After spending the most grueling hours at Parliament Anthony and Simon left with similar troubling thoughts on their minds.
"I can't believe some lords are not taking this seriously!" Simon finally spoke up once they were out of earshot.
"You think they are involved in this offense? " Anthony ask while Simon's eyes darkened. "I wouldn't put it past them but we have to consider that only the most powerful people would dare to commit this crime."
For a while, both walked in silence, and then Simon looked around before leaning in to whisper into his ears. "Listen Bridgerton, I will be leaving soon to investigate this matter myself. Can Daphne and Auggie can stay with you until then? "
Anthony stared at his friend worriedly as he replied. "There is no need to ask, it's always your home but what is the matter? Do you know something? "
He shake his head as he climbed on his horse. "I don't know anything yet but I have this uneasy feeling inside me and I would be less worried if my family are under your protection while I am away. Just don't tell Daphne anything, I have to find excuse for her to stay with you."
"Don't you worry Hastings, I will write to her to stay with us while she assist me winning Countess's hand."
Simon laughed as he tapped his friend shoulder. "Thank you my friend, this will keep her busy while I am away."
With that he galloped away but not before saying his parting words. "Bridgerton! Best of luck with your Countess! I hope to hear good news soon."
Anthony smiled, 'Marriage has changed his friend and he hope to find same change after he marries his Countess.'
Benedict Bridgerton was trying to draw a human form but to his frustration he couldn't find anything to inspire him.
Tearing his yet another unfinished sketch he closed his book, It was then his eyes moved and they suddenly fell on young women walking behind Mrs Wilson. She must be around twenty years of age, maybe younger in her petite form.
She has light brown hair, oval face and beautiful eyes in almond shape.
"Lady Bridgerton, I have found new maid for Ms Eloise."
Oblivious to her son's reaction Violet Bridgerton stood up. "What is your name Ms? "
"It's Sophie Madam, Sophie Bennett."
Violet was taken aback by her pure English accent because Sophie Features are of Asian heritage."
"Ms Sophie sit down and tell me about yourself."
The girl looked nervous as she took a seat.
"I am one, twenty years of age. My mother was from wales and my papa was sailor from China he died in shipwreck when I was three. My mamma couldn't survive his death and died three months later."
Remembering her own grief Violet could sympathized with this girl.
"I am so sorry Ms Bennett."
She gave her watery smile before she continue. "My grandmother took care of me, she was ladies maid of Ms. Elizabeth Canterbury."
"Oh, yes! I remember her." Violet intervene remembering that serious old lady. "She was spinster daughter of Late Earl Canterbury. She was the only child and never got married."
"Yes my grandmother served her until old age, after my grandmother Passed away I took her duties until few weeks ago when Ms. Elizabeth died of fever. The new heir decided to sell her house and he dismissed us right away."
She sighed sadly and Benedict felt sad for this girl's struggles.
I have just arrive in city and luckily met Mrs Wilson in market overhearing her as she is searching for maid."
Mrs Wilson then took over the conversation as she explained. "Mr Andrew who was Ms. Canterbury butler was with Ms. Bennett and he vouched for her while praising her skills. She also have reference letter that Late Ms. Canterbury has written for her staff members when she first got severely ill."
She hand over her reference latter and Violet could see it was great recommendation.
"Very well, you can start right away Sophie. Mrs Wilson will introduced you to Eloise."
"Thank you Lady Bridgerton." Sophie curtsied and then her eyes fell on Benedict.
He was sure she blushed as she turned around and follow Mrs Wilson outside.
"Well, I hope she could handle Eloise. " Violet spoke up not knowing that her son was still staring at vacant spot where Sophie was sitting earlier.
At royal Ascot the ton was gathered and along with excitement of races there was some whispers are going about latest Whistledown.
"How did she get this news straight from palace ground is making our queen worried." Lady Danbury informed Violet in hushed tones as they walked behind her family towards stands.
"It's worrisome indeed but at least everyone is aware of this crime. How are those people faring?" Violet inquires.
Sadness etched on Lady Danbury face. "As far as I know, the royal doctors are taking care of them with their best abilities but they are far too weak and not in their right mind to make any conversation."
"Let's hope for their speedy recovery then. I hope our queen would get some answers when they are healed enough to say anything." Violet hoped and then smiled as she watched her eldest son approaching Countess Beaumont by his side.
"What a beautiful pair they make." She gushed and Lady Danbury has to agree with her friend. "Indeed they are, also your family color suits our Countess perfectly."
She was looking quite stunning in blue attire, a blue rose pinned elegantly on her hair.
"It seems everyone is staring at us." Anthony noticed. "They must be wondering what a stunning Countess like yourself is doing in arms of Viscount when she can have any man with a higher title."
He felt a soft hand squeezing his arms. " Let them notice my Lord, I am proud to be escorted by the most handsome man of the ton."
He smiled cheekily at her. "The most handsome man, huh?"
"Be humble Lord Bridgerton." She warned before smiling. "You are also very different, after all not many men presented me with bloomed tulip plants. Most of them bring me bouquets.
Kathani was indeed quite surprised when Anthony has arrive at her house and presented her with a potted tulip plant.
"If I may speak honestly, I don't like hurting flowers." He admitted in front of her in a sad voice. "An old friend of mine was quite against the idea of giving flowers and plucking them in the process. She gave me the advice to gif potted plants instead so they will keep blooming.
