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Dearest reader,

It has been said that competition is an opportunity for us to rise and stand ready before our greatest of challenges. Well, if what this author hears this morning is true, then a great challenge concerning this season's diamond had been set forth, indeed. Any suitor wishing to gain an audience with Miss Edwina Sharma must first tame the rather prickly spinster of a beast otherwise known as her sister. While Viscount Bridgerton made his interest in the diamond known, this author wonders if a rose without thorns is what he seeks. For we all saw the ordeal surrounding him and Miss Elizabeth Windsor at last night's festivities. Of course, the only competition that compels my attention is the game of courtship. So best of luck to this year's players. Do not try to stumble on the starting line.

Lady Whistledown, 1814

"Unbelievable!" Elizabeth bellowed while sprinting down the stairs with the latest Lady Whistledown in hand. Her face was a beet red and her stomps echoed throughout the manor, alerting her sisters of the tornado about to impact. She couldn't help but worry that this assumption could make other gentlemen believe that she was in any way interested in the viscount, leading to no possible courting. "Can you believe this atrocity?! Like I'd ever be charmed by someone like him!"

Aurora dropped her book to gape at her sister. She exchanged a mischievous look with Adelaide as they couldn't help but wonder if there was more to this supposed rivalry. "Come on, sister. You have to admit the viscount is extremely dashing. I'd be more upset if it had been with any other gentleman."

She groaned as she slumped herself into her seat, harshly tossing the issue across the room, "Any other person would've been better. I just don't understand why would anyone think they're interested in someone if they're just arguing all the time?! It's ridiculous!"

Adelaide shrugged and whacked the back of her head on the way to the other seat, "You do spend an awful lot of time trying to argue with him. If you truly detested him, you wouldn't bother trying to speak with him and would avoid him instead."

Elizabeth cursed under her breath, running her hands through her hair irritatedly, "It goes both ways. He ruined my dance with the Duke and tried to blame it on me. It's only fair that I ruin things for him as well."

"Or you could just ignore him..." Aurora trailed off and sunk into her seat when she turned sharply at her with a stern glare. "It's just a suggestion."

"She's right and you know it," Adelaide leaned her head back and gazed at the ceiling, relieved she wasn't in her sister's position as she wouldn't be able to handle having to contain her temper. "Look, if you want to avoid any assumptions, try to avoid him or simply be cordial. That way, he will get tired and move on. It's not like he would be paying attention to anything besides courting Edwina."

"I'd like to see him try," she grumbled, but not low enough since her sisters glared at her confused. "I might have turned Kate against him. I'm certain she won't allow her to be courted by him anymore."

"And you wonder why Lady Whistledown assumed something else," Aurora pointed out, earning another sharp glare.

Before being able to answer with a retort, Victoria dashed into the room, "We are attending the races this evening. Girls, you better get ready, and Lizzie, Lord Kingston will be there. He asked for you last night and seems extremely interested."

"Doesn't he have a child?" Adelaide wondered aloud, remembering hearing something about Kingston during one of the balls they attended.

"Yes, he does," Victoria fanned herself while urging Elizabeth to head upstairs and get ready. "His wife died at childbirth, but he's in need of finding a mother for his son."

Quite frankly, Elizabeth's not fond of becoming a mother right away. She imagined that when marrying someone, they would wait for about a year to get to know each other better. Maybe it's due to having taken care of her sisters all these years, but she would rather wait and then have children of her own.

As much as she wanted to refuse her mother's request, she didn't have the right to complain considering the drawing room should be filled with suitors, and there's not a single one. Maybe she should thank Lady Whistledown for that.

If she denied Lord Kingston, others would believe she was demanding and would dismiss her as someone unworthy of attention. If she doesn't marry this season, she's not certain her family would be able to afford this manor any longer. Marriage was the only solution and she'd be damned if this season wasn't successful.

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The weather was extremely warm this afternoon. Not with all the fanning in the world would it bring any refreshing breeze, but through it all, it was a glorious day. The skies were vibrantly blue, the flowers were fully opened, and everything seemed brighter than before. It truly was a magnificent day for a race.

"I heard you moved back from Paris," Lord Kingston said as he and Elizabeth walked alongside each other. "You must miss it dearly."

A nostalgic smile took over as the memories of all her years back home resurfaced. They were her greatest times and it was agonizing knowing she could never return, "I always find myself wishing to go back in time. Even though I was born here in London, I grew up in Paris and there is never a day where I do not miss it."

