Two days after lakeside picnic and Lady Whistledown spreading news about their courtship, Anthony and Kate decided it's time the bans were being read for their wedding, especially now when more suitors are now interested in Edwina as news spread that her elder sister could be the next Viscountess Bridgerton.
Anthony was as eager as Kate to be done with this duty but before all that he needs to fulfill his part of their deal.
Lady Mary was enjoying tea alone in sitting room as Kate and Edwina went out with Lady Danbury for promenade.
She was just planning to take a short nap in her room when all of a sudden footman appeared. "Lady Mary, Lord Bridgerton is here to see you."
She sat straight as Viscount walked inside holding an envelope in his hands. "Lady Mary." He bowed.
"Lord Bridgerton, it is really nice to see you but I am afraid Kate is not here."
"It is fine My Lady, My reason for coming here only required your presence."
Mary frowned as Lord Bridgerton took seat next to her and offered her envelope.
"What is this Lord Bridgerton?" She inquires while holding the thick envelope in her hand.
"This is a Betrothal contract of mine and Ms Sharma and if you kindly read and sign it, I would love to go ahead and ask the Archbishop to read our wedding bans."
Mary was surprise to say the least but then she noticed eagerness in Viscount's eyes and she tried to refrain her smile because it seems Lord Bridgerton is quite smitten with her daughter.
Mary unfolds the papers and starts reading the details.
So far it was standard Betrothal contract made in ton but then her eyes widened when she read the last few lines again and again.
With surprise gasp she finally stared at Lord Bridgerton. "My Lord, I think your attorney made mistakes. This sum is too much for my allowance and dowry for Edwina..."
"Ah!" Lord Bridgerton seems to understand her shock but at the same time he seems unbothered. "Lady Mary, while I do not know much about your family finances, Lady Danbury mentioned to my mother how you sold everything to make this trip."
Mary's eyes watered as she held her face down in shame. "Lord Bridgerton if you know this then you must know that Kathani does not have any dowry nor does Edwina."
"I do not need dowry to marry Ms Sharma and as for Ms Edwina, she will soon become my sister and it is my duty as head of your family to provide for you and your daughter."
"Still Lord Bridgerton, this amount is too generous." Mary tried to reason but stopped when Lord Bridgerton put assuring hand over her hand. "Please call me Anthony and as your soon to be son you cannot refuse me from taking care of my family."
At this Mary burst into tears and when he offered handkerchief Mary had no choice but to accept it along with his generosity that is going to solve all of their problems.
After the first Bans were being read things has become even more interesting for the Sharma family who will soon joined union between the most beloved family of London.
As the news spread in Lady Whistledown about the bans, the line of suitors outside Lady Danbury has massively increased.
"As much as I enjoy being sponsor of most eligible debutantes in ton I will be glad if Ms Edwina chooses her husband soon so I can find quite moment in my house again." Agatha told her friend as they watched five suitors trying to woo Edwina all at once.
Edwina shows grace but ever now and then she keeps staring at them with grimaced on her face hoping for reprieve.
"I wish Ms Sharma had been here to help the poor child out. I must say she has a wonderful ability to scare suitors away."
Mary chuckles as she remembers how these suitors cowers with her eldest daughter one stare. "It is a pity she is with Lady Bridgerton and Duchess to prepare for her engagement ball otherwise she would have loved to scare them away."
They both stopped talking when Lord Lumley left Edwina's side and walked towards them. "Lady Danbury, Lady Mary can I have a word with you."
Mary asked him to sit and both older ladies watched as he nervously smiled at them. "Lady Mary, I have been one of Ms Edwina's constant suitors this season and if you consider me worthy for your daughter, I want permission to propose her."
His voice must reach other suitors' ears as a loud crash noise could be heard and everyone noticed how Mathew Bagwell dropped his tea cup in shock.
Soon all the suitors left Ms Edwina's side and rushed towards Lady Mary as they all asked for her blessing to propose to her daughter.
Edwina stared nervously at Matt while her mother tried to calm down her other suitors.
Lady Danbury, finally having enough of this nonsense, tapped her cane in a threatening manner. "That's enough gentlemen! Let the Lady speak!"
While Mary hated being the center of attention, one pleading look from her daughter made her stand up to address this issue. "Gentlemen, I understand many of you wants to marry my daughter and I am happy you want my blessing first but since now my eldest daughter Kathani is engaged to Lord Bridgerton and he took responsibility of being head of Sharma family it is Viscount and my daughter's blessing that is required if anyone wants to marry my daughter."
