At age of thirteen Anthony was more aware of his duties in absence of his father. 'Its your duty to man the house and protect everyone in my absence.' He would say to him whenever he had to leave his family at Aubrey Hall to travel for urgent matters.

This time it was even more then urgent matter. They had lost Doctor Sharma. It said that he was executed on the spot while he was attempting to assassinate the King.

"No! No!" Kathani cried when this news reached Aubrey Hall in the form of a letter with a royal seal on it. "My Appa would never do this! He was a Doctor he saved lives not take them! He was an honest man not a traitor!"

"We know Kathani." Edmund tried to console this young girl. "Anyone who knew Milan can vouch for his character. "

Anthony felt sad but he stayed strong for his friend.

" I need to go!" She announced while getting up on her feet. "My family needs me. I don't even know what to do? What will they do with my Appa's body? Where is Mama and Dina?!"

"Sit down Kathani dear." His mother pleaded while looking helplessly at her husband who says. "We don't know details yet and this letter only brought this grave news."

Standing up he patted her gently as he promised. "I am leaving for London right away and once I get all the answer I will call for you but until then you have to stay with family."

"But!?" She protested but he stopped her with reminder. "Your Appa left you under my protection when he left. Your mama and sister were at her parents house I will meet her later.

He can see she wants to argue so he reminds her in stern voice. "It was his wish you stay here and you will stay here until I call for you." With great reluctance she finally agreed and they watched his father as he left with promises that everything would be alright...

but same night everything went wrong. "Khatani! Khatani!" His screams were echoing as he ran after the carriage taking his friend away and he saw tears falling from her eyes as she screamed from open window. "Anthony!"

He opened his eyes feeling disoriented both by his surroundings and the nightmare that he had after a long time.

Turning over his back he rubbed leftover sleepiness from his eyes. Leave it to him to be plagued with old nightmare after spending such a wonderful night with the woman of his heart.

'Maybe something is wrong with my mind.' He considers this possibility for feeling fulfilled and empty at the same time.

"Do you always frown every morning? Or this is special occurrence after spending night with me?" He finally looked at her voice and found his Priyaey staring at him as she laid on her side of bed.

Giving her bashful smile he turned to face her, he wrapped an arm around her waist and bring her closer so he could give her sweet kiss.

"I was frowning because I was hoping to find you in my arms." He told her with a pout on his face before giving her a teasing smile as he asked. "But enough about me, first tell me were you awakened and then staring at me rather than starting your day?"

She blushed but tried to act indifferently. "You think highly of yourself my lord, I was here to make sure that you are sleeping comfortably."

"I was quite comfortable my dear." He moaned as his hands travelled over her nightgown. He cupped her derriere, giving it light squeezing which earned him delicious moans as she arched herself closer to his body. "Is that's so?" Then why do you feel so distressed in your sleep?"

His exploration halted as he looked deeply into her dark eyes. "We all have our secrets Priyaey, some more painful then others."

He felt her shiver in his arms for a few seconds before she managed to smile at him. "You are right. Let not divulge into painful topics when we can talk about something else."

"Like what?" "How about, I missed my morning ride because someone exhausted me deeply to move. I think that third time my legs stopped working at all!"

He smirked with pride hearing how much she enjoyed their love making. It was something he had never experienced in his life.

Before her all women that came into his life were satisfied by him as much as they pleased him. He was a considerate lover but not enthusiastic and would leave soon they would finished their tryst. With Countess it was different experience all together. After having one taste of bliss they become ravenous for each other. He made love to her three times more after their first time. The second time happened soon afterwards in amidst of their sweet kisses When she pulled him on top of her and soon they were joined again, gently loving each other.

The third time happened a lot later in the night when they sneaked into the kitchen for milk. "Shouldn't we wake up a maid?" He asked uncertainly as he watched her gather a few logs of wood.

"Why would I want to disturb them for something I can do it myself." He never knew that watching a woman lit stove with so much finesse could arouse him to insanity.

She gasped as he suddenly yanked her away from the stove and kissed her hard. "Anthony what?!" She managed to gasp as he picked her up and settled her down on top of wooden table. "Please darling!" His voice was shaking with need as he rucked her nightgown over her legs. "I need to have you right now!"

She didn't inquires about his sudden desire as he took his pants down enough to fuck her hard on the table while kissing away her screams of pleasures as he moved vigorously inside her.

