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London's high society were gathered in splendor, dancing to the music and absorbing the festivities of the night. The hall was adorned with crystal chandeliers, a collection of flowers, ice sculptures, and the most refined gowns and tuxedos England had ever seen.

The Windsors and the Sharmas were striding into the grand hall together. Both families had been friends for years after the Windsors had visited India during one summer, but after Lord Windsor's death, communication became challenging that letters weren't enough. Long distance became a barrier between them, cutting their connection short.

Neither believed they would see each other again – that was until today.

Lady Danbury inviting the Windsors for tea brought them together. If it hadn't been for her hospitality, their reunion would have been prolonged and solely reserved for the ball or perhaps reading about each other on Lady Whistledown's paper.

Nerves and excitement were evident, but the families were eased in knowing their new coming would not be faced alone. Any difficulties or successes would be celebrated together and that was enough for them.

Elizabeth stood in the middle with Edwina while Adelaide and Kate stood by their side. Her gown was a regal shade of blue decorated with elegant lace and glittering accents. Her chestnut hair that always flowed past her shoulders was placed into an intricate updo. A few pieces framed her sensible face, complimenting her fringe hanging a few centimeters above her brows.

She observed the dancers and could not help from wondering if she would be able to twirl as effortlessly as them. Despite having learned all the dances, she was petrified her nerves would get the better of her, resulting in her unstable feet stepping over some poor gentleman's foot.

"Do not be nervous, Lizzie," Kate told her when sensing her worry.

Elizabeth formed a low chuckle and shook her head, "I am not nervous. Who said I was? I definitely am not."

Edwina softly laughed, "It is alright to be. Heavens know that I am as well."

"You have no reason to be nervous," she countered and tilted her head at the young girl. "You're quite the diamond and thanks to Kate's preparations, you are more than ready for this."

"As are you," Kate added, her expression serious but also comforting. "Both of you should not be nervous. This is the moment you have been preparing for. Just remember to breathe."

Victoria and Lady Mary squeezed their daughters' shoulders for reassurance. Some words of encouragement were about to be offered, but that's when Lady Danbury started pointing out a few possible suitors.

"The Marquis of Ashdown," Lady Danbury glanced towards a young boy with ginger hair and quite a timid stance. She looked over at Edwina for her attention and continued her introduction, "A little young, to be sure, but he has 10,000 a year."

Elizabeth studied the room, noticing tons of possible suitors standing at every corner. They were chatting and sharing a couple laughs. A few ladies were introducing themselves and offering their dance card, wishing for any possible attention.

"The Earl of Gloucester. His wife recently died of influenza," Lady Danbury continued, now addressing Kate. "He might make a particularly estimable addition to your dance card this evening, Miss Sharma."

Kate protested with haste, "I will not be taking to the floor tonight, Lady Danbury."

Elizabeth playfully nudged her shoulder, "Is there someone back home?"

"Now that's exciting," Adelaide's smile grew wider and with both Windsor sisters questioning her, Kate couldn't prevent her blushing face.

"That is a story for another time," she admitted in a low voice, making Elizabeth squeal in delight.

Lady Danbury tried regaining their focus by now addressing Elizabeth, "Miss Windsor, the Duke of Edinburgh is wealthy, well-respected, and the second most eligible bachelor. I'd say, he would be perfect to take on the dance floor this evening."

She followed her line of sight and found an attractive man with dark hair and matching eyes. He was dancing with a blonde woman, who she recognized as Cressida Cowper. It was obvious they were mingling about something dull based on his dreadful expression, but he was too polite to say anything.

"Perhaps you might be right, Lady Danbury," Elizabeth agreed, but remained in place as she would much rather wait for any gentlemen to pursue her. She was in need of marrying, but she would never throw herself at them in an act of desperation.

"Ah!" Lady Danbury exclaimed, her eyes widening when noticing Queen Charlotte entering the hall with her ladies behind. "There she is."

Victoria and Lady Mary started following her, but it was obvious they were nervous. With both of them having left London without saying a word, they were afraid the Queen would still be holding resentment over it.

Elizabeth followed after their mothers and was overcome with nerves as well. She didn't expect to meet the Queen so soon, especially at their first social event. She had heard and read so much about her, and admired the love she shared with the king. It made her believe that perhaps love could have a place in her marriage, but of course, no one could be that fortunate.

