Chapter Text
Madeline Walcot was the only child of Earl Felix Walcot and his beloved wife Countess Arabella Walcot. She’d been a welcome gift to a household full of compassion and love, growing to become the most cherished treasure of her parents. Despite being an only child she never felt like she was one, her mothers dearest friend was the Viscountess Bridgerton in turn her father grew fond of the family and the Viscount himself. Their summer homes only an hour ride apart and their London abodes even closer, the two families grew up together and close. Her and Daphne were only a few months apart so they developed together, learning and growing into young ladies and forging a friendship as strong as their mothers.
When she was eight years old the unthinkable happened. The love her parents shared manifested in another pregnancy, one everyone was overjoyed for and anticipated greatly. Only Madeline never received a sibling, instead she lost a mother. She’d never felt pain like this in all her life, her parents had done their best to protect her from all the negatives of the world and left her completely unprepared to handle such a loss. The Bridgertons and Walcots alike mourned together, it was with this devastating event Madeline began to see the world differently. More specifically she began seeing one of the Bridgerton boys differently.
It had been Benedict who found her hiding away from the crowds, trying not to let the tears fall. She’d isolated herself to the outskirts of her fathers estate, hidden in the shadows of the trees. He’d had no words to offer to ease the ache in her heart so he’d held her in a firm, unwavering embrace. Allowing her the release she needed, without her having to worry about the masses and gossip. When she’d cried her fill and exhausted herself, he stealthily guided her back into the estate, depositing her on her ladies maid and returned to his family. Despite her heartsore, Madeline developed an affection for Benedict after that day that only grew as he continued to inquire upon her, took her mind away from the loss or simply allowed her to be weak in his arms.
When the Bridgertons lost their father, she tried to offer him the same favor but his composure remained firmly in place at all times. She knew how he must suffer but he insisted on moving past the pain as she had. Instead she was there for Daphne, their bond now strengthened over a loss they both knew well. Many nights the two snuck out and laid beneath the stars together thinking of all the things their prospective parents would miss out on now until one day the crushing agony of loss dwindled to a dull ache and the two came into woman hood, ready to make their own families.
Madeline sat at the vanity preparing for her coming out while her lady’s maid, Vivven Cotter brushed her hair. Madeline’s long raven hair had been her shroud to hide herself away from attention for years, but now it was pulled up into a romantic tuck to reveal her cold blue eyes and delicate freckles. Her father had teased her when the freckle appeared, telling her each freckle was a kiss her mothers memory was laying upon her soul. She was convinced he’d only said that to ward off her insecurities, but it had worked, she adored each and everyone. As Vivven worked on perfecting Madeline’s appearance, the lady reread her fathers letter. With no mother to sponsor her coming out, her father had promised he’d take on the role but now that the time had come, he was overwhelmed with responsibility and had sent word he’d be unable to attend.
“My Lady, it is time,” Vivven pulled her from her disappointment. “You look beautiful, your father would approve.” Vivven smiled and placed comforting hands on either of her shoulders.
Violet Bridgerton had offered to sponsor Madeline this season but Madeline knew Violet, despite her good intentions she’d be far too busy to sponsor the two girls. Madeline had tried to dissuade her, Violet was most insistent . She’d even become teary-eyed as she’d spoken, “ If Arabella learned I left her daughter alone for such an important occasion she’d never forgive me.” Madeline could do nothing but accept.
As she approached the Bridgerton carriage, Benedict greeted her with a smile and a hand to assist her. “You look lovely.”
“Thank you Benedict,” how she managed not to blush was beyond her.
He helped her into the carriage where Violet and Daphne were waiting for her with wide smiles and exclamations of how mature she looked. Madeline sat beside Daphne, thanking Violet for the millionth time and praised Daphne on her appearance as well. As the carriage trotted onward to the palace, Daphne wrapped her arm around Madeline’s trying to ease them both. They had spoken of this day many times, the both of them in agreement about what they wanted. They both wanted a true love match, one to rival the love they’d seen in each set of their parents growing up.
Only Daphne didn’t have as much pressure as Madeline. As the only child of the Earl, she knew she had a strict list of requirements for her own suitor, though if her father ever found out he’d laugh assuring her none of the things mattered.
- He must not be a first born son. A first born inherited their fathers title and estates, she needed a husband to inherit her father’s titles otherwise everything would pass to a distant cousin who didn’t share her surname.
- He must come from a family of close rank to her own. He’d have many responsibilities when he became the next Earl and she needed someone who’d be trained to handle them.
- He must be kind to her, if she could not have love she at the very least wanted a friend she could trust.
- Finally, he must be willing to have children, regardless of his affections towards herself.
When she’d told Daphne of her list, Daphne had reminded her that she deserved love just as much as the next young lady. Daphne thought her foolish but there were many Bridgertons, their line wasn’t in danger. Then again her father would have agreed with Daphne despite his own worry over the matter.
The carriage came to a stop in front of the palace and all the feelings of it hit her full force. She suddenly felt like was suffocating, her corset was too tight or her standards she was setting for herself. As she was helped from the carriage, Benedict clocked her silent panic attack rising, like the ones he’d seen before. He gently moved her away while Anthony assisted his mother and sister from the carriage.
“Everything will be alright, you will go before the Queen and nothing will change. At your first ball tomorrow you will take the breath of every man in attendance and if they dare not notice you, I will ensure they do.”
‘Don’t cry, don’t tell him how you feel.’ Madeline thought as she slowed her breathing to calm her nerves. “Thank you Benedict.”
“Now go, impress them.”
At his urging she followed the other women inside, the Bridgerton name was higher chronologically therefore Daphne was presented far earlier than herself giving Violet plenty of time to return to Madeline and give her the supportive embrace and pep talk before her debut. She heard the whispers throughout the hall as she waited for how well Daphne had done.
She smiled up at Violet, “She did well?”
“The Queen was quite taken with her, as she will be with you.”
Madeline had no time to tell Violet she didn’t need the Queen's approval because she was herded before the double doors. Nerves began to rise again and she steadied her thoughts thinking of what Benedict had said and nodded to the doorman.
“Lady Madeline Walcot presented by Lady Bridgerton!”
The doors opened and Madeline kept her face forward, her steps slow but sure as she made her way to slowly kneel before the Queen herself. She did not look up, just remained in that position until she was permitted to retreat by the monarch.
“Two promising young ladies this season, Lady Bridgerton?” the Queen asked. The break of silence made her want to stand but she remained as she was.
“Miss Walcot is the daughter of a dear friend, we lost her mother some years ago.”
“Two friends in the marriage market will make for an exciting season I should think.”
With that the Queen dismissed them but kept her eyes on Madeline while they retreated. Confused as they made it to safety, she turned to Violet looking for understanding and assurance. “Was that approval?”
“I can’t pretend to know the Queen’s mind, but I do know you are a wonderful woman and will we find you your perfect match.” Violet promised with a gentle kiss to her forehead.
A moment later the rest of the Bridgertons gathered and attention shifted to the both of them. Daphne excitedly boasted of the Queen’s words and the impression she’d made upon the ton before inquiring on her debut as they began the journey back to the carriages. She looked to Benedict then who offered her a proud smile, as if she’d accomplished something grand.
“While they may believe you are the diamond of the season, I have gathered their curiosity. Let us hope it will not result in scandal. I hate to see Lady Whistledown tarnish my name.”