(y/n) - your name

(s/n) - sisters name

(y/f/n) - your full name

(s/f/n) - sisters full name

(l/n) - last name

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It was finally the night for the very first ball of the Season, held at Syon House, the glass spectacular in the town. Every missus and mama rushed since the very first light of day to get ready for this particular night as the Queen and the Princess themselves were to visit.

(y/n) sighs softly as she gently played with a beautiful gown that hung on a mannequin, standing in front of the mirror to admire the illustrious fabric. It was too beautiful to wear, something that she couldn't even afford to wear. The Hargreeves' had kindly offered to sponsor her sister, including all of her gowns, accessories and her jewellery to ensure a successful season. Grace had taken the sisters both out to go shopping, (s/n) mainly looking for gowns as (y/n) stood to the back to let her little sister indulge herself. She wanted to make sure she received everything she wanted.

"That's a beautiful dress." (y/n) bites her tongue and jumps away from the dress, turning around to see Lady Grace standing by the doorway. She wore a beautiful gown that flared out, a new style indeed compared to the simple figures of the dresses most women wore.

"Lady Grace." (y/n) bowed but was quickly stopped by the lady who tuts.

"There's no need my dear. You are living with us so now."

"Force of habit I suppose." (y/n) looks away bashfully, her eyes catching the dress on the mannequin once more before going to make herself busy. "I hear the ball is starting soon. Will you not be late?"

"We might be missing a couple of things, specifically a couple of people." Grace smiles at the oldest sister as she freezes.

"My Lady, I'm so sorry but I will not be attending-"

"-no one should miss out on a ball! It's a special experience that every girl at least dreams of once in her life!"

"Lady Grace, I only travelled here to ensure the success of a perfect match for my sister, not for me. There is no point for me-"

"-that still does not mean you should not miss this chance. At least enjoy yourself." Grace takes the dress off the mannequin and holds it in front of (y/n) as she stood in the mirror. "I bought this one especially for you."

"You shouldn't have my lady! This is too much-"

"-nonsense my child. I want you to go out to the ball and have a wonderful night. If you are not looking for prospects, I respect your decision."

"I-"

"-at least come to see your sister. I am sure she would be so thrilled to have you watch over her during her first season." (y/n) wasn't sure what to say, to agree or to disagree. She was meant to stay in the background so all the attention would fall on her little sister, to make sure that she marries someone she wants to marry and ensure her happiness. She had to put her little sister first before her.

"Is she coming!?" (s/n) jumps out from the doorway, wearing her ballgown for the evening and (y/n) melts as she sees her excited smile through the mirror. She truly was a beautiful young lady.

"I don't know (s/n)..."

"Please! I know that I will miss you if you do not come with us. I will not be able to enjoy my first ball without my big sister." (y/n) couldn't say no to the little one as she pouts at her. Being 8 years of difference between the sisters, (y/n) was very protective and would do anything for her.

"Alright. I'll join you tonight." (s/n) squeals loudly and hugs her older sister, almost squeezing the life from her until Grace calls in her handmaidens into the room.

"We have a busy night ladies. Let us make sure that these girls become the diamond of this season! No one will be ready for the (l/n)'s!" The girls all got ready together as the Hargreeves siblings all waited downstairs in the painting room with their father, mucking around as any sibling would do.

"What is taking them so long?" Diego sighs out, eager to see his wife at the ball.

"We will be late at this rate." Luther says.

"Yes, but fashionably late." Klaus pipes up.

Five was just glad at the stall that was provided for him so he wouldn't have to be at the ball, molested by all the mamas and their daughters trying to talk to him. "Five looks like he is relieved to not be there." Allison chuckles and the said brother glares at her.

"Do not be such a prude. You might enjoy yourself." Viktor tries to persuade his brother but he throws excuses as to why he wouldn't enjoy himself. "Maybe you might find someone you like at the ball." Viktor tries again but gives up as his brother stops listening to him.

"Klaus, can you please call for your mother to see why she is being held up." Reginald asks and his son does what he asks, standing by the doorway of the painting room before yelling out.

"MOTHER! PLEASE MAKE HASTE! WE ARE BEHIND SCHEDULE!" the siblings all roll their eyes, knowing that this was usual for their brother to act like this and yell out in random occurrences.

"Lord, the Lady and the sisters are ready." One of the maids informs Reginald and he ushers his children to stand at the bottom of the foyer to wait for their mother and their guests.

Grace walks down the stairs first, a big smile on her face as well as her husbands who greets her with a kiss on her cheek. "You, my dear, are a star."

"You are too sweet my love." Grace kisses her husband's hand before introducing the (l/n)'s.

"I am so excited to see (s/n) in a dress!" Allison whispers to Klaus and Viktor until the sisters appeared first at the top of the foyer stairs. The siblings all gasp, the sisters walking down with (y/n) following her younger from behind.

