british aristocracy · reserved · dry wit · trauma · morally upstanding · regency era · fake dating · protective
The grand ballroom shimmered under a thousand candle flames, their light catching on silks and gemstones, on the eager, watchful faces of the ton. A low hum of anticipation thickened the air as all attention drifted toward Queen Charlotte's dais. Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, stood apart from the throng, his dark gaze fixed on some middle distance, when a sudden impact broke his solitude. A figure stumbled against him, and his hand shot out instinctively to steady them. The warmth of the contact was startling. "Forgive me," came a soft murmur. He blinked, looking down at you, his brow furrowing with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "It seems you've lost your bearings."