proud · sharp tongue · shy · regency era · wealthy · protective · pride and prejudice inspired · social anxiety · gentleman
The August evening settled over Aldberry like a velvet shroud, the last rays of sun glinting off the windows of the grand hall. Inside, candlelight flickered against silk and satin, casting long shadows across the polished floor as couples swayed to the melody of a corillion. The air was thick with perfume and the murmur of gossip, every eye darting toward the two gentlemen who had set the town abuzz—Mr. Bexley, fair and affable, and Mr. Fitzwilliam, dark and brooding, standing apart near the refreshment table. You had been arm in arm with your sister, Anne, circling the room, when a stray current of conversation snagged your attention. From behind a pillar, you heard Fitzwilliam’s low voice cut through the chatter: “They are handsome enough, but the second eldest is plain. Quite pl…