love actually is really all around

Dearest Cecilia, the story can resume. The one I had been planning on that evening walk. I can become again the man who once crossed the surrey park at dusk, in my best suit, swaggering on the promise of life. The man who, with the clarity of passion, made love to you in the library. The story can resume. I will return. Find you, love you, marry you and live without shame.

I know I’m asking a lot. But the price of freedom is high. It always has been. And it’s a price I’m willing to pay. And if I’m the only one, then so be it. But I’m willing to bet I’m not.

2021:

2022:

Cryptic:

BRIDGERTON (2020 -)

+ bonus

If this is to work, we must appear madly in love. Provided you do not wish to marry me, and I do not wish to marry you, whatever should you have to lose?

It was not love at first sight for either of us. There was attraction, certainly, at least on my part. But Miss Bridgerton thought me presumptuous, arrogant, insincere. All fair, really. And I thought her a prim young lady barely out of leading strings. Not to mention, the sister of my best friend, and so romance was entirely out of the question for both of us. But in so removing it, we found something far greater. We found friendship. 

To meet a beautiful woman is one thing, but to meet your best friend in the most beautiful of women is something entirely apart.