Chapter Four: An Affair of Honor
The next morning, Letty dressed in a light blue silk dress, rather plain compared to what she'd been wearing but it made her eyes shine. The fake flowers in her braided hair made her wistful for the flowers she could not truly be around, knowing this was the closest she would get. At the park, the prince had a tent set up, small treats and tea prepared, along with a few pastries that Letty recognized from her mother demanding they have a cook who could bake German desserts.
"Is that Bienenstich?" (cake made with a sweet yeast dough with a layer of vanilla custard or buttercream in the middle and topped with caramelized almonds) Letty gasped as she looked to the table in wonder.
"It is," Friedrich let out a soft laugh. "I must say, you are a breath of fresh air in London. Not many know German language or cuisines."
"Well, I am more than happy to be a friendly face amongst the crowd," Letty smiled.
"I must tell you something before we begin," he sighed. "My aunt wishes for me to pursue the diamond of the season rather than you. I do hope you'll continue to be my friendly face in the crowd."
"I should inform you that I am not truly looking for a husband then," Letty admitted. "If I meet someone worth marrying, I may change my mind. Daphne is a wonderful woman. She is kind and sweet and loves family. You will be very happy with her."
"I appreciate your honesty," the prince smiled brightly. "Now, shall we?"
"Yes," Letty let out a small laugh.
Friedrich pulled a chair out for Letty, allowing her to sit first before taking the spot across from her. Her aunt took the seat offered to her at the table beside theirs, watching and unable to understand a single word being spoken as the two continued talking in German. They ate the small snacks, Letty turning down the bremer kluten (peppermint foundant dipped in dark chocolate) due to the chocolate on it, explaining that she had reactions to cocoa and causing the prince to move all of the chocolates away from her before moving the vanellekipferl (cresent shaped vanilla cookie with hazelnuts baked into it and coated with powdered sugar) towards her when she showed a fondness for it. The two took a small walk around the lake, both describing their favorite parts of their homes, before Prince Friedrich kissed her hand and the two parted ways.
"So, what was said?" her aunt questioned once they were in the carriage.
"The Queen wishes for him to court Daphne as she is the diamond so we've agreed to be friends. I promised to be a friendly face for him to speak with during balls and other gatherings. He called me a breath of fresh air," Letty told her.
"Good on him for being so honest," Helena nodded. "Too bad the Queen told him to court Daphne. He would have been a fine choice for you. Prince's tend to lead busy lives and you would have been free to pursue what ever hobbies you wished while having the security of him."
"I feel like the life of a princess would have made time for such hobbies a bit more difficult than you are anticipating," Letty let out a small laugh.
"Possibly," her aunt smiled back. "You seemed very comfortable around one another."
"Yes, well, when you take courting off the table, all that is left is friendship," Letty explained. "It is rather nice having a friend that I can just speak to without worrying that it'll be overheard by the people of the ton."
"Shall I learn German just so we may speak privately?" her aunt smiled.
"Nonsense," Letty smirked. "We can talk at home whenever we please."
"Well, we are heading to the market today. You are in need of another few mannequins. My treat."
The two women walked around the market, finding different fabrics for Letty, along with different embellishments to use. Mannequins were ordered to be delivered to their home as they continued walking.
"Oh! There's Letty!" Eloise's voice called her attention, forcing her to lay eyes on Pen for the first time since confronting her. "Letty!"
"Do you wish to leave?" Helena whispered, not sure why Penelope and Letty were no longer speaking but knowing Letty no longer wished to speak to the Featherington anymore.
"No," Letty shook her head. "I shall not avoid her forever. Hello."
Letty put a smile on her face just in time for Eloise to reach her, Penelope dragged behind her.
"Letty, I have a new endeavor to tell you of. I've decided to sus out Lady Whistledown so I may ask her how she does what she does," Eloise announced. "I must find a new feather for a quill."
"Two stalls down," Letty smirked, pointing behind her. "Rather large ensemble available there."
