On the morning of 10 April, Diana awoke with a broad smile. It was the morning of her debut, the day she would enter society. She was excited, and a little nervous, at the prospect of her first London season.
Climbing out of bed, Diana quickly freshened up, snapping her fingers and opening her closet. Waving her hand, she smiled as her elegant debut gown emerged by magic. She smiled as she felt the delicate silk slide around her body, the corset fastening by itself.
Mary smiled, standing in the doorway and watching her daughter prepare for her big day. "You look beautiful my love."
Diana turned and smiled at her. "Thank you mama. I am hoping to make a good impression on the queen."
Mary stepped into the room, holding her daughter close. "You will my dear, don't you fret."
Diana smiled with excitement, running her fingers through her curls and magically transforming them into the perfect braided bun. "I hope so. However, I do not mind if I am not chosen as the queen's favorite."
Mary looked at her with surprise. "Why not? Every young lady strives to be the chosen diamond."
Diana nodded, sliding on a pair of cream silk gloves. "I know that, but I am simply wanting to enjoy my first season."
Mary hugged her again. "You are very humble my darling."
Diana returned her mother's embrace. "I made sure to learn that from you. And I always want to be humble and kind, never selfish and wanting anything for myself."
Mary. "That is a lovely quality to have."
George cleared his throat, standing in the doorway. He was wearing a three-piece black silk suit with a white button up shirt cravat and black boots. He smiled. "I do hate to interrupt, but I believe we must be heading to Buckingham Palace."
Diana smiled, feeling her heart beginning to pound. Her moment had arrived, her entrance into her first London season finally upon her. Taking a deep breath after sliding into a pair of matching cream silk slippers, she followed her mother and brother out of her bedroom, out of Azarian park, and into the carriage that was waiting for them. Climbing inside, she settled back against the tufted seat as the carriage drove toward Buckingham Palace.
***
Half an hour later, Diana was standing behind a large gold door leading into the ballroom. The same ballroom where queen Charlotte was waiting for her. This was it, the moment she would make her presentation.
Mary squeezed her hand. "Are you ready?"
Diana smiled. "Yes I am."
Announcer. "Presented by her mother, the right honorable Baroness Azarian, Miss Diana Azarian!"
squaring her shoulders and taking a breath, Diana stepped through the open door and walked slowly yet confidently toward the queen. Once she was close enough to the monarch, she gave her a gentle smile and dropped into a perfect curtsy. After a moment, she raised her head, her smile still on her lips as she came face-to-face with Charlotte.
Charlotte smiled at her, her eyes glittering with approval. Leaning forward, she brushed her lips against Diana's forehead. "Flawless my dear."
Diana remained composed, at least on the outside. On the inside, she was dancing with joy. Queen Charlotte had called her flawless. Turning away, she walked just as elegantly back toward her mother and watched as the remaining debutantes had their own presentations.
Announcer. "Presented by her mother, the Duchess of Claremont, Lady Natalia Kevorkian!"
Diana held her breath, watching as Natalia stepped through the same door she had just entered not 10 minutes ago. Her dearest friend looked absolutely perfect, wearing a similar cream silk gown to her own, except hers was decorated with pearls and lace instead of crystals and feathers. Her hair was fixed into a side bun with curls, and her caramel eyes sparkled brilliantly.
Diana felt her heart flutter with surprise as Natalia received the same treatment from Charlotte. Could the queen be choosing two diamonds? Was that even possible?
Natalia locked eyes with Diana, and her smile morphed from one of gentleness to one of pure delight. Remaining composed, she walked over to her best friend, squeezing her hand with her gloved fingertips as she stood next to her. She was wanting nothing more than to pull Diana into her arms for a tight squeeze, but new she wouldn't be able to do that just yet.
Once the last debutante had been presented, Charlotte cleared her throat. "The announcement of the incomparable will be made within the hour. Until then, I expect all of you to conduct yourselves accordingly."
Diana and Natalia watched as Charlotte glided elegantly out of the ballroom. They exchanged a glance, not sure who the queen would choose as the diamond of the season. Until then, they would have to make polite conversation with those around them.
***
One hour later, Charlotte re-entered the ballroom, gaining everyone's attention. Scanning the room, she cleared her throat and began to speak. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have made my decision."
Everyone held their breath with anticipation. Who had the queen chosen?
Charlotte turned her eyes in the direction of where Diana and Natalia stood. She smiled softly. "This year, the London season will have two diamonds."
A collective gasp of surprise flowed throughout the room. All of the young ladies and their mothers exchanged glances of shock. They were all hoping they would be chosen.
Charlotte. "The pair of diamonds for this season are... Lady Natalia Kevorkian and Miss Diana Azarian."