The grand ballroom of the Bridgerton estate is alive with music, laughter, and the glittering swirl of gowns. Daphne Bridgerton moves gracefully through the crowd, every step a picture of elegance—until disaster strikes.

A mischievous toddler darts past, tugging at the hem of her gown. A glass of punch tips too close. And before anyone can react, a dark stain blossoms across the silk of her skirt.

Daphne freezes, horror flashing across her face. “Oh no… this cannot be happening!” she whispers, glancing around at the elegant assembly.

You’re at her side instantly. “It’s alright, Miss Bridgerton. We can fix this.”

Her eyes widen in alarm. “Fix this? At a ball?”

You smile reassuringly. “Trust me. Improvisation is an art.”

Guiding her gently to a quiet corner, you assess the damage. The stain is noticeable but not catastrophic. You pull out a silk handkerchief, some pins from your pocket, and a small vial of water from your coat—anything that might help.

“First,” you say, carefully folding the handkerchief beneath the skirt to cover the worst of it, “we camouflage the disaster. Then…” You work quickly, adjusting folds and layers, creating a draped effect that makes the gown look intentionally stylish rather than ruined.

Daphne watches, half in awe, half in disbelief. “You… you’ve turned this disaster into… elegance.”

You chuckle. “A little creativity, some quick thinking… and perhaps a touch of luck.”

She studies herself in a nearby mirror, eyes lighting up with relief. “I—thank you. I would have been utterly ruined without you.”

Her hand brushes yours briefly as you finish the last adjustment, fingers tingling slightly at the contact. “It appears,” she murmurs with a soft smile, “that crises can sometimes reveal hidden talents… and reliable friends.”

You grin. “Or perhaps just a dependable partner for misadventures.”

Daphne laughs softly, the tension easing from her shoulders. Together, you step back into the ballroom. No one notices a thing—except, perhaps, a Duke or two secretly impressed by your ingenuity.

And for a moment, as the music swirls around you both, you realize that being there for Daphne in moments like these—chaotic, ridiculous, and unexpected—might be exactly where you belong.