If you were to ask anyone in the ton about the Lady with a Fan, even an errand boy could give you an answer. That's the name Anastasia Bridgerton had built for herself to protect her family after their father's passing. As the oldest sister and twin...
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Today was meant to be a simple day. Lady Danbury had invited Anastasia back to her home, as a new collection of books had just found themselves seated in her vast library. This was but an excuse, of course. After all, if Anastasia wished to visit the lower ton without causing suspicion, she'd need an alibi, and Lady Danbury found it fitting to take on the role.
It became established that whenever she received an invite from the Danbury mansion, it would be used as a cover to hide her pastime activities. The plan was perfectly created, with special attention from two of the most intelligent minds in the ton ensuring there was no room for errors.
The day had been meant to be a rather dull occasion, with no particular goal. Just a simple stroll to cool her head before she returned to social politics.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
Clutching the new Whistledown newsletter, Anastasia felt a drop of sweat drip down her back. Apparently, Anna Winters, her alias from the other night, passed away from sick health. if that was not bad enough, it was specifically mentioned that she had been in bed for a whole month prior.
So now, standing guiltily on the grey brick alley, the girl spun her mind for an excuse. However, the next heading caught her eye.
As if it were not already rather hilarious to think of the way her identity had been revealed, Whistledown bore another surprise with the announcement of the Maquis of Xander's recent marriage up north with a woman of foreign origin.
Now, unless Nick had a method of teleportation at hand, there was no plausible way he could have gone up north in a mere day to hold a wedding.
Clearly, they had both lied once again.
A dry chuckle left her lips at the thought. Just then, the voice she had not been expecting to hear resounded.
"Well, it seems you have already read the latest issue", Nicholas grinned, nary a hint of guilt in his eyes. True, he had panicked when he realised he'd been exposed, however, the fact that they'd both lied amused him more.
"It seems you have as well", Anastasia turned, gazing at the man sheepishly, "So much for secrets".
Nicholas laughed, "Yes, it appears we are unable to keep our realities a secret for too long".
He then revealed a suspiciously cunning smile, "So? What do you say we make an interesting bet".
Anastasia turned to him with a look of intrigue, "Go on".
"Let's share a deadline, perhaps within two weeks. Whoever became the first to find the other's identity would be the winner".
"Interesting", Anastasia curled her lips, "Though I do not see what I gain from this".
