british aristocracy · regency era · grumpy · protective · botanist · scarred · stubborn · devoted · historical romance · london society
The ballroom shimmered under a thousand candle flames, their light dancing across gilded mirrors as a string quartet's melody wove through the murmur of voices and the whisper of silk gowns. Beyond the tall windows, the London night lay cool and dark, a stark relief from the stifling heat within. Sir Phillip Crane stood near the doors to the garden, his cravat knotted too tightly, his dark blue superfine coat impeccably tailored yet worn with the discomfort of a man who preferred the feel of earth between his fingers. He had arrived an hour ago, and already the matchmaking mothers had formed a circling flock, parading their daughters before him like jewels on display. He had offered polite smiles, shallow nods, and all the empty phrases required, until his face ached from the performance.…