In dark night outside of small town near London, Will Mondrich enter a small inn. He knew from his experience that many fighters came here for that concoction.
"You want drink mister?" A inn wench asked him. Her dark skin look glowing than most of the other serving girls here. Her head was covered with a scarf.
"Two drinks and make it large." He then walked towards his old friend Cedric, the one who first told him about that herb concoction.
"Will! What are you doing here?" The wench bring their drinks and then went to serve the next table.
Lowering his voice, Will asked. "I was thinking about using those Concoction."
"Finally! Being moral cannot help with hunger. I am sure I can arrange some for your next fight but the price will be high."
Will looked around and the wench was picking up shard of glass she had broken. "Why? You told me it was quite cheap in prize?"
"That was before Arthur Smith was steward and was selling that stuff, under Hastings Crest but in the last few months ever since the new Duke took control. Smith has gone underground and now selling this stuff privately is becoming costly, hence the rise in price."
While Will tried to digest this information Cedric ordered another drink to wench.
She gave him a smile and left but instead of getting drinks she told another wench to serve that table.
She then stepped outside and walked alone in the dark night until she stopped when she saw a man waiting for her on a horse. "So what did you find out?"
"They are selling those herbs in some kind of concoction. Apparently Duke of Hastings old steward Arthur Smith was supplying them under Hasting Crest until new Duke took over."
"So has he stopped supplying now?"
"No Michael, he is still supplying to lower classes but now he raised its price because he is doing this privately while being underground."
With that Michael gave hand to Genevieve as she climbed and settled in front of him in his horse.
"Send a letter to Kathani and Michael start searching for this Arthur Smith."
With that Michael started riding and soon He and Genevieve were far away from that inn.
Two days later, after Countess departure Anthony finally left his lodgings and come home.
As soon he stepped inside Every eyes fell on him, some in worry some in pity but he ignored everyone. "Good morning everyone, Mother I have lots of work to do so make sure no one disturbs me."
As Violet watched her son heading towards his study she knew in her heart he was suffering from great loss. It's been years since she last saw this devastation on her son's face. "Benedict, Colin go see your brother."
Daphne was also standing up when she was stopped by her mother.
"Don't, let your brothers try first and if it doesn't work out then you can go to your brother."
They didn't bother to knock as Benedict open the study door. Instead of working Anthony was clutching his head as if he was trying to concentrate but unable to it.
"Brother? Are you alright?" Benedict asked worriedly as he and Colin looked at their brother eyes red filled with pain.
"I don't know? Ever since she left it's felt like a part of me is gone with her! I tried so hard but couldn't convince her to stay. She says she don't feel safe here anymore that she needs time to figure out her next step but I am afraid, what if she decides to never come back! What will I do then.?!"
Colin hurriedly stood up and made a small drink for his brother.
They watched as Anthony quickly finished it and then they tried to comfort him.
"Brother, I think you are worrying over nothing." Benedict told him in a soothing voice. "Maybe Countess has gone for a change of air like many people of the ton had to recover from the shock of recent events."
"Its not like that, my Kate is far braver than those people of ton!"
"You need to remember she is still a gentle bred lady." Colin reminds his brother. " Look how sick Penelope got and Eloise got nightmare about Willis murder and Lady Danbury yesterday told mother how Queen blood pressure had risen after finding out Herbert and Penwood perishing in fire that very same night. People are scared since that attack Anthony! Even we were scared and Countess is only human."
Anthony finally felt some of his fears evaporate as he found wisdom in his brothers words. "I think you both are right but still I have this feeling something was wrong about her departure."
Before his brothers could try to placate him a knock stopped them as one of the servants brought a letter from the Duke of Hastings.
Anthony quickly took the letter and dismissed the servant. As the door closed he quickly read the letter.
"Simon is heading for Bath." He informed others.
"To Bath but why?" Colin inquires."
"I have written about our conversation with Humboldt in my reply and since he can't find Smith's whereabouts he has send Mondrich to find out more about those concoction and he is heading to Bath to meet Doctor Timothy Dorset to find out why our father wants to meet him right after his fight with Smith."
