Reflections of the choices

Chapter two

"I once believed love would be (burning red)

But it's golden

Like daylight."

"Daylight" by Taylor Swift

Anthony, standing aside from the hustle and bustle, realized with cold certainty that the diamond of the season, Edwina Sharma, was now out of his reach. Despite all his efforts and plans, his sister Daphne had outmaneuvered him. In this, he could not help but admire her perceptiveness, though he also felt a sting of disappointment. More than anyone, he understood that his plan had been foiled.

At the other end of the room, Violet, observing her children, carefully watched every move. She, as always, remained the best mother, attentively assessing each situation. Her keen eye missed nothing, and when she noticed how Daphne introduced Edwina to Prince Friedrich, everything fell into place.

Lady Danbury, standing nearby, could not help but notice the young countess's clever maneuver.

"It seems the countess will make an excellent mother," remarked Lady Danbury with a slight smile.

Violet looked at her old friend, a glimmer of approval in her eyes.

"Yes, she has done surprisingly well," she replied with a smile. "But still, one would hate for the season to end without at least one Bridgerton wedding, wouldn't one?"

Lady Danbury, hearing these words, thought for a moment. She knew she had to support this turn of events and decided to take control of the situation.

"I suppose it's time to play this field to the end, Violet," Lady Danbury said with a slight smirk. "It's time to invite the Bridgertons to my estate. Let their pride no longer stand in the way of what is meant to be."

Violet nodded, her face expressing resolve. She knew that for Kate and Anthony, the time had come for them to confront their true feelings. And now, there was nothing left that could stand in their way, except for their own stubborn hearts.

Several weeks passed. At Lady Danbury's estate, amidst the spacious and well-tended gardens, Edwina, Violet, and Lady Mary, the mother of the Sharma sisters, sat on the terrace. Smiles adorned the women's faces, but Edwina's attention was fixed on the scene unfolding on the lawn before them.

They were playing Pall Mall on the grass, and among the participants were Anthony and Kate. Each stroke was accompanied by sharp remarks and light banter, but for the keen observer, it was obvious that behind these biting words lay much deeper feelings.

Edwina frowned, her gaze becoming thoughtful. Lady Mary noticed this and asked with gentle concern:

"Is everything alright, dear?"

Edwina shifted her gaze to her mother, but it was clear that her mind was preoccupied.

"Everything is fine, Mama," she replied quietly. "It's just that lately I've been watching my elder sister and the viscount. First the scene by the lake, then the hunt, and now this. Are they really so blind? Or do they naively believe that we see nothing?"

At this, Violet, Lady Danbury, and Lady Mary exchanged knowing glances and laughed. The laughter was light, but it carried with it understanding and wisdom.

Violet looked at Edwina with a gentle smile.

"Dear," she began, "love is a strange thing. Sometimes those caught in its very vortex see the world differently from those who stand on the sidelines. But you're right—they must come to realize what is happening between them. And I'm sure they will, soon enough."

Lady Danbury, always ready to offer her sage observations, agreed with Violet.

"Pride can cloud one's vision to the point where they can't see or hear anything around them," she remarked with a light laugh. "They build completely unnecessary walls that block their own happiness. And all we can do is leave them alone and allow their feelings to tear down that wall, giving their hearts the freedom they need."

"It seems," Edwina added with a hint of amusement, "that they had better figure out their feelings before the preparations for my wedding begin."

Violet and Lady Danbury exchanged glances full of understanding and laughed.

"Dear," Lady Mary said, patting Edwina's hand, "your wedding will be magnificent. We will do everything to make it unforgettable. And as for your sister and the viscount... their time will come too. Don't rush them."

Edwina smiled, but there was still a touch of unease in her eyes. She knew that her wedding to the prince was predetermined, and she was preparing for this new role. But what she saw between Kate and Anthony troubled her. She hoped their feelings would find the right path and that their pride wouldn't become an insurmountable obstacle.

"I've been the archer, I've been the prey

Who could ever leave me, darling?

But who could stay?"

The Archer by Taylor Swift

The last ball of the season, hosted by the Featherington family, was one of the most dazzling events of the year. The splendid decorations, exquisite refreshments, and impeccable music created an atmosphere of true celebration.

The ballroom was filled with light and radiance, the sparkling chandeliers seemingly reflecting every ray of the candles, creating a magical glow. Guests, dressed in the most elegant attire, moved about the room as if dancing to a complex symphony. The ladies were clad in luxurious gowns of silk and satin, their hair adorned with delicate tiaras and jeweled pins. The colors of the dresses ranged from soft pink to deep burgundy, each one embellished with fine lace and jewels that shimmered with every movement.

Penelope, standing to the side, observed the proceedings. Her gaze was fixed on Marina and Colin, who had arrived at the ball with their children. Portia Featherington noticed her and beckoned her over to admire her nephews.

"Look at them, Penelope," Portia said proudly. "Aren't they just the most handsome babies?"

Penelope smiled, her expression softening as Colin handed her one of the twins.

"See," Marina added with a gentle smile, "they've already taken a liking to you. You know, I think you'll make a wonderful mother someday."

Colin, who had been smiling as well, suddenly grew serious, his smile slowly fading. Violet, noticing this, quickly intervened:

"These children are very lucky to have someone like you as their godmother, Penelope."

Penelope nodded, but her heart felt heavy. She could feel her emotions beginning to overwhelm her, and after returning the child to Colin, she said:

"I think I'll go check on Eloise. She hasn't been seen for some time."

Colin, usually so affable and always ready with a word, remained silent. He felt his heart tighten with an unbearable weight. Marina and Violet's words had struck a deep chord within him. He knew that Penelope had always meant something very important to him, but now, standing before her, he felt that their friendship was taking on a new meaning for him.

Using the silence as an excuse, Penelope quickly made her way out of the ballroom. Her steps were quick, but as soon as she was alone, the tears she had been holding back all evening began to flow down her cheeks. She tried to calm herself, but the pain in her heart was too strong. Penelope hurried to her room, where she hoped to find solitude and peace.

Entering the room, she saw Eloise sitting on the bed. The tears in her eyes had not yet stopped, but the sight of her friend made her pause.

"You... you're Lady Whistledown?" Eloise asked, her voice quiet but filled with pain and disbelief.

Penelope, left alone in her room, walked to the window and gazed out at the fireworks lighting up the night sky. Determination filled her eyes, and she picked up a quill to write a new Lady Whistledown column. After finishing, she donned her cloak and quietly headed to the carriage waiting at the entrance.

But a few minutes into the journey, Penelope noticed that the carriage was heading in an unexpected direction. Her heart began to race, and she started knocking on the window, trying to get the coachman's attention. But the only response was silence, and the carriage continued to speed forward until it finally stopped at the grand gates of the queen's residence. The door of the carriage opened, and a footman, bowing, announced:

"Her Majesty is expecting you, Miss Featherington."