chapter seven - a painting session

It had been little more than a week since Diana’s visit to the Palace and she was pleasantly surprised that the Bridgerton women had been invited to the Queen’s afternoon tea party that day. She considered attentions, however, could not face the thought of mingling with the uppermost echelons of the ton and was far more content to stay at home with her remaining siblings and sit for Benedict. A decision she would later regret.

Anthony had been out at White’s all afternoon so Eloise, Ben, Diana, Colin and Hyacinth had the run of the house to do as they pleased.

They had spent most of the afternoon together in the drawing room, Diana sat in the very centre holding a lyre and posing for Benedict’s painting. Nearby, Eloise and Colin were splayed across the chaise longes discussing the events of her novel. Hyacinth was stuck at the table with her governess who was failing at teaching her basic mathematics.

“I think Theodore needs to pretend to be in love with Olive if the affair between him and Isadora is ever to work”

Diana chuckled as she listened to the conversation between Eloise and Colin. So far she had gathered that Colin found Eloise’s character Theodore to be an absolute replica of himself and was, therefore, trying to make him into the novel’s hero - which Eloise did not appreciate as the book’s heroine was Olive Worthington and she ‘did not need a hero’.

The whole affair was quite funny to Diana who frequently found herself chuckling at their antics.

“I’m so glad you didn’t attend today” remarked Benedict.

“As am I” Diana smiled, trying to remain as still as possible.

“You can move your head now Anna. I’ve finished that section”

Diana grinned and had to restrain herself from jumping up to view the painting.

“Can I see?”

“No” demanded Benedict. “If you stand up now I’ll never get your dress in the same position again.”

Diana huffed and glared at him jokingly.

“Very well then”

She was about to have made a further remark about how he should be more grateful she had been so patient, however, she was interrupted by Daphne and her mother entering the room. Both looking somewhat flustered.

“You will not believe this”, announced Lady Bridgerton. “The Prince gifted Daphne a necklace. Look at it, it is - huge.”

Daphne blushed a vibrant scarlet and Hyacinth leapt up from the table and rushed over to study the piece.

The other siblings were not quite so delighted at this news.

Colin and Benedict Bridgerton caught each other’s gaze and began to engage in a silent conversation. Both were aware of their sister’s attraction to the Prince, and Daphne’s new gift did not seem to suggest what they had hoped.

Eloise had gasped when she heard who had offered Daphne the item. To say she was angry would have been an understatement. Eloise did not believe in marriage or the whole debutante debacle but she did appreciate that Diana and Friedrich were a perfect match. So to hear that Daphne had somehow caught his eye instead did not sit right with her.

Diana was simply confused. She - like many others - assumed that Daphne and the Duke were a likely couple. Of course, Diana knew the truth of their arrangement but she had still noticed the genuine nature of their affections for one another.

“I am going to write a letter, Mama. I will be back shortly” stated Daphne before leaving the room with Hyacinth bounding after her.

Diana couple still hear Hyacinth’s fervent questioning long after the two had departed the room.

Inside the drawing room there was complete silence. For almost an entire minute nobody spoke a word, and it was Diana who eventually broke this.

“How much longer will you be Benedict? I promised Anthony a walk with him through the gardens at six. Do you think you will be finished by then?”

The remaining Bridgertons were struck by the calmness of her voice.

This made Eloise admire her sister even more. She knew that inside Diana must be hurting but regardless she was able to keep her composure.

“The Prince doesn’t deserve her” muttered Eloise.

Only Colin was within hearing distance of her comment and he muttered back in an equally whispered tone.

“That must be the first word of sense you’ve said all day.”

Eloise would have hit him had the mood not been so somber.

Eventually all but Diana , Benedict and Violet were ushered out of the room so that they may speak in private.

When the door closed on the other Bridgertons, the Viscountess looked at her daughter in pity.