earrings and pins to go in her hair. Ms. Lola was startled a bit by Lady Violet's entrance.

"How are things progressing, Ms. Lola?"

"Almost finished, my lady. I just need her to try it on, so I can see if I need to make any alterations to it."

"I'll go and fetch her then.”

Lady Violet left for the garden. Her daughter's friends were over, and they usually have tea out in the garden. She was pleased to find out that she wasn't wrong. Her daughter's back was facing her, but she could see the faces of Camila and Bonnie; both ladies as well. All three friends would be starting their season together. Lady Violet knew that her daughter and her friends loved doing everything together. About the only thing the three didn't do together was ride horses. Bonnie was afraid of horses, so she never rode. Her daughter and Camila rode all the time. Mainly when Bonnie could not join them for the day.

  "Good afternoon, ladies. I hate to interrupt your tea time, but Ms. Lola needs you to try the dress on, my dear. Bonnie, Camila, you can join us if you'd like."

 "Great idea, mother. I have something I need to tell you all."

Bonnie and Camila smiled and nodded. All four women headed to the house to meet Ms. Lola in the downstairs fitting room. When they got there, Ms. Lola had her step up on the stool and she put the dress on her. She began placing pins in a few spots and raising the bottom a little. The nurse, Chloe was called in at Lady Violet's daughter's request. When she came in and everyone was sitting down, Lady Violet asked her daughter to start.

  "What's on your mind, dear?"

   "I know King Francis and Prince Louis are coming. Along with Prince William of England. Which I find to be a huge honor to be considered as a possible match for a prince. But....father says I should listen to my heart when picking a husband. That I shouldn't worry about duty or responsibility. I know I want to marry for love, but if I marry a prince, I'm afraid that love won't be enough. I want to be the only woman for my husband. The woman that he thinks about all the time. Now, I've also thought about if a prince proposed and I said no. No other man in his right mind would want me. So, this leaves me between love and responsibility. I'm just so confused on what to do."

  "Just relax and have fun tonight. It's just your first night of the season. If you get too nervous, Pierre will not be far. Tomorrow, we can talk about the men you saw over lunch. Just be yourself and everything will be all right."

  "Don't forget that Bonnie and I will be there. If you want, we'll stay with you as much as possible."

  "Thank you, Camila. Mother's right, I just need to relax. I think I'll take a short nap before the ball. That's if you’re finished, Ms. Lola? Chloe, go get my bed ready. Oh, and I want a bath ready for me for when you wake me later, please."

   "Camila and I are going to get going. We need to check on our dresses. Some of us don't have a personal seamstress. We'll see you tonight."

   "Go up, get some rest, I'll see you later, darling. I have a few more things to look over for tonight."

She left, leaving her alone for the moment. She saw every reason to be worried, while at the same time, no reason at all. She went upstairs, and Chloe had the bed all ready for her. She just needed some rest. She'd be fine when she awoke and had her bath.