In late afternoon Bridgerton's were gathered in drawing room with Penelope and Sophie when suddenly Mrs. Wilson rushed inside.
"My Lady! Three carriages are approaching with Hastings! Bridgerton and Beaumont crest on it!"
As soon she said this everyone rushed outside and sure enough they saw three carriages approaching.
From Hastings carriage servants were taking out luggage and then Simon and Philip stepped outside from Beaumont carriage.
"Pa! Pa!" Auggie shouted happily and Simon rushed towards his family to greet them.
Finally the door of Bridgerton carriage opened and Violet saw her son stepping outside and then he held out his hand and they all felt a wave of happiness when they watched Countess taking his offered hand as she stepped outside with huge smiles on their faces as they walked towards them.
"Mother! Bridgerton's we have some great news for you all." Anthony and Countess then bring their left hands forward and Benedict, Colin cheered while Daphne gasp as they all saw their mother's betrothal ring on Countess finger while Anthony was also wearing a new ring on his ring finger.
"Oh! Anthony is this?" Violet was unable to form sentence and his son beamed at her. "Yes mother I proposed to Kate and she accepted my hand in marriage and in return gave me this betrothal ring."
"Congratulations my darlings and Countess welcome to the family!" She was overcome with joy as she embraced her son and new daughter-in-law who smiled at her.
"Thank you Lady Bridgerton for welcoming me in your family and for raising such a wonderful man whom I will proudly call my husband."
Benedict and Colin stepped forward as they embrace their brother and his fiancé. "Congratulations brother now you are Countess problem."
They laughed as Colin asked his new sister. "I do hope you know what you are getting into for agreeing his proposal. My brother was miserable without you so you can't back out other wise he will become extra clingy to you."
"Do not worry, I can handle your brother's clinginess."
"Oh Hush you!" Anthony told them in mocked annoyance as he pulled his fiancé closer to his side.
"So does that mean I lost my chance?" Gregory pouted and Hyacinth punched his arms. "Like you could have any chance with Countess especially when Anthony was there."
"Thanks sister." Anthony hugged his little sister while Countess ruffled Gregory's hair as she told him. "Do not worry, when you grow up I bet that you will be more handsome and charming than any of your brothers and I promise, I will find the most beautiful and perfect girl for you." Gregory beamed as he embraced his new sister.
Francesca then stepped closer as she embraced them. "Congratulations to you both and welcome to the family Countess. I am truly delighted to hear your engagement news."
"The fact you make him wear a betrothal ring is amazing and I think start of equality between spouses." Eloise told them approvingly as she embraced them.
Daphne was the last one to embrace them once she handed her sons to her husband. "I am so happy for you both and wish you all the happiness in the world as you both embark on this blissful and exciting journey."
"Thank you Your Grace, I hope to be best sister-in-law to you and your siblings."
Both women embraced and then Daphne cheerfully announced. "Come everyone! Let's celebrated and plan our brother's and Countess engagement ball!"
As they went inside Penelope, Sophie along with the rest of the staff members congratulated the new couple but while everyone was beaming Penelope and Sophie saw Kathani gave them a look.
They both stepped back and once Philip and Jacopo reached them Sophie began. "Philip what is going on?"
"Not right now? We will discuss this matter tonight. Jacopo go and sent messages to Gen, Michael and Brimsily."
With that, Jacopo left as Philip, Penelope and Sophie headed towards the drawing room where the entire family was celebrating the engagement of Anthony and Kate.
That night in Countess room the wind was blowing from open balcony doors as sounds of moans and skin snapping reached its peak.
Only a few candles were lit as its glow fell on lovers in bed as they moved within perfect synchronization.
Their bodies intertwined together like two thick weeds, twisting and turning growing together but unable to let each other go.
Finally, as bliss reaches its peak, they both shattered in each other's arms.
Anthony was barely able to pull in time to finish on his fiancé legs as he collapsed in her arms.
For a while no words were said as they calmed each other down with sweet kisses and gentle caresses.
