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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#254: The Talk of the Ton

Dearest readers,

It has come to our attention that the conclusion of Bridgerton’s third season is nigh upon us. I, for one, can’t wait to be swept up in the latest rumors and scandals of the ton — and so, in my excitement, I am writing to you to request you share your own scandalous tales. If you're not familiar with Julia Quinn's Regency romance novels or Netflix's popular TV adaptation of them, fret not; tales of forbidden liaisons, star-crossed lovers, and gossipmongers are as old as time. Besides, who doesn’t love a bit of Austencore?

In honor of this momentous occasion, I must ask you — gentle writer — to sharpen your quills and step into a world of high society, social scandal, and regency pomp...

This week's prompts

Set your story at a Regency-themed fair.

Short Story – 12 stories

Write a story where a rumor starts to spread. Your protagonist is either the topic or the source.

Short Story – 54 stories

Write a story about two characters who start as mortal enemies but learn to embrace their differences.

Short Story – 37 stories

Write a story where an important conversation takes place during a dance.

Short Story – 78 stories

Write a story in the format of a gossip column.

Short Story – 37 stories

Stories

“The Dance of Spies” by Hannah Foust

Submitted to Contest #254

1862 Missouri was safe for no one. It was a state divided by loyalties to both the North and South. One never knew if their neighbor was a friend or foe, and those who did, built up their own private militia's, and battled among the fields of their homes. Still, many Missourians either chose to pretend nothing was amiss, or they used their daily interactions, as a front to gain information and send it off to whichever side they deemed necessary. By all other accounts, it was a beautiful summer day, and a ball would be taking place that eveni...

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“By the Shores of Lake Fairview” by Nina H

Submitted to Contest #254

It has been said that “misery loves company”, and this author has to agree with the sentiment. When wallowing in the thick, dark, muck of despair, who wants to be in the presence of someone glimmering with the stardust of happiness? The sharp contrast in feeling cutting like a blade into an already aching heart? And this is why it comes as no surprise that Mr. Robert Gerhardt was seen having dinner with a certain recently widowed teacher in our very school district. The details surrounding...

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“The Set-Up” by PJ Town

Submitted to Contest #254

(contains sexual references and mild swearing)I have to word it carefully. Too little detail – no one will take any notice; too much detail, or too extreme – everyone will be incensed, disgusted, turned off.A major consideration will be medium, of course. I could send it out as an anonymous e-mail, but there’d be a chance of tracing it back to me if things got out of hand. Notes under doors? Better – it has the whiff of a mystery hand at work, although people may simply throw it in the rubbish, thinking it’s a publicity flier. Or I might get...

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“A Nomad's Dance ” by Togo F

Submitted to Contest #254

The gypsies played their hip-throbbing tunes on this fine evening, hired by the groom out of respect for his elders. No wedding is complete without Romani music, they thought, as the fast-paced rhythms mixed with raki cajoled the younglings into shaking their bodies with an exuberant lack of coordination—a dance best described as pulsing mini-seizures. Of course, some of the kids and men were crafty with it, synced with the notes, dancing on beat to make quite a show, drawing claps and roars from the onlookers.This idea of grandeur originate...

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“Ballroom Casanova” by John K Adams

Submitted to Contest #254

Noel Needham humbly credited women’s attraction to him to one simple fact. He always wore a suit jacket to his weekly, ballroom dancing class. His refined look outclassed other men wearing sport shirts and shorts. He believed presentation was everything. His tux was reserved for competitions. Of course, there was more to his popularity than snappy clothes. Noel was a master conversationalist. Bon mots and flattery tripped easily off his tongue as he led partners in effortless dips and turns. His physical grace and entertaining demeanor had w...

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“The Regency Fair” by Louise Robins

Submitted to Contest #254

The Regency FairThe rolling hills of Somerset were bathed in the warm glow of the June sun, casting long shadows that danced with the breeze. It was the perfect day for a Regency fair, an event that the entire county looked forward to each year. Preparations had been underway for months, and now the day had arrived, bringing with it a sense of excitement and anticipation.Lady Eleanor Prescott, the hostess of the fair, stood at the entrance to the grand estate, her blue eyes sparkling with delight. Dressed in a gown of soft lilac, she embodie...

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“Invitation Only” by Jed Cope

Submitted to Contest #254

The invitation stipulated the attire. John was never a fan of formal dress. Comfortable anywhere other than a suit and the places where a suit gained entry. To John, a suit was armour and he was a lover, not a fighter. He aimed at loving pursuits, not that it got him anywhere. He consoled himself with the avoidance of the fight. Even the prospect of conflict left him cold. Sometimes, he wondered whether he was a coward. He didn’t feel any cowardice trembling in his blood, but then people became desensitised to their sins, telling themselves ...

