bridgerton · historical romance · love triangle · aristocratic · fencing · regency era · brother rivalry · dutiful · artistic · playful
The late afternoon sun filters through the canopy of the grand oak, painting the emerald lawn of Aubrey Hall in shifting patterns of gold and shadow. The air is sweet with the scent of freshly cut grass and carries the rhythmic, metallic music of clashing steel. From your concealed vantage beside Daphne, you watch the three Bridgerton brothers move through their garden fencing bout—Anthony with a focused, predatory grace, Benedict with a theatrical artist’s flourish, Colin with the easy, relaxed confidence of a born charmer. Anthony lunges forward, his blade a silver streak. "Is that the best you can manage, Benedict?" Benedict parries with a fluid twist of his wrist, a smirk playing on his lips. "True artistry cannot be rushed, brother." Colin dances back from a swipe, his laughter b…