Somewhere Only We Know [B. BRIDGERTON]

Chapter Five

Be it shame or slander, seduction or smear, there is but one thing that humbles even the most highly-regarded members of our dear ton: a scandal.

Well, dear reader, it should seem that all of Grosvenor Square has been left to ponder a rather scandalous question, indeed.

Might one former diamond's fall from grace turn out to be the most damning scandal of all.

And, as for the work of art, the lack of any constant suitors might mean that the cold marble statue might be breaking.

In other news, rumor has spread that the Earl of Swineford has been seen several times at several less than reputable places.

Meg had looked forward to few things like she was to the ball at Vauxhall. Of all the events the season had in store, this was the one she was most excited for. It promised to be quite the spectacle, indeed. A night full of light, and laughter and dancing, all under the warm night air, why, it sounded like an absolutely paradise for Meg. From waking up in the morning, she had been preparing herself.

The only moment of the day that wasn't spent in her room, readying herself, was at breakfast, having her hot chocolate and chocolate-filled pastry, with Jip by her side having his little cut up sausages. A footman came in, much like he did every morning, however, this time, Emma didn't even bother to wait for him to announce her.

"Don't bother, she knows I'm coming!"

Emma sounded almost angry as she strode into the room, clutching the latest Lady Whistledown tightly in her hand, looking like she was resisting the temptation to crumple it up and throw it away.

"Mama, have you read Whistledown this morning?" Emma asked, sitting down on the other side of her mother.

"No, I try to avoid her gossip as much as possible," Maria said. A little more eagerly, she asked, "Has she written anything about me?"

"No, Mama, she has not," said Emma. "Not directly, at least. Rumors about Swine-Lord Swynford returning to London. I am glad you did not read it. I should hate for you to hear it from anyone other than me."

Despite the relationship Emma held with her younger brother, she still tried to refrain from insulting him too terribly in front of her mother. Anywhere else, she would easily refer to him as Swineford as if it was his name, and not the insult it was meant to be. However, in front of her mother, she would refer to him, in a kinder, yet more formal way, as Lord Swynford. She hadn't called him Peter since the nickname came to be common use amongst the ton.

...

A few hours later, she was in her room, standing in front of her mirror. She slipped her chemise on, and the maid helped her with her corset.

Meg was dressed in a pale green chiffon dress with golden undertones that came out when the light hit it just right. She had a matching gold chiffon shawl with pale green undertones draped over her shoulder. She also had a pair of pale green silk slippers.

Her dark curls were loosely pinned up, leaving several little ringlets falling, bouncing as she moved. Woven through her hair was a matching green ribbon.

The three left soon afterward, making their way their way to the boats that would take them to Vauxhall.

A most peculiar incident occurred as Meg sat in the boat to Vauxhall with her hazel eyes wide: she was left speechless. It was a most magnificent sight in the fading light of day, and it only promised to become more so as the night darkened. The fact that something had left Meg silent almost seemed to unnerve her aunt and cousin, as Meg always seemed to have to add something to every conversation.