Chapter Ten: Off To The Races
Dearest reader. It has been said that competition is an opportunity for us to rise and stand ready before our greatest of challenges. Well, if what this author hears this morning is true, then a great challenge concerning this season's diamond has been set forth, indeed.
Any suitor wishing to gain an audience with Miss Edwina Sharma must first tame the rather prickly spinster of a beast otherwise known as her sister.
She is not the only sister with which one must get past this season though. Miss Letitia Everly is acting as safe guard for Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, the two claiming siblings when questioned in public. Miss Everly was said to have held a tea for all the new ladies of the ton just last week. Was this just a friendly afternoon tea or was it held in order to sniff out which of the newest ladies would be candidates for Anthony Bridgerton?
We may never know how Miss Everly's mind works, but we do know that Miss Everly and Miss Kate Sharma had a disagreement during the tea. This author hopes soon to discover just what said disagreement was about, knowing that between these two formidable sisters, it must have been a show to behold!
Letty smirked at the paper, sipping her morning tea as she read it over. Penelope did have quite the way with words, making it seem as if she were slowly learning information about the afternoon tea rather than making it obvious that Letty was her source. A few other items of gossip were mentioned, some of which Letty had to inform Pen of, as Eloise had stolen her away during a bit of the night.
Letty had entertained four callers the morning after the queen's ball. Anthony had shown up early just in case, overseeing each of the visits and able to tell when Letty was uncomfortable or just plain bored with the man sitting across from her. He was able to get all four men out of the house rather quickly, a sigh of relief leaving Letty before she told Anthony to hurry and get to Lady Danbury's home to call on Edwina, reminding him to get her flowers as he left through the front door.
She's had to keep herself from laughing when she'd heard that Kate had told Anthony that he needed to wait at the back of the que to visit with her sister. Anthony's spoilt nature was showing through a bit while he'd spoken and Letty had a hard time not telling him he was acting like a child throwing a tantrum. She walked with him to the Bridgerton home once he'd calmed, bumping his arm with hers along the way to get a smile out of him.
"And where, may I ask, is our intrepid viscount?" Colin's voice questioned and Letty smiled brightly.
"He is…" Violet began before pausing as Letty and Anthony came into view, "Back for courting already."
"Colin! You are returned. Even better," Anthony pat Colin on his shoulder before facing the room. "Family, I should like you all to ready yourselves for the races today. We will be attending, united as one."
Letty and Pen shared amused looks before looking back to Anthony.
"Did you really drag me all the way from my sun room to inform me that I needed to go back home and get ready?" Letty questioned.
"Well, I wanted to make the announcement to the family as a whole," Anthony explained. "I don't fancy repeating myself, as you well know."
"We're all aware," Letty promised before turning to Colin. "Lovely to see you, Colin. I'm afraid I have to return home but I will see you soon."
"Of course, Letty," Colin smiled to her. "See you soon."
Letty smiled fondly to the Bridgertons before taking her leave, walking home with Elsie and dressing for the races. She debated wearing trousers before thinking of how Anthony would react and grabbing a light green dress instead, made of light fabric so she wouldn't over heat in the warming air. She pulled on boots rather than slippers though, knowing how dry the tracks could get. She was already resigned to the idea of the bottom of her dress gaining a bit of dust, but she refused to lose a pair of slippers over some dirt simply because she wanted to look fashionable. Especially when no one would be seeing her feet anyways.
After placing a bonnet in her hair, Letty grabbed a few extra fans, putting them in her brown leather drawstring handbag, lighter brown decorating the bag in the shape of vines with her mother's initials on the front, showing that it was her mother's at one point. Letty placed a few other things in the bag, including a small quill, resealable ink, and a few scraps of paper in case she needed to write down a bit of gossip for Pen. She reminded Elsie to wear the boots Letty had bought her in the winter to protect herself from the dirt and a light dress to help with the heat before going to the front sitting room and waiting for Elsie to join her.