As Mary predicted Edwina's suitors start groaning looking clearly displeased because now not only they have to deal with Kate but Lord Bridgerton too.
As Mary resumed her seat, her friend raised her cup in cheers. "Well played." She whispered as they watched all the suitors returning to Edwina's side, well all but one as Edwina noticed Matt had left after hearing her Mother's declaration.
Ever since he first accepted Ms Sharma's proposition his biggest concern out of everything was weather she would fit in within his family.
Thankfully these last few days showed him how much his concerns were unnecessary because it seemed Kathani Sharma had been born to be a Bridgerton.
He was happy how well she connected with each member of his family. His mother adores Ms Sharma completely as she figured out how well learned Ms Sharma is to run the matters of household.
Daphne claimed Ms Sharma as her dearest friend as they connected over preparations for the wedding. Daphne often praised Ms Sharma's smartness and great taste for everything but Anthony knew the real reason.
"She is not hiding her true self for any one sake." His sister told him after the lake incident. "Kate's confidence in herself makes her different from other girls and that quality is rare to find."
Anthony was surprised to hear these words described as quality but then again that is also one thing that he himself had noticed in Ms Sharma that very first day they met. It was that day he found how much he liked confident women when the image planted on men's minds of perfect wife is them being demure.
His young siblings adore Kate mostly because of Newton as she claims her dog to be Bridgerton dog once they got married. (An agreement he still cannot recall making with his fiancé).
"Well that is between you and him, My Lord."
He chuckles at that memory while staring at Ms Sharma in deep discussions with Benedict and Colin as she shows them her sketches of India. Another one of her quality that connected her with both Benedict and Colin along with her musical talents that Francesca adores and apparently Eloise loves everything about Ms Sharma except her choice of groom. (Anthony is still offended about that)
Suddenly Ms Sharma lifted her face to stare at his direction while Colin was convincing Benedict to join him on his next tour. He cannot tell how but in that moment she seems to understand what is in his mind as she cutely scrunched her nose before turning towards his brothers. "I think Lord Bridgerton would need you both by his side this season rather than travelling around the world."
"Is that right brother?" Colin teased and Anthony refrain himself from smiling at his fiancé as he replied in seriousness. "I need you both to look after state affairs while Ms Sharma and I will be busy with our wedding and then afterwards it will be our job to guide Eloise and Ms Edwina this season."
Benedict stared at his brother and then quickly announced his plans before he was roped into state matters. "I have applied for art school in royal academy of art."
The paper Anthony was pretending to read dropped from his hand as everyone stared at Benedict in surprise but before anyone could react Mrs Wilson came inside and announced. "Lord Bridgerton, Ms Sharma there is gentleman named Mr Bagwell wanting a private audience with you both."
Anthony, still surprised by his brother's announcement managed to nod his head as he instructed. "Please make him wait for us in my study."
He stood up and walked towards where Ms Sharma was sitting with his brothers. "We will discuss your plans later but for now." He held out his hand as he asked. "Shall we attend our guest, Ms Sharma?"
She smiled assuredly at his siblings as she accepted his hand. Together hand in hand they walked towards his study when finally his fiancé break the silence. "Are you happy with your brother's announcement?"
"I am." He assured her but then doubts clouding his mind. "I just wondered if he will get selected in Royal academy? I hope he does otherwise he will be heartbroken and I cannot stand my siblings getting hurt."
Anthony felt a soft hand squeezing his arms as she assured him. "I understand how you feel but I think with Mr Bridgerton being so talented they will be fools to refuse him."
Anthony felt gratitude for this woman but while he wanted to thank her for understanding his feelings, they have arrived at his study.
Matt was waiting nervously as he sat at Viscount study. After witnessing today so many noble men after his Edwina, he cannot wait a second to waste before a better match presented itself.
"Matthew."
"Didi, Lord Bridgerton." He bowed to the noble man who now hold key to his happiness. "Bagwell." Viscount shook his hand as he offered Didi a seat and then pointed another chair to himself. "Please take a seat. Do you need a drink or some refreshments?"
"No, No Lord Bridgerton I just came here to discuss some urgent matters with both of you."
