Strangers in the Night | A Benedict Bridgerton Story

prologue.

I sat curled up on the couch in the sunlit drawing room, reading my worn out copy of Sense and Sensibility. I received this copy when it was published in 1811, and I've read it a dozen times since. My content reading time was interrupted by my aunt's beaming voice as she entered the drawing room.

"Florence, my dear, I come with news!" In her hand, she held a letter, of which she had already torn open.

"What is it?" I straightened my posture and set my book to the side, my aunt taking a seat next to me.

"We are hosting guests this upcoming season. They are the Sharmas and they are coming to us from India." Her voice was filled with excitement. "Perhaps this will also be the season you make your debut as well?"

I gave her a look of refusal.

When I was seven, my parents had passed away while on a voyage overseas, leaving me in my aunt, Agatha Danbury's, custody. My aunt was the epitome of high society. She was constantly informed of the latest scandals, and most importantly, she always hosted the first ball of the season. With few children who were long into their independent lives, she hoped to be able to shape me into the ideal debutant. But when I came to her, timid, sheltered, and terrified of any new social interaction, she quickly realized instead of pushing her perfect vision, she wished to raise me in a way where I would feel most comfortable, even if that is letting me stay home when other girls of my age were out at balls.

"Auntie you know that just isn't my scene."

"Dearest, I know, but you are twenty-two now. Do you ever wish to find a husband?"

"I believe there is more to life than a husband. I wish to someday travel and discover myself first before finding an addition to my life." All I spoke of was true, but there was still some sort of fear of welcoming others into my life.

"I curse myself for buying you all these books." She joked with me standing up from the couch. "I respect your decision though. And I hope you will open up to the Sharma girls. Edwina is nearly eighteen and Kate is twenty-six."

I was unsure, yet hopeful, for two girls close in age to be joining me at the house. I didn't expect to suddenly bloom into to society, but perhaps they could help me open up. And perhaps having them here could take the burden of my aunt's nagging off of me for some time. With new girls to focus on my aunt was sure to spend less time focusing on my lack of social skills, and rather sponsor the youngest one in her debut.

"I'm sure they will be nice company."

"No doubt in my mind that you will like them." She moved towards the door to the room. "I will leave you to your reading while I notify the staff of our guests."