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prologue

𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥'𝗦 most sought-after invitation must surely be that of the Bridgerton masquerade ball, to be held Monday next. Indeed, one cannot take two steps without being forced to listen to some society mama speculating on who will attend, and perhaps more importantly, who will wear what.

Neither of the aforementioned topics, however, are nearly as interesting as that of the two unmarried Bridgerton brothers, Benedict and Colin. (Before anyone points out that there is a third unmarried Bridgerton brother, let This Author assure you that she is fully aware of the existence of Gregory Bridgerton. He is, however, fourteen years of age, and therefore not pertinent to this particular column, which concerns, as This Author's columns often do, that most sacred of sports: husband-hunting.)

Although the Misters Bridgerton are just that – merely Misters – they are still considered two of the prime catches of the season. It is a well-known fact that both are possessed of respectable fortunes, and it does not require perfect sight to know that they also possess, as do all eight of the Bridgerton offspring, the Bridgerton good looks.

Will some fortunate young lady use the mystery of a masquerade night to snare one of the eligible bachelors?

This Author isn't even going to attempt to speculate.

In other news, the Huxley family will be welcoming their daughter, Miss Athena Huxley, into her first season. It is expected that she will make her debut at the Bridgerton masquerade ball, and society is already abuzz with whispers of her potential suitors. Miss Huxley, with her charming disposition and delightful manners, is sure to turn many heads and capture many hearts. This Author anticipates that she will be one of the most talked-about debutantes of the season, and will be watching her progress with keen interest.

Lady Whistledown's Society Papers,
31 May 1815

"𝐃𝐈𝐃 you see what she wrote about me?" Athena lamented as she entered the family room. Mama and Papa were seated, drinking tea and perusing their own papers. She waited with barely concealed impatience for them to lift their heads and acknowledge the anxious girl clutching the day's society papers.

Mama raised her hand, beckoning for Athena to place the paper in her palm. Athena hastened to comply, then settled herself onto the seat beside her. She picked up a teacup and poured herself a generous serving. A small splash of milk and two lumps of sugar followed.

After a moment of silence, her mother parted her lips, a sign that she was about to speak. "That is wonderful, Athena," she remarked with a smile, setting the paper down on the table. "I am confident you shall have a splendid season and find a most eligible bachelor."

Athena smiled and sipped her tea, relishing its burning heat as it flowed down her throat, warming her. "She even said I would be one of the most talked-about debutantes of the season," she remarked.

Her papa looked up from his paper, not at her words but at the entrance of her elder brother, Archibald. "I was not expecting you this season," he noted.

Archibald, attired in a fine blue suit, stepped further into the room. "Not was I, Father, but it has come to my attention that the time is ripe for me to seek a wife, my duchess.

Their mama nearly leaped from her seat in delight, embracing her eldest child. "I am overjoyed to hear that! It is most fortuitous that you are here now, as your sister is commencing her first season. Given her late start, it would be splendid for you to assist her."

At twenty, Athena was indeed quite late for her debut. The past two years had seen her traveling extensively with her elder brother, never returning in time for the season.

"I would gladly do that, if Athena desired it," Archibald said, turning his gaze to his younger sister.

Athena looked up, sensing his eyes upon her. "That would be a great comfort," she replied. She knew no one from the ton and had never made their acquaintance. Her life in Windsor had kept her largely away from London, with only brief visits during her childhood. The last visit, when she was fifteen, had left her with scant memories.

Her mama had cautioned her that some people were not genuine friends and harbored ill intentions. However, she had spoken favorably of certain families, such as the Bridgetowns.

Next Monday, Lady Bridgerton would host her final masquerade ball at the Bridgerton residence. Mama had meticulously briefed Athena about the event, and together they had deliberated for days over her attire. They settled on a stunning lilac gown adorned with pearls and diamonds, Mama insisting that going the extra mile ensured one stood out. Athena's mask, also lilac, boasted delicate embellishments at the corners. Even her shoes had been meticulously polished and refurbished in preparation for her journey to London on Friday.

"Well, that means we shall all be going to London together," Athena exclaimed with a smile, taking her mama's hands in hers.