It was only afterwards when they were both fed as they enjoyed warm milk and fruit cake on her bed in each other arms that he admitted. "I don't know how to lit a stove and I don't think any one from gentry knows to do it either but watching you doing it with so much ease did something to my loins."

As he expected she burst into laughter and started teasing him mercilessly so to save him from further embarrassment he took her again and even in the midst of moans their laughter were heard in the night.

While reminiscing their pleasurable moments and her complains about missing her morning ride give him an idea that can help both of them in equal measures.

Anthony pulled her on top of him as he asked in a sultry voice. "Apologies My Lady, Do you want to go for a ride now?"

She arch her brow as she settled comfortably close to his hard member, he could feel her arousal coating his skin. "Are you offering yourself as my trusted steed?"

"Oh! You can thrust me all you want." As he expected she burst into laughter, shaking on top of him." That was so bad!"

They both laughed and then moaned as he slipped inside her.

He moans as her walls deliciously clenched around him. "Its best you begin your ride before your steed is rendered useless." He managed to warn as he felt shamefully out of control with his arousal.

"Now we can't have that can we." With a seductive smile she almost let him slip out before thrusting herself back on top of him.

He groaned as she started moving on top of him hard and fast. Her walls were squeezing life out of his member with each rotation of her hips.

She looked as enchanting as she did that morning on top of her horse. Even more in her sheer gown, her dark skin glistening in sunlight. Her black hair flying widely as she rode him to her heart content.

The Most beautiful sight was the way she smiled so freely and her eyes rolled in pleasure.

He still can't believe that this marvellous creature has chosen him for some reason.

He never truly understood what being blessed means until he was making love to her. He truly now feels blessed in every way.

"Anthony! Come here and kiss me." She requested hoarsely. The way he moves so fast makes them groan as he went even more deeper this way. He wiped away a few sweaty curls away from her face before giving her the most heated kiss.

He felt her sigh as soon their lips touched and from then on their tongues were mimicking the movement of their hips.

They were kissing each other sinfully while doing sinful things to each other bodies.

Her hands were busy exploring his naked skin while his one hand was holding her neck as he kissed her, his other hand was busy clutching her round bottom as his lifeline as he helped his goddess ride him.

As great things started he could feel their release approaching. Finally detaching his hand from her skin which he sure would leave a print on it, he bring it between them and started touching her where they were joined.

"Ahhha! Anthony more! She gasped against his face while clutching him hard. He moved his hand even more faster and she bucked wildly before screaming his name ripped off her mouth as she found her release. "Anthony!"

He felt losing his sanity as he felt her shattered in his arms and after a few wild thrust he pulled away and spilled on her drench nightgown.

Aftermath they both sat still. Their skin glowing as they kissed lazily each other, sighing in fulfilment.

Finally both lovers toppled as they laid wrapped in each other arms. "Countess." Anthony sighed against her lips. "You have outdone yourself this time. Did you enjoy your ride?"

"Hmm, my steed was one wild beast but I have overpowered him easily."

Smiling at her cheekiness he kissed her breasts from gap of her unbutton shift. "Then he is yours from now on."

Her eyes twinkle as she kisses him cheerfully before pushing herself up. "Hey! Where do you think you are going?!" He asked while trying to pull her back.

"To start my day, after all Countess is known for her busy schedule." He pouts but with a quick kiss she got up to start her busy day. "Now get up my Lord or you will miss the delicious breakfast I have asked to prepare for you."

With that she left, leaving him smiling at her retreating form.

It was late into morning when Anthony arrived at Bridgerton House.

He tried to sneak into his study hoping to not bump into anyone but alas that was wishful thinking because he met his mother near his study.

"Anthony? Where have you been? You were never late before?"

He grimaced as he quickly lied. "I was working late and woke up late mother."

It was not a lie per say. He was working hard last night to please his Priyaey but his mother didn't need to know that.

Their courtship be her concern but their affair is not and he intends to keep that way.

It is already bad that her staff and Miss, Penelope Featherington knows about them. The breakfast was delicious but quite awkward until Countess assured him that in her home she could trust everyone.

"Do you want me to send a breakfast tray to you?" "What?" He asked again, not hearing her clearly due to his thoughts. "Do you want breakfast?"