Once Elsie was in something appropriate, she and Letty left the house, smiling as the Bridgertons waited by their carriages for Letty to join them.
"I should run inside and gather fans," Violet sighed.
"I have some," Letty stated, reaching into her bag and pulling the fans out, passing them to the ladies before offering the most girlish fan to Colin.
Colin smirked, taking the fan and opening it in one swift motion, turning to Anthony and Benedict as he fanned himself with it.
"It is quite warm today," he said to his brothers, causing Benedict to chuckle and Anthony to roll his eyes before giving Letty a pointed look.
"Trade," Letty sighed, offering the plain fan to Colin.
"Now why ever would I do something like that?" Colin asked, having seen his eldest brother's look and wanting to entertain the masses. "I quite like this one."
"It does bring out the color of your eyes," Letty smirked as Colin helped her into the carriage before climbing in behind her.
Anthony groaned as he climbed in with them, Gregory trying to push Benedict out of the way before Violet called for her youngest son. Benedict rolled his eyes before climbing into the seat beside Colin and across from Anthony, pulling the carriage shut in the process. They could hear Gregory complaining about Letty riding with his brothers and him being stuck with all of the girls before their carriage door closed as well, the four exchanging smirks before the carriages began to move.
Colin traded fans with Letty and the two began fanning themselves and the one sitting beside them, cooling each of them in the process as the vents on the carriage allowed a bit of a breeze to enter the carriage whilst in motion. After arriving at the races, Anthony offered his arm to Letty and Violet, escorting them both towards the crowd before Violet went to Eloise's side, trying to convince her to look at suitors. Anthony gave a polite nod to Kate Sharma before she moved her small group along, trying to pull them away from the Bridgertons and Letty quickly, least Edwina see them and be distracted from Lord Louis Lumley as she held the arm of a Thomas Dorset.
"Who is that man with the eldest Sharma?" Anthony questioned, staring at the man rather intensely.
"Thomas Dorset," Letty offered, giving Anthony a strange look. "He is a traveling doctor, I believe."
"A travelling doctor? What a strange habit," Anthony scoffed before Benedict and Colin moved to their side and the Mondrich family approached them. "Mr. Mondrich!"
Letty took in the information about Will Mondrich opening a gentlemen's club before Anthony saw Edwina moving passed them and excused himself and Letty, dragging her away.
"You better go to his opening," Letty stated. "It was rather rude of you to excuse yourself without listening to him."
"I will. I promise," Anthony stated as they moved to in front of the Sharmas and their escorts, causing Lumley to jump to his feet.
"Lord Bridgerton," Lumley smiled brightly, reminding Letty of an eager puppy in the best ways. "Lady Everly."
"Please, Lord Lumley, must I remind you to call me Letitia every time that we meet?" Letty smiled gently.
"At least once more, miss," he smiled.
"Miss Sharma. Miss Edwina. Lumley," Anthony greeted as Thomas Dorset stood, introducing himself. "Pleasure. Miss Edwina, I was hoping to call on you this morning…"
"My sister is well aware of everything…" Kate began before Anthony continued.
"… but promised my family to join them for breakfast. We are exceptionally close. Break our fasts together regularly."
"Oh," Edwina smiled.
"There they all are now," Anthony nodded his head towards the Bridgerton clan.
"One can tell a great deal about a man from his family, I rather think," Edwina smiled, throwing a pointed look at her sister for good measure.
"Yes, there are many excellent, affectionate families of the ton. Are there not?" Kate challenged, a glint in her eyes that rivaled Anthony's.
"Though none quite as inviting as the Bridgertons," Loius offered before looking to Anthony. "My mother's been wanting to enjoy another tea at Bridgerton House for some time."
"We must gratify your wish, Lumley," Anthony nodded.
"Speaking of refreshments, I see the ladies are without drinks, myself included," Letty spoke up.
"We are content, thank you," Kate tried.
