A Season of Change

I fear I may not survive the social season.
 
Truly!
 
The day started well enough. We arrived with plenty of time to the palace, even Dominic managed to make it with his detour.
 
I was able to spend most of the soiree on the outskirts of the crowd, though I did have some pleasant conversation with Countess and Earl Blumett. It was not a chance occurrence that I enjoyed their company so much during tea. Conversation flows so naturally with Lady Blumett, though she does seem to carry the same enjoyment of my floundering as Davinor did. She may have tried to hide it, but I was still able to see her amusement when Lord Mica Boulderton came to make his greetings with me.
 
Consider my surprise, however, when I found myself face to face with the Queen. I did not expect her to take any interest in me and especially did not see her having any opinions on who I would give my attentions to. Who are the Sterlings to her but a newly gentrified family, balancing on the dagger’s edge of tumbling back into obscurity. Of course, Uncle Oliver is a favorite of hers, but he was that long before our family found their new presence among the aristocracy.
 
Her Majesty suggested speaking to Lady Annallee Ashton. It is well known to all that Lady Ashton is considered the most eligible bachelorette, baring the crown prince and princess, for this year’s season. I had already accepted that it would be very unlikely for a Sterling to make a match with one such as her. All that besides, I do not believe I am in possession of the type of personality that would be of interest to the Lady Ashton based on reputation alone.
 
Which, speaking of, Lady Annallee Ashton certainly lived up to that reputation. She was every bit as fiery and… alluring as I have heard tale of. When I walked up to the small crowd of individuals seemingly enraptured by her presence, I very much expected to be openly laughed at before taking my leave with my metaphorical tail between my legs.
 
Imagine my surprise when not only did Lady Ashton not laugh in my face, but showed interest in me. It was different from the attraction Lady Dahlia showed in me. Lady Ashton made me feel wanted physically, perhaps even sexually if her inner thoughts were any indication. I am… unused to being the object of anyone’s fancy, the Lord Boulderton aside.
 
Now it seems that I have two. Well… I had two. Lady Dahlia’s reaction to Lady Annallee and I conversing seems I may have ruined that chance at courtship before it had the opportunity to start. I still wish to call on her, if not to clear the air, then to give my gift. Hopefully it will still bring her some inkling of joy, even if I cannot.