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- Parts 16
The season opens with the arrival of Conte Alessandro and his children, Victoria and Tancredi, at the doorstep of Lady Cassandra Willoughby. The Ton is buzzing with the news of the "Sicilian Count" and his English bride.
At Lady Danbury's Conservatory Ball, the Altavillas make their debut. While the young ladies of London are performing like songbirds, Victoria stands back, observing the room with her father's enigmatic detachment. Anthony Bridgerton, fresh from his decision to find a wife based on a "checklist" of duty, is immediately struck by her. He expects a submissive, grateful foreigner; instead, Victoria challenges his arrogance within five minutes of conversation.
Meanwhile, Tancredi struggles with the aggressive social posturing of the young Lords. He is mocked by Lord Fife for his soft-spoken nature, but Victoria intervenes with a wit so sharp it leaves the Englishmen speechless. Anthony witnesses this and finds himself torn between annoyance at her "unladylike" boldness and a primal, magnetic attraction to her loyalty.