"Your Majesty, may I present Lady Mary Sharma and Lady Victoria Windsor, whom you must remember," Lady Danbury introduced as the mothers bowed in greeting. "And may I present their daughters, Miss Sharma, Miss Edwina Sharma, Miss Windsor, and Miss Adelaide Windsor. The Sharmas are my personal guests for the season and the Windsors have returned from Paris for the eldest's debut."

The four walked forward and curtsied, offering gentle smiles as the Queen remained neutral.

"A high honor, indeed," Queen Charlotte said in quite a serious voice. "I hear you both have made quite a journey to join us again after all these years, Lady Mary and Lady Victoria. If only you both had extended the courtesy of offering your queen a final farewell before leaving."

And with that, the Queen left them stunned in silence.

Unbothered, Lady Danbury glanced at the mothers with a determined glare, "Oh, I do relish a challenge."

Elizabeth took a deep breath and walked closer to the floor. She gazed around and noticed a few gentlemen glancing her way. It made her feel determined and full of confidence knowing she may have tons of options for the night. They were captivating and as long as they aren't old, she would settle for anyone pleasant and easy to share a conversation with.

She noticed the Duke of Edinburgh gazing at her while he danced with another young lady. He formed the smallest smile and it made her confidence grow even more. If she were to catch the attention of a Duke, certainly her season would become much more successful.

"After all, this is the season the viscount intends to find a wife."

A woman's loud declaration caught Elizabeth's attention. She turned in her direction and frowned when noticing Viscount Bridgerton standing next to her.

"Great," she mumbled, rolling her eyes in vexation.

Adelaide followed her line of sight and noticed right away, "Would you look at that? Seems he's desperate for a wife that his mother had to announce it."

"Quite pathetic if you ask me," Elizabeth agreed and locked her hands together. She knew it was likely she would have crossed paths with him again, but some part of her hoped that it wouldn't be the case. Just seeing him was making her veins fuel in anger as the remembrance of that awful list filled her mind.

Like expected, he became surrounded by nearly every woman holding their hands out to offer their dance cards. She rolled her eyes at the sight and followed after Lady Danbury and the others, refusing to give him her attention.

Elizabeth tried shaking him off her mind, but it didn't help that they stopped right in his direct view. He seemed overwhelmed by the crowd and was struggling to deal with the high quantity of women. She became annoyed that someone as arrogant as him could receive so much attention simply due to his title and incredible looks. There were tons of gentlemen who must certainly not share those awful qualities and would be better suited as husbands, but of course, the ton was extremely superficial to care.

"Do you know that gentleman?" Kate asked, breaking off her trance and bringing the others to turn to her.

"Sadly," Elizabeth complained and tried her hardest to prevent a scowl from forming. "I had the misfortune to have shared a walk with him, but it wasn't a complete waste. I did manage to push him into the lake."

Edwina gaped at her with surprise, "Why would you do that? He seems like a kind gentleman."

"Believe me, he isn't," she said, her voice low but assured.

"Well, I have known the viscount for nine and twenty years and let me assure you, he is quite the respectful man," Lady Danbury tried defending him and stared at Elizabeth with curiosity.

"It did not seem like it," she countered, refusing to believe there was another side to the man she had grown to dislike.

"Viscount Bridgerton is wealthy, well-connected, and from one of the ton's most illustrious families," Lady Danbury informed the others, more specifically Edwina, who was staring at him with profound admiration. "Apparently hoping to marry this season, he may very well be our most eligible bachelor, indeed."

"He is very handsome," Edwina said with starstruck, her eyes sparkling with captivation and smile as dazzling as ever.

Elizabeth hated to admit it, but she was right. Anthony was extremely handsome and it was frustrating not being able to deny it. She couldn't even force herself to form a remark as it would be a complete lie. She simply chose to avert her gaze, hoping the topic of conversation switched.

"I suppose he is," she grumbled and like a miracle sent from heaven, a young man with desire to dance with Edwina ripped her focus from the vexing viscount.

She walked away to the refreshment's table, thinking that perhaps a cold glass of lemonade would help rid her of these tempestuous thoughts. Maybe then, she could finally start enjoying the evening.

"Miss Windsor," the Duke of Edinburgh addressed her with a delicate smile, making her utterly grateful for the distraction. "May you honor me with a dance?"

