Chapter Twelve: Victory
Letty and Benedict snuck off to a room where Benedict had set up his painting supplies.
"Letty, I…" Benedict began before Anthony burst into the room.
"We need to speak," Anthony stated, voice rough as he stared at Letty.
"Okay, I can only deal with one of you at a time," Letty sighed, her headache not fully gone yet.
"I believe my conversation to be rather urgent," Anthony stated.
"I believe mine may be more urgent than yours," Benedict spoke up.
Letty sat in a chair in the corner, Anthony and Benedict refusing to leave the room but both refusing to speak in front of one another. Benedict began painting a bowl of fruit and Anthony grabbed an apple, biting into it.
"I was painting that," Benedict complained.
"Do you think all of this was a mistake?" Anthony asked.
"The business of inviting the Sharmas out early?" Benedict asked.
"It has made the whole affair so fraught with difficulty," Anthony sighed.
"Yes, finding a wife in a stranger seems entirely too difficult to me," Benedict nodded moving to the window and tossing it open. "But if one must participate in it, why not do it… in the fresh air?"
"I need to speak with Letty," Anthony stated.
"As do I," Benedict complained.
"Oh, for Heaven's sake. Anthony, I am not going to tell anyone what I witnessed this morning. Now, go," Letty complained.
"What did you witness this morning?" Benedict questioned.
"I am not telling you," Letty said, voice stern as she stared at Anthony.
Anthony stared back before letting out a deep breath and nodding. He left the room quickly, closing the door behind himself and finally giving Letty and Benedict privacy.
"Finally," Benedict sighed, setting down his paint brush and kneeling in front of Letty, pulling a ring from his pocket. "Will you marry me?"
"Where on Earth did you get a ring that quickly?" Letty asked, in slight shock.
"I bought it last year before you saw me with Delacroix," Benedict shrugged.
"And you've just been carrying it with you this whole time?"
"Letty. Will you marry me?" Benedict tried again.
"Are you simply asking because of what transpired between us last night?" Letty asked, voice small.
"I'm asking because I meant every word that I said to you last night," Benedict explained. "That tea made me see things more clearly than I ever have before."
"I think jumping into marriage instead of speaking through our problems is a terrible idea," Letty admitted.
"I am prepared for the longest engagement in history," Benedict laughed. "I just want to do something meaningful to show you that I mean it when I say that I love you and wish to spend the rest of my life with you. Having you wear a ring is simply a promise that I will put forth my best efforts to show you that I am prepared to do anything necessary to prove just how much I love you."
"You love me? Truly?" Letty asked, voice soft.
"I need you more than the air I breathe, Letty. I've been choking for the past year without you. My lungs have been burning and my chest has been tight. You are my heart, my soul, my everything. I will spend forever proving it, my love. Forever."
Letty leaned forward, kissing Benedict softly. He leaned into her, his lips gentle, as if afraid he may scare her off or break her if he pressed to harshly or moved too quickly. The feeling of his lips on hers still sent her mind and body into a frenzy and it didn't take long before Benedict was pressing her back on the lounge chair that she'd been resting on, his body half on hers as he kissed her senseless.
The door opened and Benedict moved off of Letty quickly. She sat up, looking towards the door where Colin stood, eyes wide and telling Letty that he'd seen them. Colin sighed, rubbing his eyes before looking to Letty.
"I will be off today to visit a friend. Can you handle our plan alone?" he questioned.
"Yes," Letty nodded.
"You won't be distracted?"
"I can handle it," Letty insisted.
"What plan?" Benedict questioned.
"We're making sure Anthony ends up with the correct Sharma sister," Colin explained.
"What do you mean?" Benedict questioned.
"Have you noticed how alike Anthony and Miss Kate are?" Letty smirked as Benedict's eyes widened.
"That's why the two of you have been whispering back and forth to one another.
"What other reason would we be conspiring together?" Letty questioned.
"Well, I thought… Well, I thought…"
"Did you think Letty and I were together behind your back, Brother?" Colin's smirk was in place, a twinkle in his eyes.
"No. I just…"
"Benny, darling, if I was going to go for one of your brothers behind your back, I have better sense to go after Colin," Letty laughed.
"Hey!" Colin yelled in offense.
