✶ CHAPTER III,
A Dance with a Gentleman.

     Marietta Clemonte was more than thrilled for the night. She stood in front of her length mirror, staring at herself, making sure everything looked right. Odette had recently ordered several gowns for her daughter to wear this season. A light blue dress with sparkling silver details hugs her figure tightly, accompanied by gloves and a detailed necklace. Her hair, elegantly styled with loose curls cascading down, is the final touch. She would have to thank Greta for this.

Odette stands by the door watching her daughter, waiting for her. A smile is etched on her face at the sight of Marietta. Amelia soon appears by the door, huffing at her sister. "I wish I could go," She comments.

"I will tell you all the details when we get back. Promise." Marietta smiles at Amelia who nods her head. "You better." She jokes, narrowing her eyes at the older girl.

Odette then points at Marietta with her head. "We better get going dear." She says noting how dark it is outside the window already. Odette smiles at Amelia, her hand lingering on her shoulder before she walks past.

"I wish you luck." Amelia smiles before walking out of view, surely down the stairs to leave and meet up with Eloise and Francesca Bridgerton to let time pass by.

Marietta spares herself one last glance in the mirror. She is more than content with how she looks. A smile covers her faintly pink lips as she stares at herself for a second. She is soon out of her room and down the stairs where her mother and father wait for her.

The three of them get in the carriage that had been waiting outside for them. Leonard and Odette sit in front of their daughter whose eyes are glued to the stars above their heads as they begin to head out for Lady Danbury's ball.

"I remember the nerves I had for the first ball of my season," Odette breaks the silence recalling the years in her youth, empathizing with how her daughter might feel.

"It is rather difficult to imagine you as nervous," Marietta replies, trying to think of a time when her mother wasn't the most resilient woman she had ever seen.

Leonard laughs at his daughter's words. "If I recall it was your grandfather who told me the nerves were such she refused to come down the carriage." He laughs once more as he finishes speaking.

"Well, if I recall, it was you who spilled multiple drinks to the ground at the ball." Odette grins, making Leonard laugh at the memory. "How could I not after I saw you?" He smiles, eyes looking at his wife with fondness.

Marietta knows how their story went. They met at the first ball of the season and Leonard knew from the moment he saw Odette that she was who he wanted to marry. Odette had multiple suitors, though all seemed inexistent after one conversation with Leonard. He made her feel like she was truly special, not just because of the gowns she wore or what her hair looked like. He cared for her interests, thoughts, and aspirations.

Odette reaches over, grabbing hold of her daughter's hand and squeezing it. "This will be a memorable night, my girl." She smiles positively.

The Danbury Ball had become a tradition, every year it is the first ball of the season. The estate is decorated with perfectly manicured flowers matching the chosen colors to decorate. Lively music is played and lavish foods and drinks are laid out neatly.

Marietta walks inside with her arms interlocked with her mother's, and Leonard follows behind them closely. She can feel the eyes turn in their direction once they step further from the main entrance. It is a good thing Marietta knows how to keep her composure, although she's positive her heart will leap from her chest down to the floor. She has never been one for nerves, but she worries she could ruin this gown with vomit.

"Lord Clemonte," A group of men approaches Leonard. "Lady Clemonte, Miss Clemonte." They greet the women before turning their attention back to the Earl, who steps away with them surely for business.

Agatha Danbury soon approached the mother and daughter duo with a welcoming smile. "Miss Clemonte," Marietta curtsied respectfully. "The papers do not lie." Lady Danbury compliments, referring to Lady Whistledown's column.

"Lady Clemonte, come join the other ladies." Lady Danbury smiled at Odette who was going to refuse to be with her daughter for a bit more but Marietta nodded. With this silent gesture, she assures her mother she will handle herself.

Marietta made her way to the sweets, where she grabbed a baked pastry with raspberry filling. A relatively short man with chestnut hair aging around his late 40s approaches her. "Delicious, are they not?" He speaks to Marietta, making her turn to face him. She nods, not wanting to speak with her mouth full. She isn't sure she knows who the man is.

"It is rather rude to not respond when one is being spoken to." The man says, his lips pursed in offense. Marietta looks almost taken aback by his reaction.

"I-I am sorry. I did not mean to," She shakes her head, trying to reason.

The man scoffs, "Nonsense. You believe yourself all high and mighty and do not respect a man such as myself. Improper of a lady." He retorts.

Marietta scoffs softly, "I do think you exaggerate. Do not take such a tone with me." She says, defending herself but keeping her composure.

