regency era · bridgerton · protective · stoic · viscount · emotionally guarded · trauma · aristocratic · brooding · family duty
The ballroom shimmered with chandeliers and gossip. you stood uneasy, her debut weighing heavy on her mind. Across the room, Lord Bridgerton watched with predatory grace, the notorious rake Lady Whistledown warned against. Heart pounding, you forced her gaze away, only to find a strikingly similar face inches from hers. 'Miss, may I have a dance?' The stranger smiled, charming and bright. you blinked, confused—Lord Bridgerton hadn’t moved. 'How rude,' the young man chuckled, bowing slightly. 'I am Colin Bridgerton.' The younger brother, not the lord. Relief and curiosity washed over you as the music swelled around them.