"It is an unseasonably hot day, and any gentlemen would make sure…" Anthony began.
"Miss Edwina, allow me to fetch a lemonade for you," Loius jumped up again.
"Oh, that would be most agreeable. Thank you, my lord," Edwina smiled softly.
"I shall show you where the lemonade stand is," Letty offered.
"Why not Lord Bridgerton?" Kate questioned. "Afterall, he is a gentleman, is he not?"
"Lord Bridgerton does not know where it is, whereas I saw it on the way in," Letty smirked, taking Louis' arm when he offered it to her. "Besides, I've been meaning to catch up with Lord Lumley for quite some time."
"Have you?" Louis asked, eyes widening.
"Of course," Letty nodded as they began walking. "You were quite kind when you called on me last season and at my mother's funeral. I wished to thank you."
"There is no need, Miss Everly," Louis shook his head.
"Letitia," Letty reminded him.
"Letitia," Lumby smiled softly to her and Letty decided she liked when Lord Lumley said her name. "As I said, there is no need to thank me. I am sorry for the loss of your mother."
"Thank you," Letty nodded.
"I see you and Lord Bridgerton have grown quite close. Is he courting you?"
"He is not," Letty shook her head. "He is acting as my guardian for most of the season. My aunt will be joining me at some point next month so he agreed to look out for me during the wait. He is also assisting my family with business dealings in my father's absence."
"Where might your father be?" Louis seemed concerned.
"He is taking a longer grieving time," Letty explained. "He decided to do business in the country and trusts Lord Bridgerton to take care of business in the city for the time being, along with my care."
"How very kind of Lord Bridgerton," Louis offered a bright smile.
"Indeed," Letty nodded. "In return, I have offered to help him in his endeavor of finding a Viscountess. He insists on helping me to find a husband in return, even as I insisted he did not need to return the favor."
"The Bridgertons are all very giving," Louis nodded as they reached the lemonade line. "Oh, what a long line."
"I'm sure it'll move quickly," Letty smiled.
"Miss Everly… Letitia… Is it possible for me to call on you tomorrow?" Louis asked sincerely, causing a surprised look to pass Letty's face. "I know I may not have made the best impression when I called on you last season. See, I was quite nervous when I called on you. I had never called on a lady before but I'd always thought you to be something quite rare. The queen may not have named you diamond, but you were to me. Allow me the chance to redeem myself?"
Letty thought it over for a moment before smiling softly.
"I would like that," she nodded.
"You would?"
"Yes. You escorted Miss Edwina today though. You should concentrate on her today," Letty reminded him.
"Yes, my lady," Louis smiled, causing Letty to laugh lightly as he went back to titles.
The two began heading back to their seats with their lemonades, finding Anthony to have squeezed into the space between Kate and Edwina, leaving little to no room for them. Louis passed Edwina a lemonade before asking the man beside Edwina to make room for himself and Letty. The man nodded when he saw Anthony glaring, moving down quickly so that Letty would have room to sit, Louis offering his hand to help Letty to her seat before sitting between her and Edwina, a bright smile on his face.
Anthony and Kate could be heard arguing over their chosen horses and Letty leaned back, staring at the two, studying them. She looked behind herself, seeing Lady Danbury and Violet speaking softly to one another before they looked to her. She tilted her head towards Anthony and Kate, brows raised. Her message was misinterpreted from her trying to point out that Anthony and Kate would be a rather better match to them thinking she was complaining about the arguing, the two women laughing lightly and causing Letty to sigh as she turned forward, the races finally beginning. Kate and Anthony yelled loudly, urging their horses on. Edwina and Thomas looked behind the pair, exchanging worried looks.
"Should we separate them?" Edwina asked.
"It's all in good spirit," Thomas offered before glancing at the pair and looking to Edwina again. "I think."
"Yes, I am having such fun," Louis smiled brightly, watching the horses.
