The downfall of Viscount Bridgerton

chapter fifty two - a promenade

The next morning found Aurora and Anthony joining the rest of the ton in their promenading down by the river. As the London Season drew to a close, almost all of high society could be found out that morning, either gloating over their successes of the summer or praying to make some last minute attachments, thus securing their place amongst the other lords and ladies.

Whistledown seemed to be particularly critical over the past few weeks, and there were few who were not afraid of the prospect of being dismissed by her as nothing more than an “insidious vulture” or “withered rose”.

Aurora had, as of yet, managed to escape the woman’s wrath. But she wondered how long she might be able to do so, not that she particularly cared, but she did not wish to bring shame on either the Grey family or the Bridgertons.

Ambling along past the rest of society, the pair seemed quite content to bask in the rays of sunlight, offering the occasional nod or ‘good morning’ to those deemed worthy of gratification.

That was until a flash of red and gold caught Aurora’s eye.

Turning to face the subject in full, the viscountess was afforded a proper look at the young woman whom she had heard so frequently mentioned over the past few days.

The Indian Princess.

Without saying a word the young girl steadily dragged her new husband off in the direction of the Princess, who was presently in conversation with her brother - how convenient!

Anthony, who had been in something of a daze, was rather startled at the sudden movement and nearly tripped over his own feet in a manner that would have been deemed most ungracious.

“What are you doing?” He whispered to her as she continued her determined walk.

“There’s someone I’d like to meet who I am yet to be introduced to.”

Aurora’s cryptic response did not much answer Anthony’s question.

However, the nineteen year old Princess currently clad in a deep red and gold lengha showcasing her stomach area.

Having never seen an example of Indian dress before - for Aurora had only ever had the pleasure of reading about it in books - it took her a moment to steady herself at the sight of a woman’s midriff being shown in public.

Anthony too seemed shocked as he eyes to her with bulging eyes.

In response the viscountess only chuckled and scatter him on the arm. Although deep down inside it made her proud to know that she had more knowledge on the subject than he.

Upon her approaching the pair, her brother drifted into silence and offered her a simple nod of welcome.

She stared at him, silently demanding an introduction for it would have been rude to begin conversing without one and Aurora was desperate to get to know the woman who she only hoped might one day be her sister in law.

Alexander, having finally grasped his sister’s message, cleared his throat and made the introduction.

“Aurora, this is this is the Princess Chakrika of Hyderabad. Princess, this is my sister, Viscountess Aurora Bridgerton’s nee Grey.”

The two women studied each other for a moment and Aurora was quite content with her findings.

‘Yes,’ she thought, ‘they will make a most fine couple indeed.’

It was the Princess who spoke first, after she herself had made judgement of the Viscount and his wife.

She smiled at the girl broadly before speaking. “Your brother has told me much about you. I gather that you are newly married. I offer you my congratulations, Lady Bridgerton.” She spoke each word with a crisp vitality that rivalled any member of the ton. Aurora could not help but feel stupid in comparison. This woman seemed to proses an intellect far superior to her own - and she had said but a few sentences!