Chapter 297 - 294: Debutante I
There was another reason why the house of lords starts their sessions in mid-June and end in October, and that was because of the Season. The Season is a highly anticipated event to young ladies and gentlemen as it was the time when they can mingle with the opposite gender with the same purpose of courtship and marriage.
On the first Saturday of July, the first ball of the season will be held. During this event, young ladies of marriageable age would attend with the purpose of being presented to the queen for their debut or coming out to society. They would then be called a debutantes. The age of a debutante isn't fixed. It will depend on their parents if they think that their daughter is prepared.
In the past, the average age was 16-18 for those of higher nobility and each girl would take 2-3 years in finding a match. However, due to Windsor school of nobles accepting noble girls to study, the age of those from the higher nobility presented now were at 21.
At first, some of the nobles chose not to send their daughters to school in fear that they would become spinsters. However, the first batch of graduates became the most celebrated ladies of their seasons, their hands being the most sought after.
Short to say, they all married just after 1 season, and not only that, they all married well.
--
The day was July 1st, and the 1st Saturday of the month. Celine fussed around Serena's bedroom as she made her daughter turn in a full circle.
"You look stunning my dear. For sure, you will be the most beautiful debutante later. I can't believe this is really happening. I know that you've been in school balls and attended events for your career, but it's different now. I almost lament that you're already engaged to Geoffrey. When you were still young, I always imagined having people lining outside to call on you." Celine said.
Serena giggled with the idea. If she wasn't engaged to Geoffrey, she wondered what Charlton would do. Would he also line up and start threatening those who dare line up with him? She knew that it was not part of his personality but it's a funny thought.
"Now, let's go downstairs. Your father and Leonard are waiting. I'm so excited to show you off to everyone."
Serena nodded her head. She was also excited to see Charlton later. They haven't seen each other since her graduation and have only been communicating through calls.
--
The introduction of the debutantes was held during the night of the ball itself. It would last for about an hour or so as each girl was given only at most 2 minutes for her introduction. This comprised of calling her name, having a short description about her, as she walks towards the queen and finally give a curtsy.
Every year, there would only be about 20-30 new debutantes in their kingdom, as they were quite strict on who can participate. Anyway, since not all of them marry on the same year, the season continue to be lively with many girls as those who did not, continue to participate in the season to look for a match. Though one must note that the introduction was only done once.
Anyway, at 7 in the evening, Serena arrived with her family to the palace. When they alighted their car, there were already people in line outside as they waited their turn to walk inside the venue.
Serena looked around and saw some familiar faces wearing similar attire as her. As a debutante, she was wearing a white ball gown, accompanied by white long gloves.
One of her former classmates waved at her, and she waved back. Anyway, from her own batch, there were only 8 ladies from Windsor including herself. Amongst all of them, she knew that she was the most popular, though Emily was not a far second.
She almost felt bad for herself, because for sure, as a debutante, Emily would be more popular than herself because unlike her, she was still not engaged and perhaps men will vie for her attention.
She sighed. She could only hope that Geoffrey won't attend the balls too much and that way, she would be able to sneak out with Charlton.
She was also in hopes that before the season ends, Charlton would be able to propose so that she won't have to pretend with Geoffrey any longer.
--
After a few minutes, it was their family's turn to be announced. The master of ceremony announced, "His grace, Duke Simoun Maxwell with duchess Celine Maxwell." after her parents entered, they were next, "His lordship, Marquess Leonard Maxwell with Lady Serena Maxwell."
Leonard and Serena descended from the marbled staircase, a few meters behind their parents. As they did, people looked at her and Leonard in awe. They were a very beautiful pair of siblings and although people were not seeing them for the first time, they were still left mesmerized.
As Serena walked, like usual, her eyes searched for Charlton. Their eyes met and she could not help but smile. He, as a gentleman was wearing black tailcoat, white shirt, white stock and white vest, like all the others. However, all other men in the room paled in comparison to him. It was not her biasness talking, and she can also see after they broke eye contact that many ladies were eyeing him like hawks.
--
People started approaching the ducal couple, and Celine started introducing her daughter. Serena smiled and nodded politely. After a while, Emily was announced with her father.
Serena looked up to see Emily, and although she still disliked her, she had to admit that the past 2 years have been more than kind to her.
Emily was able to make a name for herself. She was now popular and quite well off given her earnings. The dress she was wearing was also very stylish. Meanwhile, in terms of her physique, her once chubby cheeks that made her look innocent were gone, making way for a more elegant face almost directly competing against her own.
--
TBC