Benedict's eyes lit up as he said. "Then you should go too."
"What?"
"Anthony, we used to play with his son Thomas when we all get together in London for season. Simon don't know them but you can pretend to see them because of our old acquaintance."
Anthony seemed to be struggling but then Colin words made the decision for him. "Pen says Countess is recovering in Bath. Maybe you can kill two birds with one stone. Help our investigation and your love story by going Bath yourself."
Finally the shine returned in Anthony's eyes as he excitedly stared at his brothers. "Great idea! I will go myself and if I am lucky I will come back with more information and as an engaged man."
After that all three brothers took drink again and start preparing for Anthony's trip.
That night after Anthony Bridgerton departure for some urgent matter and once Sophie made sure that everyone in the had gone to sleep, She quietly walked upstairs and found Penelope waiting for her on top of the steps.
"Are you sure everyone is asleep?" Penelope asks and Sophie shows her small empty bottle. "Philip's sleeping medicine, I have poured it in pea soup and that's why I have warned you to not drink it. Now everyone will sleep till morning and no one will disturb us."
Both girls then walked towards Viscount study and once inside Sophie quickly locked the door.
"So what exactly are we searching for?" Penelope asked as she watched Sophie knocking on the wooden walls.
"Honestly speaking, I have no idea." Sophie replied as she then started looking at ledgers. "When I first start working here I have searched this entire study to found out if Bridgerton's ever worked with Willis, Sheffield's or Crane's."
Penelope looked curious as she asked. "So what did you find out?"
"Nothing just one old investment deal with Sheffield that has rejected written on it. Apparently Late Viscount Bridgerton's old steward wants to make this deal of lending their lands and Viscount Bridgerton has rejected the deal."
Sophie pulled out that ledgers and her eyes lit up. "Look Penelope. Willis sign is on it and this deal idea was suggested two years after Kathani's father was executed."
"I think Viscount Bridgerton didn't want to do anything with Sheffield's." Penelope concluded.
"That's what Kathani thought but after Kathani asked us to find out about employees that were fired or left right after his death it remind me of this ledger." Sophie then points at the steward's name on paper.
"Arthur Smith." Penelope read the name as she asked. "Did he leave or got fired?"
"Fired." Sophie replied. "According to Mrs Wilson Lord Bridgerton has fired his steward right after his father's funeral and she also told me that Late Viscount often used to fight with him about some investment ideas. I think he tried to make the same deal with Anthony and failed."
Penelope's brain starts working as she says. "This steward must be working for Sheffield! only heartless person could try to talk about business while a young man has just lost his father."
"Or maybe he was trying to benefit from this vulnerable moment."
Suddenly a knock from the window startled them as they saw Genevieve and Michael's faces. Penelope quickly rushed and opened the window so they could climb inside.
"You both wont believe what we find out in are research."
Genevieve and Michael then start explaining what they found out in the lower area of London and nearby towns and villages.
"Arthur Smith?" Both girls repeated the name and Michael stared at them strangely. "Why are you saying his name like this?"
"Because he was not just Hastings Steward." Sophie informed them as Penelope showed them ledger. "He worked for Bridgerton's too."
"That bastard he couldn't take advantage of Bridgerton's so he targeted Hastings next." Genevieve yells angrily while Michael looked shocked. "He needs an old family so that he can supply that stuff under their crest and this way if anything goes wrong then that family will be blamed."
Fear grips Penelope's heart as she cried. "We can't let this ruin life of Duke of Hastings because then Bridgerton's will also suffer from this blame!"
Michael quickly assured her. "It won't come to that, once we find Late Viscount collected proof then the truth will be out in front of everyone."
"There is no proof here!" Sophie yelled in frustration. "I have checked Lord Bridgerton study many times and according to his servants he didn't have study in his lodgings! If there is any evidence collected by Late Viscount it is not in this study!"
While Gen and Michael looked dejected by this news suddenly something clicked in Penelope's mind. "We won't find any evidence here because it's not here?"