Matt watched as Viscount and Didi stare at one another as if silently conversing but before he could look deeply Viscount Bridgerton cleared his throat and turned his focus on him. "So what is this urgent matter you are speaking about?"
Matthew gulped but then for Edwina's sake he found courage to face two most intimidating people he had ever seen in one room. "Lord Bridgerton, Didi as you both knew my family and Sharma family has been friend's for a long time, I do not know how much Didi told you about myself but Kathani Didi is like elder sister to me and Edwina, I mean Ms Edwina, we both practically grew up together and became best friends."
"It is true, Matthew is like a little brother I have always wanted and Bon is used to be Matthew's shadow when they were young. I think her love from philosophy and history also came from their friendship."
Matthew felt his heart lightened by Didi's positive words. So with that encouragement he braces himself for this life changing moment. "Over the last few years my affection for Ms Edwina increased and Didi truth is that I came here this season to not find my match but to ask your blessings for mine and Edwina's marriage."
He quickly turned his focus to Lord Bridgerton who seems highly interested in this conversation. "Lord Bridgerton, I am really happy that my Didi found a nobleman like yourself and even though I am not part of nobility, nor I can offer Ms Edwina riches like you can offer to Didi but I can assure you I have job offers from India and even here at Oxford and I am sure If you think me worthy enough, I will gave her comfortable life with secure home along with all the happiness and love she ever wished for."
By the time he finished Didi was in tears and once again she was silently conversing with Lord Bridgerton who seems to be smiling.
Finally he stood up and grabbed a bottle of whiskey and glasses. "Well this calls for celebration! Of course Bagwell you have mine and yours Didi blessing."
Lord Bridgerton hand him drink as Didi wiped her tears. "Welcome to the family Matthew."
He felt highly relieved and felt as if he passed the greatest test of his life.
Once they finished their drinks Lord Bridgerton inquires. "When will you propose Ms Edwina?"
Matt looked stumped but luckily Didi came for his rescue. "Oh he can propose during wedding celebrations, this way we will have double celebration!"
"Capital idea!" Lord Bridgerton approved excitedly. "Bagwell, you are officially invited to our wedding and while you are there we could search for some properties at Oxford by using Ms Edwina dowry, this way both sisters will be living closer since both places are hours carriage ride apart."
Matthew felt confused after hearing about dowry. He thought she does not have one and since he is not of noble birth he does not fit on Sheffield's requirement but he cannot say all this in front of Didi otherwise she will find out that her mother and sister knew about that wretched deal.
Apparently he was thinking wrong as Didi gently explained. "Lord Bridgerton offered dowry for Edwina now he is head of Sharma family."
"It is my duty as gentlemen Ms Sharma." Lord Bridgerton gently reminds her but Matt could not accept this generosity. "My Lord, I love Ms Edwina I do not require Dowry to marry her."
Lord Bridgerton smiled in understanding. "You are a wonderful man Mr Bagwell but I insist you take this money if not for yourself then consider it as our gift to Edwina. That money will make sure that Ms Edwina will live as comfortably as her sister always planned for her."
"Please Matthew, please accept this money for my peace of mind." And after Didi imploring him with so much emotion he could not do anything but to accept this gift.
After all he own it to them because they were giving him the love of his life, his Edwina."
Anthony arrives at the ballroom of Hastings house with the rest of his family. The entire ton seemed to be in attendance as he received congratulations from everyone.
"Congratulations Lord Bridgerton, You too Lady Bridgerton."
Penelope Featherington says after her family left wishing him.
"Thank you Ms Featherington and I hope you attend our wedding if for nothing then to stop my sister to raise objection."
Penelope tries to hide her smile while Eloise glowers at him. "Very funny but for your knowledge Penelope will side with me because Ms Sharma is too good for you."
"I think if Ms Sharma was a man Eloise would have happily taken Anthony's place." Colin informed Ms Featherington who this time did burst into laughter.
"If I was a man I would be honored to fight for the affection of such smart, confident, beautiful..."
The Rest of Eloise's words faded away as Anthony's eyes fell on the vision on top of the staircase.
The Sharma family along with Lady Danbury were descending downstairs but tonight every eye were not on Diamond but a beautiful jewel that was shining brighter then anyone.
Daphne and Francesca tried to hide her their smile while Eloise rolled her eyes as they watched how their brother's eyes popped open before his gaze turned soft and fixed on Ms Sharma.
"Looks like you just saw your muse brother." Benedict whispered and Anthony could barely respond as he memorized Ms Sharma's beauty.
