Five months later.
This morning Aubrey Hall was bursting with excitement as today Lord Bridgerton and his wife Kathani Bridgerton were getting married again.
Edwina despite being tired after last night Haldi ceremony wake up smiling brightly.
Turning her face towards her sister's bed ( As it was decided her Didi and her husband were sleep apart as tradition demands.) It seems her early riser sister is still sleeping peacefully under her covers.
Feeling naughty, Edwina slowly crept out of her bed and then jumped on her sister's bed. "Good morning!"
Edwina suddenly frowned as she pressed something soft underneath the covers. Pulling it back she groans loudly when she found pillows instead of her Didi.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door and Edwina only got a chance to stand up as doors opened revealing her mother, Auntie Sarah and Lady Featherington. "Good morning dear! Is your sister ready for her big day?"
Mary then looked around but found Kathani absence from both bed and room. "Where is Kathani?"
"I hope, Countess did not sneaked away to be with Lord Bridgerton." Portia inquires as she stared suspiciously at the pillows arrangement on Countess's bed.
Edwina laughs nervously while Auntie Sarah looked appalled. "Portia! How could you suggest this! After all, both Kathani and Lord Bridgerton agreed to follow tradition even if they protested at first. I assume there must be an explanation for Countess absence. Am I right Edwina?"
Edwina, who was trying to come up with an excuse, laughed even more nervously when suddenly she heard horses from open window and an idea came into her mind. "You are correct Auntie, actually Didi was full of nerves so I suggested her to go on a horse ride. I think she will arrive directly at breakfast after she returns Toofan to stables."
While it seemed other ladies bought her excuse her mama's eyes narrowed as she stared at her.
Edwina could feel herself sweating when finally her mama sighed. "Alright Edwina, leave note for your didi to join us for breakfast as soon she got back, you know how busy we are today?"
The way she emphasized on today leave no room on Edwina's mind she need to find her didi soon. "Of course Mama! You go ahead and I will bring Didi as soon she returns from her ride."
Mary nodded with one last knowing look before she turned around and left giggling at her daughters' foolishness to believe they could fool her.
Once they left, Edwina quickly rang for maid so she could dress up and then go out and search for her sister before anyone else found out she was missing on her wedding day.
Meanwhile on the other side of Aubrey Hall soft moans and groans could be heard from Lord Bridgerton's chamber.
Anthony was feasting on his wife's naked breasts. Sucking on one peak while his other hand was massaging another. He then pinched her nipple, making Kathani groan as she thrust upwards.
"Anthony!" She moans while her nails raked his back, making him lift his head in tilt.
Kathani could not help herself and reached out to lightly her husband's Adam apple which earn her soft moan from her husband. Once she was sure she left a mark on the side of his neck she moved away and watched Anthony's eyes widen in lust.
Bracing his one arm on headboard and clutching her thigh to place it on his back, Anthony drives harder inside his wife's delicious warmth.
He gasped her name when Kathani kissed him passionately and started matching his thrust with her own.
If anyone was outside they could hear bed making banging noise while the moans and groans noise grew louder.
Kathani was clutching her husband for her dear life as he took her higher into throes of passion. "Fuck! Fuck! Kathani! My Kathani!"
Kathani moans and shakes in pleasure when finally she finds herself reached highest crescendo of passion.
Anthony felt his wife's walls tightening around his member and soon with a few hard, deep snaps he crashed like a wave meeting its shore.
As her husband's body slumped in a blissful state, Kathani tried to rub his back in soothing circles to calm their wildly beating hearts.
Finally Anthony managed to move up and kissed his wife, soon to be bride sweetly. "Good morning Priyaey."
"Good morning meri Jaan." Kathani replied as she smiled dreamily at her handsome husband before pulling him for another sweet kiss. Soon she slipped her tongue inside and once again (Despite their passionate round or love making since she climbed into his chambers balcony) Anthony could feel himself getting hard again and luckily he was still inside his wife's warmth.
It seemed Kathani was thinking the same thing as she squeezed his member while gently biting his lower lip. "Countess." He sigh. "You are so insatiable."
Kathani giggle as she rakes her hand on his back until she reaches his arse and giving it firm squeeze. "Only for you my love."
Anthony could not help but puff his chest at this declaration. He was about to move once again to make sweet love to his wife.
when...
Woof! Woof!
"No! No! No! Anthony wines as he drops his head in the nook of his wife's neck, who much to his annoyance, starts laughing.
"Woof! Woof!"
"Go away!" He yells out but then he groans loudly as his wife pushed him away and got up.
