Aubrey Hall was glowing in beautiful blue and purple theme for the wedding celebration. Decorated with potted Lilies, tulips and Roses.
It seemed as if the entire ton had arrived to celebrate this occasion and as highest ranking members of this family Simon and Daphne took centre stage.
Daphne begins by halting the music. "Your Majesty, Your highness and esteem member of the ton! We welcome you all to Aubrey Hall to celebrate this wedding celebration in honour of my brother and his bride."
Simon beamed as everyone clapped as he then made the announcement. "With great happiness I now introduce you to the newly wedded couple. He is my oldest friend, my brother and as you all know, the New Earl, Anthony Bridgerton and His wife, the very lovely Countess Katherine Bridgerton!"
Everyone started applauding as Anthony and Kate descended the stairs and bowed to the Queen and Prince.
The Queen, Violet, Lady Danbury and Lady Featherington were beaming as Simon then announced. "Now I ask you all to join our newly wedded couple on the dance floor as they have their first dance as husband and wife.
Anthony led Kate to the centre of the dance floor and they both curtsied as music began. It was a simple traditional waltz but somehow everyone can see how special this dance was.
Anthony was unable to take his eyes off his beautiful bride. He still couldn't believe that they were married, especially after he pushed her away last night.
"For a moment I thought you would not show up." He whispered as they swayed in circles.
Her eyes were unreadable as she stared deeply back and replied. "No matter what I decide, no matter what I do, it seems destiny found ways to bring me back to you."
Without caring for propriety Anthony pulls her towards him and kissed her with all his love.
The Ton looked scandalous and started gossiping until Lady Danbury hit her cane hard on the floor as she yells. "Shut your mouth! We won't allow any kind of unsavoury words for our lovely couple!"
"Well said, Agatha!" The Queen told everyone as she then asked pointedly. "Now all of you go join our newlyweds on the dance floor!"
Colin was too happy to listen to this command as he stepped forward and took Penelope's hand. "Can I have this dance?"
Violet and Portia shared secret smiles as Penelope blushed and let Colin escort her towards the dance floor.
Prince Frederick excused himself as he walked towards Edwina who was standing with Eloise and Francesca. "May I have this dance?"
Edwina's eyes lit up as she nodded excitedly. "It will be my pleasure!"
Soon after she left Philip and Michael arrived and took Eloise and Francesca for dances.
" It looks like both Sterling cousins are interested in your daughter's." Lady Danbury whispered and Violet beamed until her eyes fell on her second son who was once again watching Sophie with longing.
Apparently it was not only Violet but also Queen who noticed these things. "Mr Bridgerton!? Why are you not on the dance floor with your family?"
Benedict looked startled and sure enough everyone of his siblings were on the dance floor as Simon, Daphne and Hyacinth and Gregory joined the dance floor.
"You girl, the one who was in bridal party. What is your name?" Sophie hurriedly bowed as she introduced herself. "I am Sophie, your Majesty. Sophie Bennett "
"Well Mr Bridgerton, escort Ms Sophie to the dance floor. It's your Queen's command." The Queen winked and Benedict led Sophie on dance floor.
Violet was very much delighted (already planning courtship of her other children in her mind) and shocked to ton members as the Queen told no one in particular but it was for everyone ears to hear. "All my subjects deserve happiness even those we used to think were beneath us."
As Agatha Danbury watched Benedict and Ms Bennett dancing joyously with other lovely couples while not one single member of the ton dare to pass any hurtful words towards them , Agatha was feeling proud of her friend for using her power in the correct way.
It seems this season she truly became the Queen she always meant to be.
After few or many dances. In which the bride not only danced with her husband but also with the Duke of Hastings, her three brother-in-laws. Thomas Dorset, Andrew and George Rokesby and her cousins.
She was even seen dancing with Brimsily and her butler but no one even bat the eye since it was their Queen's wish for everyone to join festivities as she herself danced with groom Earl Bridgerton, her nephew Prince Frederick and her loyal advisers Brimsily.
