The Bridgerton Eight

Speaking Of Dragons I'd Like To Run Away Now

Thursday—November 26th, 2020

Night of Lady Danbury's Thanksgiving Bash, 7pm

Daphne found herself standing on the fringes of the ballroom, far away from the fashionable crowd. She was happy with her position. Normally she would have enjoyed the festivities; she liked a good party as well as the next girl, but earlier that evening, she'd spotted Eric Macclesfield and she wasn't ready to see him again since the fiasco at Global Hastings. She had the distinct feeling he wanted nothing more than to make another scene, so she shrank further into the shadows hoping he wouldn't find her.

She was considering hiding in the ladies' room when a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.

"What are you doing all the way over here, Daff?"

Daphne looked up to see her eldest brother making his way toward her. "Tony," she said, trying to decide if she was pleased to see him or annoyed that he might be coming over to meddle in her affairs. "I just like it here. Shouldn't you be trying to dazzle one of your ladies?"

"What?" he said grimly.

"I found your list," she clarified. "Of girls. I'm assuming you want to date one of them. Why you would have a list, though, is too creepy for me to ask."

"You went through my things?" he growled.

"In Bridgerton Manor, everything's everybody's. I'm surprised you haven't figured that out yet."

"You nosy little rabbit," he grumbled.

"Don't be mad," she pleaded. "I'm your favorite sister."

He snorted. "No, you're not. Eloise's my favorite sister. She's the only one of you who minds her own business." Daphne pouted until he said, "Fine. You're forgiven. Now tell me what you think. I'm sure you'll have no end of cutting remarks."

"If you really want to know—"

"I don't. But I know nothing will stop you."

"—I found it very predictable." When he just stared at her she added, "Oh, c'mon, Tony. Rosamund Gunningworth? She's awful! Maybe not on the outside, but looks fade, dear brother. And Philippa Featherington is as dumb as a post. I'm sorry, but someone has to say it."

Anthony winced. "And the Sheffield girl?"

"I went to school with her," Daphne shrugged. "Contrary to what you might think, she used to spend her entire time in the library. Reading. When was the last time you read a book?"

"I read," he protested.

"Sure you do."

"Well, that just adds to the fact that she'd make a very smart partner."

Daphne considered that. "True. But if you think she's not smart enough to see right through you, think again."

"Would it kill you both to enjoy tonight?" someone asked from behind them.

Another instantly recognizable voice. "Benny," Daphne said, glancing sideways at their brother without moving her head. "Don't tell me you're actually having fun."

He shook his head grimly. "Not really. But at least I know enough to pretend I am."

"No doubt," Anthony agreed. "I wonder if Colin—" His eyes snapped up. "Yo, Colin!"

Yet another Bridgerton brother joined the crowd.

"Tony!" he said, slapping his brother on the back. "How was your dance with the lovely Miss Sheffield?"