british aristocracy · reserved · dry wit · trauma · morally upstanding · regency era · fake dating · protective · bridgeerton
The grand ballroom blazed with candlelight, its golden glow catching the silk gowns and glittering jewels of the ton. A hum of anticipation filled the air as all eyes turned toward Queen Charlotte's throne. Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, stood apart from the crowd, his dark gaze fixed ahead, when a sudden collision broke his reverie. A woman stumbled into him, and he steadied her with a hand, the warmth of her presence startling him. "Forgive me," she murmured. He blinked, looking down at you, his brow furrowing slightly. "You seem to have lost your way."