After dancing a country dance the dinner was announced.
The guests enjoyed a variety of dishes from British, French and Indian cuisine.
"Slow down Colin, that seems spicy." Penelope warned him but Colin didn't listen and started coughing as he complained. "What kind of soup is this!"
"Its not soup its green chilies chutney." Anthony informed him from where he was sitting with his wife.
"Be careful husband, some of those dishes seem too spicy for your platter." His wife warned him as he reached for fish dish.
"Do not worry wife, it is not the first time I have tried Indian cuisine. In fact Kathani used to..." He trails away as his wife got silent. "I am so sorry." He told her earnestly. "I understand if you do not want to hear about her after last night."
To his surprise she reached out and grabbed his hand in a reassuring squeeze. "Please never refrain yourself on my account. The truth is I like to hear your childhood stories. I can't explain but they always bring me joy."
It's one truth she can share with him. It was nice to know he kept her memories alive.
After dinner a huge seven tier cake appeared which they both cut together.
The wedding celebration became the happiest occasion for the bride and groom along with their family and guests.
As night went on more guests were arriving and Anthony and Kathani were greeting them as hosts.
Suddenly they both stiffen as new guests finally arrived one they both were expecting but also hating to meet.
Kathani discreetly signalled Philip to hide just in time when Lady Sheffield started congratulating them. "Lord Bridgerton, Lady Bridgerton Congratulations on your wedding, sorry we arrived late but it seems the entire ton has also arrived here."
While Lady Sheffield were looking around impressively the man behind her step forward. "Congratulations to you both. I must say you have done well yourself Bridgerton from being Ninth Viscount to being first Earl Bridgerton. You have come a long way than any man in your family. Your late father must be proud you married well."
Anthony wanted to retort harshly but his brilliant wife has better words. "I think Late Lord Bridgerton would be even more proud that his son married for love a word which is foreign concept to many Lords around here."
Anthony felt great pride as his wife's words stunned Lord and Lady Sheffield.
"Lady Sheffield, Lord Sheffield allowed me to introduce the love of my life and my beautiful, brilliant wife. Countess Katherine Bridgerton."
Lord Sheffield reached out for her hand only to get his hands dirty by cake icing. "Oops! Sorry, I forgot to wipe it off."
They both contain to hold their laughter as Lord Sheffield embarrassingly wiped his hand with a handkerchief. "Well, Congratulations to you both. It seems you are well suited."
"Thank you for the complement." Anthony told him with a huge smile on his face that irritated him more.
"Where is Edwina's mother? I thought we would send her an invitation too." Kathani watched closely as these two monsters for the first time become uncomfortable as well as irritated. "Our daughter is too sick to travel this far so she stayed in Somerset." Lady Sheffield replied.
"Oh, I hope she gets better soon." With that they both left to mingle with others while not noticing the look of hatred in the Bride and Groom's eyes for them.
Genevieve and Jacopo were enjoying drinks by the entrance with other staff members.
" Has she spoken with you about the next step of our plan?" Genevieve asks her husband. "You know since tomorrow we all leaving after breakfast."
"We are to regroup hour before the celebration end." Jacopo informed her but his wife's eyes were not on him but a new arrival who was talking with the Duke of Hastings butler. "I knew that man!" Genevieve whispered as she recognized him. "He was in that shack Michael and I visited. This man was inquiring about that concoction and Smith."
Jacopo and Genevieve watched as Duke's butler told that man to follow him.
"Come, let's follow them!" She whispered but Jacopo shook his head as he instructed her. "No! found Penelope and Sophie told her to find out what this man wanted from Duke."
A Few minutes later Penelope and Sophie were walking down the hall way towards study following Simon as he left the party.
As soon they reached the door they found few voices coming from inside. "I cannot hear anything clearly." Sophie complains.
"Come, I have an idea!" Penelope led her towards the next room which was a storage room. It was dusty filled with old unused furniture and decorated pieces.
