It was late at night when Kathani silently slipped out of Anthony's arms she softly crept outside without disturbing his sleep.
Kathani walked carefully in the familiar empty hallways as she reached towards the room that was allotted to her.
She could hear Lady Danbury's deep snores as she passed by and then quickly stepped inside the room. She saw Sophie, Penelope and Genevieve perched on her bed while Philip and Michael were sitting on the chairs and Jacopo stood by the balcony door and in his hand he was holding a small object.
"So my friends." At her voice everyone looked at her. "What did you find out in the study?"
They all stared at each other and finally Jacopo replied. "We haven't found any evidence in that study."
They could see Kathani was crestfallen as she heard this news.
Before she could feel deeply disappointment Michael spoke up. "Its true we didn't found evidence but we did however found something."
Kathani's eyes snapped at Michael, who then stood up and grabbed objects from Jacopo's hand and bring it to Kathani so she could see it for herself.
Kathani watched two objects in her hand before looking up to stare at everyone. "Seals?
"We found these seals in hidden compartment of Viscount Edmund Bridgerton's desk." Sophie told her.
Kathani frowned as she examined strange looking seals in her hand. "What's so important about these seals that he has to hide then in secret compartment?"
"Because these are not some average postal seals." Michael informed her. Kathani raised her eyes questioningly as Michael walked closer and pointed at red seal. "This is a Military seal which is used by high ranking officers and the blue one is a Naval seal also it must belong to high ranking officers."
"Late Lord Bridgerton must be using these seals for correspondent with an Military and Naval officer." Penelope concluded while staring at seals.
Michael nodded his head as he frowned. "Penelope is right but there is more to these seals."
"What do you mean?" Philip inquires and Michael picked it one to examine it closer. "These are special kind of seals. They both belong to respective high ranking officers who wanted to correspond with Late Viscount but they didn't want their letters to be intercepted by any one else and that's why they gave him seals allotted to them."
When everyone looked confused Michael sighed as he began to explain. "While I was training I heard about these seals. They worked like a crest for particular officers, each seals is unique and only used by officers itself."
Kathani frowned as she stared at the seal and a year was printed on it. "These seals were made same year Uncle Edmund was murdered, so he must be using these seals around that time but what I don't understand why use these seals and not his crest?"
Michael sighed because at this point he could only tell them what he assumed. "Probably because he fears those officers letters must be getting checked. It's rare but sometimes things like this happen and I think whoever those officers were they created copy of their seal and gave it to Late Viscount. It happened many times that letters get returned and Viscount and these officers were using these seals as extra protective measures as they send letters to each other and if anyone got a hand on that letter they would think that it belonged to an officer and no one else."
"A perfect deception." Genevieve mused while staring at the seals with wonder.
"But why use these protective measures at first place?" Sophie asked and everyone looked clueless.
Kathani on the other hand, stared at these seals as she said. "I had my suspicion but these seals just proved that I was right."
"Right about what?" Jacopo ask. "The ship that smuggled me to that Hell was guarded by two Naval and two Military officers along with Welsh."
Penelope gasps when she understands her suspicions. "You thought Naval and Military is involved with Sheffield's scheme."
"I wouldn't be surprised after all we know for sure Welsh was involved and that's why I formed friendship with Lady Kittage and ask Gen to find out everything about her husband. That's why I send Michael in Military so we can have someone we could trust and I think Uncle Edmund found something suspicious too otherwise he won't take these measures to hide his correspondence."
"You think someone from there was helping him gather evidence against Sheffield, Crane and that mastermind?" Philip question feeling troubled by the possibility.
Kathani nods her head and then examined these seals closely and read the initials. G.R and A.R. "G.R ? A.R? Who are you?" She thought as a new mystery came in front of them.
Next morning after breakfast everyone went their separate ways to run some errands.
Kathani ordered Jacopo, Philip and Michael to check the attic and search if any evidence was hidden there while she, Sophie and Penelope went to search Viscount room which for some reason is still unused because Anthony is sleeping in his old room and Violet moved to another room after her husband's death.
They left Gen outside to stay guard as they began their search.
Penelope was knocking on floorboards in case she found a hiding place. Sophie found a hidden vault between book cases but it was empty.
Kate was searching the wardrobe but with each passing second she was sure that she would not find anything in this room.
"What did the letter say again?" Penelope asked as she stood up after thoroughly checking floorboards.
'The evidence is hidden in my hand made kingdom between my treasures.'
