Two years Later
"Dearest gentle readers did you miss me?
This year our esteemed Queen chose Ms. Edwina Sheffield as her Diamond! As you all know she is the pride and joy of Earl and Lady Sheffield who shows their generosity to their wayward daughter Mary Sheffield ( previously known as Sharma ) after she is brought to shame by marrying a simple doctor who turned out biggest traitor to this country. The Scandal I hear is unlikely any other as he was executed on the spot when he tried to assassinate our beloved King. Let's hope that Ms. Edwina can bring back the glory to this family after years of enduring this horrendous scandal. Yours truly Lady Whistledown."
The scandal sheet was crushed by the angry Viscount who then proceeded to tear it into pieces startling his family with his reaction. "Anthony!" Anthony stared at her mother before shaking his head and then storming away.
A few minutes later Violet Bridgerton found her son pacing in his study clearly in great distress. "I am sorry mother, I know that my reaction towards mere gossip sheet is absurd but after all this time it hurts that people still refer to Dr. Sharma, as a traitor!"
Violet sighed sadly. "It was your father's great wish to prove his dear friend's innocence but..." She felt silent because they both knew that Edmund Bridgerton died before he could find anything.
"His innocence was not the only thing he wanted to be found," Anthony spoke out while staring at his father's portrait but picturing his ten years old menace of a friend, her curly long hair waving freely as they raced on Adbury Hall grounds on their horses.
"Anthony, it won't do you any good if you keep dwelling in memories." She squeezed her son's shoulder sympathetically. "It's time we should accept what we lost and concentrate to stay content with what is left." With that advice, she left knowing extremely well that what they lost is far greater than no happiness can compensate for it ever.
Lady Danbury was preparing to select an invitation for her opening season ball when her footman disturb her. "My lady this arrived for you." "What is it!" She inquires while still selecting her invitations. The footman hesitate as he held out the tray. "It's an invitation to the ball Mam. "What!?"
It was not just Lady Danbury but every notable family of the ton who gets the invitation in pure golden plaque with the Beaumont crest on it.
In Featheringtion's house, Portia is screaming at her girls and Mrs. Varle. "We must find the best dresses for ourselves. I believe friendship with this new Foreigner Countess will be most benefitting for our family."
In the Royal Palace, even Queen gets the invitation with a box of priceless gemstones with a note that says.
"I heard you prefer to collect diamonds your majesty but I find gems more befitting for the crown. I hope you will be honoring this jewel with your presence by accepting this invitation.
Your humble subject Countess Katherine Beaumont."
"This is intriguing." Queen mused finally feeling this season is going to be exciting.
Like every other morning found Anthony Bridgerton trotting on his horse wandering towards his destination. He was tired but resolute in living this duty-bound life. He was so lost that he forgot what it felt like to be young and carefree.
It was at that moment he saw a horse galloping away at full speed and a flash of tanned thighs with white stockings make him gasp in alarm. "Oi Ms are you alright !"
The chase began and soon to Anthony's relief and delight it seem the rider was not in danger but merely enjoying riding ( or now racing ) at full speed.
He saw a hedge a head and he tried to warn. "Careful there!" To his shock, she simply jumped with ease before turning to face him triumphantly.
At that moment the breath was knocked from his chest and his heart skipped a beat as he watches the most stunning creature smirking at him on the top of her horse. 'Has Athena descended on earth?' he wonders.
He tipped his head happily acknowledging his defeat something he didn't do in many years, with a pang his mind went to another girl but he knows it is impossible she can be her.
As he contemplates this the rider was gone in a flash making him wonder whether she was real or a fragment of his imagination.
The Night OF Ball
The Guests arrived as they lingered in a magnificent garden for their host. A small bearded man steps forward. "My Queen and my esteemed guest welcome to Beaumont Ball and now let me present you to your host, the magnificent Countess of Beaumont!
At that moment Anthony along with the rest of the guests watched a spectacular display of fireworks and among them from the sky a hot air balloon descending on the ground. Four acrobats were hanging on a rope in four corners and slowly they watched in awe as that balloon landed smoothly on the ground. Like Anthony, many people of ton gasped at the most stunning woman dressed in a magnificent plum gown, her hair partly done like clouds surrounding the moon, her jewels shining on her body like glittering stars as she stepped outside with an air of confidence.
Anthony noticed the same triumphant smirk of his goddess rider as she watches them amusingly before she says in a strong yet beautiful voice. "Greetings."