A/N: Happy Thursday Lords and Ladies!! I bring you another chapter after a bit of time with my family, and taking time to recover from my second jab which made me all fluey and gross, so lots of period dramas to watch and be inspired by while I recovered! Here is the next installment.
Thanks for the new followers and reviews, they are appreciated, as always!
As always, I only own Iris and her interactions - everything familiar belongs to Shonda (as this follows the Netflix series).
Daphne, Lady Bridgerton and Iris had wandered to the Modiste to check on the order Lady Bridgerton had placed for Daphne. They ambled slowly along the street, arm in arm, laughing at jokes shared, and gossiping about the previous days events, as a gentle breeze tickled their skin.
Iris had marvelled when Daphne said she was having five new nightgowns made, and stifled a conspirational giggle when Daphne was perplexed as to why her mother said that they weren't really for her, but for the Duke.
Iris soon sobered when Daphne sneakily hissed that it would soon be Iris's turn on the pedestal for fittings.
Soon after, Daphne and the Duke, along with Lady Danbury and Lady Bridgerton had gone to petition the Queen, leaving Iris at Bridgerton house with the younger siblings. Colin had moved her harp into the pavilion again and Iris twanged the strings merrily as Hyacinth danced about the room, while Colin entertained Gregory.
Iris mulled over what Daphne said, and hoped this surrogate family would accept her, especially now that her feelings for Anthony had been reciprocated.
Distractedly, she changed tune to a dance she had heard this season, and Colin's laugh cut through her focus.
Colin smiled and stood asking Iris to dance, "But if we dance, there will be no music, Colin!" she declared, laughing breathily. Colin shrugged, unconcerned, and smiled widely when Gregory and Hyacinth began humming music, clapping their hands to start a beat.
Colin twirled Iris about the space, her laughter echoing throughout the brightly lit pavilion, and Benedict entered, face full of mirth as he stole Iris to his side to allow the poor woman to breath.
"Siblings, I must steal Iris away, for she has a delivery to attend to!" he saluted his brothers and sister, before escorting Iris to the house.
"What delivery?" Iris queried, her brow furrowing. Benedict smiled at her cheekily, "It seems, sister," he began, looping her arm into the crook of his elbow, "That we are to celebrate the wedding of my eldest sister, and that a frock has been ordered on your behalf."
Iris frowned, before her eyes widened as she stared at Benedict. Of all the siblings, he was her closest companion, her confidant and the balm to her emotional wounds. She squeezed his arm, turning to face ahead before sighing quietly.
"You know..." she breathed.
Benedict laughed once and nodded.
"I know," he agreed, before stopping in front of her door. "Iris, all I ever want is for you to be happy. If he makes you happy, then I could not be more pleased for you. I am merely glad he has finally woken up!" he explained.
Iris opened her door and entered her room to find an elegant white box on her bed.
Iris read the card fixed to the cream ribbon on the box;
it is my wish that you wear this to our sisters' wedding. I know you will look beautiful, so please enjoy my gift to you. -A
Smiling, she set the card on the bed next to the bo, and with trembling fingers, opened the box to find a very fine pale blue gown. It was powder blue from shoulder to floor and had an ivory lace overlay at the top, as far as the empire line, which was a deep, dark blue. Smiling, Iris moved to hang it in her wardrobe, returning to Benedict in her doorway.
"So, are you officially engaged yet, then?" he asked. Iris nodded, "he has asked me, and I have answered, I should think that sufficient, wouldn't you?" Iris responded cheekily, a smile lighting her fine features.
The morning of the wedding dawned. Iris had been ordered by Anthony and Lady Bridgerton to keep Daphne occupied. They promenaded that morning immediately after breakfast, and were ushered into Daphne's room to ready for the event while servants flitted from room to room readying Bridgerton House for this happy event.
Iris changed into her own gown, and braided her hair, slipping a sapphire necklace around her neck and glittering clips into her golden locks. Threading her fingers into Daphne's hair, Iris combed Daphne's hair softly, before settling on a style – a pouffed crown of elegant curls, with room for one of the Bridgerton tiaras to sit snugly on her honeyed hair. Daphne tapped her fingers on the bureau as she watched Iris in the mirror.
"Talk to me Iris, for I fear I might faint," she whispered. Iris gently squeezed Daphne's shoulder, biting her lip as she thought of what to say.
"Well, I suppose there is no harm in telling you this, but it must remain in confidence. Today is about you and I am only sharing this because I won't see you for a while after today," Iris whispered. Daphne scooted along her stool, allowing Iris to perch beside her daintily.
"Anthony has confessed his feelings," Iris began, and Daphne grinned widely, Iris took Daphne's hand in hers and continued, "and he has asked for my hand."
A squeal from the young woman in front of her cut off any further words from leaving Iris's mouth. A warm smile adorned the elder woman's face as Daphne shared in her excitement.
Iris stood and fetched Daphne's gown from the wardrobe where it hung, and helped her into it.
"Daphne, you look stunning!" Lady Bridgerton's voice came from the doorway as she entered the room.
Iris quietly slipped from the room, down to the ground floor and marvelled at the transformation. Daphne and the Duke's wedding cake stood tall and proud on the centre table in the foyer, while the servants were bringing plates upon plates of food out, and stacking champagne flutes neatly.
Iris moved to the door, when she was sunmarily tugged into Anthony's study, the door shutting with a quiet snap, before Anthony's lips found hers, pressing her back into the door.
"Iris!" he softly called between kisses, "you look incomparable!". Iris smiled against his mouth, returning his kiss with fervour, his hands ghosting over her bare arms causing her to shiver in delight.
