The Viscount Who Loved Me | Anthony Bridgerton

Chapter Nine

Lady Whistledown's Society Papers

Dearest Readers,

The Queen's ball was, as ever, a night of scintillating splendor and delightful intrigue. Yet, amid the glittering assembly and melodic strains of the orchestra, certain events transpired that will doubtless be the talk of the ton for days to come.

The ballroom buzzed with whispers and speculation following noteworthy interactions. Many speculate about the unresolved history between the Dowager Duchess, Katherine Windsor, and Viscount Bridgerton. Is it a tale of lost love, or something more complex? And what of Lord Henry Windsor and Miss Edwina Sharma? Will Lady Danbury's efforts bear the fruit of a promising match?

As always, the coming days will surely reveal more as the dance of society continues. Rest assured, dear readers, that your faithful correspondent will be here to uncover and relay all the delicious details.

Until then, keep your eyes and ears open, for one never knows what might transpire at the next grand event.

Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown
——
Seated in the elegantly appointed drawing room of Arlington House, the morning light filtering through the tall windows, Katherine held the latest edition of Lady Whistledown's Society Papers. Her expression was one of displeasure as her eyes scanned the familiar, biting prose. Her mother, Countess Eleanor Arlington, sat nearby, embroidering with practiced precision, while her siblings, Charlotte and Sebastian, chatted quietly. Katherine's children, Margaret, Eleanor, Charlotte, and William, played in the corner, their laughter a bright counterpoint to her brooding mood.

Katherine sighed heavily, folding the paper and placing it on the mahogany table beside her. "It seems I am once again the subject of Lady Whistledown's sharp pen. This has become a common occurrence since my return to London."

Eleanor looked up, her brow furrowed with concern. "What has she written now, my dear?"

Katherine shook her head. "More gossip about my interaction with Viscount Bridgerton at the ball last night. She seems determined to keep the ton focused on our every move."

Charlotte, ever the outspoken younger sister, rolled her eyes dramatically. "Well, what do you expect, Katherine? You did have quite the confrontation with him. Everyone was bound to notice."

Katherine picked up the paper again, this time hoping to see something other than her ordeal with the Viscount. As she continued to read, Katherine's attention was drawn to the mention of Henry's name once again. She couldn't deny that she was intrigued by the dance between Henry and Edwina Sharma, even though her feelings toward Henry were purely platonic. She wondered if there was a match to be made between them, though her own experiences had made her skeptical of love.

"I must say, I do wonder if there's a connection between Henry and Edwina Sharma," Katherine mused aloud, her thoughts drifting to the possibility of a match.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "You think so, Kate?"

Katherine shrugged, though her mind was elsewhere. "It's hard to say. But it wouldn't be surprising, considering Henry's charm and Edwina's status as the diamond of the season."

Charlotte laughed lightly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Poor Miss Sharma. She must have found it quite the chore."

"Charlotte," Eleanor chided gently, though she couldn't hide her amused smile. "That is hardly kind."