Bridgerton

Ocean part- part 3

Adelaide POV

"Cole are you ok?" I ask as I walked back into the house after visiting Marina. As I looked into his room I see him holding what looks to be alcohol to his cheek 

"Do you want the truth? Or a lie?" Cole asks and I smile 

"Truth" I say as I move into his room 

"It seems I tried a little too hard to get in between Anthony and Simons fists" he says chuckling a little 

"Shall I call for Jeffries?" I ask and he smirks 

"No." he whispers and I sigh as I move to his bed side 

"Let me. Living with the four Bridgerton brothers, you cannot imagine the nasty cuts I have tended to over the years." I say and he holds out the towel towards me and as I placed the alcohol to his cut he let out a hiss 

"I'm sorry" I whisper and he smiles 

"It's ok" he says and he places his hand against my cheek 

"You're beautiful Addie you know that?" he asks smirking 

"Shut up or I'll press your cheek even harder" I say and he laughs 

"Beautiful and cruel of course" he says jokingly 

"So what were they fighting about?" I ask curiously 

"Let me give you a clue" he says and places a finger to his lips as if he's thinking "Rhymes with Raphne" he smirks and I laugh 

"Damn, wonder what it could be" I say and then he pulls my face closer to mine and places a kiss against my lips 

"So pretty" he states 

Lady Whistledown POV

Dearest reader, a question. Is anything more exhilarating than taking a gamble? For it is often the highest risk that carries the greatest reward. Yet, wager wrongly, and you might find yourself left with nothing but regret. Of course, one can never know for sure whether a wager
will make a fortune or ruin it, unless one chooses a more secure pursuit. But as the season continues, the biggest gamblers have yet to truly show their hand... which leaves gossip in short supply in recent days. In fact, this author can think of no other event that merits a mention. It is worthy of note, however, that the Duke and Duchess of Hastings have yet to entertain callers together. Our newlyweds are no doubt still secluded in nuptial bliss. Who could fault them? And who could be surprised if their diligent efforts are rewarded with a new arrival within the year? And let's mention the closeness between Lady Adelaide Waters and the Duke of Windsor at our latest event. It seems they are letting their guards down for us. And as Lady Waters 20th birthday comes into sights can we expect a surprise marriage?

Adelaide POV

"I wrote to General Langham, and I have told him all about Sir George. If he is a man of honor..." I begin to say but she interrupts me quickly 

"You wrote to the general?" she asks moving closer towards me 

"Yes." I say feeling confused

"And did the duke of Windsor sign his name as well on this letter? Or the Graces?" she asks and i shake my head 

"Well...no. But..." I begin but I look up to see the worry on her face "Marina, what is it?"

"The general will not concern himself to write back to you, Adelaide." she states and I feel my jaw open in shock 

"You do not know that. He will pay attention to the words of one of the most powerful ladies in London" I sate 

"Are you so unworldly?" she snaps 

"I... I'm sorry. I... Your help is greatly appreciated, but there is nothing more you can do." she says and I shake my head 

"Marina..." I begin 

"It is over. I have already accepted the fact. Thank you for your efforts." She states and then she gets up and leaves the room. When I walk into the house I see Eloise dressed 

"The fuck are you?" I ask and she laughs 

"Shut it Waters" she states and I laugh before walking away but then her footsteps follow 

"The queen will be in attendance at tonight's concert, will she not?" She asks and I tilt my head 

"I believe she will." I state 

"Then I am looking forward to it. But I must ask you for your assistance tonight" she says

"Addie" Cole states as he enters the hallway but then he looks up in shock as he sees Eloise 

"I'm sorry am I interrupting?" he asks and I look up to Eloise who looks nervous as hell 

"May I speak with you later?" she asks and I nod and she walks away 

"Are you ready? I believe the Graces have left already" Cole says 

"I am." I state and smiles before holding out his arm to me. When we finally arrive the place is already lit up 

"Drinks I'm guessing" Cole states and I nod 

"Thanks" I say as he walks away 

"Adelaide" Eloise says coming up to me and grabbing my arm 

"What's happening?" I ask

"Listen, I have been asked by the Queen to figure out who Lady Whistledown is and I need your help tonight" She says pulling me to where the Queen is 

"Lady Waters" The Queen states 

"She's safe your majesty" Eloise states and the Queen nods "And so you see, Your Majesty, it is clear as day. Lady Whistledown works closely with the members of the ton, yet she is not a member herself. She is a tradesperson." Eloise says smiling but the Queen looked less then impressed 

"Is that all?" her majesty questions 

"I beg your pardon?" Eloise says 

"I am no longer in need of your services." the Queen says 

"But, uh... my theory..." Eloise stutters looking flustered 

"It is not necessary. I have hired a team of Bow Street Runners to do a proper investigation. They will unmask Whistledown, and she shall be made to pay for her impertinence. That noxious gossip rag... will finally cease to exist." the Queen smirks 

"You want to silence her?" I question 

"But there is still good she must do." Eloise begs 

"Children, go." The queen states and we both get up and rush towards Benedict 

"How long is this concert?" I questions when we approach him 

"Three hours? Four? Though, uh, I certainly have already heard enough." Benedict states and holds up his hands for us 

"You are my most favourite Bridgerton brother. Do you know that?" I say and he smirks as we walk into the carriage I feel myself guilty for leaving Cole by himself 

"I would like to make a stop and pick up a friend." Benedict says interrupting the silence 

"A friend?" Eloise questions and I smirk looking out of the window 

"Should I not have a friend? I'm not bound by the rules of society. Please do not tell Mother." he begs and I laugh but as we come to a stop I turn to look curiously towards Benedict 

"Why are we at the modiste?" I ask 

"Mademoiselle Bridgerton and Waters!" the seamstress cries as she enters the carriage 

"These are my sisters, Eloise, and Adelaide  and we will be dropping them at home." he says and smiles I look back out the window as we settle into the silence but then the silence is broken 

"How... How was your night, ma chéries?" The seamstress questions and I let Eloise reply 

"It was... everything I expected. Horrible and terribly boring." Eloise says smirking 

"So this is why you do not wish to lower your hems?" she replies laughing 

"The entire ton were there, and I did not have a single worthwhile exchange." Eloise states 

"The entire ton? You mean, everyone except for the Featheringtons?" The seamstress laughs 

"Yes, everyone except..." Eloise begins and I realise where her mind has gone 

"them." I state and I see the images click into her brain 

"Is everything well, ladies?" Benedict asks and I smile 

"yes of course. Um may you drop me off at the Featheringtons?" I ask and Benedict nods but I see the look of curiosity in his eyes. When I finally arrive to the Featheringtons. Pen let me in and we walked together towards Marinas room 

"Marina? Can we talk?" I ask and I am met with silence 

"Marina? Are you still awake?" Penny asks and once again theres nothing. I suddenly feel the worry overcome me and I push the door open. The first thing I see are her feet 

"Marina! Marina! Marina!" I cry as I grab her in my arms. She's cold and her face looks drained of colour 

"Mama! Mama, make haste!" Penny cries and Lady Featherington runs into the room. 

"Marina? Marina, I'm here. It's okay." I whisper to her lifeless body.