𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 | b. bridgerton

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 | tender is the night

Dearest Gentle Reader,

As the Ton is abuzz in anticipation of the upcoming social season, it is with great pleasure that This Author picks up the quill once again to provide you with the latest and greatest gossip and scandals the next few months have to offer. And with the season officially commencing in the coming days, it is This Author's humble responsibility to remind the matchmaking mamas of the most eligible bachelors 'on the market' this year:

The Lord Trombley has reportedly concluded his studies at Eton over the summer and has returned, looking to find his Lady Trombley. He is a most dashing young gentleman and would certainly make a fine husband, but let us hope that during his studies, he has finally learnt the intricate skill of not trodding on ladies' feet while dancing. It may be prudent for all interested candidates to pad their slippers before the Danbury Ball on Friday, lest they be stricken by our Lord Trombley's clumsy feet.

Lord Fife retains his notorious bachelor status for another year as he is still yet to propose marriage to a single young miss in the entire Ton. It seems as though Lord Fife will still be joining us for the upcoming season however, as he has recently made the move back to Mayfair. Will this season finally be the one that sees London's beloved bachelor locked into marriage?

And finally, the main attraction: Mr Benedict Bridgerton and Mr Colin Bridgerton. This Author is pleased to announce that these two handsome fellows have been strongly rumoured to be joining yet another season as both brothers still remain unmarried. They have the looks, they have the charm, they come from one of the Ton's most beloved noble families. And although neither of the brothers have titles of their own - congratulations once more to the newlyweds, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton and his wife, Viscountess Kate Bridgerton née Sharma - both show promise to become the most suitable of husbands. Colin Bridgerton has returned to England after another successful tour in the Mediterranean, although hopefully his adventurous spirit shall remain tame long enough for some special young lady to make an impression on the man. His older brother Benedict, a most well-mannered and educated gentleman (a few inches taller than Colin, This Author feels obligated to remind audiences) has remained in London since last year's season. It is a mystery as to what the second eldest Bridgerton brother has been occupying himself with since a sudden departure from the Academy last summer, but one can only hope it is with the intentions of finding a wife amongst London's lovely ladies.

Indeed, a most intriguing selection of eligible bachelors. This Author only wishes that this season is more eventful than the last. Hardly worth the ink!

For everybody's sake, let it be true.

Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, February 1816

Benedict looked up at the townhouse as he stepped out of the carriage, bottle of port in hand. The building gave no clue into any of the joviality and debauchery that was beyond its doors, neatly tucked away into a quiet corner of Bloomsbury, looking as inconspicuous as any other building on the street.

He reached into his pocket to pull out some change for the carriage driver, before turning back to the building and exhaling to summon some courage. He straightened his cravat, readjusting the bottle in the crook of his elbow, and walked up the steps leading up to the sleek double doors.

Benedict had no idea what he was doing at the Granville's again. He had sworn to himself after the most recent night of chaos that he would take a break from all the drinking and partying. But after supper, when he had finished his second glass of wine and thought that spending another evening staring blankly at an empty canvas was a rather daft thing to do, Benedict found himself shortly after sitting in a carriage, bound for Henry's townhouse once more.