"Gregory?" Benedict questioned.
"Anthony is the one with the money and title," Letty shrugged, leaning back on the lounger and watching as the two brothers floundered a bit.
She let out a laugh at their shocked faces before standing.
"I think our plan will be easier than you think. Something precarious happened this morning. I will not go into details but just know that Anthony may be realizing that he cares more deeply for Miss Kate than he previously realized," Letty told Colin as she headed for the door.
"You're forgetting something," Benedict called after Letty, causing her to turn in confusion before a soft smile overcame her face.
Benedict moved forward, sliding the ring on Letty's hand before kissing her softly and releasing her.
"So, the two of you are engaged?" Colin questioned. "My word. What an eventful few days this has been already. I feel like you are supposed to ask someone for her hand first, though."
"My aunt shall be arriving today for the ball and I'm sure Anthony will give his blessing," Letty rolled her eyes as she left the two brothers to themselves.
Letty found Daphne and Violet preparing flowers for the ball and immediately turned the other way, heading outside to get away from the flowers, her nose already beginning to itch. She headed outside, finding Eloise already there and reading quietly as she waited for Penelope to appear, carriages at a stop in the distance.
"What do you think happened?" Letty asked curiously, staring into the distance.
"Possibly a broken carriage wheel," Eloise sighed.
"Hmm," Letty hummed, sitting beside Eloise under an umbrella. "What are you reading?"
"It's a woman's rights pamphlet," Eloise smiled brightly. "Theo gave it to me."
"Theo from the papermill?" Letty questioned, seeing Eloise looking rather confused. "Pen told me."
"Oh. Well, yes," Eloise nodded.
"And have you gone to see him again?" Letty asked.
"I have not," Eloise shook her head, seemingly in thought.
"You like him," Letty smirked.
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"El," Letty smirked, reaching over and grabbing her hand as Edwina joined them. "We can talk about this later, but yes. You do. You don't have to hide it from me."
"What are we hiding?" Edwina asked curiously.
"Eloise likes a boy," Letty smirked.
Eloise hit Letty with her pamphlet before hiding it in her book again.
"Who?" Edwina asked excitedly.
"I am not allowed to disclose that bit of information," Letty smirked, ready to defend herself again, hand raised to block an attack.
"What is that?" Edwina asked with a gasp, grabbing Letty's hand to examine the ring on her finger.
"Is that an engagement ring?!" Eloise gasped loudly.
"What?" Voilet's voice demanded, rushing over with Daphne behind her.
"Oh, wonderful. We're all here," Letty sighed.
"But who?" Daphne demanded.
"Oh, please tell me this doesn't have anything to do with last night?" Eloise groaned.
"Possibly," Letty sank in her chair a bit, turning red.
"Letitia Everly!" Eloise yelled, hitting her with the pamphlet again.
Letty grabbed the pamphlet, holding it against herself and giving Eloise a pointed look.
"Oh, fine. Give it back."
"You can have it back when you learn not to hit people with it," Letty stated, sliding the pamphlet under her leg.
"What happened last night?" Violet questioned.
"I shall be taking a leave," Letty grumbled, standing and running off with the pamphlet towards Kate.
"Hello, Letitia," Kate smiled as Letty sat beside her.
"Hello, Kate," Letty smiled back.
"You have a few shadows following you," Kate warned as Daphne and Violet appeared beside her.
"Who?" Daphne demanded, smiling brightly.
"Must you know right this moment?" Letty sighed.
"Well, the options are rather limited," Violet smirked. "Shall I begin naming off my sons until I get to the correct one?"
"Are you going to go alphabetically?" Letty smirked back.
"What have I missed?" Kate asked.
"Letty is engaged," Daphne explained.
"What?" Kate questioned. "Is this about this morning?"
"Oh, what happened this morning?" Violet demanded.
"Must every Bridgerton go through a scandal to become engaged?" Daphne sighed.
"What scandal did you go through?" Violet turned to Daphne.
Letty tilted her head to Kate, telling her they should make a run for it while Daphne was floundering with Violet. Kate bit her lip to keep from laughing as the two snuck off. Anthony and Edwina were sitting at the table that Eloise must have abandoned, so they moved towards it, each taking a seat. It was Letty's turn to hold in a laugh.
