there's nothing the ton would love other than a scandal! be it a lingering touch or worse, a kiss! this author feels the need to remind the reader to think before one acts, for one wrong move and your reputation plummets to the ground. desires are h...
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Lady Whistledown Society Papers
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Grosvenor Square, 1813
In a town filled with ambitious mamas and fortune-hunting gentlemen, marrying above one's station is an art form, indeed. But Miss Daphne Bridgerton's advance from future duchess to possible princess is an achievement that even this jaded author must applaud. Though this author cannot dismiss the Duke of Hastings quite so soon. He may have let the diamond slip through his fingers for now, but I shall wager he is not a man to ever hide from a fight.
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Aaliyah sits in the family room, immersed in her book, surrounded by the comforting presence of her family, each engaged in their own pursuits. Her mother's sudden outburst disrupts the tranquil atmosphere.
"Oh my, did you see Lady Whistledown's latest publication? They're speculating about an engagement between Daphne and the Prince!" Her mother's dissatisfaction is palpable as she drops the gossip sheet onto the table.
"Calm down, Mama," Aaliyah responds nonchalantly, her gaze still fixed on the pages of her book as she delicately sips her tea. "But, sweetheart, I thought there might be something brewing between you and the prince! After all, he did dine with us," her mother persists.
With a subtle roll of her eyes, Aaliyah finally looks up, meeting her mother's gaze. "His Highness doesn't owe us anything, and besides, we're just friends," she asserts, prompting her mother to quietly retreat for tea with Lady Danbury.
"I've heard there's a new boxing exhibition featuring Will Mondrich and Billy Gillespie," Mark Anthony interjects excitedly, drawing the attention of everyone in the room except for the twins. "Ah, the Irish Giant, as they call him," Alex chimes in.
"Let's place our bets on Mondrich. I have a feeling he's the underdog," Alex suggests with a smirk, sparking interest among the siblings. "Sounds like a thrilling event. What time does it begin?" Aaliyah inquires.
"It kicks off later at 3 in the afternoon!" The siblings exchange glances before turning their attention to their father, who remains engrossed in his newspaper. "I won't be able to join. There's a pile of work demanding my attention," he explains.
The siblings shrug in understanding before returning to their respective activities, the anticipation of the upcoming boxing match lingering in the air.
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It appears that Miss Aaliyah has found herself in the company of the Bridgerton's second son yet again. Their frequent appearances together at balls and promenades have not gone unnoticed. But the question lingers in the minds of this author and her readers alike: Will Benedict Bridgerton ever take the decisive step and propose to the Williams' sole daughter? The ball, dear readers, is in Benedict Bridgerton's court.
