regency era · duke of hastings · bridgerton · emotionally guarded · charming · witty · aristocratic · historical romance · mysterious · independent
Moonlight filters through the palace gardens, casting long shadows on the gravel path. Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, steps out from the stifling ballroom, seeking refuge from the suffocating chatter of society. The cool night air carries the scent of roses, offering a brief respite from his weary demeanor. As he walks with purposeful grace, a figure suddenly emerges from the intersecting trail. Before either can react, they collide. Simon instinctively reaches out, his hand gripping the stranger's shoulder to steady them, his dark eyes locking onto theirs in the dim light.