A wave of confidence flowed through her body as her words spilled onto the paper.
I can write a story about an heiress who is bored with society but loves dancing at balls. She is a gifted pianist, who can play competently, and is determined to have a good time, break as many hearts as possible and enjoy being part of theton.
I’ll not only write a story, I’ll play one of the characters when I’m at society events—hmm—let me think.She picked up her pen and a new piece of paper. The ideas flowed and the crippling anxiety drained from her body.
I’ll play Contessa Allegra Fortuny and I move so quickly when I dance, that no one ever notices those scars.
A distraction to get through those balls and recitals without anxiety. Lady Allegra would never be nervous.
Watch out,tabbies of the ton!Lady Allegra is a confident, accomplished, beautiful heiress.
Maybe, just maybe, I can get through this ordeal, and write a story at the same time.Her anger diffused, she fell asleep into a deep slumber in the chair by the fire.
This might even be fun.
The Confident Contessa
By Lady Olivia Sherwyn
Chapter 1
Lady Allegra, descended from a family of Venetian counts, knew she would find a husband in her first season in London. She reveled in the idea of tossing her chestnut curls, which set her apart from other young ladies, as she handed her dance card to eager suitors.
No one danced the waltz as smoothly as Allegra, her feet barely touching the ground as she whirled around the ballroom. When she sang, the sound was sublime and when she played the pianoforte people were entranced. When she spoke, she had a slight stutter, but no one noticed, as her confidence in conversation diminished the impact of her stutter.
Chapter 6
During the long winter months Marcus’ thoughts often drifted to Olivia, who in his mind had become Cendrillon, his Cinderella who had disappeared into the forest.
For several days after that strange meeting, he had ridden Hector over to the north boundary every day, often accompanied by Hera. He never saw Cendrillon nor any sign of her presence in the grove.
No one at Belvedere Abbey recognized his description of the young lady, Colin even joked that Marcus had imagined her, or she had indeed come through a portal from the land of fairies.
As the days passed into weeks, he visited the grove only occasionally, always hoping for a glimpse of the young woman who had captured his attention.
***
March
London
Hargrove House, Tewksbury Crescent
“Will you be dining in this evening, Your Lordship?” asked Farthing, the butler at Hargrove House, the family’s London residence.
“Most probably, Farthing, but please reassure Cook that Lord Ludlow and I are happy with a plate of cold cuts.”
“Very good, My Lord,” said Farthing, bowing before he moved away.
“This house runs like clockwork,” said Colin. “You’re lucky to have Mr. Farthing. I’m wondering about making him an offer to come and work at our townhouse.”
“That, my dear cousin, is a ridiculous idea. You always stay here when you are in town. Why would you want to poach Farthing to work at a house that you never visit?”
“You’re right of course, though maybe I’d stay at Canoncliffe Square if Farthing was in charge of the household.”
“Colin, we’re only here in London because you decided it’s time you got married.”
“That’s not entirely true Marcus,” protested Colin. “Your father asked you to spend some time in London society in the hopes of finding a bride as well.”