"It is a beautiful place," he agreed, staring attentively into her eyes. "It's quite perfect that it's the city of art and love. You were the most fortunate to have grown up there."

"Couldn't agree more," Elizabeth stopped shortly to wait for her family. She looked into the distance and noticed Lord Bridgerton gazing in her direction, but not in the typical irritated way. If anything, he seemed passive as if nothing had occurred between them. She started replaying her sister's words, considering if perhaps being the picture of amiability would be proper. Maybe it wouldn't be the worst thing to put everything aside.

However, just as her thoughts became rational, they vanished within the blink of an eye. Everything that happened between them: their walk, the list of women in his pocket, their arguing, his high expectations, made her internally laugh at herself. If someone who expected perfection without being perfect himself thought this way, surely they couldn't be rational and worthy of being given a second chance – especially for continuing to pursue someone who is clearly searching for a love match when he's merely searching to fulfill his duty.

Anthony inclined his head and the right thing would have been to return the gesture, but she abruptly looked away. "We should head to our seats to get a better view," she suggested to Lord Kingston.

As they walked away, Anthony's eyes traced down to their locked arms. A sudden jolt was suddenly felt. Something foreign. He recognized it as anger, but what he couldn't comprehend was why seeing them together caused this. She's debuting for her season, so of course she's going to be pursued. It'd be foolish of anyone not to court her, but no matter how hard he tried reasoning himself, Anthony was unable to push his anger aside.

Unknowingly, Elizabeth couldn't help but look in his direction again. Despite Lord Kingston discussing his travels, her attention had shifted onto the viscount.

His navy blazer fit him perfectly, accentuating his skin tone and bringing out the amber hues in his eyes. Even from a distance, she was able to notice the golden tints appearing when the sunlight hit them. His stance radiated with assertiveness and command, one she had never seen in anyone before. It truly was a rare sight to find these traits in anyone and it infuriated her that he was the person to behold them.

"Lizzie!"

Edwina's voice broke her train of thought. The youngest Sharma was standing in front wearing a delicate pink gown, her hair was intricately held upwards and adorned with white flowers, and a golden necklace was placed onto her neck that brought out the glimmer in her eyes.

"I'm so glad you could make it," Kate smiled at her, her arm locked with Mr. Dorset's.

"Any opportunity to spend time with my favorite people, of course I would take it," Elizabeth returned the smile and immediately moved over to create more space for them. The Sharma sisters took their seats next to her, ending up with her sitting in between Edwina and Lord Kingston.

"It seems Kate has become interested in someone," Edwina whispered to her with a smile.

Elizabeth glanced at Kate, who was conversing with Mr. Dorset in delight, "Hopefully things end well. Perhaps two weddings could happen before the season ends." She looked over at Lord Lumley and couldn't help but say, "I am glad you have found a better suitor. You deserve way better than that dreadful viscount."

Edwina pursed her lips, her brows furrowing in perplexion, "I do not understand why you do not like him. He was perfectly kind to me."

She scoffed and shook her head in disagreement, "It is all just a mask. Believe me, Edwina. He is not what you're looking for."

"Lord Bridgerton," Lord Lumley stood up and adjusted the collar of his blazer, a cordial smile rising from the corners of his lips.

Anthony's eyes wandered over to them, focusing more intently on Elizabeth before remembering who he was here for, "Miss Windsor, Miss Edwina, Miss Sharma, Lumley."

Edwina's smile grew in his presence, her face turning a rosy tint that matched the color of her gown, "How delightful to see you, my lord."

Elizabeth clenched her jaw and averted her gaze to the track ahead. She was going to try to remain calm and measured despite the flames gathering in her chest. She turned to Lord Kingston to spark up a conversation, but was surprised when he and Mr. Dorset stood up.

"Lord Bridgerton, allow me to introduce myself," Mr. Dorset began, lowering his head in greeting. "Mr. Thomas Dorset."

"It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Lord Bridgerton," Lord Kingston inclined his head as well and offered a gentle smile. "Lord Kingston."

"Pleasure to meet you both," Anthony shifted his focus onto Edwina and tried his best to ignore how bothered he felt that Elizabeth wasn't looking at him or trying to get on his nerves. "Miss Edwina, I was hoping to call on you this morning..."

Kate cut him off, "My sister is well aware of everything-"

"But I promised my family to join them for breakfast," he defended himself and gestured to his family sitting on the other side. "We are exceptionally close. Break our fasts together regularly. There they are right now." Everyone followed his line of sight, watching his younger siblings laughing and the rest conversing with one another.