"Do you wish to help us make a suspect list?" Eloise questioned. "Or are you to busy building your empire?"
"I do unfortunately have plans this afternoon," Letty sighed. "I'm making my gown for the ball in a few days and I've only just begun."
"Didn't you promenade with the prince this morning?" Pen questioned and Letty had to hold in the bite of her words.
"I did," Letty nodded. "He is a very sweet man. We shared much conversation in his native tongue and ate German sweets that he'd had made for us. I then told him that Daphne would be a better pursuit and we agreed to be friends."
"Did you?" Pen gasped.
"I did," Letty nodded. "Again though, this was all in German."
"I'm sure Daphne would appreciate your kind words," Eloise nodded, giving Letty's hand a gentle squeeze. "I just hope you don't come to regret it one day."
"No," Letty shook her head. "I shall become an old made surround by dresses and my best friend. I could ask for nothing more."
Eloise and Letty shared a smile before Eloise turned her smile to Penelope. Penelope put a fake smile on her face just in time, having caught Letty's wording easily and having to hide the hurt on her face before Eloise could see it.
"Excuse me," Letty smiled to the two. "I should be going. Tell Daphne I said hello, will you? Colin as well?"
"Of course," Eloise smiled softly before they all parted ways.
Letty worked on her dress, asking her aunts opinion often and working on her aunts dress in secret, hoping to have it done before the ball. Luck seemed to be on her side as she finished both dresses with a day to spare. The day was spent in the backyard, enjoying the sun on her skin and the soft breeze that blew through as she sketched a few more gowns that she wished to make. She had a feeling her new hobby would be all that she cared for in the coming months between seasons and hoped that her mother and father would approve when they returned home in a few days' time.
The next afternoon, Letty called for her aunt Helena.
"I've made a dress but I can't decide if I like it or not," Letty stated. "May I put it on you to see? It isn't in my measurement."
"Of course," Helena nodded.
Letty had Helena close her eyes before having Helena's hand maid and Elsie dress her. Letty smiled, checking the fabric to make sure the measurements that Madame Delacroix had given her were correct before smiling and slowly turning Helena so she faced a mirror.
"You can open your eyes now," Letty said, voice soft.
Helena opened her eyes, a fond smile on her face as she looked to Letty before looking in the mirror and gasping. The light blue lace on top of the dark blue fabric was covered in the carefully hand sewn flowers of multiple colors. The dress fit perfectly and Letty could not be happier with how it turned out. Helena had tears in her eyes as she turned to Letty.
"You made this for me?" she questioned.
"I did," Letty nodded. "Do you like it?"
"I love it," she promised, pulling Letty into a hug.
"I'm so happy," Letty let out a soft laugh. "I've been working so hard on it since you mentioned how much you liked the detailing on my first dress."
"Thank you, Letty," Helena whispered before pulling away. "Now to dress and finish readying yourself. I shall go finish in my room and meet you downstairs."
"Yes, ma'am," Letty nodded, smiling as she watched her aunt leave.
Letty dressed in the A-line, dark green gown made with of tulle. The sleeves were puffed and there were light green butterflies sewn on it at random. With a corset sewn into it, it was rather easy to put on, a light padding going on under neath to protect her skin as Elsie tied her in. With makeup in place and jewels around her neck and in her hair, Letty headed down the stairs to meet her aunt, smiling happily when she saw her.
"Beautiful," her aunt approved, offering her arm.
Her aunt joined the other chaperones, keeping an eye on Letty from a distance as she moved forward. The prince smiled brightly at her, asking for her first dance before the two spoke softly for a few moments in German about the dancers in the air before separating. Letty did a small lap around the dance floor before seeing Daphne step in. She made her way over, smiling happily before seeing Cressida move to Daphne's side.
"You look beautiful as always, Daphne," Cressida smiled.
"Thank you Cressida," Daphne stated, trying to dismiss the other girl.
"You could have chosen anyone. You had suitors lined up to pay you tribute yet you did not hesitate to steal my chance for happiness away, did you?" Cressida said, sounding sad and continuing when Daphne did not respond. "I knew the marriage market would make rivals of us, but I never thought you capable of being my enemy."