"No! I mean, I already had my breakfast, don't you worry about me." With a smile, he tried to slip inside when his mother stopped him. "Oh Anthony, please be done by afternoon for our picnic."

With a swift nod he ran inside and only breathed easily once the door was closed. "Need to think of many excuses for being late." He told himself because one thing is certain he is going to be late a lot in future.

It was a nice afternoon for a picnic as ton gathered near the lakeside.

The Bridgerton family with their staff and guest (Countess, Lady Danbury, Featherington's and Countess butler Jacopo.) Were sitting inside one of the biggest tent in park.

The elder ladies were busy gossiping while staring at Viscount and Countess as they sat together in the corner laughing about something.

Hyacinth and Gregory were playing some game nearby.

Prudence and Philippa were busy discussing her upcoming wedding preparations with Mr Finch.

Colin and Benedict sat together but while Colin was busy consuming biscuits as he discreetly tried to stare at Penelope who looked beautiful like Aphrodite in her ivory dress.

Benedict, on the other hand, was trying to discreetly draw a sketch of new maid Sophie as she was watching over Eloise, Francesca and Penelope as they talked over new hero Zetara.

"Do you know some Naval officer claims in Time's to know about her." Francesca told the other two but apparently everyone has started listening to her with interest.

"He says in his interview that there was a pirate named Zetara he met a year ago. He recalls she was a dark skinned woman, fluent in Spanish and she saved Army officers from drowned battle ships without caring about which country they belonged to."

"You mean to say that the legends of Zetara Priest are real?" Colin ask his eyes filled with wonder.

"Its true, even Simon has heard of her when he was returning home from his great tour." Anthony told everyone what his friend told him when he first read this name in Lady Whistledown.

"A pirate woman?" Portia mused while fanning herself. "Must be victim of great tragedy if she landed with Pirates. My late husband has cousins who own ships and come across pirates from time to time. I once overheard their dealings with pirates and even in pirates there is law that they won't brand woman as their equal unless she is victim of great tragedy. Oh and she has to prove herself by fighting to death with one of the other pirates."

All the women and girls in their party were completely impressed while men seem skeptical of this story.

Only Countess seems bored as she yawns before standing up. "Well, I am tired with these imaginary tales of some masked hero."

"My Lord would you accompany me on the promenade?" She asked while giving him that look. "It will be my pleasure." He stood up and his mother, Lady Danbury and Lady Featherington stood up as well, to chaperon them from enough distance.

Once they were far away from hearing distance he asked. "Are you alright? My family alone can be overwhelming and now we have Lady Danbury and Featherington's in a mix."

She smiled and patted his hand in assurance. "I adore each and everyone of them and they are all entertaining in their own way. I just want to spend some alone time with you."

He couldn't help as he gave her bashful smile. "You still want to spend some alone time? I thought you needed some respite from me after last night. Aren't you tired of me yet."

"Tired of you." She whispers in his ear. "Never." She quickly kissed the skin beneath his ear.

"Countess!" He mocks outrage as he stared around them but it's seem no one noticed this little exchange. "Control yourself woman! Think about my virtue. You can't comprise me." He glared playfully as he scolds her, making her laugh in return. "I think I have ruined you repeatedly last night my Lord and you enjoyed it a lot."

They both started laughing at that and Anthony pulled her even more closer to his side. He was so lost in his Priyaey company that he didn't notice a man calling his name until he was few feet apart.

"Its been a long time Bridgerton?" And Anthony turned to come face to face with the man whom he referred to as Grim Reaper.

Violet was busy in deep discussions with other ladies about Lady Danbury's upcoming ball, when she noticed a familiar face approaching her son.

"Is that Welsh?! He used to be captain in the royal navy." She inquires hoping beyond anything she was mistaken.

"Ah yes, he is Welsh. Nowadays he is known as Commodore Welsh." Lady Danbury confirmed.

"Yes, he got promoted a few years back." Portia informs them. "Rumors are he is going to be promoted as vice admiral soon."

"Oh no!" With that Violet made haste to reach her son and just as she thought he was standing still but his eyes were filled with rage. "Lady Bridgerton it's great to see you too!" Welsh tipped his head at her and then to other ladies.

His eyes fell on the beautiful woman at Viscount side but before he could get better look his sight was blocked by Viscount who stood in front of her like shield.

