daylight | b. bridgerton

i | returns, reunions

Dearest Gentle Reader,

It appears we meet again. The off season comes to a close, and the social season begins once more. As the start quickly approaches, we must reflect on the most notable bachelors and bachelorettes among us.

It has been said that this is the year that the Earl Harrison Grey of Kent intends to wed. And after his disastrous scandal with a social radical last season, the Baron Lancaster intends to wed as well.

Encroaching upon the middle of his 30 years, the 4th Earl of Cambridge, Lord Henry Somerset is once again looking to find a wife that reaches his impossible, even unreasonable standards. This season, he brings his younger brother and second son to the Marquess, Lord Ambrose Somerset to the field.

The Somerset's are also expected to debut their youngest sibling and only sister, Lady Vivienne Somerset, making her one of the most sought after bachelorettes this social season. She returns after an off season in Italy, spent only with her mother.

Rumors also circulate that the Bridgertons will be debuting Miss Francesca Bridgerton, who's elder sister had been a previous diamond, and who's eldest brother serves as the Viscount Bridgerton. The Bridgerton's second and third sons, Misters Benedict and Colin Bridgerton, are also rumored to be joining the mart, in what this author believes to be a very interesting turn of fate.

This is looking to be a season full of drama and tension. As always, I will report on all of it.

Yours truly,
Lady Whistledown

—

Vivienne Maeve Cecily Somerset-Venier had long resented the dreary grey skies of London. With the constant loom of English rains, the grey was a heavy blanket, confining all the land to a state of fear and unrest. And she didn't like that one bit.

After what felt like the longest ride to her home at Kingsley Manor, the carriage door swung open. The footsman helped her mother out first, and the Marchioness Somerset got out, graceful as always.

Lady Vivienne got out next, copying her mother's movements. Three men stood at the steps, dressed properly in burgundy. They stood in line, proper, and regal.

"Mama!" the tallest one on the far left called, holding his arms out, the first of the three to break the form, with the other two following suit. "Vivy!"

Her mother went straight to Henry, of course, taking her first hug from her first son. Vivienne turned to her two younger older brothers, Ambrose and Theodore respectively, embracing them in a hug simultaneously.

"I've missed you all," she said, as she moved to hug Henry.

Henry wrapped one arm around her, slowly guiding her into the house. "We've missed you too, sister. Come inside now, shall we?"

The five started to ascend the stone steps.

"Mama," Henry started, his voice regal and his hands clasped behind his back. "How was your trip? On behalf of the three of us we do most sincerely apologize we could not be in attendance with you, but father insisted on us building rapport in the country."

The marchioness smiled in acceptance at her son. "No worries at all, mio cara. Vivy and I had a wonderful visit. Your grandmother sends her love, by the way, and His Holiness congratulates you on your promotion, dear Theo."

Theodore smiled with pride— the queen had specially acknowledged Theodore for his dedication in the War, and had promoted him to Admiral of the Royal Navy.

"You're back already, Theo?" Vivienne asked excitedly. She rarely saw her brother, despite being the closest in age to him, only because he has been away serving the navy for so long.