Dearest Gentle Reader…
Last night, an announcement came with great speed.
Mother.
Oh!
I'm delighted for you both.
Colin Bridgerton, betrothed to Penelope Featherington.
Who needs fresh air when there is fresh gossip?
I want every eye in the ton focused on our upcoming nuptials.
I have always loved you, Colin.
There is nothing that makes me happier than being with you.
You have not told him that you are Whistledown?
Eloise, please do not tell him.
He will find out!
Congratulations. But you must admit it's all rather sudden.
I have known her a very long time.
But, perhaps it did all happen rather…
swiftly.
Ah, swift because you've--
Are you going to duel with your own brother…
or?
To the match of the season.
Here is to truly knowing each other.
Completely.
Pen, is everything alright?
What is all this ink?
-Have you been writing? -Oh, yes, um… letters.
Until he knows the real you, he cannot possibly love you!
Colin cannot discover my secret. Whistledown is power.
If it's too difficult for you to reveal the truth,
I will reveal it to him myself.
Is there some secret you are not telling me?
Colin, I can take care of myself.
Then what good am I to you?!
While most seasons of our Marriage Mart follow a pattern,
this season is surely a surprise.
Your duty is to cater to Mr. Bridgerton's dreams.
What about my dreams?
Ladies do not have dreams. They have husbands.
Gossip as I might…
this author cannot tolerate a lie.