Lady Danbury had done many things in her life and among those things was to act perfectly whenever the circumstances arise and this morning she was prepared to act her part once again on request of Kate Sharma.

The young woman who somehow managed to win her heart in small duration of time. Something only a few people on this earth were able to achieve. So when Kate retold her deal with Viscount and asked her help to convince their families about the genuineness of this match, she could not stop herself from helping this young woman out.

Agatha watched as the entire family sat confused at breakfast table wondering why Viscount invited Sharma family and herself for breakfast when the night ended quite poorly for him.

Her old friend Violet was trying to catch her eyes but Agatha expertly avoids making eye contact with her friend as she interestingly listens to Benedict Bridgerton's plans for joining Royal academy of art.

"You are an artist, so is my sister." Edwina informed loudly making Kate blushed as she felt Lord Bridgerton curious eyes on herself along with Mr Bridgerton excited ones.

"Really Ms Sharma? In that case we have to find some time to paint together."

"I would like that very much but I must warn you that my sister exaggerate Mr Bridgerton as I can only dabble with water colors."

"No worries Ms Sharma, my brother is just an amateur artist." Eloise assured her new friend as she really liked this smart woman.

Kate smiled at her when suddenly Lord Bridgerton's voice surprised everyone. "I am sure you both will paint plenty of beautiful paintings at Aubrey Hall."

Anthony was so intrigued by this new information about Ms Sharma that he did not realize what exactly he said as everyone stared at him with surprise.

"Why are we leaving for Aubrey Hall?" Colin inquires.

"The season only began my dear." His mother reminds him looking baffled.

"You said Benedict and Ms Sharma will have time so does that mean you are inviting the Sharma family too?" Eloise inquires, making everyone stare at him in shock.

It was not only Bridgerton who were shocked, Lady Danbury noticed because soon the words were out Mary looked worried, Edwina anxious and Kate was somewhere between annoyed and nervous.

Lord Bridgerton on the other hand was trying to reply but now his family is asking questions after questions without giving him a chance to say anything.

Finally Agatha had enough of this nonsense as she tapped her cane twice before glaring at everyone at the table. "Now, I know you all are one impatient bunch but can you please act like civilized human beings and let Lord Bridgerton explain himself."

Anthony stared gratefully at Lady Danbury and stood up to give everyone the big news. "I realize this will come as great shock to you all but as of last night Ms Kate Sharma and I are engaged." He quickly settled down and waited for a few seconds for another onslaught of questions.

Lady Danbury shake her head while Kate dared to stare at her mother and sister who like everyone sat completely stunned until...

"Anthony Bridgerton!" Violet was first to react, followed by confused Benedict. "Engaged? To Ms Sharma?"

And even more confused Colin as he stared at Edwina. "But what about the sister you were determined to court?"

The sister in question looked completely confused as she stared at her Didi. "Didi? What is going on."

"Kathani Sharma? Did he really propose to you?"

Mary inquires feeling headache with this shocking news.

"And you really accepted his proposal!? Eloise inquires in disbelief. "Please tell me you reject him straight away."

"Eloise!" Anthony began offended by his sister's remarks and luckily Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth were still trying to process this news that they have not ask any questions.

Kate could see how all these questions were causing distress to Lord Bridgerton and since it was all her idea she stood up to take all responsibility.

Everyone felt quite when Kate suddenly stood up and walked towards Anthony.

Violet watched how her son's eyes shone when Ms Sharma came to stand beside him and squeeze his shoulder in assurance. "Can I answer these questions My Lord?"

Anthony quickly stood up and together side by side they faced their stunned family. "Last night Lord Bridgerton required private audience with myself while you were busy with gathering. Lady Danbury was kind enough to act as our chaperon."

They both stared at Lady Danbury and she nodded at them to confirm this requested lie.

"Ms Sharma tried to explain why she thinks I am unsuitable for Ms Edwina and the more we argued the more I realized she was right." Anthony said all this with great conviction that even Benedict got fooled. "That must be some arguments because Anthony never agrees with anyone."

Anthony ignores his brother as Kate continues while staring at him with such tenderness that for a while he was taken aback if it was real or an act. "But the more we argue the more we realize how compatible we are with each other."

"It is truly remarkable how similar they both are." Lady Danbury adds while staring at both mothers. "Both eldest children, both became responsible for their family at a very young age."

At this both mothers' eyes softened in understanding and Kate was happy to see their plan was working as she continues. "When all arguments were laid in front of us, we both realized how perfectly we matched each other."

