Dinner at Bridgerton's is never a simple affair. They were known to throw the most lavish dinners and balls. Violet Bridgerton did not take match making lightly not in the case of her brood. She had 8 children to set up and a lot of work to accomplish. So when she found the opportunity to set her daughter up with one of the most eligible bachelors of the ton and that too related to Lady Danbury, she had to make sure everything was perfect.

The Bridgerton house was in organised chaos, a feat that not many could accomplish, which to violet was a piece of cake. Taking care of such a large family with 8 children had prepared her to be the most organized in chaos.

The house was cleaned prepped for the arrival of the Duke of Hastings and hopefully her future son in law.

Simon arrived at the Bridgerton house well prepared to come and go making an excuse that he was leaving London and that he had to make quite a few visits around his estate the next day, not to be returning for a couple of months. He hoped whatever planning Lady Bridgerton and his aunt were doing to match hum with Daphne would end today itself. He was not exactly going to lie he was going to leave London anyways by the end of the month. Little did he know that whatever planning he or the match making mama and his aunt had planned would be all for nothing cause this Duke would be falling ... Falling hard for a certain redhead.

Simon was welcomed and introduced to the large family. He always felt a certain disconnect with Anthony when he would speak of his family. Now in the presence of said family he understood why Anthony was ready to do any and everything to keep them safe and happy.

He too would have done the same, unfortunately he was not blessed with a loving family nor he ever would be. He smiled at the family as they all headed to the dining hall for dinner. The room and table was lavishly decorated. Simon praised the lady of the house for her efforts and thanking her for the invitation.

Violet had very smartly arranged for him to sit beside Daphne. Anthony and he exchanged a quick look. Anthony clearly warning him to be careful with his wife. Simon laughed internally at his friends ridiculous concerns.

They had just begun when the butler escorted another guest in.

"Pardon me Lady Bridgerton for my tardiness"

Simon heard her!! Instantly he looked up to find the girl who had his mind and thoughts occupied for the last 32 hours. She looked positively radiant in a simple lemon green gown. Not the best choice of colour, she however wore it well.

" It's no problem Penelope come join us" Violet said to her pointing towards the seat beside her daughter Eloise.

"Thank you for inviting me! " Penelope smiled at the kind lady as she took her seat.

Simon cleared his throat hoping for her to give him a glance. To his utter dismay she was pulled into a conversation with the Eloise Bridgerton.

Simon was not happy.. already upset with being ignored his woes doybled with Daphne making rather unbased judgements of his character. He wasn't the best human being in the world but such disregard for his character.. didn't sit well with him. He was sparing with her when Daphne made a comment of him being as notorious a rake like her brother if not bigger.. He was about to call her out when she heard her giggling at the debate.. She finally acknowledged his presence. She gave him a sympathic smile. He lost all of his thoughts in her smile.

He had to be called twice by Lady Bridgerton for him to finally answer to her. He had been making a utter foold of himself.

' Get a grip of yourself' he cursed himself and tried to change his focus on a conversation with Anthony and Benedict but inadvertently kept glancing at the redhead who was staring at someone too... Not him but another Bridgerton.. Colin Bridgerton..

Though he hardly knew a thing about the third Bridgerton brother or the relationship he shared with the redhead..

One thing he knew for sure... He hated Colin Bridgerton.. Why??

Cause his redhead was completely enamoured by him.

What the fuck was happening to him!!!

How could one encourage change his life upside down? He needed to do something to take care of this situation or he would definitely end up in some kind of scandal...