Violet and her children waited as the carriage arrived at Aubrey Hall.
The doors opened and the first one to get off the carriage was her second son Benedict. "Good day, Mother!"
Violet laughed as Benedict helped Miss Genevieve out. Mary and Violet were glad they had brought Genevieve along on their vacation; her father had left for France to visit his sister.
Finally, Anthony stepped out and helped his wife out. "Anthony!" His siblings waved at him.
"Kathani! Didi!" Lady Mary, along with her daughter and the rest of the Bridgerton siblings, ran toward them.
Violet joined her son and daughter-in-law, who were glowing with happiness. "Oh Kathani, when Anthony wrote about your good news, it felt as if my heart might burst with joy."
"Violet has been crying with joy all day," Aunt Billie said as Lady Mary stroked her daughter's hair. "If your Appa and brother were here, they would be so excited for you to become Amma."
"Oh, Mama! I missed them too, but I'm so glad that I have you and Bon to share this happiness with."
"Not to forget your family," Violet reminded her gently as she touched her belly. "We are all here for you, my dearest daughter, and we cannot wait for this child to join our lives."
She wiped her tears away as Violet led her family inside. "Come everyone, we need to get settled and prepare for the Christmas ball."
"Ball?" Anthony inquired in surprise as his uncle George informed him. "Your mother and aunt threw a ball to celebrate your second anniversary and the news of your Viscountess pregnancy."
Anthony sighed because he was hoping for some peace during his vacation, but when he saw everyone, even Kathani's excited face, he had to agree. "Splendid idea, uncle. Let's celebrate this joyous news."
Aubrey Hall was decorated beautifully, and the main attraction was a huge, beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
Anthony was dressed in a deep blue velvet coat and off-white suit. He was conversing with Bassett and Dorset as they had been invited to this ball by his wife.
"You must be glad to be home, Bridgerton," Bassett mused as he stared at his friend's younger siblings in the Christmas spirit, while his younger sister Daphne played the piano to entertain the guests.
"I bet our dear friend Sharma must be happier to be home; it must have been exhausting for her to stay in disguise at university, especially in her condition."
Anthony smiled as he recalled it. "Do not underestimate my wife's strength, Dorset. The truth is, I am really proud of her because she has endured everything with grace and patience, hoping for better results."
"I totally agree with you, Bridgerton, Kathani is epitome of grace and strength. " Basset said, pointing behind them.
All three men smiled, but Anthony's heart skipped a beat as his wife descended from the stairs in her red velvet gown.
Kathani smiled smugly at her husband's besotted expression. "I thought after all this time, a husband would stop being so affected by his wife's appearance."
"I'm sorry to inform you, my lady, but most husbands don't have wives who get even more beautiful with each passing day."
Thomas was surprised that his friend still saw his wife with the same awe-struck look that he had seen all those years ago at Miss Genevieve's house.
Apparently Bassett was used to this, for he looped his arms around him. "Come Dorset, let's entertain ourselves; for now we have lost those lovable fools to one another."
Anthony barely registered his friends leaving as his eyes remained fixed on his wife's beauty.
Kathani was sure her husband was going to kiss her right then, but suddenly a cane blocked his path. "Lord Bridgerton!" she exclaimed. "Can we hope for even one occasion on which you will not behave so scandalously with your wife?"
"Lady Danbury," he said, bowing respectfully, even though he was grimacing and glaring at his friends who were laughing behind him.
Kathani was trying her best not to laugh as she watched her husband getting lessons in decorum from the dragon lady. "Seriously, Lord Bridgerton, if you had been unmarried, I would have kept you both on opposite sides of the room."
"But we are married!" Anthony objected, earning himself another lashing. "Yes you are married, but please behave like the civilized Lord you are; it is highly unacceptable for you to be always ready to kiss your wife in public."
What is the point of having a wife if you can't kiss her? he mumbled irritably, dodging another hit.
"Simon, please take your friend away so I can have an important conversation with Lady Bridgerton."
Kathani laughed as their friends dragged her husband to another side of the room, but not before she heard his last complaint. "Your Godmother is jealous because, unlike her, my wife loves it when I kiss and hug her in public."
Lady Danbury, who had apparently heard this barb, laughed at this silly young man. "He is right," she said. "I never liked my husband kissing me, whether it was private or in public; not that Lord Danbury ever showed any affection in public."
"I apologize if my husband's words offended you,"
"None offence taken." Lady Danbury said with a laugh and a wave of her hand. "Your husband meant no harm, but I must say you and your husband have set the bar quite high for younger generations. In our time, marriage was mostly a business transaction, but the Bridgerton family has been blessed with love matches, and yours is the most talked-about love match amongst these young people. With your example, perhaps we shall see more love matches than traditional ones in the future."
