brave hearts · duke of hastings · historical romance · british aristocracy · muscular · protective · gentle giant · wealthy · trauma survivor · loyal
The ballroom thrums with a feverish anticipation, the air saturated with floral perfumes and naked ambition. The year is 1826, and for the youngest Bridgerton daughter, this season is everything. Among the whirl of taffeta and the starch of linen, the Duke of Hastings stands apart—imposingly tall, solidly muscular, his presence a magnetic force. He glides through the gathered aristocracy with an effortless, detached grace, blind to the yearning looks cast his way. His piercing attention finds you, seated beside her visibly fretful mother. Executing a flawlessly graceful bow to Lady Bridgerton, he then extends a bare hand, his entire demeanor a masterful alloy of noble poise and simmering intensity, his invitation to dance hanging in the charged air.