Lady Whistledown POV
The fastest courtship upon record occurred during the markedly wet season of 1804, when Miss Mary Leopold secured a betrothal over a plate
of sugared almonds and licorice in just four and a half minutes. Of course, Miss Leopold and her new husband would leave London mere hours after their wedding. Reason unknown. Of all that I have imparted to you, dear reader, there is but one bit of wisdom you must heed most. One can never know the truth of a marriage hiding behind closed doors. Beware indeed, blushing newlyweds. You know not the future that awaits. Will there be hardship... or indignity? Or will one's future see
the rarest accomplishment of all, a true love match? As for which of these fates await the eager matches of the season of 1813, only two things will tell... Time, and, as always, this author.
Adelaide POV
Eloise had forced me to spend the morning with her investigating people at the moment we were harassing Benedict
"Then where did you meet her?" I question
"About town." he states
"At her shop?" Eloise questions
"Should you not be off somewhere, getting ready to attend your very first ball?" he questions
"What other places might Madame Delacroix frequent besides her shop?" Eloise asks
"Many places, Eloise for her many interests." he states
"You mean her many secrets." I scoff
"You should be careful, Benedict. Madame Delacroix may not be who you think she is. And consorting with her, well, there may be consequences." Eloise says
"I would have expected this from anyone but you two. You think just because Madame Delacroix has a paid occupation, or because she does not reside within Grosvenor Square, she's different. Is that it? That she is somehow less deserving of my attention because she is not whom polite society deems appropriate?" he states
"That is not what we're saying at all." I state
"Then what are ya'll saying?" he asks and I look away
"You are right. We should prepare for our sister's ball." Eloise says and I nod wanting to get away from the awkward conversation
"Perhaps you should." he says smirking. Later that day I had been roped into shopping with daphne and Lady Bridgerton it seems the Bridgertons were passing me around like a cake today
"The duke and I are going our separate ways. It is for the best, truly." Daphne says and Lady Bridgerton grabs here
"I know I do not always say the right things. And then the things I do say, well... They are not always what you wish to hear I am only able to offer you what I know. However difficult forgiving someone may be, it is necessary to move forward." she states and Daphne shakes her head
"That is not up to me, Mama. The duke is choosing to nurture some grudge against his father instead of allowing himself any... any kind of happiness. However am I supposed to forgive that? However are we supposed to move forward from there?" Daphne says and Lady Bridgerton turns to look at me
"What about you Adelaide? What do you think of the Duke?" she asks and I feel myself pale
"Your Grace?" Lady Featherington says thankfully interrupting the conversation "I do hope you are finding everything you need for Friday's ball. It will certainly be the event of the season. Of course, my young ladies will have to hear about the wondrous festivities the next day, seeing how they did not receive an invitation. Prudence, in particular,
is in tears about it." Lady Featherington says and I roll my eyes in annoyance.
"Is she not, Mrs. Varley?" Lady Featherington says nudging her maid
"Oh! Uh... A... Absolute watering pot, that one." Mrs Varley says unenthusiastically
"Perhaps you might explain to your young ladies, Lady Featherington, how they ended up in such an unfortunate situation, and who exactly put them there." lady Bridgerton says harshly
"Or perhaps we can make room. I certainly would have no problem extending my invitation, as I am sure all of us would like to forgive the errors of the past and move forward. Yes, Daphne? Lady Bridgerton?" I ask and Daphne swallows looking at her mum who looks at me with wide eyes
"If that is what you wish." Lady Bridgerton states
"How wonderful!" Lady Featherington says almost jumping up and down like a child
"Apologies, ma'am, but a carriage has arrived back at the house. A Mr. Crane is there." Mrs Varley says touching Lady Featheringtons shoulder
"I beg your pardon, but did you say "Crane"? Would that be a Sir George Crane?" I ask getting closer towards them. And the maid nods
YOU ARE READING
Bridgerton
RomanceOC x OC---Wealth, lust, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Regency-era England, when Daphnes best friend Adelaide must help Daphne through her debut onto Regency London's competitive marriage market. But when you add in the high society scanda...