"No! Let him be! He will soon leave to find Hyacinth!" Anthony tried to reason but as usual Kathani ignored him as he watched her quickly wearing his discarded shirt and then opening the door. "Newton!"
The bane of his existence! The menace of his life and his biggest competitor for Kathani's affection.
Anthony could not believe that as soon as Newton came into view it hogs all the love and attention from his wife. "Aw, my cute baby! Did you miss me! Of course you miss me!"
Anthony rolled his eyes as little menace made an adorable happy face at his Kathani and started licking her face, making her giggle. "Newton!"
"Darling, why not put him out and join me in bed." Anthony suggests charmingly but instead of his wife replying the menace stared at him.
Anthony was sure this dog was a demon inside because the growls that erupted out of its mouth could not belong to sweet adorable puppy. "Aww, poor Newton. Is mean Anthony is hurting your feelings." Kathani coos while glaring at him.
"I think it was I whose feelings got hurt after you ignored me for this hellion."
"Anthony!" Kathani scolds while Newton barks angrily at him.
"Anthony, you cannot say these things to sweet Newton! He probably woke up alone and that's why he came here to find his Amma."
Kathani kissed its head and Anthony was sure the menace was purring triumphantly, soaking all this attention from his love.
Well he is not the only one who could be adorable to get attention. Anthony mustered his best pouty look as he stared at Kathani. "I need you too my love."
He watched Kathani's eyes melting as she quickly crossed the room and joined him on bed to prep kisses all over his face. "I love you so much."
Anthony beamed and was about to pull her beneath him when suddenly he was pushed away as Newton came between them.
"Newton!" Anthony yells outrageously but the dog merely ignores him and nuzzled closer to his wife, gaining her attention once again. "Aww, I love you too Newton."
Anthony slumps annoyingly as he watched his wife cuddling this menace, the menace he gifted her in the first place.
As he watched them, Anthony suddenly cheers up as he thought about today's wedding and their soon upcoming long honeymoon trip. ( Soak all the attention you want demon dog because soon Kathani will be all mine) He thought giddily. For now he let the dog enjoy his small victory.
Soon after breakfast, a bridal party gathered in Kathani's room. Lady Mary and Sarah were helping Kathani with her hair while Edwina and Sophie were busy applying color to her cheeks, lips and eyes.
Genevieve entered holding Kathani's Amma's wedding dress which she had fixed so it could fit her better. She was also carrying garlands to decorate the bride's hair. "Look Kathani! Someone just arrived in time for your wedding.
"Penelope!"
Penelope embraces the ladies before carefully wrapping her arms around Kathani.
Kathani smirked at her new sister as she watched the glow on Penelope's face. "It seems your honeymoon in Scotland was quite refreshing."
Penelope blushed as she tried to reply. "Quite refreshing indeed and Colin was an excellent guide whenever we went out for sightseeing."
"Whenever." Sophie coughed while Genevieve pinched the girl as she reprimanded. "Stop teasing Sophie, soon you will embark on your honeymoon journey."
"Benedict have to court me first next season before we planned for anything else." Sophie reminds her friend.
It was decided that Sophie and Francesca would take part in next season before Benedict or Michael proposed to them.
By that time, hopefully, Eloise will be married as she does not want to waste her time at balls and start her life with Philip and their adopted kids at Romney Hall but they will wait for wedding until Anthony and Kathani return from their honeymoon in France.
"Well I for one cannot wait for my honeymoon." Kathani sighed dreamily as she imagined upcoming blissful days with her Anthony but...
"I will miss you all so much while I am away." Mary kisses her daughter while everyone smiles at her.
"Do not be sad, you will come back to us before you know it and I promise no matter where we are we will always find way back to each other.
Kathani nodded her head tearfully as her sister wiped them away. "No more tears didi. Come let's get you in Amma's wedding dress."
Together they helped Kathani in dress, jewellery and veil and finally when she was ready they all were in tears as they watched the most beautiful bride standing in front of them.
The door opened as Brimsily stepped inside and he was taken aback for few seconds before a wonderful smile form on his lips. "There were some special guests who wanted to see you."
He stepped aside and everyone bowed as King George and Queen Charlotte entered inside followed by Lady Danbury and Lady Featherington.
All of them could not help but beam at this beautiful bride. "Oh my dear child! How stunning you look!" Queen Charlotte smiled as she touches Kathani's face.
"Indeed Your Majesty." Lady Danbury mused. "I bet our Earl will have hard time keeping his eyes away from his beautiful bride."
