⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅‎♡‧₊˚

"It has been said that 'Of all bitches dead or alive, a scribbling woman is the most canine.' If that should be true then this author would like to show you her teeth. My name is Lady Whistledown. You do not know me and rest assured, you never shall. But be foreworned dear reader, I certainly know you.

"A true beauty, father!" Aurora gushed over the Queen's words as she changed. Her father stood outside the room as she dressed, a proud smirk on his face as he heard her rejoicing. "And perfect!"

"Do not let the words go to your head, my dear." Jedidiah called through the door. "The Queen is rather unpredictable. She may change her mind."

"Do you think she will?" Aurora pulled open the door, a pale pink gown adorned with lace flowers clad on her slim body, her curvy hips hidden underneath it.

"With a face like yours, she will not." Jedidiah grinned at her. "Is this what you're wearing for the ball?"

"Oh no!" Aurora shook her head as she giggled. "Stella would absolutely lose her head if I wore that gown this early. My gown for the ball is being fluffed."

"Fluffed?" Jedidiah questioned as they walked down the hallway to his study.

"A term you do not need to know of father." Aurora grinned. "We have a few hours to spare, may I sit and read while you work?" He nodded and the girl took a spot by the window as she opened her book.

"A true beauty is what she was called, perfectly poised." Jasper entered the room, interrupting the two as he read the scandal sheet aloud.

"Is that another scandal sheet?" Aurora questioned.

"It is sister." He grinned cheekily. "This one is quite different from the others. It mentions names." Aurora eagerly stood to her feet and cast her book aside as she rushed to her brother. She snatched the paper from his grasp and began to skim over the words. "She mentions the Featherington girl that fainted. I feel so sorry for her, I had that same fear."

"It was rather hilarious to watch." Jasper confessed with a smirk. "The highlight of this season, no doubt."

"Look!" She gasped and pointed at the paper. "She's named Daphne and I the incomparable of the season!"

"Congratulations, sister." Jasper smirked and stole her chair. "You'll have the adoring bachelors of the season pounding at our door and the vulturous mothers of your competitors cursing your name everywhere you go."

"Must you be so pessimistic?" Aurora glared at him. "Daphne is well deserving of the title, she's perfect in every way. I don't understand why this Lady Whistledown is attaching our names together, surely there can only be one incomparable?"

"She has even called Miss Bridgerton the 'diamond of the season' whereas she mentions you as 'a glittering emerald.'" Jasper commented. "You're shone in a different light than Daphne, seeing as you're the daughter of an Earl. You might as well grow accustomed to the praises."

"I wish to humble myself, so there is no way of that happening Jasper." Aurora handed the scandal sheet off to her father before taking her leave. Jasper watched he go from the chair she had claimed before standing and hovering over his father.

"You've been awfully quiet. What are your thoughts on the matter?"

"I agree with this writer. Miss Bridgerton and Aurora both received the Queen's praises, it does not surprise that others are noticing and commenting about it. Your sister is deemed to have a good season." Jedidiah voiced his thoughts, though he kept a majority of them to himself.

"You're up to something and I will figure out what it is." Jasper narrowed his eyes at him and leisurely made his way out of the room. Jedidiah let out a small sigh as he picked up a discarded letter from the pile of papers beside him. His son was correct, he did have a plan, a plan that was already occurring.

The seasons's opening ball at Danbury House is a most highly sought after invitation, indeed, for every darling debutante from Park Lane to Regent Square will be on display. Titled, chaste, and innocent. This is what they have been raised and trained for since birth. Tonight, we shall discover which young ladies might succeed at securing a match, thereby avoiding the dreadful, dismal condition known as 'the spinster.'"

The carriage rolled to a slow stop outside of Lady Danbury's house and Aurora marveled at the sight of the large mansion. Candles were placed everywhere, casting a serene glow on the invited guests. "I don't know why I'm so nervous. This isn't to be my first ball." Aurora tried to avoid chewing on her bottom lip, a nervous habit she couldn't rid herself of.

"Then stop shaking." Jasper uttered irritably. "Must I really be here? Surely I can find a bride another day."

"This is for your sister. Its your job as her brother to accompany her while she meets with potential suitors." Jedidiah informed him. "Now, come, we must head inside." The siblings shared a look before planting smiles on their faces and exiting the carriage.

Dances were already underway as the Hanfords made themselves known. The bachelors in attendance were chatting up potential brides and dancecards were being signed. Aurora couldn't wait to immerse herself in it all. Her eyes flitted around the room, hoping to catch sight of her best friend.