"Thank you, Lady Danbury, hearing those words mean a lot to us," Kathani said with sincerity from the depths of her heart.
Lady Danbury patted her back as she nodded at her maid who handed her the box. "Aside from my congratulations on your marriage anniversary, I also come bearing gifts from Her Majesty and myself."
She opened the first box, revealing a rubies necklace, and then another box, finding a few papers inside it. "This necklace is from me, as a token of my gratitude for your hard work on our educational cause. Lord Danbury, may he rest in peace, wished to establish a gentlemen's club in one of our largest lands, but now we shall have the first school for girls in that land, all thanks to you."
Oh, Lady Danbury! This is such wonderful news.
Lady Danbury smiled as she continued. "The queen sent these papers as a gift, making you co-founder of these educational institutions alongside myself and Her Majesty. One deed is for Kathani Sharma Bridgerton school for young girls, the second one is Agatha Danbury Senior educational and Vocational school for young women, and finally Queen Charlotte university; all three are now under construction, and if we believe our Queen's planning, we can start these institutions by the time you graduate from Oxford."
Kathani could not believe how quickly they were reaching their dream.
She touched her belly and asked worriedly. "Is Queen angry with me because my pregnancy could ruin her plans?"
Lady Danbury gave her a gentle smile that she reserved for special people. "My dear, we could never be angry with you for having this happiness. On the contrary, our Queen believes your pregnancy is a blessing because now it gives you extra motivation to ensure your children, especially your daughters, to grow up in a better world."
And with those words, all of Kathani's fears disappeared, because Lady Danbury was right! Her children deserved to be born into a better world, and she was going to make it happen for them.
After dinner Violet invited everyone for dancing and as Lord and Lady of the house Anthony and Kathani opened the dancing with the first waltz.
The music was melodious as she danced gracefully in her husband's arms, and for Kathani, every time she danced with her husband, it felt like they were the only souls on the dance floor.
She spun around before moving closer into his arms and feeling Anthony inhale her scent, causing her cheeks to flush. "Stop it," she whispered.
He sighed, squeezing her waist. "I cannot wait for this ball to be over so I can take you into our chambers and have special celebrations with you."
Kathani gasped as she heard the promise of pleasure in her husband's voice. "What have you planned?"
Her husband smirked rakishly as he licked his lower lip. "It involves our favorite cake and me eating it off your body."
She felt her eyes pop open in shock and desire. She was about to suggest they sneak away for an early celebration when suddenly the music stopped.
All of their attention was diverted towards Uncle George who cleared his throat. "Pardon me ladies and gentlemen, but an important family emergency has just occurred, and I need you to excuse your host for a while."
Anthony and Kathani watched as Uncle George beckoned them towards the study while he whispered something in Aunt Billie's ear; she then instructed everyone to resume their dancing.
Anthony and Kathani left the dance floor and by the time they arrived at their destination, they saw Genevieve and Lady Mary already there; both of them were crying for some reason.
"Kathani" Genevieve cried harder Suddenly, she stood up and rushed to embrace her friend.
Gen, Mama? What's going on?
"Dear Kathani, please take a seat," Uncle George said to her kindly before handing Anthony a letter.
"Uncle George, what is this?" He inquires and then began to read the letter.
Kathani watched from her friend's shoulder as Anthony's face changed from confusion to shock. "Anthony?"
At her voice, he finally looked up. "Your brother is alive," Anthony said to her, still in disbelief. Meanwhile, Kathani felt shocked.
'Karan! Is Karan alive?'
"Oh, Kathani! I always knew your brother! My Karan was alive!" Genevieve cried, and Kathani finally allowed tears to fall down her cheeks. "My brother is alive. He is alive!"
Anthony watched as his wife also burst into tears and soon both she and Genevieve were crying in happiness.
Anthony read the letter aloud. "Your brother is in Paris Hospital for the best treatment due to his condition."
Kathani wiped her tears away as she reached out to read the letter herself. "Oh my! Only a few survivors were rescued from that island?"
She burst into more tears, and this time, Anthony pulled her into his comforting arms. "Your brother is just as strong as you are," he said. "He survived the accident, and now he will get better soon, and we will bring him home."
"What are we waiting for then? Let's leave now and go get my brother!"
It was then that Mary finally found her voice as she gently stopped her daughter. "You cannot leave Kathani?"
Anthony frowned as his wife angrily cried out. "Why?! Why can't I go and bring my brother home?"