Sophie observes as Penelope knocked on the wood until she finds a hollow compartment. "Here, this must be attached to bookshelves, come help me move this."
Together both girls moved things until they saw a gap as candle glow and clear voices passed through it.
Both girls beamed at each other as they began to listen to two voices inside.
"How was your journey Mondrich?" Simon asked.
"The journey was fine mate but I am afraid it was complete failure." The man Mondrich replied in a tired voice.
"Tell me what happened?" Simon inquires.
"I searched all underground areas in London and other towns but so far no one knows where Arthur Smith disappeared . Not only that but people are going crazy because they are increasing the price of concoction."
There was a pause and then they heard Simon's voice. "Why did they increase the price again?"
"I don't know mate but there is rumours circulating that they have stopped the supply and now they are only selling stored concoction which they have to sell by end of six weeks mark. No one knows what is the reason. I am sorry mate but it seems we have lost all hope for finding Smith."
"Do not be sorry Mondrich, you have done what you can. Come let's enjoy the celebration tonight and tomorrow we will decide our next course of action."
Both girls waited until they heard both men's footsteps walking outside.
Penelope and Sophie stared at each other in wonder.
As they both walked back towards the ballroom. "Kathani was right! They did move the deadline to an earlier date and now we know for sure something is going to happen after six weeks."
"How can you assume that?" Sophie asked.
"Haven't you heard that they have stopped the supply and trying to sell their stored concoction within six weeks, plus Arthur Smith is disappeared the only man who is not protected by his title."
Sophie looked worried as she asked. "You think that master mind is behind Smith's disappearance?"
Penelope stared at her friend as she replied. "Who else it could be?"
With that they both returned to the party before anyone could notice their absence.
As the celebration continues Anthony left Kathani to greet some friend of Simon.
Kathani was enjoying the wine when she noticed a man in Military uniform bowing to Queen and Prince and with him stood none other then lady Kittage Langham.
She beckoned Michael closer who excused himself as he left Francesca, Eloise and Philip and walked towards her. "Its better be good, I was just amusing Ms Francesca with one of my stories."
Kathani rolled her eyes as she whispered. "You can flirt later but first tell me who is that man with Lady Kittage, who is he?
Michael stared at the group and immediately recognized the man. "That is Lady Kittage husband, General Langham."
Kathani watched him and unlike Lady Kittage he seemed like a serious looking man next to his wife who was friendly and easy-going. "Introduce me to him."
Michael held out his arm as he said. "Shall we cousin?"
Kathani smiled and let Michael escort her towards the Queen group.
The Queen was just talking with her general when she saw Countess and her cousin approaching their group. The queen quickly made the introduction. "General Langham let me introduce you my crown jewel and our lovely bride, Countess Katherine Bridgerton and her cousin and head of our royal guard Captain Michael Sterling."
General Langham bowed and reached out to kiss her hand as he said. "It is my pleasure to meet you Countess, My wife has been praising about your beauty and brilliance ever since I returned from Spain."
Kathani smiled as she stared fondly at Lady Kittage. "Well thank you General but I think your wife is really generous in her praising."
"Oh, please! You deserve all the compliments Countess, never I seen a foreigner elite making her place in ton so fast and our Countess not only cemented her place but made herself one of the most respected elite among members of the peerage."
"Quite right you are Lady Kittage!" The Queen beamed and Kathani bowed humbly as she replied.
"Well, I cannot take all credit because luckily I made great friends to guide me in the right direction."
They all make small talk until Kathani discreetly pinched Michael and tilted her head towards General.
Michael scowl for getting pinched but then he realized what Kathani wants him to do. "General Langham, tell me how are we fairing at war in Spain. I hope victory will be our soon."
Kathani observed closely as General Langham's mood suddenly soured. "There is no victory in war Captain, only losses of young men and the destruction of their families."
Queen eyes snapped at General who apparently seemed like a man grieving as he continued. "I lost good men on that field. Friends who I have known since childhood, young men I trained myself and for what? So we could ruin our relationship with other European countries? So we could conquer more land!."
