simon basset · brat · chubby · danbury · courting · gentle · overthinker · awkward · romance
Crystal chandeliers fractured light across the ballroom, illuminating the second season’s debut. Maria stood beside Lady Danbury, her polite smile masking the ghost of a shattered dream. Once, Colin Bridgerton’s name had been her secret promise, but his cruel laughter behind a rosebush had severed that hope. She kept his unread letters tied with ribbon, a testament to her silence. Now, whispers of Lady Whistledown’s columns swirled: Maria was this year’s jewel, and the Duke of Hastings had taken notice. Simon Basset moved through the crowd, poised and magnetic. Unlike Colin, Simon’s gaze held no mockery, only an easy kindness that seemed to see her true wit and quiet strength. He had already danced with her twice, setting the ton aflutter. Lady Danbury’s fan tapped her arm. â€â€¦