They arrived in time. Not all the families have been presented to the queen so they were just in time to enter with the last of them. Michael offered his arm to his wife and his mother and aunt followed. Finally, it was their turn to enter. They were announced and Francesca felt nervous almost as she did as a debutante. Violet was standing with the queen and Lady Daubery when the Kilmartin family was presented.

''I see that your daughter is back in London. This will be a chance for her to marry her. I know you said she is looking for to remarry… And Lord Samadani is available again and some other good men too.''

''Your majesty, I am not sure it is what she wants.''

''And why not? What is wrong with suitors I picked for her?''

''Since she came back, she didn't express any interest to continue on the marriage mart.''

''Shame! She is such a beauty. It would be a waste for such a woman to remain widow.''

''Indeed.''

Lord and Lady Kilmartin were greeted by visitors of the ball and soon separated. Men had some important matters to discuss with him and ladies had many questions about the young earl and his potential interest in taking a wife. Francesca tried to avoid any conversation on that topic because she didn't want to say anything to anyone before having a chance to speak to the queen. She knew her mother and Lady Daubery could get her the audience, but she was a bit scared of the woman. Francesca found her family and started talking to them. Few men approached her for a dance and she made some ridiculous excuses because she couldn't dance. When it became too much, she danced with her brothers. She could see Michael surrounded by many interested women trying to politely escape them and that is when she decided to be bold. She walked up to them and stood in line of his vision.

''Excuse me ladies. I believe that Lord Kilmartin promised me this waltz that is almost ending.''

Michael could kiss her then and there for saving him.

''I apologize My Lady. Let me make it up to you by fetching us some lemonade.''

''I should like that. Ladies…''

He offered his arm and she took it. They walked to the refreshments table and took a lemonade. Michael offered to get her some food too but she didn't want. They moved to the corner of the room that they could slip out easily when the next dance starts.

During her season, she was in all those houses and knew some of the downstairs room very well. She walked in direction of the one and he followed. They entered the library and she put her glass on the table and took a seat at the piano.

''Oh, an impromptu performance. I am honored.''

''I just don't like these gatherings.''

''I know.''

She took off her gloves and place the sapphire ring under her wedding band. With gloves it would fit her well, but without them it could slip off her finger. That is why her wedding ring kept it in place.

''Shall I get private concert from my beloved wife?''

''I need to calm my nerves somehow. Playing helps.''

''I'm not complaining.''

He took a seat and listened to her play. When she was done playing, he came to her and kissed her neck.

''Countess, you were magical as usual.''

''Thank you, earl… Maybe we should go back into the ballroom and not draw to much attention with our absence.''

''You might be right.''

She took her gloves of the piano and he opened the door for her. As they were leaving, they run into queen with her ladies.

''Lord and Lady Kilmartin, funny seeing you here?''

''Your majesty…''

She looked at Francesca's hands and saw the gloves were off.

''Were you sneaking out to play again Countess?''

''Yes, your majesty. I am not very keen od crowded places. I know I have to visit balls and events but I don't really enjoy them.''

''And you my Lord? What were you doing?''

''Keeping her company.''

''How noble of you. I have ballroom full of young ladies interested in you and you are keeping company to your cousin's widow.''

They looked at one another and she nodded. Maybe this was the best time to tell her.

''I was actually keeping company to my wife.''

Queen was a bit surprised.

''Is that so? Since when?''

''A bit over two months… in ten days will be three…''

''And your mother didn't inform me Lady Kilmartin?''

''My mother found out just few hours ago. We didn't really tell anyone.''

''Were you in the rush to marry?''

They knew she was asking about the baby. No, she was not with child yet.

''No, your majesty… We were not. I am not with child.''

''And you couldn't have normal wedding here? In London? In front of society?''

''We wished to keep it simple and private. Lady Kilmartin had society wedding and now we wanted something just for us.''

''Very well… I see that my ballroom would be full of brokenhearted debutantes Lord Kilmartin.''

''I am sorry for them, bit for me there was only one woman I would ever want to marry and I did. Lady Kilmartin is that person.''

