~~Artiste~~(Benedict Bridgerton)

Never

Dearest Readers,

       Ambitious mamas rejoice, for the new Duke of Hastings continues to grace our fair city with his presence. And, oh, what an impressive presence it is! It should be noted that the Duke has been overheard announcing to mamas everywhere that he has no plans of marrying. This author wonders which brazen matchmaker shall rise to such a challenge, for this competition is well underway

          "You must grace us with your presence more Your Grace" Elliot joked as the boys prepared for a fencing match in the backyard of the Sheppard home. The weather was immaculate today, so much so that Elizabeth decided to decline her callers, faking an illness to relax with her family 

    "He is not wrong, we have not seen you in so long" Edward sighed adjusting the strap on his helmet "Since when have you two been sentimental?" He clicked his tongue against his teeth. 

    "Since you left us with Lizzie!" Elliot exclaimed as he grabbed his saber. Simon chuckled, putting on his helmet as he looked over at Elizabeth on the stone bench sketching away. She was trying out her new watercolor pallet. Painting the roses and tulips that were in full bloom. Another signature of the Sheppard's home was their garden, although it wasn't as extravagant as the one in their estate, Appley Hall. Here in the city, the garden was small and more condensed, yet it made even the botanist of Buckingham Palace jealous with its array of flowers and the large fountain and statue that rose in the middle of the green

    "Did your father let her decline every single caller?" Simon asked in a hush, not trying to disturb the beast, but Elizabeth heard every word 

    "It's anything for his darling daughter" Edward huffed,

     "I heard that!" Elizabeth shouted as the pair started their match. 

    "I'm just saying the daughter of a Marquess, a Marchioness herself doesn't seem the need to find a husband quickly" Elliot turned with a goofy smile, "She would be a spinster if she pleased" 

    "And yet father would still beem with pride" Elizabeth rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. She hated when they teased her for being the favorite, it made her feel like she got too much attention, it made her feel guilty. But it was well known within the household who was the Marquess' pride, and it killed her. She couldn't help but feel a need to always live up to his expectations, to be just like her mother.

          "What of you Simon, don't you have any girls who have caught your eye?" Elizabeth now stood next to her brother, arms crossed as Simon parried into Elliot's chest 

    "I do not wish to marry" He spoke bluntly, his jaw clenching as he stared ahead. 

    "You must be joking" Elizabeth released a breath that changed into a laugh, "It is a funny joke" She patted him on the shoulder but his gaze did not change, so falling the opposite of her words 

    "You know I agree with him, why must we find the need to marry so quickly-" Elliot began,

     "I do not ever wish to marry" The statement caught the siblings off guard as Edward jumped in for his brother.

     "Ever?" Elizabeth tilted his head "I can only dream...." Elliot swooned as he took off his helmet "And become a rake?" Elizabeth peered at her twin.

     "He already is a rake" Edward jabbed as he deflected the Duke's swings "Hey!" Elizabeth giggled along with Simon as Edward finally got the point and it was Elliot's turn to jump in. Simon settled next to Elizabeth.