Once they found their bearings Anthony watched as his Priyaey stood up and walked towards the dressing room to clean herself. He sighed happily, feeling beyond satisfied and relaxed something he could only be in the presence of his Countess, soon to be Viscountess.
His smile dropped as he considered that Kate's title would be dropped once they get married.
It seemed he was frowning when she returned as she asked. "Was our lovemaking that bad that it brings frown on your face?"
"Of course not, I was just frowning about all the changes you going to have in your life after marrying me.
"Do not worry darling, Any changes I will have I will welcome those changes with open arms."
With these assuring words they kissed each goodnight as Anthony closed his eyes, hoping to dream about his Priyaey as his wife.
Within fifteen minutes Anthony had fallen in deep sleep and only when he started snoring lightly that Kathani opened her eyes.
Carefully she extracts herself from her lovers arms before quickly placing her pillow in her place. She gently kissed his lips and then carefully got out of the bed.
She quickly wear her thick velvet robe and then quietly walked outside.
No one saw her as she walked the dark hallways of the house making her way outside.
The cold wind blows her hair as she crossed the gardens and reached outhouse from which she can clearly hear the voices of her companions.
Sure enough as soon she stepped inside Philip and Jacopo were finishing giving details about their Bath trip.
They waited patiently as she took her place between middle before she began.
"Listen everyone, we need to assume the deadline has been moved to an earlier date."
It was clear from their expression that they were not expecting these words.
"How can you be so sure?" Sophie inquires, unable to understand where she got this thought.
"Because until now everything that happened we thought Sheffield's were behind it but after reading uncle Edmund's letter I know for sure that there is a strategic, sinister, mastermind behind everything that happened since my Appa got executed, maybe even before that."
Kathani opened the letter and read uncle Edmund's words. "Satan, uncle Edmund called him Satan. This man is not a mere lord or mad scientist, no he is a strategist! Everything he did was hiding behind the shadow. We have to consider that this man is in powerful position to not only protect Sheffield's, Crane, Willis, Welsh and all those associated with him but he was clearly capable of getting rid of any person who is threat to him and his schemes. Not knowing his identity makes him even more dangerous."
"That still doesn't explain why you think the deadline is moved to earlier date but not later?" Jacopo ask.
"Because this man knows we were on to him. I bet he was the one who shot Willis and me that day at the fair and on his orders Penwood and Herbert houses were burned. This man likes to kill any person who could be a threat to him. He is powerful and confident and that's why he won't wait but rather became impatient at the face of unknown enemy. He will try to hurry up with his schemes and not waste one more minute."
For a while everyone was quite as they comprehended this theory. Finally Penelope asked. "Kathani, even if we assume that deadline is moved to an earlier date, how will we know when and how it will happen?"
"I don't know about how yet but I can tell when?"
At everyone's surprise look she answers. "Deadline will happen around the same time something big will happen in the Royal family. That's why we need to keep close eye on king and Queen because who ever this man is, his power came from royalty and that's why he was in position to back and protect likes of Sheffield's and Crane."
Kathani then turned towards Brimsily and Michael. "We need to plan an exit plan for King and Queen. I have this feeling that who ever this mastermind is, he will try to get rid of them before his plans are fulfilled. Michael increase their guards and use only those people you can completely trust. Uncle Brimsily keep your eyes and ears open, if anything happens or a new arrival you need to inform immediately."
Kathani then stared at the rest of them, especially Penelope and Sophie as she continues. "Now until we wait for news from the Palace, we need to focus on two things. First we need to find uncle Edmund's hidden evidence. We find them we will be able to expose Sheffield's and Crane and then we will get the name of that mastermind from them. To achieve that we all need the right amount of time and people. Penelope for tomorrow's column announced our engagement and make sure to present it in such a way that people of the ton yearn for invitation. With so many guests attending, the wedding parties will need to leave right after the engagement ball so they can begin preparation. This will give us the opportunity to be all together at Aubrey Hall at the same time and between all of us I am sure we will find those evidence soon."
