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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

“Whispers of Treason” by Sabal Gallo Cloonan

Submitted to Contest #254

In the opulent ballroom of Thornfield Hall, the air is thick with whispers and the scent of fresh roses. The year is 1672, and the hall is alight with the golden glow of candle chandeliers, casting long shadows across the faces of the nobility. Amidst the sea of twirling gowns and coattails, Lady Isabella Cavendish finds herself in the arms of a mysterious stranger, Lord Edward Fairfax. As they join the dance, their hands touch lightly, and the connection is electric. The music swells, a complex harmony of violins and harpsichords, as Edward...

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“Once upon a grieving dance ” by Inalem Green

Submitted to Contest #254

Chndeliers hanging high, giving you a gentle light. You look like an angel with the starry cloak of the night. Entering the ballroom with all the eyes on you, always getting the attention, like you're something brand new. And everyone is jealous, you're the main conversation, and I've never felt more afraid of them making the connection. I'm trying not to give myself away, trying not to steal a glance. I'm holding onto his arm, like I'm in his magnetic trance. But you come close to us, we're everlasting group of friends, but you're acting li...

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“Tiptoeing” by Bob Faszczewski

Submitted to Contest #254

For months the neighbor gossip mills operated at full tilt about the affair, or lack therof, between the ruggedly handsome Jason Hughes and the beautiful and sexy Karen Tollmyer. Of course, the pair kept throwing logs on the rumor fire when, for four weeks running, the deep, throaty sound of the young stud’s eight-cylinder Mustang pierced the peaceful ‘round midnight air of usually quiet Harpersville. ...

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“Flora and Fauna” by Sarah Jo

Submitted to Contest #254

The ballroom looked positively regal this evening. As opposed to how it usual boring presentation meant for receiving our people. I believe in their voices and that they deserve them, truly. But can't our grand ballroom also look divine while we do it?"It's not right to flaunt our fortune in front of those coming to us because they are without, Katerina," my mother always reminded me whenever I complained. As well as how uneconomical it was to constantly keep this space in such a state.But, like a dragon, I had a taste for luxury. I desired ...

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“The chum and the sparkle” by Dana Manoli

Submitted to Contest #254

Here we go again. Stiff, sweaty, uncomfortable, at yet another dance party he didn't want to attend; steering at the changing couples from one dance to another, noticing secret glances and remembering the beautiful summer evenings in the country.He genuinely had no choice. This year he must accompany his mother and sister to all the made up by the ton parties. Brianna, his younger sister, made her debut.So he sits and waits for hours, just like the porters stuck up at the door. He, for one, has no intention of making even a non-compulsory ge...

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“Bail” by Priyasha Munshi

Submitted to Contest #254

“I want you to come with me,” Fred whispered. “Sorry, what?” I yelled back, swaying my hips to Houdini by Dua Lipa. “I want you to come with me!” He took a hold of my arm, dragging me towards the exit. “Fine, but make it quick. I told the DJ to play Karma by Jojo Siwa.” “It’ll be super quick. I promise.” We stepped outside and immediately, the cold wind slapped me in the face, lifting my dress up. I pushed it back down with my left hand, Fred still dragging me towards the back of the gym. “Fred, just tell me what’s going on.” “You know what ...

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“Cheers to my Chagrin” by Connie Elstun

Submitted to Contest #254

Much to my chagrin, The letter I hold in my hand is one more part of the strange occurrences here in my township of Niagra Crossing. The town sits on the shore where the Niagra meets the glory of our grandest Lake, hence its name. The mysterious letter arrived at midnight two weeks ago, and all the village milk goats were dead then. The first casualties were two tiny billys found torn to shreds. Then, more and more were found ravaged until all our goats were gone. And then a host of small farm animals just disappeared, leading to what w...

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“Meeting at the Silver Lining” by Violet Frost

Submitted to Contest #254

Part 1The morning sun peaked just above the Manhattan skyline, casting a warm glow through the domed skylight of the Silver Lining Ballroom. Arabella Kensington tucked loose strands of her mahogany bobbed hair into her black cloche hat as she strolled alongside her father through the grand hall. Her strides were confident and graceful, the rhythm of her T-strap heels echoing with each step. Edward, eager to see his daughter carve her mark into the high society of New York, surveyed the ballroom that buzzed with anticipation of a lively soire...

