After delaying it as long as she could, Isabel Asturias is ready to make her debut onto the marriage market. Like every other mama in town, Lady Asturias hopes to gain an audience for her daughter with the season's most eligible bachelor, the Viscou...
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Two days had passed since Lady Danbury's ball, and it was already time for Isabel to attend another outing. This was going to be the norm until she received a proposal, it seemed.
"Isabel, it's time to leave!" her mother declared.
"Coming, mama!"
Isabel rushed down the stairs to meet her mother by the door. Lady Asturias adjusted a pin in her daughter's hair and then they headed to the carriage.
They arrived at the Royal Ascot in no time at all. Isabel was no longer so nervous about being out in society; the hardest part had passed.
The Asturias took their seats in the stands. The wind was a bit strong today, but Isabel did not mind. Even amidst the buzz of bets being placed and lively chatter filling the air, Isabel could find peace.
Her mind was so distant from the bustle around her that she did not even notice the Bridgertons climbing up the stands to sit not far behind her.
"Move over, Benedict, you're practically crushing me," Eloise said to her brother, who barely budged an inch. "Will you not allow me some comfort as I endure this event?"
"Is my company not comfort enough?" he said, clearly amused by the whole situation.
"Benedict," his mother said sternly. He quickly moved over, and his sister settled in with a pleased look on her face.
As the siblings discussed their bets, Anthony spoke up. "Is that Miss Asturias just ahead of us? Excuse me, mama, I shall go join them for a while." Before Violet could even respond, Anthony was trodding down the stands, only whispering faint apologies as he pushed past those seated. Eloise swiftly scooted over to take advantage of the extra space.
"Must he make every moment an opportunity to search for his viscountess?" Colin asked.
"Let us all be glad that he is committed to his goal this season," Lady Bridgerton said, the slightest sigh escaping her lips after.
"How perfect this is," Benedict said in a low voice to his brother. "We have the ideal view for witnessing his attempts."
Colin's lips turned up a bit at this. "Indeed, dear brother."
"Miss Asturias, Lady Asturias," Anthony said as he suddenly appeared beside them.
"Oh, Lord Bridgerton, how wonderful to see you," Lady Asturias said, nudging her daughter discreetly.
"Lovely day for the races, is it not?" he said, then asked, "May I join you?"
"Of course," Sofia said. "Right, dearest?" She nudged her daughter again.
