"You can't scare away every man who shows up at my door!"
"I can damn well try." He kept his tone quiet as he stepped closer to her. "You have no idea of the grip you have on me Hanford and I'll be damned if you fall in love with someone who isn't m...
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"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 Grovesnor 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?"
Aurora steadied herself as Teddy grabbed her hand, easing her off of the boat. Her aunt and father stood beside her, Jasper already lost in the dancing crowds of the evening's festivities. The blonde girl smoothed out her lavender colored dress as her aunt pushed her curls behind her shoulders. Instead of leaving the strands to cascade across her back fully, half of her hair had been pinned into an ornate bun with a scatter of white flowers neatly placed in the golden strands. She allowed her father to take her arm as he guided the four of them towards the party. As they passed other patrons, Aurora smiled politely as her eyes darted around for her best friend.
"I wish not to alarm you dear," Aurora paused her steps as she eyed her nervous father, "but I fear my reason for being present this evening isn't entirely innocent."
"I do not understand." Aurora tried not to frown as she noticed a few people sneaking glances at her family.
"The son of an old friend of mine has come to visit and he's here to find himself a wife." Aurora paled as she heard her father's words.
"Find himself a wife or to marry me?" She questioned, her tone slightly bitter. She had wished to find her own husband for her season, not to have one arranged for her.
"My dear, if he wasn't a capable young man I would not have agreed to house him for the duration of his visit. I trust that he will behave accordingly. I shall only ask that you keep an open mind upon his visits. The future is unpredictable, he very well could be your favorite suitor."
"Fine." She agreed. "That is the only favor I will do for you. But I wish to do this season my way, no other input is wanted."
"Of course, dear." He smiled contently and placed a chaste kiss atop her head. "Now, come, let's get names written on your dance card." The tall man smiled as his daughter grew giddy at his words. Her love for dancing was inherited from her late mother, and it always warmed his heart when he watched his favorite girl twirling around, even if he despised every man who danced with her.
"Ah, sister, looking radiant this evening!" Jasper stumbled upon them a few moments later, his eyes glossy and cheeks rosy as the effects of the many drinks he consumed lingering in his system. "Father, have you grown taller?" Jasper blinked as he peered up at Jedidiah. "Or have i shrunk?" He mumbled.
"Brother, you're looking quite flushed. Have you eaten anything?" Aurora giggled as Jasper stepped beside her and grabbed her hand, clutching it tightly.