Kathani told them as she sat tiredly on the bed.
"Maybe we got it wrong because Aubrey Hall was built by lord Bridgerton's ancestors." Penelope informed them, making the other two frown at this mistake until...
"Uncle Timothy himself hinted that evidence was hidden here at Aubrey Hall." Kathani told her friends.
"Hidden where?" Sophie asked in frustration. "We have searched the entire study and this room and I have this feeling guys won't be successful either. Maybe you missed something in that hint Kathani because so far with the exception of those seals we have found nothing."
Before she could answer them they heard Genevieve's voice loud enough from outside. "I was searching for Countess, Lady Bridgerton. I want to ask her opinion about the length of her veil."
They quickly straitened themselves and looked around the room in panic but Kathani knew what she was going to do when the door was going to open. "Sophie hurried up and opened all the curtains and stood beside them."
Sophie did exactly that while she led Penelope towards dresser.
The door opens and Violet saw Countess and Penelope as she instructed Sophie. "I want these curtains removed and Penelope I want your advice on new colour patterns. Oh Violet! Thank God you arrived. I was going to call you for your opinion about this room renovations."
Violet was surprised but she quickly recovered as she smiled at her new daughter. "Well I was searching for you to finalize the wedding menu. I found Madam Delacroix in the hallways searching for you as well."
"Oui, I want to discuss your wedding veil but It looks like you are busy at the moment." She excused herself with a bow and Violet told Mrs Wilson to tell cooks they would join them later to finalize menu.
By the time Violet turned her attention back she saw some nervousness on Countess' face. "Now tell me how can I help you?"
"I was hoping to change the decor of this room but I didn't want to do it without your advice."
Violet nodded at her daughter-in-law as she sat on the bed which she used to share with her husband. "Its been so many years since I last stepped foot in this room. This room is witnessed to a happy marriage and I am happy that my son and his wife are going to make new memories in this room."
Kathani couldn't help but feel sad because she used to witness the love between Uncle Edmund and her Auntie Violet. "Anthony told me that you never used the Viscountess room."
"His father insisted that we used this room and whenever someone suggested separate bedrooms he would get highly offended by the thought. I think Anthony will follow his father's footsteps so I suggest you can turn Viscountess room into your private study or sitting room just like I did after I got married."
Kathani nodded and then she noticed Sophie and Penelope giving him a pointed look.
Understanding what they wanted her to ask Kathani quickly smiled as she asked Violet while feigning interest. "Did Late Viscount take interest in renovations of this house?"
Violet was taken aback by this sudden question but then thought maybe Countess needs to know about previous renovations and that's why she is inquiring. "Only Viscount and Viscountess room were renovated and that was under instructions of his mother and cousin sister but other then that no major renovations has been made unless you count fixing of something broken inside the house."
Kathani tried his best to not look disappointed when she heard Penelope's questions. "What about grounds? You know in case we have to renovate something before the wedding."
They watched as Violet assured them. "Do not worry girls the grounds are in perfect conditions in fact Edmund fixed old outhouse himself after storm damage its roof."
She didn't notice as Sophie, Penelope and Kathani eyes widened and Sophie pointed outside the window. "Are you talking about that outhouse? "
Violet, Penelope and Kathani joined her and Kathani gasped when she recognized the outhouse, her old home that was gifted to her Appa by Uncle Edmund.
"Yes, this was the house where Doctor Sharma and his family used to live. It was damaged after the storm and my Edmund himself took part in its renovation."
As Violet turned away feeling sad by the memories of the past, she didn't notice new hope was rising in three girls who were still staring at the old house.
Around tea time all the ladies were gathered together.
Hyacinth was twirling in her flower girl dress while Genevieve and Sophie tried to measure Eloise for her brides maid dress. "This dress is too frilly."
Eloise complained while other ladies looked amused. "My Dear, bridesmaids dresses are supposed to look frilly." Violet reminded her gently.
"Well I just love my dress." Francesca announced cheerfully making Eloise roll her eyes in annoyance. "Of course you love it after all your entire wardrobe is filled with frilly dresses."
Kate smiled as she suggested. "You girls can always were whatever you want. It won't matter to me as long as you are happy with your choice."
"Absolutely not! This is your big day Kate and we will be honoured to wear these bridesmaids dresses." Daphne told her new sister while glaring at Eloise, who gave them a weak smile. "Oh I can endure this dress for a day."
