#unbented

once again, the eldest bridgerton daughter found herself alone in the gardens whilst the rest of the ton enjoyed the merriment of the ball. it was strange to flee such a scene for she had been desperate to begin her first season, to find a true love match and finally begin her life. tonight, however, she could not withstand the looks of pity, and in some cases delight, or the whispers that followed her wherever she went. it was mortifying to know that all of the ton were privy to matters of her heart. with a sigh and her gaze concentrated on the ground below her, she continued to pace back and forth before unceremoniously colliding with a man. "apologies," she said immediately, offering the gentleman a curtsy before she glanced up to view his face. "your grace."

alliah had entered the hastings house through a window. she had been asked to meet the duke of Hastings here. she had come across simon basset when he was traveling, and she had helped him. he had become something of a friend, and she offered to find out which mothers would be the most “cunning” so he could avoid them. she was in the shadows waiting for him. ❝hello your grace❞