"Thats the one that fainted." Jasper whispered to his sister as they passed the brightly colored trio of sisters.

"Poor girl." She muttered and offered the girl a kind smile. She widely grinned at Penelope, the short girl being the only friend she had in that family. She made a mental note to converse with her later as Jasper kept her moving. Aurora kept her smile on her face as they walked through the crowd. She could feel their stares on her as she walked as gracefully as she could. She the gazes of a few of the men and they sent her beaming smiles once they noticed they caught her attention. "They're all staring." She muttered to Jasper once they came to a stop. Her father had wandered off, no doubt seeking Lady Danbury, and the two siblings stood close to each other as they observed the room.

"Just let them come to you." He replied. "A lady never chases after a man."

"Do you see Daphne anywhere?" She asked him, smiling again at a man who managed to catch her eye. She was finding it quite awkward to simply smile and move on to the next one, she hoped one worked up enough courage to ask her to dance.

"She's there." Aurora looked in the direction he was pointing and she smiled in relief at the sight of the girl. She stood with her mother and two of her brothers. As Aurora glanced at them, her blue eyes met another pair and she felt her face become heated as the man stared blankly at her. Benjamin Bridgerton was by far the quietest of his siblings, choosing to be alone rather than have company. He was the twin of Benedict, that much she knew, but despite the years of being friends with his younger sister, Aurora had never had a conversation with him. "It seems as if Anthony has turned away Lord Ambrose."

"He's denying her a suitor?" Aurora gasped.

"As he should be. Ambrose isn't a worthy man. Well not for you two, he could be considerate of the Featheringtons."

"Surely, their mama has better taste then."

"According to Lady Whistledown, Miss Featherington is willing to marry her daughters off to the first man to approach them." Jasper informed her.

"Tragic." His sister mumbled under her breath. "Can we go say hello?"

"Not quite yet. I do believe you have a suitor coming your way." Aurora perked up and plastered on her infamous smile and greeted the Lord that appeared before her. "Lovely to see you again Lord Jacobs."

"The pleasure is all mine Miss Hanford." He smiled widely at her. "I do apologize for taking so long to greet you. I was tied up in a lengthy conversation with our host." Aurora couldn't deny the man before her was handsome. He had a nice sculpted face, tall stature, broad shoulders, she could plainly see he was an active man. Unfortunately her brother knew something about him she did not.

"How's that mistress of yours Jacobs? She looked rather feverish the last time I'd seen her." Lord Jacobs paled at his words and made a hasty retreat.

"Should I thank you?" Aurora questioned.

"Yes. He chases after lightskirts as a hobby. You deserve better." He didn't say anything more as another man approached them, this one requesting a dance. With her brother's approval, she allowed him to escort her to the dance floor. They quickly fell in tune as they danced, beaming smiles on their faces. When the dance was done, she curtsied and he bowed, the two of them heading off in separate directions. On her way back to her brother, her dance card was signed by two men. "Shall we go and greet Daphne now?"

"Please." Aurora smiled. The siblings made their way to where her friend stood with her four older brothers. "Daphne!" Aurora greeted her with a quick hug as the men around them formed a semi circle to shield them from wandering eyes. "You look amazing!"

"As do you Rora! Are those names on your dance card?" Aurora took a glance at Daphne's empty one and sent Anthony a curious glance.

"Yes, and I've already had my first dance. How about you? Any one tickle your fancy?"

"Nobody appealing." Anthony answered for his sister. "Hello Aurora, fairing quite well today?"

"I believe so, thank you Anthony." She smiled kindly at him. "Hello Colin, how are you? Eloise told me of your travels in a letter. Where are you headed?"

"Greece." He beamed. "So you ask about me, do you?"

"I can assure I do not. Your sister just likes to gossip." Aurora giggled. "Benedict, Benjamin, you two clean up quite well." Benedict grinned at her while Benjamin kept his face stoic.

"Not nearly as good as you Miss Hanford." Benedict smirked.

"Oi thats enough of the flirting." Jasper piped in. "At least sign her dance card if you wish to continue."

"Alas, I don't have a pen." Benedict chuckled, shrugging his shoulders.

"On guard!" Anthony announced. The Bridgerton boys made to leave as Aurora watched them, amused by their try at a hasty retreat.

"Too late. I already noticed you." Lady Danbury grinned cheekily at them as she sidled up to the group.