"Beside the lilac colour is beautiful." Edwina added and they all have to agreed the colour choice was beautiful.
"That's why I chose it because I knew all my bridesmaids would look beautiful in this colour."
The girls smiled at Countess as they watched her try different patterns for her veil.
Edwina sighed dreamily as she watched these wedding preparations. "I must say it's nice to have so many people helping you with wedding preparations, I am afraid my wedding would not be anything like this."
Kathani wanted to ask why she was saying this but she could not ask without revealing her feelings.
Thankfully Lady Danbury beat her to it as she asked. "What do you mean to say child?"
"Oh, only that my wedding preparations must be done by my grandmother." Kathani noticed like her Violet reaction was also of distaste by the mentioned of Lady Sheffield.
"Surely your mother must be helping with preparations. Portia says regardless of the fact they knew about Mary Sheffield mysterious illness.
While everyone looked uncomfortable Kathani paid attention to Edwina's sad face as she waited patiently for her reply. "I am afraid my mother is too sick to help in preparation when my time comes."
Hearing these words Kathani couldn't help but take her little sister's hand. "Do not worry Ms Edwina when your time come we all will assist you with your wedding preparations whether your grandmother likes it or not."
Everyone nodded in agreement and Edwina looked gratefully at these remarkable ladies who wanted to help her.
"Well that's still a long way to go after all you are not courting anyone seriously." At Prudence assumption they noticed Edwina blushed hard.
"Edwina, is there someone you would like to court you." Penelope ask.
They watched as she blushed harder and nodded her head. "Oh Edwina!" Francesca exclaims joyously as she sat beside her. "Please tell us who he is?"
"I do not want to say much because I am afraid to jinx it but last season I met this most handsome man and formed friendship with him."
Penelope, who knows a thing or two about loving one friend, teased. "You wanted him to be more than your friend?"
"I do." Edwina told them with eagerness but then her face fell a bit. "But last season he was heartbroken because of broken courtship even though he assured me that he was happy for the girl I could feel he was not ready to open his heart again and beside I was not out yet so I thought it better to wait until I debuted properly in society."
Kathani felt highly interested as she asked. "Did this gentleman approached you yet? "
"No, you see he is not around from here but visits his family and he promises me in our correspondent that he will come this season too."
"Then we can't wait to meet this gentleman and I hope he asks you for your courtship."
Edwina beamed at Countess while her mind went to her handsome prince of her dreams and she couldn't wait to see him again.
It was around evening Anthony came to fetch his fiancé. "Come, there is someone I want you to meet."
They walked hand in hand until he wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they walked deeper in the grounds.
Finally they reached a small clearing, there stood a stone sculpture surrounded by fields of Hyacinths.
'Here lies Viscount Edmund Bridgerton. Beloved Father, Son and Lord of these states.'
"Father look who I brought with me. Meet my lovely Kate, my future bride and your daughter-in-law."
He sat down and touched the growing Hyacinth around his father's grave. "It's always pains me father that the namesake of these flowers is blossoming so wonderfully but her Father is not here to witness that."
He felt his Priyaey hand on his shoulder as she said in a gentle voice. "Your father is here. Our loved ones never truly leave us and they always watch over their loved once."
"Then its tragedy because they must be witnessing our pain."
Anthony felt Kate sitting beside him as she laid her head on his shoulder. "Joy and pain are parts of our lives my love but to endure that pain, that kind of strength came from our loved ones, it's there blessing that we never wandered away from the right path weather we are happy or in pain."
He smiled and kissed her forehead as he told her. "Your optimism is your best quality. In many ways you remind me of my father and the way he look at things in life."
Kate smiled as she kissed his hand. "Then I am happy that I share that trait with your father. Maybe it's his blessing that I came into your life to give you a positive outlook of life."
Anthony couldn't help but agree with his Priyaey after all, her being in his life is the greatest blessing for him.
They sat there at his father's memorial for a long while as she told her his father's stories.
Soon it was getting dark and Anthony suggested they should head back inside.
They were walking hand in hand talking about wedding, losing focus on their path.
Suddenly they passed Tulip fields when Anthony realized where they were heading. Almost edge of property where his old...
"Stop Kate, we need to head another way." He tried to pull her back but she was staring a head. "Anthony you didn't show me this area."
"There is nothing here." He stresses and when she tries to walk a head he forcefully yanks her back. "I said there was nothing there for you to see!"
