Chapter Text
We drive through the woods, rich neighborhoods to watch
We joked as we looked that they were too good for us
Edwina had never liked riding, always preferring to stay indoors and read her novels, but with Friedrich by her side, she finally understood what Kate was talking about, how freeing riding felt. It felt like they were the only two alive, just her and her Freddie.
“Liebling are you alright?” Friedrich asked.
“Quite well meri jaan,” Edwina responded, “Simply lost in thought.”
“Well don’t spend too long in there, I might start getting jealous!” Friedrich jested.
“Why Freddie, I never took you for the jealous type!” Edwina exclaimed.
Friedrich chuckled, “There is much you don’t know about me schazt.”
And with that, Edwina became lost in her mind once more. She thought of how they had first met, a letter in a simple, white, envelope addressed to a Miss Edwina Sharma. She was lucky that a footman had given it to her in secret, away from the prying eyes of her mama and Lady Danbury. That single letter had changed her life. As Edwina read the letter, she realized that Charlotte was trying to set up her and Friedrich and had tasked him with writing to her so they could get to know one another. At first, Edwina had been apprehensive, the last relationship she had been in hadn’t ended well. But even from letters, Edwina could tell Friedrich was a kind, decent, man.
“It won’t hurt to have a friend I suppose,” Edwina thought.
Cause socially speaking, we were the same
With runaway fathers and mothers who drank
And so it began, a series of secret letters passing through Edwina and Friedrich through their footmen. They talked about everything together, their childhood, favorite memories, family drama, thoughts and ideas about anything and everything. Little by little Edwina found herself opening up more, more than she ever had before.
Then everything changed one night as Edwina was reading his letter before bed.
Mein Lieb,
I am excited to tell you that I shall be arriving in England in a few weeks. My aunt has not stopped pestering me about when I shall return, and I have finally caved to her efforts. I shall arrive in time for Lady Danbury’s ball. I am quite excited to see you there!
Sincerely, your Freddie
Edwina felt as if her soul had left her body, finally done with all this earthly drama.
Edwina nervously paced the floors, “Freddie, my Freddie, is coming here? To England! Oh, this cannot end well. The rumors that would fly around if anyone saw us together. A failed Diamond and a Prince, oh what would they say!”
After freaking out for several moments, Edwina calmed down and decided on a plan.
“I shall just have to avoid him then. Stick to the edges of the ballroom and look busy. He shall never approach me then. Besides he must talk to all the dignitaries and fight off all the mamas who wish for him to marry their daughter, which should keep him busy. He shall never have time to look for me then!”
Edwina, satisfied with this plan, retired for the night.
A tale old as time, young love don't last for life
When the time of the ball came, Edwina was stuffed into a light pink gown with stars and flowers embroidered all over.
Edwina must have been visibly nervous, as Lady Danbury reached out to comfort her.
“You must not worry my dear. I will see to it that you are married off this season for sure! I know your prospects may seem bleak, but it is not all bad,” Lady Danbury reassured, “I have been thinking of some fine men for you and I am sure you will get along with them.”
“Thank you for your kindness Lady Danbury, and for all you have done for me and my family,” Edwina replied
“Of course Edwina,” Lady Danbury said, “Now chin up, the guests have started to arrive!”