In the Gardens ~ Bridgerton

XXVII

"Well brother... do try to have a nice time." Josephine smiled at Simon as the two waited outside for the Bridgerton family.

"I will." Simon replied kissing Josephine on the forehead.

"I'm serious. If anyone should know about unhappy marriage it is me. You and Daphne love each other, promise me Simon you will try to fix it." Josephine pleaded with her brother.

"I promise." Simon sighed pulling her into a final embrace as the Bridgerton family bustled down the steps.

Simon pulling away stood beside his new bride, as Josephine was pulled into Anthony's side.

"Look after her Hastings." Anthony exclaimed light heartedly.

"Same to you Bridgerton." Simon smiled farewelling the group and assisting Daphne onto the carriage.

"I am sure Daphne will like Clyvedon, it shall make her feel like a princess!" Josephine exclaimed as the family watched the carriage depart.

"A little soon don't you think Josie." Benedict laughed as he reminded them all of who Daphne may have married.

"But you are right dear, that is all I want for her." Violet smiled kindly at Josephine as they all returned too the Bridgerton household. "I trust you will be here often Josephine, and you are welcome as you please."

Violet was so kind, Josephine thought as she thought of what it may have been like growing up with such a caring mother. Of course lady Danbury was wonderful, but there was something ethereal about Violet Bridgerton that could not be identified.

"That she shall!" Eloise chimed before Josephine could express her gratitude. "She has much to teach me, about painting and travel and men!"

"Eloise!" Anthony scolded at his laughing sister. "All in good time, but right now she is mine!" Anthony let out teasingly whisking Josephine out into the sunroom.

"Well hello there." Josephine whispered as the pair grew very close to each other.
She could get lost for hours in his chocolate eyes.

"I must request something from you my lady." Anthony mused holding her close.

"Whatever you wish." Josephine sighed out.

"Less talking." Anthony smirked as he pulled Josephine in for a passionate kiss. It went on for minutes, the two fighting for dominance, it felt as though time had stopped merely to watch.

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Dearest gentle reader, I must send felicitations to the new Duke and Duchess of Hastings. Congratulations and stamina as they embark on the most exhilarating time in a young couple's life. I am, of course, talking of the honeymoon. And as they flourish in this new experience, I do hope to see some new flowers bloom in the ton

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Josephine was sat having tea in the Bridgerton drawing room. A typical morning affair with Eloise stretched out on the couch busy in her journal, and Violet Bridgerton sewing on the chair opposite.

"I wonder what Daphne is doing
at this very moment." Eloise said wistfully.

"I am sure she has many new duties
to attend to as duchess, things you should be learning for your debut." Violet Bridgerton commented pointedly, as Josephine tried to hide her smile behind a sip of tea.

"Making simpering conversation, pretending not to wince every time a man treads on my toes during a waltz?" Eloise rolled her eyes at the very thought.

"Eloise!" Josephine scolded the young girl.

"I'm no good at those things. I'll only make a fool of myself." Eloise whined. Josephine couldn't help but remember her debut. She didn't have much of one considering the queen had watched her grow with Lady Danbury. She like Eloise dreaded the idea of being on show, especially for men, but she soon found she rather liked the chase, the thrill.

"If you devoted as much time to your deportment lessons as you did to writing in your journal, you might feel rather better." Josephine teased smiling over to the young girl. Josie had been teaching Eloise a multitude of things, how to paint, to sew, to hold herself in public. The pair got along swimmingly.

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It hadn't come as a shock to Josephine when Colin had announced his intentions to marry Marina Thompson. She did however feel sorry for Penelope who she knew had feelings for the Bridgerton boy.

But she would support Colin, for he had been nothing but kinda and accepting to her, and to her and Anthony. It was the least she could do for him, but clearly Anthony had different ideas.

Josephine was standing outside the room Colin and Anthony were in, pacing back and forth debating on wether to enter their argument.

"The truth is, I do not require
your permission to marry Miss Thompson...but I would very much prefer
to have your blessing." She heard Colin say pleadingly, but she knew how stubborn his brother could be.

"Then I am afraid I must disappoint you." She sighed hearing the words from Anthony's mouth. She wanted to rush in and cry 'he's your brother Anthony for gods sake.' But she refrained. The door swung open and Colin stormed out.

Josephine taken a back with the outburst lost her balance slightly but came to her senses as she saw Colin exit. She extended her hand grabbing Colins in her own.

"I support you Colin." She smiled weakly at Colin glancing back to Anthony who was sulking. "He may not see it now, but he does aswell."

"You truly are a light in his life Jo. I support you always." Colin returned the weak smile turning and exited through to the main room.

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We're back Bitches!
Hello again, it has been too long, but a much needed hiatus
As always let me know what you think!
Xx