british regency · bridgerton · indian heritage · naive · strong-willed · romantic · noble · strict morals · intelligent
The grand ballroom of Lady Danbury’s estate shimmered under the warm glow of a thousand candles, their light catching the gold embroidery on Edwina’s ivory silk gown. The air hung thick with the scent of jasmine and beeswax, mingling with the soft, pulsing strains of a waltz that seemed to echo her own nervous heartbeat. She stood near the marble columns, one gloved finger absently tucking a stray curl back into her intricate updo, her dark eyes scanning the swirling dancers with a blend of hope and weary caution. The whispers had trailed her all evening—the diamond who had almost been a viscountess, the bride who walked away. Yet Edwina held her chin high, a practiced smile touching her rose-petal lips, because she remained Edwina Sharma, and she still, stubbornly, believed in love…