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“The Ritzy Column” by Kristina Hopper

Submitted to Contest #254

This column is meant for entertainment purposes. Please do not sue me. Any tips or leads can be directed to my email which you can find on our newspaper’s contact page. It is fifteen minutes past six in the evening. The aura of prestige and class permeates throughout the Vee ’Ola restaurant. Political figures dine here. Self-made millionaires dine here. It is even rumored that actor Getta Davis received the call to learn that she had landed the role, in what is now her award-winning movie, Plausible Deniability. The reservations are made mo...

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“SCANDAL! At Hay-Lorret” by Rozmarin Ideas

Submitted to Contest #254

SCANDAL! At Hay-Lorret SALUTATIONS and well-wishes, my most lovely readers!I must apologise for my long absence. I know well that many among you had concerns as to my health and well-being after the revelations of two months prior! I admit, I myself was concerned for a moment. Speaking out loud that which is oft whispered would seem to make one a mite unpopular in the halls of the mighty! Methinks, perhaps, they should tend better to the cleanliness their affairs, than seek the silence of those who shed light upon them. Regardless, dear read...

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“Just the way it is. ” by Emily Farr

Submitted to Contest #254

“I can only assume he was born a bad kid”Incident at Stonewall Jackson Elementary School Causes UproarDOWNTOWN (January 6, 2024)Miles Thompson, age 7, was found today in the most compromising of positions. Specifically, he was pooping in the library of Stonewall Jackson Elementary School, which is about to have its own reckoning on account of the school board’s recent vote to change its name. Little Mr. Thompson, a small child who is known about town for his rosy red, apple cheeks (reported to be the clinical Rosacea) and mischievous gr...

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“Local Matters” by Tamarin Butcher

Submitted to Contest #254

[Note to readers: This is loosely based on genuine news items recorded on the day in question.] LOCAL MATTERSBuckeye Valley News, Buckeye, Arizona, 18 April 1935 To Peoria Sunday-- Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Anderson and children, Alison and David, of San Fernando, Calif., motored to Peoria Sunday and visited Mrs. Andersons sister, Mrs. H. L. Lovett and family. The visit was described as "unexpected," as the two sisters have been distant for many years, an event stemming, it is believed, from the ill-fated Easter Service debacle of 1928. Recent re...

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“Rumour of the week” by Hannah Wall

Submitted to Contest #254

Based on a true story- MineIsn’t it bad enough to be a teenager? We have puberty, bulling, boys who never give you a second glance, rumours. Why do I have to be epileptic too? It hasn’t been long since I was diagnosed, it’s because I had a stupid stroke before I was even born. I hate it all, but now because of my epilepsy I’ve had to go on a medication called Epilim to ensure I don’t have anymore seizures, all of which happen at night.I’ve kept all this to myself, partly because when my mum’s not forcing me to share a bed with her, she’s got...

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“The Tragic Spilling of Tea” by Tiff JN

Submitted to Contest #254

If you were jumping to conclusions, you would have thought that she had stepped out on her husband and was having an affair with the king, but Kathryn was much more valuable to the king than a good lay. In a time when it would have been considered folly to ask a woman for their good counsel, King Edward had the good sense to do it. Let us not pretend that the two of them were not without a secret because they did indeed have one. Now you may be wondering, who spilled the tea? How did the dear Lord Markum come to suspect that his wife was hav...

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“Suit Up” by Falynn Almeda

Submitted to Contest #254

It was a normal Tuesday for a normal person like me, Lynn Alma. I’m average all the the ‘round. Average height, average weight, brown eyes, and medium brown shoulder length hair that I kept in a ponytail. I had gotten average grades throughout school, a couple A’s here and there, mostly B’s and C’s with a couple unfortunate but ultimately unaffecting D’s and F’s. I had gotten lower grades in math- numbers just weren’t my strong suit. And now I work at a manufacturing plant making window seals- the little rubber bits that keep the cold air ou...

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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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