She then instructed Philip and Michael. "Philip, Michael tomorrow is Sunday you both need to make sure that the first Bans are read after the Sunday sermon but you also have to convince Anthony to have this wedding out of London. Do anything in your power to plant the idea of Aubrey Hall wedding in his head."
Kathani can see they both look a little uneasy by her request but since no one objects she continues.
"Now as for second thing we need to focus on, is to stop Bridgerton's and Duke of Hastings from doing any further investigation."
"How do you propose we do that?" Jacopo inquires in annoyance.
"Well I have kind of started the process by accepting this proposal. I think for next month or so they will all be quite busy with wedding preparations to do any investigation and afterwards Anthony is my responsibility."
"Okay fine we know you are very capable of distracting Viscount Bridgerton." Gen said and others scoffed at this understatement.
"Still you can't distract Duke of Hastings and other Bridgerton's."
Kathani smiled as she stared at Michael. "I have planned a special trip for the Duke of Hastings soon after the wedding is over, the one that will help him in his investigation but take him on the least dangerous route and hopefully by the end of his journey we will all be benefited."
"Where are you thinking of sending him?"
At Michael question Kathani smirks as she replies. "To Kilmartin and the Romney Hall."
Michael and Philip gasp as everyone's eyes widened. "We still need to rescue your families and with the trail of clues we will send to Simon, I believe for the first time he is going to use his rank in the right way. With Simon's help not only we will be able to rescue your families but get control of your lands too."
"Even if you send Duke on a longer route we still have to deal with Colin and Benedict."
As soon as Penelope said this Kathani became apprehensive as she stared at Penelope and Sophie. "That's where you both girls comes in. Penelope, Colin is already courting you, all you need to do is keep his attention on yourself and I will convince Violet to marry you both next. This way we will get even more time to search for evidence if we failed to find it at my wedding."
"And how do you suggest I distract Benedict Bridgerton, who I remind you is already suspicious of me."
The way Sophie's voice turned hard everyone knew what exactly Kathani was suggesting and yet they flinched when she said.
"Benedict is far more observant than anyone but he also likes you Sophie. We all saw how he keeps staring at you when no one noticed him. I think if you want, then you can easily distract him."
"By seducing him you mean!" Sophie snapped harshly but Kathani remained calm as she replied. "Yes."
"Kathani." Genevieve begins to warn her but Kathani still looks resolute as she told Penelope and Sophie in plain words. "If you both care for those men as much as I care for Anthony, then we have to stop them by any means necessary! If means of seduction can safe their life then I will use it many times by any means necessary. Call me selfish, deceitful and un moral but if at the end of the day we can protect our loved ones then betrayal is the cost we have to pay."
It was harsh but apparently Sophie, Penelope and others knew that Kathani was right.
"So we are in agreement?" When they all nodded she sighed in relief.
"Good, now you all go and rest because starting tomorrow our task will begin and we won't rest until our enemies is exposed."
They all started leaving when Kathani voice stopped them. "Uncle Brimsily! A word please."
Brimsily walked towards her and soon they were alone she started speaking. "Arthur Smith, you need to send your most trusted men to search for this man and you need to be discreet about it."
"Do not worry, I will send my best and trustworthy guards. Is that all?"
Kathani's eyes saddens as she ask for one last request. "Tomorrow once the column came out about Engagement the Queen will find herself at Crossroads and then you will advise her exactly what I am going to tell you now..."
Dearest
Gentle Readers
After delivering terrible news in recent weeks, this author has given up on hope to deliver any good news this season but Thanks to our esteemed Viscount Bridgerton and Countess of Beaumont who have just returned from Bath as newly engaged couple.
Yes dear readers! Our true love match of this season are all set to tie the knot and their good news brings rays of sunshine in these gloomy days. In fact as you read this news you will soon get confirmation in today's sermon when Archbishop will read the first Bans of their betrothal.
