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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 Plan” by John McPhee

Submitted to Contest #254

Ben Anderson held Sarah Tompkins close to his body as they swayed together to the rhythm of the slow song being played by the band at Jenny and Peter’s wedding. He could feel their hips moving in unison. He could smell her perfume, it smelled so sweet, so tempting. He was lost in the ‘what ifs’ of times past. Even if they’ve been good friends since college and attended each other’s wedding, that didn’t mean he didn’t still have thoughts about her. And maybe she had them about him. After all, it could be more than just flirting between the tw...

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“Debauched and Delirious” by Cajek Veilwinter

Submitted to Contest #254

One was only invited to the Obsidian Masquerade once in their life. The Masquerade itself was an endless affair, with several attendees spending portions of their interminable afterlives in attendance. Even in the city of Vulane, it was considered... less than appropriate... to attend.For the occasion, the young vixen Malina chose to embody the essence of the night sky, reflecting the eternal dance of stars and shadows that played out above Vulane on the streets above. Her dress was a flowing cascade of midnight blue silk, shimmering wi...

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“Better than I Know Myself” by C. Charles

Submitted to Contest #254

“Sierra, we should dance,” Jeff said without looking at her, trying his best to make it sound casual and platonic. The DJ had just put on “Better than I Know Myself”, one of his favourite Cole Steele songs.The DJ’s booth was underneath the basketball net that had the double doors that led outside. Next to the big speakers, he had a few effect lights that seconds ago had been throwing alternating colours around the gym in patterns that synced to the music. When Cole Steele had started, the lights had changed to a velvety purple that rol...

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“Sand Dollar Cove Seagull Scoop: Sunburn and Shame” by Jerry Beitzel

Submitted to Contest #254

Sand Dollar Cove Seagull Scoop: Sunburn and Shame – The Truth About Sunshine Sammy! Well, butter my sea salt biscuits, everyone! Agnes Crankypants here with a Gulf Coast Sea Sizzle Story hotter than a July steel ramp boardwalk! We all know newcomer Sunshine Sammy, a double D busty beach naturally blonde vision with a smile that could charm a Brown Pelican off a Menhaden fish. Lately, her smile’s been lookin’ more like a wilted Seagrass out of the water. Why should you care? Let’s just say some of us have been acting crabbier w...

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“Withering High, June 11, 2024, vol. 73 ” by Red Herring

Submitted to Contest #254

LOCAL SUBSTITUTE CONTINUALLY FAILS TO MAKE TEAHer limp hair and gnarled face won't distract you from the fact that she has no idea how to use our 20th century vintage electric kettle furbished by some ole teacher of yesteryore. Ms. Harring, who shuffles in leisurely 19 minutes past the first bell every morning while gargling loudly into her speaker'd phone between slurps of syrupy iced decaf tea, has the nerve, the complete oblivion, the gall to walk into subsequent rooms asking for a teacher to come help her instead of struggling to take at...

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“The Column of Desire” by Giovanna Ramirez

Submitted to Contest #254

*Warning: Mentions of death, suicideMadame Mariquita’s Societal NewsWhere every secret is revealed.October 29th, 1814Dearest curious reader,To welcome those new to this column and remind those who have stood the test of time, my name is Madame Mariquita, the greatest name without a face you shall ever know.It has come to my attention that the social season is upon us, arriving in a rather serendipitous fashion. Despite the unfortunate events befalling King Ferdinand into a bedrest last summer, Queen Arabella has galvanized the ton by ur...

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“Garden of the Fae” by Pietro Vaccari

Submitted to Contest #254

Amelia tarried at the threshold of the grand ballroom, her tresses of golden hue gently tousled by the wind, as her emerald eyes took in the grandeur that society had taught her — no, forced upon her — to covet.Candlelight basked the room in a warm glow, reflecting off the jewels and fine fabrics that adorned the affluent. The ballroom itself, a whirl of colors and laughter, seemed like a scene plucked from a fairytale. Yet, as she stepped into the throng, — her heels clicking softly against polished marble — the air felt stifling, heavy wit...