"Lady Danbury, good evening." Aurora wanted to laugh as her brother and the Bridgerton boys all spoke in unison. She curtsied before straightening to her full height and smiling politely.

"Miss Hanford, you're looking quite beautiful this evening. I see you have your dance card almost full." Aurora nodded in response and let her smile falter slightly as Lady Danbury turned her attention to Daphne. "You're looking quite lovely this evening. Is there a reason I haven't seen you on the dance floor?"

"All in good time, Lady Danbury." Anthony spoke up.

Lady Danbury regarded him with a single once-over, tutting at the way he presented himself. "You poor thing." The six of them watched her walk away before they turned to each other. Aurora noticed a tall girl heading their way and she tried to guess which brother she was gunning for.

"I believe one of you has a suitor headed our way." She announced. The males all turned and Aurora chuckled when Jasper was asked to dance.

"Benedict, Benjamin, watch over my sister for me." Before either man could agree, Jasper was off.

"We will see all of you later." Anthony dragged Daphne off and she looked helplessly at Aurora.

"And then there were three." Benedict announced. He grabbed a flute of champagne from a nearby service lady and kindly offered it to Aurora, who politely declined. He shrugged and sipped from it himself.

"Aurora, do you know of that girl?" Benedict pointed to a tall brunette clad in a pink dress.

"That's Sophia Bartlett." She informed him. She couldn't offer anymore information since she didn't know the girl personally.

"I shall return."

"And then there were two." She mumbled as she slyly glanced at Benjamin. The man wore a scowl on his face, indicating he'd rather be anywhere else. "How are you tonight Benjamin?"

"Fine." He replied in a hushed tone. He didn't say anything more and Aurora couldn't handle the silence.

"Are you looking for a bride this season?"

"No." She always knew he was a man of few words, but she was a chatty person. Silence wasn't something she was accustomed to.

"I'm feeling rather famished. Would you care to escort me to the food table?"

"Fine." He held out his arm and the girl hooked hers through his as they walked through the crowd. The area around the food table was empty and Aurora was grateful for the space to breathe.

"Truthfully, I don't want to be here any longer." She confessed as he silently stood beside her. "My corset's tighter than usual and I'm afraid I might combust if I take even a single bite of something." He didn't say anything and Aurora was growing anxious. "Is this the kind of conversation I can continue to expect from you?"

"Possibly." He replied.

"Eloise was right about you." Now she had his attention. His piercing blue eyes bore into the side of her face as she observed the crowd.

"What has she said?" He inquired in his usual hushed tone.

"Dance with me and I'll tell you." She smiled sweetly at him.

He wanted to say no, his first instinct was to say no. But he found himself giving in. He couldn't be sure if it was because he was curious or if it had to do with the way her eyes twinkled with mischief as she gazed upon him. The smile she gave him when he agreed stirred something within him. A feeling he understood but begged to go away. His face remained impassive as they danced. He felt their stares, heard their whispers, but his eyes stayed focused on the girl who spun elegantly. He knew her type. She'd waited her whole life for that moment, to find herself a husband. He wasn't her type. He couldn't see himself marrying nor could he see himself chasing after a lightskirt. In truth, he didn't know what he wanted. But he knew that feeling that coursed through him suddenly had him wanting her.

"Thank you for the dance Benjamin. I'd ask you for another but I'm afraid the fatigue is catching up to me. I'm going to find Jasper so he can escort me home. Have a good night." With a curtsy and a fleeting smile, she was off. He stepped away from the dancing crowd and headed to his twin.

"Was it my imagination or did I see actually participating and enjoying yourself?" Benedict teased him.

"I do believe your drunken hallucinations are occurring once again." Benjamin retorted.

"You can fool everyone else but I know you better than anyone. You've taken a liking to Aurora."

"Incorrect. She merely asked me to dance to avoid a suitor. Nothing more." Benjamin lied smoothly.

"If that is the story you're going with, I shall believe you." Benedict conceded. "I do have one question though."

"And that would be?"

"How many suitors will you allow to show up at her door before you take you chance?" Benjamin frowned at the thought. "Don't take too long brother. She may find someone else before you gather your courage."

"I do not care if she does." Benjamin shrugged slightly.

"Yes you do." Benedict grinned. "You forget I was the one person you told when you discovered you had a crush on the poor girl." Benedict stepped closer to him. "Take your chance brother. She may surprise you." Benjamin watched him leave with his usual frown. He took his leave a few minutes later, not noticing the short redheaded girl behind him with a small smirk on her face.