"What do you mean?" Sophie asks.
"This is Lord Anthony Bridgerton study! According to Eloise and Colin, they came here after Late Viscount's death and Anthony took his place in Parliament. They both also mention how it's been years since they closed down Aubrey Hall. Eloise says except for few trusted guards and servants no one steps inside that house and whenever Lord Bridgerton goes there he instead stay in small cottage that he build on those lands because it's too painful for him to go there."
"That still didn't explain?" Michael asked but Penelope gave them an excited look. "This study was never much used by the Late Viscount because before his death they used to spend the majority of their time in their Country seat, Aubrey Hall!"
Genevieve gasps as Sophie also figures it out. "So that means."
"Any evidence we want to find we will find it, at..." "Aubrey Hall." Michael completed her thought and they all felt one step closer towards that evidence that can destroy their enemies life.
"We need to inform Kathani..." But Michael stopped talking when he heard voices of footsteps. "Someone is awake! You both go back to your room and Gen and I will deliver that message to others."
They watched as Michael and Genevieve climbed out of the window and both girls quickly put the ledger back and once they were sure everything was the same as before they quietly stepped outside.
They both were moving towards the staircase when they stopped as they saw Benedict and Colin coming from the wing where the Billiards room was situated. Both looked like they were suffering from headaches as Colin eyes fell on them first. "Pen! What are you doing up so late?"
I?" Penelope stutters while Benedict looked suspiciously at Sophie. "What about you Ms Bennett? What are you two doing outside your rooms.?"
Penelope was sure they were caught by these two brothers until..
"Do you really want to know Sir?" She asked in a calm collected voice.
When both brothers gave her an authoritative look she wrapped her arms around Penelope as she informed them in a clear voice. "Ms Featherington starts her monthly bleeding late at night and she came to me to help her with clean rags and some tea for comfort."
Penelope squeaked in horror while both men blanched and turned red in discomfort as Sophie led her away. "Now If you both gentlemen are done interrogating us about our womanly business then I bid you both good night."
Both men move aside to let them pass while earnestly apologizing to them.
Once they were alone in Penelope's room she inquires angrily. "My monthly bleeding! You couldn't Come up with better lie!?"
"I can but next time Benedict Bridgerton thinks about suspecting me he will remember this embarrassing moment and that will make him rethink a hundred times about interrogating me."
In the other part of town Michael and Genevieve together finished the letter detailing each discovery and revelations the four of them made in these last few days.
In the end of that letter they both emphasized on one part.
"If you want to find those evidence first find way to get inside Aubrey Hall! There is great reason that Bridgerton's haven't visited once in so many years and only great reason can force them back to return home."
Yours truly Michael and Genevieve.
The Palace was a place for wonder but for a child like Kathani who has come from a different country thought she was stepping into a fairy tale with beautiful statues and glowing lit huge hallways.
She then walked towards where her Appa had shown he works. The palace hospital is different from other hospitals she visits. It was grand and beautiful.
Unnoticed by elder eyes she slowly walked inside searching for her Appa but she couldn't see him anywhere.
She finally reached the last bed and saw someone she recognized. Her father assistant, whom she calls Uncle Timothy, was sitting on a chair beside an old patient bed showing him some sort of paper.
"Boo!"
"Ah!"
She laughed as her uncle jumped in fright and then clutched his heart as he playfully glared at her. "Kathani Sharma you scared me.!"
Picking up his paper, Kathani saw it was filled with Alphabets and numbers with steel arrow in the middle like some kind of clock. "What is that uncle Timothy?"
The Doctor's eyes glowed excitedly as he helped her in chair and showed the strange paper to her. "This is one of my inventions! You see Sir Elliot is paralyzed for five years and in the same cases a paralyzed man can move part of his body and in some cases he becomes like a living statue unable to move or talk."
Kathani looked sadly at Sir Elliot he was so still like statue and she can't imagine how sad he must be. "Poor Sir Elliot he must be so lonely with no one to talk too."