"Are you feeling better, Didi?" Edwina asked Kate.
"I am well," Kate insisted.
"Did you tell the Viscount and Letitia what happened?" Edwina questioned.
"I got stung," Kate said to Anthony.
"Ah," Anthony nodded as if he didn't already know.
"I am well," Kate told him, voice a bit softer.
"Ah," Anthony nodded, staring at Kate with intense eyes.
It was Letty's turn to not laugh. Edwina seemed none the wiser about the heated looks that Anthony and Kate were exchanging directly in front of her. Letty was unsure how Edwina had even noticed the ring if she couldn't notice what was happening directly in front of her.
More guest began arriving and Letty held her place down, not wanting to join the crowds at the moment as to not allow anyone else to notice her ring. She saw Eloise hurrying towards her and held the pamphlet up, allowing Eloise to take it back as she passed Letty to go greet Pen.
"Kate was telling me how she is eager to see more of the grounds of this magnificent estate," Edwina told Anthony.
"I was?" Kate seemed confused before her face cleared and she nodded.
"Might you give her a tour today while I spend time with the other ladies?" Edwina asked.
"I am sure Lord Bridgerton is occupied with other guests," Kate began.
"Oh, not at all," Letty spoke up. "I can help oversee the guests."
"Shooting, in fact, with the other gentlemen," Anthony spoke over Letty but Kate heard the smirk in Letty's voice. "The party is to leave quite soon, I'm afraid."
"Did you know Kate is an excellent shot?" Edwina piped up as Benedict joined them, standing behind Letty with his hand on her shoulder and causing shivers to break across her skin, even in the heat of the day.
"Of course she is," Anthony chuckled and there was a challenge in his and Kate's eyes now. "Are we all set for the hunt, Brother?"
"Indeed we are," Benedict nodded. "I wished to speak with you before we leave though."
"Kate, tell him how you used to shoot all the time," Edwina continued.
"Miss Edwina," Anthony chuckled again.
"Kate is being modest," Edwina insisted.
"Do you not think it true?" Kate asked, giving Anthony a heated look.
"Perhaps your sister aims straight on the field, but surely she would have trouble managing…" Anthony began.
"Why would you assume I have trouble managing at all, my lord?" Kate demanded and Letty could feel Benedict trying his hardest not to laugh.
"I only mean to say…"
"Because I am a woman?"
"No! No," Anthony stated, trying to save himself now. "I did not say that."
"But you thought it," Kate offered and Benedict hid his chuckle with a cough.
"Ladies do not hunt," Anthony insisted and Letty tapped Benedict's hand.
"Do not, or are not allowed to?" Kate raised a brow.
"I am certain Lady Danbury can spare a maid to act as chaperone," Benedict spoke up.
"Oh, what fun you will all have," Edwina smiled. "Getting to know one another all the better."
"An excellent idea," Benedict nodded before looking to Anthony. "I'm sure we can make an exception, just this one time. We are on our private lands, after all. And who knows? Perhaps Miss Sharma can teach you a thing or two."
"Well, I…" Anthony began.
"Anthony, you made an exception when teaching me accounting and business dealings in place of my father while he is in his long mourning period. I'm sure another is simple enough," Letty spoke up and Anthony stared down at Letty with flaring nostrils.
She just stared innocently. Anthony caught Benedict's hand on Letty's shoulder and looked to Benedict in confusion.
"I wanted to speak with you before we took our leave," Benedict reminded him. "We can speak as we go ask Lady Danbury for a maid to chaperone Miss Sharma."
Anthony followed after Benedict and Letty put her hand over her mouth, holding in her laugh. She turned to Kate, seeing her trying not to laugh as well after having witnessed Letty handle Anthony so well.
"You have to teach me how to do that," Kate finally got out.
"Oh, absolutely," Letty laughed before looking to Edwina. "I hope you don't mind my keeping you company while they run along with the guns today?"
"Not at all," Edwina smiled. "Maybe I can get the story of you and Benedict out of you in the mean time?"
"I'll think it over," Letty nodded. "My aunt should be here today some time. I shall introduce you."
