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Dearest Readers, it is my greatest pleasure to welcome you to the start of this Season. For those of you that are not aware, I am Lady Whistledown. You do not know who I am, and you should not bother trying to find out. And in fact, I know who you are. I know every single one of you.
And those secrets you are trying to keep? Do not worry, I’ll be sure to spread them just as soon as they occur.
But first, introductions are in order, for with the coming of a new season, comes a whole host of newcomers to the city. While some do reside here within London throughout the year, many respectable families wait until the Spring to join us all for the balls, the festivities, the events, and the gossip. It would be best to find out now who has been spotted returning to London, so that tonight, at The Dowager Duchess of Nottingham’s ball, we will all know who they are.
Speaking of the former Miss Pansy Parkinson, she has been spotted not wearing her mourning clothes, a first after the untimely death of her husband just a few months ago. You will all remember that she was quickly married to Duke Thaddeus Nott of Nottingham two seasons ago, despite the fact that he already had a son and heir, the still very single and eligible Theodore Nott.
And, to make matters more interesting, The Dowager Duchess, although she refuses to be called such things and insists on being called Lady Parkinson , has been seen accepting not one, but two young men into her home. The first is suspected to be Marquees Zabini, who is of course well known at all of the clubs. He is a long time friend of the Dowager Duchess Nott’s, and I refuse to call her by her preferred name if for no other reason than to draw a rise from her, and to Lady Nott’s step-son. The other guest was spotted at just a glance, with hair far too light to be the newly instated Duke. Who was it, dear readers? I do not know, but I shall soon find out.
Who is it that will be residing within Nottingham House? We shall soon find out…
Another who has recently returned to the city, although it is no surprise, is the very large family of Baron Weasley. Indeed, the past three seasons have gone well for the family, with the marriage of a son two years past, and the year before that, and the marriage of their daughter to Viscount Potter of Bath just last season. Indeed, it was no surprise that they were wed quickly, as the Viscount and the Weasley’s youngest son were schoolmates, and the Viscount a frequent visitor at their estate. Which Weasley boy will have his turn to win the heart of a young lady this year? A pity, given their good looks, that they do not come from much money...
Speaking of Viscountess Genevra Potter, however, there is another newcomer into the city, one who was spotted with the Viscountess, without her mother nearby. It is questionable, as to whom the newly married Viscountess would accompany to the dress shop with no other older woman in sight. Are the Potters sponsoring a young debutante this season? We shall have to find out more about her, but every mama that saw her has already commented on how polite and poised she was. I will tell you more as soon as I know it!
A great many other young girls were seen having the final touches added to their dresses as well. The Abbot girls, a family of so many, were all in attendance, along with their cousin, Miss Lavender Brown. The Patil Twins, both expected to have made a match last season, were also shopping for ribbon, although they did not have a fitting. The lovely Greengrass sisters were spotted last week making their finishing touches, although they do reside within the city all year round, so their presence is no surprise.
And others, of course, but none to make note of thus far. Should any young debutante catch my eye, or catch gossip, I will tell you immediately, dear readers, as your knowledge is of the utmost importance - for when you know things, you say things, and then I shall find out.
I shall leave you with this question, dear readers. Which young girl will be the first to make a match? Which one will make the most advantageous marriage? And which, dear readers, will provide all of us the greatest scandal?
Yours Truly,
Lady Whistledown