Turning away from his hostile eyes, he speaks directly with dowager. "I was just telling your son how great it is to see him in better circumstances."

"You meant which circumstances Welsh?! Anthony asked raising his voice with each word. "The one where you dragged an innocent girl from our footsteps! Or when you brought news of her death!?"

But Welsh looked unbothered as he smiled in a mocking way. "Still upset over that traitor's daughter death Bridgerton?" He rolled his eyes as he told him. "You should be grateful that chit died in the sea, otherwise your father has planned to put her permanently as a noose around your neck."

By this time his brothers and the rest of their party had reached them. Benedict and Colin didn't knew what has gone wrong but they never saw their brother this angry as he took a menacing step towards this unknown man. "Brother stop!" Benedict pleads while Colin helps him holding their brother back.

"Anthony! don't do this son! this is not a place." But he was not listening ready to tear this man apart.

Anthony does not care either that this man is an officer with a sword on his person.

"Be a good lad and listen to mommy." He mocks as he took step closer. "You are still that little boy unable to do anything just like your father was unable to do anything."

A growl erupted from him as he yanked himself free but then two soft arms pulled him back. "Anthony don't! Killing this man won't bring back what you lost but it will cost you what you have." Welsh still couldn't see but apparently this woman was a siren as anger evaporate from Lord Bridgerton face. "Come everyone, we are leaving."

Anthony then gave one last glare at his direction as he threatened. "Stay away from me and my Love ones and keep it in mind I am not that helpless boy anymore!"

Welsh watched as they left and laughed because who would dare to harm him? He was an important man to important people.

The mood in Bridgerton house was tense as everyone from their party (except Anthony who stormed away in his study and Countess follow him) sat in drawing room lost in thoughts over today's unfortunate event.

"I never saw our brother this angry before. Who was that man and what was he talking about ?" Hyacinth was the brave one to finally ask what others were too scared to inquire.

"Sophie please take young ones upstairs." But Gregory stood up. "No mother! We deserve to know why is Anthony so upset? And let me remind you that officer not only mocks our father but he also mock your son! The man who was both brother and father to this family!"

Violet was stunned as she watched her younger children looking so resolute and distraught by their brother's pain. Her older children were same even if they didn't outburst on their brother's behalf. And even though Lady Danbury and Featherington's are not family she can see concern in their eyes and after what they witness it didn't matter much what they know or not.

Sighing she stood up and behind her husband portrait she bring out a sketch which she showed them.

Benedict knew it's their mother drawn sketch and he immediately recognized his father and Young Anthony but the other two people. "They seem familiar mother?" Benedict asked as the sketch was passed between them.

"I don't know if you remember them dear but the other man in this sketch sitting with your father is Doctor Milan Sharma. He and your father became great friends some would say they were as close as brothers."

"Oh!" Both Lady Danbury and Portia recognized this name even if they never knew him personally.

While the rest looked confused at their reaction Benedict looked sketch again. Both men were sitting on bench at Arbury Hall and two children were playing on the ground. One was his brother and the other was a young girl and somehow she seemed familiar. "Mother, I know this girl."

Violet smiles as she nods her head in confirmation. "Yes dear, that is Kathani she was you brother's childhood friend, his best friend and she was like sister to you all." The sketch came into Colin's hand and even he could recall this girl face. "She used to give me sweets."

"I remember her too." Eloise says excitedly as faded memories came to her. "She used to teach piano and flute to Daphne and read to me, Fran and this other girl who was around our age."

As hard Francesca tried she couldn't remember her and she wondered why? "What's her name again mother?" She asked hoping her name would help her memories. "Khatani." Her name was Khatani Sharma."

Eloise gasped as she picked up the past tense. "Was?"

Finally every eye on her Violet let her tears fall. "Yes dear Kathani Sharma had died in the sea long ago."

"But, what was she doing in the sea?" Gregory ask in a small voice. "Where was her father?"

With deep breath Violet begins. "Doctor Sharma came from India some twenty years ago to teach uses of wild herbs for making medicines and curing severe illnesses. He was a widower with a young daughter."

Violet smiles fondly as she remembers that little girl. "Khatani was such an angel but she was competitive and strong-minded. Your father used to tease she was Bridgerton in disguise. Our families met at the Queen's anniversary luncheon and since then we were great friends and that friendship grew strong when Doctor Sharma married Lady Marry Sheffield. She was Earl Sheffield only child."

