Previous Night.
Andrew and George left their room respectively and followed the maid and Countess's Butler.
They met near the guest wing and outside the corner room. "Why are we summoned here?" George inquires.
"Who's room is this?" Andrew asked and in answer the maid opened the door and there they saw Timothy Dorset laid on the bed surrounded by Countess who was sitting beside him, her cousins occupying both chairs at other side of bed and Brimsily, Ms Featherington were in deep conversation with a woman who looked at them when the door opened and said. "They are here."
Every eyes turned to face them as they stepped inside and Countess Butler closed the door behind them before clicking the lock.
For a moment, Andrew and George stared at these people in confusion until Countess stood up and told them. "Please sit down Uncle Andrew, Uncle George. I would have offered you refreshments but unfortunately we are out of raspberry scones and blueberries tart."
Andrew and George stared at each other in surprise before turning to stare at her. "Did your fiancé told you about our favourite treats?" Uncle George asked.
She gives them look they couldn't describe as she says. "He could have told me but I don't think Anthony or anyone has figured out that you two used to hide the jars of your favourite treats on the top shelf of kitchen cabinets due to the fact that you both were tallest but since I was the good climber I could always steal from your jars whenever I wanted."
George gasped in disbelief as Andrew thought about the only other person who knew about their secret hiding place. "Kathani?"
She gave them a sad smile as she said. "They couldn't crush your little spider."
Hearing the nickname they had given her ,both men's eyes filled with tears as they leapt forward to embrace her.
"Oh Kathani! We cannot believe you are alive." George cried while Andrew stared over her shoulder and saw Timothy Dorset watching them with tears falling from his eyes. "You know her truth?"
The man blinked once in answer giving all the proof they needed.
Pulling away, they settled down on the chairs beside Timothy's bed as Kathani told them everything that happened to her and how all the other people joined her over the time.
Hearing her story, George and Andrew couldn't believe how much this girl had survived.
"I am so sorry Kathani but Welsh showed us a dead body and we were foolish to believe him." Andrew told her while wiping his tears away.
"But Edmund figured it out that Welsh, Herbert, Crane, Sheffield and their leader were behind your and Milan deaths as soon we found proof of their connection. He swears to avenge you both and expose these monsters. He couldn't trust anyone but he trusted Timothy, Andrew and Myself enough to bring us in his investigation and to collect proofs against these monsters."
Andrew sighed sadly as he looked at the child they were supposed to avenge. "We were so close but then..."
Kathani knew they were unable to continue so she leaned forward and held out the old seals that belonged to them. "Tell me uncles what proof you four have found out that you need to take such drastic measures like this seals to cover your tracks?"
George and Andrew stared at each other and then at Timothy who blinked his eyes as if giving them permission to reveal their secret.
Finally George began. "It all began after Edmund found out about Featherington's land being lent to Sheffield and then his suspicions grew more when his steward Arthur Smith gave him a similar kind of proposal."
"We knew that he rejected him first time and then over and over again." Penelope told them. Andrew nods his head as he explains.
"What you don't know is that Edmund himself started following Smith whenever he left Aubrey Hall for small intervals and it was there he found his first proof which he shares with us when we came for visit."
( Flashback)
Andrew and George were waiting in Edmund's study when he arrived looking dishevelled and worried. "Bastard! All those Bastard are working together!"
At Edmund's outburst, Andrew and George stared at each other as he settled in his chair and took huge gulps of whiskey straight from the bottle.
"Edmund is everything all right?" Andrew begins but Edmund was shaking in rage as he put the bottle down. "Edmund tell us what is wrong?!" George pleaded and Edmund looked at them as if measuring weather he could trust them with this matter or not.
They don't know what he saw as he finally stood up and locked the study door. "What I am going to tell you will be a secret that you both cannot tell anyone, even your wives."
They both nodded in consent and then Edmund began. "I have been following my steward for a while. For the first few days I saw him meeting with Prosecutor Herbert and a few traders in unsavoury places in near by villages and towns but today I saw him at port with Herbert and can you guess who they were meeting?"
Andrew and George could never guess as Edmund told them in a venomous voice. "Welsh, Lord Sheffield and Dr Crane." As soon they heard these names an understanding dawned on their faces. Andrew angrily slapped his hand on the table. "Sheffield and Dr Crane two people who hated our friend Milan!"
"Not to forget Welsh who took our Kathani away from us and bring news of her accident." George reminds them.
"I don't think she died in a fire accident! Ever since Welsh brought that news I had this uneasy feeling in my heart but today seeing these men together open my eyes and now I am seeing everything in different light."
