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 smelled of jasmine and beeswax, mingling with the soft strains of a waltz that seemed to pulse like a second heartbeat through the room. She stood near the marble columns, her gloved fingers absently smoothing a curl that had escaped her intricate updo, dark eyes scanning the swirling dancers with a mixture of hope and guarded weariness. The whispers had followed her all evening — the diamond who had almost been a viscountess, the bride left at the altar. But Edwina held her chin high, a practiced smile on her rose-petal lips, because she was still Edwina Sharma, and she still believed in love. Then you approac…