The wedding date was set three days after the final bans were going to be read in the beautiful chapel near Aubrey Hall.
"Can you believe it in three weeks you both are going to be married!" Violet says in excitement two days after engagement ball.
She watched as entire family seems excited while Anthony kissed his fiancé's hand.
Her new daughter-in-law looked in deep thought as she said. "There is so much to do! Anthony told me that you have not visited Aubrey Hall in years."
"Yes, we left shortly after Hyacinth was born." Violet replied.
"Can you believe that?! This will be my first time visiting our Ancestral home!" The young girl complained.
"I am glad my party will not be alone in this and Hyacinth after I marry your brother I promise Aubrey Hall will return to its former glory and never be closed again."
Anthony watched as his youngest sister rushed to embrace his fiancé in gratitude. "I am so glad that you will be my new sister."
"Me too!" The family smiled as Countess kissed the girl forehead.
"Now we should all discuss my Matron of Honour and my bridesmaids since Hyacinth will be my honorary flower girl and Gregory and Auggie will be our ring bearer."
The men watched in amusement as the girls started looking excited (except for Eloise).
"But before everything else we need to discuss when we should Depart for Aubrey Hall." Kate told them and everyone started suggesting different dates.
"We should leave a week before the wedding." Daphne suggested.
"Excellent idea!" Portia says approvingly. "That will give us time to arrange our dresses and Countess wedding gown among other things."
Violet, on the other hand, frowned at this suggestion. "There is one problem, we need to go before that so we could start preparing Aubrey Hall for wedding rehearsals and then wedding breakfast. Plus we need to make sure the rooms are prepared and decorated for our wedding guests as they arrive four days prior to the wedding."
"Then we will leave soon." Everyone looked surprised as Countess continued. "Lady Bridgerton is right we need to depart so that we can make sure the house is prepared for wedding festivities."
"But what about our dresses and other arrangements for wedding?" Francesca inquires and she was quickly assured by Michael. "Do not worry Ms.Brigerton between Bridgerton's , Hastings and Sterling's we can all look after wedding arrangements at Aubrey Hall."
"And as for our dresses and my wedding gown, I am sure I can convince Genevieve Delacroix with a large sum to accompany us at Aubrey Hall, this way we will have our dresses made in time for our wedding."
It seems everyone was in agreement with Michael and Kate's suggestion.
Anthony clapped his hand delightedly. "So it was decided we are going to leave for Aubrey Hall in two days."
In two days happiness is returning to Aubrey Hall and he is thankful for his fiancé who is the reason for this happiness.
That night in Anthony's study he was sitting on his chair while his fiancé perched on his lap as they were finalizing guest lists so that Invitations could be send before they depart for Aubrey Hall.
"I am not inviting Cowper's to my wedding. Their daughter is downright rude and intolerable!"
He watched as his fiancé sighed. "If we start deducting guest list because of their rudeness then I fear almost entire ton will be cancelled. Besides that girl is afraid of me so I think I can handle her and Lady and Lord Cowper won't create problems because it will be blessing they are invited after enduring being shunned by ton because of their close friendship with Lady Penwood and her brother."
Anthony tried his best to not scowl at the mention of Herbert and thankfully his fiancé didn't noticed his expression.
Anthony quickly decided to change the topic. "Okay fine, you invite Cowper's from your side but then I will be inviting Fife and Cho."
"Don't you dare Anthony Bridgerton!" She yells angrily. "If I saw those pricks anywhere at Kent then I will render them incapable of marriage and you my dear fiancé will be spending your wedding night and honeymoon without your bride!"
Anthony gasp outrageously at this warning. "You can't threaten me like this Countess!"
"Watch Me!" She scrunched her nose in defiance.
They both stared at each other stubbornly and then finally Anthony sighed in defeat. "You do not play fair Countess."
She smiled smugly as she leaned close to kiss his cheeks. "Get used to it my lord."
He laughs and bring her face close to steal a proper kiss. A Few seconds later they break apart sighing happily against each other lips and then they continued finalizing the guests list.
Finally one name remains and they both stared quietly at it.
"No!" Anthony said before his fiancé could ever begin. "You know what they did to my family! How they treated Doctor Sharma and Kathani. I have barely tolerated their presence in social events and after what that old had said at our engagement ball, I don't want to see that family anywhere at my home."
He felt Kate's arms enveloping him as she rubbed his back to calm him down.
Anthony inhale his fiancé's scent and kissed her neck to control his rage.
"I understand darling and I would never have suggested that family if it was not for Ms. Sheffield."
At mentioned of little Dina's name he looked up to stare at his fiancé who smiled at him. "I know how much you are fond of him and I like that girl too and I think she shouldn't be punished for her family's crimes."
"Okay fine we invite them but I can't tolerate them for four days."
He watched as his Priyaey eyes twinkled. "How about I ask Ms Sheffield to be one of my bridesmaids. This way she will depart with us and I will tell Jacopo to give them the wrong date for guest arrival. This way, the Sheffield family will arrive on the day of our wedding and depart with the rest of the guests the same evening."
