𝑉𝐼𝐼𝐼

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Dearest Reader,

Although this author is not permitted in Gentleman's clubs, places filled with the stench of alcohol, arguing and rakes, that does not mean one does not discover what occurs inside.

It has been reported that a fight broke out between Mr Benedict Bridgerton and Mr James Lancaster, Duke of Norfolk. This author does not know the reason for the fight but by the bruises on the Duke, it would of been a rather vicious one.

Furthermore, a Miss Rosalia Procitto will be performing at the Royal Opera house this evening. She is known as a beautiful sight indeed.

Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, 16th June 1815

꧁𑁍꧂

Esther Hackley sat on a stool in the garden of the Hackley manor. Resting on an easel in front of her was a half painted canvas.

Albert, her dog, slept soundly by her feet as the serine sun beamed down. There it was quiet and tranquil with no distractions so Esther could focus on her painting.

Her mother and Marie were out shopping for a new dress to impress Mr Bridgerton with that evening. She expected them to be a couple of hours, so she was curious when she heard the front door close.

Fuelled with intrigue,  Esther followed the voices into the drawing room of the manor. One belonged to Francis, she was certain about that, but the others was a female.

She held her breath as she peered around the corner to see an extremely pretty young lady. She looked like an angel sent from heaven to bless mortals. Her skin was dark and golden and her ebony hair was naturally curled. Her large dark eyes were filled with a certain joy and kindness.
She was rather short; Francis was not that tall but he looked like a giant beside her.

Esther took a step forward and cleared her throat to capture the pairs attention. "I did not expect to see you this morning, cousin." Francis glared at her.

"Miss Murray, this is my cousin Esther Hackley." The chestnut haired boy introduced. "It is a pleasure to meet you." Miss Murray smiled sweetly.

"As for you, Miss Murray." Esther replied. "Please, call me Diana. I do hate the formalities of last names." A smile grew on her lips as she nodded.

"How rude of my cousin to not offer you tea!" She exclaimed, causing a scowl to grow on her cousin's face. "I was going to." He muttered through gritted teeth.

"That would be lovely." Diana smiled. Esther turned to the maid standing in the doorway and asked for, "A tray of tea please."

"Of course, ma'am." And with that the maid left the drawing room. "Will you be attending this afternoon's opera show?" She asked the ebony haired girl.

"No, no. My father is not too fond of opera, and honestly neither am I." Diana replied with a shake of her head. "I must agree." Francis butted in.

Esther turned to stare at him, knowing that Francis adored opera and dragged her to every show he could. "Then I shall see you another time." She announced.

"I shall leave you two love birds alone. It was wonderful to meet you Diana." She grinned at the girl. "As for you," She paused, not knowing the girl's first name.

"Esther." She answered before nodding and leaving the drawing room and heading back outside into the sun.

꧁𑁍꧂

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 -- 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐧Where stories live. Discover now