The Secret

Lady Danbury arrived back at her townhouse a few hours later after visiting Dorset House. She did not know what to make of what she had just learned. Kate Sharma, now Lady Thomas Dorset, was back in London with a son…whose father was very much alive, living at the other end of Grosvenor Square! She did not reveal any of this to Kate, however. Regardless of the story that Kate imparted to her, Lady Danbury was sure that Alexander Thomas Dorset, now the Baron Dorset, was Anthony Bridgerton's son. She has known Anthony for all of his eight and thirty years. In fact, she has known all of the Bridgerton children, in all of their years. She has seen their visages all of their lives.

Kate told a story of Thomas Dorset finding her as a governess in India while he tended to her charges. They fell in love quickly, since they knew each other previously, and married soon after. Apparently, she conceived straight away and, nine months after, Alexander was born. Although Kate didn't mention how long she had already been in India when Thomas found her, Lady Danbury knew that Kate would have been there long before he arrived as he had only left London eight years back while the Featherington Ball was a year before then.

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The Ton woke to the news, in Lady Whistledown of course, that the elder Miss Sharma did not attend the Featherington Ball. It may have been due to the fact that she had just recovered from her injury and that she did not yet feel she had the strength to attend. It was in the days following that the Ton found out that Miss Kate Sharma had left London and returned to India. Her removal from society may have been because her younger sister, Edwina, who was the Diamond of the Season, failed to go through with her wedding to Viscount Bridgerton. The elder Miss Sharma, after all of her efforts of securing a most enviable match for her sister, must have felt that she could not help her sister any longer. Thus, Kate Sharma returned to India.

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While the Ton now, in their gullibility, may accept Kate's story and the timing of it all, Lady Danbury knew better. She had seen the attraction Kate and Anthony had for each other back then. She knew something more had transpired between them on the night of the failed Bridgerton ball. Kate had not come back with them to Danbury House. When Kate was unconscious after her fall, one of the ladies maid later told Lady Danbury that Kate had come back early that morning all dishevelled; with jewellery, stockings, and gloves in hand. Kate had asked for the maid's help to get cleaned up and get her into her nightdress. Then, swore her to secrecy. How foolish of Kate to think that my staff would keep a secret from me!

Nonetheless, once Anthony found out Kate had left and sent out word to find her whereabouts, not caring who knew of this of course, the Ton was abuzz that Anthony's concerns for the elder Miss Sharma was possibly the reason why his wedding to Edwina was abandoned. After a few weeks and other lesser scandals occurring, the Ton's curiosity soon waned and the whole affair was soon forgotten . A year later, Anthony quit the agent he hired and withdrew from society. He only appeared when the last two Bridgerton girls, Francesca and Hyacinth, made their debuts and, later, secured their marriages. Nowadays, he was not one to accept an invitation to any social gathering, much less one from the Ton.

But how is the House of Dorset to continue its standing in society until the Baron is of age? How will he grow up without the Ton seeing who he resembles (because the resemblance is strong, to be sure)?

These questions and more ran through Lady Danbury's thoughts. She had hoped, nine years ago, that Kate and Anthony would openly reveal their true feelings for one another and marry. The Bridgerton name would have withstood any cut direct from the Ton. The Duke and Duchess of Hastings were part of the family, no less. Having the favour of the Duke and Duchess would certainly have turned the Ton towards the Bridgertons in the long run.

But what of now? Kate is the widow of the Baron Dorset and her son carries his name. However, he does not carry the Dorset feature; steel-blue eyes. This cannot be overlooked as the family portraits are hung in the halls of Dorset House. One would be a fool not to notice that all the Dorset males had steel-blue eyes. Yet, Alexander does not. But what of Anthony? Surely, he has a right to know he has a son…Oh, Violet would whole heartedly love Anthony's son along with her other grandchildren and her heart would be full!

Violet had also seen the love Anthony had for Kate. Although, it was not confirmed until after that wreckage of a wedding. She saw her son's pain when Kate was in her coma and then his painful relief when he heard the news that Kate had awaken. Violet told Anthony not to lose Kate…not to lose his love for her. Violet had left it at that in hopes that Anthony would take action because, if there was only one of her children that she wished for love and happiness the most, it was Anthony. This, Lady Danbury knew of her friend. Violet had never confessed this to her. However, in the last nine years, Lady Danbury has seen the worry in her friend's eyes for the life of her first born. He was alone and Violet did not want him to die alone.

