Francesca woke her husband up with kisses down his neck and caresses down his back. And he had no complaint being woken up by his wife to make love. It was still very early and they had time for at least one round of lovemaking before they had to start getting ready for breakfast and then tea with Bridgerton clan. Last night Francesca gave all instructions to the staff in the kitchen and she knew all would be executed just as she wanted. Kilmartin house had wonderful staff that knew tastes of their young mistress. They were in bed until the last minute before they had to get ready for facing the real world and her family. Francesca chose to wear green that day. She was dressed in emerald green base dress; her hair was up in a bun and her overcoat was golden with green and red ornaments. It was something you could imagine seeing on Kate, but it still looked good and different on Francesca. She put on her new golden shoes and got downstairs. Michael looked very handsome in navy jacket and matching tie. They didn't match with their clothes, but rather complimented one another. He made sure he had his ring on and that it was visible so no one would think he is hiding his marriage. His mother and aunt were already in the dining room when he came downstairs.
''Good morning, Michael… Where is your wife?''
''I believe she will be here soon. She is just finishing getting ready.''
She showed up just as Michael responded to the question.
''Here she is… My aunt and mother were worried about you Lady Kilmartin.''
''Oh, what for?''
He winked.
''I wouldn't know.''
She just smiled and took her napkin.
''My family will be here around noon.''
''Janet and I are very glad to see them. We really missed your mother. Maybe after your remaining siblings marry, she could travel with us. Maybe even spend some time in Scotland?''
Fran loved her mother but she also knew Violet wouldn't really like being there. She only came to Kilmartin because of John's death to help Francesca but otherwise she would never step that deep into country.
''We shall see what my mother thinks about that idea… I can't speak for her.''
''Of course, my child. It was just idea Helen and I had.''
''I know. My father died in the country. I think that is the reason she doesn't venture far from the city. We go to our country home because he was buried there and she still wants to go there, put flowers on his grave and I am sure gossip about us. We were all born in that house. She has a bond to it, but I am not sure how much she loves it.''
Francesca looked over Michael's shoulders where the stairs for the floor were. They were the road to bedrooms, and place where her husband died. She could understand her mother's conflicted feelings. It took her some time to look at this house without those memories popping in her mind. They ate in silence because all of them knew Francesca needed to gather her thoughts before talking to the family. After breakfast, couple retired to the garden and sat at her favorite place in the shade. Michael didn't talk, he just held her hand and from time to time offered a smile and a nod. It was going to be fine. They were married, there was nothing anyone could do now. Francesca was his wife; he was her husband and they wanted to be married…were happy to be married. When Michael heard the door open, he let go of her hand and just smiled. It was one of the maids. She came to tell her that dowager Viscountess has arrived with Miss Bridgerton and young Mr. Bridgerton. Miss Bridgerton…Her baby sister was Miss Bridgerton now.
''Thank you, we will be in in just a moment. Take them to the drawing room.''
''Yes, My lady.''
She went back into the house and Michael turned to her.
''Do you want to enter alone or you want me to come with you?''
''I think I would want do see them alone first. You can come when all of them arrive.''
''I shall be in my study then. Send someone for me.''
He looked around and pulled her behind the rose bush.
''What are you doing?''
''This.''
He gave her few very gentle kisses and made sure not to ruin her. He wanted her perfect for the tea and yet he wanted to show her again he was there for her and he loved her. She entered the house and he went back to his study. He was sure that there were some letters for him that he perfectly ignored last night.
Francesca entered the drawing room and found her mother and siblings there with dowager Countess and Lady Klimtian. The were telling her about their travels. When they noticed her conversation stopped. Gregory got up and gave her a hug.
''I really missed you Frannie… You look beautiful.''
''Thank you, Greg.''
Hyacinth hugged her too and looked around the room.
''What are you looking for?''
''Michael… Is he here?''
''Yes, he is. He has some work to finish and he will be joining us soon.''
''That is so boring.''
