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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The row of carriages seemed almost never-ending as a mass of young socialites decided to spend their endless time tonight in the most popular opera of the ton. Among these various enthusiasts were the Bridgerton ladies, who'd decided to appear in society more often to rid themselves of their recent reputation.
Lady Whisteldown's newest issue seemed to have placed a target on the Bridgerton family. Daphne was labelled as ineligible for the title of a Diamond while Miss Marina Thompson rose to the spotlight. The branches of her writing had spread to even defame Anastasia, claiming that having a spinster guide her younger sister into the marriage mart may not have been the wisest of decisions.
Truly, Whistledown had no fear.
An additional headache came in the form of Lord Berbrooke, who relentlessly pursued Daphne despite her rather obvious discontent. With the rumours spreading faster than wildfire, Anastasia could not very well keep sending the man away, leading to a statement none of them were satisfied with.
Daphne was the most upset. Her inability to find a match had caused harm to not only herself but her sister as well.
Anastasia hoped that perhaps a distraction would do them all good, so she had dragged them all here tonight.
However, maybe that wasn't as good of an idea as she'd hoped.
As the three wandered through the crowd, the eyes of the ton followed with snarky remarks and concealed whispers that seemed to take over the hall. Anastasia flicked her fan open, covering her lips as she sent a silent glare to the rude young ladies of the evening. Despite the gossip, Anastasia was still someone to fear, so they turned away, begrudgingly.
"Our box mama", Daphne began, a bit apprehensive of this outing. Yet she knew something must be done or her marriage would not end well.
Violet nodded, taking a step forward to guide them when Lady Danbury's voice resounded from the other end of the hall.
"Lady Bridgerton", She began, startling the woman, "Do join us".
Anastasia swept a glance over the crowd as she followed her mother. The three women bowed elegantly before their queen, as Anastasia's piercing gaze continued to keep an eye on the meddlesome guests of the evening.
"Your Majesty, good evening", Violet began, "You must remember my daughters, Daphne and Anastasia".
"Yes", the queen replied, a hint of arrogance in her tone that made Anastasia's grip tighten, "They made quite an impression, however fleeting it may have been".
