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episode 1 diamond of the first water
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Be it shame or slander, seduction or smear, there is but one thing that humbles even the most highly-regarded members of our dear ton... a scandal!
Well, dear reader, it should seem that all of Grosvenor Square has been left to ponder a rather scandalous question, indeed.
Might one former diamond's recent fall from grace turn out to be the most damning scandal of all?
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Yet another ball had descended upon the Ton and I could not be less interested, the gardens were beautiful lights glistening and bouncing across the surface of the fountains water. The large materials draped to form canopies served to protect the enormous arrays of food and drink.
I sit slouched in a chair my eyes dancing over the guests, seeing Colin drag Penelope Featherington across the party and to the dance floor was surprising and yet caused a large smile to break upon my face. Penelope was an incredibly sweet girl, rather unbelievably due to her mother and sisters, and her feelings towards my brother were rather prevalent.
I admire the decorations and chuckle whilst acknowledging an annoyed Duke surrounded by a dozen of his doting fans. I understood them, he was pleasing to look at. However, my gaze drops, he is not pleasant to look at when his intended is your younger sister.
My eyes meet his as an announcement is made, people of the Ton begin to gather and I stand from my seat in the darkness. I cannot remove my gaze from his and like a siren I am called to him.
"It is with great privilege, I present Vauxhall's newest spectacle of illumination. Feast your eyes above and allow all that is radiant to overwhelm you!" The man shouted as another lit the string" a spark travelled and I look up in wonder as the Lateran hanging above lit up "Wonderful light! Thank you!" He finishes.
"Beautiful" his voice washes over me and I'm sure his eyes have not left my body. I shiver as he steps closer.
I fiddle with the glove on my hand "Sorry?" I mister the courage to ask. His eyebrows raise and he looks up at the sky.
"The lights, they're beautiful, don't you think?" His look stings my skin and I cannot be positive if he is talking about the lights. I stay silent and nod turning away, once again looking into the crowd that is now dispersing.
I catch sight of Daphne storming away from Anthony "excuse me" I tell Simon not turning to him as my feet carry me away. I move with haste but cautiously hoping not to draw attention.
I reach Anthony and grasp his arm "what did you say to her?" He turns his head to me and tears himself from my grip.
"It is none of your concern sister" he moves around me and attempts to walk away from me. The attitude stings slightly but since the passing of our father stress has been ever chasing Anthony.
I follow with pace "of course it os, she is my little sister, so tell me what you have said and I shall be on my way" this time it is him who grabs my arm. He pulls me from the middle of the crowd and stops of the edge of the floor.
His face is contorted into one of discomfort and he scans around quickly to ensure no one is listening "Daphne is promised to lord Berbrooke" my heart clenches in my chest.
"How could you?" I whisper angrily and resist the urge to slap him across the face.
"I will not hear of it!" Anthony yells and storms away, a hurt look crosses my face. Yes Anthony and I had been in plenty of fights over the years, we are twins after all, but he had never yelled.
I watch as he retreats to mother and I hike up my dress moving quickly to find Daphne. I find her mere paces from the Dark Walk, standing besides the Duke of Hastings and I swear my heart drops. I then note Lord Berbrooke laying unconscious on the grass "Daphne"
I grasp her in my arms pulling her close to my chest, my eyes meet the Dukes as I push hair from her face "what have you done?" I ask calmly.
Daphne pulls away "It was me. He tried" she pauses and my eyes widen in shock, I don't let her finish pulling her into me again. She sighs "Please don't tell Anthony, I'll never find a husband if he thinks" she trails off.
"I know, it's alright Daph" a silence follows and I let her step away "I shall head to mother, you must return soon, you do not want to be caught alone" I rest a hand gently on her face as she nods in understanding. I turn to make my leave but stop "Oh and Daph, nice work" I gesture to the still unconscious lord and she smiles.
I make haste returning to the ball in hopes no one has noticed our absence, seemingly no one had and I return to the chair I had previously acquired.
The sight of Daphne entering the dance floor with Simon was enough to cause a pain in my stomach, but the look on their faces, ones of admiration and infatuation cause my heart to crumble. I had known this man for simply and moment and already I could not bear it.
I stop, looking intently at my little sister her gaze set firmly on him. I smile lightly and despite the pain in my chest the look of happiness upon her face allows me to will the pain away.
If Daphne was happy, then so was I.
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For those not in attendance at the Vauxhall celebration, you missed the most remarkable coup of the season.
It appears Miss Daphne Bridgerton has captured the interest of the newly returned Duke of Hastings.
How the young miss secured her newfound suitor is yet to be determined.
Yet, if anyone shall reveal the circumstances of this match, it is I.