"The man made his choice," Daphne blurted out before her voice softened. "What was I supposed to do?"
Daphne turned, seeing the prince then and moving towards him, leaving Cressida behind and looking rather heartbroken.
"That was rather harsh of her," Letty admitted, going to Cressida's side. "Are you alright?"
"As if you truly care," Cressida said, voice wavering as she placed a fake smile on her face so others wouldn't notice how upset she was.
"Come," Letty sighed, taking Cressida's arm. "Sweets tend to make everything better, I've learned."
"What?" Cressida asked, confused.
"You are obviously hurt and I've been dealing with quite a few problems of my own lately. Sweets take the sting out of things and they have a rather wide selection just over there. Come."
Cressida went with Letty, letting the shorter girl lead her away. Once they reached the sweets table, Letty grabbed a small, golden plate and put a few biscuits on it before using a napkin to pick up a few pieces of chocolate. She passed the plate to Cressida, along with the napkin and a small cup of lemonade.
"Eat. You'll feel better," Letty promised. "We may not be friends due to your behavior towards others, but no one should be sad at a ball. Especially not when they look as pretty as you do tonight."
Letty gave Cressida a soft smile before grabbing a biscuit for herself and walking away. She walked around the room, hiding in the shadows and avoiding Penelope when she caught a glimpse of her. Luckily, it seemed as if Benedict had elected to skip the evening, saving Letty from attempting to avoid him as well, making it easier to keep an eye on Penelope when necessary. She did notice Anthony holding eye contact with the opera singer for a few moments before she looked away, deciding it was none of her business.
Lady Trowbridge was speaking to Lady Featherington when Phillipa and Prudence went to her, crying. Marina was on the dance floor with an old man and Colin was speaking with Pen, the two letting out quiet laughs before Colin looked to Marina before moving to her. Hurt flashed across Pen's face and it took everything in Letty not to go to her to make sure that she was alright. Daphne was dancing with the prince while looking around the room, panic on her face, and Cressida was slowly eating a small piece of chocolate while glaring at Daphne before moving to her friends.
Letty watched as Daphne ran from the room, bumping into Cressida in the process. Cressida followed behind her before getting distracted and moving to one of the balconies instead. Letty moved to another one, fighting through the crowd to do so, looking out to what Cressida seemed so caught up in staring at. She saw the duke chasing Daphne through the dark maze before turning and rushing to find Anthony, refusing to let Daphne be ruined, especially with Cressida as witness.
"Anthony, follow me. Now," Letty demanded, pulling him away from the crowd.
Anthony went with Letty, seeing the determination on her face. She dragged him outside, telling him to hurry through the maze as she stood by the doors, waiting. She heard a bit of yelling but was unable to make out the words as she waited for Anthony to return, hopefully with his sister fully intact. After a few minutes, Anthony and Daphne came out of the dark. Anthony gave a stiff nod to Letty before going inside, Daphne seeming completely out of it in the process. Letty went in search of her aunt, asking to go home when she found her.
Once home, Letty changed into her sleeping gown, pretending to sleep when she was checked on a while later. She then changed into her day dress and climbed out of her window. She rushed to the Bridgerton backyard, knocking loudly on the backdoor until Anthony opened it.
"In. Quickly," he demanded, holding the door open for Letty.
"What has happened?" Letty asked. "Is Daphne alright?"
"This way," Anthony told her, leading her to his office where Benedict was already waiting, pacing back and forth. "Benedict."
"Letty," he sighed, looking relieved. "What is your part in all of this?"
"I saw the duke and Daphne walking through the garden," Letty began when they heard laughter.
Anthony, Benedict and Letty poked their heads out of the door, spying Colin and Violet. Colin sent Violet up to bed before he turned and saw the three staring at him. Anthony motioned for Colin to join them.
"Good God. Has someone died? And why have you dragged poor Letty into whatever you've done?" Colin questioned as he rushed to them.
