The downfall of Viscount Bridgerton

chapter thirty one - getting to know each other

After a great deal of insistence from her mother, Aurora had agreed to spend more time with the Viscount and formally introduce the two, so that her mother might be able to come to her own conclusions about him.

They had agreed upon taking a lengthy promenade together through the Hamden Court Palace gardens the next day, and Aurora was secretly delighted to see that the weather was perfect. The sun’s rays beamed down softly and there was an almost imperceptible breeze blowing. The entire scene was ethereal.

As an early riser, Aurora had requested the promenade take place reasonable early in the morning. This idea had two main motivations; firstly, that she might manage to avoid as many gossiping members of the ton as possible, and secondly, that the whole affair might be finished early enough that it would not impose upon the rest of the day.

After all, she had a wedding to plan, the orphanage to visit, luncheon with Miss Hayward and Miss Godwin, and several other important arrangements. Not to mention that she was still attempting to keep up in her educational studies (her mother had promised that, come September, she would provide Aurora with a history tutor so that she might continue her learning).

That was why, at eight o’clock on that Saturday morn, the two Grey ladies bundled out of their cream and black carriage into the Queen’s own gardens.

They had agreed to meet at the grand fountain that was centred at the front of the rose garden - her mother’s personal favourite - and were pleasantly delighted to find both the young men presently awaiting them.

Although initially it was going to just be the Viscount Bridgerton who was to join them on their promenade, the Duke of Hastings had heartily agreed to join them upon hearing of Aurora’s mother’s return to London.

A long-standing maternal figure in the Duke’s life, the Lady Grey had developed a close bond with the boy and often thought of him as another one of her sons. She had once told him as much in a moment of sincerity, causing him to displays a sudden rush of emotion that had never been forgotten by all present that day. Alas, it had bonded Simon to the Greys even more and now he was quite comfortably one of the family.

“My ladies, it is a pleasure to walk with you on such a fine day. Is there any particular garden you so wish to see?”

Aurora had to bite her tongue at Anthony’s sudden gentlemanly display of honour. She knew that he would never have been so cordial had her mother not been there.

‘Oh well’ she thought, ‘his honourable pretence cannot last all morning.’

“I am most grateful for your offer, Viscount. But I know each of these gardens inside out you see - I spent much of my childhood playing in them. Do you have any particular preference?” Cam her mother’s charming reply. Aurora could already tell that she adored the young Bridgerton.

She rolled her eyes internally at how easily Anthony Bridgerton had been able to win over her mother’s affection.

“Perhaps little Rory would like to see the garden of poisonous flowers. Since they share so much in common.” Hastings smirked at her as he made his witty remark.

Aurora merely smacked him on the arm. For many years she would have pulled his hair at such a remark but how he was much too tall and had cut must of it off, and so - disappointingly - she had to resort to merely hitting his arm, which was about as high as she could reach.

Anthony, however, seemed confused.

“Rory?”

“Yes, that was Simon’s horrendous nickname for my little Princess back when they were what - eight years old? It fell out of fashion as she grew up and wanted to be treated like a lady but...”

Aurora lost track of the rest of her mother’s words as the two drifted off toward the poison gardens.

She had not realised she was still watching them until Simon poked her in the ribs.

“You must be delighted at how well they’re getting along.”

The Grey did not appreciate Simon’s teazing and simply glared at him before following them along the path.

Simon. On the other hand, was not ready to quit the conversation.

“He is really quite fond of you, you know. And he grows fonder by the day.”

She scoffed in response.

“I mean it Aurora. I hope you will one day realise this affections for you. He does not hate you like you so staunchly believe.” The Duke’s voice had taken on a more serious tone and, when she turned to catch his expression, she realised that this too held a great sincerity.

“If you so truly believe that then I will try harder.”

“Thank you” he said as he took her arm in his and led her down the path.

Following a lengthy wander through the poison garden (filled predominantly with Simon’s joking remarks about certain flowers being rather similar to Aurora’s own temperament), he and her mother had begun walking back toward the main lawn, leaving Anthony and Aurora to follow.

“Today was a lovely experience. I had no idea you were so close with the Duke?”

Aurora secretly revelled in how much easier it was to hold conversation with the Viscount - especially in comparison to when they first met.

“Yes. We are old friends, siblings really. I suppose to him I am rather like what Daphne is to you. If that makes sense?” She was once again made aware of her tendency to speak in riddles and felt awkward that he probably wouldn’t understand her.

“No, no. I understand you perfectly. And what if your other siblings? How would they fit into the Bridgerton household?”

Aurora was intrigued by the question. She had occasionally drawn parallels between the two houses but had never made distinct comparisons.

“I would have to say that Julius is rather a lot like a Colin “ came her well-examined response.

“Yes, I certainly agree with that.” An expression of contemplation graced his features. “You know. I  thought Alexander rather reminded me of Francesca.”

“And William?” Aurora was intrigued to see Anthony’s opinion on her eldest brother.

“I haven’t quite decided that one yet.”

The young woman stopped her walking and looked at him. Anthony quickly became concerned that he had said something wrong. Thus ruining this advancement in their relationship.

“Is everything alright my Lady?” Worry laced his tone.

Aurora shook her head and regained her focus. “Yes, I’m sorry Viscount. I just - I - er”

They caught each other’s gaze and Aurora no longer felt able to breathe. She had completely lost her train of thought. She had never felt so connected to him and it shocked her. It made her feel vulnerable.

After several moments a bird call broke the gaze and both of the young people returned to the awkwardness that they were so used to.