𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑, e. sharma

i. archie bridgerton

chapter one
bridgerton season two

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            THE QUIET BOOK WORM.

Such was the title that Archie Bridgerton had been dubbed by his siblings, for he was rarely found without his nose buried deep within the pages of a book. He never minded their words though; he knew it was all just harmless fun. Besides, he enjoyed reading. Books were a solace for him, a safe haven. When his eyes flitted over the words of ink etched onto paper, he would find himself lost in a reality outside his own. A reality which he could create solely with the power of imagination. A metaphysical where things moved by his whim. Where he was in control, where he could truly be himself.

Where he could shine.

The article of literature he had picked for this morning was one of the mystifying gossip author, Lady Whistledown's work. It was her latest work in fact, after a brief hiatus, which had brought an immediate halt to the presentations of the social season this morning. Queen Charlotte herself had taken leave almost immediately after receiving one of the pamphlets, much to the confusion of the ton. Archie had never been a topic of gossip in any of her writings before but he admired the absolute power the elusive author had over the entire ton, so much so that they would all drop whatever they were doing every time one of her works was released. All with mere ink.

Feeling the weight of another person drop down on the cushion next to him, Archie tore his eyes away from the pamphlet long enough to spare his youngest sister, Hyacinth, a glance. She was looking completely bored out of her mind and he couldn't really blame her, even if he didn't share in her ennui – reading kept him from experiencing boredom.

The rest of the members of their family were busy doing their own things. His youngest brother and Hyacinth's partner-in-crime, Gregory, was busy dancing quite horribly with their sister Eloise under the watchful eye of their mother and the dance instructor. Francesca was playing away at the piano, her fingers drifting elegantly across the keys of the musical instrument, creating a melodic symphony. Finally, their older brother Benedict was busy sketching one thing or another on his drawing pad. Drawing was to Benedict what reading was to Archie.

"Are you reading Lady Whistledown's pamphlet?" Hyacinth questioned innocently after a moment of silence.

"Of course. Though the nature of her topics is debatable, her writing itself is rather intriguing. I'd offer you a pamphlet but the last time I did that in front of Mama..." Archie trailed off, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. Hyacinth huffed at his words while Benedict, who had overheard them, laughed lightly. His youngest sister was a girl who was wise far beyond her years. She was a curious thing too, always wanting to know the affairs of her siblings and of course, what gossip Lady Whistledown had to share. Unfortunately for her, their mother had forbidden her from reading such "frivolities" as she called it. Unbeknownst to Violet though, Archie had many times indulged the young girl in her curiosities and shared the social pamphlets with her.

"I do not think Eloise is a very good dancer." Hyacinth commented, glancing at their sister's less-than-stellar waltzing capabilities.

Archie hummed in agreement. "Perhaps. Then again, she's not been very good at anything 'lady-like' is she?"