She was wearing a pink color gown, the shade of pink that matches her blushing cheeks. A small diamond tiara sat on top of her loose curls that were framing her face.
Before anyone could stop him, Anthony was already walking upstairs to meet Ms Sharma in the middle.
Mary, Lady Danbury and Edwina barely get any acknowledgement as Lord Bridgerton held out his hand for Kate to take. "Ms Sharma, can I dance with the most beautiful girl of this ball?"
Kate blinked and stared at Edwina who was shaking her head at her sister's silliness. "He is talking about you Didi." Surprised Kate looked back at Lord Bridgerton who was still smiling at her. "No offense to your little sister but the only beauty my eyes can detect is one standing right in front of me."
At this Kate blushed and slowly took Lord Bridgerton's hand as he led her downstairs.
They both along with their families curtsied as the Queen approached their party and the way she was staring at them with knowing look makes them nervous under her stare. "You really surprise me Lord Bridgerton with your choice of bride."
While Kate felt nervous, Lord Bridgerton looked proud as he hold her closer while he asks the Queen. "I hope it was a pleasant surprise My Queen?"
Queen Charlotte laughed and then stepped forward to touch Kate's face. "Pleasant surprise indeed Lord Bridgerton and I cannot wait to see how well she surprise me as Viscountess Bridgerton."
"I will try to fulfill all your expectations Your Majesty." Kate promised and the Queen nods her head in approval. "I am sure you will. Now Lord Bridgerton I would like to take our future Viscountess and begin the first dance."
As Anthony leads Kate to the dance floor they both realize this will be the first time they are dancing together but more importantly this will be Kate's first dance in front of the ton.
Anthony could feel that Ms Sharma was nervous so just when dance was about to start he held her close enough to whisper in her ear. "Keep looking at me, no one else matters."
The dance begins and it seems they were only two souls in this room.
Anthony was circling her body around the dance floor and it seemed for the first time in his life he had found his perfect partner.
Kate also felt her nervousness replacing the strange feeling of belonging as she danced with Lord Bridgerton. As if she was waiting all her life to match her steps by his steps.
From inside whatever they may felt but from outside the entire ton was spell bounded by their dance. Penelope was surprised to see a couple so much in sync and it felt that they were not two but one body dancing beautifully around this ballroom.
At one moment during dance they were dancing even more closer as Anthony held his fiancé turning away from his body but this way he was able to feel everything.
From her intoxicating scent to the marvel of her body fitting in his arms to perfection as if she was meant for him and him alone.
While this thought should scare him, Anthony needs to know if the woman in his arms also feels the same. "Are you Happy Ms Sharma? I understand attending your engagement party is not something you wanted this season."
He tries to make a joke to keep the serious yearning for his need to hear Ms Sharma's answer but what she said in reply wiped the smirk straight off his face. "My feelings do not matter My Lord, as long as my family is happy and you contented with our deal then that is enough for me."
Kate could feel his gaze hardened, his body stiffened by hearing her answer. "I am not asking about myself or your family feelings, I am asking about yours."
"As I say in the grand scheme of things my feelings do not matter."
There was a beat of silence and then his voice wavered. "You cannot think this to be truth!"
"But it is the truth of my life, I am not important, I am not special, hence my feelings are not important either."
The dance ended and Kate curtsied but then she noticed the thunderous expression on his fiancé face as he grabbed her hand tightly in his hands. "Not special? Let me show you how special you are!"
Before Kate could understand the entire ton along with Kate herself gasp in shock as Lord Bridgerton fell down on one knee in front of her and everyone, right in the middle of the ball room. "My beautiful, lovely and most special woman of my life, you bewitched me with your confidence, your nurturing and loving manners and your wits and wisdom. Your beauty enthralled me and even though I am not worthy of a special woman like yourself, I will humble myself if you accept this ring and be my wife, my Viscountess."
Kate felt shocked to her core because no matter what everyone is thinking right now, this was not decided between them.
Somewhere between anger, confusion and feeling extremely special for the first time in years Kathani Sharma tried to smile as she managed to nod happily before offering her left hand. "Yes! Yes I will accept your ring."
She could hear their entire family among other members of ton applauding as they witnessed this fairy tales like proposal.
As soon Kate felt ring on her finger she was ambushed by her mother and sister along with other Bridgerton women.