''I know, but that is what you do as a head of estate.''
''I wouldn't want to do that.''
''Sometimes you have to, regardless of weather you want to or not.''
That got the mood a bit down. Even Violet and other Ladies Kilmartin noticed Francesca's tone. Violet tried to change the subject by telling her how wonderful Eloise's wedding was. She and Lord Crain married at his estate and it was lovely small celebration. Hyacinth also added that she run away to his estate and lived unchaperoned with him for some time before he married her. Violet hoped that those details would not be made that public. Francesca laughed at that and her mother was confused by her daughter's behavior. She didn't say anything that would point out to Hyacinth that it was wrong and that she shouldn't do anything of a sort one day. Anthony, Benedict and Colin and Daphne joined soon after with their wives and Simon. Francesca missed the kids, but at the same time she was glad that only adults with Greg and Hy were there. She could tell them what happened without trying to speak in codes. They all gave her a hug and took their seats. Maid came with tea and snacks and after she left the room and her family got comfortable Anthony asked the most obvious question.
''Frannie, I am very happy to see you, but why did you want us all to come? Is everything all right?''
''Yes, I wanted you all to come because I've finally reached my decision on the topic of remarrying.''
Colin was looking at her with a smirk, like he knew something and soon Kate's face had the same smirk. She noticed that Kate was looking at her hands, more specifically her ring finger and wedding ring and emerald together. Kate knew by the ring what her choice is…or that is has already been made.
''Oh, you still want to marry? I am confused Francesca; you had many suitors and then after a ball you run away and come back two months later when the season is almost over. I don't understand.''
Michael entered the room and all eyes shifted on him.
''I apologies for being late. I had some letters to finish.''
His hand with a ring is behind his back. He had no idea if Francesca said anything so he didn't wat to take her moment away. He took a seat and made sure that his hand is not that visible.
''Did I interrupt? I am sorry.''
''No, you didn't. I was just about to explain to my mother why I run away to Scotland and all that came out of that.''
''Oh…''
On, in deed.
''During the last ball I attended in London something happened. I was talking to Sir Geoffrey in the gardens and in the beginning the conversation was tolerable. If I am being honest most of the people, I spoke to were not that interesting so I was trying to see if I could tolerate any of them for marriage and having children I want. I wouldn't mind spending all the time with the child or children at the country estate and I would let my husband take his liberties with women after he has given me a child. I wouldn't care what her does. I was not looking for love, I was looking for a way to have a child… I wanted someone who would be polite and good to me and our children…''
Violet remembered something and smiled.
''Oh, speaking of someone kind and having children. I forgot to tell you the most wonderful news. Lord Samadani is back in London. His wife died recently and he is looking for a new one. I told him that you are available too. He is willing to put aside what happened before and pay you a visit. He is not holding it against you. It's like life is giving you a second chance. Isn't it lovely? ''
All of the cringed at most wonderful news and what came after it.
''Mother, no…''
''Why? Queen has him in high regard and he is very good potential husband my love. He is of very good age. He has lovely estates and you wouldn't be that far from us when you marry. Even his country estate is not that far from ours. I will send recipe for his favorite pastries to you so you may have them when he comes.''
That got her a bit angry and she also noticed a bit of confusion on Michael's face.
''Mother, what happened before is I fell in love with John and decided to marry for love, what all of you kept telling me I was supposed to do all along. You drilled it into our heads that only thing important in life is love. And that's what I did. I married for love. Maybe not the love how you imagine it, but none the less beautiful as any other love story that resulted in happy marriage. I didn't spend a moment of my marriage thinking I made a mistake. I had a misfortune to lose my husband early, but I can assure you that Lord Samadani is not someone I would marry even if I never met John. No, that is a lie. I would have married him because I wouldn't have an excuse to say no. When John came in my life, I found some courage to finally speak out. We got engaged and you hid it from the queen for weeks. For weeks I had to accept visits from Lord Samadani because you and Anthony were cowards to tell the queen. Because my siblings before me couldn't make decision and made stupid choices, I was paying the price. And John, wonderful man that he was, was waiting for all of you to realize we are good together. Yes, we could never be Kate and Anthony with their little games of power. Or Daphne and Duke with their turbulences. We could just be us.''
