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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With the town eagerly looking forward to the brewing Bridgerton gossip, Anastasia thought it wise to take a break in the park for a picnic together. Well, that and the fact that she was rather interested in her little sister's love triangle.
You cannot blame the girl for her curiosity, after all, life is ever so dull in the ton.
At least, it used to be until he showed up...
As the man entered her thoughts once more, Anastasia could not stop her eyes from searching for his presence. It was unknown when she developed this odd instinct to seek his company in a crowded gathering. The girl thought she had become rather used to such monotone days of fake smiles and heavy responsibilities, yet his existence seemed to bring colours she never knew into her life. It was rather addictive.
"Looking for me, sweetheart?".
Startled by his sudden appearance, Anastasia felt her heart drop to her stomach, tickling a yelp through her throat.
"Do you enjoy popping out of the darkness, Your Highness?", The girl questioned, releasing a sigh as she calmed her thumping heart.
"Well, your reactions are rather entertaining my lady".
Watching the mirth fill his gaze, Anastasia felt herself letting go of her vexation, as she rolled her eyes at his words.
"What a gentleman-like behaviour you portray my lord".
"You wound me".
Soft laughter slipped through her lips as the two chuckled at their interaction. Unfortunately, her joy fell short.
A distant commotion caught their attention as they turned to see Lord Berbrooke together with the Bridgerton family.
Anastasia felt her instincts flair in warning. The girl exchanged a worried glance with Nicholas as they made their way towards the crowd.
"...Because in three days, I am to marry-".
"I must say your sense of humour is quite poor, my lord", said Anastasia as she walked towards him with a mocking eyebrow. The crowd parted adequately, revealing the two figures standing side-by-side as they glared at the man who suddenly felt smaller.
"I am not one for jokes, Miss Bridgerton", said Nigel Berbrooke, a rather grotesque wound on his face to match his behaviour, "I have the diamond of the season now. The very best the ton has to offer! I have a Bridgerton".
"You have nothing, Lord Berbrooke", Nicholas interrupted, mockery laced into every word, "But perhaps another black eye would be a good addition".
