"You can't scare away every man who shows up at my door!"
"I can damn well try." He kept his tone quiet as he stepped closer to her. "You have no idea of the grip you have on me Hanford and I'll be damned if you fall in love with someone who isn't m...
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"It has been said that 'Of all bitches dead or alive, a scribbling woman is the most canine.' If that should be true then this author would like to show you her teeth. My name is Lady Whistledown. You do not know me and rest assured, you never shall. But be foreworned dear reader, I certainly know you.
"A true beauty, father!" Aurora gushed over the Queen's words as she changed. Her father stood outside the room as she dressed, a proud smirk on his face as he heard her rejoicing. "And perfect!"
"Do not let the words go to your head, my dear." Jedidiah called through the door. "The Queen is rather unpredictable. She may change her mind."
"Do you think she will?" Aurora pulled open the door, a pale pink gown adorned with lace flowers clad on her slim body, her curvy hips hidden underneath it.
"With a face like yours, she will not." Jedidiah grinned at her. "Is this what you're wearing for the ball?"
"Oh no!" Aurora shook her head as she giggled. "Stella would absolutely lose her head if I wore that gown this early. My gown for the ball is being fluffed."
"Fluffed?" Jedidiah questioned as they walked down the hallway to his study.
"A term you do not need to know of father." Aurora grinned. "We have a few hours to spare, may I sit and read while you work?" He nodded and the girl took a spot by the window as she opened her book.
"A true beauty is what she was called, perfectly poised." Jasper entered the room, interrupting the two as he read the scandal sheet aloud.
"Is that another scandal sheet?" Aurora questioned.
"It is sister." He grinned cheekily. "This one is quite different from the others. It mentions names." Aurora eagerly stood to her feet and cast her book aside as she rushed to her brother. She snatched the paper from his grasp and began to skim over the words. "She mentions the Featherington girl that fainted. I feel so sorry for her, I had that same fear."
"It was rather hilarious to watch." Jasper confessed with a smirk. "The highlight of this season, no doubt."
"Look!" She gasped and pointed at the paper. "She's named Daphne and I the incomparable of the season!"
"Congratulations, sister." Jasper smirked and stole her chair. "You'll have the adoring bachelors of the season pounding at our door and the vulturous mothers of your competitors cursing your name everywhere you go."