She looked and Janet and saw that she was sad and uncomfortable for a moment there. But she knew that Francesca had to say what was on her mind.
''Mother, Lord Samadani was good husband when you put all of his ''qualities'' on paper. He was rich, from a good family, had good connection to the queen and other royal families and a lot of other ''qualities''. I agree, when you see all that, he is a man you would try to marry your daughter to. On paper queen gave you he was the best. But it was not what I wanted. We didn't want same things. We didn't agree on the matters that are important when you are looking for a match. He wanted almost everything I didn't and I know it would be a torture for me to marry someone like that. I know you never understood me and John, but I can assure you we were the happiest we could be. I told you at the start of my season that what you and father had or what Anthony found with Kate and Daphne and Duke is not what everyone looks for or finds. Our love was not fire that consumes everything around it. It was not some crazy passion that is some unstoppable force we couldn't control. Our love was like that small spark that grows into small flame and if you nourish it…it becomes very pleasant fire that keeps you happy but doesn't bring destruction and devastation. That is what we had. We had conflict and drama free courtship and marriage. Only drama we had was with you trying to stand in our way and when Michael came from some of his adventures and he would enchant us both with his stories.''
She smiled. Michael smiled too. He remembered those times he would return from his trips and tell them what he saw and did there. What would usually happen later was his walk with Frannie when she would ask him to tell her something wicked.
''Michael was our drama, drama we needed from time to time not to be dull.''
Violet didn't speak and no one dared to interrupt Francesca. Anthony wanted to say something, but Kate touched his hand and he understood that it was Francesca's time to speak.
''I really need you to understand I was happy mother. I was happy in my silence with my husband. I was happy laughing with him and enjoying such a tender and soft love that made us both happy. We loved spending time on Kilmartin estate taking our hikes, having quiet nights by the fire without fuss of the city life and crowd. We loved playing cards in the evening or managing books of the estate, we loved reading letters all of you were sending and commenting how glad we were to be away from it all. We loved packages that Michael was sending us with books and all sorts of things from his travels. John loved some history books Michael sent and I loved jewelry and fabrics that London and Scotland couldn't offer. We loved our life and I was very happy and I am sure we would have been happy even now if he…''
She didn't want to cry… She didn't want to be weak.
''I did enjoy my duet as you put it after my first ball…But you are all here because I found my unexpected harmony…''
Violet and the rest were a bit confused.
''Francesca?''
''When I went to Scotland, I was searching for the answer…or running away from it. But my answer being a pain, he followed me and didn't give up until I said yes.''
Anthony looked at his sister very confused.
''Frannie what are you saying?''
''Mother, I will not be moving in with you to Number 5. I will not be moving in with any of my cousins or whatever you were trying to convince me to do when we spoke last time. I AM Countess of Kilmartin and I WILL be it until it is time for me to be dowager Countess.''
''But how? Your husband passed… Michael is now the Erl.''
''That he is… and I am the countess….''
''Until he marries. And you know he has to marry someday.''
That is a moment when Michael got up from his seat and came to her side.
''Lady Bridgerton, your daughter is Countess of Kilmartin. She is a Sterling and she will always be part of this family. My mother and aunt agree.''
''That is so noble of you. But it will become a problem when she becomes dowager Countess after you marry. Your mother and aunt can stay with you and new wife, but your cousin's young widow. It is not appropriate.''
''Lady Bridgerton, Lady Kilmartin is family. She is MY family, MY mothers and also aunt Janet's. Until I have a say, she is family and will be protected by the Kilmartin name. ''
''Michael, you are noble young man…but you can't keep her in the house forever. She said she wants to remarry. She can't do it out of home of her late husband, given away by his family.''