"Well not anymore! With this invention we can know what he wants to say."
"How?" she asked excitedly.
"Let me show you how this is going to work. You see even in worse cases of paralysis our eyes and ears can function because they are directly connected to the brain. So Sir Elliot will speak with his eyes."
Kathani watched with fascination as her uncle showed Sir Elliot his paper.
"Sir how many words you are thinking."
Sir Elliot blinked four time and Uncle Timothy started pointing at the alphabet.
"N, I, C, E."
Sir Eliot stop blinking and Kathani understand. "Nice!"
"Good girl!"
They continue and Kathani understands his next words. "T,O. To!"
"M, E, E, T. Meet!"
"Y,O,U. You!"
"He is saying Nice to meet you!" The young girl figure it out and everyone who by this time watching this brilliant child applauded for her.
"What is going on!" She turned and saw her Appa had finally arrived. "Appa! Look I just understand what Sir Elliot trying to say with Uncle Timothy's invention!"
"She is simply brilliant. I remember a few of our medical students struggling with this but your daughter picked it up so fast."
Her Appa smiled proudly at her and then kissed on top of her head. "My brilliant daughter." In that hospital wing as everyone clapped for her, Kathani truly believed she was a brilliant child.
A carriage lurched to stop, making Kathani sit straight as past memories left her mind.
It been three days since they arrived in Bath and four days since she left Anthony with a broken heart and left her heart with him.
"Kathani? Are you feeling alright?" Jacopo inquires.
"We can do this some another time." Philip told her and she knew they were trying to make sure she got more rest but she could not waste anymore time.
"No! I have waited long enough! I would have done this job on the first day. I told you both I know Doctor Dorset but you two convinced me to first spy on the Dorset family. I have given you time Jacopo to watch them and to you Philip to get closer to his son Thomas Dorset, to be friends with him."
"Fine!" Philip relented but quickly reminds her. " Just remember we need to this patiently. Thomas is a shy person and we are fortunate enough to get this invitation."
"You don't need to remind me. I knew Thomas Dorset as a young boy. He was shy then too. Never used to play with anyone whenever we children get together. Only I was able to make him play with us. Anthony used to throw tantrums every time I bring him along to play with us."
She momentarily smiled remembering young Anthony's pouting face but then she noticed Philip and Jacopo staring at her with concerned eyes.
"Kathani maybe you should?" Jacopo began but she cut him off.
"Come let's go." She heard both men sighed as they both stepped out and the Philip lent her hand as she got out.
Her first impression was that this was quite modest house and then her eyes fell on two people one she Recognized as Auntie Sarah, uncle Timothy's wife and the young man beside her must be..."
"Lady Dorset, Doctor Dorset let me introduce you to my cousin Countess of Beaumont." She watched as her Auntie curtsied her.
Thomas looked at her shyly as he bowed and took her hand to kiss it. "We are honoured that you and your cousin joined us for luncheon."
"The honour is mine, my cousin has emphasized how fortunate we are to receive this invitation." She told him cheekily and he blushed while his mother laughed.
"That's because my son is too shy to make any friends and we are grateful to Doctor Sterling who managed to form friendship between them after just few days."
"It wasn't easy task my Lady." Philip informs her. " Your son tried his best to rebuff this friendship but only show interest after we found out our common interests in ancient herbal remedies."
"I think I am embarrassed enough?" Thomas intervened now pink in face. "Shall we take our guest inside mother or do you three want to enjoy my shyness more?"
As they went inside Kathani's eyes keep searching for uncle Timothy. All Philip has been able to find out that he was still alive but stopped practicing medicine years ago.
Her eyes fell on their old family portrait and she can see her Uncle Timothy standing behind his son and with Auntie Sarah sitting on a chair. "Is that your father? We didn't see him outside. Is he going to join us."
She noticed both mother and son got sad as Auntie Sarah says. "My husband is resting but you can see him before your departure if you want to meet him."
"Of course Lady Sarah."