Hearing a General speaking so passionately against war, in front of The Queen and Prince makes Kathani respect this man.
She then observed the Queen who seemed to be lost in thought, Prince Frederick however looked uncomfortable as he said.
" It is not unheard-of great kingdom growing their territories by conquest, great legends have born like that to leave their mark on history."
The General however, gave him dark look as he said. "Yes, Your Highness, history does remember these legends as great conquerors but history forgets how much blood is spilled and lives are lost in conquering these territories and if you recall your studies all conquers lives end in one big tragedy. You cannot hope for happiness by crushing innocent souls."
The Prince was rendered speechless as everyone stood awkwardly waiting for him to lash out.
In the end Prince Frederick kissed his aunt's hand. "As interesting this conversation is, I am afraid I am too tired to carry on. Goodnight auntie. Goodnight Ladies, Good night captain."
He then stared at General long and hard and with a nod left the group. Soon the Queen also excused herself saying she was feeling tired and left.
As soon both royals were gone Michael praised the General. "You really should present the case in parliament. If you can render a Prince speechless then you can convince Parliament to stop these wars."
General Langham looked shy and his wife beamed at him with pride. "I would love to heed your advice but unfortunately I am to return to Spain soon and joined the war. If only I could meet someone from otherside to negotiate, I could hold the war until I could convince Parliament there is no need for war to expand our domain."
Kathani then stared at this man as inspiration struck her to get him on their side. "I can help you with your negotiations problem General."
General chuckles as he told her. "No matter how much influenced you think you are My lady, you cannot help me with war negotiations.
Kathani smiles as she replies. "General, do not underestimate what this lady could do, if you follow my instructions you will soon find out there are certain privileges of just being me."
Both husband and wife gaped at her as she stepped closer and whispered in General Langham ear.
Since Michael was standing in front of their group, no one noticed how General's eyes widened in surprise.
Edwina was just finishing another dance with her suitor when she finally got respite as she then eagerly began to search for Countess.
The truth is in these last few days she and Countess have become close and after hearing about her sister's fate she felt like she needed someone like Countess in her life.
She found her standing alone with Lord Bridgerton as they conversed in corner.
Edwina smile as Lord Bridgerton said something in his wife's ear that makes her laugh.
She quickly crossed the distance and saw their eyes fell on her. "Ms Edwina! I am glad you joined us, now please tell my wife that Ms Cowper is looking ridiculous with that crystals filled wig."
Countess rolls her eyes as she told him. " Edwina knows it is unbecoming of a lady to criticize another lady looks."
"No matter how ridiculous she appears to be." Edwina adds making Lord Bridgerton burst into triumphant laughter.
Countess shook her head as she told her husband. "Stop corrupting her, you already have your brothers and sisters to do that."
Countess then looked at her as she asked. "Now tell me are you enjoying the celebration? I saw you enjoying dance with Lord Lumley are you considering his courtship?"
"Lord Lumley is a wonderful gentleman but there is someone who asks me for courtship and I have agreed."
"Really who is this gentleman?" Lord Bridgerton inquires.
"Prince Frederick, he asked me if he could court me while we were dancing and I said yes. He is going to call me once we return London."
Lord Bridgerton looked pleased while Countess looked surprised.
Edwina watched as if she was struggling with something until she said. "I am happy for you Edwina but I think you should wait until he asks permission from your grandparents before you get your hope high."
"Oh do not worry about them Countess, Prince Frederick has already spoken to them before he and Queen left for London. My grandparents are very pleased when he asks for permission to court me. My grandmother is already planning a wedding. She is positive that the next grand wedding the ton will attend will be mine and Prince."
Lord Bridgerton didn't waste time but start informing Edwina how much he liked Prince Frederick.
Edwina was so excited to learn more about The Prince that she didn't notice how quite the Countess had become.
Kathani couldn't wait anymore she turned towards her husband ( She still couldn't believe she is married to her Anthony).