''There will be no need for that Lady Bridgerton. She will have no need to look for husband.''
''Why? She said she wants to marry.''
''I will let Lady Kilmartin finish what she started to tell you and that will give you the answer you need.''
Francesca nodded and looked back at her family.
''As Lord Kilmartin said, I shall continue. The night before I went back to Scotland something happened that changed everything.''
''The attack in the garden?''
''No… but it was part of it… Michael and I got into argument that ended with us…well kissing…''
There was a surprise on faces of many of her family members, mostly her sisters in law…all but Kate that had her resident smirk on her face. Her brothers were surprised too, all but Colin. Violet covered her mouth with a hand.
''Francesca…''
''We kissed and I packed up my things and in the middle of the night run back to Scotland. I needed to clear my mind and make reason of that kiss. He followed me right away…maybe a day or two later…''
''I know. I sent him to you… I sent Michael to tell you about me and Pen.''
Now all eyes were on Colin.
''You did what?''
''I sent Michael to you and told him to marry you. It was clear you loved him…and he loved you from the very beginning… So, in Bridgerton manner, I stirred the pot and sent him to get you to marry him. I told him I don't want details, after all, you are my sister and I don't need to know how charming he is. But by the ring on your hand, I can see that it worked….''
Now looks were going from Colin, to Francesca and Michael back to their hands. Two simple wedding bands were there and over hers was beautiful diamond and emerald ring. That got Kate's attention right away. Michael got it in India hoping that some day he would be brave enough to ask for her hand.
''You are married?''
''Yes mother. That is the reason why I wanted you to come. I will not be looking for husband this season…''
She looked at Michael and laced her fingers with his.
''…because he found me… He always finds me…even when I don't want to be found or don't realize I am lost.''
Kate hit Collin on his hand and he let out small cry.
''What was that for Kate?''
''For not letting her tell the story. You told us they are married…You took it from her…from them.''
''Oh, sorry. I was just so excited that my meddling actually worked.''
Even Penelope looked with disapproval.
''We all wanted to know what happened and now you spoiled the moment.''
''I am sure there is more to tell… Whatever happens in between his arrival and this moment doesn't really matter because they are married. She can be honest now.''
They all gave him a look but also knew that there was a chance he was right. They were pretty sure that bedroom activities were involved in her accepting the proposal.
Her mother turned back at them and tried to give her a smile.
''So, tell us how the marriage came to be.''
Michael spoke this time.
''Well, it was as expected… A lot of arguing, a lot of tense moments, unexpected confession, her trying to run again and finally her coming back and saying yes.''
Benedict smirked at him.
Most of the older siblings and their spouses understood what was implied. Violet looked at her daughter and noticed she was smiling. She really looked happy.
''Well, I can't say I expected this…But if two of you are happy, all I can say is welcome to the family again… This time as a son and a brother.''
''Thank you, lady Bridgerton. It is an honor to be part of the charming chaos as my wife calls you often.''
''Well, my daughter is right…even if I don't really agree with her wording. I am sure she knows much better words to describe us.''
''I am sure she does, but I am also very sure that what she said was politest way to describe you.''
Anthony checked his watch and saw that it was time to return home. They said their goodbyes and wished them all the best. Only person to stay behind was Violet. Michael looked at Francesca who just nodded.
''Miss Hyacinth, would you do me the honors of raiding the sweets cabinets?''
''Oh, you don't have to ask twice. You always had best sweets hidden somewhere.''
''I know…''
They left the room and his mother and aunt left as well. Violet was alone with her daughter. It felt like it was time for two of them to talk alone and clear some things up.
''So, Michael?''
''Yes, Michael.''
''You know, thinking back. I can't really say I am surprised.''
Francesca was now surprised by her mother.
''I was surprised when you said it but then I started thinking about it and realized that I should be surprised it didn't happen before. Two of you do go together… His bad boy attitude needs some of your calm to polish it and your calm needs his bad boy to challenge it.''