"You were saying Letty?" Benedict asked once the door was closed.
"I saw the duke and Daphne rushing through the garden in the dark and I went to Anthony. Cressida Cowper was trying to spy on them and I refused to let her try to ruin Daphne. I would like to know what happened as well," Letty turned to Benedict.
"Our family is in your debt, Letitia Everly," Anthony said, voice sincere. "Shall you ever need anything, you come to us. You have stood by us in the past on so many occasions and you have protected Daphne tonight as if she were your own sister. We owe you a debt. Thank you."
"Of course," Letty shook her head.
"Will you go keep an eye on Daphne, please?" Anthony asked her. "She is upstairs, in her room."
"Of course," Letty nodded, leaving immediately.
Daphne allowed her entrance to her room before she continued pacing.
"What has happened, Daphne?" Letty questioned after a while.
Daphne sat beside Letty, telling her everything. About the ruse that she and the duke concocted followed by falling for the duke and leading up to her heartbreak followed by the garden and the challenge of the duel.
"I refuse to sit back any longer," Daphne declared, standing and rushing out of the room, Letty on her heel.
They got the location out of Colin and were off, Letty on a borrowed Bridgerton horse as she rode beside Daphne, Colin behind them. The three rode swiftly, pushing their horses harder and faster as they approached the location of the duel. The duke had his pistol in the air and Anthony was aiming directly at the duke.
"Daphne, no!" Letty screamed as Daphne ran between the two.
"Stop!" she yelled before a shot was heard and she was thrown off of her horse.
"Daphne!" the duke yelled followed by Anthony's panicked, "Sister!"
"Both of you move!" Letty yelled, jumping off of her horse and pushing them out of the way as she reached for Daphne. "Daph?"
Daphne accepted Letty's hand up.
"Oh, good God," Anthony sighed in relief.
"Are you alright? Tell me!" the duke demanded.
"I am perfectly well, no thanks to you idiots!" Daphne yelled at them.
"What are you playing at?" Anthony demanded.
"Says the man who just shot at me!" Daphne yelled at him.
"You just rode into the middle of a duel!" Anthony yelled back.
"Yelling at one another is not helping the situation," Letty stated.
"You were supposed to keep an eye on her," Anthony turned on Letty.
"And let you get yourself killed or arrested?" Letty demanded. "Learn to listen to the women in your life! We're smarter than you seem to think we are! Ugh, Bridgerton men!"
"Hey!" Benedict said, offended.
"Do not get me started on you," Letty spat the insult, causing Benedict to take multiple steps back and hide behind Colin.
"I require a moment with the duke," Daphne announced and Anthony tried to intervene. "I require a moment!"
"Make it quick."
Letty watched as Daphne and the duke walked just out of hearing distance. She sighed before rubbing her eyes, tired from her lack of sleep and from her stress. Colin placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. She gave him a grateful smile before looking back as the Anthony began walking towards the duke and Daphne.
"We must finish this before someone discovers us," Anthony insisted.
"Can you not?" Letty growled out, completely annoyed at this point.
"There will be no need," Daphne announced. "The duke and I are to be married."
They all stared around at one another before Letty spoke up again.
"Well, no one offer their congratulations all at once," Letty rolled her eyes. "May we all return home now? Before we are all discovered out of bed at an unreasonable hour?"
"Letty is without a chaperone," Anthony groaned.
"Yes, yes. We're all quite inappropriate. Let us leave before it is discovered," Letty sighed.
Colin helped Daphne on to her horse and Benedict moved to help Letty and she slapped his hand away, taking Anthony's hand instead. Anthony gave Benedict a confused look before letting out a groan.
"Do I need to defend Letty's honor to my own brother?" Anthony questioned.
"I can defend my own honor," Letty smirked. "Come now. There's a wedding to plan."
Letty rode back with the Bridgerton's accepting Colin's help down before she lifted her dress slightly and ran to her own backyard, climbing up and through her window before changing quickly and climbing into bed, falling asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.