If you were to ask anyone in the ton about the Lady with a Fan, even an errand boy could give you an answer. That's the name Anastasia Bridgerton had built for herself to protect her family after their father's passing. As the oldest sister and twin...
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The candlewick flickered in the distance, its light wavering alongside the walls. Anastasia entered the room with slow movements, her gaze hollow as she bid her maid goodnight. The clicking of shoes echoed against the wooden floors, the shadow of her nimble frame moving toward the candle. The girl tugged a strand of hair behind her ear as she leaned forward and released a gentle breath against its wick, erasing its golden glow from the room.
Beams of moonlight escaped through the windows, carrying the faint sound of rainfall with its arrival. Its silver illumination cascaded upon the curled figure that lay on the bed. Anastasia felt her eyes trail the falling rain, counting the droplets in hopes of drifting asleep. Yet her mind remained stuck to flashing images of the man she could no longer have.
Queen Amelia's letter had stated her intentions well that day. The newest Whisteldown issue was already rumoured to leak her alternate identity, and Queen Amelia could not let her son lose his position for her sake, so a story was spun, and the mystery man remained unnamed for all eternity, damning her alone from society.
Yet, despite the tragedy that unfolded despairingly, Anastasia did not find herself consumed by sorrow. Instead, she experienced an unusual sense of clarity. The girl had chosen to be his shield. She did not wish to burden the man with her own missteps in life. He deserved more than just her, and Anastasia would be willing to step aside as long as it meant he would find his happiness in life.
But that did not mean she could not miss him.
She turned over to her back, raising her hand to lay her sights upon the silver ring on its surface. Regardless of the circumstances, she could not bring herself to leave the ring behind. It felt like the only string that proved that her brief glimpse of happiness had been real, and not just a figment of her lonely imagination.
The diamond glistened under the moonlight, reflecting stars on the wooden ceiling.
Anastasia found herself staring at its reflection, feeling as if the man were right there beside her, holding her close in the warmth of his light as if the darkness that clouded the manor had never been.
I miss you, Nick...
So very much...
///
The green lace of her gown flared across the settee, hugging the elegant curves of her body. Queen Amelia sat comfortably on the emerald blue couch, feet stretched as her arms leaned against its back to gaze out the window.
The maid stood beside her with confused eyes, hands continuing to hold a tray carrying a single letter. She exchanged a glance with the butler nearby, questioning how much longer she must wait. The butler swept his gaze past the letter and the Queen, hesitating for a moment before speaking.