Anthony stepped back and approached his desk, offering his hand to Iris who approached him. Pulling a long, thin package from his desk, he offered it to iris, who opened to find a long silken pair of opera gloves. Reverently running her fingers along the fabric, she turned her hazel eyes, full of mirth to AAnthonys chocolate eyes.
"It seems you enjoy buying me gloves, Lord Bridgerton," she breathed softly, lifting one of the gloves from the box and sliding the garment up one creamy arm, before repeating the process with the other.
Anthony smiled and kissed her cheek, "I would like it very much if you would sit beside me and mother in the church," he said calmly. Iris nodded once, nerves overcoming her.
His mother would undoubtedly read into that, and know exactly why he had requested I sit there, Iris pondered. Perhaps this was what he wanted.
Iris stood, kissed Anthony softly on the cheek, and approached the door again, smoothing her hands along her gown, smiling coyly at him, before she slid from the room.
Benedict caught her in the doorway, escorting her to the carriage where Eloise was fussing with Hyacinth and Gregory.
Gracefully climbing in, Iris settled herself beside Gregory, gently pinching his cheek, offering him a wink, before adjusting Hyacinths hair, and complimenting the soft feather sitting in Eloise's dark tresses.
Soon enough, they began their journey and the Bridgerton family entered the church. Iris herded the younger siblings into a pew, where Benedict slid into the one in front, Iris beside him, for the time being, and Colin in front again, leaving the front pew open for Lady Bridgerton.
They chatted amiably, as Will Mondrich the boxer, and his wife appeared, alongside Lady Danbury all sliding into pews opposite the bright eyed Bridgerton siblings. Iris smiled and offered a shy nod to Lady Danbury, who returned her gesture.
The Duke arrived, escorting Lady Bridgerton to the front of the aisle, where she slid into her seat, the Duke taking his place before the Archbishop.
Iris stood, having had a gentle squeeze of her hand in comfort from Benedict, as he ushered her forward.
Iris demurely sat beside Lady Bridgerton, face aflame as the woman turned to face her, a kind smile on her face. "It seems things have changed, dearest," Lady Bridgerton smiled, taking Iris's hand in hers. Iris opened her mouth to respomd, but was saved having to answer as Anthony and Daphne appeared, taking Daphne's final walk as a single maid.
Ethereal and angelic in pure white, Daphne glided down the aisle, shining brightly and Iris stifled a gasp at her beauty. Lady Bridgerton's hand clenched hers as she steeled herself against her emotions. Iris smiled and offered her a lace handkerchief, which was gratefully received by the Bridgerton matriarch.
Anthony slipped into the pew, between her and the Dowager Viscountes, taking Iris's hand in his and squeezing. Iris had to focus on the ceremony, lest she stare at Anthony's chiselled face for the entirety of the morning.
The party was splendid. Iris noted the merriment around her, a flute of champagne held delicately in her hand as she walked about the room. Iris picked up a grape before her next step was halted by none other than Cressida Cowper.
"Are you sad now, Iris?" she asked softly, "That there are no more single ladies your age in this household?" she cocked her head, her pretty hair shining its pale blonde.
Iris smiled demurely at her, "you know, Cressida, for a lady raised in society, you have very little breeding," Iris seethed, popping the grape in her mouth, she enjoyed its juicy flavour bursting on her tongue. Swallowing softly, she glanced Anthony and Lady Bridgerton gesturing her towards them and nodded once.
"Remember, Miss Cowper," Iris warned, "that if you do not marry this season, you will remain in the ton, and it does not do well to alienate possible friends, whatever their situation," she finished and curtseyed, leaving a surprised and pensieve young woman in her wake as she moved to join the two eldest Bridgertons.
"What is this, are you both conspiring?" Iris queried upon reaching them. Anthony smiled and gestured his mother, who began to lead Iris up the stairs.
"We have had a conversation in confidence, dearest and as your birthday approaches, we have endeavoured to get your gift a little early." Lady Bridgerton advised, a smile lighting up her warm features.
Iris cocked her head, eyes darting between the two, "Lady Bridgerton, you know I am comfortable in my situation and do not need anything more than the care and diligence you and your family have generously showed me," Iris said quietly.
Anthony scoffed, "Iris," he admonished, "be quiet and accept the gift," he ordered, his hand sliding along the banister as they ascended to the next floor. Up they went again, past the floor where the girls were located, past the floor that housed the boys and to the top floor, where Lord Bridgerton kept his rooms and Lady Bridgerton kept hers.
Lady Bridgerton gestured to the door leading to her private parlour and Iris approached it slowly.
Gently, she pushed open the door and entered. The room stood, as it always had, soft blues and silvers adorning the space. Iris turned to question Lady Bridgerton, when she noticed her harp in one corner of the room. Turning back to look at the doorway where Anthony stood, a soft look gracing his usually stern features. He stepped into the room, he smiled at Iris warmly.
"During our discussion, we agreed, as my future wife, that you should have the Viscountess' rooms made ready for you," he explained, taking her hand in his. Iris stared at him, wide eyed at the enormity of their generosity.
"I will not sleep in this house until we are wed, Iris, and so the privacy of these rooms will be yours. We can announce our engagement to the rest of the family this evening once Daphne has departed, and we can begin to plan our wedding."
Iris looked at Lady Bridgerton, whose hands were clasped in front of her face, eyes shining with happy tears.
"Perhaps you might consent to calling me mama when in private?" she asked. Tears bursting from her eyes, Iris broke down in sobs, moving to clutch Lady Bridgerton to her, embracing the woman who had been a second mother to her all these years.