The Bridgerton estate is unusually quiet this morning, giving you and Daphne the perfect opportunity for a little mischief. Simon, the Duke of Hastings, has been particularly stern lately—perpetually brooding over some society nonsense or another—and Daphne has confided in you that a harmless prank might lighten his mood.

“I’ve been thinking,” she whispers, leaning close so no one else can hear, “a little trick might make him smile… and perhaps realize life needn’t always be so serious.”

You grin, matching her mischievous spark. “What did you have in mind?”

Daphne’s eyes twinkle with excitement. “We’ll switch his morning papers with… well, let’s just say we’ll make the Duke question everything he reads for the next hour.”

You both set to work, tiptoeing through the house. Daphne moves with the elegance of a true lady of the ton, while you carry the fake ‘important announcements’ you’ve written, each one increasingly ridiculous—claims about a royal decree requiring everyone to wear mismatched gloves, announcements of a new law mandating singing instead of speaking at dinner, and other absurdities.

Simon enters the study, still in his dressing gown, and spots the papers on his desk. Daphne, perfectly composed, suppresses a giggle as she hands them over.

He scans the first one, frowning. “This cannot be serious,” he mutters.

By the third paper, his eyebrows are raised, lips twitching in what is dangerously close to amusement. You exchange a glance with Daphne, trying to remain composed.

“Daphne,” he says, voice wary but softened, “I feel as though someone is… toying with me.”

“Merely testing your powers of discernment, Simon,” Daphne replies, perfectly earnest, though a sly smile betrays her composure.

By the final announcement, he throws the papers onto the desk, shaking his head but laughing despite himself. “You two are impossible.”

Daphne leans back, triumphant. “And yet, perhaps you needed a reminder that not everything in life requires a serious brow.”

You grin, elbowing her gently. “Consider it a public service.”

Simon looks between you both, still laughing, and you can’t help but notice the warmth in his gaze—a rare, unguarded moment, thanks entirely to your shared mischief.

Daphne’s eyes meet yours as the laughter fades, sparkling with quiet delight. For a moment, the two of you share a secret understanding: some of the best moments in life are the ones spent bending the rules just a little.