⚘three⚘

Ambitious mamas rejoice, for the new Duke of Hastings continues to grace our fair city with his presence. And, oh, what an impressive presence it is! It should be noted that the Duke has been overheard announcing to mamas everywhere that he has no plans of ever marrying. This author wonders which brazen matchmaker shall rise to such a challenge, for this competition is well underway.

It has reached my ears that Mr. Colin Bridgerton shall be awarded the year's grand prize when he sweeps Miss Thompson off her pretty little slippered feet. In other news, a most peculiar suitor for Miss Daphne Bridgerton has emerged.

For some reason I have been invited to dinner at the Bridgerton family home. I do not mind though. Dinner with the Bridgerton family is much more delightful than with my own. I am surprised to see that the Duke has also received an invitation.

"Haven't you heard what we're talking about?" Benedict asks.

"For all we know, Whistledown may be some interloper living in Bloomsbury, of all places," Anthony offers.

"What should be so terrible about Bloomsbury? That people there actually work for a living?" Benedict says.

"She does seem to be someone with access," Daphne offers.

"Who knows if Whistledown is even a she?" Colin asks.

"Fair point," Anthony says.

"Because she is simply too good to be anyone but a man?" Eloise asks.

"Well, I think it rather obvious that the writer is Lady Danbury," Francesca offers.

"Lady Danbury enjoys sharing her insults with society directly. She would never bother herself writing them all down," I reason.

"Could it be Lady Featherington?" Hyacinth questions.

"No!" I shout.

"No!" everyone says with a laugh.

"You have yet to read what Whistledown writes of the Featheringtons, little sister," Eloise tells her.

I smile as I wave. "I doubt any of us Featheringtons are capable of being Lady Whistledown, but you Bridgertons though..."

"Us?" Benedict questions.

"I'm not ruling it out," I tease.

"Gregory!" Hyacinth pounds her fists on the table. "Would you stop tossing peas at me?"

"Those peas were already there. You cannot tell me what to do. I am older," Gregory tells her.

"And I'm taller," Hyacinth counters.

"Children..." Lady Bridgerton scolds with a chuckle.

"I'm to spar with Jackson himself," Colin tells Benedict.

"You?" Benedict questions.

"Is that envy I detect in your voice?" Colin taunts.

"I think it judgement," I offer.

"I shall need to witness this," Benedict tells him.

Suddenly both Colin and Benedict turn to look at Daphne and the Duke.

"What are we looking at?" I whisper to Benedict.

"I'm unsure. Anthony just motioned for Colin and I to watch the two of them," Benedict whispers.

"Well I shall watch as well," I whisper.

Benedict chuckles.

"Hastings, I'm so glad you decided to join us this evening. It was most spontaneous of you," Anthony says.

"Not at all. With Lady Danbury accepting your dear mother's gracious invitation on my behalf... Well, however could I have declined?" the Duke reasons.

"You must stay for dessert. It's gooseberry pie, Your Grace," Lady Bridgerton tells him.

"Ah! Lovely!" the Duke says.

As I ready for my departure Benedict walks with me to the door.

"I was invited to dinner by Daphne and yet I have found myself by your side the whole night," I remark.

Benedict smiles. "Daphne seems to prefer arguing with the Duke."

I chuckle. "Thank your mama for me again. I shall be off."

Benedict shakes his head. "You are not walking home by yourself."

"I live across the street," I remind him.

Benedict shakes his head again. "It is not safe for a lady like yourself to be walking alone at night." Benedict holds his arm out for me to take.

I sigh as I wrap my arm in his. "Don't let Lady Whistledown catch word of you walking me home."

"She'd be announcing our engagement by tomorrow morning," Benedict jokes.

Be it shame or slander, seduction or smear, there is but one thing that humbles even the most highly-regarded members of our dear ton... a scandal! Well, dear reader, it should seem that all of Grosvenor Square has been left to ponder a rather scandalous question, indeed. Might one former diamond's recent fall from grace turn out to be the most damning scandal of all?

"Di."

I turn and see Benedict walking towards me. "Benny."

Benedict rolls his eyes. "I am not ten anymore, Diana."

I chuckle. "Nor am I."

"Where are your cousins and Lady Featherington?" Benedict questions.

"Marina is ill. Aunt Featherington had to stay home with her. Uncle Featherington had to chaperone." I look around. "Prudence may be passed out somewhere." Benedict laughs. "Philipa is... I have no idea where And Penelope..." I look around again. I smile, "Is on the dance floor with your brother."

"Look at that," Benedict remarks.

"Penelope was quite happy that Aunt Featherington would not be here tonight. She is finally wearing a dress that is not yellow," I state.

"She does seem happier," Benedict admits.

"You cannot imagine what it is like to have Lady Featherington as your mother," I remark.

"Ladies and gentlemen, a most extraordinary event is about to take place. Right this way! Come! Come!"

Benedict holds his arm out to me. "Come along."

We follow everyone into a grove of trees.

"It is with great privilege I present Vauxhall's newest spectacle of illumination. Feast your eyes above and allow all that is radiant to overwhelm you! Wonderful light!"

Everyone claps as lamps hung from trees are illuminated.

I look up in amazement. "Is it not the most bizarre?"

Benedict smiles as he nods. "Yes." I smile as I look up once more. "Have you danced tonight?"

I look at him and shake my head. "No."

Benedict looks surprised. "Has no one asked?"

"Plenty have asked but... I have been avoiding most of my callers," I admit.

"None meet your qualifications?" Benedict teases.

I chuckle. "At the moment no."

"Perhaps you would like to dance with me," Benedict offers.

I smile as I nod. "Lead the way."

As Benedict and I dance fireworks go off overhead. Then I see it. Daphne and the Duke dancing.

"Your sister is dancing with the Duke," I state.

"Don't they look close," Benedict remarks.

"How could they go from arguing one night to madly in love today?" I question.

"In love?" Benedict asks.

"Do you see the way she is looking at him? That is not how a girl looks at just anyone," I reason.

"And how would you know, Di? Have you ever been in love?" Benedict asks.

"I do not know," I confess.

"You do not know?" Benedict questions.

"I think I could love someone," I admit.

"Not one of your callers?" Benedict asks.

"No. Not one of my callers," I tell him.

"Well who then?" Benedict asks.

"You are not my brother. Therefore you are not privy to that information," I tell him with a smile.

Benedict smiles. "I will figure it out. Whether you tell me or not."

For those not in attendance at the Vauxhall celebration, you missed the most remarkable coup of the season. It appears Miss Daphne Bridgerton has captured the interest of the newly returned Duke of Hastings. How the young miss secured her newfound suitor is yet to be determined. Yet, if anyone shall reveal the circumstances of this match, it is I. Yours truly... Lady Whistledown.