"I believe Miss Clemonte owes you no respect, Mr. Stone. A lady should not be spoken to the way you have spoken to her. It reflects the character of a foolish man of poor education." A tall man who looks around her age stands next to Marietta, his hands behind his back as he speaks to the shorter man. Marietta recognizes him as Sterling Cabot, son of Baron and Baroness Cabot.

The short man looks at Sterling dumbfounded he would speak to him in such a manner. The man opens his mouth to respond but Sterling stops him. "Do not refer to me. Apologize to Miss Clemonte." Sterling tilts his head to gesture to Marietta.

"I apologize, Miss." He huffs before walking away from the pair.

Sterling takes a step to stand in front of Marietta. "I believe I owe you thanks." She smiles at the man who waves her off. "Nonsense." He shakes her head.

Marietta looks at him. "It is a pleasure to see you here, Mr. Cabot." She properly greets him with a smile.

Sterling looks around the room, taking in the dancing, the music, and the ambiance of it all. "The pleasure is all mine." He nods his head, turning his gaze back to the woman in front of him.

There is a quiet moment of shared silence between him almost like he's collecting his thoughts while looking at her. "Would you like to dance?" Sterling looks down at her before turning to the dance floor where multiple couples dance to the lively music. Marietta smiles and offers her hand in response, which he holds lightly, guiding her to the floor.

As Marietta and Sterling take to the dance floor, a harmony unfolds between them. They move in perfect synchronization, one step follows the other precisely. Marietta feels a sense of comfort dancing with Sterling, a calm washes over her. It feels almost peaceful, she's actually enjoying the dance. His eyes are trained on her like he's studying her.

On the sides, Odette and Leonard watch their daughter with prideful joyous smiles. They observe her gliding across the floor with Sterling. Onlookers cast curious glances and whispers watching the season's desire dance with the man. Her beauty and grace do not go dismissed, captivating watchful eyes at the sight.

"I apologize I suppose I am staring." Sterling lets out an airy laugh. "Ironic now that I've chastised a man for being improper with you." He shakes his head.

Marietta smiles, "Do not worry." She assures him.

"I must say it is a surprise to me that no man took you to the floor before me," Sterling says, as his eyes scan the group of young men staring at Marietta as she dances with him. She follows his eyes, the men immediately smiling at her.

"I do not know why they did not, but I am glad you did." Marietta smiles at him once her eyes are back on him. He smiles at her words, "I am glad I did too." He spins her softly, his eyes on hers as she faces him.

They finish dancing shortly after, standing back with the crowd, opting for a conversation. "Have you enjoyed the evening?" Marietta looks up at him, wanting to know how her presence has been.

Sterling looks at her, "I have." He nods his head, turning to her, his attention on her. "Although I would enjoy getting to know you better." Sterling gives her a smile, his eyes purely genuine with his words.

"I would very much like that," Marietta smiles in return.

"Cabot," A voice joins their conversation. A dreadful voice that Marietta would recognize anywhere. She stops the urge to roll her eyes or retort, remembering she's among the public and Sterling's presence.

"Bridgerton," Sterling turns to face Anthony, a smile on his face as he shakes his hand. Anthony's eyes fall upon Marietta who looks back at him sourfaced. "Miss Clemonte." He greets.

Anthony looks back at Sterling, "Old friend, we must get together soon. At the club hopefully. It has been far too long." He smiles at the curly-haired man who nods his head. "I believe it has."

"You two are... friends?" Marietta blinks looking between Sterling and Anthony. Confusion drips in her face. It feels as if her head clashes with the realization and Anthony can tell. He smiles at her tauntingly, "A shocker, is it not?" He smirks.

"Quite." She mumbles softly.

Anthony moves his eyes away from her to face Sterling. "I believe your family is readying the carriage for your leave, Cabot." He gestures to the Baron and Baroness walking outside through the main entrance, their arms interlocked.

"I believe so," Sterling says. "I shall see you at the club soon." He looks at Anthony who nods his head. "And I hope to see you soon, Miss Clemonte." He bids her farewell before walking away from the pair.

Immediately, Marietta's eyes fall on Anthony who has a taunting grin painted over his lips, watching the girl's demeanor. "You grew tired of scaring off your sister's possible suitors that you shall do the same for me? You are unbelievable." She blinks.

"I am doing Francis a favor. He'd do the same," Anthony defends but the grin never leaves his face. "My brother would do no such thing." Marietta scoffs.

"Fine. Then I am doing Sterling a favor." He laughs softly.

"I despise you."

"So you have made it clear."

"Assuring you never forget it."

author speaks!
hehe two chapters in one day: a world record for me

-sterling cabot, i 🩷 you

-i will never stop talking about how much i love odette & leonard

-my girl ettie is an icon i declare