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“Going Together” by Webb Johnson

Submitted to Contest #254

I take lunch breaks at a book store within walking of my job. I can relax there and browse a magazine, eat a blueberry scone, and drink coffee before returning to the Computer Store. After my six hour shift, I work out at a gym called “24 Hour Fitness.” Hotties favor big guns, pecs, six-packs, and stamina. I get bonus credit for brains when I let them know I’m a “Computer Technician.” Today, I was carrying a book Cynthia gave me, so when the super-cute barista decanted my Café’ Americano and handed me the scone my trip to the table was a bal...

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“The Bath Encounter” by Kristy Schnabel

Submitted to Contest #254

As the butler seated us in the drawing room, I turned to my daughter. "Oh my, Violet, you're a regular Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. You did read that new novel I purchased for you?" I kept my voice down since we were expecting the Lord and Lady of the manor to enter at any moment."Not yet, mother. What do you mean?" Violet appeared irritated with me, as usual."I mean, this is quite a place. To think one day you'll be the lady of the house.""Oh, stop, mother. It's a surprise to me, too. I fell in love with Charles, the man. It's ...

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“A Great First Impression” by Robin Tillman

Submitted to Contest #254

Mysti sat on the edge of her bed and let out a heavy sigh. How had she ended up here? How long had she been here? Long enough to get pregnant, she thought with a grimace. And it wasn’t even by one of the men living in the castle, ironically. Which was a good thing, considering all of them were taken…but how was she going to explain to her new family that she’d run off and hooked up with a boy she’d met in the forest that she’d been sure was true love? How did she even know what true love was? She was 15. She was an idiot, a fool ...

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“A deal with an Angel” by GG Authority

Submitted to Contest #254

*TRIGGER WARNING* Sexual Abuse present in story*Whether you believe in magic or not, it happens for you. I was a fallen Angel, and I was called to teach a lesson and serve as redemption for a lost soul, unbeknownst to me. I never lacked self-esteem but I had always been willing to take an ass whooping in the name of God, I met her at a terrible time in my life, a time of darkness. I wasn’t aware of my position yet, and my first assignment was a subject, who chose to be an enemy. I had been assigned to a whore who had been pimped by her ...

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“Rumors Running Rampant” by Emma Phillips

Submitted to Contest #254

Rumors Running Rampant As usual the teacher’s lounge was full. Fridays were always worse. You could hear sodas opening, coffee perking. Lunches warmed in the microwave continued; beep, beep, beep. Laughing and talking carried into the hallway. First and second grade teachers sat together. Linda was sitting with Dave, listening intently and laughing to apparently a funny story. Cindy, JoAnn and Pat were looking at pictures from Marlene’s recent vacation. I saw in a quiet corner, both DeeDee and Jonathon were ignoring their lun...

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“Whispering Songs” by Cliff Commanday

Submitted to Contest #254

The first sun rose in blues and teals above the horizon, harkening for the new day. I turned towards its chill, stopping, the click of my heels echoing their melody beyond me in the great hall against the warm Ascilian stone at my feet. “I will do my best for you, Salanda.” I held fate’s consideration in this whispering moment. I swept the tails of my dark charcoal formal wear behind me and continued toward the east hall with new breath. This area is forbidden to others. A sole solitude in my existence of servitude. “Your Highness,” Pencha s...

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“Penthouse ” by Amber Wang

Submitted to Contest #254

The breakfast she had prepared, along with the lunchbox for school, was set on the dining table. She was busy in the kitchen, but Charlotte knew her eyes were always on her through the glass door. Charlotte didn’t say a word to her, nor did she pick up the lunchbox. She left the house, leaving behind only the sound of a loud slam. The elevator was transparent. The city in the early morning sun was coming to life in an orderly fashion. Charlotte watched this scene expressionlessly, until she stepped out of the elevator and saw Samuel delibera...

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“Darling Tender Reader” by Julia Rajagopal

Submitted to Contest #254

“Yes, it is a fine day, Maharaja,” Lady Lila Chatsworth smiled from under her parasol. The Maharaja Amar Singh looked cool and dry in his red silk jacket with gold embroidery. Lila, however, was already sweating through her pink dress. Perspiration dampened her blonde hair and dripped down the back of her neck. “Call me Amar,” he said. “I’m so glad you were able to visit. My host’s gardens are said to be the best in the region.” His kind brown eyes crinkled as he smiled.“It’s my pleasure,” Lila said. “I adore walking, and Lady Asheron’s gard...

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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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