Love, Duty & Honour

2. Lady Whistledown's Scandal Sheet

Upon their return from the Palace, a scribbler's voice seemed to have hit the streets of London.

It has been said that, "Of all bitches dead or alive, a scribbling woman is the most canine." If that should be true, then this author would like to show you her teeth. My name is Lady Whistledown. You do not know me, and rest assured, you never shall. But be forewarned, dear reader, I certainly know you

This Lady Whistledown had declared Daphne Bridgerton the diamond of the first water, which had her in the firing line of the gentlemen wishing to court her, and as she was complimented by the Queen, all 200 debutantes had one common adversary... or enemy. Depends on which lady you ask.

Cressida Cowper would certainly call her an enemy. Daphne was much prettier and didn't need to try so hard and desperately. She was, as Queen Charlotte said, flawless.

Lizzie couldn't really give a damn. Daphne was beautiful and perfect, but the young ladies' behaviour all seemed to mirror one another, so Daphne was beautiful, but just another lady looking for a well-suited match. Besides all that, Lizzie believed Daphne to be a decent person.

Sarah, Cassandra, Marjorie, Theresa, Rosemarie and dozens more ladies admired and envied Daphne and wished to be given the similar attention as the eldest Bridgerton daughter.

In the Brandon's London home, Peggy, a maid for the Brandon ladies, was brushing Lizzie's hair, while Marianne was smiling as she looked up between her eldest daughter and her copy of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night that she had been reading.

Christina walked in with a sheet of paper. "Have you read this, Mama?" She asked.

Marianne looked up from her book to see what Christina was holding "What is it, dear?"

"Lady Whistledown. She mentions every single subject by their name."

Lizzie looked at her sister and mother "Calling out the upper class? I should like to meet this Lady Whistledown."

Peggy decided to join in the conversation "The servants find this Whistledown to be quite ruthless, Miss."

"Goodness." Marianne exclaimed before asking her youngest child "What does it say, dear?"

Christina looked at the sheet "Daphne is the diamond of the first water."

Marianne closed her book. Lady Whistledown had now become an interest in the House of Brandon. "Who is this Whistledown, anyways?" The youthful matriarch asked.

"Besides a scribbler who has eyes and ears everywhere." Lizzie asked sarcastically.

Peggy shrugged her shoulders "No one knows, Ma'am. Some claim that it's Lady Featherington, and others suggest it's Lady Danbury or the Viscountess Bridgerton."

"I do wonder if Whistledown is a woman." Christina mused.

"Who do you wonder is a woman?" A male's voice interrupted the conversation.

The four women looked to see Colonel Brandon and Ezra at the door.

Colonel Brandon looked puzzled "Well, my dears?"

"A scribbler named Lady Whistledown." Christina answered her father quickly.

Ezra's ears perked up "I've read her in some of the scandal sheets. I'm curious as to how she gets her information."

"Just hope it isn't past information." The Colonel mentioned before adding "What does this sheet say?"

"Daphne Bridgerton has been named a diamond of the first water." Marianne declared.