Lord Arthur Shepherd, Marquess of Bowmount, stood at the far corner of the ballroom, watching in anticipation, waiting for his daughter to be announced to society. Victoria was eighteen years of age, and it was finally time for her debut. He and Katherine had thrown her a lavish ball and invited people from far and wide. Both inside Gretna Green and Somerset. Everyone himself and his beloved wife cared about were present. He was so proud of her.

He made his way towards the center of the room. He had to make the announcement himself. He had to introduce his daughter, himself. He turned to the lady who had her arm hooked to his. His darling wife.

“Perhaps it is time we announce our daughter, Love.”

Katherine smiled. “Of course — Anne and Esther are coming over… Oh, is that Agnes? She’s all grown!”

He turned just in time to see her friends and their husbands making their way to them. The ladies bore smiles and the husbands all let go of them, so they could embrace each other enough.

Arthur showed his respects, by greeting them warmly. The ladies chattered away as they took back their places beside their lords.

“Every single guest came a whole day before! Pray tell, where have you two been?”  Katherine glowered at her friends.

Anne sighed. Agnes, who was behind them, smiled and curtsied. Arthur shook his head. The ladies had been lost in their usual chatter, so happy to see each other that even Agnes got caught up in it. Katherine stopped talking to hug her. Although Victoria was older than Agnes by several months, Agnes had had her debut a year earlier.

“You look so lovely, my dear. Run along, find Victoria. She will be thrilled to know you’re here.” Katherine laughed.

Agnes blushed and did as asked.

Anne shook her head. Her son was the youngest first child of the three friends, Gregory. But with the way she smiled at her Katherine, Arthur knew all too well that she had brought him along.

“Gregory wanted to come along. I don’t know why he’s so keen on seeing Annemarie.” She laughed.

Arthur did as well. Since the birth of his daughter, only a year younger than Francis, Gregory had liked to be around Annemarie, ever since his very first visit to her. The two were simply attached to one another.  Although they lived quite away from one another, they were good friends.

“He’s always loved her like his very own sister,” Katherine said. She stopped talking, her voice trailing off when she looked behind Anne. Arthur followed her gaze. Her mother, the Duchess of Somerset, and the Dowager Marchioness were walking up to them.

Arthur cleared his throat. He leaned into Katherine and whispered to her. “Perhaps it is time to announce our daughter, my love. You’ll have plenty of time to talk after.”

Both Ladies approached them, glaring. The Dowager Marchioness spoke first. “Victoria cannot wait to be announced. Perhaps that should be done now?”

Katherine kissed both her friends on their cheeks and promised to return. She looked at him, her eyes glowing with love. She hadn’t aged a day since he met her. His love was stronger than it had been, all those years ago. It grew, with each moment that passed. He kissed her hand and together, they walked to the center of the ballroom. Surrounded by family, friends and a ton of people they were simply acquainted with, Arthur introduced his and Katherine’s daughter, Lady Victoria Willington of Bowmount Hall, to the ton.

He had watched her grow, and although he had feared the day when she would be away from them, he knew that all would be well. Just as his and her mother’s life. He raised a toast to everyone in the room. There was a round of applause as she came forward, dressed in a golden dress, her hair pinned in a chignon. Her green eyes, were as beautiful as anything he’d ever seen before. His daughter was an epitome of beauty, and he was lucky that her mother, who was the love of his life, was right beside him. He sighed when he recalled that he had another daughter to look out for. To protect, to shield, to also present to society, sometime, someday, soon.

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