It seemed Kate's horse had won as she cheered louder, Anthony looking rather put out.
"I must say, I have never bested a viscount before. Beating you feels the same as any other win but somehow it smells sweeter," Kate smirked and Letty decided right then that her newest project was to match the two of them.
"Kate, does Nectar not remind you of the beloved horse I used to adore?" Edwina asked, trying to distract the two. "Do you remember the one?"
"Oh, well, take my arm. I'll take you down to see him," Anthony offers.
"It seems you've lost your debutante, Lord Lumley," Letty stated.
"I shall have to spend my time with you to make up for it," Louis smiled and Letty convinced herself it was the heat that caused the redness of her cheeks.
"Miss Sharma, I must ask. Why do you jab at Lord Bridgerton so?" Thomas questioned.
"If the viscount is serious about courting my sister, is it not my duty to try his mettle?" Kate questioned.
"The viscount does not like to lose," Thomas sighed. "He has never stomached it, even in Oxford."
"What?" Letty asked, turning to Thomas as Kate seemed confused as well before realization appeared on both of their faces. "He didn't."
"What do you mean?" Thomas asked.
"You and the viscount know each other from Oxford? I thought you met today?" Kate questioned, anger appearing on her face.
"I have said too much," Thomas took a step back as he realized what he had let slip.
"You are going to say much more this very moment," Kate decided.
"He thought you'd judge me if you knew we were acquaintances. But I must assure you that my interest in you today was genuine," Thomas assured her and Letty scoffed.
"Genuine in the sense you were sent here to distract me, all so Lord Bridgerton could get closer to my sister," Kate stated.
"Excuse me, Lord Lumley," Letty said politely to Louis. "It seems Kate and I have a Bridgerton to execute."
Louis nodded, taking a step back to let Letty and Kate by so they could head towards the track.
"Are you to tell me you did not know of his plan?" Kate questioned.
"I assure you I would not have let him try to make a fool of you in any sort of capacity. I do not particularly care for men who deceive women. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth," Letty growled out as her eyes found Anthony. "There he is."
Kate and Letty marched over to Anthony and Edwina as they stood by the horses. Anthony saw them coming and saw the look on both their faces, his own smile dropping as fear filled his eyes.
"Kate, it is dreadful," Edwina said once they reached them. "They say Nectar is to be sent to the knacker's yard."
"We are leaving," Kate told her sister, voice stern.
"I've heard of a sore loser, Miss Sharma, but never a sore winner," Anthony stated, trying to deduce what had happened.
"Do not speak to me or my sister ever again," Kate growled out.
"What has happened?" Edwina asked.
"It seems a second game was afoot today, and Lord Bridgerton made certain I play the fool. Let us go."
"I meant no harm," Anthony tried stepping towards Edwina just for Letty to step between them, arms crossed over her chest and a glare on her face. "I only wanted to spend time with you."
"We need to have a talk about how a gentlemen should treat a lady," Letty told Anthony, pulling his attention to her as Kate and Edwina escaped him.
"Letitia," Anthony was using his disappointed and sternly big brother voice. "You are behaving like a child."
"As opposed to you? You who chose to distract the elder Miss Sharma with a fake suitor so you could get time with Edwina? I am perfectly fine with distracting Lord Lumley for you, as he is a sweet man, but I will not be made a fool by another Bridgerton man, nor will I allow you to do the same to either of the Sharmas. Good day, Anthony."
Letty turned on her heel, stomping through across the track and walking along the path that would take her home. A carriage pulled up beside Letty and she turned, sneer on her face as she expected to find a Bridgerton but found Lord Lumley instead.
"Oh," she gasped, face relaxing immediately. "Hello, Lord Lumley."
"If you wish for me to address you as Letitia, you should call me Louis," he smiled. "It is a rather hot day. I saw you leaving and gathered my carriage quickly. Would you and your handmaid like a ride?"
Letty turned, seeing Elsie sweating already.