''So, a true love match?''

''I would dare to say yes.''

Francesca blushed at her husband's words.

''Then I suggest you dance with your gloves off Lady Kilmartin and move the ring to the other finger so it doesn't cover your wedding band. Your gloves off too Sir. I want it loud and clear that you are both off the market. I don't need another Bridgerton shaped headache.''

''Yes, your majesty…''

''Good luck!''

''Thank you.''

They did as they were instructed. They danced pretty much every dance until the end of ball and when they didn't, Michael made sure to take lemonade or food with his left hand so the wedding band would be seen. Francesca did too. She would use the privileges of wife to stand very close to him, to touch his hand or lean into him a bit further when they were having a conversation. They also took a page from Kate and Anthony's book and shared a small peck on the dancefloor doing their waltz. By the end of the evening, everyone knew that Earl was off the market as well as the countess.

In following days, Lord and Lady Kilmartin were popular topic of the ton gossip. Not many had nice things to say about the rake that married his cousin's widow. Mamas of the ton were enraged they didn't manage to marry their daughters before THAT woman got to him. And men were not happy because they lost a chance to get two doweries.

Now that everything was in the open. Lord and Lady Kilmartin didn't really care about the gossip. They lived their best lives. You could see them every day promenading or having some sort of fun afternoon in the ton. Lady Kilmartin ordered new dresses with fabrics her husband provided. And it was not rare event to see Kilmartins and Bridgertons having a day out together as a family.

Bridgerton ball was next big event of the season. Francesca helped her mother, Kate and Daphne to arrange everything and for the first time in her life, she had fun with it. She took duties of arranging for flowers. Kate gave her some general pointers when it comes to color palette and she took notes of it to prepare it all. Since India was in undertones of the party, Francesca wanted to surprise her with Indian flowers and decorations. As soon as she got home, she went to her husband's study and told him that she needed help with Inian themed flowers and decorations. Michael, being Michael, made sure to give his wife all she wanted. She even sent one of her dresses to be redone so it would fit the Indian theme. Michael even went as far to provide for his wife braid she could add to her hair so it would look thicker and longer.

''I see that you are very familiar with Indian fashion and hairstyles for ladies husband…''

Thate was a little jab, but he ignored it.

''My love, I never hid the fact that I am familiar with many women. I am familiar with their bodies and familiar with their fashion. You may take my suggestion under advice or you can do as you please.''

He kissed the top of her head and went back to his study. He contacted some of his friends that could help provide Kate with flowers Francesca wanted. She and Violet agreed to get Kate out of the house for when the flowers arrive. Her mother was not happy about it but in the end, she let her daughter convince her. As soon as Kate left the house flowers were delivered. Michael overdid himself. There were glass bowls with lotus flowers floating, there were a lot of white lilies and from the railings were hanging bunch of white jasmines. There was also a lot of red, yellow, orange and almost goldens shades of all sorts of flowers. One of the footmen came with a note for Francesca and gave it to her.

My beloved Countess of Kilmartin,

I hope I provided you with what you imagined. I was happy to help make Kate's dream come true and with that get a smile on your beautiful face.

Love always,

Your madly in love husband,

Michael Sterling

Earl of Kilmartin

Daphne took a peek into the letter over Francesca's shoulder and just smiled. She was glad her sister had someone who loved her that much and made an effort for her.

''You have very romantic husband.''

''Oh, I do…''

''I am happy for you sister. You deserve it.''

She smiled and thanked Daphne. An hour later, everything was done and they could go home and change for the party. When Francesca arrived to her hose, on the bed she found red dress with shawl that could be attached to it to resemble Indian sari embraided with pearls, silver beads and it was long enough that she could mold it even to look like she was in a sari. She put on the dress and then she and her maid put it around her waist and over shoulder to look as she really is in sari. She put additional braid over her bun and that hair was reaching bottom of her back. Maid helped her put ornaments in it and in the end, Michael showed up with typical Indian heavy jewelry. She had chocker with diamonds rubies and emeralds and matching earrings and ring. She also had many different color bracelets and Micael was matching her in golden longer jacket.