"And since I have entered this season in search for my perfect Viscountess when I found her, I could not delay any further and so I proposed to her straightaway." Anthony informed them while smiling at Kate with such conviction that Francesca and Edwina sighed dreamily while Eloise frowned at Kate as she asked once again. "And you accepted him just because he matches you perfectly?"

Kate gave her assuring smile as she loop her arms around Anthony's arms. "Yes Ms Bridgerton, you may not realize this now but I hope you soon find how greatly its matters when you find a partner who not only understands you but understands your circumstances too and last night when I found that in your brother I had no choice but to accept his proposal."

"Oh Anthony!"

"Oh Kathani!"

Both mothers stood up and rushed towards their children to congratulate them for this happy news and soon the rest of the family, even reluctant but convinced Eloise joined the happy couple and congratulated them for their engagement.

As soon as they returned to Lady Danbury's house Lady Mary excused herself and asked Kate to follow her.

Kate was well aware why Mary needed private word with her and luckily she was prepared for any questions her mother would have about this surprising engagement.

"Kathani, Beti." Mary began trying her best to approach this conversation carefully. "Kate as your mother, I have to ask, why sudden change of heart? Not that I am not delighted with this news but just last night I was under impression you dislike Lord Bridgerton and now all of the sudden you agreed to his marriage proposal when marriage was not something you wanted in your life?"

Mary watched as Kate averted her eyes for second but then she took deep breaths and then her eyes lit up with certainty that was not there before. "Mama, I understand your concerns and there is something you need to know to understand why I choose to accept this proposal."

Kate took another calming breath and began her explanation which she rehearsed the entire night for exact this moment. "Its true I never wanted to marry but that was only because after Appa left us, I was worried my husband would take me away from you and in a way it was a blessing I was not married because that way I was able to help my family out."

Mary's eyes teared up. "Oh Kathani." She began but her daughter shook her head and grabbed her hands. " It was one decision I never regretted but I need you to understand that you and Edwina were not my only reason for not marrying."

"We were not?" Mary asks in surprise and Kate smiles at her. "I just never found anyone who I could connect with, I always wanted connection that you and my Appa had in your marriage and unfortunately I never found one so I decided to not settled down for less."

Kate watched carefully as Mary digests her lie which in truth was not a whole lie. The truth was Kate had once found that connection with Vijay Kumar, the minister son of Maharaja, but he refused to take responsibility for Mary and Edwina and when choice was given Kate would always choose her family first.

"And you are sure that you had find this connection with Lord Bridgerton?" Mary's voice brings her back and it took a few seconds for Kate to give her mother the satisfactory answer.

"My connection with Lord Bridgerton is something I never imagined." Kate then brace herself as she tries to build a plausible story by using true events. "I never told this to anyone in case you all think of this union born out of some scandal but truth is Lord Bridgerton and I have met before we were properly introduced."

"What?!" Mary gasped in shock and Kate hurriedly assured her mother before she jumped to the wrong conclusion. "Nothing untoward happened Mama but the first morning do you remember I arrived late for breakfast."

"You went for a ride," Mary remembered and then went to scold her daughter who looked surprised by this knowledge. "No need to look surprise Kathani Sharma, I know how rebellious you can become when you feel trapped."

Kate blushed at getting caught but was pleased that her mama knew her so well. "Anyway that was where I met Lord Bridgerton for the first time. You see he thought I was some damsel in distress but when I started to ride faster he must have realized I was unharmed and maybe he was intrigued with me. We ride side by side and had playful conversations but I left before either of us could properly introduce each other."

Her mother smiled in understanding. "So that's why at Lady Danbury's ball you said you recognize Lord Bridgerton because he left impression on you during that first meeting?"

Kate felt warmth inside her as she remembered her reaction when she saw him again at ball. "I agree he was quite gentlemen in our first meeting and did not judge me harshly for riding alone. I think I was also intrigued by him as he was with me."

Mary smiled but then her brow furrows. "Beti? If you liked Lord Bridgerton then, then what happened to make you dislike him later."

"He opened his mouth Mama!" Kate replied, feeling cross when she recalled what she overheard."

"I do not understand." Mary informed her daughter feeling surprised by Kate's sudden out burst.

Mary watched as Kate huffed. "It was not a conversation meant for my ears but while I went out for fresh air, I overheard Lord Bridgerton conversation with his fellow gentleman and his views on marriage were completely outdated and quite offending to my ears."

Kate left out the love part but her mother sighed as she pulled her daughter into her arms. "You always judge people so quickly. Have you consider Lord Bridgerton said those words because that is what expected from him. You know how men sometimes are, they say one thing but act the opposite of that thing."