"That would be much appreciated, Louis. Thank you so much for your kindness," Letty nodded, helping Elsie onto the back of the carriage before joining Louis inside.
"That seemed like a rather nasty argument with the Viscount," Louis commented.
"He should not have treated Miss Kate Sharma that way," Letty shook her head, still trying to calm down but the heat was not allowing her to.
"You dropped this," Louis held out Letty's bag. "Forgive me, the contents spilled out. I placed them all back inside so others would not see."
Letty's eyes widened for a moment before she looked to Louis.
"Your secret is safe with me. I just ask that you do not write anything unsavory about me in the next issue," Louis smiled brightly, reminding Letty that Louis didn't have a mean bone in his body.
"I appreciate your discretion. I do not think I could find anything outward to say about you if I tried, to be honest," Letty nodded, voice soft as she pulled her fan out, passing a plain one to Louis with a small smile. "For the heat."
"Thank you," Louis smiled brightly, beginning to fan himself as Letty did the same with her more ornate fan. "So, you are to attend the ball tomorrow night, yes?"
"I am," Letty nodded.
"Might I sign your dance card when you arrive?"
"Of course," Letty laughed.
"And I may still call on you in the morning? Maybe we could promenade in the park in the afternoon?" he seemed so hopeful, a light in his eyes.
"I would like that very much," Letty smiled as the carriage stopped in front of her home.
"Allow me," Louis opened the door, stepping down from the carriage and offering his hand for Letty to take as assistance.
Letty's gloved hand held his firmly as she stepped down, a bright smile on her face at the gentlemanly act.
"Thank you, Louis, for the rescue on the side of the path," she told him as he then helped Elsie down. "It was very kind of you."
"Nonsense," Louis smiled. "It is always a treat to speak with you so freely, Letitia. I look forward to calling on you tomorrow."
"I shall have tea and biscuits prepared," Letty promised. "Have a wonderful day."
"You as well," Louis smiled, watching as Letty and Elsie left him, not leaving until he saw them enter the home.
Letty waited until the door was closed before turning to Elsie, excitement in her eyes and a bright smile on her face.
"I have never seen you so excited about a gentlemen caller," Elsie commented, taking Letty's hand in hers. "We must find out what biscuits he prefers and tell cook at once."
"Lady Bridgerton has had tea with his mother before. We could ask her what she thinks would be best?" Letty offered.
"I shall have someone watch for when they return home," Elsie promised, rushing off to find a footman.
Letty went to her room, changing out of her boots and glaring at the dust at the bottom of her dress. She changed into a clean dress and slippers quickly before going to the main sitting room, the sun room too hot due to the afternoon heat. She was brought a small lunch and lemonade to help cool her off as she waited. It was nearly a half hour later that Elsie found Letty in her office, telling her that the Bridgertons were home but that Anthony Bridgerton was on his way. Just as Elsie had finished saying the words, Donny appeared, announcing Anthony and stepping aside as he stormed into the room.
"You disrespect me and then run off like a child," he started.
"I need you to look into someone," Letty spoke up, not looking up from her paperwork to hide how nervous she was about the argument Anthony wished to have.
"What?" Anthony asked, ceasing his pacing suddenly and causing Letty to look up.
"I need you to look into someone," she repeated.
"Who?" he asked, confused.
"Lord Lumley. He will be calling on me in the morning and asked to promenade in the afternoon. He also made it known that he wishes for a dance at the very next ball," Letty thought it over for a moment. "Maybe I should ask your mother instead, as she has had tea with his mother before. Heavens forbid we end up in another Lord Berbrooke situation."
Letty went back to her paperwork, missing the shocked look on Anthony's face. She heard him sputter a few times before looking up again, setting her quill and paperwork aside as she waited for him to speak.
"You will not be with a romantic," Anthony finally stated.
"What if I wish to be romanced?" Letty questioned.
"Well, I…"
"Is there something wrong with his character?"
