Mind Your Manners - Anthony Bridgerton

"Anthony, allow me to introduce you to Lady Isabella Wallis and her granddaughter, Miss Daria Wallis"

He looks at his mother with anger burning in his eyes for a split second before putting his mask of a polite gentleman back on.

"What an honor to finally meet you, Lady Wallis. I hope that your trip to Bath was one of the most pleasant" He says after kissing my grandmother's hand, not addressing me the slightest glance.

"It was very delectable, indeed, but unfortunately, it had to come to an end sooner than expected due to my granddaughter's debut this season"

Bridgerton finally looks at me, surprise visible on his features, recognizing my familiar face instantly.

He clearly remembers the events of our last encounter.

"My Lord" I state before bowing in the most ungraceful way intentionally.

"Miss Wallis. Pleasure." The man answers with a nod.

His mother nudges his side with her elbow in such a discrete way that if I didn't have the habit of paying attention to details, I wouldn't have noticed.

"A dance, Miss Wallis?" Bridgerton adds, offering both his hand and a look of disdain that was disrespectful enough for me to drop my act of a proper lady and unleash my natural self.

"I would rather d-"

Before I could even finish my sentence, a painful sting settles on my skin. My grandmother, while keeping a warm smile on display, was pinching the back of my arm, twisting the flesh between her fingers. She gets closer to my ear and whispers in a voice so low that no one other than me is able to hear: "Mind your manners."

With watery eyes, I put on a fake smile and meet the viscount's eyes again.

"I would be delighted, my lord"