❀Dearest Gentle Reader✦

The season has scarcely begun, and already this author

finds herself with considerably more to report than she

had anticipated.

One might have hoped that the Ton would return from its

various retreats with a little dignity intact.

How unfortunate that hope so rarely survives the first

week.

There are already whispers of new arrivals, unexpected

alliances, questionable friendships, and glances which

have lingered for considerably longer than good manners

would permit.

And while certain members of society have been rather

busy assuring everyone that there is *nothing* of interest

to discuss...

This author has found quite the opposite.

Readers would do well to remember that the first

impression is rarely the most accurate one.

A charming smile may conceal an inconvenient secret.

A respectable friendship may be rather less innocent

than it appears.

And the most determined declarations of indifference

have a curious tendency to precede the most scandalous

attachments.

So, dear reader, keep your eyes open.

The season is young.

There is plenty of time for reputations to flourish...

and considerably more time for them to fall apart.

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🪶 A FEW WORDS FROM THIS AUTHOR 🪶

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DEAREST GENTLE READER,

Before you rush headfirst into the latest scandal,

this author has a few small requests.

Do not worry. They are hardly as dreadful as a

marriage proposal from someone you cannot stand.

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First, this particular story has been written with a

female point of view in mind.

Those who prefer to wander through these halls may do

so accordingly. This author merely asks that readers

remember whose perspective was intended when this

little tale was penned.

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As for what happens within one's own private little

corner of the story...

that is one's own business.

But the comments are another matter entirely.

There shall be no need to recount intimate affairs,

adult activities, or similarly private business in the

comments. Some matters are best left behind closed

doors, where society cannot gossip about them.

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And regarding violence...

A little unpleasantness between fictional characters

may be one thing.

Graphic gore, graphic injuries, and detailed

descriptions of violent acts, however, need not make

their way into the comments.

This author has absolutely no desire to read an

anatomical dissertation beneath her own creation.

Thank you kindly.

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Now, as for criticism...

PLEASE, DO NOT BE SHY.

Did something bother you?

Tell me.

Did a choice make you roll your eyes so violently that

you nearly required medical attention?

Tell me.

Did you dislike something? Find a mistake? Have an idea?

Want something changed?

Speak up.

This author would much rather receive an honest complaint

than have a reader silently disappear into the night.

And should you have praise to offer...

Well.

This author certainly would not object.

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So, dear reader, enjoy the story.

Gossip freely.

Complain loudly.

Offer suggestions.

And above all, remember:

what happens in the story may be scandalous...

but the comments shall remain civil.

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🪶 Until our next publication...

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