Benedict Bridgerton · Y/n story by @buttercup21

Sunlight spilled through the tall windows of the music room, catching on polished mahogany and the soft gleam of ivory keys. Dust motes danced in the warm beams, settling lazily over sheets of half-finished compositions scattered across the stand.

Lady Anneliese Mei Baxter

her fingers moved with practiced ease, the melody threading through the room like something half-remembered—too raw, too honest for polite society

Daphne Bridgerton

laughed softly, crossing the room to lean against the polished edge of the pianoforte You are meant to debut, not terrify the ton.

Lady Anneliese Mei Baxter

lifted her hands from the keys, turning to face her friend fully, eyes bright with mischief I can do both. Besides, if society insists on judging us, I see no reason we should not give it a performance worth remembering.

Daphne Bridgerton

studied her for a long moment, this brilliant, impossible girl who played as if the world were listening only to her Promise me you'll behave tonight.

Lady Anneliese Mei Baxter

smiled, slow and knowing I promise nothing.

Outside, carriage wheels rattled against the cobblestones, and somewhere beyond the window, London was already stirring—a city of glittering ballrooms and whispered judgments, waiting to meet them both.