Francesca wanted to respond to her mother, but chose not to. She wanted to hear what she had to say.
''John was a good boy. I did like him, but he catered to that side of you that was quiet and trying to remain in the background of everything. You married him and went to Scotland and spent barely any time in London and with us. I was suspicious for some time that you married just to escape us all and to go somewhere where sheep are your only friends.''
That got Francesca to smile. They did have a lot of sheep and she loved seeing them on the pasters. That was one of her favorite views.
'' I am sure that your Kilmartin estate is a dream. I was there in a time of grief it is understandable that I didn't see its beauty. My priority were you and I feel like I failed you somehow. I feel like I was not there enough for you. Even when it all happened here, in this house…I didn't know how to comfort you. I froze because I remembered that there was no comfort for me when your father died.''
''I remember… I remember clearly you saying that you hoped that the baby would kill you and you would get to be with father.''
Violet covered her mouth. She hoped that nobody but Anthony knew about it.
''I wished for the same thing. I wished for my miscarriage to get somehow more complicated so I would bleed out and die… I didn't want to live after he died.''
''So, what made you change your mind?''
She smiled.
''Michael… He left and I had to get out of bed and take rains of my life and the estate. I became like Anthony in some way. I buried my pain and grinded through it. I think I got to grief my husband when Michael came home and we finally spoke about him and all that happened. He helped me see good things again and remember John as a happy memory. I do miss him. I still think of him often. We both do. We bonded throughout pain and guilt and a lot of other things before we were slapped in the face with attraction and…''
''And what?''
''Love…You were right…John was my duet, but Michael is that unexpected harmony that leads to many different directions. I don't wat to use music analogy with you. I think I am old enough for honest talk using words that have real meaning and not speak in metaphors.''
Violet couldn't agree more. She didn't know enough music terminology to send right message to her daughter.
''He challenges me, he makes me angry. He makes me happy. He makes me want more… I am different when I am with him. I am much bolder than before and I started developing this contagious passion for life.''
Violet teased her a bit.
''Just for live?''
''Mother, don't ask more than you are ready to hear.''
Violet's smirk was gone and Francesca's appeared.
''I know you want to know as much as every gossiping member of our family does. Stories about my husband, don't do him justice and that is all I am going to say.''
''Oh, my…''
''Maybe we should see what those two are up to. Michael and Hyacinth high on sugar… Not a good idea.''
''You are right… We should leave too. Our preparations for the ball should start too.''
''I almost forgot.''
Violet was sure that Francesca never wanted to show her face at society ever again. Especially since she was married again and had no need to be there.
''Queen will be there. You have to inform her of your nuptials. He is an Earl now and no one knows he is off the market. She will try to marry him off. And you know that she doesn't like when people don't bend to her will.''
''We will tell her mother.''
''Good…Good… We better get going. I shall see you tonight… It is making me very happy to have you back in London.''
''I am not sure how long we would be staying after Aubre Hall. We might even go back to Scotland. I don't know what Helen and Janet want to do, but Michael and I…we wish to go home.''
Lady Bridgerton looked at her daughter with a bit sadness in her eyes. Scotland was definitely her home. She had hopes that second marriage would bring her Francesca back, but it was clear that Scotland and Sterling family was really her home. She lost her to both brothers and estate that took her breath away and she had to make her peace with it.
''I will miss you.''
''I will miss you too… And you are welcome to come with Hy or even alone whenever you want. We have most beautiful springs and summers. You would love it. It is not as Aubre Hall but it still has something to offer.''
''I am sure it does, since you love it so much.''
She hugged her mother and Lady Violet went to find her youngest and go home. Few moments later she was joined by Michael. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
''I guess that went well.''
''Yes, it did in deed.''
''Colin stole your moment.''
''Well, it was for the best. Who knows how much I would have said in my moment of honesty?!''
''Oh, you would have told them about how amazingly wicked your husband is?''
''No, I would never share that information with my family. And besides, EVERYONE knows about my husband's wickedness. He has a reputation…''
He grew serious and lifted her head for her to look at him.