You can say that advice stuck with me over the years."
He watched as a strange expression mixed with pride and something more appeared on her face. "Oh, Anthony!" She whispered as a tear fell from her eyes."
Anthony was too overcome to be pleased for hearing his given name on her lips. Before he could react the spell between them was broken by two loud voices.
"Anthony! Anthony!"
They were joined by Hyacinth and Gregory who suddenly stopped and start gawking at the most beautiful Lady at his brother's side.
"Wow!" He looked at her with hearty eyes. " You are truly as beautiful as my brother says."
"Gregory." Anthony pulled his brother away from his daze state, while Countess smile widely at him. "Thank you, for the compliments and I must say, My Lord, your brother is far more handsome and charming than you."
Anthony looked outrageously at her while his youngest brother preened
at her praise.
"Allow me to introduce you myself, my Lady, I am Gregory Bridgerton. "
To Anthony's annoyance and Countess's delight he grab her hand and kissed it.
"It's pleasure to meet you Mr. Bridgerton." She smiles while fluttering her eyes making both brothers' cheeks red for other reasons.
"You are looking so silly Gregory! You can't impress Countess when you still can't learn your numbers yet."
Hyacinth pushed her brother away before looking at Countess. "Anthony is far better than him." She told her in serious voice. "He is Viscount, he took care of us and he is the best brother in this entire world! "
Anthony's heart filled with warmth as he pulled his younger sister in his arms. "You exaggerate."
"No, you are my best brother and far better than him. Do you know he hid my dolls?"
She informed Countess making Gregory splutters. " Only because you hid my marbles."
Both younger Bridgerton's started arguing while Anthony looked embarrassed.
It seems Countess took pity on him as she cleared her throat. "How about we take our places while your brother makes his bet ?"
"What about you? Do you want me to bet on your behalf?" Anthony ask to which she replied cheekily. "My Butler has already made it on my behalf, don't you worry about me and go make your bet. We will be saving you a seat while you are gone. "
With that, she smiled slyly and left calling his brother and sister to follow her.
"She is great with them. " He heard his mother as she reached his side. " That she is, now can you please join them before they could scare her away or worse Gregory offers courtship to her."
His mother laughed and he walked away, the quicker he makes bet the sooner he could Join his Countess.
While everyone is taking there place Lady Cowper, noticed Featherington's sitting closer with Countess Beaumont and Bridgerton's.
"What is going on, why are they sitting with Countess and look how fabulous their dresses are?!" She asked Lady Penwood who scoffed as she replied.
"Apparently Portia is new friend of Countess. It's been said that Countess will only except invitations if Portia and her girls are invited. She even took her youngest daughter as her companion. Oh! There she is, I must say this girl look decent enough, thanks to Countess upgrading her wardrobe."
Surely Penelope can feel many eyes on her as she approached where Eloise was seated along with Colin and Benedict.
"Penelope you look so stunning! Not that you never looked before but I must say this dress cut and green shade suits you a lot."
Penelope blushed and Benedict noticed Colin is staring at her as if she is the most fascinating portrait.
"You are drooling Colin." Benedict whisper making his brother snap out of his thoughts as he stutters. " You are looking quite fetching today Pen, like freshly grown plant."
Eloise glared while Benedict grimaced at his brother's lame attempt of complements.
"Thank you, I guess."
Colin groaned making fool out of himself but apparently he was not only fool as Anthony appeared walking over stand just so he could sit with Countess.
"Finally!" Anthony looked relief as he settled on his seat. "I thought I will miss this race, you won't believe the craziness over betting area."
"Oh really?" She asked in amused voice. "Do tell me which horse did you bet on?"
"Nectar of course!" Anthony boasted. "He is the favourite choice."
He thought he would impress her but she just scoff at him. "You mean, you chose the horse everyone was betting on."
His boastful smile vanished as he frowned. "Nectar has been winning in three races in a row, I thought it was a strategic bet."
But by the time he was finished with his reasoning Countess looked exasperated. "My dear Viscount there is nothing strategic about your reasoning. Do you know how Strategy are made? "
By this time not only Anthony but their entire party was listening in carefully as she begin.
"You first understand the field of your play."
( At that moment a man named Philip posing as homeless farmer reached at land looking for job.)
"You choose your players by utilizing there best abilities."
( At the same time in lower side of London Genevieve was gathering people for private meeting.)
"You choose your best player to play for you."
( At same time a maid enter the study and start searching for papers. In that moment Brimsily enter Queens room with an Army officer. "Your Majesty may I present you Captain Michael Sterling, he is here to guard our patients.")
"And with little bit of luck and Strategy like that victory is yours." Countess concluded impressing her party while Anthony admit reluctantly. "You think to much about it."
"I do and that why my horse High Flyer will win this race."
And to Anthony annoyance and secret delight Countess was jumping and whistling with Joy as High Flyer wins the race.
"Well played Countess." Anthony congratulate her as she beamed at him.
" I believe I deserve a prize for besting you My Lord."
"And what is it that you desire My Lady?" He ask and then felt nervous when her eyes glowed in mischief as she sneakily leaned in while touching his chest. "What I desire most is pleasure of your company, tonight if you wish it so My Lord."
With that she moved away ready to leave as she said. "I hope to see you soon My Lord."
In that moment they both knew that they will meet again soon.