“The Smythe-Smith musicale. Thankfully, it came around just once per year, because Hyacinth was quitecertain it would take a full twelve months for her ears torecover.”

“Rehearsels, actually.""Rehearsals?""For the-"Oh,no."-musicale."The Smythe-Smith musical.It finished off what the Crusades had begun.There wasn't a man alive who could maintain a romantic thought when faced with the memory-or the threat-of a Smythe-Smith musicale.”

“Milk?” Lady Bridgerton asked.“Thank you,” Gareth replied. “No sugar, if you please.”“Hyacinth takes hers with three,” Gregory said, reaching for a piece of shortbread.“Why,” Hyacinth ground out, “would he care?”“Well,” Gregory replied, taking a bite and chewing, “he is your special friend.”

“Watch over Honoria, will you? See she doesn't marry an idiot. (Daniel Smythe-Smith)”

“Honoria Smythe-Smith,” Sarah said, positively grinning, “I amso proud of you.”“I would ask why,” Honoria replied warily, “but I’m not sure Iwant to know the answer”

“I’m trying to embroider.” Hyacinth held up her handiworkas proof.“You’re trying to avoid—” Her mother stopped, blinking.“I say, why does that flower have an ear?”“It’s not an ear.” Hyacinth looked down. “And it’s not aflower.”“Wasn’t it a flower yesterday?”“I have a very creative mind,” Hyacinth ground out,giving the blasted flower another ear.“That,” Violet said, “has never been in any doubt.”Hyacinth looked down at the mess on the fabric. “It’s atabby cat,” she announced. “I just need to give it a tail.”

“Do you know what is nice about friendships as longstandingas ours?” Hyacinth interrupted.Felicity shook her head.“You won’t take permanent offense when I turn myback and walk away.”And then Hyacinth did just that.”