EPISODE 3: ART OF THE SWOON
CHAPTER 8. WATERFALLS AND RUSES

It stirs the passions and moves the spirit and, this author hopes, inspires more newsworthy pursuits. A new wing at Somerset House is to be opened today, where several attractions will be on display... like the lovely Miss Marina Thompson, newly recovered from her mysterious illness and expected to finally rejoin the season. Of course, there is today's royal attraction as well, Prince Friedrich of Prussia. His Highness has come to our shores in want of a fine Fräulein. Could this be the reason a certain language tutor has been seen visiting Cowper House all week?

I SIT ON A stool, in the middle of the room, alone in a room, as I silently admire the beauty around me.

"I came in here to offer you my company." Mister Barnes's voice comes, as he walks towards me, sitting down on the stool. "But it appears as if you are quite contempt by your lonesome, Miss Bridgerton."

"Mister Barnes." I greet.

"Do you like this painting?" He question, pointing to the painting I was looking at.

"It's my favorite." I answer, turning to look back at the painting.

"It is quite nice." He comments. "The colors mix well together."

"That they do, but that is not quite why I like it." I reply.

"Then, why do you like it, Miss Bridgerton." He asks, turning to me with a smile.

"Have you ever listened to a waterfall?" I question.

"I've seen them a few times." He answers. "But I'm not sure what you mean by having heard them? Isn't that just the sound of water falling?"

"Oh, it is much more than that." I tell him, a grin breaking out on my face. "When I was little, our Papa took us all for a vacation, and there was a waterfall just a few minutes away from where we were staying." I turn my head to the front. "That was the first time I had ever seen a waterfall, and it was so beautiful. The first time we were there, I just spent wandering around. The next few, I spent reading, and then after, I just used to sit there, and close my eyes. The sound of the water flowing, falling onto the rocks, moving through sand. I find that to be the most peaceful sound the the whole world."

"That sounds fascinating." He tells me, and I look at the floor, still smiling.

"I  cried my eyes out the day we had to leave for home." I continue. "I was so devastated, my heart broke because I wouldn't be able to go sit near the waterfall again. So, Papa and Benedict took me there one last time, and I didn't want to leave, but I finally left, and we came home. I just wanted to hear that sound again, and Papa knew it, so he brought me a music box. And as soon as I opened it, the peaceful sound returned. I was so happy."

"Do you still have it? The music box." Mister Barnes asks, and my grin turns into a sad smile.

"Yes, I do." I tell him. "But after Papa's passing, I never had the strength to open it again, no matter how much I wanted to enjoy my favorite sound, it just scared me, that the next time I open it, Papa wouldn't be there to look over me, and smile at how such a small thing could lift my mood."

He puts his hand, slowly on top of mine, and we both look at each other.

"You Father would be proud of the young women you've become, Miss Bridgerton." He tells me, softly. "I hope you know that."

Before I could reply, there's loud gasps, and we both rush to the big hall, where all the guests were, seeing Cressida in the arms of Prince Friedrich.

"What has happened?" Daphne asks, as we both stand next to the Featherington siblings.

"Cressida swooned." Philippa tells us.

"And Prince Friedrich caught her." Prudence adds.

"I dare say it was the most romantic thing I've ever seen." Philippa continues.

Daphne and I look at each other, and let out a laugh, as I turn to Mister Barnes.

"I told you so, someone will faint." I tell him, as we both chuckle.

These days, the modern young lady must display a miscellany of talents in her quest for a suitor. She must be a witty conversationalist, an accomplished musician, and an expert in the art of the swoon. For managing to faint with nary a petticoat out of place is a most coveted talent indeed. Of course, not everyone has fallen victim to the royal fever sweeping through London Town. Two diamonds in particular seem quite immune... making this author wonder if the crown has lost its luster.

ELOISE AND I SIT on the sofa, my head oh her shoulder, both of us with books in our hands as Daphne off-key, giving me a headache. Eloise shakes her head, hands on her ears, as she walk out of the room.

I shut my book, loudly, as I put my hand on my head.

"Oh! Enough!" I tell her. "I beg of you."

"Perhaps you and Eloise should join me." She tells us. "You need to impress Mister Barnes, and Eloise will need to be proficient on the pianoforte soon enough. You both could use the practice, I'm sure."

"On second thought, continue." I tell her. "You will frighten away Mister Barnes, the Duke, the Prince, and any other eligible suitor clear across the North Sea."

"And you would wish that upon me, would you, Sister?" She asks me, turning around in her seat.

"If it kept Mama's attentions focused on you instead of me, I might." I reply.

"You can take your reading outside." She tells me.

"You say that as if reading were a bad thing." I say.

"I meant no such thing." She tells me.

"But it won't gain me a husband?" I question, defensively. "That what you meant?"

"Diana..." She tries to say.

"You wish to follow your heart, and I wish to nurture my mind." I tell her. "Let us leave it there."

"Can you at least try to understand?" She asks me. "You never see things from my perspective. You are not the only one with troubles, Diana. You have no idea what it..." She cuts herself off. "It does not matter."

I sigh, and get up.

"I know, I am not the only one with troubles, Sister." I tell her. "But It's seems I forgot that as there is so much on my mind."

"Do you need to talk?" She asks, as I sit next to her on the stool.

"I think Mister Barnes is not telling me something." I tell her. "I do not know what it is, but I know it is something, I can feel it."

"Well, how bad could it be?" She asks.

"If he's hiding something, I feel it must be quite serious to do so." I reply, and look at her. "I am afraid of the change, this secret might bring."

She grabs my hand, and squeese it, giving me a reassuring look.

"You should not worry, Sister." She tells me. "It will be fine. I have meet Mister Barnes, and he seems like quite a gentleman, and I believe he makes you happy. He feels like a dear friend, and isn't that what Mama told us" To marry our dearest friend?"

I give her a smile, and she returns it.

"Thank you, Sister." I tell her. "Now what of you? What has you all riled up?"

She sighs, and looks around, turning to me.

"The Duke is not really courting me." She tells me. "It is a ruse."