"Not to my knowledge."
"Does he spend frivolously?"
"Well, no, but…"
"Does he look for the company of women in brothels? Does he have a debt at a gentlemen's club? Has he ever been known to injury a woman, child, or animal?"
"He is a fine man," Anthony interrupted Letty's questioning. "He is far too kind for you, though."
"Do I not deserve kindness?" Letty questioned, brows raised.
"Of course, you do," Anthony scoffed. "It is just that you also deserve a man who will allow you to freely judge others in front of him."
"And where will we find a man like that?" Letty asked. "I have not found one thus far and neither have you. So, tell me Anthony, where I am to find this man that you have dreamt up for me."
"Benedict…"
"Benedict kissed me and then was seen kissing my teacher, my modiste, not but two days later," Letty spoke up, standing slowly with her hands braced on her desk. "He strung me along multiple times. He broke my heart. I spent months picking up the pieces myself from his heart break and that from my mother at the same time. You were there and saw me at my lowest. I do not wish to repeat the same mistakes. So, if a man who is kind and genuine wishes to call on me, then why should I not take the opportunity?"
Anthony stared at Letty with wide eyes.
"You kissed?" he whispered the question.
"Is that all that you took from everything that I've just said?" Letty questioned.
"He has dishonored you!" Anthony yelled, beginning his pacing again. "He shall marry you!"
"I do not wish to marry him!" Letty yelled, causing Anthony to stop and stare at her again. "I just told you as much and still you do not listen!"
"You have been compromised," Anthony tried.
"A kiss does not compromise me. I choose what compromises me and Benedict did no such thing. Will you look into Lord Lumley or not?"
"Not," Anthony scoffed. "He is a joke of a choice."
"Then I shall go see your mother and ask her to," Letty stated, marching out of the office.
Donny and Elsie jumped out of her way as she made her exit, Elsie following behind her as they headed towards the front door. Anthony was calling after Letty but she didn't care. She threw open her front door, rushing down the steps and towards Bridgerton house, Pen giving her a strange look as she went before following after her and Anthony, who was still chasing her. Letty let herself into Bridgerton house, going straight to the sitting room where she could hear laughter and Violet's voice.
"Hello all," Letty smiled as Anthony and Pen fell into the room behind her.
"Letitia, this is madness," Anthony stated, glaring down at her. "You are acting like a child and I demand you cease this at once."
"What has she done now, outside of put you in your place in a public setting?" Colin smirked from his spot beside Benedict.
"She wants me to look into a possible suitor," Anthony stated.
"Oh, who?" Violet asked excitedly.
"Lord Lumley," Letty smiled, going to Violet's side. "His mother has had tea with you and wishes to do so again soon. Do you happen to know what flavor biscuits he prefers?"
"I shall send word to her to come tomorrow and I do not," Violet smiled brightly. "Lord Lumley is quite the romantic."
"Which is why he is not a good match for her," Anthony stated. "She needs someone with a harder soul than that of a romantic."
"I was hoping you could look into him for me. I asked Anthony but then remembered Lord Berbrooke and thought better of it," Letty explained.
"Of course," Violet smiled, the both of them ignoring Anthony as he continued trying to make his case. "I believe he would be good for you."
"I thought he may be, too," Letty smiled softly. "He is calling on me tomorrow and we are to promenade in the afternoon. Would you mind chaperoning?"
"I would love to. It'll give me more time to speak with his mother," Violet nodded.
"Will the two of you listen to me?!" Anthony bellowed.
"I believe I've listened to you enough for today," Letty stated, voice hardening as she looked to Anthony. "After what you did to Miss Kate Sharma earlier, you are lucky that I am even speaking to you now."
"What did he do? Anthony, what did you do to Miss Kate Sharma?" Violet demanded.
"I should get going," Letty smirked. "Have fun facing your mothers wrath now."