Let me be the first one to congratulate the happy couple and I wish this author is lucky enough to be invited to the wedding of all seasons. So if you get the invitation consider yourself lucky because you are going to witness this joys occasion as Viscount Bridgerton marries his Countess!
Yours truly
Lady Whistledown.
Sure enough while the entire Ton was reading this news Anthony, Philip and Michael were meeting with the Archbishop who was reading the betrothal contract that Countess solicitors had prepared.
"Lord Bridgerton, are you aware that Countess has no family except these two gentlemen, no children from her previous marriage nor she has any male relatives in laws from her previous marriage?"
Anthony looked perplexed as he replied. "Yes, your excellency. I am aware that she has no children or in laws from previous marriage. I am also aware that her only male relations, in fact her only family are her cousins Doctor Philip Sterling and his brother Captain Michael Sterling."
"Since Sterling brothers are her cousins by her aunt's side, once she is married to you her entire properties, riches and Beaumont titles will be handed to you. As her husband you will become her sole male benefactor. Do you understand what will happen once you sign your marriage contract?"
When Anthony doesn't answer Archbishop looked highly amused as he informed him. "Beaumont is an old and prestigious family that has vast properties all over Europe and titles in France and Britain. For this family diplomatic roles Countess late husband, Count Francesco Beaumont was given Earldom in British lands."
"What?" Anthony gasped and Philip showed him documents.
"Late Count Beaumont or as in British soils his title was Earl Beaumont in his last will of testimony left everything to his wife including his titles. Since he knew that he couldn't give her heir to protect her rank as his last wish he has written that in case of his step brother death without any male heirs , whomever his wife chose to marry will hold his titles along with his riches and lands."
"So does this mean?"
"You will become First Count Anthony Bridgerton in France and here in British soils you will become Earl Anthony Bridgerton as soon you marry Countess and your wife will become Countess Katherine Bridgerton."
While Anthony tried to comprehend this life changing news. The archbishop was discussing the rest of the details with Michael and Philip.
"How soon do you want this wedding to happen? " He inquires.
"Under this month your excellency." Michael replied. "After all we won't be surprise if Lady Whistledown found out about this news as we speak and its better that Bans are read soon."
"Luckily today is Sunday so I can read the first Bans after today sermon but I need to know where this wedding is going to take place so I can write to its priest so that the rest of two Bans can be read there."
Anthony was about to answer when Philip stopped him by putting his hand on his shoulder. "Your excellency, if you don't mind can we have word with our cousin's fiancé in private."
"Yes, you can go outside and I will prepare first Bans to read for today's sermon."
All three men went outside and once they were alone Anthony asked. "Sterling, why did you stop me? Is something wrong? Is this about Kate?"
He watched as both brothers looked worried as Philip answers. "It is about Kate."
"What? Is she alright?" Anthony ask feeling scared for his fiancé.
"She is alright." Michael quickly assured her. "but."
"But what? Please tell me what is the matter?!"
Philip sighed as he explained. "Physically Kate is fine but mentally that attack in fair has traumatized her. You may not know this but my cousin always thought herself unlucky."
"She thinks it was her bad luck that she lost her entire family at young age. Then she lost her husband and soon after her stepbrother-in-law perished in fire. No matter how many times we assure her, Kate always thought that bad luck follows her." Michael told him dejectedly.
"She was so happy that she met you soon after she moved here. Our cousin truly believes her luck has changed in her favour. For the first time in her life she was happy until that attack happened."
Anthony stared at Philip as his words settled in, giving him realization. "Is that why she left?"
Michael nodded sadly. "Yes, Kate was terrified that her bad luck had returned and she had decided to stay away, but then you found her and your love made her overcome her fears."
"Then what is the problem?" Anthony ask.
"Problem is, that these kind of fears won't evaporate overnight. Kate is still deeply terrified of being in London, she used to have nightmares when we were in Bath but she is able to masked her emotions around you because she doesn't want to worry you. I am afraid that over the upcoming weeks her fears will get better of her and she may become too sick by the time the wedding happens."