"Not that he could keep his eyes away in the first place." Portia quipped, making them laugh as Kathani blushed harder, adding extra color to her rosy cheeks.
"Enough ladies, let's not tease our Kathani any further." King George orders as he stepped closer to the bride, the remarkable child whom they all owe great dept. "Kathani, my child, I know how much you wished your father was here today and I also know that no one can take his place but if you find it in your heart to listen to this old man's dearest wish, It would be my greatest honor to escort you today down the aisle."
Fresh tears appeared in Kathani's eyes as she nods her head. "The honor will be my, Your Majesty."
"Please my child, I implore you to call me uncle George."
"And you can call me Auntie Lottie" Queen added with a smile as she pinned an emerald tiara on Kathani's veil."
They watched as the bride grabbed both King and Queen's hand as she agreed joyfully. "Thank you Auntie Lottie for this beautiful gift and uncle George I would loved it if you walk me down the aisle."
They all wiped their tears away as King George kissed Kathani's forehead before leading them all outside towards the wedding ceremony.
When Anthony entered inside the church he thought everything was the same like a year ago when he married his wife under her false persona.
The decoration was almost the same, the guests were almost the same, the procession of brides maids and maid of honor was the same. Benedict still stood beside him even though the Queen was sitting in the same place with Prince Frederick was exactly the same.
And yet the air of excitement was quite different which was obvious to him when music changed and he saw his Kathani, dressed in traditional silk red and green lehanga that once belonged to her Amma, Chandra Sharma.
Anthony felt his eyes wet as he watched his bride escorted by King George and for a second Anthony's heart skipped a beat when he stared at his Goddess.
Kathani was wearing a beautiful emerald tiara on top of her veil and Anthony's smile widened when he watched a small potted lilac in her hands. To everyone it may seem like the King was escorting her but Anthony could see his uncle Milan by his bride's side as much as he could feel her father's presence by his side.
Kathani smiled brightly as King George gave her hand to Anthony before joining his wife's side as they shared sweet kiss.
Like king and Queen, Anthony also wanted to kiss his breathtakingly beautiful bride but before he could act the priest cleared his voice. "Dear beloved we are gathered here to join this man and woman in holy matrimony."
"Once again." Benedict whispered loud enough for everyone to listen as a few guests started laughing.
The rest of the ceremony passed but Anthony and Kathani only had eye for each other until finally.
"Do you, Lord Anthony Edmund Bridgerton, take Kathani Kumari Sharma as your lawfully wedded wife?"
He could not help but smirk proudly as he announced "I do!"
"And you Lady Kathani Kumari Sharma take Anthony Edmund Bridgerton as your lawfully wedded husband?"
"Have you gotten me my dog?" She inquires and he could hear his uncles and siblings laughter as he affectionately glared at his bride. "I gifted you your menace the day I proposed." He reminds her.
Kathani scrunched her nose before staring at the Priest who was shaking his head in bewilderment.
"Well he does kept his promise so yes I do take him as my lawfully wedded husband."
Once again the guests laughed and this time Anthony himself laughed at his bride's antics.
"Do you have rings to exchange?" The Priest inquires in a serious voice but yet again he was surprised when the groom suddenly whistle.
"Woof! Woof!"
"Newton!"
Kathani was delightedly surprised when her adorable furry little friend run towards them and she could see small box tied around his neck.
"You thought I would leave him out on our big day?" As if for the first time the dog was in agreement with him as he barks cheerfully and obediently step closer so that he could untie the box from his neck.
"Good job." Anthony scratches his ear and watched Newton running off straight into Hyacinths awaiting arms.
Getting up he opened the box that was safekeeping their wedding rings. "With this ring, I thee wed." He placed Kathani's wedding ring back to its rightful place and this time there were no lies, no secrets to marred this happy moment.
It seems his wife was thinking the same thing as she slipped his ring on his finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."
"By the power vested in me, I now announced you husband and wife." The Priest watched as the besotted couple overcome with their emotions and like magnets pulls each other's into their arms, their lips joined in passionate and happy kiss and while many people consider this act scandalous, the guests on the other hand start cheering and applauding for the happy couple as bells begin to ring to celebrate this happy union.
Unlike last time, Kathani and Anthony decided to have a small intimate celebration with close family and friends.
Although they forgot how much their friends and family circle had expanded since last time.
There were some familiar faces like Lady Danbury, Dorset family, Featherington, Queen Charlotte and prince Frederick and of course general Langham but new friends arrived too.
Like King George and Prince George drinking together with General Langham and Admiral Diego. Simon and Daphne were conversation with Will and Alice.