Maybe her mother always see best in everyone and Edwina must have gotten this trait from her but Kate need to stay on guard to protect them from people who had these views as she heard that day coming out of Lord Bridgerton mouth. "You are right mama but hearing these words left bad impression of lord Bridgerton in my mind and when I saw him next after his dance with Bon at Queen's Diamond ball, my fury came out of nowhere."

Mary caressed her daughter hair as she listened how she quarreled with Lord Bridgerton to protect Edwina.

"And maybe deep down you liked him first but he turned out different." Mary adds, making Kate stare at her mother as Kate was forced to acknowledge her anger. "You are right mama. I really liked him before all this happened and that is the reason when we talked again last night I was able to see the man behind this Lord Bridgerton facade."

Kate did saw a different side of Lord Bridgerton last night but to make her story believable she explained her written story. "Lord Bridgerton explains that he wanted to clear this misunderstanding. You see he was delighted to see me again at Lady Danbury's ball but after I left him scolding he was left speechless to defend himself. He danced with Edwina because at first he was interested in her as Queen chosen Diamond but once again he was startled to find out I was her eldest sister. Next morning he actually came to call me but I thought he came for Edwina and I made him leave after rudely closing the door at his face."

"Oh Kathani!" Mary shook her head at her daughter's behavior who looked a little guilty as she continued. "He used Mr Dorset to get a rise out of me because he was angry with my dismissal of him. We also argued last night until he finally confessed how he liked me too but things got ruined because I overheard and believed that conversation which gentlemen often do with each other. Lord Bridgerton explained that he wanted much more from his wife out of his marriage then those offending views I heard. He assured me he was searching for a mature Viscountess and it was clear Edwina is too young for such responsibility."

"He is right, you saw Bridgerton's today and even after Lady Bridgerton and Lord Bridgerton present at that table they needed someone firm yet understanding head Lady like you. Edwina is too gentle to guide this energetic bunch."

"I on the other hand knew how to nurture a family this energetic." Kate finished her mother's thought and apparently that is one of Lord Bridgerton reasons to agree with her deal.

Mary felt relief after having this conversation but she had to ask one important question. "Kathani Beti, I understand you and lord Bridgerton have found attraction, compatibility and deep understanding with each other but tell me something honestly can you see yourself living happy fulfilled life with Lord Bridgerton?"

Kathani thought hard and while she will never get love she always saw between Mary and her Appa, same love she was sure her sister will find with Matthew but even if that love is not part of her life she loves her family enough to live a happy content life with Lord Bridgerton.

"Do not worry mama, I believe I will be happy in my new life."

After all as long as they are happy so she will be.

While Kate was doing her best to assure her mother in Bridgerton house Anthony was doing the very same thing.

As soon Sharma's left, Anthony was once again bombarded by a hundred questions regarding his sudden change of heart.

He never realized how vexing his siblings can be but today they reached another level with their absurd questions and assumptions.

"Did you hit Ms Sharma in her head to accept your proposal?" Benedict teased and Anthony did hit his brother's head in reply.

Colin corners him aside as he inquires in a hard voice. "Did you compromise Ms Sharma or has she seduced you like Ms Thomson tried to do with me?"

Anthony sighed but felt great that Colin had learned from his mistakes. He gently assured his brother. "Brother nothing untoward happened, I am a gentleman and she is a lady and we simply decide that we are compatible match and that is the reason for this union."

While his brothers seemed to let it go and his youngest three siblings accepted his story, Eloise, on the other hand is coming up with a worse conclusion.

"Is she sick? Did you use some kind of magic to trap her? Is this about your ego because she would not let you court her sister? Have you blackmailed her? Promise something big she wanted to barter her freedom with? What is it?!"

Anthony has enough of this growing accusation, especially when his sister guesses the last one to the point.

Luckily before he could snap his mother came forward in his defense. "Eloise Bridgerton! Stop harassing your brother with this nonsense and be happy about his engagement to such a wonderful young lady and hopefully now that we will have a new Viscountess she will help me find your perfect match."

They all watched as Eloise yells in frustration and stomped upstairs towards her room.

Seeing everyone distracted by Eloise's dramatic exit, Anthony himself followed his sister's footsteps and stomped towards his study while praying no one would disturb him.

As he should have knew his prays went unanswered when he heard a knock and seconds later his mother stepped inside. "I am so sorry on behalf of Eloise. I think last night she connected with Ms Sharma when they made fun of Ms Edwina's suitor and I think when Eloise find out that Ms Sharma chose to remain unmarried and plans to be a governess to have freedom, well your sister became her admirer exactly like she admired Lady Whistledown last season."