For the rest of the afternoon they enjoyed pleasant conversation with delicious food.
She was Happy to see that Auntie Sarah is still that sweet woman and Thomas was still extremely shy. He couldn't stop blushing when she tried to converse with him.
It would be even more great if once uncle Timothy was mentioned but she didn't get chance to bring him up.
Soon it was time for their departure and Kathani couldn't wait anymore. " I would like to meet your father if that's alright with you." She watched as Thomas watched at his mother who gave him her approval.
"This way please." He led Philip and her towards halfway before turning right.
He then opened the door and first thing Kathani noticed was a wonderful view of lakeside and woods as sunlight fell on the room through open windows.
"Father, there are some guests here to meet you."
Kathani watched as Thomas moved away and her eyes fell on an old weak man laying still on bed as his eyes stared ahead.
She gasp as Thomas arranged his pillows to elevate his fathers head as he tilted his face to their direction and finally she say her uncle's eyes fell on him. "Father this is my friend Doctor Philip Sterling and his cousin Countess Katherine Beaumont."
As uncle Timothy blinked she heard Philip's voice as he asked. "Dorset? You never mentioned before? How long has it been?"
"I am sorry Sterling, truth is I don't like to discuss his condition. We were tired of everyone sympathy and after many years people around here understand how painful my father's paralysis is to our family. That's why no one discuss anything about him." That's explains why they couldn't find out about this until now.
"Can I ask what happened to your father?" She couldn't help but ask.
"It happened many years ago. He was attacked by robbers. He was on his way to Aubrey Hall in Kent when some robbers attacked him. The coachman who got heavily injured saw them beating my father and they were beating him to death. He was fortunate enough to survive that attack but unfortunately his spine was fractured severely and when he got conscious after six months Doctors found out his entire body was paralyzed."
Rage filled in Kathani's heart because she knew this was not mere robbery.
"I am so sorry my friend." Philip told him as Kathani came closer and sat beside her uncle. "Your father is a brave man, you are fortunate that he is here with you."
She saw tears spill from her uncle eyes as she gently wiped them and kissed his hand. "If its alright can I come and see him again."
Thomas looked surprised as he nods his head. "Sure My Lady. You are welcome here anytime."
With one last look she stood up and followed Philip outside.
They were saying their goodbyes when Thomas cleared his throat. "Sterling tomorrow my mother's elder sister Duchess of Bath is having Bath Ball at her house nearby. I want to invite you and Countess as our special guests."
Philip seems hesitant to accept not knowing the next part of their plan.
"We will be honoured." She answered him instead.
Thomas smiled as he shyly ask. "Can I take you both to picnic by lake side I think you will enjoy our boat ride."
"Of course boat ride before ball seems like splendid idea." Thomas bowed and then after they said their farewell both her and Philp went into their carriage and soon left the Dorset house.
"What are we going to do now?" Philip inquired and for the first time ever Kathani had no answer as her last hope was dead just like her Appa, just like Uncle Edmund.
The next morning many citizens of Bath were enjoying boating and picnics by the lake side.
Anthony and Simon were walking together while inquiring about Doctor Thomas Dorset.
"Can't you recognize him?" Simon inquires as they passed an aged couple.
"Its been years since we last met and even then he was not that special that I would remember his face."
Simon focus shift on Anthony and he suddenly knew why he was hesitant to talk about this guy. "Are you harbouring some old grudge against this fellow?"
"No!" Anthony scoffs but when Simon continues to stare at him he finally admits. "We didn't get along much when we were children."
"But I thought you said you used to play with each other when you were children?" Simon ask in confusion. "That's because Kathani used to insist we play with him. Bless her sweet heart but she didn't like when Dorset used to sit alone while we play. I don't know how but she always managed to convince him and then he would be annoyingly clings to her and tried to be her partner in every game when everyone knew that Kathani was always my partner!"
He finished explaining like a spoiled child and in next second Simon burst into laughter. "Oh God! You were jealous of this fellow!"
"I am not!" He yells angrily not caring that people were watching. "I just don't like sharing my best friend with anyone. Also I never buy that shy act."
