@bridgeirton. anthony, to elethea. i don't have a choice. it's my duty.
"you are not likely to entreat many debutantes with such talk, lord bridgerton," with an arch of her brow and a quirk of her mouth, she taps her spoon against the lip of her teacup. despite her teasing, she does not disagree with him, or necessarily disapprove. her designs upon marriage were similarly mercenary, though she preferred the term pragmatic. even before her family's recent tragedy, a love match felt like an unrealistic luxury -- a business proposition felt far more secure than the fleeting, unrealiable whimsies of the heart. she lifts her cup to her lips, but pauses. "most take offense in their courtship being treated as a chore, you'll find."