Holding her hand out, Elizabeth nodded with a smile, "I would be delighted, Your Grace."

Not too far, Anthony was guiding a young lady to the dance floor. He was dreading the amount of dances needed to be done all thanks to his mother. He was in desperate need to fulfill his duty, but this was not the way he hoped to make his intentions known. Sure, his previous method was unsuccessful and despite wanting to disagree with the intolerable Miss Windsor, he realized a list was demeaning and did seem like he was objectifying women.

Inexplicably, he started wondering if she was here. He didn't understand why, but his thoughts started wandering back to that morning. It was definitely not how he envisioned his day starting, because who would have thought a lady as herself would dare "accidentally" shove him into the lake?

Anthony scoffed at himself, not understanding why he was wasting his thoughts on such an insufferable woman. She had ruined his day and insulted him, so his mind plaguing him with her image was torturous. If only he could vanish her memory so he could focus on this dreadful dance, which was making him believe that not all ladies had dance training.

"I do miss my home, but the town is taking me by surprise."

His head snapped up and for a mere moment, he believed he was growing mad. Her voice was near and he was certain of not having seen her. Was he hallucinating? Was the pressure finally getting to him?

Anthony shifted his focus from his dance partner and started looking around. He was certain of having heard her, so where was she? It wouldn't have made sense to have heard her voice if she wasn't near, so he became determined in finding her.

"Everything alright, my lord?" the young lady asked and he simply nodded without looking down at her.

He gazed around the dance floor and urged everyone to move out of his way. She was somewhere around and it was gnawing at him not knowing her precise location. That way, he could avoid her and her insufferable voice, eyes, lips, just everything. He didn't need more chaos added to his plate, so with a strong sense of duty, he studied every corner of this room until finally, he saw her.

Elizabeth was dancing happily with the Duke of Edinburgh, William Swan. Her smile was enchanting, filled with daylight and ecstasy. The way her eyes sparkled made him believe the moonlight had become trapped in them, and for some odd reason, he couldn't help admiring the precise and perfect movements she performed.

Without realizing it, he eloquently started dancing in her direction. It wasn't something obvious that would make the rest of the ton question him, but it was noticeable. He had become filled with a sense of revenge for having been tossed into the waters. She had ruined his day, so it would only be right if he ruined the rest of her evening.

Like she had pretended to do so, he bumped his shoulders into hers. He tried to refrain from smiling in spite when she glared at him with such a condescending look, "Pardon me. My sincerest apologies, Your Grace."

Elizabeth stared at him in astonishment. She gritted her teeth and tried to refrain from yelling lots of insults, but she had to remind herself that she was in the presence of a Duke. Any outbursts could cost her everything and ruin her lifelong mission. She simply forced a tight lipped smile and redirected her focus back to her partner.

Ignoring him would have to suffice and besides, she wasn't a fool not to notice this "accidental" bump had been on purpose. Anthony Bridgerton may be a lot of things, but being discreet was not one of them.

She tried dancing away from him, but William didn't seem to catch on to her necessity. He gave her a swift spin and Anthony decided to take advantage of the situation. Before she knew it, her back was being slammed into his partner, resulting in the girl to gawk at her with annoyance.

"Haven't you been taught how to dance?" she complained, earning a satisfied smirk from the viscount.

"Perhaps you and your partner should move further," Elizabeth's jaw clenched ever so slightly as her eyes filled with a deeper sense of detest. Her thread of restraint was threatening to snap and she was certain if it did, all hell would break loose.

"Do not blame my partner for your lack of coordination," Anthony said, his voice firm and filled with determination in vexing her. "I apologize, Your Grace. It must be insufferable dancing with someone deficient in moves."

She froze upon his words, but her fingers tightening around the Duke's gave away her anger. He noticed how uncomfortable she had become and instead of following the viscount's lead like other gentlemen would, he surprised her by pulling her close to him and glaring at Anthony with a strong sense of dislike.

"Miss Windsor is perfect and the epitome of grace and etiquette," William stated, making Anthony's smirk disappear. "Something you are greatly lacking, Lord Bridgerton."

Elizabeth bit the inside of her cheek to refrain from laughing at his reaction. His once prideful expression faltered into anger and it was noticeable that he was biting back a retort. To irritate him further, she returned that same smirk, but worsened it by transforming it into a smile. It surely helped that the music ended, allowing her to curtsy at him with sarcasm and pride.