"Whatever you say Bridgerton." Simon humours his friend as they turned towards the lake side and then his laughter disappeared completely.
Anthony noticed a sudden change in his friends demeanour. "What is wrong Bassett?"
"Uh, I think we should go this way."
Anthony frowned as he saw him pointing towards the woods. "But the footman told us that Dorset and their guests are having a picnic by lakeside."
Before Simon could do anything Anthony turned to face towards the lakeside and then.
"Kate." He gasped in shock as he saw his Priyaey getting in boat with a stranger.
Simon watched as Anthony looked shocked, then hurt and finally fumed while staring as his love of his life seemed to enjoying Boat ride with this stranger, handsome man.
"Who the hell is he! What is going on!?" He was about to march there and demand some answers and maybe satisfaction of duel to this man who was clearly trying to woo his Countess.
Before he could take one step, Simon grabbed him and pulled him away. "Calm down Bridgerton! This is not our turf and as much you are pissed of you can't pick fight with stranger only for wooing the woman you love."
"Oh Watch me! As I do more then that!" He yells angrily but Simon pushed him back as he tried to make him understand. "Focus on Dorset first! You are clearly not in any shape to find him so we will try our luck at Tonight's ball and afterwards you can go to your Countess and confessed your intention."
He want to deny but then he saw his Priyaey smiling brightly at this stranger and after seeing her so sad last time he didn't want to be reason to steal that smile away.
"Fine you win but as soon we found Dorset I will let you deal with him and this investigation matter because I can't loose single second with my Kate."
With one last longing glance they both turned around and walked away not noticing as Dorset helped out Countess and then his mother who was sitting beside Kate all this time.
The Duchess house was beautifully lit with huge chandeliers and marble dance floor. The dances were more lively and scandalously close as Spanish orchestras played the music.
Anthony was fidgeting nervously with his cuff links when Simon nudged him. "Look your Countess has arrived. Sure enough he looked and felt air leaving his lungs as his eyes fell on his Countess dressed in a sparkling red and black gown her long hair cascading in a stylish braid with a large rose pin on her hair.
He was glad she was escorted by Philip and her butler but then he frowned. "Where was he when she was on an unchaperoned boat ride with a stranger."
"He must be exactly where minding his bloody business whenever Countess and you disappeared unchaperoned." Simon reminds him to temporarily shut him up.
As much Anthony wants to punch his old friend he suddenly wants to punch that boat guy who out of nowhere appeared in front of his Countess kissing her gloved hand. "Oh! Hell no!"
Simon shook his head as Anthony marched towards them in angry strides.
Kathani, Philip and Jacopo had just arrived and while she was exchanging pleasantries her mind was forming her escape route so she could slip from the party and see Uncle Timothy alone.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear Thomas's question. "I am sorry, what are you asking?"
"I was asking can I have... "
"Countess!" Kathani looked behind Thomas and her heart beat widely as it fell on Anthony's face.
"Anthony!" She gasped barely noticing that the Duke of Hastings was accompanying him or that Philip and Jacopo were watching them with shocked faces or Thomas confusion at this sudden appearance.
"Um, who are you sir? "He asks hoping for introductions.
But Anthony has only eyes for his love as he steps closer and gently cupped her face. "I missed you so much my love."
Thomas's eyes widened as he watched this scene unfold as Countess gently leaned closer until their foreheads were touching.
It's seems both of them were lost in their world not caring who was witnessing their affectionate displays.
They watched uncomfortably as she reached to cup his face. "Are you real or a figment of my imagination?"
"Kiss me and find out."
Thomas felt stunned by the depth of this display and apparently Philip decided to remind his cousin of their audience. "I don't think that will be wise Kate! Bridgerton please step away from my cousin."
Simon snickers as Anthony reluctantly stepped away only to glare at him while pulling his love at his side. "Doctor Sterling, Jacopo nice to see you both looking after my Kate so well."
