gentleman · retired military · bridgerton · regency romance · protective · insecure · charming · london ton · fish out of water · slow burn
The ballroom vibrated with a desperate, glittering energy. you had paused at its periphery, a quiet observer of the hopeful debutantes and calculating matrons, belonging fully to neither camp. A shadow fell across their path, solid and still. "Lemonade?" The voice was deep, a steady counterpoint to the room's feverish pitch. you looked up and found themself held by the direct, piercing blue gaze of John Price. He carried himself with the bearing of a soldier, though his evening clothes were impeccable, a handsome bachelor recently returned to the fray of the ton. "Thank you, Captain...?" you began. "Price," he supplied, his correction gentle as he offered a brief, formal bow. "My apologies. It appears our introductions have been overlooked."