Anthony beamed at his fiancé's brilliant mind. "What a wonderful idea and this way we don't have to deal with that family for more then few hours but we will get the chance to spend two weeks with little Dina."
He kissed her in gratitude and together they finalized each last details before he lifted her in his arms and take her to their future room and if any servant or family member hear noises and screams of passion from Anthony's room they decided to ignore it.
The invites were sent. the preparations were made as both Bride and Groom party gathered to depart for Aubrey Hall.
Kathani watched as Genevieve and Jacopo settled in one of her carriages with other staff members.
The Hastings departed ahead with Violet, Gregory and Hyacinth with Bridgerton's staff so that they could prepare for the family arrival.
"Come children! Make haste!" Lady Danbury tapped her cane as she was left in-charge for their departure. "Now tell me who is sitting where?"
Everyone started talking at once and she angrily tapped her cane to silent them. "That's enough! Featherington Ladies will be in my carriage."
Kathani tried to hid her smile as Colin discreetly stood in front of Penelope to hid her from Lady Danbury's sharp eyes.
"Lady Danbury? I will accompany Eloise in one carriage."
"Sure Mr Bridgerton and Doctor Sterling will accompany you in your carriage for better protection to these two girls and yes I can see who you were trying to hide."
Colin blushed while Philip seemed at first he want to object but then his eyes fell on Eloise and something changed his mind as he said. "Of course Lady Danbury I will be delighted to accompany them."
Michael watched as Philip settled beside Ms Eloise Bridgerton and suddenly an idea from in his mind. "Well if my brother is accompanying Mr Colin Bridgerton to provide security to girls then I shall join Mr Benedict Bridgerton to help him protect Ms Bridgerton and Ms Bennett."
"How chivalrous of you Captain Sterling." Lady Danbury complements with amused eyes as he settles beside Ms Francesca Bridgerton while Mr Benedict Bridgerton was already seated beside Ms Bennett.
Lady Danbury shook her head and then her eyes fell on the engaged couple who were standing quite close to her liking. "Portia, I think you should go ahead with your daughters and Ms Sheffield and Myself will accompany our happy couple."
"What?!"
Everyone snickers in their carriage at Anthony and Countess' horrifying reaction.
"There is no need Lady Danbury." Anthony begin only to get hit by Cane on his leg. "Ow!"
"You two will sit opposite from each other before someone witnesses something untoward!"
"Lady Danbury!" Countess complained like a young girl and Lady Danbury had enough. "Silence! You both will control yourself and behave yourself this entire journey and once we reach the privacy of Aubrey Hall then you two can be as affectionate with each other as you want! Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes Lady Danbury." They grumbled like school children instead of fully mature men and women.
"Come Ms Sheffield, we need to chaperones these two and make sure their wandering hands stay by their sides."
Edwina giggled as she settled beside disgruntled bride who soon cheered up at sight of her as they both started discussing the wedding plans.
Lord Bridgerton on the other hand, turned soured when Lady Danbury sat beside him and used her cane to create border between his and Countess legs.
"There will be no sulking Mr Bridgerton, we have a long ride a head of us and I will have my eyes on you both."
With that Lady Danbury tapped her cane in signal and soon carriages started moving as they left Mayfair and began their journey to Aubrey Hall.
That evening Queen was selecting a necklace to gift Countess for her wedding.
"I think this gold, diamond and amethyst necklace will be the best choice for our Countess wedding gift."
"As always Your Majesty, you have an eye to choose the perfect gems." Brimsily praised her as he imagined how magnificent this necklace will look on Kathani's neck.
"Have all preparations been made?" The Queen inquires as she selects a few jewels for herself to wear on wedding.
"Yes Your Majesty. We will depart a week before the wedding giving us a few days to spend time at Aubrey Hall before the rest of the guests arrive. You will also be glad to know that we have sent our best guards to provide extra security for this wedding and they will report to Captain Sterling as soon as the wedding party arrives in Kent."
"Great job Brimsily. Also make sure that the Palace and London are extra secured while we are away. I do not want anyone to take advantage of our absence."
"Do not worry your Majesty. Captain Sterling has already instructed guards to triple the Palace and city petrol and placed the most experienced guard for our King Protection."
The Queen smiled approvingly and just when she was about to order for her dress selection a footman disturbed them. "A two royal letter has arrived for you, your Majesty."
She quickly opened the first letter and beamed. "The prince regent is arriving in two months' time. The war on Spanish borders is close to winning and he will join us here for a while before joining war at French borders." Brimsily frowned
because it had been many years since Prince Regent had returned. The last time he was here was the time when Milan..."
His thoughts were disturbed when the Queen squealed in delight as she read a second letter. "Oh Brimsily! Send a message to Lady Bridgerton and inform her that I am bringing a special royal guest with me and this season I will make sure that at this wedding our family will find a cause to celebrate."