"Darling, I am getting tired and I promised Mr Timothy Dorset I will wish him goodnight."
"Okay, let me tell someone we are leaving."
Kathani got panicked and before she could make any excuses for him to stay, luckily she was saved by Benedict who reached them. "Brother! You must come with me towards Billiards room! Simon and a few of your Oxford friends want to meet you there."
"Ben, tell them I have retired with my wife." Anthony began but Benedict cut him off. "No, brother! Just please tolerate us for one more hour. I hope my new sister will not mind."
Before Anthony could deny again she took her chance. "You go ahead, by the time your hour with your friends will be up, you will find your bride waiting for you."
"Are you sure?" Anthony ask hoping she will change her mind but his wife smiled and assured him with sweet kiss. "Go, enjoy yourself and then we can enjoy each other."
She watched as her husband's eyes darkened and with a quick but passionate kiss he promised. "I will see you in one hour."
With that she watched Benedict dragging Anthony away. She quickly signalled everyone and walked towards uncle Timothy's room.
Upon entering she saw Philip, Jacopo and Genevieve were already waiting for them. Then Uncle Andrew and George arrived.
Then Michael and Brimsily and finally Sophie and Penelope arrived who started speaking as soon they closed the door. "We have some information about Arthur Smith.
Kathani heard as Genevieve explains about the man she saw earlier today and then Sophie and Penelope explained the conversation they overheard taking place between this man (whose name is Mondrich) and Simon.
"So you were right about the deadline moving to an earlier date." Sophie concluded.
Penelope looked worried as she told everyone. "I think something big is going to happen in six weeks."
"But that is too soon!" Philip exclaims. "We don't even know who that mastermind is or what his plan is?"
"I have my suspicion about who is the mastermind could be and what big event is going to take place in the next six weeks." Kathani spoke up as she started pacing the room. "Uncle Andrew, Uncle George tell me while you were spying for uncle Edmund, did you find out why those soldiers attacking those places?"
"To gain more territories." Andrew replied.
"Or that was the reason soldiers were given." George explained. "They attacked ruthlessly to gain more territories instead of negotiating with them."
"Few hours ago Prince Frederick of Prussia was debating with General Langham how war are methods of old conquerors who wanted to extend their territories."
"Prince Frederick said this?!" Brimsily ask in disbelief. "But he is such a gentle hearted man, I remember how much he enjoyed art and philosophy."
"Looks like his philosophy changed, isn't Prussia an ally of Britain against wars that happened with other nations?" Michel reminds everyone.
"I agree but that's because of the familial relationship these countries share. After all Queen is from there and Frederick mother...".
Brimsily was cut off as Jacopo reminds them. "Remember someone from Prussia and Britain is sponsoring these monsters."
"That may be true but Prince Frederick is in his mid twenties and whoever this mastermind is he has been around for decades." Penelope told everyone making them stop blaming Prince Frederick.
Kathani however couldn't shake this feeling that Prince Frederick is involved in this. "Earlier Edwina told me Prince Frederick wants to court her. According to her, Sheffield's approved their courtship and it seems already planning wedding."
"A big event to take place in six weeks!" Genevieve gasp. "What could be bigger than Prince's wedding!"
Sophie feel uneasy. "How can this wedding be this mastermind's big scheme? Something does not add up."
They all were quiet until Kathani eyes fell on her uncle Timothy. She walked towards him and sat beside him. "Uncle Timothy, A storm is coming and if this mastermind is using these concoctions to control his players then to even the game I need cure. Please tell me if it was possible were you able to make these cures?"
They all watched as Timothy stared at her long and hard until finally he blinked his eyes.
Kathani smiled and quickly made an alphabet chart from which she could communicate.
"Uncle, Philip will make that cure but we need help. I will join to help you both as soon as I return from my honeymoon but we need someone who can help, someone we can trust. Can you suggest that person name."
Kathani start pointing at various alphabet until she realizes. "Thomas! You want your son to be involved in this!? No uncle! I cannot ask you to do this."
