That morning, the maids were dressing me as i felt the butterflies build in my stomach. The dress was cream with and gold lace sewed on the skirt. I also had to wear a silly feather sticking out from my hair which i hated. My ladies thought a bun would be best suited, though i felt as if i would faint with how tight it was.

"Juliet, it's time to go" Lady Danbury called out. I looked at myself in the mirror to see if i looked okay and to be honest, i felt beautiful. But this was not me at all, what if others could see it too? I took a deep breath in and out so i wouldn't let my thoughts overwhelm me. "You can do this" i whispered to myself. "Juliet, you scrub up well" i heard from a voice behind me.

I saw Simon leaning against the door frame. "Giving yourself a pep talk are we" he said mockingly. "Simon not today" i mumbled. "Oh come on, you look great i swear it. I wouldn't be surprised if the queen picks you as the diamond" he said in a honest tone. "You really think so?" i asked.

"I do. Who else learned off all the men's name in the ton and took lady like lessons"he teased. I knew him being kind was to good to be true. I rolled my eyes and pushed passed him to go downstairs. "Hey" he said grabbing my arm. "You'll go great."

He put his hand on his heart. "Honest."
I smiled and made my way down the big staircase to see Lady Danbury. She looked proud to see me dressed up. "Are you ready?" she asked. "Not one bit."

When we got there, all the ladies were waiting in the hall with their mamas. I couldn't help but think how joyous it would be to have mama with me or even Emma. But Lady Danbury was the next best thing.

As i was waiting my turn to go see the queen, i looked around at all the other woman. A girl met my eye, one with red curly hair standing next to three frantic woman. She gave me a warm smile. I smiled back feeling good there was at least one kind person here.

As i continued looking, i saw one of the most breathtaking woman i have ever seen. She had light brunette hair, a stunning dress and somehow, she even made the feather crown look decent. "I can't do this Lady Danbury, i can't" i whispered trying to gasp for air. "Hey, you listen to me. This isn't about becoming the diamond, this is about your family and showing all those people out there that you belong here" she said.

Her words helped very little. I did not belong here and that was the truth. But she was right. I was doing this not for myself, but for Emma and Beth. That's all that matters.

The first group of Ladies went up. It was the kind red head who smiled at me. Sadly, they were in trouble since the beginning. All three waddled in trying to fit through the door frame. Then, one of the sisters suddenly fainted. I began subconsciously thinking about how tight my corset was. Would i do the same?

Up next was the stunning girl i had spotted before. She was absolutely flawless. She even got a kiss on the forehead from the queen.

As i was waiting my turn, two pale young woman with blonde hair pushed past me. "Sorry" i said politely. "I am in your way."
"Yes, you are" one of the girls said whilst the other chuckled.

One thing i forgot to mention, i unfortunately received my mothers temper. I knew i could not act out or Lady Danbury would be furious, but that didn't mean i couldn't scowl her in secret.

I put on a fake smile. "It was very brave of you to put on an old dress, my lady. And your hair barley brushed. I'm afraid my sponsor, Lady Danbury, would never let me out in anything so... Distasteful."

I knew that comment would hurt them more than any punch.Both the ladies gasped and looked at me with disgust. Before i could say anything else, Lady Danbury came to tell me it was my turn. I gave them both a big smile before i left.

Finally, it was my turn. To say i was nervous wouldn't give me justice. "Miss Juliet Bennet and her sponsor, Lady Danbury" the presenter called out. The large white doors opened and i was face to face with the queen who was at the other side of the room. I could feel everyone's eyes on me. Each pair of eyes felt like a stab in the chest. I remembered everything Lady Danbury said. "Don't slouch, don't blink to much, take slow steps, keep smiling, when you bow don't bow to high and don't bow to low"

When i got to the queen, i bowed. The queen then stood up. My heart dropped. Before she spoke, she hesitated, only giving me a small nod. A sigh of relief came over me. I did not get a kiss on the forehead sure, but at least i did not get scolded either.

I walked elegantly back and when the doors shut i jumped up and down with excitement. Lady Danbury quickly shut me down but i was still overjoyed. "We'll done out there. You looked exquisite" i heard a voice say. As i turned around i saw the woman who was kissed by the queen. "Thank you, miss. You looked beautiful out there"i said awkwardly. She then smiled and walked away with her mama.

Thank goodness this was over. Now, it was time for the ball. When we arrived back at the Danbury estate, i ran to Simon and told him what happened. He acted unamused but i believe i saw a smile over come him for a moment. I decided to wear a floral dress for this evenings ball, it reminded me of home.

A couple of hours later, guests started to arrive. There was music and food and conversation. From the moment i stepped foot into the ballroom, i heard whispers of people wondering who i was. I'm sure the people here knew nearly everyone, except for myself.

I spotted Simon from across the room and began making my way over to him until i was stopped by a small, young, blonde haired gentleman. He was... Fine looking. "Miss, i was wondering if you wanted to dance?" the man said. Lady Danbury had already warned me that to decline a dance from a man is unacceptable. "Of course, my lord" i said with a fake smile.

We made our way to the crowed dance floor and began to dance. "So, i heard you are living with Lady Danbury" he said trying to make conversation as i tired to remember my steps. "Why yes i am, she is my sponsor for the season you see."

"My, my. You know i can't help but say you look awfully like my sister" he said. I was taken back by the comment. "That's not a bad thing! My sister is quite the pet." I wanted nothing more than to leave this conversation.

"Juliet! There you are. I have been looking all over for you. Lady Danbury wishes to see you" Simon interrupted. The man seemed offended by Hastings but i could not be more relieved. I curtsied to the man and immediately rushed to Simons side.

I took his arm, looking around to see that the man was out of sight. "You saved me" i said with laughter. "That is lord Buckens. A peculiar man. One that should be taken off your list immediately" Simon said.

Though i usually hated agreeing with Simon, i could not fight him on this. We both made our way over to the edge of the ball room, watching the many ladies, or should i say their mamas, force them to talk to every man in the room.

Simon took a glass of wine from the table, undoubtedly trying to make this night more bearable. He knew it was wrong but he stood before me, secretly handing me the wine. I giggled to myself taking a small sip before handing it back to him.

"This shall be a long night" he spoke as i winced at the stale taste. "It shall be indeed."