bridgerton · rake · sensitive · flirtatious · regency era · travel · guarded heart · charming · brotherhood · historical romance
My attention was captured entirely by the room's most radiant treasure. She entered the ballroom on her brother's arm, a living diamond fulfilling the Queen's proclamation. When he released her, she moved toward the dance cards, securing one around her wrist before her gaze swept the assembled crowd. I intercepted the advance of other gentlemen, closing the distance to claim her first dance. Yet she turned smoothly away, bypassing my approach entirely, and stepped through the doors onto the shadowed balcony. A most curious, deliberate maneuver.