𝑾𝑯𝑰𝑺𝑷𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮 || 𝑨 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚

01. 𝑬𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅

CHAPTER 1:
Enchanted

‎ .˚ * ꒰ঌ✦໒꒱ * ˚.

THE GRAND BALLROOM of the Bridgerton estate was a whirl of color and exquisite music, echoing the laughter and chatter of London's elite.

Crystal chandeliers glittered like stars above, casting a warm glow over the milling guests in their finery.

Genevieve Bridgerton, shyly nestled in the corner, observed the scene with wide, doe-like brown eyes framed by lashes that fluttered like butterfly wings.

She wore a lovely gown of baby blue silk, adorned with delicate lace that swished around her ankles like a soft breeze.

At fourteen, she felt like a potted flower in a sprawling garden; beautiful yet stifled by the protective measures of her mother and older brother, Anthony.

They had always shielded her from anything remotely resembling the more dangerous aspects of life.

"Genevieve, darling!" Lady Bridgerton's voice chimed. "You mustn't hide away like a wallflower! Come and meet the Duke of Hastings! He has been asking about the beautiful Bridgerton twins!"

Genevieve winced inwardly at the thought of anyone expecting her to charm them; she preferred watching the world unfold around her, especially after the cautionary tales told by her siblings, especially Anthony.

Anthony's fierce protectiveness had grown, ever so slightly, since she'd been admonished for climbing trees with Benjamin Featherington all those years ago.

That carefree friendship had been abruptly severed after the incident, the branch they had both scrambled onto had snapped beneath her, sending her tumbling down.

It was a disaster that had earned Benjamin the disapproval of her family for being a Featherington, and Genevieve was banned from seeing him again.

Those precious memories now danced at the edge of her mind, as she felt seeds of yearning take root for her long-lost best friend.

Despite everything, her heart had hungered for adventure, for the companionship they'd once shared, and for the innocence of a platonic bond before the world intervened.

With a sigh and a soft shake of her head, she turned back towards the gaiety, letting herself be caught up in the kaleidoscope of light and sound.

Yet, her sheltered life was about to change, unforeseen and exhilarating.

As the evening progressed, the soft strains of the orchestra reached a captivating crescendo, and it wasn't long before a boy, his identity masked by a feathered disguise, stepped before her and bowed deeply.

"Would you do me the honor of dancing, m'lady?" he asked, his tone light and playful.

There was something remarkably familiar about his voice, though Genevieve couldn't quite place it in her flustered state.

Genevieve's heart raced. How could she say no? "Yes, I would love to," she replied simply, extending her hand.

They glided onto the dance floor, and with each turning step, her confidence bloomed.

With his finely embroidered waistcoat and charming demeanor, her partner led her gracefully through the movements, his gloved hand resting lightly on the small of her back.

"Oh!" Genevieve exclaimed as their eyes met, a shiver of recognition skimming the surface of her consciousness. Yet the mask obscured all certainty.

"You move like you've danced a thousand waltzes," he teased.