The Viscount Who Loved Me ¦ A Bridgerton Fanfic

Chapter 24

Lady Whistledown
Society Paper
Monday, October 4th, 1814
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COUNTRYSIDE CHARM

Ladies and Gentlemen, the most esteemed event if the season is fast approaching. The Hearts and Flowers Ball.

After the drama and scandal the last month has caused, I believe we deserve to put our feet and have some well needed rest.

One can only wonder what Lady Bridgerton has planned for the upcoming weekend.
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Carina's POV

Today was the day members of the ton would be arriving at Aubrey Hall. The previous week was eventful. A competitive game of pall mall saw Anthony and I covered in mud, all Colin's fault due to the fact he shot our balls into a swamp.

I had also managed to read a lot from the library and paint a few landscape watercolours.

The morning seeped through the window as I got out of bed. I got dressed into a cream coloured dress with a crimson waist and sleeve hem. I paired the dress with gold and ruby jewellery and crimson shoes. After putting my hair into a bun, I wore a crimson headband with golden embroidery.

Whilst travelling to the drawing room, I ran into Anthony so we walked together. When we got to the drawing room I sat down next to Hyacinth as she ate her breakfast. I grabbed a bowl of fruit containing cooked apples, pears and rhubarb all sprinkled with cinnamon.

Soon enough, people began to arrive. We all gathered at the front of the hall. I had grabbed my cream wrist gloves and a crimson shawl.

First to arrive were the Featheringtons, all dressed in an array of yellows. Poor Penelope. Next were the Sheffields and Lady Danbury dressed in wines from champagne to merlot.

After everybody arrived, we gathered into the grand conservatory. Orange and lemon trees were scattered inside of beds. Near each orange tree, jasmines and chrysanthemums were planted along with some orange pansies. Near the lemon trees were lilies and yellow chrysanthemums.

Lady Bridgerton walked onto a small platform and began to speak.

"Dearest guests, I am delighted to have you all here with us for a weekend. I dearly hope that you enjoy the many activities planned in preparation for the Hearts and Flowers Ball." She spoke with confidence and gratitude and received a round of applause from the guests. "Now I am sure you are all tired so I will have my footmen show you to your rooms."

Two dozen footmen entered the conservatory in two lines. There were twenty-four families in attendance, twenty-six if you include my own and the Bridgertons. The footmen were dressed in their usual wigs and dark blue coats. They escorted each family to their chambers.

I had decided to take a walk in the walled garden at the right side of the estate. It was beautiful. The walls were covered in various pastel-coloured climbing hydrangeas as well as some ivy in the mix. Flower beds were home to shrubs, white roses and lilacs. Everything was planted in a symmetrical manner but still held the natural asymmetry that plants and wildlife possessed.