Miss Bridgertons Prince • 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒐𝒏

Surprise

Bridgerton

SEASON FOUR
CHAPTER EIGHT

'Surprise'

The Bridgerton estate was alive with the sounds of laughter and playful banter as the family prepared for an impromptu game of Pall Mall. The lush green lawn had been meticulously set up for the event, mallets and balls arranged neatly. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the gathering, promising a day of fun and mischief.

"Elodie, darling, have you seen my lucky mallet?" Benedict called out, rummaging through the pile of equipment.

Elodie rolled her eyes playfully. "Benedict, every mallet is your lucky mallet if you hit the ball hard enough."

"Ah, the voice of wisdom," Benedict retorted, winking at her. "Maybe you should write a book."

"Maybe I will," Elodie shot back, grinning.

As the Bridgerton siblings exchanged playful jabs, Lady Danbury, ever the social orchestrator, arrived with an air of anticipation. "Well, well, it seems everyone is in high spirits. I've invited a special guest to join us today."

"Who could possibly make this more interesting?" Anthony asked, adjusting his gloves with a skeptical look.

Before Lady Danbury could respond, the sound of carriage wheels on gravel announced the arrival of the surprise guest. Elodie turned, her curiosity piqued. To her astonishment, Prince Theodore St. Claire stepped out, looking every bit the regal visitor. He was dressed in a casual but stylish manner, perfectly suited for a day of games.

"Theodore?" Elodie blurted out, her surprise evident. She felt a mixture of excitement and irritation. Of course, Lady Danbury had to invite him.

"Good morning, everyone," Theodore greeted, his eyes locking onto Elodie's. "Lady Danbury was kind enough to extend an invitation."

"Ah, Prince Theodore, welcome," Simon greeted him with a knowing smile. "I trust you're ready for a bit of friendly competition?"

"Absolutely," Theodore replied, his gaze never leaving Elodie. "I'm quite looking forward to it."

Daphne, standing beside Simon, exchanged a conspiratorial glance with her husband. "This should be interesting."

The previous day, Elodie had gone to town for some shopping with Francesca and Penelope. The streets of London were bustling with activity, and the trio navigated through the throngs of people with practiced ease. They visited Madame Delacroix's boutique, where Elodie tried on a stunning ruby red gown.

"What do you think, Penelope?" Elodie asked, twirling in front of the mirror.

Penelope, always the supportive friend, clapped her hands together. "It's perfect! You look like a respectable woman."

"More like a princess," Francesca teased. "Especially if you keep spending so much time with Prince Theodore."

Elodie shot her sister a look. "Please, he's insufferable. I only tolerate him for the sake of appearances."

Francesca smirked. "If you say so."

Their shopping expedition continued, with the trio stopping at a small café for tea. As they sipped their drinks, Penelope leaned in conspiratorially. "I heard from Lady Whistledown that the Queen has a particular interest in you, Elodie."

Elodie groaned. "Not you too, Penelope. I'm just trying to live my life without everyone meddling."

"Impossible, darling," Francesca said with a wink. "This is London, after all."