Her face fell as she remembered the hardships they faced for love. "Their was a love match unlike any other. Mary was Diamond of her season and king stepbrother Victor, who was Admiral at that time, was courting her and it was said they would marry soon but Mary fell in love with Milan. She tried everything but her parents wanted her to marry the Admiral and finally gave her no option. They ran away to Greta Green and come back as Mr and Mrs Sharma."

" The Sheffield was ruined." Lady Danbury told them what she saw afterwards of their daughter's departure. "And although Admiral forgave them and went back to sea the King and Queen were angry for his pain."

"Yes I have heard they faulted Doctor Sharma for seducing Lady Mary." Portia spoke up with gossip she heard around this scandal.

" It was a lie." Violet defended him as she says. "Milan tried to warn Mary of consequences they have to face but by that time they were in deeply in love and not only that but Mary couldn't bare to leave Kathani and she made her choice. Still blame fell on Dr Sharma and he lost his job in Royal academy and Palace. They didn't have job or home and at that time your father gave him job at Arbury Hall.

He became our state Doctor while doing his research. His family was living with us and slowly things got better. "

What do you mean things got better?" Benedict inquires.

"Within a year Mary gave birth to a daughter. They named her Dina but you may know her as Edwina Sheffield." "Eloise gasp thinking about sweet girl who debuted this season. "Ms. Sheffield?"

"Yes dear. As soon as she was born Lord and Lady Sheffield forgive their daughter and even if they acted tolerable around Milan and Kathani they adore their daughter and granddaughter once again. They even offered lands to Milan which he denies but soon his old position was given back to him along with pardon from the king and queen.

At that moment it seemed everything got better at last but then two years later everything was destroyed in the blink of eyes.

( Flashback

Violet and Edmund were sleeping deeply when a pounding on the door wakes them up.

"Edmund! Edmund open up!"

She quickly covered herself with a robe as she watched her husband open their bedroom door. " Milan What in the hell is going on?!"

She watched as both men stepped outside the room but she could hear frantic voices.

"I cant explain much my friend but I have to leave now! There is evil planning going on and it is necessary that I go to London by myself. All I ask is that you take care of my Kathani no matter what happens to me. Please Edmund swear that you will protect my little girl."

"Milan I don't understand? Where are Mary and Dina?"

"They went to London to celebrate her parents' anniversary and you know how they feel about me and Kathani so we decided to stay back but now I have to go. I will get them later once my job is finished but until then keep Khatani safe."

( End of Flashback)

"That was the last time we saw him. Two days later we got a letter that he was executed in attempt of assassination of King.

Your father was devastated and Kathani's world turned upside down in second.

We got no news of what happened, we didn't knew what was going to happen now. So your father left to get some answers.

Khatani wanted to go but he asked her to stay behind. Oh I wish now he would have taken her with him! I wish I was strong enough to stop what happened that night!

While Violet tearfully retells everyone, Anthony was crying in his study.

He can feel his Priyaey soothing touches as she sat beside him comforting him with her words. "Tell me what happened? Share your pain with me."

And so he told her about that night.

( Flashback

"Khatani come inside its getting late!" But today she was not in a listening mood as she kept crying while trying to climb their secret tree house which both of them made with help of their fathers.

Once inside she opens her treasure trunk and place gold bangles and old plants book inside her trunk that already filled with her Amma's painting, her bridal lehanga, Her doll and soil from India."

"Here, now everything is inside once Mary and Dina will come for me I will have all my things with me."

He looked confused. "What are you talking about."

"You heard your father Anthony, they called my Appa traitor. They will throw us out of this country. We will go back to India."

He shook his head in denial as fresh tears fell from his friend face who continued. "I will miss everyone. Auntie Violet, Uncle Edmund all your sibling and you. Francesca is just a baby so she won't remember me but others will forget us in time. Will you forget me too?"

"Stop talking you are not going anywhere! Come with me! We will talk with mother and she will tell you are not leaving anywhere."

With great difficulty he managed to bring her home but both children stopped as they saw a man in uniform and their Mother outside.

"Is that her?" One of the officers asks and Violet shakes her head. "No!" Children please go inside." But officer ignored her and walked towards them. " What is your name girl?" Anthony stood in front of her in a protective stance. "Who are you asking her name, this is Viscount Bridgerton home you cant barge in like this interrogating our family!"