"Kathani, beti, you cannot travel that far in your condition, and besides, we don't even know how bad Karan's condition is. It could be months before he is able to come home.
Kathani shakes her head not agreeing with her mother as Uncle George tried to reason with her. "In this letter, they mention that your brother is suffering from some sort of illness he picked up on the island. Even if you could go, you don't want to get sick in your current condition."
"But." None of these logical words were helping; Kathani was crying harder and begging. "Please, Anthony! Please take me to my brother."
"Kathani," Anthony said helplessly, knowing he could not refuse her anything, even though everyone else was right to try and stop her from leaving.
Finally, it was Genevieve who helped him out. "Karan always wanted to protect you; how would he feel if something happened to you or this baby during this journey?"
"But?" Kathani began to protest, but Genevieve tried to convince her by promising. "I will write you letters upon letters to keep you updated on his condition, and once your baby is safely born, you can travel to see your brother."
"But how will you take care of him on your own?" Kathani once again tried to argue.
Genevieve smiled and assured her. "I will not be alone; luckily, my papa is already in France. I will write to him and my Auntie, and tell them everything. I am sure, once they find out, they will join me in Paris."
"And she won't be traveling alone; I will go with her to take care of my son," Mary assured her daughter.
"And I will go with them too," said Uncle George. "We all will stay with Henry until he's fully recovered, and once the baby is born, you both can join us too."
"It is the perfect solution, my love. Think about it; we could spend summer in Paris and hopefully return with your brother."
After everyone's assurance, especially her husband's, Kathani finally agreed to their plan, and despite feeling sad about not being able to reunite with her brother soon, she was grateful that she finally had her brother back.
They celebrated Christmas and despite being extremely happy Kathani also felt sad to not reunited with her brother.
She waited for many days after they left for France but no letter arrived yet.
Anthony tried to assure her as she got sad with each passing day. "It's took week for letters to arrive but since it is winter I guess it is taking longer to arrive because of the frozen paths."
Kathani tried to understand but yet she feels depressed. "I wish some kind of miracle happened and I could see my brother soon."
"Well my love, you already got your Christmas miracle, please be happy that your brother is alive somewhere and soon you will get to see him again."
Anthony watched as finally a smile form on his wife face. "When did you get so wise?"
"I believe this is because of my brilliant wife influence on me."
At that she burst into laughter and pulled him close to give him sweetest kiss.
Anthony was about to deepened the kiss when he heard his sister- in law voice. "Didi! Genevieve's letter has just arrived."
They both ran outside and sure enough everyone was gathered as Kathani ripped open the envelope and start reading the letter.
Dearest Kathani.
I am so happy to inform you that your brother is alive and on his way to recovery, you cannot understand the joy we felt to see him alive and breathing although I wish he did not suffered so much during this past few years.
According to Doctor and those sailors who rescued him and his surviving companions they found many graves they buried on that island. Karan body is still in shock but sometimes he calls me by my name or call your mother but most of the time he stays unconscious or unresponsive.
Doctors says his condition is worse because of starvation and dehydration, it was miracle he survived and not lost his mind.
I am also sad to inform you that he suffered from an island decease that is complicating the process of his recovery and your mother and myself have to bathe in alcohol while we attend your brother because doctors think it is contagious.
We told doctors about you but they refused to allow a pregnant woman or a woman who recently became mother anywhere near child. Uncle George and your cousin Henry are bringing in best doctors from France and Britain to find cure for that illness. One Doctor is positive he could cure Karan but it will take a year or even more. So Kathani as much it pains me to write I have to say that until Karan is completely recovered and cured you cannot see him till then.
Please do not let this news hurt you and think about your child and brother well being. Please give my love to Edwina and Bridgerton's and please stay strong because your brother and I need you to be.
Love you Kathani.
Take care of yourself and our niece or nephew. I promise I will keep updating you about your brothers progress.
Yours friend and sister.
Genevieve.
Anthony watched as Kathani reached the end of the letter and with shaking hands she finally stared at him with tears in her eyes but still tried to be strong as she finally says. "My brother is alive and I will see him soon."
Anthony felt his own eyes glistening as he watched his wife trying her best to stay strong.
He kissed her forehead as he promised. "We will see your brother soon, you waited so long without any hope my love so let's wait one more year only this time there is hope that you will see your brother again."
Kathani bring her little sister in her embrace as she assured everyone in shaking voice. "Then I will hope and we will pray, we will pray that my brother get well soon."
And so they prayed because now that his wife finally got her miracle he was sure she will be reunited with her brother soon.