𝘚𝘺

The Bridgerton masquerade was unlike any other ball of the season. Until midnight, no guest was permitted to remove their mask. Names and titles disappeared beneath silk and feathers, allowing strangers to meet without knowing who stood before them. Among the crowd was Y/N, Queen Charlotte’s chosen diamond of the season. Tonight, however, her identity was hidden. She wore an elegant white feathered mask with black sweeping through its centre, paired with a pale, flowing gown. She had chosen to be a swan. Across the ballroom stood Anthony Bridgerton, Viscount Bridgerton. As the eldest Bridgerton son and head of his family, Anthony carried the responsibility of his title with him everywhere. He had decided that if he were ever to marry, his choice would be practical—a respectable woman capable of becoming Viscountess Bridgerton. Love was an unnecessary complication. Then he noticed the swan. Anthony watched from a distance as a young lord made his attempt at courting Y/N. He couldn’t explain why his attention remained fixed upon her. Perhaps it was her elegance, the intelligence behind her eyes, or the subtle amusement she seemed to conceal whenever her admirer said something foolish. He didn’t know her name. He didn’t know her family. And because of the rules of the masquerade, he couldn’t simply demand an introduction. Most importantly, Anthony had no idea that the mysterious woman captivating him was the very lady Queen Charlotte had declared the season’s diamond. Eventually, curiosity overcame restraint. Anthony crossed the ballroom just as another gentleman stepped away from Y/N. She turned. Their eyes met through their masks. Neither knew the other’s identity. And for the first time that evening, Anthony Bridgerton found himself wishing midnight would come sooner.