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 Bridgerton household seems to be facing its greatest crisis yet, as not only has their eldest daughter gone quiet, she has begun to fumble
After the girl had locked herself within the office, she ruined two gowns by accidentally stepping on them, almost tripped while walking on a flat floor, and Benedict caught her down an entire bottle of alcohol like it was nothing before heading back to her room and passing out on the couch only to wake up with back pain at midnight.
So it was safe to say that the family was concerned.
Seated at the dining table, the unspoken concern was sure to catch the girl's attention. Truthfully, Anastasia knew her actions were troubling, yet she could do nothing but think of him all day. It was to the point she mumbled his name in her sleep. His existence became a poison that slowly consumed her, and she could not stop it.
To disrupt the increasingly suffocating atmosphere. she turned to Daphne with the best smile she could muster.
"So, Daphne, I hear the Prussian Prince has taken an interest in you".
Daphne choked on her food, coughing gently to clear her throat from surprise.
"Y-Yes, indeed", she replied, her smile faltering at the question.
Anastasia was quick to realise her sister was not as determined to marry the man as she thought.
"I see, If he is a man you deem worthy, I have no repercussions", Anastasia comforted, "I hope you make a choice that brings you happiness".
Daphne grew silent at her words, nodding half-heartedly as she fell into deep thought. The table turned quiet once more, as the family sat awkwardly, unsure of what topics to discuss.
Violet, with her best intentions, turned to Anastasia in an attempt to lighten the mood, "Dearest, how is it going with Prince Nicholas?".
The clatter of silver broke through her words, a deafening silence encasing the hall as the siblings froze in place out of instinct. Anastasia sat as she usually did, except a thick layer of frost shrouded her frame. The shadow of hair hid her expression, as she slowly stood up from her seat.
"I am quite satiated, so I shall stroll in the garden for some fresh air. Thank you for the wonderful meal".
The click of her heel echoed through the ghostly halls as she wandered out of sight, leaving behind a magnitude of questions that were to remain unanswered.
Only when the prickling cold tickled her skin did the girl finally allow herself to breathe. The silent wind that swirled through the backyard felt comforting as if it was a blanket sent from the heavens to wrap around her shoulders.
