Amelia watched herself in the mirror. It was her yet it wasn’t. She observed how Nancy, the maid her aunt hired for her stay in London, created an intricate hairstyle with curls framing her face. No one would think it took two hours. It looked all natural and as Nancy tried to persuade her, it was all the rage. Nancy kept repeating that Amelia looked stunning and that was all Amelia wanted to hear.

She was nervous. Two months ago when her aunt offered her to help her launch a season in London, she was excited. It all looked like an amazing adventure. Since then, things changes. London with its buzzle was overwhelming. It was a big city full of smells and noises and not at all as Amelia imagined. She felt she was so out of her place. The only consolation was Jane who took every opportunity to keep her company. She even introduced her to Lady Bottomley. Amelia felt somehow reassured she knew at least someone in the large city.

Then there was Anthony, indeed. He promised he would come to see her in London. Or so Jane told her - Amelia never thought about why would he write to Jane so often. After all, they were cousins and it was nice to have someone they knew around.

As for George - she was not sure if he was but a dream. But then, he couldn't visit her before she was introduced to the society, could he? She was not sure. She hoped to spot him maybe in the park but to no avail. She felt that she was parading in the park just to kill the time and to please her aunt. She didn’t see how wrong she were, she didn’t see how her aunt observed the men who watched Amelia like hawks. Yes, Mrs Clarence Spencer was taking the stock. She knew that Lady Bottomley was about to leave London within a month, taking Jane and the connection to better society with her. There was no time to spare.

“Perfect,” Nancy looked at Amelia, proud of her creation. Amelia smiled a shy smile, she looked perfect, the ribbons matching her eyes. Tonight was her night, she was sure of it.

“Amelia, are you ready?” She could hear her aunt calling her, trying to rush her. It was time to go, time to shine.

“There you are,” Lady Bottomley greeted her with a broad smile. Amelia was grateful for her offer to use her carriage for the ball. Not because the Bottomley carriage was indeed better than a hired carriage her uncle would procure but because she had her sister’s and Lady Bottomley’s company. She knew she was safe.

It was Lady Bottomley who get her the invite for the Lancy ball - she was an old friend of Viscountess Lancy. Lady Bottomley watched over Amelia like a mother hen. Amelia reminded her of Jane who she grew fond of, except Amelia had a certain softness and naivety in her Jane lacked. Lady Bottomley was worried about Amelia, she was like a little lamb going for a slaughter. And with that cheerful thought, they arrived.