But I cannot divulge my "suspicions" to Violet. It is not my place to bring attention to Alexander's parentage. No, Baron Alexander Dorset, son of the late Baron Thomas Dorset, he shall remain.

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Kate shakily poured herself a drink after Lady Danbury left. It was a long visit…

After Alexander introduced himself to Lady Danbury, she had a myriad of questions for him. Nothing of consequence really. She asked of his age; what he was knowledgeable of; his likes and dislikes; what he had experienced in his life thus far; and did he know who or what he was to become when he grew up. He answered her well; and to the last question, he answered that he was to become the Baron of Dorset (Kate already advised him of this) yet also to be a doctor like his father. It was a conversation between the two while Kate sat back with a smile, proud of her son, but holding her breath. Not that Alexander would divulge anything different. He only knew Thomas to be his father. However, under Lady Danbury's questioning, Kate felt that the old woman was fishing for something. After an hour or so had passed, Kate announced to Alexander that it was time for bed. Out of nowhere, Mr. Brown appeared to take the little baron to his room. Alexander rushed to Kate and hugged her.

"Goodnight, Mama. I love you. If you go riding tomorrow morn, please wake me and let me ride with you." Lady Danbury took note that Kate still took to riding in the early morning.

"We shall see, Chintu. I have much to do to set up our household now that we are to live here. Goodnight. I love you." Kate kissed Alexander on his cheek. He released her and left with Mr. Brown.

"He is a fine boy, Kate. Thomas must have loved him dearly."

Kate's head whipped around to look at Lady Danbury. Kate could not assess Lady Danbury's thoughts.

"Yes. Thomas was overjoyed when Alexander was born. He most likely would have felt the same had I given birth to a daughter, but a son released the pressure of continuing the Dorset line."

"Pray tell how you and Thomas came to find one another in India," Lady Danbury had requested.

And so, Kate carefully crafted a tale of newfound love and loss.

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The following Thursday, Lady Danbury sat in Lady Violet Bridgerton's sitting room, sipping on her Earl Grey tea. It was a fortnight routine that the two women started once Violet moved into her own townhouse. At first, the visits were held at Lady Danbury's house once Edwina Sharma married Lord Fyfe. When the couple returned from their honeymoon, they moved to his country estate and brought Lady Mary to live with them. After having the Sharmas live with her for a second season and now gone, Lady Danbury missed their companionship. Since Lady Bridgerton had been invited to tea from time to time while the Sharmas were there, Lady Danbury continued the invitation once they were gone. Now, it has been a regular occurrence, switching back and forth between their townhouses.

"So, tell me, what of news, Lady Danbury?" Violet queried as she sat down with her tea.

"Well, you must have noticed that Dorset House has come alive."

"Yes. The Baron and Lady Dorset have come back to live in London then."

"Well, Lady Thomas Dorset and the Baron Alexander Dorset that is…their son," Lady Danbury explained behind her cup of tea.

"Oh?" Violet asked in confusion.

Lady Danbury set her cup of tea down on the coffee table in front of them. She looked into Violet's eyes and paused. Should I tell my dear friend that Kate is Lady Dorset? I would not have to go into detail about the boy. After that fiasco with the Sheffields' and after the moment she and Violet shared when the wedding was paused, Lady Danbury felt that Violet Bridgerton could be a true confident going forward…and she was.

"Yes. The Baron Thomas Dorset passed away a year ago. It is his widow and son that have come back to live at Dorset House," Lady Danbury explained.

"Oh my! That is truly sad. I must introduce myself and convey my condolences to Lady Dorset. I do not believe I know of Lady Dorset. I know of Thomas as he was Anthony's friend in Oxford. Wasn't he also the gentleman that rowed with Kate Sharma when Anthony was courting Miss Edwina?"

Lady Danbury nodded. Violet continued.

"It was that day I had a feeling that Anthony was not set on Miss Edwina. He was not paying attention to our conversation nor to her. Then he was intent on helping Kate out of the boat. And when he fell into the lake…Well! He was in such a black mood for the rest of the day," Violet remembered.

"Violet…" Lady Danbury said, interrupting Violet's musings. She continued.

"Lady Thomas Dorset is Kate Sharma."

"You do not say!" Violet said with surprise. "What a story she must have to tell! At least, she has their son to remember her husband by." Violet knew all too well of losing the love of her life. It was not until the following years, that she was grateful to have her children around her.

"Indeed," Lady Danbury agreed. "Indeed."

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Kate saw the Bridgerton crest go by her sitting room window. Dear heavens! What to do now?! She called out for Mrs. Brown.

