Secrets & Scandals •Anthony Bridgerton•

Art of the Swoon Part II

Ester and her gown are hereby shown above as a reference point.

Art of the Swoon Part II

These days, a modern young lady must display a miscellany of talents in her quest for a suitor. She must be a witty conversationalist, an accomplished musician and an expert in the art of a swoon. For managing to faint with nearly a hair not out of place is a most coveted talent indeed.

Of course, not everyone has fallen victim to the fellow royal charm. One diamond in particular seems quite immune.

Making this author wonder if the crown has lost its luster. Leaving any progress any pearl may have just rubble in the dust.

Ester once again, was faced with another hurdled provided to her by Daphne. In a way, it was rather frustrating for her. Whenever she made one step of progress, somehow, in someway Daphne was always three steps ahead of her.

She wouldn't admit it to anyone, but she hoped the Prince would notice her. Only her. Not fainting Cressida, not the diamond Daphne, no one.

She slammed the paper down, rather unladylike towards the ground. Would she ever save her family from ruin? That, my dear friends, is how Ester realized just how broken and ruined her life was, even with a friend like Daphne around. She would not be playing nice, any longer.

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Another picnic, only this time, in sunset and with a special Prince in tow. She was walking, with her mother ahead of her, and Lord Chan, a dashing young man whose family was prominently involved in the Silk trading business, distantly related to the Emperor of China.

"I believe that this picnic is much more calm without the face of a certain bumbling Berbrooke." Ester smiled, Lord Chan was rather humorous and it filled her heavy heart with joy.

"Yes, I would not like to be pushed down a hill this time, if I say so myself." The two shared a joyous laugh, that was, happily interrupted by a charming Prince in an amazing royal blue color. Ester couldn't help but notice how the Prince's fine blue tunic complimented his bright blonde hair and dashing blue eyes.

"Pardon me, Lord Chan, if the Lady Sloehigh does not mind I would like to whisk her away to the bridge?" Ester smiling and bidding goodbye to Lord Chan, entangled her gloved hand with the Prince's.She couldn't help but silently amuse herself that she chose to wear the only navy blue outfit she owned.

"What is on your mind, My Prince?" She noticed, his eyes held more lines and his thoughts definitely wondered.

"My dear friend, the Queen, wishes me to seek out the attention of Miss Bridgerton, however my heart tells me another beautiful young lady seeks out my attention much better than Miss Bridgerton."

Ester stopped moving, when they reached the top of the bridge, overlooking the water. Her mind was spinning a mile a minute, she didn't know if he was speaking of her or Cressida.

"I daresay, any young lady who ignores your affection, is not worth your time. It sounds like they are playing games. Games of the heart are not to be won or lost, but pain." Freiderich looked at the beautiful women beside him. She was not Daphne Bridgerton, that was true...however, her mind and knowledge of life was that he would need for the Princess, and future Queen of Prussia.

"Do you know Vienna well?" Ester looked to the Prince, who held a beautiful white flower in his hand, which he began twisting around in circles, causing the flower's petals to slowly expand outward allowing it to look more full.

"I have been there in passing, but never stayed. Why do you ask, My Prince?" Freiderich, once again couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at the words my prince that escaped from Esters mouth.