Andrew and George gaped at Edmund who stood up and started pacing. "We knew Sheffield's hated him for marrying their daughter and they hated Kathani because she was Milan's daughter. Dr Crane was discredited by Milan from science academy because Milan exposed his mad experiments. A Few years later our King got ill by unknown sickness. Milan told me that he found both cause and cure for that illness and he left urgently only for us to get news that he attacked King and executed on the spot as traitors death."
Edmund suddenly turned his eyes horrified. "I think they framed Milan before he could expose them because I can bet on my life that Milan couldn't attack the king ! Seeing these four people together I am sure that they got rid of Milan because he found out something they were doing to the king and Sheffield's used their connection to get rid of Kathani and when they found out I was trying to bring her back they killed her too."
George looked as horrified as Edmund was feeling but Andrew felt uneasy as he said. "Edmund all this theory sound plausible to those who personally knew Milan Sharma but there is no proof of his innocence nor do we know what crimes they were committing that Milan discovered which caused him his life."
"Then we will find out ourselves. I have contacted Milan's assistant Dr Timothy Dorset. He promised me he would try to find out Milan's last research regarding our king and if you two are willing to help me out then three of us can gather evidence against these monsters who took our Milan and Kathani away from us."
( End of Flashback)
George sighed as he recalled their answer. "Naturally we agreed and then Edmund told us to join the Military and Naval forces."
"But why?" Michael inquires as he stood up and walked closer to ask these men. "These seals are belonged to high ranking officers, so why would Lord Bridgerton need you to join these forces and to get on higher positions."
Andrew's eyes darkened as he replied. "Because the port Edmund was mentioning was base of Naval and Military forces."
"What!" Brimsily blanched as he sat down near Andrew. "I understand Welsh but how Herbert, Sheffield and Crane were permitted in that area?"
"That's what Edmund wants to find out. Now as Diplomats Andrew and I sometimes called for our services but we never hold a true position. On Edmund's advice we both joined forces to figure out what was going on. Timothy starts researching Milan old documents and Edmund starts his inquiry about Sheffield, Herbert and Smith's land schemes."
They were quite and Kathani noticed even uncle Timothy had this far away look in his eyes.
Reaching out to squeeze his hand in assurance Kathani turned towards her other uncles as she asked. "So what exactly did you all find out?"
Andrew and George looked uneasy and a little bit dejected as George replied. "We did find out many things but it was like puzzles which are formed but still missing their big pieces to form a complete clear picture."
Kathani presumed they would say something like this but still she asked. "Tell me what you could find out and I promise I will find those missing pieces to complete this picture."
Andrew can see how determined this girl looks. In fact everyone is as willing to help as they were willing to help Edmund. "First of all you need to understand that it all started with Dr Crane and Milan rivalry. Timothy found Milan's old research and in one he found that Dr Crane was developing different kinds or concoctions and poisons using mushrooms, wild weeds and herbs. These concoction hit the brain nerves making it user submissive, weak, and hazy, attacking their consciousness."
"In simple term turning them in slaves." Jacopo concluded and both George and Andrew nodded at this man.
"But that was one type of Concoction there were others too." George informed them and Timothy blinked his eyes in confirmation.
Kathani frowned as she asked. "Other concoctions?"
Uncle George nodded as he began to explain. "That's what Edmund had found out. Arthur and Herbert were using lesser Lord to cultivate these mushrooms and herbs on their lands but at the same time they are using other types of concoction to make sick higher Lords with delirium and madness or in some cases longer periods of unconsciousness, a condition that first appeared in our King and then over the years in these lords. They then planted their men as stewards and through them they use these family crests to smuggle these concoctions. I don't understand why but it seems they were experimenting with these concoctions on working class for their gain."
"But why would they do that!" Genevieve ask. "What possibly they trying to achieve?!"
"That's exactly what George and I find out. Because Dr Crane's best concoction turned out to be something else. Something we never saw ever before."
Kathani felt dread rising inside her as she asked. "What can this concoction do?"
"It gives you an energy boost." George explains. "Your nervous system believes that you are strong and unbeatable. Kathani we saw it with our own eyes. They experimented these concoctions on twenty-four men of Military and Naval soldiers. You people could never believe it but after inhaling this concoction they got some kind of extra strength and they think themselves fearless and invincible. These bunch of soldiers destroyed a small indies island and wiped out its entire population with the casualties of five soldiers got injured but they didn't care and kept fighting until all that remained was blood and dead bodies. He also developed poisonous mosquitoes, bees and hornets. We saw Welsh releasing them on island before attacking and whoever they bit died instantly a painful death. When we heard about Edmund's death we knew for sure he died because of them."
For a while there was eerie silence and then Genevieve reminded them. "That man I saw in shack was inquiring about some kind of concoction to win his boxing match."
