I am so in love with you.

The words had a habit of perpetually chiming away in the back of Diana's mind, causing her to turn a shade reminiscent of a beetroot.

She was presently sat in the pale blue reception room of Bridgerton House listening to the exceptionally boring musings of Mr Lindon, one of the several suitors who had taken the opportunity to call upon her now that she had finally returned from her travels.

It had been three days since the Prince's declaration and things were... interesting, to say the least.

Her feud with Anthony was progressing steadily, with neither willing to concede. He did, however, appear more jovial with each passing day that the Prince avoided their household.

If only he knew the truth.

The truth was that the morning after Friedrich's declaration to her by the river, Diana Bridgerton had arrived downstairs to discover fifteen bouquets of white roses and handwritten copies of all of Shakespeare's history plays.

And she knew exactly who had sent them.

Mr William Grey, heir to the Earldom of Northumberland.

Well, that was how the story went.

It seemed that the Grey boy was an old friend of Friedrich and had somewhat agreed to his name being used in the whole ordeal.

At any length, the Prince had been most diligently courting her through the façade without anyone suspecting a thing.

Was it foolish?

A little.

Was it romantic?

Undoubtedly.

And much to their delight, this façade seemed to be holding up remarkably well. Anthony was suspicious, of course, and seemed determined to understand when, where, and how this suitor had become acquainted with his sister.

But this issue was easily remedied by Diana's absolute refusal to be in the same room as the viscount.

I am so in love with you.

By Jove! It really was the only thing she could focus her mind on. Did he mean it? Or was it just an expression?

"Miss Bridgerton?"

Surely he would not say something so forward unless he meant it? Or maybe he was just very liberal with the word?

"Miss Bridgerton?"

Yes, that must be it.

"Miss Bridgerton!" Lord Lindon's voice finally broke her from the internal debate she had been undertaking.

"Hmmm?"

"I asked you what your favourite kind of flower is?"

'Good Lord, what a dull question!' She thought to herself, but still offered him a small smile.

"Can't you guess?" Diana chuckled, glancing at the numerous (and ever growing in number) bouquets of white roses scattered throughout the room.

"Ahhh, I see," the viscount nosed in understanding. "But surely you are becoming less fond of them now you have been bombarded by so many?"

The Bridgerton shook her head and assured him that this was not the case.

No, indeed. For, with every bouquet she received, her love for their sender grew stronger.

"You are much mistaken," remarked Diana cooly.

Lord Lindon took her cold response as a sign for his departure and promptly took his leave of her.

"Whilst I'm glad to hear of your appreciation, that really was very harsh, my lady," came a voice from behind her.

Diana Bridgerton didn't even need to turn around to know who it was.

She was startled that the Prince had actually made an in-person visit. Anthony had all but declared him an enemy of the family and would not under any circumstances be pleased at his presence.

"You should not be here," she told him as he came to sit in the only recently evacuated seat beside her. "If my brother - once my brother realises you are here he will cause quite a scene."

Friedrich chuckled.

"Yes, I can imagine. I sent him a letter yesterday requesting a private meeting with him. Do you like the flowers?"

She could not help but grin as she scanned her gaze across all the bouquets.

Friedrich leaned in closer to her as he whispered tantalisingly.

"I did promise you that my courting is of the finest ability, did I not?"

Turning her head ever so slightly, Diana's nose brushed against the prince's, causing her breath to hitch at his proximity to her.

"I take it you have had much practice?" She retorted teazingly.

Friedrich laughed and purposefully brushed his nose against her's once more before drawing back.

"One of your brothers has been observing me for some time now - the second oldest I do believe? I am not sure he entirely approves of me." Whilst the prince's tone was jovial, there was a hint of guilt lying underneath the surface.

Diana sent a broad grin over to Benedict who was, indeed, observing the pair closely, before refocusing her attention on the blonde haired man beside her.

"Benedict is - well - we have always been close. Me, him, and Eloise. I think he is wary of any man who appears to show an interest in courting me ... not in the way that the viscount does. ... it is complicated."

Freddie sighed and glanced down at his lap where his fingers were subconsciously fighting with the cuff of his sleeve.

"They are right to be wary of me. Especially after how I have treated you, but please, tell them I want to fix everything. I want to get to know your family properly."

Placing her hand over his, Diana sent him a comforting smile. It made the Prince falter for a moment, she looked so majestic.

"Perhaps you'd like to stay for dinner?"

****

Dearest readers,

Apologies - I have not written or updated any of my stories for a few days now. I've been off the grid studying classical archaeology in a cave in the middle of nowhere. It was very exciting but also incredibly cold and dark and damp.

Also, I've finally gotten all five of my offers back from my University choices so I can make my final decision - at last! I literally cannot wait to go!

Yours truly

Valentina