"So what do you suggest we do?" Anthony ask Philip not as his fiancé's cousin but as her doctor.
"We were hoping that you could suggest a place outside of London for wedding. A place that came under your protection which is peaceful and beautiful venue for wedding. Do you have a place in the country? Kate always loves the peace and quiet atmosphere that countryside offers and I believe there she will get better again."
As soon as these words were out Anthony thought long and hard and finally he replied. "Come I know the perfect place for our wedding venue."
With that he walked back inside and Philip and Michael prayed that these lies and manipulation works in their favour.
That afternoon the Queen and Lady Danbury were discussing the latest issue of Lady Whistledown and Viscount and Countess engagement news when Brimsily entered carrying a thick envelope which he presented to the Queen.
"Letter from Archbishop." He informed them and watched as she quickly opened the seal and then proceeded to read the letter.
"It seems Lady Whistledown was right! According to this letter Lord Bridgerton and Countess Beaumont's cousins informed Archbishop about the betrothal and showed him betrothal contract. Archbishop has given his blessing and he read the first Bans after today's sermon."
"Well Congratulations your Majesty, after all it was your deepest wish to see them married and now it seems under three weeks time we will get our greatest love match of the season."
Lady Danbury thought her friend would be happy to see her wish being fulfil but she seemed lost in deep thought. "Your Majesty? Are you not happy with this news?"
"No Agatha, I am happy for Lord Bridgerton and Countess but my heart hurts when I think about how if fate was kinder then Lord Bridgerton would have been long married to Kathani Sharma."
Brimsily tried his best to remain composed as Lady Danbury sighed sadly. "You are right, fate was definitely not kind to that poor child but Charlotte are you going to tell him about Kathani Sharma?"
The queen sighed as she paced the room. "I was going to tell him after the fair but then that attack and then those fires happened and it totally eclipsed my mind and now after reading this good news I find myself once again at a crossroads, not knowing which path to take!"
Brimsily eyes widen because this was the moment Kathani had warned him going to happen and he knew exactly what he was going to do next. "Your Majesty, if you don't mind may I give you an advice?"
The queen smiled at her trusted adviser as she told him. "Of course Brimsily, you know how much I value your wisdom."
With heavy heart and great strength Brimsily being to repeat exact words Kathani told him to say last night.
"Do not tell lord Bridgerton anything! I know it seems un moral and wrong but the harsh reality is that Kathani Sharma is dead!"
He tried his best to not flinch as both women did just now after hearing these blunt words as he continued. "Kathani Sharma is dead but Lord Bridgerton is very much alive and yes Kathani Sharma's life was a painful tragedy but I am sure if she was here she would never wanted her pain to ruin her friends life. She would want you to spare lord Bridgerton from all the pain and regrets this truth will give him. Do not destroy his life and happiness for someone who is not alive. If Kathani Sharma was alive then that was another scenario but the truth is that she is dead and this truth will not bring him closure but sentenced him to life time of guilt and agony for not helping a friend who was alive all this time only to die after living a horrible life."
Brimsily took a deep breath as he concluded his speech. "Choice is yours Your Majesty. Let Viscount lead a happily married life with memory of Kathani Sharma dead in the sea or tell him the truth and sentence him to a miserable life where he goes mad thinking different scenarios about how he could he was able to save a friend who is now gone after living a tragic life until her very last breath."
For a while no one said anything and Brimsily had this feeling that both women were staring at him but searching for someone else.
Finally the queen stood up and walked towards him as she said. "Thank you for your wisdom Brimsily. Now write a message to Viscount and Countess and tell them that I have given my blessings for their upcoming nuptials."
With that he left and only sighed in relief once he was alone and he was glad to deliver each word exactly as Kathani wanted him to say.
As soon as the Bans were read the preparations began. The ton watched as Countess and Featherington's visited modiste to select dresses for engagement ball.
Portia smiled as she advised Countess. "Usually I am partial to citrus shades but for your engagement ball I think we should all choose different shades of blue to show union between our families."
