Dearest Gentle Reader...
A new debutante has made her grand entrance midseason.
Not only does she boast the title of lady, but she harbors a secretive lineage, born of a departed lord.
Her presence has ensnared the attention of the ton, disrupting m...
"I deem he may well prove to be the most eligible lord of the season," Lady Malhotra remarked as she and several other ladies observed the man, who appeared thoroughly repulsed by the display of mounted deer on the wall. "Personally, I find his concern for the wilderness rather endearing."
"Concern is one thing; fixation is another," the lady beside her replied. "It is said that he subsists solely on vegetables."
"Lord Debling has made his intention to marry this season quite explicit," Lady Cowper informed her daughter. "I hear his estate is rather extensive."
"The man who converses with birds?" Cressida inquired.
"Cressida, do you grasp the implications if you do not marry this season?" her mother queried. "If you do not find a suitable husband soon, your father and I will be compelled to select one for you."
"How extensive is his estate, precisely?" Cressida asked before being guided towards Lord Debling.
"Are you enjoying the evening, my lord?" Cressida inquired of Lord Debling.
"More so than they, I am certain," he replied.
"I would certainly prefer to be a predator rather than prey," she attempted to flirt, but he regarded her with concern.
"It is a pity that your sisters are otherwise occupied," Lady Featherington observed to her daughter, Penelope. "Had they been present, you would have more to hide behind."
"I cannot remain in my room forever, Mama," Penelope stated as they entered the room. "Some new scandal will divert their attention soon enough."
"Very well. Just maintain a low profile," her mother advised.
The attention of the assembly shifted toward them, and Penelope found herself loathing the spotlight.
"I believe I have spotted a corner wherein I may conceal myself," Penelope remarked before making her way there.
"Ah, if anyone inquires after me, I am not present," Benedict informed Eloise and Colin as he observed the women gazing at him.
"Oh, you should know," Eloise said to Colin, noticing his gaze upon her. "I spoke to Penelope."
"Did you?" her brother asked in surprise. "What did... what did she say?"
"Well, I apologized for disclosing the story about you two," Eloise explained.
"Oh, I see. Um, thank you for that. Excuse me," Colin said, departing from her. Though not for long.
"Are all the Bridgerton lads, save the youngest, rakes?" Carlotta inquired, approaching Eloise with her sisters in tow.
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The Bridgertons and Danburys had chosen to present a united front.
This caused quite a stir through the hall, but they paid it no mind.