Kate tried her best to keep a smile on her face but while everyone was distracted with her glittery ring she noticed Lord Bridgerton's face gone pale in disbelief as he marched towards the stairs before disappearing completely from her sight.
Kate waited for a while before making an excuse for requiring resting room. Luckily Daphne understand what she needs. "You need some quite time with your fiancé? I can bet anything he is hiding in my husband's study after pouring his heart out so publicly."
Kate tried to smile to match Duchess giddiness about this misunderstanding but apparently she is too happy to notice Kate's inner turmoil as she embraces her tightly. "Thank you Kate! I believe with your help we could get that old Anthony back."
Kate frowned but before she could ask Daphne turned her around towards stairs. "Go, my husband's study is on west side corner room and do not worry I will stand here guard just tell Anthony I am being more understanding then he was."
"What?" Kate inquires feeling confused but Duchess smirk mischievously as she urged her upstairs. "Go! Now!"
By the time Kate reached the Duke's study she could hear someone was pacing inside.
She yank open the door and sure enough found Lord Bridgerton pacing in distress.
"Why are you in distress? After all you left me to handle everyone after leaving me with that fake display."
"I, I." He seems to be struggling with his words as he tries to calm his breathing. "Apologies Ms Sharma, I just could not bare that my future Viscountess think so low of herself."
Now Kate's anger flare up. "When did you get that impression that I think low of myself!"
Instead of cowering Lord Bridgerton stared at her outrageously as he snapped. "Since you claimed your feelings does not matter! that you does not matter! You said you are not special! How can you even think like that!"
"Because it's truth! If I was that special I would not have been orphaned at young age! If I mattered then my fate would not been so cruel! After all the hardships I had faced! All the sacrifices I made! Tell me how does that make me special!"
Before she knew it she was in Lord Bridgerton's arms as he crushed her body into his protective embrace. "Can't you see? That is precisely the reason you are so special to me because when I see you I saw myself."
Kate lift her face and found his liquid brown eyes on her, the tenderness behind those eyes made her felt something strange, something she never experienced in her life.
She watched as Lord Bridgerton gently caressed her face, his touch was so gentle as if he was afraid to break something precious.
"Kathani Sharma, I cannot explain how much I am awe with you. Your strength, your love and loyalty to our family inspired me and I was deeply hurt when my Viscountess, my wife claimed that she do not matter when truth is completely opposite."
"Lord Bridgerton? You cannot say these words of admiration? You made it clear I cannot expect love from this marriage."
She watched as a painful expression fell on his face but still he managed to smile. "I do not need my heart to admire the traits of my wife but I agree it will deeply hurt me if you keep thinking like this because Ms Sharma you are special to me and my family and as my family your happiness will matter to me."
Kate felt her heart filled with warmth and gratitude as her eyes spilled tears which he gently wiped it off.
For few seconds they keep staring at each other and for a second she felt Lord Bridgerton breathing changed as it fanned on her face making her suddenly shiver in his arms.
For a moment they stood breath away from each other but then they were pulled away when a voice came through. "Anthony! Kate! You must make haste! Your mothers are searching for you both."
By the time Daphne opened the door her brother and her fiancé stood apart at respectable distance but her flushed face and Anthony trying to loose his cravat tells different tale.
"Daphne? Please tell me you do not need a second to challenge Ms Sharma for duel."
"I beg your pardon?" Kate burst out as Duke and Duchess of Hastings start snickering while Lord Bridgerton glowered at them.
"Do not mind these fool Ms Sharma."
Daphne could see her new sister being curious so she quickly grabbed her hand. "Come, let us walk back together and I will tell you a thrilling tale about my brother."
"Daphne!" Anthony growls warningly but she was already taking his fiancé away and after they left he could not help but smile at this ridiculousness as he heard Ms Sharma inquires about what his sister meant.
"I cannot believe Daphne at first but it is great to see that Ms Sharma managed to bring your old smile back." Simon told his friend who stared at him with stunned look.
Dearest Gentle Readers
Have you witnessed a magical moment when two soulmate found each other and danced in joy creating a magic for everyone to feel what they were feeling.
For those who attended Hastings Ball celebrating engagement of Viscount Bridgerton and Ms Sharma, this author can bet on her skills that they were left spell bounded after witnessing a soulmate dance and now The Queen also agreed with this author, that this season has found its true love match.
Yours Truly
Lady Whistledown.