''You look stunning.''

''Thank you, my love.''

She took another look and turned at him.

''I fear I look more Indian than Kate.''

''It is an Indian party and you look the part.''

''I just fear it is too much.''

''I don't think so.''

When they arrived to the Bridgerton house, some guests have already arrived. She didn't look more Indian that Kate because Edwina made sure to send her things from India so she doesn't feel homesick. Kate was in beautiful deep pink ensemble with all the henna tattoos and jewelry. She looked divine. Benedict couldn't stop looking at Kate and Francesca and wanted them to promise him to dress that way one day so he could paint them. He really wanted to paint them that way. Kate thanked her for the flowers and said that jasmine and lilies make feel like she was back home. It was a happy night for them. They danced, learned some dances from Kate and had so much fun been dressed up. Lady Bridgerton joked that it was like masquerade ball again. She stepped to the side and just watched people dancing and having fun. It all turned out so beautifully that even she was tempted to think of giving a ball. Michal put his arms around her and whispered in her ear.

''Want to give a ball Lady Kilmartin?''

''No, that was just short tearm crazy idea I had.''

''I am all for it if you want.''

''I know. But I think this is more my mother's and my sister's passion. Mine is getting away from them.''

''Oh, I know.''

He kissed her cheek.

''So, want to sneak out and play the piano for me?''

She smirked…

''No, this is the house where they would know right away where to look for me.''

''And what about your old bedchamber?''

She hit his hand with a smile.

''That would be the second place to look at.''

''Then I must whisk you home…''

''I wish…But it is too soon… Even children are still awake watching from the railings.''

They danced some more and chatted with the members of the ton. Their marriage was still very popular topic but they knew with new scandal they would be forgotten.

Around midnight they were back in their home and Francesca could finally breathe. Silence and comfort of her home were priceless to her. It took her ma

id a bit longer to help her undress so that night she joined Michael in his room. He was already in bed close to falling asleep. She got under covers and cuddled up to him.

''Thank you for tonight. I couldn't have done it without you.''

''You are very welcome my love.''

They fell asleep pretty soon after she joined them in bed. It was a long day for both of them and it was finally ending. Following day Michael had to deal with some things related to estate since they were going to Aubrey Hall. He had to work on his budgets and accounts so he would know by the beginning of autumn how to manage founds for cattle and new crops he wanted for the next season.

Francesca gave instructions for packing their things. She told her maid what is to be on the pail for Scotland and what was for short visit to her family home in Kent. She went with Janet and Helen for a small shopping spree. She had to prepare presents for the children of her siblings. This will be the first time she would get to meet Eloise's husband and kids. From some of Violet's letters she learned a thing or two of them and got them presents that matched those descriptions. There were also Anthony's and Daphne's children. Penelope was expecting so she got her macaroons and that was it. She was ready to pack and travel to her past for short family bonding.

When they arrived to the Aubrey Hall, Francesca felt weird peace. She loved being in the country and loved sounds of nature rather than noise that people made. Lady Bridgerton and Viscountess have instructions to the staff and Francesca took her time to take a walk with her husband. They were waiting for Eloise and Sir Crain so they had a moment or two to be alone. As expected, they ended up by her father's grave. She put some flowers she picked along the way at the bottom of the tombstone and took a seat on the blanket Michael got her.

''I will leave you to it. You have things to say without my presence.''

''You know things about me. I am not hiding anything.''

''I know love, but I think this should be your time with him. I will come back for you soon. Just take your time to say all that you want I will be back soon.''

He kissed her and left. She got comfortable and started talking to her ''father'' and told him all that happened in her life since she was last here. There were a lot of things she had to say about John, his loss, years of mourning and Michael. She spoke the most about him and now much she loves him. She spoke to him about Kilmartin estate and how he would have enjoyed hiking with her. He was known for his long hikes and how hard it was to get her mother to join. Maybe part of her not wanting to go was that she spent better part of the marriage pregnant or with very small children, but she was sure two of them would have enjoyed that shared activity.