He didn't want to sound harsh but she must have felt his demeanour changed as she gently tried to touch his cheek. "Anthony?"
He felt ashamed for reacting like this in front of his love. "I, I am sorry." With that he walked away leaving his fiancé behind.
As Kathani watched Anthony away she felt tears in her eyes because once again something of their childhood proved how much pain her Anthony is still carrying in his heart.
Turning around, she stood around Tulip fields knowing extremely well what lies at the edge of that property.
Their old secret tree house. Wiping her tears away, she turned around and walked towards the house while deciding to never bring up those places that could hurt her Anthony again.
Anthony was feeling so guilty over his behaviour. He was pacing outside Kate's room unable to knock on the door, unable to face her.
What he didn't knew that the same guilt was raging inside as Kathani paced inside her room, unable to go outside, unable to face Anthony who was haunted by their childhood memories.
Anthony was going to try again when suddenly door opened and he came face to face with his fiancé.
She seems surprised to see him as she quickly averted her eyes.
They both stayed quiet unable to say anything to each other until the silence was broken by door opening. As lady Danbury and Portia stepped outside of their respective rooms. "Ah! Lord Bridgerton, are you here to escort your fiancé to dinner?"
They barely acknowledge Lady Featherington but apparently Lady Danbury senses the tension between them. "Come Lady Featherington lets head downstairs."
Anthony wordlessly offers his arms as they both followed the elder ladies towards dining hall.
Once they were earshot they both turned towards each other at the same time as they said together. "I am sorry."
They both gaped at each other in surprise and then a smile formed on their faces as Kate cupped Anthony's cheeks. "I am so sorry darling. I realize I was out of line when I insisted..."
Anthony couldn't let her finish her apology as he envelops her in his arms. "You didn't do anything wrong my love and I know we both have our secrets to deal with. All I ask is for time because no matter how much I want to share my life with you there are still some parts that are too painful to share."
He felt her arms around him as she nodded against his skin. "I understand more then you could imagine and I promise I will never force you to reveal anything until you are ready to share your past with me."
He took her face to his and kissed her lovingly. Soon he felt her hands raking in his hair as she deepened the kiss making him moan against her lips.
He was about to pick her up and carry her back towards her room when they heard a weak cough.
They both sprang apart and saw Sophie standing awkwardly as she looked anywhere but them. "My Lord, My Lady, Lady Bridgerton wants you to make haste as entire family and guests are already gathered and waiting for you both to join them."
They both looked embarrassed by being caught as they entered the dining room.
"Finally! our lovely couple has arrived! Now can we please start dinner." Colin thanked God as he waited patiently for them to settle before grabbing first dish making everyone laugh.
The dinner was quite an affair unless you don't count Hyacinth and Gregory bickering. Or Auggie making mess as Daphne and Simon tried to feed him.
Kathani was busy playing footsie under the table when suddenly Benedict leaned on the table as he whispered mischievously. "Sister, that's my feet not your fiancé's."
Anthony watched on his left as Kate coughed violently her face turned red while his brother who was sitting on his right tried to contain his laughter.
Before he could inquire any further, Mrs Wilson burst inside as she announced breathlessly. "The Royal Carriage is approaching."
They all rushed outside and sure enough soon the royal carriage stopped.
Kathani saw uncle Brimsily stepping outside first and he was only able to share look with Kathani and others as he opened the door and Queen stepped outside.
They all bowed as the Queen smiled at each and everyone of them. Lady Violet stepped forward along with Anthony and Kate as she says. "Welcome Your Majesty, welcome to Aubrey Hall."
"Its good to be here after such a long time. I hope you don't mind but I bring a special surprise guest along with me for this happy occasion."
They smiled as the carriage door opened revealing a handsome man in his mid twenties.
Simon stiffened, Daphne and other Bridgerton looked shocked while Edwina beamed as she stepped closer just in time as they all bowed in front of this man.
Finally, the Queen turned towards the Bride who was still waiting for introductions. "Countess almost everyone here knew him but to you and your cousins let me introduce you to my nephew Prince Frederick of Prussia."
The prince step forward giving his charming smile and kissed Countess' hand while his eyes fell on Edwina behind her. "Its an honour to meet the famous Countess of Beaumont and Congratulations to your and Bridgerton family for this joyous occasion."
He smiled widely at Edwina as he added. "I bet this wedding is going to be the most memorable occasion of my life."
And if everything goes according to his plans, this wedding will fulfil all his dreams.