Anthony willed himself to smile at his partner. He released her hand and bowed in farewell before dashing out the hall. She let out a low chuckle and nearly forgot who she was in the presence of.

"He may be a viscount, but he is certainly lacking class," William said and she nodded in agreement.

Elizabeth became tempted to go after Anthony to torment him even more. His action had been annoying at first, but it surprisingly made her evening much better. She turned to William and bid her farewell, "If you could please excuse me."

Before he could say more, she strided off the dance floor out to the garden. She knew it would be the wrong thing, but oh how she enjoyed getting on his nerves. If she could get a chance to irritate him again, of course she'd take it.

Elizabeth stopped a few feet from the door. She could hear a few gentlemen's voices and glanced their way. Anthony was one of them, but his back was facing her. She took a deep breath and walked down the set of steps to stand behind a tall gathering of plants, preventing any of them from seeing her.

Eavesdropping on conversations was something her mother told her was not ladylike, but she was way past pretending to be graceful – especially to Anthony. She hid behind the large leaves and started listening to the dull conversation.

"If I must leg-shackle myself in marriage, the lady in question should have more to recommend her," Anthony's voice was filled with a tinge of humor, but also honesty.

"Do not tell us you are hoping for a love match?" One of the men questioned with disbelief.

He chuckled humorlessly, "Love is the last thing I desire. But if my children are to be of good stock, then their mother must be of impeccable quality. A pleasing face, an acceptable wit, genteel manners enough to credit a viscountess. It should not be so hard to find." She blinked, refusing to believe what she was hearing was actually being said. "And yet, the debutantes of London fall short at every turn."

"You want the best," another man said with understanding. "Perhaps the Queen will finally name a diamond. Save you some trouble. At least, of choosing her. Wooing the piece will be a different story, indeed."

Anthony pridefully smiled, "I should have no problem there."

Elizabeth shook her head in disbelief. She understood wanting a suitable partner, but the way he was speaking about every woman was making fury prick at her skin. How could someone respected by all of society be lacking respect for others?

"Smoking room, gentlemen?"

"I shall be there anon," Anthony assured him.

She discreetly peeked her head out the leafage to know who the men were. That way, she could avoid ever making contact. When they were gone, she chose not to bother wasting her time on him anymore. The Duke was inside and she had been a fool to leave him for this atrocious man. How dull did she have to be to do such a thing?

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and started walking in another direction to avoid him. To her misfortune, her feet toppled over a few rocks that created a loud sound. She internally scolded herself for not looking where she was going, especially when knowing it was bound to catch his attention.

"Is someone there?" Anthony asked as he looked into his surroundings. She clenched her fists and ignored him, not wanting to waste her breath on him. Without a care, she continued her way, but he refused to not obtain an answer, "I can hear you." He walked down the steps and upon seeing her, his frustration returned, "Of course it is you. Why am I not surprised?"

Elizabeth cursed under her breath and turned around, "You caught me. How unfortunate am I?"

He tilted his head at her as a frown appeared, "What are you doing here? Are you following me, Miss Windsor?"

She raised her brows in astonishment and couldn't help laughing at him. It's not like he was wrong, but she would never dare admit the truth. It would only inflate his already worsened ego if she did, "Do not flatter yourself. I came outside to take a breather and you happened to be here."

Anthony shook his head in denial and walked closer. He knew she had followed him and in a strange way, it made him feel content that she was giving him her attention. She had a Duke who defended her and yet, she was right here with him. "You don't expect me to believe that, do you? It is obvious that you came here for me, so save yourself the embarrassment and come clean."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest, "I do not care if you believe me or not and besides, shouldn't you be inside searching for a wife with an acceptable wit, a pleasing face, and genteel manners?"

He furrowed his brows in astonishment that besides being disrespectful, she was also incapable of providing privacy, "And now you were eavesdropping on my private conversation?"

She couldn't believe that he called his loud proclamations private. He was declaring his wishes loudly that anyone without intention would have heard him. "You call that private? You were basically yelling your expectations for a wife. If you wanted privacy, you should have spoken lower or better yet, not spoken at all."