After about an hour, Michael came back for her. Violet was calling for tea and he helped her pick up the blanket and they walked back to toward the house.

''How did it feel?''

''It felt nice to say all that. I know he is dead and can't hear me, but that is the only way to bond with my father. That imaginary person I talk to can't help, but can listen.''

''He is not imaginary. He lived. He loved you all and I am sure he would have kept loving each of you very much if he was here.''

''Do you miss your father?''

''I don't know. I don't think of him much. From time to time, I wonder what he would say or do, but not that often. I got used to life without him. I guess, I had John's dad to take his place.''

Frannie could understand that. When they got into the house, tea was already brought and they each took a cup. They spent pleasant afternoon and following days with the family. Francesca loved seeing them all, loved spending time with all the children, but she missed silence of their home and missed personal space. Aubrey Hall was a big house, but not big enough to hide from everyone. They got to meet Eloise's husband and children and it was not surprise to her that her sister was already expecting. She was not losing hope. After all, it took her and John two years to conceive but they were much less intimate than her and Michael. She hoped it would be sooner for them. She wished it to happen as soon as possible, but there was also that selfish part of her that didn't want to share his love and attention. That was new feeling for her. She never really cared about sharing John's attention with children, and now she didn't really want them right away so she and Michael could have a moment more for themselves.

Celebration of her father's birthday was an interesting event. They had big campfire in the garden and each of them were to write him a letter, including additions to the family. Michael felt a bit weird for writing a letter to a man even Francesca barely knew but then he settled for writing him about Francesca. He and Francesca had disadvantage not to get to know one another well, so Micael chose to introduce late Viscount to his wife, to the daughter he didn't get to spend much time with. He wrote him six-page letter and when it was his turn, he read it in front of everyone. There was not dry eye in the house. That sort of cemented what everyone knew, that man loved Francesca more than anything. They all saw that Michael was good for her. She was getting out of he shall and judging by what they saw at the ball, she was not afraid to claim her man and her position. When she and John wet to important balls, she would use very discreet family heirlooms and try not to be too visible. But that jewelry and dresses she had were pretty clear sign that Lady Kilmartin is there to stay. Aside from Michael's letter that got everyone to cry, was Hyacinth's letter to a father she never met. That broke everyone's heart. All kids had at least some memories of him. Francesca believed Anthony and Hyacinth had it worst because of their order of birth. He was first so everything ended up on his back and she was last and she was sometimes forgotten in that pain and hurt. Edmund fathered her, but as she said at the end of the letter, she thanked him for giving her the best father and that was Anthony. That hurt Violet for a moment. It felt like she was denying Edmund and she didn't want her to. He didn't deserve it.

During their stay at Kent, Francesca took him to her favorite places and showed him her hiding places when shew as a child. Her childhood home was a place that held very painful and dear memories to her and in the end, she was glad that their visit was nice way for all of Bridgerton to heal, with help of their spouses and siblings.

They had two more balls before they could return to Kilmartin. As usual, her husband was talk of the ton, but this time not as a rake but as an example of a good and adoring husband. Since they were married, Michael never gave a cause to be mentioned in any negative context. He went to clubs to have a drink or two, but as soon as the other men were getting ready to visit the houses with the ladies, he would bid them goodbye and go home to his lady. His mother and aunt were very proud of what he became and how he stepped up as head of the household and husband to Francesca.

When they arrived to Kilmartin estate and were close to the house, they just got out of the carriage and walked toward the house. They missed their estate, their silence and their lives here.

''Are you happy?''

''Happiest I've ever been Frannie…''

''What about you?''

''I… I am very happy, but I wish…''

''It will happen Frannie… It takes time for some people. It took for my patents.''

She knew it didn't take for hers… There was eight of them and one of Michael and John. But for now, she decided to leave it aside. She would not occupy her brain with it. She will let it happen and be patient.

She was hoping that next year when they all gather at the Kent estate, she would have her bundle of joy to show around. She looked at Michael who was gazing somewhere in direction of the house.

''Let us hurry home. I feel that storm is coming.''

She just nodded and run toward the house holding his hand and laughing like careless girl…