Spencer sisters :elegance amidst intrigues |bridgerton

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The Next Day: Secrets in the Streets of Mayfair

The sun had barely risen over London, casting a soft, golden light over the bustling streets of Mayfair. A strange sense of anticipation hung in the air, though no one quite knew why. The gossip of the day was already spreading like wildfire: Lady Vivian Spencer, Miss Kate Spencer, and Miss Amelia Bassett—three women who had never been seen in the same room—were spotted together, walking down Bond Street, heading straight for Madam Delacorte’s renowned dress shop.

It was a sight that left the high society onlookers utterly perplexed. Vivian, the soon-to-be bride of Vincent Ashford, was walking arm in arm with Amelia Bassett, a girl who had once been entangled with her fiancé. And Kate Spencer—the Kate Spencer, whose sharp wit and cutting remarks had made her notorious—was accompanying them. The whispers flew faster than a hawk in flight.

“Isn’t that Miss Spencer?” one lady whispered to another as they passed. “I thought she despised Lady Vivian. And yet here they are, parading together as if they were sisters.”

The reply was swift. “It’s shocking, isn’t it? And Miss Bassett, of all people? That poor girl was caught up in such a scandal with Vincent. How could Vivian bear to even look at her?”

But the three women walked with purpose, heads held high, oblivious—or perhaps deliberately ignoring—the swirling gossip. As they reached Madam Delacorte’s, Amelia and Vivian entered the shop to inspect the wedding gown. Kate, however, paused outside, glancing around the street, her mind ticking through the details of her secret plan.

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Kate’s gaze settled on a familiar face just across the street—Lavinia Bassett, as predictably overdressed as ever, was headed toward Madam Delacorte’s as well. Kate smirked to herself, knowing Lavinia’s penchant for inserting herself into the grandest of social events, always trying to climb higher.

But before she could execute the next part of her plan, she heard a voice behind her.

“Miss Spencer!” The voice was rich, warm, and unmistakably flirtatious. She turned to see Oliver Hastings approaching her, his charming smile already in place. “It’s been far too long since our last encounter. I must say, seeing you standing here makes me wonder why I haven’t crossed paths with you sooner.”

Kate sighed inwardly. Of all the times for Mr. Hastings to appear.

“Mr. Hastings,” she said with a polite but firm tone, “I assure you, this is purely coincidental. I’m waiting for someone, and I have no time for coffee or… conversation.” She motioned for him to move along, but he wasn’t so easily deterred.

Oliver leaned in slightly, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “You wound me, Miss Spencer. Surely you don’t mean to dismiss me so quickly? It’s a beautiful day, and I can think of no better way to spend it than in your company.”

Kate bit her lip, trying to maintain her composure. This was not part of the plan. But before she could respond, a voice from behind startled them both.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the Mr. Oliver Hastings, gracing the streets of Mayfair with his presence,” Lavinia Bassett cooed, her voice dripping with syrupy sweetness as she approached. She cast a quick, appraising glance at Kate before stepping closer to Oliver, her eyes gleaming with calculated interest. “It seems I’ve caught you at the perfect moment. Perhaps you’d like to escort me instead, Mr. Hastings?”

Kate folded her arms, her lips curving into a small, satisfied smile. Lavinia always seemed to find herself drawn to any man who might hold interest in someone else, especially Kate.

“Miss Spencer,” Lavinia said, turning her attention briefly to Kate, “I do hope you don’t mind me stealing Mr. Hastings away for a few moments. I’m sure you won’t be too upset, considering how many men you seem to have… intrigued over the years.”