The officer rolls his as he leans down. "I am Captain Welsh, now tell me little Lord are you Viscount Bridgerton?"

He glared at him as he felt Kathani shaking behind him. "Is your mother Viscount Bridgerton huh? I don't think so. So be a good little boy and go to your mommy and let us do our job, okay." He ruffles his hair and then forced him aside and another officer grabbed his arms as he watched Officer Welsh grabbing Khatani 's arm. "Come traitor daughter, you are ordered by King to ship back to India."

"No! No!" Khatani screamed as she tried to fight of officer hand. "My Mama and Dina are not here?!"

"Oh, Lady Mary Sheffield renounced you and your father. She is Earl's daughter and pardoned by King but you are just a traitor orphan."

"No you lie! Aunt Violet! Anthony save me!" But the officers were blocking their path as they watched helplessly Khatani being pushed into the carriage.

"Anthony!" She cried for her friend who bit his officer hand and ran after the carriage but Welsh stopped him and pushed him down hard on his back. "Stay down little Lord you can't do anything!"

He watched as carriage start moving and he ran after them but they were moving away fast. "Kathani! Kathani!"

"Anthonyyyyyy!"

End of Flashback)

"By the time my father came home Kathani was gone. He had all the documents to make sure she would live with us but by the time we reached port her ship was gone."

He felt his tears being wiped away and he grabbed her hand and kissed on it. "You know my father used to say he failed as friend and father when we lost Khatani. My father gave me everything I asked. He contacted his friends and one of them was able to locate her. We waited a year and a half when finally Welsh came along with my Father's friend. They told us that a fire started in the Cabins where Kathani was staying. She' She perished even before she could reach her soil and like other victims they threw her body in the sea in middle of nowhere."

As fresh tears burst from Anthony's eyes a broken whisper ask him. "How were you sure she was dead?"

"It was Welsh, he was the captain who was assigned to take her to India. He recognized her body out of all the victims who died." He felt a kiss on top of his head. "Don't cry my dear, your friend is alive." His eyes momentarily widened at her words which she soon corrected. " I mean even if she is gone beyond your reach you have kept her alive in your heart and as long it is beating I promise that her heart is beating too."

He smiled in understanding. "She would have loved you too. You both are alike in many ways, I think you would be great friends." If only there was a world where he could see her grow up. He wondered how would she looked like.

It was late at night Commodore Welsh was leaving White's Club.

He was completely drunk but elated, soon he would be promoted to higher rank.

He was walking in deserted Lane when he notice a lone figure standing ahead, dressed in black, a mask covering dark eyes.

"Hello Captain Welsh."

"Who are you? And What you want?" He asked in slur voice.

"Nothing much. Just your Confession about all crimes you have committed under the guise of your rank."

He cursed at this woman while taking out his sword. "Leave Bitch before I kill you."

But the masked woman was unafraid as she walked towards him.

" There was A young girl you once send to hell in exchange for few coins and then framed her death by showing another girls death body."

He laughed as he boasted. "I have sold many girls and killed even more! Which one are you?"

"It doesn't matter who I am. What really matters is what I am going to do with you."

Apparently Welsh had enough as he charged at her but the girl was ready, with swift turn she moved away just in time and Welsh collided with a brick wall.

Blood was pouring out from his forehead as he screamed in anger and attacked again.

Their swords clash in night and all his training and experience were useless in front of this girl as she slashes his body with her sword.

That morning on the grounds of The Palace a man was found beaten and bloodied, hanging high between two trees as he was screaming, confessing his crimes.

The queen watched this scene from her balcony hearing his screams of confessions.

Meanwhile, Anthony and his Brother arrived along with other men as they watched Welsh confessing all of the crimes committed in his lifetime. "I am a traitor! I had taken advantage of my rank and used to sell people in slavery, I sold little girls for money! I am a traitor! I am a traitor!"

"Get him down Brimsily!" The queen commanded as she give one last look to this disgusting man "I want to know all his crimes and who pays him to do them?!"

And as Anthony Bridgerton watched with great satisfaction, his nightmare Grim reaper being dragged away by palace guards, Kathani Sharma watched him from her carriage with a triumphant smile on her face.