Kathani was in tears shaking her head until she was shocked when the hand she was holding squeezed her back.
She gasped and watched uncle Timothy's fingers were squeezing her back.
"Uncle Timothy!" She cried and everyone noticed this miracle as Timothy struggled until his lips slowly moved as tears rapidly fell from his eyes. "To,Tom! Hel,p! Cu,err!"
Kathani's heart was filled with happiness as she shakily nodded her head in understanding.
"Okay." Wiping her uncle's tears away she looked at others who like her were crying in disbelief over this miracle.
"Philip, take the Dorset family to Beaumont mansion. Tomorrow I will convince Thomas that we can treat uncle Timothy better in London. Once you reached there confine him in. Find cure of all those concoctions and under six weeks if it possible."
"I will try my best." Philip assured her.
Kissing uncle Timothy's forehead she started giving the rest of the instructions to others.
"Jacopo, Genevieve I need you to laid crumbs for Simon and this Mondrich fellow. Lead them away from London, rescue Kilmartin's, Crane twins and My mother Mary Sharma. I have this feeling that right now all their focus will be on London so those places will be less guarded but still make sure that Simon and his friend remain safe."
"Do not worry Kathani we will rescue other and keep Duke of Hastings and his friend safe from any kind of danger." Jacopo promised and they both knew that Jacopo and Genevieve would protect them at every cost.
"Michael, Uncle Brimsily. You both need to find a safe house near palace grounds."
"Safe house? But why?" Brimsily asks.
"Because we need a safe place in case we need to act fast and protect our King and Queen and all those people we care about. A safe house near palace so that if search happened no one could suspect to look nearby area"
Brimsily nodded his head as she stared at Michael. "Michael, it is utmost important that you keep your eyes open. Trust your instincts and if it comes to it plan quick exist for our king and Queen. I have this strange feeling that this mastermind wants to harm them. Uncle Brimsily, Michael keeps an eye on Prince Frederick and stay alert of Prince George arrival. At this moment they both are under our suspicion."
"Do not worry Kathani, I will guard them with my life, no harm will come to our King and Queen as long as I am alive." Michael promised and uncle Brimsily also agreed with him.
Kathani then stared at Sophie and Penelope as she instructed them. "Look after my sister. If Edwina and Prince are courting I want you both to keep an eye on her. I do not trust that man at all especially if he has Sheffield's approval."
Sophie quickly assures her. "Do not worry, we will be your sister's Shadow."
"Penelope, please make Colin proposed to you. I understand wedding is not possible in such short notice but you guys can return for engagement party. I will try my best but if I can't find evidence in the next ten days then we need another excuse to return. Also both you and Sophie look after Colin and Benedict. I don't want them to investigate these matters while Anthony is here and Simon is away."
Penelope nodded her head as she assured her. "We will do our best to full fill all these tasks and I hope you succeed in your search because that will solve most of our problems."
Kathani patted at her friend and finally she turned towards Uncle George and Andrew as she asked Jacopo. "Did you bring that box?"
Both men watch curiously as Jacopo brings a wooden box towards her before handing it to Kathani.
Kathani opened the box and showed them what was inside. "What strange looking letter is this and why is this strange coin attached to this envelope." Andrew asked as he picked it up.
It has a human skull engraved on it and it was matted with dried blood.
"These are favours I have collected during my time as a pirate."
"And what do you want us to do with these favours?" George inquires feeling strange as he examined all these letters written in different languages.
Kathani smirked as she handed over the box to uncle George and replied. "I want you both to go on a diplomatic excursion."
"What? But we can't join the forces again." Andrew informed her but Kathani smiled as she told them. "Do not worry, I have found the perfect companion for your diplomatic trip. All you have to do is send your wife back to Greece and then meet him at port and tell him that you were sent by Countess Bridgerton for diplomatic negotiations."
But who are we meeting?!" They both inquired. In answer she smirk as she gives them the name.
"General Langham."