"No wonder she suspect fowl play on my part." Anthony grumbled but understand his sister fascination with Ms Sharma, after all he is fascinated with his fiancé too. "Anthony dearest, please for the sake of peace of my mind, please tell me the real reason you proposed to Ms Sharma when just last night you were trying to Impress Ms Edwina?"

Anthony took a deep breath and like they planned last night, Anthony recounts the same events that Kate was telling Mary to convince her.

He spin the story to his mother about the first meeting, the misunderstanding, the constant argument until he genuinely talked with Ms Sharma, which led to a proposal.

By the time he was finished with his explanation his mother was in tears. "Oh Anthony! I never thought you found true happiness after we lost your father but seeing you so alive these last few days I now understand it was Ms Sharma who made your heart alive again."

Anthony watched his mother speechless because even in all these web of lies he cannot pretend that he felt more alive these last few days than he felt for more than a decade.

His mother stood up and gently patted his cheeks. "Be happy my son because I am so happy for you and I cannot wait to start planning your wedding."

She then handed him a small box and Anthony was surprised when he opened the lid. "Your betrothal ring? I thought you said it was at Aubrey Hall."

"I lied to my son because I thought you would choose the wrong woman for this ring but I am happy you proved me wrong and chose the perfect woman for this ring and as your wife."

"Thank you mother." Anthony accepted her praise even though the truth was far from what she thought.

"I hope you and Ms Sharma found same love and happiness that I found with your father."

Anthony tried his best to not flinch because he may try his best to make her happy but he could never give her love.

Ever since Daphne got married she soon found herself fulfilling different roles to keep her busy in her life. She became wife, friend, Duchess, lady of the various Hastings properties and recently mother to her son.

But before these roles she was a daughter and a sister and above all a Bridgerton and when something happened with one Bridgerton the others always be each other side.

So that's why Hastings carriage arrived outside Bridgerton house a few days after Daphne got shocking letters from Eloise, Benedict and Colin. A joyful letter from her mother and Francesca and a sensible one from Anthony all claiming one thing that her eldest brother had found his perfect Viscountess and he had already proposed to her without any courtship.

She was still reading various letters while her husband Simon was reading his own respective letters from Hyacinth and Gregory. "Apparently dear Eloise is quite opposed to this wedding according to Hyacinth and Gregory. It seems to me, she is planning to object during the ceremony."

"She would not!" Daphne gasps at this absurdity but she again reads Eloise's letter and how she furiously wrote it to puncher paper in various places shows her displeasure completely. "Mother thinks Eloise found a kindred spirit in Ms Sharma and she fears this marriage is forced on her because our brother has some hidden agenda."

Simon scoffs as he took the letter from his wife and read it to himself. "You sister exaggerate, the honorable Lord Bridgerton who would duel with me for his sister will never force himself on an unwilling Lady."

"I trust Anthony's honor too but the timing is making things suspicious and on top of that he wants to read Bans soon and announce his engagement to the ton."

"And your mother wants him to court Ms Sharma properly before any announcement happens?" Her husband guess making Daphne fan herself in worry. "Mother is afraid that if she made him wait Anthony will change his mind."

"Do not worry darling, let us see this issue for ourselves and then we will decide how to help your family in this situation."

Daphne smiled at her husband and then soon she smiled brightly as they stepped out to greet her family.

"Daphne, your Grace and my grandson." Violet greeted each of them before reaching out to hold Auggie in her arms.

Seeing her family distracted by the baby Eloise took her sister and brother-in-law aside. "Daphne, Simon you have to stop this wedding. I do not know how Anthony did it but when I talked with Ms Sharma she seemed happy with her freedom and unbothered by living as a spinster and then overnight she was engaged to our brother, the same brother who was pursuing Ms Sharma's sister. The timing ! The sudden announcement! It does not make sense! Especially when Ms Sharma is way too good for him! She is smart! Witty! Confident! Educated! And experience in running a household!"

Daphne never saw Eloise this passionate, even last season's obsession with Lady Whistledown seems tamer compared to this.

Before she could reply they heard a voice behind them. "Not to forget extremely beautiful and experienced horse rider."

"Bridgerton, we were just talking about Elusive Ms Sharma." Simon tried to lighten the situation but the way Eloise angrily left the group and Anthony sighed showed his attempted to lighten things gone in vain.

"Eloise is suspicious of your engagement brother." Daphne warned her brother.

"Benedict and Colin are a little less but they both would not oppose this union. Eloise, on the other hand, needs some convincing." Simon mused and watched as Anthony's face hardened.

"I am tired of explaining myself and I have explained details to mother who understands them completely." He said this loud enough for his other meddlesome siblings to hear and sure enough he could see their curious eyes on their mother.

"Nonetheless, today we are going for a picnic and Daphne you can see for yourself if Ms Sharma is perfect to be my Viscountess."

