CHAPTER ONE:
the beginning

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Lady Carina Greenbriar, the daughter of Cornelia and Arthur Greenbriar. The last child, and only daughter of the couple. And this is her second season as a debutante . Although she had not found her match the year prior, she had decided to continue in trying to find a husband. There is one man that she wished would court her, but alas he showed no interest in her. Which devastates her, but she is a very stubborn woman, according to her eldest brother, Alexander. And it is not as if she shall deny this. Because she is very stubborn. When she was only eight years old, she had decided that she had inherited this trait from her mother.

Which in a way is true. Cornelia can be very stubborn with certain things. One of them being that Carina should find a husband that she loves. Not just marry him for good status. They already have that, and enough money, she doesn't need to marry into a family with higher status, it's simply unnecessary. She should find someone that loves her very much, and that will care for her when she is bedridden, and be with her, and support her through any possible pregnancies. Not just bed her, discard her, and find himself a woman at a brothel.

Carina loves that her mother wishes her well in her love life. But she knows that it might not even be possible for a man who is like that to find interest in her. Not every man is like this. So she would conform herself with a husband who will treat her kindly behind closed doors. If he ignores her romantically, then so be it. She is willing to settle on marrying someone that will be her friend for life. Even if he doesn't love her like a wife. And speaking of marriage and husbands. Today is the day in which all of the eligible and participating ladies of the social season will present themselves to Queen Charlotte.

Which is one of the most important things of the season. Any reaction that she gives towards a presentation will determine if the lady will have an easy season or not. Men will either show up at the ladies home, or will ignore her at every whim. It is unfair, to some. But, it is how it how it works. Carina had learned that men are very easily influenced, especially by women. The youngest Greenbriar had been awoken already, to get ready for her presentation. Well, prepared by her maids actually. She hardly does anything in getting herself ready, but she does gossip with them.

They always have the latest news. For example, Imelda, the maid who is closest in age to Carina, and her personal maid, knew that Lord Insmire was cheating on Lady Insmire with her sister. Can you believe that? Her own sister! And that is not even the worst of the gossip that she had heard from Imelda. And along with the gossip that she heard from the maids, now there is a gossip sheet, whom the author is Lady Whistledown (whomever that is), and she always reveals everyone's secrets, and mentions the people by name! She is so bold, and Carina admires that. Although she's sure that many people have been hurt by discoveries. Especially since they are revealed to the entirety of the ton. How dreadful!

After being awoken, Carina was given a bath. and was currently being put on her dress for the eve. The dress had a neckline that revealed her cleaveage, but only a little, and the sleeves were puffy, and the dress had gold lining. Even creating small flowers at the end of it. Her hair was pinned up, and she had a few ringlets loose near her forehead, to slightly frame her face. After putting her shoes on, she went downstairs to greet her family. "Mother, do you know where my shoes are?!" Her brother, Charles called out. Their mother Cornelia walked out of the dining room. With a smile on her face. Charles was barefoot in the middle of the foyer, which made Carina stifle a laugh. "Where do you think they are?" Cornelia asks, amused.

Charles furrows his brows. He then shrugs when he comes up with nothing. "Underneath your bed, possibly?" Cornelia suggests, with an amused expression. Charles makes a face of realization. "Thank you mother!" He says, before rushing upstairs to his room. Carina giggles, Charles is always losing his things, in the most random places. Cornelia turns towards her, and smiles. "You look gorgeous, cariño." Cornelia says, with a proud look in her eyes. "Thank you, mother." Carina responds with a smile. Besides what Carina is already wearing, she also has to wear a feather headpiece when she meets the queen.

A few moments later her third, and final brother, Cornelius, walks out of the sitting room. Carina has always been close to all three of her brothers, but she felt as if she knew Cornelius the best. He was only a year older than her, but most people think that they are twins, since they look so similar. "Cari, mi hermana querida, you look beautiful. I think we'll have to keep many gentlemen on their toes this season." Cornelius, says with a grin. Carina laughs. While their mother swats Cornelius playfully.

After waiting for Charles, and Alexander, they finally walk down the stairs, and all five of them make their way to the carriage awaiting them. "Do you have the headpiece mother?" Carina asks. "Marley has it. They shall arrive at the same time as us." Cornelia responds, as their butler, Leonard, helps her into the carriage. Carina nods, this day makes her nervous beyond belief. After getting into the carriage, she sits next to Cornelius, who squeezes her hand gently, sensing her nervousness. She turns and smiles at him. Her brothers have always comforted her when she feels like this.

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nancy speaks
i'm very excited to continue writing this story, which is why i decided to completely rewrite the first chapter. i liked how it was written before, but i wasn't sure where to go from there. so hopefully you all like this