If they understand his jab or not Simon couldn't tell as he quickly decided to be peacemaker. "It so good to see you Countess and to you Doctor Sterling and you are?" He finally ask the poor guy who clearly seems stuck in an uncomfortable situation.
"I am Doctor Dorset?" The gentleman introduced himself and then two things happened.
The man who asked for introduction burst into laughter while the man Countess calls Anthony looked murderously at him. " Dorset! Thomas is that you!?" He inquires and this time everyone looked alarmed at this man's hostile reaction.
"Oh this is so much fun! I can't wait to tell Daphne and others at home!" Simon laughed as Anthony glared at him and then at this poor Dorset fellow who didn't knew he was repeating history with the same temperamental guy.
"Do I know you?" He asked nervously and Anthony pulls Kate closer to his side as he replied. "Yes , I am Viscount Anthony Bridgerton and apparently you are once again trying to cling on to what is mine!"
"Oh God!" Kathani rolled her eyes finally seeing Anthony throwing one of his temper tantrums again and here she thought they were all grownup. "Anthony dear there is some misunderstanding, Doctor Dorset is Philip's friend and we just met first time yesterday."
Thomas looked surprised because just like in their childhood Kathani Sharma used to calm Anthony down, it seems now Countess has the similar power to calm him down because suddenly his face softens and then he extends his hand. "Apology Dorset, I jumped to the wrong conclusion tonight and earlier today when I saw you on a boat ride with her."
"We were not alone my mother was sitting beside her but I think you didn't noticed because of distance and her short height."
Simon can see Anthony was now being embarrassed for his reaction so he quickly tried to focus on his investigation. "Dorset can you introduce me to Duke and duchess?"
"Yes, they are my aunt and uncle."
Anthony was grateful as Simon took Dorset away probably trying to find out about his father. He then turned and saw Philip and Jacopo were heading towards the bar.
"Can I have this dance my love?" His Priyaey gave him a resigned look as she took his hand with a small smile.
The dance began and it allowed Anthony to pull her closer in his arms. He could smell her intoxicating Lily scent as he sniffs her neck when she turned into his arms and her back was pressed with his chest.
"What are you doing here Anthony? I thought you would give me time and you were so rude to Doctor Dorset when he was only being kind to me."
"First of all Dorset is enamoured by you and I don't blame him because you are too remarkable and beautiful for your own good."
In a swift moment she was turned around and now her hands were on his shoulders and they both were so close dancing that their faces were inches away from each other. "Secondly I have given you five days, seven hours, five minutes and." He glanced at large clock. "twenty three seconds to think about your next step in your, sorry our future."
She looked tired as she began to say. "Anthony! You just can't."
"What? Love you maddeningly because sorry to inform you but I am deeply in love with you and these moments away from you were killing me ! Breaking my heart! Destroying my very existence in which you are ingrained."
The music stopped as couples around them curtsied each other.
Without wasting anytime Anthony pulled her away and led her to the deepest, deserted part of Gardens.
"I love you Countess Katherine Beaumont! I love you as my lover! I love you as my friend and I love you with your perfection and flaws."
She has tears spilling from her eyes as Anthony got down on his knees and then took out an engagement ring which she instantly recognized.
"This belongs to my mother and she blessed us to have the same love and happiness in our marriage that she had with my father."
"Oh! Anthony!"
"Kate, My Priyaey! Will you marry me?"
She was crying and Anthony knew she needed more time. "Here take this. I am staying at Farley Inn. If your answer is yes, then you will come to me and if you don't come tonight then I will accept your answer and never bother you ever again."
He stood up and kissed her lovingly before turning around, as he walked away leaving his mother's ring and his fate in Kate's hand.
While everyone was enjoying the Ball at Duchess house.
Timothy's eyes open when he saw movement near open windows. His ear picked up light footsteps approaching until his eyes fell on the woman he met yesterday dressed in a black outfit.
"Hello uncle Timothy. It's me Kathani."
Timothy's eyes widen but in his hearts he knows she is telling the truth.