"Your point?" Elizabeth finally spoke up and for just a moment, he was relieved to hear her voice. "So many families are united. Take mine and the Sharmas for example. It does not change anything."

Edwina elbowed her discreetly, "Come on, Lizzie. One can tell a great deal about a man from his family, I rather think."

She shrugged, not sparing her a glance all in attempts to avoid arguing back, "Sure. Let's go with that."

"None of the families are quite as inviting as the Bridgertons," Lord Lumley spoke in his defense, making Anthony extend his arms like a point was just proven. "My mother's been wanting to enjoy another tea at Bridgerton house for some time."

"Well, we must gratify your wish, Lumley," Anthony promised, unable to notice the tight space that would prevent him for acquiring a seat with the diamond. He had to create an excuse to be near her, one that would prevent other gentlemen from becoming interested. "Speaking of refreshments, I could not help but notice the ladies are without."

"You know what? You are right," Elizabeth rose from her seat as she was now choosing to follow through with her sister's advice. Avoiding him would be proper and that way, no assumptions would be made and she could have a chat with Lord Kingston without interruptions. "I think I shall head over for refreshments."

Anthony furrowed his brows in startlement. He didn't intend on making her leave as he assumed that her stubborn self would refuse to give up her spot. He noticed Lord Kingston standing up as well and the thought of them leaving together started forming a tinge of outrage in him.

"I shall accompany you," he blurted out, making her glare at him in astonishment. He knew how troubling this appeared, especially after their arguments and assumptions made in Lady Whistledown's paper. "I will be back with your lemonade, Miss Edwina."

"That would be most agreeable," Edwina thanked him with a smile, her eyes beaming with admiration and interest. "Thank you, my lord."

Lord Kingston reluctantly sat back down as he glared at him with a stare so heavy that in another universe, he would have turned to stone. "Very well. I guess I will wait right here, Miss Windsor."

Elizabeth maneuvered her way past the crowd as she cursed internally. She was trying to keep her distance and he only seemed to make it harder. Why couldn't he just stay away and let her be? She walked with haste to the refreshment's table with Anthony struggling to catch up to her. All she would have to do was avoid speaking and perhaps, no arguing would ensue this time.

"Lovely weather we're having," Anthony reached for the same glass of lemonade, accidentally brushing his fingers against her gloved hand. Their warmth radiated onto each other like an electric jolt, but instead of the shock making them draw their hands back, they remained frozen in their little bubble.

Slowly, he looked into her eyes and found himself admiring their rich brown color that reminded him of a cozy winter day while holding a nice cup of hot chocolate. Something comforting, solidifying, and embracing. They were unlike anything he had ever witnessed and it was tempting to continue admiring them like the masterpiece they were.

Abruptly, Elizabeth moved her hand back and glanced at the race track. Her heart was beating extremely fast that it felt like it would burst out of her chest. She took a sip of her lemonade and started heading back, but was stopped by one of his remarks.

"So, Lord Kingston. That's interesting," he pointed out, detesting her choice of companion.

She turned around, her brows cinching together in wonderment, "What about him, my lord? Is there something unagreeable you would like to mention?"

Anthony shrugged and walked closer, "Since you seemed to know what you were looking for in a match, I just thought you would avoid someone who flaunts his mistresses. Even though he is a father, he couldn't care less in trying to be an example for his son."

Elizabeth couldn't help but wonder if he was telling the truth. This could simply be an attempt at ruining this possible courting all in the name of getting her back for making his pursuit of Edwina harder. She wanted to doubt him, but something about the seriousness in his voice made her believe that maybe just this once, he was being honest.

"I hope you aren't pulling my strings," she looked over at Lord Kingston and as if it were a coincidence, he started eyeing a young lady with a seductive glimmer in his eye. He smiled at her in such an odd way – the same kind of smile that is usually given by drunks to ladies wandering late at night.

Anthony took a step forward to stand beside her, "We may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but I would never wish this type of humiliation upon you."

Elizabeth turned to him and felt a sudden shift. She didn't understand why he gave her this pointer since like he said, they got off on the wrong foot and she pushed him into the lake. To make matters worse, she was ruining his chances of finding a wife.

"Why are you being so cordial to me all of a sudden?" she wondered, narrowing her eyes attentively.