"Splendid idea! After all, I consider you and your family my own and now it seems we will become a true family once Mr Bridgerton proposes our Penelope."
Penelope blushed while Portia's eyes filled with joy as she told Genevieve. "Please show us lovely shades of blue! After all it's for Viscount and Countess engagement ball!"
"Sure Madame! I will show you lovely material in blue shades."
Meanwhile at Bridgerton house Daphne and Violet were busy preparing house for engagement ball.
Violet smiles as Daphne instructed their maids. "Add more Tulips in flower arrangements after all passionate flowers is perfect way to describe our passionate couple."
While Daphne and Violet were overseeing the arrangement. Inside the study Anthony and Simon were filling in every detail to their brothers.
"So does that mean we have reached a dead end?" Colin inquires."
"Of course not we will keep searching for Arthur Smith." Benedict says but then he frowns when Anthony and Simon didn't agreed with him. "What? Are you both thinking of giving up?"
"No Ben we are not giving up but we are halting this investigation until after the wedding."
"What!" Benedict and Colin yells outrageously but Simon quickly explained. "Its only for month guys! We don't know where Smith is and Mondrich needs time to find out about his exact location. So for now we are going to halt this investigation and enjoy your brother's upcoming wedding ceremony."
"And I assure you as soon we find a lead about Smith location we will start this investigation again."
As soon as Anthony assured them both his brothers relaxed. "Come, let's go and see if we can help with ball preparations.
With that, all four men went outside to help the ladies while hoping to get information about Smith soon after the wedding ceremony was over.
Night Of Engagement ball
Two nights later Bridgerton house was lit up as it seemed the entire ton had arrived to celebrate Lord Bridgerton and Countess Beaumont's Engagement.
Portia and her two eldest were the first one to arrive as they greeted Violet. "Congratulations Lady Bridgerton. We have heard that this union has blessed this family with more riches and titles."
Violet beams as she remembers how yesterday Anthony were presented in front of lords and then Queen to receive titles of Count and Earldom of merged Bridgerton and Beaumont states.
"Yes! This union has blessed my family with many things but most importantly it has given me the most beautiful, respectable, graceful and powerful woman as my daughter-in-law."
"Indeed! She turned out to be the most priceless crown jewel of this season." At Queen's voice they all turned and saw her approaching with Lady Danbury.
Lady Danbury smiles as she says. "Congratulations Lady Bridgerton and may I ask where our newly engaged couple are?"
"Anthony has just went to fetch his fiancé."
The Queen smirked knowingly as she told the group. "Then I hope they arrive soon because I want first one to congratulate them and I don't like kept waiting."
Violet smiles nervously as she quickly whispers to her daughter. "Daphne dear, go and bring your brother and Countess with you and tell them to hurry up because the Queen and guests are waiting."
Meanwhile upstairs Anthony entered one of the spare room where he saw his fiancé dressed in light blue colour dress. A beautiful diamond and sapphire tiara glittering over her head.
"Leave us." He told her maids who quickly curtsied and left.
Once they were gone he walked towards her and pulled her in his embrace as they watched each other reflection.
"Someone is looking breathtakingly beautiful tonight." He told her while kissing her neck.
"Oh really? My Lord may I ask why you are you admiring this beautiful woman on our engagement ball?"
Tilting her face he stared deeply in her eyes as he replied. "So I could do this." He kissed her sweetly at first and she sighed happily before kissing him back with equal enthusiasm.
For a while they were lost in each other until he pulled away. "There is something I want you to wear tonight."
He pulls away and then from his coat pocket he brings out a beautiful diamond necklace with blue and green gemstones glittering between them.
"Wow! This necklace looks extremely beautiful."
"Extremely beautiful necklace for my extremely beautiful fiancé." He told her as he put the necklace around her neck.
He watched as she watched herself in the mirror, admiring his gift glittering on her skin then she turned around and gave him a sweet smile. "Thank you for this gift, its really lovely."
"Not more then you." He told her and soon they pulled each other for passionate kiss. He moans as her hands thread around his hair, angling his face for deeper kiss.