"I understand you won't believe me because truth is I sometimes couldn't believe how I am still alive after everything I have endured."
She sat beside him and gently held his hand. "I am so sorry uncle Timothy, I know in my heart that you and Uncle Edmund were only people who trusted my Appa's innocence and would do anything to prove it but those monsters killed uncle Edmund and..."
She burst and tears and Timothy wanted to move his hand to wipe them away to embrace this sweet child.
"I am so sorry uncle Timothy! None of you deserve this but I swear those monsters will pay for their crimes! I will Avenge my Appa! I will Avenge my Uncle Edmund! I will Avenge you and I will Avenge for all that they have done to me and for all they have taken from me!"
Timothy was scared to know what they done to her but then someone Joined them.
"Kathani, Genevieve's messenger just brought this letter."
Kate was surprised by Jacopo's sudden appearance but nevertheless took a letter from him.
She read the letter loud enough for Jacopo and Uncle Timothy to hear and by the end she was frowning. "Aubrey Hall! They think uncle Edmund has hidden evidence in Aubrey Hall?"
It was then her eyes fell on uncle Timothy who was blinking his eyes rapidly as if trying to say something.
"Uncle Timothy, is there any evidence at Aubrey Hall? Blink twice if the answer is yes."
Timothy's eyes blinked twice and Kate gasp while Jacopo looked shocked. "How are you doing this!"
"Because I am brilliant child."
Timothy smiled in his mind as he watched her quickly grabbing paper and quill as she wrote Alphabets on it.
"Can you tell me where that evidence is hidden at Aubrey Hall?"
He blinked twice and Jacopo watched as one by one she pointed at the alphabet to form sentences.
"Edmund Last Letter Hidden In French Botanical Book."
She quickly stood up and searched the shelves until she found the book and at first there was nothing until in the middle of the cover she found a folded letter.
"Dear Timothy
I am afraid today in my anger I have revealed my suspicion to Smith. You need to come soon.
I know we couldn't found the name of that Satan who was protecting these monsters but the evidence we have collected against Smith, Willis, Crane an Sheffield's is enough to prove Milan innocence and then I am sure The King ,Queen and Princes will get out their leader name from their mouths.
For the time being until you arrive I will be hiding all the evidence in my handmade kingdom between my treasures.
I hope to see you soon.
Your friend Edmund."
Kathani blinked as she repeated the words again and again.
"Handmade kingdom? Between my treasures? What does he mean by that?" Jacopo asked and apparently Uncle Timothy could only help her this much.
"I don't know but it's clear that there is evidence and its hidden at Aubrey Hall."
"But how do you plan to find it? You told me it was one of the massive states in Kent! It could take weeks or months and on top of that how will you go there when the house has been closed for years? Only biggest reason can force Bridgerton's to go back to Aubrey Hall!"
Kathani stared at Jacopo, then at those two letters in her hand and finally at her uncle Timothy and it was then she knew what she had to do even if that was the hardest thing she would ever do in her life.
Anthony was pacing in his room as the night grew darker and darker.
"She is not coming." He finally admits to himself and suddenly he feels like he shouldn't come here at all.
First Simon informed him that their journey was in vain because Thomas's father has been paralyzed for years.
His last hope was that his Priyaey would come to him but now hours later that hope was getting lost.
Finally after the pain became unbearable he picked up his luggage and was about to leave his room when upon opening the door he found his Priyaey standing on the other side.
For a while they just stared at each other and then she held out his box to him.
His heart shattered as he asked. "You came all this way to return the box."
"Open it first my love."
Anthony opened it and instead of his mother's ring he found a ring with his birth gemstone on it.
Looking up he watched as his Priyaey showed him his mother's ring, now belong to her, glittering on her ring finger.
"I thought Its only fair that you also get a betrothal ring."
"Kate?"
He couldn't believe his eyes. His heart couldn't handle so much joy.
She took the ring and placed it on his ring finger as she told him. "Yes! Yes I will marry you."
With that they both fell in each other arms as he kissed passionately to his beautiful fiancé.