Letty gave Anthony's shoulder a good pat as she went passed him, taking Pen's arm and leading her from the house as she went. She could hear footsteps following them but chose to ignore it in case it was Anthony chasing after her again. Pen took a glance back before stopping so that Letty would turn and see that it was in fact Colin joining them.
"Letty, I was wondering if you noticed anything interesting at the race?" he asked, a conspiratorial look on his face.
"Such as?" Letty asked.
"Such as how Anthony and Miss Kate Sharma seemed to be getting on with one another?" Colin smirked.
"My word, they are quite the pair," Letty laughed. "I feel they would be a better match then Miss Edwina and Anthony. He claims Lord Lumley is too sweet for me, but Edwina is far too sweet for him."
"He is too sweet for you but I choose to let you figure that out on your own. Now, how about you and I do a little match making this season, hmm?" Colin smirked.
"Oh, I'd more than love to," Letty smiled brightly. "When do we begin?"
Letty smiled as she stood in Danbury House as men tried wooing Edwina with strange talents. Eloise and Letty were both rather confused by a few of the talents, trying not to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. During the break, Penelope spoke softly to Edwina before going to Colin. Letty smiled at the pair before looking to Edwina as she approached Letty.
"Miss Edwina," Letty smiled. "How are you enjoying the show?"
"I fear it is getting a bit out of hand," Edwina laughed.
"Well, let us hope no one tries anything too drastic so close to the fire," Letty laughed just as Lady Danbury called everyone back around.
"We have someone who wishes to read a poem for Miss Letitia Everly," Lady Danbury smirked, giving Letty a pointed look before stepping aside as Lord Lumley moved to the front. Louis looked to Letty where she stood behind the couch that Edwina was sitting on, giving her a shy smile before beginning.
"She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!"
('She Walks in Beauty' by Lord Byron)
There was applause through the room as Letty smiled to Louis, trying not to let on just how much she didn't like Byron. He moved to the side of the room, eyes still trained on Letty as he stood to the side and Lady Danbury took to the front of the room.
"Gentlemen, thank you all for the splendid display of your talents this evening. A memorable occasion, to be sure," she began before Anthony interrupted her.
"Pardon me. Lady Danbury?"
"Uh, Lord Bridgerton, I did not expect you," Lady Danbury offered.
"No, I seen to have fallen off the guest list," he explained causing Lady Danbury to nod. "Though you'd never deny a young man you've known for twenty and nine years the pleasure of your company? And neither would your footman at the front door."
"Apologies, viscount," Kate spoke up. "You appear to be late again. We were bringing the evening to a conclusion."
"Surely Miss Edwina has time for one more. I spent all evening crafting something. An original. Would you like to hear it?" Anthony asked Edwina and, upon getting her nod of approval, turned to the rest of the room. "Would you all like to hear it?"
Kate sighed before nodding, giving Anthony permission to move forward. Lady Danbury stepped aside, going to Violet's side to watch. Letty just stared at Anthony in confusion. The man had never written a word of poetry in his life.
"What is it truly to admire a woman?" Anthony began, voice shaking as he read from the paper. "To delight in her beauty so much that all your defenses crumble, that you would willingly take on any pain, any burden for her. To honor…"
Anthony looked up, eyes landing on Kate before he tried again.
"To honor…" this time his eyes went first to Letty and then to his mother.
Anthony crumbled the paper before sticking it into his pocket.
"My apologies, I cannot do this. I cannot claim these words as my own. They are someone else's entirely, my brother Benedict's, in fact," Anthony admitted, eyes going to Letty for a moment again before looking to Edwina. "Truth be told, I'm not…"
Anthony looked around the room quickly, seeing Louis off to his side.