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“The Viper in the Emerald Gown” by Laura Pamenter

Submitted to Contest #254

The Viper in the Emerald Gown “So, you were sent to kill me, right?” he asked, moments after his hand caught her waist and the tips of his fingers met hers. “Is it that obvious?” She blinked at him with big brown eyes, delicately swaying to the music. Her golden hair fell over bare shoulders as the prince spun her with an outstretched arm. The satin of her dark green dress swirled and slithered around the pristine ballroom floors, snake-like. And above, the chandelier put the whole room into a dazzling haze. “Mm, deliciously so,” h...

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“The Sorceress's Coronation: A Tale of Revenge and Royalty” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #254

Kyle Peirson had become the chinwag of the village by doctoring a poorly nag. Chucking the creature bits he knew to act as an evacuant had him pegged as a warlock. Lucy, the lass who'd taught him such tricks, came under the screws. Ere she too scarpered at the king's bidding, she hoofed it out of the country to learn how to square accounts for her brother's demise.After years with nary a hex or hocus-pocus, it was high time to give those who'd done Kyle in a taste of their own medicine. Lucy Peirson bobbed up during the King's knees-up."Well...

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“A Dangerous Dance” by CJ Viera

Submitted to Contest #254

The big decorated doors in front of us creaked and groaned as they opened inwards. The crowd I was with shuffled and murmured uneasily. The smell of fear, excitement and nervousness permeated the air around me. I loved it. It was all I could do to not take a deep breathe in and smile. One by one the fidgeting turned to walking as the 100 people all started slowly walking inside the great hall. Long elegant dresses swished against the floor, and the clacking of heels was sharp against the still silent crowd. Everyone knew why they were here, ...

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“Cold Air on a Crepe Paper Chain” by Carol Stewart

Submitted to Contest #254

The magic of Christmas was this, thought Tim, as he drove into Gillirig and parked in the grounds of the Cottage Hospital; the pressures and anxieties – the evils – of all other seasons boxed up and stacked in ‘Sherlock’s Attic’, replaced for a while by the tinsel and twinkling lights, the choirs and angels, the smiles all merry and bright… Charades. How many people were currently playing that?A moment, he decided. Just one moment, to check himself in the mirror, to smooth back his hair. Suitably Brycreemed, properly shaved. Smile, Tim, smil...

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“The Bacchanalia” by Thomas Wetzel

Submitted to Contest #254

The back of the SUV was loaded with all the necessary supplies; the cooler full of food, several cases of beer, camping gear and, most importantly, all the pagan costumery. The radio was turned up loud and the four 20-somethings traveling north across the Oregon border were all in high spirits.The Bacchanalia was no Coachella or Burning Man. It was not meant for the masses. It was not a commercial venture. The organizer’s didn’t even have a website or any social media accounts. The whole point was for any potential attendees to be clever and...

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“Never Let Her Go” by Katelynn Seavey

Submitted to Contest #254

Sequel to the last story, Let This Last Forever. Her hands play mindlessly with her pink ruffled dress. She wraps her fingers around the end of the pink silk bow attached to her hip as her eyes constantly scan the room for him. As she looks around the big gym floor the soft smile on her face seems to slowly downward at the feeling that coming tonight was a mistake. Kenzie can see all of her classmates being twirled and swung around, their laughter and giggles echo repeatedly in her head as if they are purposely mocking her. She wonders if ...

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“Marshall Pat Garrett Comes to Call ” by George Georgerfrost@gmail.com

Submitted to Contest #254

July 1881McSwain Ranch House Marshall Garrett came to Maxwell Ranch on July 10, 1881, to talk to Pete Maxwell. Maxwell was well-known to Marshall Garrett due to his loyalty to the Regulators. While he had reservations about the most famous outlaw in the territory, Billy the Kid, he knew if he could get him to surrender for his most recent murder of Joe Grant. “So, you are gonna bring the Kid to justice, marshall?” Pete stroked the gristle on his chin. “Governor Lew Wallace is putting one of the biggest bounties ever on his...

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“I Cross My Heart” by David Ward

Submitted to Contest #254

Author's note: This story contains the lyrics to one of George Strait's most heartfelt and recognizable love songs. I don't own any rights to the song, although that would be really great for my bank account. (And despite what one character says out of anger, I really do love the song — cross my heart.)**** He never wanted to slow dance. In all my time spent with Mickey, I could never convince him to get out on the dance floor with me. He'd race out there for all the regular wedding bangers like 'Takin' Care of Business' and always put on qu...

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$250

Prize money

218

Contest entries

88

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Jun 14, 2024 EST

Won by Phoebe Barr 🏆

Title: Found Family

Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.

Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!

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