Quite frankly, he wasn't sure why he wasn't sparking up an argument. Just last night, he was still cursing her name at late hours of the night, but seeing her with someone as appalling as Lord Kingston, made all his frustrations for her vanish. Despite their differences, he couldn't let her get courted by someone who definitely objectifies women. From their interactions, he knew it wasn't what she was looking for and he figured, why not try to be polite?

"I no longer wish to argue with you, Miss Windsor," Anthony declared, taking her by surprise. "The season is quite long and with all the challenges that come with it, I figured we could help each other."

That caught her attention much more. She wondered what he could possibly mean by that as it didn't make sense for him to suggest this. "And how would we?"

He gnawed at the inside of his cheek and stared ahead in thought. This was something that suddenly came to mind and maybe he was growing mad for it, but he came to the conclusion that he needed her like she needed him. "I know you haven't received as many suitors and that is my fault, which I deeply apologize for."

Elizabeth's eyes widened as she stared at him like he was some kind of strange being. "Did you tell your friends not to court me?!"

Anthony chuckled nervously, hoping his apology would be accepted once he told her of his plan. "I was angry with you after tossing me into the lake that I told others not to go near you since you were insubordinate and quite intolerable."

Her gaze hardened as her grip on the glass tightened, creating the smallest bit of a crack. "You truly are despicable. Do you realize what you could cost me?"

"I'm hoping to make things better and if you could listen to my suggestion, we could work something out," he looked down at the glass with unease and thought it'd be best to remove it. More to avoid any possible attempts at her smashing it against his head.

Elizabeth loosened the tension in her shoulders and figured hearing him out wouldn't do any harm. If she wasn't fond of his suggestion, she could simply dismiss it and never speak to him again. "Fine. What do you suggest?"

Anthony came closer, relieved she was choosing to listen, "We could help each other throughout the season. I would speak well of you to suitable gentlemen and you could persuade Miss Sharma to allow me to court her sister. Since you are quite close to them, you could help me win Miss Edwina over."

She froze for a split moment, not yet comprehending what he was suggesting was actually being said. It seemed like some kind of scheme and quite frankly, she wasn't sure if following through would be right. What if someone learns of this? What if the gentlemen think of her as desperate that they decide not to pursue her? So many things could go wrong and that's enough to make her doubtful of this plan.

"Are you forgetting that Edwina is seeking a love match?" she reminded him and he shook his head in denial. "I want what's best for her and you cannot offer her what she's looking for."

"I can assure you that I will make her happy," Anthony said, his voice low but stern. "I can see you care a lot for her and it's refreshing that you're seeking her well being above all, but just know if Miss Edwina and I marry, she will always have everything. That I can assure you."

Elizabeth contemplated on agreeing seeing as the Sharmas are more like family to her. She saw Kate and Edwina as her sisters and it would destroy her if any of them got hurt. Edwina wanted a love match, but she could see how quickly she became infatuated by him. Perhaps he could make her happy and her becoming a Viscountess would be well suited for her.

"If this is some kind of trickery-"

"It is not," he assured her and his tone surprisingly was making her believe him much more. "I will help you appear more desirable, you will help me win Miss Edwina over, and help me get Miss Sharma's approval. It is a win for both of us."

She remained quiet in thought as she deliberated on agreeing or not. It was both an absurd and brilliant plan, and since he was well respected amongst the ton, suitable gentlemen would become interested if he spoke highly of her. She could be married by the end of the season and be able to save her family, which is why she figured that agreeing to this plan wouldn't be the end of the world.

"This is a preposterous plan," she admitted while shaking her head in disbelief. "Anything could go wrong. I could be labeled as desperate and my involvement in your pursuit of Edwina could make me appear like I'm betraying them somehow."

"You wouldn't be," Anthony replied with haste as a faint smile started forming. "You would be helping them, and you, Miss Windsor, could never be labeled as desperate. If a viscount spoke remarkably of you, everyone would want you."

Elizabeth couldn't find any objections to this, because even if she hated to admit, this was a brilliant plan. Both of them would be able to obtain what they wanted – securing their success and fulfilling their duties.

"If I agree to this, it does not mean that my opinion of you has changed," she stated and he couldn't help from smiling at her words. "I still dislike you. A lot."

Anthony softly chuckled and with a solid voice, he nodded and said, "And I will still dislike you. A lot."

"Very well," Elizabeth said and for the first time, she smiled in pure contentment at him. "We have ourselves a deal."

Author's Note

And so the plot begins...
Cue the score "We Could Form An Attachment" by Kris Bowers for an experience 😏

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