The Spirit of the Sea

by Ellen Fitzwilliam Brandybuck

As Anthony journeys to the homeland of his ill-fated love, he meets Ellen Carney. She is not what one would call expected:daughter of a man cast off for social transgressions, half niece to a once-great American financier, and widow to the 7th Viscount of Roscullen. They forge a most unexpected friendship that challenges society and forces them to question everything. OC/AB, BB/OC

1. Lady Whistledown's Letter

Bildungsroman is a German term for stories that depict the growth of the main character, typically from childhood to adulthood, and I have always been a fan of stories that show character growth, especially through tragedy. The premise of the story relies upon a major character death. The depictions of characters are more reflective of the novels than the TV show, though it is informed by the show as well. Aside from connective research originality or original characters, I own nothing. Cheers.

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London, 1814.

Dearest reader, as you know, I write only the truth that most fear speaking. I give voice to the vituperations many would dare not speak even in a whisper to their pillow in the dead of night. The recent ignominy of the young Lady Edwina Sharma and that of Lord Anthony Bridgerton, with the whole Bridgerton and Sharma families being pulled into the obloquy of a failed nuptial at the height of the season, and in the presence of Queen Charlotte herself, will not be forgotten for quite some time. However, it can be rightly assumed that both families hoped to win the ton's favor back with their recent social machinations. However, even with such laudable efforts, we may all collectively gasp with perturbation this day.

For the announcement of the loss of Lady Katherine Sharma, elder sister to Lady Edwina, and the presumed reason for the failure between Lady Edwina and Lord Anthony, has shocked us all into a stupor. Lord Anthony Bridgerton was seen carrying the grievously wounded Lady Kate into the Bridgerton London home in the early morning hours, with witnesses stating the late Lady Kate had been thrown from her horse whilst riding unaccompanied in the park through the morning storm. We also know that Lord Bridgerton was seen leaving the Sharma London residence just before entering the park in pursuit of Lady Kate. We can only speculate about the reasons for her ill-fated morning ride or Lord Bridgerton's intent on chasing after her. Still, dearest reader, this entire tragedy can only be linked to the tempestuous liaison seen building between the late Lady Kate and Lord Bridgerton, and I will be bold enough to declare what we all know to be true: Lord Bridgerton loved the Lady Kate despite his engagement to her sister Lady Edwina.

Oh, how the social transgressions swell in the height of this season, for the Lord Bridgerton has since retreated from society, with fervent whispers of a plan to go abroad falling about the hushed corners of this season's social gatherings. We will keep a faithful watch, dear reader, and apprise you when we know more. We can all agree, I believe, that the impropriety of Lord Bridgerton will only continue in the days to come. For what else can one expect from a man so doomed in the realms of love and marriage?

Ever yours truly,

Lady Whistledown