The downfall of Viscount Bridgerton

chapter forty eight - a dawning realisation

The next day was an extraordinarily hectic one. Firstly, Aurora was tasked with getting to know the servants and their duties in order to confirm that the entire household worked as efficiently as possible.

Then, she visited the orphanage of the Sacred Heart which was a home for abandoned girls in the East End of London. Aurora had taken to visiting the orphanage and offering her assistance shortly after she had arrived in London. Considering she was now going to be settled there for good, she thought it wise to continue the aide. The nuns certainly seemed grateful and she enjoyed spending time with the young girls, teaching them how to read and write.

Then, she was tasked with Luncheon at the Cowpers. As always, they greeted her with great kindness and Aurora was glad to hear that Cressida had found an Earl whom she was much taken with. She sincerely hoped the match proved to be a success and felt a little bad for the girl after her loss of the Prince last season. Regardless, the time passed by quickly and she had to excuse herself before long.

The next stop on her list was Hayward House. And what and interesting stop it would be. The viscountess was quite intrigued to hear all about Eleanor's secret and also had her own request to make.

After a brief conversation with Lord and Lady Hayward, the two girls were given space in the green drawing room to speak amongst themselves.

No sooner had the door been closed than Aurora demanded to hear everything.

"How? How did you do it?! You fooled the entire ton into thinking Waterstone was a man. You are so very clever!" She gushed at Miss Hayward's skill.

Eleanor could not help but blush, it was rare indeed for her to receive such compliments - especially from someone as adored as Aurora Bridgerton.

"It was nothing really," she muttered in response.

"Nothing! Eleanor your skill is exceptional. They say you are on par with Rembrandt!"

"Oh I'm not that good, really."

Aurora raised an eye brown in response. It was clear she disagreed.

"And I think it most clever how you have agreed to join Benedict in his hunt for the painter. With you throwing him off the trail he'll never catch you."

The young girl but her lip in contemplation, "I do not know about that. He seems to be getting closer to the truth every day, and I'm sure he will have noticed my foolishness yesterday. I dare say it will not be long before he uncovers the truth and lord only knows what he will say when he does!"

It was clear that the young girl was most fearful of the Bridgerton's response to her secret. Although Aurora could not help but think that it may not have been entirely down to her painting itself.

"I think Benedict would rather admire you for it," the viscountess replied nonchalantly, "indeed, I do believe it would make you all the more... accomplished in his eyes."

If it was at all possible, Eleanor Hayward's blush grew even deeper.

"I - I should not care whether or not he finds me accomplished. It is of absolutely no matter to me, none at all," she stuttered out in response.

"Of course." Aurora paused for dramatic effect and poured herself a cup of tea. Taking a slow sip of it, she left poor Eleanor awaiting her full response.

Placing the tea cup down, she finally gave it.

"Of course, you should not care for his response... but I think perhaps you still do." She sighed reflectively before continuing, "that is the issue with being in love."

"In love?" Eleanor nearly shrieked the words, "no no no, my lady. You are quite wrong. I am not-" a dawning realisation covered the girl's face as she broke off her sentence.

Aurora opened her mouth to comment but instead decided to offer Miss Hayward the best form of comfort she knew how.

"Would you like a cup of tea?"

Eleanor nodded imperceptibly, her mouth still agape in horror at her new discovery.

"How will I ever face him now?"

"The same way you always have done. I would not suggest being too forward in your affections... there seems to be some stupid belief in our society that a woman must wait for the man to display his feelings first. And whilst I absolutely disagree with such a notion, I do believe in this case it might be for the best."

Eleanor just stared at her in silence as she spoke. Clearly this new outlook on life had effected her quite a lot.

'I wonder if I'll look like that,' thought Aurora, 'when I realise I'm in love with Anthony.'

She shook the thought from her head. Now was not the time to focus on her own marriage. Now was a time to support a dear friend.

"When did you realise you were in love with the Viscount?" Eleanor asked quietly.

Aurora looked at her as if she had grown an extra head, "I'm not in love with him?" The statement came out as more of a question than anything else.

"Oh, sorry I must have been mistaken, only..." She trailed off upon noticing the Viscountess' frown. Clearly Aurora had not realised the extent of her feelings for her husband. And if that was the case, Eleanor wasn't going to be the one to tell her.

For, whilst it was clear as day to the rest of London society that the young couple held genuine affections for each other, she seemed to be quite unaware of the fact.

"Yes, indeed you must have been. Anyway-" began Aurora, desperate to move on from their present topic of conversation, "there is something else I wish to discuss with you. Something of grave importance that will likely shake the very foundations of our society. Can I trust you to keep what I am about to say a secret?"

Eleanor nodded fervently, excited at the prospect of a young woman whom she so admired being wiling to share something so private with her.

"Well, in that case I shall start at the very beginning."

*****

Dearest readers,

Today must be a very special day indeed. Two updates at once. Indeed, it would seem that I have been unusually productive this morning and gotten through five hours of work in only three hours and sixteen minutes.

Little bit of insight into Eleanor's love life - I do like to show strong female bonds! Especially within such a harsh society

Yours

Valentina