Her papa then exchanged a meaningful glance with Eleanor, her mama, as if seeking permission to speak. He parted his lips and waited a moment for her to give him leave. "Athena, your mama and I shall remain here at the house for a few extra days before joining you and your brother in London. I have some business to attend to, and your mama has tasks she wishes to complete before departing for the season."

Athena slowly released her mama's hands and folded her own in her lap. Though they would join her later, it still would not be the same without her mama. Eleanor was the one who always ensured she wore the right dresses and had the prettiest hairstyles. There was nothing she did not decide for her daughter.

Athena took a deep breath. "That is quite all right. I shall have some time with Archibald. We have not seen each other for several months since our return from Paris last winter."

Her mama nodded and poured some tea into her cup. The tea, having sat for half an hour, was no longer as hot as when Athena first entered. "I am glad to hear that, my dear. I would be most distressed were you saddened by your father's and my decision. I have already instructed your maid on the hairstyles and dresses for the balls I shall not attend."

Athena nearly leapt into her mama's arms, embracing her tightly. "Thank you."

𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 in London, in a light blue room, Lady Bridgerton, Violet, sat with her four youngest children—Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. They were sipping tea and chattering about Lady Whistledown's latest society papers.

"And did you read what she said about Benedict and Colin?" Eloise asked, as her mother poured herself a second cup of tea. Violet had been fretting all day over the masquerade ball she was soon to host. It was her last in Mayfair, and she wanted it to be perfect.

She looked up from her cup and saw Eloise engrossed in the day's paper. "I did, and they were kind words."

Eloise, too absorbed in reading, didn't hear her mother but quickly exclaimed when she discovered something new. "And who is Athena Huxley?" she nearly spat out.

Francesca paused her piano playing and looked up. "I would love to know that too. It says she is going to be the diamond of the season."

Violet took a moment to think. "If I am not mistaken, her father is William Huxley, the Duke of Windsor."

"She's a duchess!" Hyacinth almost shouted as Violet finished speaking.

Eloise exhaled. "No, you cannot be a duchess unless you are the eldest born or married to the duke. Since she is the daughter, she is not a duchess."

Hyacinth crossed her arms in frustration, trying not to retort. "Now speak nicely, Eloise. She did not know," Violet intervened, trying to soothe Hyacinth. She was the youngest and easily upset.

Humboldt then walked in and announced, "Lady Bridgerton, your two sons, Benedict and Colin, are here." He stepped aside, waiting for them to enter before disappearing back into the hallway.

Violet rose and extended her arms, "My sons, I have missed you both so much." She embraced them each in turn before returning to her seat. "I was beginning to wonder if you had the courage to shop for this season. There are quite a few young ladies joining this year, along with the usual attendees."

Benedict flopped down beside Eloise and snatched the society paper from her hand. "Benedict, I was reading that," she protested, trying to retrieve it.

"You've probably read it five times already. I think it's fair if I read it once," Benedict retorted, beginning to scan the first sentences. He then skipped several paragraphs, jumping ahead.

Gregory, who had been quiet until now, noticed Benedict's omission. "If you're going to read it, read it all."

"It's not important," Benedict mumbled, continuing to read. "I only care about what she says about us."

Eloise and Francesca giggled, exchanging knowing glances. "What's so funny?" Benedict asked, pausing his reading.

Eloise shrugged and leaned back in her seat. "Nothing, just that if you aim to find a wife by the end of the season, you might want to read about the other ladies, or you'll have no idea what's out there."

Benedict rolled his eyes and resumed reading. "Who said I was interested in marrying?"

"Well, after Anthony married, we all thought you or Colin would be next. He seems quite happy with Kate," Francesca pointed out, supporting Eloise. "There is a girl whose father is a duke. She might make a good wife."

Colin, pouring himself some cognac, enjoyed the brewing argument. "And she would probably have a large marriage portion."

Violet, now on her third cup of tea, nodded. "That is true, but remember, it's not all about titles. And who knows if she even wants you."

Everyone laughed except Benedict and Colin. They felt quite offended. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Violet shrugged, stirring her tea with a small silver spoon. "Just that she is higher ranked than you two. She is probably expected to marry better."

Benedict and Colin, now genuinely offended, rose from their seats and spoke in unison, "We will prove you all wrong."

They left in a huff, leaving the room filled with laughter and giggles.

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