Anthony tried to remain composed, but Elizabeth was getting on his last nerve. Right from the start, she had been nothing but ill-mannered when he had offered her nothing but a high regard. He didn't understand what he did wrong or why she had settled on disliking him from the start, but now, he couldn't care less for how she viewed him.

Elizabeth Windsor was intolerable and the most insufferable woman in all of London. Perhaps in the entirety of England or even the whole world.

"You had no business continuing to listen and what I look for in a wife shouldn't be your concern," he retorted as he glared at her with the fire of a thousand suns. "Don't tell me you care for what I want?"

Elizabeth averted her gaze to her surroundings in disbelief, "And there you go again thinking the world revolves around you. I do not care for what you desire, but if you are willing to be explicit in your objectifying beliefs, you should expect a response."

"Objectifying?" he incredulously asked.

"You see women as breeding stock and have high expectations as if you were perfect," Elizabeth walked closer to the point they could feel each other's anger on their bodies. "If you didn't have a title or a pleasing face, you would be nothing but a hollow man."

Anthony raised a curious brow at her. Did she call him pleasing? If she was trying to insult him, she was not doing a very good job since she had offered him a compliment. "I see, Miss Windsor. You think of me as pleasing, so perhaps, all this hassling is just your way of showing your interest in me."

"Unbelievable," Elizabeth couldn't believe what she was hearing. She knew his ego was high, but not to this extreme altitude. "Your ego is so far up your arse that it is making you deficient in perception. Have a good night, Lord Bridgerton."

His mouth hung agape as his eyes widened in astonishment. He couldn't believe this happened and the fact that he had the displeasure of meeting someone as unbearable as her. Who was she to talk to him this way?

Elizabeth turned to look at him one last time before heading inside. She wanted to leave this dreadful place that she couldn't care for what the others would think if she were to leave early. All she wanted was to go home and sleep off this terrible night.

"Lizzie? What is wrong?" Kate asked when noticing her distress.

She said nothing and instead addressed her mother, who was speaking to Lady Bridgerton and Lady Danbury, "Mother, I will be heading home."

Victoria's brows cinched in concern, "Dearest, did something happen?"

Elizabeth glanced at the door and upon seeing Anthony walking in, she couldn't help her complaints from pouring, "Lord Bridgerton is what happened. He is by far the most insufferable man I have ever met that I cannot bear to stand under the same roof as him."

Lady Danbury chuckled nervously considering the viscount's mother was witnessing everything and Elizabeth had no idea, "Miss Windsor, allow me to introduce Lady Bridgerton."

If this had been any other day, she would have become consumed by embarrassment. She knew speaking ill of someone's son was a grave sin to society, but with the fire's blaze coursing through her system, she couldn't care less for being polite.

"Pleasure to meet you," Elizabeth hastily said and turned to her mother. "I will be leaving now, but you and Adelaide should stay."

"My dear, please keep your voice down," Victoria gritted her teeth, begging her through her stare to remain composed. If her daughter became louder, London's society would be gawking at them as if they were some kind of spectacle. "How about you take a breather and come back?"

"It's no worries, mama," Adelaide reached for her sister's hand, squeezing it gently to let her know she was on her side. "I will go back to the manor with her and you can continue enjoying the evening."

"Is something the matter?" Edwina innocently asked.

"Apparently the viscount was acting like an insufferable jerk," Kate informed her and gazed at Lady Bridgerton. "No offense, Lady Bridgerton. My apologies."

Elizabeth couldn't stay in this room any longer. She simply took a deep breath and stormed off, refusing to breathe the air he was breathing. Anywhere he was, she would deem it as her least favorite place and right now, the soiree had to be her prison chamber.

"Lizzie, wait!" Adelaide called out, soon followed by Kate, Edwina, and Victoria.

Violet looked around the hall for her son and became concerned when seeing him fuming as he glared at Elizabeth. She wondered what could have possibly happened since she was certain her son was always polite despite the temper he had.

Lady Danbury had no choice but to let them go. She turned to her friend and shared an equally startled look with her, "That was... interesting."

"It would seem both of us may have our hands full this year," Violet remarked, finally turning away from her furious son once seeing him being handled by Benedict.

"Not if I have something to say about it. And as you very well know, I always have something to say," Lady Danbury commented with a chuckle as both of them raised their glass, wondering what the season would have entailed for their families and friends.

Author's Note

Gotta love the arguments between them 😏
Hope you guys liked the chapter!

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