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"Stop brooding, Issy. We're going to a ball, not the executioner's block."<br/>
<br/>
Isadora Moretti turned her head from gazing out the carriage's window to peer over at her grandfather. He sat across from her, looking positively giddy at the prospect of the night ahead. He was in his mid sixties, but his age had done very little to slow him down when it came to living his life. The man positively adored societal functions, and as the Earl of Pembroke, he was invited to many. Of course, that was not the only reason her grandfather was on everyone's guest list. With his warm demeanor and positive outlook on most things, people flocked to him, and they always stayed for his great sense of humor, sharp wit and worldly stories.<br/>
<br/>
He was likely the only person in the world capable of convincing her to come with him to London and to the Bridgertons' home tonight. And she had regretted it the moment she woke, early this morning. From the moment she opened her olive green eyes, she could not escape any and all talk of dresses and hairdos, make-up, baths, perfume, dancing, mingling, guests and the eligible bachelors among them. On and on until she was quite certain that if she did not come down with a headache by the time her and her grandfather had to leave for the event, she was definitely finishing the night in bed with one.<br/>
<br/>
The evening hadn't even begun, and she was already drained from simply preparing for it.<br/>
<br/>
"I agreed to come. I did not, however, promise to be happy about it," was her cheeky response, a hint of a smirk stretching her pink lips.<br/>
<br/>
The earl chuckled softly, shaking his head, and for a moment after that, the only sounds that filled the silence between them were that of the horses' hooves against the cobblestone streets and the wood of the carriage creaking with every bump a wheel found. In the setting sunlight that filtered through the window pane, Isadora could see her grandfather's expression turn more solemn, the mirth leaving is brown eyes.<br/>
<br/>
"Do promise me that you will at least try to enjoy yourself tonight," he sighed, straightening his back up against the velvet-lined cushions. "You're so young. Don't let what has happened in the past dictate how you spend your youth now."<br/>
<br/>
"Grandpa..." she whispered, ignoring the way her throat seemed to tighten with his words. "That is <i>so</i> much easier said than done."<br/>
<br/>
"I know, my dear." Another exhale came from his lips as he leaned forward to take her hand in-between his own. Giving it a gentle pat, he sat back. "I know."<br/>
<br/>
<hr class="bbc-hr"/><br/>
Upon entering the Bridgertons' residence, it was immediately clear to Isadora that the viscount had spared no expense. The place was beautifully decorated with flowers artistically arranged throughout the space, elegant place settings and enough food to probably feed the British army. And even the family members themselves had considered their outfits and how they might appear amongst the decor. From the few members she could spot, they were all wearing blue--Bridgerton blue.<br/>
<br/>
Isadora had been told to wear a muted green color, as it, apparently brought out the similar hue in her eyes. Embroidered into the outer skirt and bodice of the dress were a variety of white and pale pink flowers, some with tiny pearls sewed within them. She had been against such an extravagance, considering she had no intentions of husband hunting or catching <i>anyone's</i> attention, but her grandfather had insisted, saying she should consider tonight a second debut of sorts. The idea was preposterous, but there was no arguing with the older man once he got something in his head; she also knew there would be other battles this season that she should reserve her fighting energy for.<br/>
<br/>
To compliment the gown she wore, her lady's maid had piled up her coffee-colored curls into an intentionally messy updo. The pins that held some of her locks in place were topped with pearls that glistened in the candlelight. Some ringlets were allowed to fall as they wished, primarily to frame her round face. As for make-up, she wore no more than any other debutante at this ball, having learned her lesson in the past about trying to cover up too much.<br/>
<br/>
No matter what she did, though, Isadora knew she would be unable to escape the prying eyes and wagging tongues of the ton. After a whole season away from London and the disaster that had been her second season out, there was plenty of material for them to work with. Maybe this year, she'd hear less about her scar and more about her ex-fiancé or the suspected reasons as to why she spent the entirety of last year at her grandfather's manor in Pembroke.<br/>
<br/>
"This is where I leave you, my dear Issy." Her grandfather's voice came from beside her, and before he had even finished the sentence, he was untucking her arm from his own. "Save a spot for me on your dance card, though. I insist you at least enjoy one dance this evening."<br/>
<br/>
"Have fun," she said with a small smile, reaching up to press a kiss on his bearded cheek.<br/>
<br/>
And with that, the earl began to weave his way through the crowd. One might think him a bit cruel to leave his only granddaughter alone to fend for herself, given her circumstances, but Isadora really couldn't blame him. Through the throngs of guests, she had spotted Lady Danbury, resplendent in red, and it was no secret that the Earl of Pembroke carried a bit of a torch for her. The two had been good friends for a long time, and this year, she hoped might finally be their year.<br/>
<br/>
Now, standing alone in such a space, Isadora could feel the weight of many eyes on her. Her stomach was already in knots from the mere prospect of coming, and they twisted tighter, removing any and all desire to eat. Dancing was out of the question, as one required a partner to do that, and no one wanted to dance with the woman who had half a face. But she definitely wasn't going to stand <i>here</i>, being gawked at all night.<br/>
<br/>
This place was massive. Surely, they had a library around here somewhere?<br/>
<br/>
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