"I'm not a man of poetry. Words of flattery are beautiful and sweet, but also hollow unless accompanied by action," he stated, giving Letty a pointed look before his eyes shifted to Edwina, remaining on her for the remainder of his speech. "Miss Edwina, I could stand here and pretend to be someone I am not. I could pretend to want the very same things as you do, but I'd be lying. I may not be able to… offer the display of passion that you truly deserve. But I assure you that when it comes to action and duty, I shall never be found lacking. I hope that is what will speak louder than any pretty words ever can."
Anthony walked away from the center of attention, light applause following him as he went to grab a lemonade. Letty just stayed where she was as Edwina went to follow Anthony, stopping by her sister for a moment before continuing on her way. Letty was shocked by Anthony's words. Benedict had written the words? Why had he needed to point out actions over words while giving her a pointed look? It wasn't fair just how well Anthony knew her, knew how much she would rather see actions over hearing pretty words.
But, Louis was taking action. He'd stood in front of the crowd that had gathered for Edwina and had read her a poem. Granted it was by Lord Byron, who was awful, but still. He'd made the words sound so pretty when he'd read them. He was calling on her in the morning, promenading with her in the afternoon, and dancing with her at the next ball. Those were actions. Kind ones at that. Anthony didn't need to be right all of the time. Maybe just this once he could be wrong.
There are two things that lurk within the dark and shadowy places of our fair city. Vermin and secrets. I shall leave it to you, dear reader, as to which do the most harm. One has to wonder what secrets the season's diamond is holding near and dear to her heart. And who shall she choose to share them with? The Viscount Bridgerton, perhaps? At least the elder Sharma's opinion on such a matter is certainly no secret at all.
To be fair, one might call this author the biggest secret-sharer of all. For whom else could possibly keep all of you honest? When even the most well-kept of secrets must eventually come to light.
The next morning, Letty was waiting in the sitting room for Lord Lumley to enter. Anthony appeared instead.
"Why are you here?" Letty questioned.
"I apologize Letty, but I sent Lord Lumley away,' Anthony said, seeming ready for Letty to be angry with him.
"You did what?" she demanded, staring at him in disbelief.
"I sent him away. He is not right for you."
Letty just stared at Anthony, her face blank as she looked him over. She felt tears starting to fall down her face and turned away. She stood from her seat as Anthony began to approach her. Instead of letting him comfort her, Letty moved around the back side of the couch to escape him, going to her room and shutting the door gently, locking it so she could not be disturbed. She did not attend the ball that night.
Letty found herself disguised as a paperboy early the next morning, searching for a letter 'k' for a Stanhope press on the darker side of town. Once she found a vendor, she paid ten pence for the piece and moved along, head completely down so as to not meet anyone's eye as she went. She made it home, sneaking around the backyards of the ton before climbing into her window and shutting it tightly, changing into her day dress again before hiding the key away to take to Penelope later that night.
Violet showed up that afternoon, seeming nervous as she sat with Letty. Letty had her legs curled so that she was holding her knees as she sat quietly, saying nothing as she waited for Violet to speak. Violet opened her mouth a few times as if to say something before she would close it again. Finally, after a few deep breaths, Violet began.
"He means well," Violet whispered, voice soft. "I know he does. He wants nothing but the best for you, for all of us. I do not agree that what he did was alright. He should have let you decide on your own if Lord Lumley was right for you. I am sorry, Letty."
Letty remained quiet, unmoving as she listened.
"Love is a difficult thing, especially for Anthony. He does not know how to show it. He loves you as one of his sisters and wants to protect you from harm. He failed in the past but he is trying now. No matter how badly he is doing at it."
Violet sat with Letty for a while before patting her hand and standing. Violet reached the sitting room door before turning back to Letty.
"I do hope that you will still be joining us at Aubrey Hall early before the rest of the ton arrives."
And, with that, Violet left. Once she was gone, Letty pulled out the crumpled paper that Anthony had left behind. She reread the words over and over again, the words Benedict had come up with. She pretended the words were meant for her, read by him as he tried to impress her. All she felt inside though, was hallow as she placed the words in her leather bag, beside the sketch of hands from the year before.