Secrets & Scandals •Anthony Bridgerton•

Shock and Delight Part II

Shock and Delight Part II

Ester quickly scrambled to her room, clutching the two letters she received to her hand. It wasn't much but she couldn't dare go out into society at this given time, it was too embarrassing. Everyone would toss her a coin and say "Here, you need it more than me."

It shocked her how just a week ago, everyone wanted to walk next to her and now, because it came out her family had no finances no one could spare her a second glance.

She received a letter from Daphne, and a letter from Simon. Quickly ripping open Daphne's letter, she was eager to find her friend had not abandoned her at all.

Ester Dear,

I'm so sorry to hear about your family's money troubles, in fact you should have told Anthony! I'm sure he'd of been able to help keep it under wraps! Or even be a friend in need. Despite the pair of you quarreling so, I'm sure he couldn't find himself to turn you away.

As for me, my dearest friend; I've had a little bit of a situation that I am sure you must know! For I shall go mad not telling you. Lord Berbrooke at the Vauxhall Soiree found me in a rather uncomfortable situation. Words let to words and there I found that I had...dare I say it...slugged him! Oh I was mortified, however satisfying the account may have been.

That, Ester, is how the Duke of Hasting's had discovered me. Keeping my secret, he's agreed to continue my image to allow me to find a better suitor and please his dear friend.
I do apologize for using your dear friend so, however I cannot stand on the side lines anymore. This is all the news I have, do join me and mama later this evening, let me treat you!

Your Dearest Friend,

Daphne Bridgerton

Ester didn't know what to think of her letter. It was a little unsettling to come across her dearest friend using her other friend in a manner, but if the two agreed upon a rather handsome deal she wouldn't be the one to squash their happiness.

Tearing into the second letter, from the Duke of Hastings; she quickly read the contents of the letter, which was rather brief.

Ester,

I'm rather cruel to myself at this time, knowing that our meeting was the cause of the scandalous gossip Lady Whistledown discovering your family secrets, matters that shouldn't be discussed in papers. I find myself seeking an apology. You'll find myself and a few other comrades at the Boxing Ring, please, I know these things don't bother you so, meet me there later this evening and we will settle the matter of the Lady Whistledown gossip. It is the least I can do for so great a friend.

Simon

Ester, shocked that Simon would even want to be seen with her, for fear of tarnishing his own reputation, would even want to continue their weekly secret meetings. Unbeknownst to her family, she had been meeting the Duke, who provided her a small fortune for her father.

Written from a "secret friend" she would slip the money in her father's desk. At first the idea of sneaking someone else's money from a dear friend had made her uneasy.

When Simon suggested he would have no heirs in his lifetime, he would in turn treat her as the family he'd never have. Wishing to assist neighbors and friends when help was most needed. In return, he only asked for Ester's friendship. Realizing they did in fact need the money, she bashed society and quickly grabbed her gloves.

"Mother! Father! I'm going out to see Daphne, I'll be back later!" With that, she eagerly walked towards the direction of Boxing Ring.

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