While Michele and Francesca were attending his mother, aunt and earl John.
Hyacinth, Gregory, Newton and Auggie was playing with little George and Amanda Crane under watchful eye of Philip and Eloise.
Colin and Penelope were happily chatting with his sister and brother-in-law Lord and Lady Finch, while Thomas was politely dancing with Prudence, not knowing it was all the groom's doing.
Anthony's small revenge for all those times he tried to team up with his best friend.
"I know what you are doing dear husband."
Anthony tried to appear innocent but cracked up when he saw his wife's amuse face. "What? I just thought our young Prudence would be happy to dance with our old friend."
Kathani shake her head and offer her hand to her husband. "You better keep your attention to me otherwise I will ask dear Thomas for first dance."
Anthony quickly grabbed her hand and kissed her wrist. As long as I am around, you do not need another partner.
He led his wife to the dance floor and the familiar music began. Kathani's eyes widened when she heard the music. "This is!"
"The same music we dance at Beaumont ball. Even then my heart felt connection with you, the connection it took some time for me to understand but I guess my soul recognized it was my love in my arms."
Kathani shakes her head as she twirls in her husband's arms. It was true that even in disguise their heart and soul recognized each other.
Soon they were surrounded by happy couples and Kathani was happy that a love that was started between her and Anthony has now brought so many people together. Friends or family it does not matter because she deeply cares for each person in this room and after living alone for so many years it's still unbelievable she is standing in her home, swaying in her Anthony's arms surrounded by so many people who care for her and hopefully soon she will have one more heart to love.
She could not wait anymore as she pulled Anthony towards outside until they reached the lilacs field.
Anthony was mesmerized as he watched his bride under moonlight. He was sure nothing could make this moment even more beautiful when...
Suddenly his Kathani grabbed his hand and placed it on her belly.
Kathani watched as several emotions from wonder, to confusion and finally realization dawn on her husband's face as he stared at his hand and then at her face. Wordlessly asking questions they never dared to hope.
"I do not want to hope at first but its been three monthly visitors that I have missed and after mid wife confirmed and uncle Timothy thought that whatever injury I had last time must have healed by now, I just."
Kathani felt her voice caught up with emotions but once again Anthony understood her completely. "I am going to be Appa!?" You are going to be Amma!?"
Kathani burst into happy tears as she was crushed into Anthony's arms, who then lifted her and started spinning her joyously. "We are going to be parents!"
"Yes!" Kathani managed to reply in laughter as her husband finally kissed her passionately before leaning down to kiss her belly. "I love you so much my child, just like I love your Amma." He lifted his head and watched his wife in awe, who then pulls him straight to kiss him properly.
Once they break apart, Anthony hugged her closer. "I cannot wait to start this new life with you."
Kathani pulls away as she stared at her husband and in his eyes she could see her family, her children and their beautiful life filled with love and happiness.
But...
"I need to do something before we start our life." She said making Anthony frown in unasked question.
A few Weeks Later.
Kathani was walking on green wild grass while being careful to step on any part of rubble or any broken skeleton.
Finally she reached the edge of land from where she could see the deep blue sky and as far she could see the dark blue sea that was the reason for her pain and survival.
She pulls out Francesco's old sword and knife and gave it a parting smile before impaling it to the hard ground. "I know dear friend, you always wished that I find love, peace and happiness in my life but I was blinded by my thirst for revenge."
Kathani shakes her head as she realizes the truth. "In the end what you said was right Priest. I did found peace once I accepted love and happiness in my life and now my friend it's my promise to you that I will cherish these gifts as long as I shall live."
She touched her heart and Francesco sword one last time and in her mind she could see his smiling face. "So rest in peace my friend."
Kathani turned around and for the first time she was not alone in this place.
She could see Philip, Michael, Sophie, Genevieve and Jacopo, her old crew and her oldest most trusted companions and closer to her like always stood her best friend, her love, her husband who understand her more than anyone else in this world.
"Was it painful being here?" Jacopo ask.
"No." She replied honestly as she stared at the remaining ruin of Mount Désespoir. "All this time I thought this place would bring back bad memories but now that I am here all I want is to be finally free from this place and start living my life."
Anthony smiled as he offered his hand. "Shall we begin our journey my love?"
Kathani smiled as she took her husband's hand and pulled him closer to kiss him passionately. "Now I am ready to begin our life."
So Kathani left the island with her husband and her companion and sailed on Aubrey to start living her life, a life that Priest always wished for her. The life filled with Love, Peace and Happiness.
The End.