''Francesca, I know I can't take back my past and make it disappear. I am sorry if you are hurt by all the women before…''
She put her finger on his lips and he stopped talking.
''As you said… it was before… I can only be hurt by women you take during our time together…''
''I will never do that. I could never do that. I love you Francesca and I don't need another woman in my life. You are all I need. You have my love now. You've had it since we first met. You are the love of my life Francesca Sterling and I will spend the rest of my life loving you and showing you how amazing you are.''
''What if you get bored of me?''
''Impossible…''
"What about if I disappoint you? I am not perfect.''
''Oh, I know that very well. But I love you with your imperfections. I love you even when you drive me insane. That is love Frannie. Love is me seeing you at your worst. You looking after me when my Malaria happened. You sleeping in that uncomfortable chair by my side and bringing me food and water. That is love Frannie. The easiest thing is sharing a bed and being lovers. That is the easy part. Hard part is staying when things are not going well. And you do that… You stand by me when many would run. You believe in me even when I doubt myself. After I came back and took over the estate, you were the reason I stayed and started really making an effort. Your blind faith in me helped me grow and chose to be an Earl and give my best to give back to you for all the years you took care of estate and loved that place. I grew to love it even more because every morning when I woke up, I saw you on your horse riding out somewhere with a smile on your face. You, Francesca Sterling, are heart and soul of Kilmartin estate and without you, nothing would be the same. To me, at least…''
She kissed him and they stayed in drawing room for some time just enjoying the silence and a moment for themselves. Nothing scandalous took place. They just sat together and Michael held her and played with her fingers. He kissed her left hand and smiled.
''My wife…''
''Yours…''
Clock marking six o clock was a signal that it was time to get ready for the ball. They went upstairs and each of them went to their own room. Michael took less time to get ready. His uniform was on the bed and aside from his decorations from the time he spent in the military, now he had additional that belonged to the earldom of Kilmartin.
Unlike him. Francesca was taking a bit longer. She wanted a bit more vivid colors that night so she picked the red dress along with rubies. Dress she wanted to wear that night was ripped by accident. One of the more inexperienced maids pulled it a bit and ripped it. There was not time to fix it so she had to think fast. She remembered having a midnight blue satin dress she wore once a bit after John's death to some important ball and she sent her maid of it. She went to her safe and got out jewelry she never got to use as Countess. Last person who used them was John's grandmother. It was sapphire jewelry and they were one of the most valuable possessions of the family. Tiara had ten large sapphires and different size diamonds. It was paired with sapphire necklace made of same size sapphires and much smaller diamonds and matching ring and earrings. Tiara could match one of the queen's. She put on long white gloves and her maid gave her the sash. Kilmartin sash was plated with navy blue as base and green as pattern. Buckle had sapphires and emeralds that matched colors of the sash. She had simpler buckle for events that were less formal. She looked herself in the mirror one last time before leaving the room and she loved what she saw. Her auburn hair was in perfect low bun that emphasized the tiara even more. Her dress and sash went very well together and she really felt regal.
Michael was at the bottom of the stairs waiting for his wife and a bit nervous since they were being late. He didn't want to leave bad impression during his first ball that queen attended. When he saw her on the top of the stairs, he could just stare at her.
''You look beautiful.''
Janet and Helen agreed. Janet was surprised that Francesca used the sapphires. She personally never liked them but they looked good on the young Countess. She got from Helen that Michael brought a lot of beautiful and valuable jewelry from India and she wondered what she would pick for the next ball. She had a feeling that Francesca was finally ready to impress the society and they disappear into her sanctuary of Kilmartin. She wished John could see her now. This woman was far cry from the shy girl that married him. They got into the carriage and to the ball. Michael took his wife's hand and just squeezed it.
''We can leave whenever you want.''
''I know…''
He kissed her hand and put it back on her lap. They both knew the other one was nervous, but also had a feeling this would be a ball to remember.