"It seem my father had developed a similar concoction to boost strength in small amounts." Philip guesses.
George and Andrew still couldn't believe that Crane's son is among them.
Kathani, on the other hand, is still lost in thought as she brings out Uncle Edmund's last letter to uncle Timothy. "What do you know about this mastermind?"
Andrew sighed sadly as he confessed. "Unfortunately neither I nor George, Edmund or Timothy could find anything about him but we knew he exists and that he is the most sadistic monster of them all."
"How can you assume that?" Sophie ask and George stared at Timothy and Andrew as he replied. "Well we all noticed that someone is protecting and using Sheffield's, Crane, Herbert, Welsh and people like Smith. He was the one who took King out of the picture by using Crane concoction and we think this man was in position to execute Milan and order your exile while hiding his traps."
"But how can you all be so sure." Kathani asks even though she knows that they were right.
"Because this man started wars with different nations after King got sick! He was the one who ordered Welsh to attack that indies island! We had found documents that someone is sponsoring these wars from both Britain and Prussia."
Kathani's eyes snapped as she asked. "Prussia?!"
"Yes Prussia. Edmund finds out bank statements of Herbert and Smith as huge sums got transferred from Prussia. Timothy found out that someone from Britain and Prussia was sponsoring Crane's experiment making him Richer and we found out this man influence on other high ranking officers and Royal family as wars were declared isolating Britain from other European nations but with only support from Prussia and strangely over these years Britain had managed to survive but its nation is getting weakened from inside while we don't know what happened to the soldiers of Naval and Military forces."
Kathani and others gaped at this new information and then she turned to stare at Brimsily as she inquires. "On whose orders these wars had been declared?"
Brimsily was wiping the sweat of his forehead as he replied in a shaking voice. "Pr, Prince Regent, Prince George declared the wars! He said he wants to extend the domain of the British empire but..." He trailed off because he couldn't believe that Prince Regent could cause this kind of cruelty.
Kathani can see her uncle Brimsily is struggling with this news. She stared at Michael, who stood up and Patted Brimsily back before getting him water.
She then turned to face Uncle Andrew and George as she asked one last question. "Why did you stop investigation and move to Greece."
Both their faces saddens as they replied together. "Edmund."
Kathani tilted her face in understanding as she asked. "What did his last letter says to you?"
"Smith was pushing him to accept Sheffield's proposal and Edmund was getting frustrated when despite all the evidence we collected we couldn't find any single thing about that mastermind except his alias. Edmund told us three to send him all the evidence we collected so far. He told us it was enough to frame Sheffield's, Crane, Herbert, Welsh and all the other associate. He then told me and Andrew to retire from our position and left for Greece and made us swear to only return when he put those monsters in dungeon and got the mastermind's name out from them. Edmund feared for our safety and while we were helping him out he was arranging a safe house in Greece for our family."
Andrew was in tears as he told them. "If we knew that listening to Edmund would be the last thing we ever heard from him we would never have never left but by the time we reached Greece we didn't know what had happened. We waited a whole month and then finally wrote to Violet and Sarah to inquire about everyone's health. Three months later reply came from Viscount Anthony Bridgerton and Sarah and both letters contain how our friends fell into terrible fate and since there was no mention of Sheffield's and other arrests we understand that those monsters were behind everything that happened to Edmund and Timothy."
Kathani leaned forward and wiped her uncles tears. "It was not your fault! I am glad you listened to uncle Edmund and kept yourself safe for me. Now you can help me finish what My Appa and Uncle Edmund started."
"How?" They both ask. "First tell me what kind of evidence you collected?"
"Everything!" George replied. "Timothy found out proof that Milan figured out that King was sick by constant doses from Crane Concoction. Unfortunately, the cure formula was lost when Milan was executed but Timothy was sure he would figure it out by using Milan's research."
Kathani stared at her uncle Timothy, who blinked in agreement. "What else!"
"Edmund found prove against Sheffield's, Herbert, Welsh and Smith using land in an illegal way and smuggling of these concoctions. Ledgers of all the lords and their lands they were using for their schemes and bank statements where they were hiding their money from these concoction profits." Andrew informed them.
"What else!"
"The most important prove we got is the written statements of soldiers and survivors alike who witnessed the Horrors of these concoctions and a few noble high ranking officers claimed that this war was an unnecessary attack on other nations." She stared at George and as her eyes met with her other friends She knew they were thinking the same thing as her.
Standing up she started pacing as she gathered her thoughts. "Uncle Edmund was right! These evidence are enough to prove my Appa innocence and to frame those monsters and once they are caught we could get mastermind name from them."