He reached out to clutch her body closer to him while he felt her hand trailing downwards on his body until she is cupping his hardened member, making him gasp into her mouth. He was just ready to lift her skirts when suddenly the door opened. "Countess, Anthony, mother is calling, Oh My God!"
They both sprang apart as they saw Daphne and Simon staring at them with wide eyes.
"Daphne!" Anthony began but his sister glowered as she marched inside as she glared at Kate. "You! How dare you defile my sweet innocent brother!"
Simon let out a snort while Kate scoffs at his sister. "Sweet he maybe but I can assure you your brother is not so innocent. In fact I am absolutely certain that he likes getting defiled by me."
"Kate!" Anthony stared outrageously at his fiancé and then Daphne stomped her feet as she yells. "That's it! You will marry my brother otherwise we will meet me at dawn! Honour demands that I have satisfaction, I will not let you bring ruination on Bridgerton name!"
"Simon make her stop!" But his useless brother-in-law merely grimaced as Kate took menacing step towards Daphne. "You are blowing this entire matter out of proportion Duchess! But I don't like to be threatened! We will settle this matter between us ladies at dawn and then I will marry your brother and defile him to our hearts content!"
Anthony thought he was in some twilight zone experiencing a similar horrifying situation all over again when he and Simon...
"Wait a minute? You both are? Oh God!" Anthony groaned as he realized getting played by these women who burst into laughter and embrace each other.
"Thank you so much Kate!" Daphne laughs while his Priyaey smirks at him. "This will teach your brother lesson next time he thinks of challenging duel to anyone."
"Ha! Ha! Very funny." Anthony tells them in annoyance as they both keep giggling at his humiliation and Simon was snickering too. "You knew about this!"
"No Bridgerton but nonetheless it was fun to watch you getting taste of your own medicine."
He and Daphne laughed while Kate stepped forward to pinch his cheek. "Sorry darling but our sister requested me days ago to play along if the opportunity arisen. I just never thought she would choose our engagement ball for this prank."
"Great! My sister and my future wife are teaming together to prank me. His Grace please remind me to keep these two away from each other."
Simon patted his back sympathetically. "Too late mate! Its your fault for choosing true Bridgerton in disguise as your wife."
"Oh that she is." Anthony agree as he kissed his fiancé hand in adoration.
Before they could lost in each other's gazes Daphne intervened. "Alright, you two need to stop. Your guests are waiting for you."
The guests watched as Duke and Duchess of Hastings clinked there glasses as Simon announced. "Your Majesty, ladies and gentlemen it's a joyous moment for myself as Bridgerton Son in law to welcome my new sister that we will be gaining by marriage. Please welcome my brother in law, the newly going to turned, Earl Anthony Bridgerton and his fiancé Countess Katherine Beaumont!"
As everyone applauded, the newly engaged couple descended the stairs looking extremely beautiful and true love match.
The couple smiled at their guests as they made there way towards the Queen who watched smilingly as they curtsied her. "Lord Bridgerton, Countess, Congratulations on your engagement. I hope you both have a prosper and happy marriage."
"Thank you your Majesty." Anthony told her while his fiancé reached to kiss Queen hands as she told her. "We are grateful for your kind words and we hope you blessed us with your presence at our wedding."
"I will be there for certain my dear but do tell me have you decided on venue? You can use my Palace for your wedding."
Anthony watched as Kate's smile dropped a little but she remained calm. "It will be our honour..."
"But we already have the perfect venue in our mind and I am sure all our guests will be delighted with our choices."
Anthony can feel many confused eyes of his family, including Kate on him as he replied in a calm voice. "I think Aubrey Hall will be fitting for our wedding, after all it has been the venue for the wedding of many successful marriages and I hope that my ancestral home brings the same luck to our wedding."
He gently kissed his fiancé hand and Queen beamed at them. "An excellent choice Lord Bridgerton and I think all your guests, including myself will be delighted to visit Aubrey Hall again."
