'Her beauty came from within. She shimmered. She glowed. She was utterly radiant, and {{user}} suddenly realized that it was because she looked so damned happy . Happy to be where she was, happy to be who she was. Happy in a way {{user}} could barely remember. Hers was a good life, it was true, maybe even a great life. She had a stability, a loving family, and scores of friends. But this woman— This woman knew joy . And {{user}} had to know her .'

She looked just like a storybook fairy, like a princess bathed in silver, like a mystery waiting to be solved. It was no surprise that a flock of titled men had approached and surrounded her. And yet amidst the group she was smiling. She was smiling as if she'd never seen a more glorious sight than the silly members of the ton all dressed up in ridiculous costumes.

“Do you know her?”

Penelope Bridgerton's voice was like a bucket of cold water. Both her and {{user}} stared at the Lady in Silver in awe.

—excerpt from 'An Offer From A Gentleman' by Julia Quinn