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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Calming music resounded throughout the church hall. The silent whispers and chatters of the few in attendance remained a shadow to its notes. The only people present at the wedding were those deemed close to the Bridgerton family and Simon himself.
Anastasia did not expect to see Nicholas in attendance today, yet it appeared Lady Danbury found it natural since his accommodations were arranged by her. Despite being impeccable at maintaining a poker face, the girl could not help but drift her sights towards him every now and then, especially when she saw Daphne make her way towards the altar, where her soon-to-be husband stood.
She couldn't help but imagine herself, standing opposing the man she had whole-heartedly fallen in love with, a wedding ring slipping onto her finger as he smiled at her, finalizing their marriage. Her gaze drifted towards the ring that sat on her finger, hidden by her glove, a smile fluttering past her lips as she brushed it gently. Her cheeks grew hot as she shook her head, wondering what spell the man had cast for her to act like a love-sick teenager all of a sudden.
Her eyes moved to look at him once more, only to see him staring at her with a knowing smirk on his lips. Evidently, he had seen her little gestures towards the ring. Anastasia blushed a bright shade of red, ignoring his glaring eyes as she returned her focus to the wedding.
As the vows came to an end, it was time for the party.
The melodious notes of the violin created a joyous atmosphere as the many socialities of the ton gathered in the Bridgerton family hall for a grand congratulations of the newly married couple. As the title of a Duchess was bestowed on Daphne, the status of the entire family had risen, and many guests began their pointless brown-nosing as if it wasn't yesterday when they shot nasty looks and whispered cruel rumours about the family.
Anastasia remained more than ready to face their hypocrisy, gently firing shots with her words and keeping the snakes away from her sister to let her enjoy her day as much as she could given the circumstances. Although she must admit, it had become much of a chore as time dragged on.
High society was never for the weak, and Anastasia had dipped her toe in its waters when she was far too young. Thankfully, no gossip writers were spreading the news of her mistakes to the entirety of London back in her prime.
Perhaps it was because her body had taken in too much stress as of late, the exhaustion was getting to her.
The girl slowly pulled away from the festivities, walking through the more deserted corridors of the house in hopes of gaining some rest. Suddenly, a door to her side opened, and she found herself getting pulled into the arms of a man she was all too familiar with.