The first dance begins and everyone watched as the newly engaged couple begin the first dance the waltz.
Anthony was lost in his Countess' lovely eyes to notice that other couples had started joining them.
First Colin led Penelope to dance floor. Followed by Philip (and to Violet delight) Eloise.
As all the siblings were in attendance, Daphne and Simon looked amusingly as Michael approached them. "Is Ms Bridgerton allowed to dance?" It was plain he was referring to Francesca who blushed deeply as she waited for an answer.
"Since you are going to be family, you can take her for this dance." Daphne told them and Simon frowned as he grabbed Hyacinth's hand. "Come sister we need to keep an eye on our sisters."
Daphne laughed at her husband who start dancing with Hyacinth while placing them between Eloise/ Philip and Francesca/ Michael.
"Come Gregory let's dance and make sure Simon and Hyacinth wont ruined Eloise and Francesca dances."
While all of her children were dancing to different music Violet noticed that Benedict was standing near the refreshments table but his eyes were on Sophie.
"It seems your second son is interested in your maid." Lady Danbury whispered and Violet knew her sharp eyes detected her son's feelings.
As the ball continues, Anthony and Countess were getting congratulated by the swarm of their guests and Anthony can feel his Priyaey eyes trying to catch his every once in a while.
He watched as little Dina approach them with none other then her grandmother lady Sheffield. "Congratulations My Lord and Countess! I was so delighted to hear this good news!"
"Thank you Ms Sheffield." They both said in affectionate voices but then Anthony's eyes hardened as Lady Sheffield stared at them with haughty eyes.
"Congratulations Countess and to you My Lord for getting such a fine wife who brings Riches to your family and made you even higher in ranks. The first Earl Bridgerton."
Anthony felt his blood rising while Edwina looked thoroughly mortified by her grandmother's statement.
His fiancé on the other hand gave her calm but hard look as she speaks in her Countess voice. "The thing I admire most about my fiancé and his family that they are not power hungry like some people I know of this ton are. In fact, after recent events we all come to know there our power hungry monsters behind so-called respectable high ranking people of ton who are committing the most heinous crimes known to mankind. At least Bridgerton's are not one of them, am I right Lady Sheffield?"
Lady Sheffield blanched, she looked like ready to flee as she stepped back. "Yes, well Congratulations to you two. Come Edwina they must have other guests to attend."
Anthony watched as Lady Sheffield quickly walked away followed by her embarrassed granddaughter. "Never like that old Hag!" Anthony says, but then he noticed Kate was still staring at their retreating form.
He gently grabbed her hand which finally caught her attention as he says. "Come darling, let's step outside for fresh air."
He discreetly led his fiancé outside and they only stopped once they reached gazebo in Bridgerton Gardens.
Once she was seated he sat beside her and gently lifted her face. "Are you happy my love."
"Of course Anthony! Why would you ask this question?"
"I just want to make sure that you know I proposed to you because I loved you not because marrying you has given me Earldom or riches."
She gently cupped his face. "I know that my love, you are the last man who yearns for more power and this is one of your greatest qualities."
"Oh really! Please tell me what are my other qualities you love."
"The one where you decline Queen offered venue and announced Aubrey Hall will be our wedding venue just so I can feel safe."
Anthony felt his ears turn red as she sweetly kissed his lips. "Thank you my love, for always thinking about me, for always putting my needs before yourself."
He kissed her back and they sat together peacefully hand in hand enjoying this blissful moment until he heard her voice. "You know until I met you my life felt like sea, storming inside, restless, bringing destruction, searching for stability."
Anthony stared at her and found her eyes sad with faraway look. "And now? Do you still feel the same."
She shook her head and gave him a small smile. "I will always be that stormy sea but now after meeting you I have found my shore."
"Land and shore." Anthony mused as he gave her a teasing smile. "Strange, but I enjoy your description of us. It is unique and perfect just like us."
And under the bright stars Anthony enjoyed this perfect moment and he was prided to be shore of his stormy sea.