"Mrs. Brown! Mrs. Brown!"

"My Lady! Is everything alright?" Mrs. Brown asked, rushing into the room.

"The Bridgerton carriage has just arrived! Whatever for? I have not sent any invitations out…" Mrs. Brown shook her head as she did not know of the visit herself.

Just then Mr. Brown entered the room and announced, "Lady Violet Bridgerton, my Lady." He bowed and moved out of the way for Violet Bridgerton to enter the room.

"Lady Dorset…Kate," Violet greeted with a bow.

Kate returned her bow. "Lady Bridgerton! It has been too long…"

"Please, do call me Violet. Indeed, it has."

Kate motioned for Violet to take a seat. Then said to Mrs. Brown, "Please bring in some tea and biscuits, Mrs. Brown." Mrs. Brown nodded her assent and left the room, quietly shutting the door behind her.

"My apologies, Kate. May I call you Kate? I do not know you by any other name. However, you are Lady Dorset now. I guess I can call you that." Violet mused.

"Please, do continue to call me Kate. How have you been Lady…Violet? How is the family?" How is Anthony?

"We are all well. Before I go on, I must apologize for stopping by unannounced. When I heard that it is you who is Lady Dorset, I could not wait for an invitation. I had to come and welcome you back to London myself. I know it is most inappropriate. However, at my age, I do not care."

Kate laughed at Violet's last remark. She sounded so like Lady Danbury.

"Am I correct to say that it was Lady Danbury that you heard it from?" Kate asked gently.

"Yes, you are. Lady Danbury and I have tea every fortnight regularly. Since Lady Whistledown is no longer in circulation, we have resorted to getting news the old fashion way…to have tea! Oh, you must join us now that you are living here."

Kate smiled just as Mrs. Brown came in with a tea set and biscuits.

"Thank you, Mrs. Brown." Kate passed a cup of tea and biscuit to Violet and said, "I would love to one day soon, but I am still in the midst of setting up our household."

"Of course. Also, please accept my condolences for the loss of your husband. It must not have been easy travelling soon after his death…and what of your son? How old is he?" Violet asked.

Kate did not want to go there just yet. But the question was now asked, and it would be rude not to answer. In addition, any hesitation may raise suspicion…

"Alexander is nine years old," Kate answered.

"Oh, that is a darling age! Is he with his tutor now? I should like to meet your son. He must be a beautiful boy!" Violet gushed.

Kate was feeling uneasy now. Lady Bridgerton was not usually as forward as this…at least, that is not how I remember her to be. However, she had let it be known that Anthony was looking for a wife that one season. That was forward enough…

"My apologies, Violet. I believe that he is already down for a nap." Then, "I have not been able to secure a tutor for him yet, having only arrived last week. Do you know of a name per chance?"

"I am sure I can get you a name from Anthony. He is the one that secured all the tutors for his younger brothers and sisters. Has he been to visit you? Does he know that it is you that is Lady Dorset?"

"No. I have not extended any invitations yet. I did not wish to announce our arrival until we had settled." Kate said quietly.

"Of course…and you are most likely still grieving. I knew of Thomas. He was a friend of Anthony's, do you remember?" Violet asked with a pleasant smile. Kate was starting to feel even more uneasy. She wasn't sure how much Lady Danbury revealed to Lady Bridgerton of the surprise visit, such as this one.

"Yes…yes, I do. My apologies, Violet. I am starting to feel a headache coming on. I am afraid I must cut our visit short." Kate stood up, signalling for Violet to stand also.

"I understand. I did surprise you with my visit and I must have disturbed what plans you had for today." Violet gave Kate a short nod and headed towards the door. But then a small voice came through the door.

"Mama? Can I come in and have some tea and biscuits?" It was Alexander. Kate walked up to the door.

"I have a guest, Alexander. Please go to your room and I'll have Mrs. Brown bring some up to you," Kate instructed him, still through the door.

"Can I not meet your guest?" Kate looked at Violet. What are the chances that she would not recognize her grandson? Lady Danbury did not seem to recognize anything and usually nothing gets past her. Or did she? Maybe that is why Lady Bridgerton is here now…

"Another time, Chintu. Now, please go and ask Mrs. Brown for your tea and biscuits."

Violet, who was behind Kate, gathered a couple of biscuits in her hand.

"Oh, do let the boy have his biscuits now. We had not eaten any of these." With that, she opened the door and looked down at who she thought was Anthony at nine years old.