Ace of Spades//Anthony Bridgerton

❧six

In a town filled with ambitious mamas and fortune-hunting gentlemen, marrying above one's station is an art form, indeed. But Miss Daphne Bridgerton's advance from future duchess to possible princess is an achievement that even this jaded author must applaud. Though this author cannot dismiss the Duke of Hastings quite so soon. He may have let the diamond slip through his fingers for now, but I shall wager he is not a man to ever hide from a fight.

Daphne and I sit in the parlor of her family's home.

"Is it true? Is my greatest friend to be a princess?" I question. "If I were your sister would I to get to be a princess?"

"Calm yourself," Daphne tells me. I smile. "I am not yet engaged to the Prince."

"Will you have to wear a crown?" I ask.

"Perhaps for special occasions, but only if I should marry the Prince," Daphne tells me.

"Will you have to learn German?" I ask.

"Perhaps, but only if I should marry the Prince," Daphne says.

"Will you have to move to a beautiful castle far, far away?" I question.

Daphne chuckles. "You are worse than Hyacinth."

"I cannot help but notice you keep saying 'if' you marry the Prince," I state.

"Well he has not proposed," Daphne tells me.

"You are not over the Duke," I state. Daphne does not say anything. "Give it time." Daphne nods. "Unless the Prince is not who you want."

"Am I fool for not being over the Duke?" Daphne asks.

I shake my head. "No. You are not a fool Daphne. You are young. No matter what anyone tells you just listen to your heart." I smile. "Are you to see the Prince today?" I ask.

"Anthony is taking me to a boxing exhibition," Daphne tells me.

"Where does the Prince come in?" I question.

"He will be there," Daphne assures.

"Is a boxing exhibition truly where you should be courting the Prince?" I ask.

"I don't see why not," Daphne offers.

"Do you think Anthony would agree to let me join you?" I ask.

Daphne looks at me curiously. "Why do you want to go to a boxing exhibition?"

I shrug my shoulders. "Why not? If you can charm a Prince there maybe I can find my own suitor."

I walk into the boxing exhibition with Daphne and Anthony. It is very loud and a little dirty. I can hear people gambling all around.

"If Mama knew I were here, of all places..." Daphne starts.

"Trust she would have more to say to me than you," Anthony assures.

I spot the Prince next to one of the men I assume is fighting today. "There's your prince now."

"With your fancy well in hand, Selina and I shall make ourselves scarce for the final blow," Anthony tells Daphne.

I smile at Daphne as I walk off with Anthony. We sit along the top row of seats. We are joined by Colin and Benedict.

"Why did you wish to come along?" Anthony asks me.

"Lord Downing would have never allowed me to do such a thing," I tell him.

"I should not be surprised you would enjoy a boxing match. I remember the time you gave Campbell a purple eye," Anthony states. He laughs. "You could not have been more than thirteen."