Diego elbows Five in his rips, thinking he was staring at (s/n). "I think you two will definitely hit it off." Five ignores Diego as his attention was focused solely on (y/n) instead who hid behind her little sister. She was wearing a dress for the first time since she arrived at the Hargreeves' Hall, a lovely change from her suit which surprised Five. Her hair was loosely curled with curtain bangs complimenting her features, a delicate tiara resting on her head and satin gloves covering her arms.

"You both look so lovely!" Klaus squeals in adoration and Five notices the shy blush on (y/n)'s cheeks as she briefly smiled, thanking the overexcited puppy-like brother. "And (y/n), I adored your suit but I love you in this dress! You look gorgeous!"

She does.

The sun was just starting to set, casting hues of pinks and purples across the darkening sky as the air was filled with the orchestral music that flit past the hanging flower vines. The breeze smelt of lilac and jasmine, the cold chased away by flaming pillars that guided the carriages filled with families and their daughters or sons participating in this years Season.

The Hargreeves' carriages stopped in front of the Syron House, the family coming out first as they greeted the other lords and ladies that walked by them. "Five, help (s/n) out first." Grace asks her son and he helps the younger sister, carefully taking hold of her hand.

The other misses and mamas hold their breath seeing this exquisite young lady that they have never seen before, and on the hand of the eligible bachelor that was Five Hargreeves. A whirlwind of gossip erupted in the air as Five bowed for (s/n), misconceptions forming of the two as a perfect match. Five ignored the whispers and turned to help (y/n) when she easily steps out of the carriage without any help. She was looking around in awe of the glamour and sheer extravagance of the ball, eyes wide with wonder and Five smiles softly at her.

"It would seem as if you have never been to a ball before." he asks the wonderstruck girl who clears her throat and expresses a calm look once again but Five could see the glint of excitement in her eyes.

"You're actually right about that Viscount Hargreeves." This surprised the bachelor as (y/n) walked towards her sister to calm her down, noticing her nerves.

"What's wrong?"

"I... I only hope they like me tonight."

"How could they not? You're my best little sister. No one can resist your charms." (y/n) tilts (s/n)'s chin up from looking at her feet before pinching her nose softly. "We may be strangers to this society but what's to say that isn't the best way to spice up the old fool's lives, don't you think?"

"(y/n)!" the younger laughs as she swats her hand away. "Everyone will have questions about us."

"Let them ponder and waste their own time, all the better for you to have prospects if people talk about us." the younger sister rolls her eyes with a smile. "Remember, nothing can pull us apart. We're family," (y/n) brings out her pinky as (s/n) curls her pinky around her sisters, a promise they have kept for a long time.

"and we only have each other now." the younger finishes off softly with a sad smile, letting out a shaky breath.

"That's my partner. Now, I know you must be excited."

"Very!"

"Good, remember what you're looking for tonight?"

"Someone charming and handsome of course." (y/n) chuckles at her younger sister. "A prince or a duke perhaps."

"Of course but remember it's not always about a man's appearance or his title that should woo you. Look for a connection, someone who makes you breathless without them, someone who your heart beats for and only for. A true love that you deserve and more."

"Sounds like you know exactly what you're looking for sister."

"Shush, we only came to London for you to find your husband, not mine."

"Yes of course. You have planned to stay as an old aunt who will spoil your nephews and nieces in the future." (s/n) rolls her eyes, knowing what her older sister was going to say.

"You cheeky little shit-" the younger sister quickly runs off to Grace who holds out her arm to grab, walking together into the Syron house. (y/n) chuckles lightly and walks towards the ball as the guards open the doors for her.

The Syron House was a garden in itself with hanging flower vine chandeliers and pillars covered in roses as men and women danced together on the dancefloor. Glass chandeliers illuminated the large house and made the diamonds and jewels of the ladies dresses sparkle against the light. They shone brighter than anything at this ball, catching the eye of interesting matches who asked for their hand to dance.

(y/n) looked over to see Lord and Lady Hargreeves helping her sister with the many prospects they had in mind, trusting them to look for someone she would be happy with. But all in all, it was (s/n) who would make the decision for herself. The sisters made sure to keep this mind at all times, that no one should sway them to make a decision they did not want to make and they should only make the choice that makes them happy.

If only (y/n) had followed this rule as she put her happiness aside for her sister.

"The Earl of Gloucester. His wife recently died of influenza." Lord Hargreeves stands beside (y/n), a monocle on his weary face. "He might make a particular estimable addition to your dance card this evening Viscountess."

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness Lord Hargreeves but I won't be taking the floor tonight."

"How unfortunate. I have always promised your father I would make sure to take care of you both when the time sadly passes to come." (y/n) freezes, worried that the Lord somehow knew.

"I'm happy my Lord and I'm eternally grateful for your eagerness to help my sister find a husband. Words can't tell you of my gratitude and appreciation." the Viscountess swiftly flatters the Lord to pull his attention away.

"I am just caring for an old friend and his family, no need for the flattery." Lord Hargreeves quickly says.