"But that evidence is lost." Andrew reminds them.
"No, its here hidden somewhere in Aubrey Hall. Read the letter."
Both men read Edmund's last letter to Timothy and then frowned in confusion.
"Hand made Kingdom? Hidden between my treasures? What does he mean by this!" George ask and Andrew shake his head not understanding a word.
"We searched every possible place but couldn't find anything and old out house was accidentally burned down by fire a few years ago so if evidence is hidden there it is lost."
"Do not loose hope my child! George told her. "Aubrey Hall is the largest state. Maybe you overlook a place but find it later."
"Or maybe Lord Bridgerton will find it instead!" Jacopo says making Kathani flinch but he continued. " After all his bride is going to leave him and he will focus on his investigation once again."
"What?" Both men shouted together.
"It seems late Viscount Bridgerton's children and son-in-law are following his footsteps because like you guys they are also investigating Sheffield's, Herbert and Smith schemes." Penelope informed them while noticing Kathani's face was draining with each word.
"They cannot be involved in this." Andrew managed to say.
Gorger then remind him. "They are Edmund's sons and if Sheffield or anyone associated with them found out a hint about what they are doing then they won't hesitate to kill them!"
"It won't come to that." Kathani assured them as Philip scoffs and asked. "How will you plan to stop them!? Aren't we all running away, leaving them behind unprotected at the mercy of those monsters who wouldn't blink before killing them."
"Please tell me you are not going to abandon this family! Your family!?" George asked
"Yes Kathani do tell us what choice are you going to make." Jacopo asks in hard voice. "Abandoned the man you love and his family for doomed faith or stay with him and be his protector?"
As she watched everyone Kathani knew what choice she is going to make.
On the wedding day
The Queen and Prince Frederick were seated first as bridal parties arrived.
The Rokesby settled on the groom's side along with Lady Danbury who was holding Auggie.
The Queen and Lady Danbury stare at each other worriedly hoping that a mistaken slip won't ruin such a joyful occasion.
Violet arrived and she looked a little worried as she walked towards Lady Danbury's and whispered in her ear.
"Have you seen Countess and her cousins?"
She looked baffled but before she could reply door opened and Anthony walked down the aisle stopping to bow Queen and Prince before taking his place at alter followed by Benedict, Colin and Simon.
Portia arrives and bowed to the Queen before joining Violet and Lady Danbury as she asked worriedly.
"Have you seen my Penelope? I just came from outside and only Prudence, Philippa were standing with your daughters and young Gregory."
Anthony watched as his mother Lady Danbury and Lady Featherington seemed worried for some reasons.
"Where is that Brimsily?" The Queen asks her maid who replied she hadn't seen him since yesterday.
Suddenly the music started and as Anthony watched his mother and other ladies' anxious faces he felt a dreaded question rising inside his heart.
'Have I lost My Priyaey too?'
He soon found the answer as the curtain opened and one by one his sisters walked down the aisle, first Hyacinth throwing flowers, then Eloise and Francesca then Prudence and Philippa appeared and finally Penelope appeared giving a smile to Colin who beamed at her.
Edwina was the last of the bridesmaids to walk through smiling brightly as she bowed in front of Queen and Prince Frederick who couldn't take his eyes off her and smiled as his aunt becomes distracted by Brimsily sudden appearance by her side.
Lastly Daphne appeared with Gregory who was holding a small cushion that had rings on them.
Finally music changed signalling Bride was arriving and Anthony for a few seconds thought he couldn't breathe.
He let out exhale as curtains open revealing his Countess, his Priyaey dressed in a beautiful White gown looking regal and goddess like as everyone watched her in awe.
Philip and Michael Sterling were on her either side as they walked her towards him.
Benedict smiled at Sophie who was walking behind Kate holding the back of her long veil.
Finally after what it felt like years his Countess reached him.
Her face obscured by the thin veil which he lifted and felt her warm hand placed in his by her cousins.
"Dearly Beloved." The Pastor began but Anthony couldn't concentrate as he was lost in Kate's beautiful face and breathtakingly smile.
Finally when the time came for them to exchange rings and say I do.
"Do you take this woman as your lawfully wedded wife?" The Pastor then asked the groom.
Anthony's voice was shaking as he said. "I do."
He then slipped her gloves off and placed his ring against her betrothal ring.
Then the pastor turned to the bride as he asked. "Do you take this man as your lawfully wedded husband?"
His Kate gave his hand an assuring squeeze as she placed his ring and said the words that evaporated all his fear. "I do."
She then leaned closer to whisper for his ears only "I choose you each and every time."
And in front of God and all the people who loved them witnessing this moment saw as Anthony and Kathani choose each other as they become Husband and wife.