While Queen was reading the letters, at the same time in another part of London at Sheffield's house Lady Sheffield was surprised by sudden arrival of her husband.
"Has Edwina departed?" He asked without even greeting his wife as they both entered the study for privacy.
Lady Sheffield was so used to her husband's straight to the point attitude, replied in bored voice. "Yes she had left hours ago. I am surprised you allowed her to go there without us but I think there is a great reason behind your permission."
Lord Sheffield smiled pleasingly at his wife. "You know me so well darling and as for your question you are right. I do have a great reason."
"So? What is it?" She asked, intrigued by this sudden change. "Why give her permission now when we kept her away from that family for so long?"
Lord Sheffield's eyes glint evilly as he informs his wife. "Bridgerton, Royals, this Ton. In fact this entire bloody country does not matter anymore now. Soon we will be on top of everything crushing them like insects they are!"
"Has master given new orders?" She ask understanding her husband's sudden appearance.
" Yes! The deadline is moved to an earlier date. In two months' time everything we planned will come to its fruition and Master has chosen this wedding for the beginning of the last phase. Edwina will be our last move as we win this game. I hope this time we won't be disappointed because Master himself will be arriving in two months to see our plans being successful."
Lady Sheffield stood up and gave her husband a drink as she sips from her own drink as she assured him. "Do not worry darling! I have raised Edwina very smartly this time. She had all the qualities of a charming debutante and none weakness of our disappointing daughter. I have been preparing her for this very reason and you will see she will not disappoint us."
"I trust you darling! You did a great job moulding her in the image we imagined she would grow up In to. With our last move all our dreams will come true and this will be our final revenge on Milan Sharma as we used his daughter to bring Chaos in the world."
Both husband and wife raised their glasses to the dark future where they will rule the world.
After two days of tiring journey they finally reached Kent.
"Welcome to your new home Priyaey."
Kathani heard Anthony whisper while making sure that Lady Danbury and Edwina won't wake up.
She smiled but then her eyes took in the same beautiful fields of her childhood home.
A home Sharma family shared with Bridgerton's .
A home where her friendship with Anthony grew as strong as their father's friendship has become. Her last home from where she was brutally snatched and sentenced to live in hell.
The carriages stopped and lady Danbury and Edwina were first to exist.
She watched as Anthony stepped out and then turned towards her with a smile on his face as he held out his hand. "Come Kate."
She grabbed his hand and stepped out and it was as if she had stepped back in time when she first arrived at Aubrey Hall.
( Flashback
"Welcome to Aubrey Hall Kathani!"
She pouted but reluctantly grabbed her friend's hand as he helped her out.
Her Appa and New mama were already talking with uncle Edmund and Auntie Violet.
"Kathani! Kathani!" She smiled as Benedict, Colin and Daphne rushed to meet her.
"We all have been waiting for two days to welcome you in your new home." Anthony informed her as little Daphne grabbed her hand. "Come! We need to show you your flowers!"
"What!? What is she talking about?" She ask suddenly feeling cheerful to be among her best friend and his siblings.
"You will see." Anthony told her as they reached a small patch near gardens.
There she saw a few lilacs growing. "These are the flowers you gave us in potted plant for mother." Benedict reminds her.
Kathani felt so surprised and pleased to see that her given flowers are now planted in the entrance of grounds.
"When father informed us you and your family are going to come and live with us. We wanted to give you a home welcoming present." Anthony explains.
Kathani beamed at them. "Thank you so much you all!"
"It was Anthony's idea!" Little Colin exclaimed.
"Hush you!" Anthony tried to quiet his babbling brother but to his delight his friend looked even more happy as she embraced him. "Thank you Anthony! I was sad to leave Palace behind but now I am happy to be in your home."
"Our home." He gently reminded her.
"Yes! Our home." She agreed.
End of Flashback)
"Welcome to our home."
Once again, Anthony's voice brings her back as he welcomes her into their home.
As they walked the path Kathani's eyes fell on long path of lilacs fields.
Before she could stop herself her feet carried her there and soon she felt warm arms enveloping her as she heard Anthony's voice. "Countess meet my friend Kathani Sharma and Kathani meet my friend Countess Katherine Beaumont."
She stared at him in confusion so he quickly explained. "Many years ago we planted Lilacs to welcome Kathani home. The same she potted so Benedict and I could gift it to our mother. After she died we turned this place as her memorial and scattered uncle Milan's ashes on these flowers. Afterwards we took great care of that patch and then over the years those flowers multiplied and that patch of lilac turned into fields of lilacs. I instructed the gardeners to take special care of this place when we left Aubrey Hall."
He smiled sadly as he bent down to gently caress the flowers. "I guess Kathani was right to stop us from tearing those flowers. Even at young age she thought me that if you care and love someone then they will never die but live on forever."
And as she watched her old friends keeping her memories alive in these beautiful field of lilacs few tears fell from her eyes as she bent beside him and touched the flowers that held memories of her old life and ashes of her Appa.