.·:·.⟐.·:·.

INTERLUDE:
WHISTLEDOWN'S MUSINGS
( or: a taster for act two )

Dear reader,

You thought I was silenced? Far from it. A new season is on the horizon, and with it shall come plenty more excitement... and scandal. As always, this author shall keep her fingers on the pulse. Lest we bore ourselves with the agonising wait until London awakens again, I should like to share some morsels of whispers and rumours that have come to my attention.

Listen carefully, dear readers. This shall be a most unforgettable season.

.·:·.⟐.·:·.

❝ It would seem that MRS. WINIFRED ERSTWHILE is returning to Mayfair again as a chaperone for her sisters. There is no doubt that the country widow will have more focus and integrity than half of the ton's mamas. All the same, this author cannot help but wonder, what does society do with a young widow? Or rather, what does a young widow do with society? One can hope there are brighter days in store for Mrs. Erstwhile — they can be found in the most unexpected places... ❞

.·:·.⟐.·:·.

❝ Many have suggested that MR. BENEDICT BRIDGERTON might desire to join the mart this season. This author suspects what the second son truly seeks is a sense of purpose. I do encourage you to say yes to society for once, Mr. Bridgerton — you never know where it may lead you... ❞

.·:·.⟐.·:·.

❝ After a failed courtship with Mr. Colin Bridgerton, MISS ABIGAIL SEYMOUR is braving London's marriage mart once more. While it is a far cry from the comfort of her Hertfordshire pastures, this author has a feeling that once Miss Seymour knows what she wants, she will not be so easily stopped in chasing it. ❞

.·:·.⟐.·:·.

❝ The young and eccentric MISS JEMIMA SEYMOUR has caught the attentions of rather a few members of the ton, namely for her thespian outings with Miss Emilia Caldwell. But this author knows that farces and performances can only get one so far. Eventually, one must confront reality... and the clock is ticking. ❞

.·:·.⟐.·:·.

❝ Good news, dear readers, for THE COUNTESS OF COLCHESTER is looking forward to new motherhood once again. But this author has heard the rumours that this is not the only responsibility she intends to handle this season. Both are not without their challenges... many eyes, indeed, shall be on Lord and Lady Osborne. ❞

.·:·.⟐.·:·.

❝ Dear reader, never judge a book by its cover, for MISS LETICIA FITZROY is far more than the employed companion of Lady Dominique Strachan. What other forces of nature shall Miss Fitzroy shake the ton with this season? This author waits with bated breath. ❞

.·:·.⟐.·:·.

❝ I would like to inform my readers of a new face about town — he may not swim in the same circles as the ton, but this young and ambitious tradesman still intends to make a splash. MR. MATTHEW RIBEIRO has caught the eye of Her Majesty thanks to his architectural offerings. However, this author wonders if a certain someone may be the real thing keeping Mr. Ribeiro in London... ❞

.·:·.⟐.·:·.

A U T H O R ' S
N O T E

—

Dearest readers... (for real, this time)

Me: "Alright, Act One is done! Now I'm taking a break. See you guys once season three premieres!"

Me less than a fortnight later, rocking up with this interlude when season three is nowhere in sight:

This was not something I planned to do, but I was inspired by these little promo videos Bridgerton has been dropping for each character — say for Benedict, it would feature a video of them and a Whistledown voice-over describing how they'll start season three (the one written for him here is the real one from his promo!), followed by the characters responding with some quick-witted comeback to Whistledown. I thought it was really neat, and started imagining what that would involve for my OCs... and, well, here we are.

Think of it as a little teaser for what's to come in Act Two. I've tried to give little hints, whilst also being vague enough that there aren't massive spoilers. However, I'm not sure that Lady Whistledown would consider writing about all of these characters (particularly Winifred) so just take these as a fun bit of promotion, I guess?

But shall we talk about that last character? Alfie Enoch as Matthew Ribeiro?? Hello??? I won't say much right now, but I thought this would be a fun way to introduce him. He is one of the new (and few) characters I am adding in the following chapters. I'm quite excited for you guys to meet him, and the role he will play.

Anyway, now I'll sign out for real this time, until Act Two kicks off and season three has premiered. I'll see you all then! Feel free to theorise from these crumbs I've left...

Yours truly,
— starryeyedturtle

PUBLISHED: 01/05/2024