Every summer, since you were born or at least since you could recall, your Mother, Lady Anne Summerfield, your brother Frederick and you had spent in the home of her long time friend, the now Dowager Viscountess Lady Violet Bridgerton and her eight children.

Being the same age as her eldest daughter, Daphne, you quickly formed a tight bond that reminded some of your mothers before you. You would spend every moment together, playing in the gardens or attending your lessons.

Every summer, you looked forward to arriving at the Bridgerton Estate and reuniting with Daphne and her siblings. You could barely contain your excitement as the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels slowly came to a halt.

Not giving much of a thought to manners - after all, Violet always told you that summer was a time for you to forget a little about your obligations - you were the first to jump out, followed by your Mother, who moved to embrace the Viscountess, and your Brother who immediately found himself surrounded by the boys.

As always, you shared hugs and kisses with Daphne, Eloise, Francesca and Hyacinth before greeting their brothers as well, gently ruffling the youngest, Gregory’s hair. It was then you caught a glimpse of unfamiliar blonde hair amongst the Bridgertons.

You stepped aside to get a glimpse of the stranger. He was young, not your age but perhaps closer to Colin or Benedict’s, and very handsome. His face had sharp features, with a defined jaw and sharp cheekbones.

“Daphne,” you subtly nudged your friend, discreetly pointing at the handsome stranger. “Who is that? I haven’t seen him before.”

Daphne followed your gaze to the man. “Ah,” she exclaimed in realisation. “Lord Gwayne Hightower. He is one of Colin’s friends. He is staying here this summer.”