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Episode 2: Off To the Races Chapter 8: Acceptance
The Danbury house was filled with suitors displaying their talents. "At least it is the men who are making fools of themselves this time." Naomi spoke to a girl beside her. "Was this your idea?" The girl asked. "I wish I could take credit, but no. Lady Danbury encouraged a poetry reading. The men, thanks to their spirit and competition, concocted the rest of this farce on their own." Naomi said with a slight chuckle. "of course they did." The girl spoke.
"Oh, yes. Marvelous." Lady Danbury clapped. "You are the viscount's sister, yes?" Naomi asked. "One of them. But do not hold it against me." Eloise said. Naomi and Eloise shared a soft chuckle as the next performance took place. "The fact the viscount is your relation almost makes me think better of him." Naomi joked. "we should certainly not give him too much credit, now, should we?" Eloise joked along, making both of them chuckle.
"What?" They both questioned at the performing art. "Yes, yes. How about a pause?" Lady Danbury spoke. Kate walked over to Naomi while Edwina went over to the refreshment table.
"I see you have not invited the viscount." Naomi starts. "Good thing, is it not?" Kate spoke. "Maybe." Naomi said. "Don't tell me you plan to be his friend again." Kate said. "Well.. If he is what our sister wants, I have to open up to him or else Edwina will never be happy." Naomi told Kate. Kate sighed. "I won't hold you back but only give you advice. The viscount is a man who cannot be trusted." Kate said.
Naomi sighed and nodded.
"I need you to teach me how to read that out loud." Anthony told his brother Benedict. "Byron? Did I strike you much harder than I realized earlier?" Benedict joked. " 'There is a pleasure in the pathless woods.' " Anthony demonstrated "oh." Benedict said shocked at his tone. " 'There is a rapture on the...' How does one make that sound good?" Anthony asks. "I am afraid that is not possible due to this poem being the opposite of good. If you had a good poem I would suggest you read it from the heart, or maybe even think of someone you love." Benedict suggested.
"Poetry is the art of revealing precious truth with words." Benedict said causing Anthony to laugh. "Quite right, Brother. You..Your're being serious?" Anthony asked, thinking he was being sarcastic. "mm-hmm." Benedict nodded. "Good God. Good night." Anthony said, trying to walk away. "What is it, truly to admire a woman?" Benedict asked making Anthony stop.
"To look at her and feel inspiration. To delight in her beauty. So much so that all your defenses crumble, that you would willingly take on any pain, any burden for her. To honor her being..." Benedict stopped to sigh. "With your deeds and words. That is what the true poet describes." Benedict finishes. "You should apply yourself more often, Benedict. Write that down." Anthony says.
" 'And on that cheek, and o-er than brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent. The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days in a goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent." Lord Elliot spoke, receiving claps after. "Gentlemen, thank you all for the most splendid display of your talents this evening. A memorable occasion, to be sure." Lady Danbury began.
"Pardon me. Lady Danbury?" A voice called. Behind that voice was Anthony. "Uh, Lord Bridgerton, I did not expect you." Lady danbury said. "No.." He said sharing a passing look with Naomi. "I seem to have fallen off the guest list." He continued. "Ah." Lady Danbury responded. "Though surely you'd never deny a young man you've known for nearly 29 years the pleasure of your company?" Anthony asked. "Well I--" Lady Danbury was interrupted. "And neither would your footman at the front door." Anthony said.
"Apologies, Viscount. You appear to be late, again. We were just bringing the evening to a conclusion--" Kate was cut off. "Surely Miss Edwina has time for one more." Anthony says, pissing Kate off. "I've spent all evening crafting something. An original." Anthony lied. "Would you like to hear it?" He continued. Edwina nodded, her eyes full of love for the man she barely knew.
"Would everyone like to hear it?" He asked the room. The room agreed. Anthony gave a smug smile to Kate and she just tilted her head as a go on.
" 'What is it...truly to admire a woman? To look at her and feel inspiration. To delight in her beauty. So much that all your defenses crumble, that you would willingly take on any pain, any burden for her. To honor..' " Anthony trailed off as he looked at Naomi. He quickly looked away. " " 'To Hon'--" He tried, but he was tongue tied. He soon crumbled the paper, throwing it in the fire.
"My apologies. I cannot do this." He said, making everyone look in confusion. "I cannot claim these words as my own. They are someone else's entirely." Anthony started. "Truth be told, im not-- I'm not a man of poetry." Anthony admitted. "Word of flattery are beautiful and sweet, but they are also hollow unless accompanied by action." Anthony spoke.
"Miss Edwina, I could stand here and pretend to be someone I am not. I could pretend to want the very same things as you, but i'd be lying. I may not be able to....offer the display of passion that you truly deserve. But I assure you that when it comes to action and duty, I shall never be found lacking." Anthony continued.
Edwina was love-struck as Anthony talked. "And I hope that is what will speak louder than any pretty words ever can." Anthony concluded. Edwina smiled and nodded. Anthony said his farewell and walked away, applauds following him. Edwina quickly got up.
"Did you hear that bon? he cannot give you the love you truly deserve." Kate spoke. "Does that make him a ban man or an honest one? It is the mark of a true gentleman. Just as Appa used to say. Yes?" Edwina said before leaving.
"Miss Naomi.." Anthony said once seeing her walk over. "I have taken some time to think and..I forgive you for your..deceitfulness. I just want you to prove yourself to be good to my sister." Naomi told him. "I promise I will. I want nothing more than to--" Anthony was caught off by Edwina's face. "Miss Edwina, a glass?" Anthony asked. Naomi raised a brow curiously and walked away.
As she stood watching her sister and her suitor Anthony made prolonged eye contact with her before looking back to respond to Edwina. Kate, seeing this, quickly left, bumping into a person on the way there.
✎ There are two things that lurk within the dark and shadowy places of our fair city. Vermin and secrets. I shall leave it to you, dear reader, as to which do the most harm.
One has to wonder what secrets the season's diamond is holding near and dear to her heart. And who shall she choose to share them with? The Viscount Bridgerton, perhaps? At least the elder Sharma's opinion on such a matter is certainly no secret at all.
Anthony's eyes searched Naomi as she talked to her suitors. His lack of attention caught his mothers eyes. Violet looked to where he was looking and sighed.
To be fair, one might call this author the biggest secret-sharer of all. For who else could possibly keep all of you honest? When even the most well-kept of secrets must eventually come to light.
