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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Glittering beams of sunlight cascaded through the curtains, awakening the sleeping beauty within. Her lashes fluttered gently, eyes peering through with an innocence she had yet to mask. Anastasia stretched out her arms, almost dazed as she sat up. The events of yesterday's ball slowly refreshed in her memory, her skin glowing a little red at the thought of him. Anastasia could not help the smile that adorned her lips at the thought of that man.
Seemingly in a wonderful mood, the girl lept off her bed, walking over to push apart her curtains and feel the warmth of the early sun. Yet, her eyes caught a rather abnormal sight.
She watched all three of her brothers, along with Daphne ride back into the house, clearly having snuck out the night before. Though not immediately concerning, her intuition warned the girl that this may not be as simple as it appeared.
Her eyes were quick to sharpen, the sweetness in her gaze fading as dawn broke.
Do not be distracted, Anastasia
There is much to be done...
The footsteps of her servant echoed through the empty room, as the girl turned away from the window, ready to face the battles that came next.
//
Delightful chatter echoed from the main hall as Anastasia strolled downstairs. Violet's excited smile and Daphne's partial grin seemed to hint at the possibility of happy news.
"Ah, Anastasia", Violet greeted. Perhaps it was due to her excitement, but all traces of the awkwardness the mother and daughter had carried for the past few days had vanished from her face.
"There is wonderful news! Daphne is engaged to the duke!"
Anastasia blinked her eyes, turning towards her sister in shock, "Is this true, sister?".
The girl's eyes fluttered, almost as if uncertain herself before she wore a broad smile, "Of course! I would never joke of such things".
Her little movements did not slip past her sister, but Anastasia knew this was not the best place to bring it up, so instead, she congratulated the girl, "Isn't that wonderful sister! You are to be a Duchess!".
Her hands gently held Daphne's as unmasked affection shone through her gaze, surprising her sister.
"Anastasia? Did something good happen with you as well?", She asked, startling the girl.
"What do you mean?".
Daphne smiled as she took in her sister's appearance, "Nothing, you just seem to be glowing brighter than usual today!".