Daphne seems intrigued by her family reaction, especially her brother's willingness for this woman. "I cannot wait to meet Ms Sharma."

And as they walked inside the house Simon leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Let's hope Ms Sharma has stronger will if she needs to be part of this family."

Later that afternoon Daphne and Simon finally found out what makes Ms Sharma so special. Aside from all the qualities she has that her family described when she arrived, Daphne noticed there was grace in this woman who stood tall and proud basking the sunlight with a genuine smile as she greeted them.

Simon and Daphne were surprised when they saw Anthony genuinely smiling as he stepped closer to greet his betrothed.

"Ms Sharma."

"Lord Bridgerton."

"Something is wrong with your brother?" Simon gasped worriedly as they stood behind the couple.

"His mouth is stretching all the way up to his cheeks."

"Hush you! That's smiling!" Daphne scolded her husband in a low voice as they watched footman handing a leash to Ms Sharma.

"You have a dog?" Anthony moved back a little when he saw a round fluffy corgi staring at him.

Kate smiled at her dog with great affection. "Newton is my best friend and an excellent judge of character."

"In that case it's nice to meet you Newton." Anthony greeted the dog and was about to pet him when the dog growls at him. "As I said he is an excellent judge of character." She teased and Anthony could not help smile while glaring at his new enemy. "I am sure you will miss him once we got married."

"I will not." Kate assured him. "Because you are getting him through this marriage too."

"I am what?!"

But before he could inquire more the rest of his siblings joined him and while the youngest pet Newton, Daphne and Simon stepped closer to introduce themselves. "You must be Ms Sharma?"

Anthony stood closer to Kate to make introductions. "This is my sister Daphne the Duchess of Hastings and her husband Simon, Duke of Hastings."

"I am also Viscount's oldest friend." Simon informed her while Daphne looped arms against Ms Sharma. "Come, I need to know everything about the woman who stole my family's heart."

As the afternoon continued, Daphne observed Ms Sharma and found her quite similar to Anthony.

Like her brother, she seems devoted to her family and the way she looked out for her sister and turned away unworthy suitors reminds her of Anthony last season.

"She is a lot scarier than your brother." Simon shudders as they watched Lord Cho walking quickly away from where Ms Sharma was guarding Ms Edwina's promenade with their close friend Mr Bagwell.

"I feel for my sisters because together Ms Sharma and Anthony will be forced to reckon with."

"She is like female version of Anthony." Benedict whispered as they watched Anthony and Ms Sharma glaring at suitors like hawk while they stood together.

As the day continued Daphne could see Ms Sharma or as she insisted Kate was perfect for her family but she became the best choice for Anthony when that evening Newton ran away to chase a squirrel.

"Newton!" They all watched with the rest of the ton how Ms Sharma ran after her dog soon joined by Anthony, Gregory, Colin and Mr Bagwell while their mother tried to stop Hyacinth, who blamed herself for letting Newton slipped from her hands.

"Simon go after them!" Daphne shrieked as they reached closer to the lake.

"Why? I think your brothers are enough to assist Ms Sharma."

Simon was glad he did not joined the rescue party because soon the furry little fellow jumped into the lake taking Ms Sharma and his friend with him.

Everyone stared stunned as those three emerged from lake water completely drenched and just when Daphne feared Anthony would snap at Kate something surprising happened.

Newton shakes his entire body, making Benedict, Colin and Gregory wet as they stood closer to the beast.

"Newton!" All three of them tried to move away in disgust but were stopped when a booming laughter reached their ears.

Ms Sharma was laughing but so was their brother as they watched that menacing dog drenching his rescue party with muddy lake water.

Anthony was still laughing as he helped Ms Sharma out of the muddy water, not noticing how much his laughter stunned his family and everyone else.

Eloise was still staring at her brother with a dumbfounded look when she heard her sister's gentle voice. "There is your answer Eloise. He is marrying Kate because he found her old self in her presence and I believe this marriage will give us the old joyful Anthony that we lost after we lost our father."

Dearest Gentle Readers."

This author has written about many matches but today she saw a match like none another.

Ms Sharma, who I previously marked as spinster beast, turns out to be a hidden Gem.

A Gem so rare that she made our Viscount Lord Bridgerton shine and those who witness Viscount joy and laughter at today lake incident (That included Ms Sharma's furry little companion as well as Lord Bridgerton's three brothers) can say that Ms Sharma brings the best and happiest version of Lord Bridgerton this ton and this author has ever seen.

I cannot speak about anyone but it seems we will get our new Viscountess soon.

Yours truly,

Lady Whistledown."