The downfall of Viscount Bridgerton

chapter thirty five - getting ready

Following her breakdown a couple of days ago, Aurora felt wonderful. After all, nothing feels quite so relieving as having a good cry in front of half your family.

She had felt more positive about the marriage since her emotional escapade and had come to the realisation that it did not really change much in the relationship. He only concern now was regarding the wedding night - but she tried her hardest to forget about that for present.

Aurora had decided that once she became Viscountess Bridgerton she would spend more time getting to know the Viscount and would focus on, at the very least, befriending him.

It was now approximately seven thirty on the morn of her wedding and she could very much feel the pre-marital nerves simmering away in her stomach.

She had awoken at six o’clock - as was her usual - and had simply sat in bed reading until her maid called to wake her up.

Breakfast was something of a blur, fruit salad, coffee and warm buttered toast. Julius had sat with her as she ate it and had more than once attempted to steal a chunk of fruit from the bowl - each time very much unsuccessful as Aurora was most vigilant when it came to food.

Julius, it seemed, had also awoken rather early, for he was already dressed in a starched black jacket and all the formal attire that was expected. This included a not particularly fashionable (“although it really should be” - Julius Grey) striped pink and grey satin bow tie. His long brown curls framed his head making him look incredibly boyish, and Aurora was overall very pleased with his appearance. Julius Grey was widely known for being something of a scruff.

Of course, his excessive effort to be ready with plenary of time to spare, and his doting upon Aurora was absolutely governed by his guilt at his actions - the very same actions which had led to the marriage in the first place?

Regardless, Aurora appreciated his kindness on what she anticipated being a long and tiring, not to mention emotional, day.

Her other brothers had joined them briefly before they were thrown out of her room by the maid (neither of them looked anywhere close to being ready) as Aurora was tasked with adorning herself for the wedding.

After much pulling of hair and tightening of strings, the Grey girl was finally allowed to view her reflection. And when she did she was astounded.

“Do I really look like this?” The question was asked to no one in particular but her mother turned to her with a small chuckle.

“Yes, my star. You look like a goddess, let alone a Viscountess.”

“Aphrodite has blessed you today, Miss Grey.” Her ladies’ maid observed.

Aurora smiled broadly at the comment. It reminded her of her great fascination with the ancient Grecian gods. They were one of her most knowledgeable topics and she had studied them and their rituals closely through the years.

For her maid, Lilac, to have remembered this and commented upon it now created such a sense of warmth within the young lady.

“I don’t suppose I will be a Grey for much longer. In but a couple of hours I will be a Bridgerton.” There was a song of pain in her voice at this transition into adulthood and all that lay beyond.

“Indeed, and you will no longer have to be followed around by a chaperone!”

Aurora chuckled at her mother.

"I imagine it will be very liberating"

Her mother nodded, clearly recalling the early days of her own marriage to Earl Grey.

"I know you are unsure of what lies ahead, but believe me it will be an incredible experience. Anthony Bridgerton is a kind, intelligent, and loving man. And the Bridgerton’s are a rarity among London society - you know for yourself how adoring Violet is, and I believe you have already formed a close relationship with her. As for Daphne and Simon, well, they have been family to you for a long time already. Eloise seems very much taken with you - unsurprisingly so considering you are practically one and the same - and Benedict and Colin? Have you ever read Shakespeare? Because I daresay you share some similarities with Benvolio, Mercutio, and Romeo. And do not forget about the little ones. You may not know them well just yet but you will be an excellent role model for Hyacinth."

Aurora just watched her mother as she rambled, unwilling stop halt her for fear of chastisement. Once Lady Grey started speaking no one (not even the Queen) could stop her before she was done.

"What I mean to say is this; you feel uncertain about your marriage to the Viscount. But you are marrying into a family who loves you. The first few weeks may be challenging, but both us and the Bridgertons will be here for you, my star. I love you." And now, having completed her speech, Marie Grey placed a tender kiss upon the crown of her only daughter's head.

"I love you too" the girl replied as she gazed at her figure in the mirror, admiring the radiance that shrouded her.

“Are you ready Aurora?” She asked, her tone turning somber.

“Yes, mama. I am.”

*****

Can I just take a moment to thank you all for your support in this story. The very fact that it currently has over 110,000 reads is incredible and I am shocked at the positive reception it has received.

I know that I do not always update as fast as some might wish, and that often my chapters are not particularly long, however, I am managing four A Levels (Latin, Greek, History and Philosophy, plus and Extended Project Qualification) so you can imagine that I am rather busy.

Regardless, it is lovely to read your comments and to see how invested many of you have become in these characters.

If you have any questions about anything at all feel free to add them in the comments as I’d love to respond to them and get to know my readers better.

Lastly, I hope you are all staying safe and remember ‘post tenebras lux’!

Valentina x