A maid walked over to Kate, telling her they were off. Letty wished Kate well and led Edwina towards the tables where she could see Daphne, Lady Danbury, Lady Mary and Violet speaking with her Aunt Helena. Letty smiled brightly when she saw her aunt, grabbing Edwina's hand and leading her through the crowds faster. Helena turned when Violet pointed, her own smile spreading across her face when she saw Letty rushing towards her.
Letty threw her arms around Helena, hugging her tightly around her middle as Edwina moved around the two, sitting in one of the empty chairs at the table. Letty slowly released Helena, smiling up at her.
"A Mister Benedict Bridgerton approached me upon my arrival," Helena whispered.
"Did he?" Letty smirked.
"He did," Helena smiled. "I told him it was up to you and I would support any choice you made."
"I'm sure Anthony is telling him the same thing now," Letty laughed as Helena led her to the table. "Aunt Helena, this is Miss Edwina Sharma. Edwina, this is my aunt, Lady Helena Wills."
"It is wonderful to meet you, Lady Helena," Edwina said politely. "I don't think I have seen Letitia so excited or happy since meeting her."
"I bring it out in her," Helena smiled, arm around Letty and hugging her to her side.
"And vice versus," Violet added, seeing the happiness in Helena's eyes. "Helena, you must come for tea when we return to London. We have much to discuss now."
"Oh, please tell me the wedding planning can wait," Letty groaned. "I planned on a long engagement."
"How long?" Daphne asked. "I'm willing to wait a month."
"How about two weeks?" Violet offered. "I mean, I've been waiting for you and Benedict to figure yourselves out for a year now."
"How about a year," Letty offered.
"Letitia is not quite ready to marry yet," Helena smiled. "Give her some time."
"So, Benedict?" Edwina smirked. "I thought there may be something more there."
"Yes, yes," Letty waved her hand. "Are we playing cards or not?"
Lady Danbury began dealing the cards and the conversation turned to Edwina.
"Hopefully, the festivities are living up to your expectations, Miss Edwina?" Daphne asked.
"Very much, Your Grace," Edwina smiled. "You and your mama are such diligent hostesses. I so look forward to hosting my own gatherings one day."
"Well, there is certainly pleasure to be had in acting as hostess. Though, between you and I, I think you will find there in no greater pleasure than enjoying your home alone with your family. With your husband, as long as you choose the right one."
"I do think I know what I desire in a match," Edwina nodded to Daphne.
"And what is that?"
"I should like to be with someone kind and gentle. Someone like your brother. He's so even-tempered," Edwina sighed and Letty let out a laugh.
"Anthony?" Daphne also laughed. "Even-tempered?"
"Would you not describe him as such?" Edwina asked, confused.
"Well, not exactly."
"Well, perhaps I bring out the very best in him," Edwina offered. "And is that not what a good marriage should mean? Bringing out each other's best?"
"It is, indeed, Miss Edwina. Has your sister gone off somewhere?"
"Hunting."
"Hunting?"
"With your brother, in fact," Edwina smiled brightly. "I am having them spend the day together in the hopes of their finally finding common ground. It seems the two of them do not exactly see eye-to-eye on occasion. A good plan, is it not?"
Daphne met Letty's eye before she turned back to Edwina.
"Well, certainly an intriguing one."
Letty knew then that Daphne could see it, too. She could see how well suited Anthony and Kate were, how alike and determined. She could see the heat and passion they shared, how they would look at one another in front of everyone. She could see how Kate challenged Anthony in a way that he needed, in a way that Kate seemed to need as well.
The rest of the afternoon was rather pleasant apart from Violet and Daphne trying to speak of wedding preparations with Letty every so often. Helena was rather good at sidestepping the conversation though, changing the subject to Edwina, the ball, or literally anything else to save Letty from her own thoughts. The men returned towards nightfall and Edwina ran to her room, wishing to speak to her sister as soon as possible. Letty watched as Benedict and Anthony approached her table together, her eyes unable to do anything outside of staring at Benedict it seemed.
He had the same problem, it seemed, his eyes locked on Letty as he approached her. He stood behind her, hand on her shoulder as Anthony stood behind his mother. Anthony gave Letty a soft smile and a nod, telling her he'd given Benedict approval.
"Benedict, we've been trying to convince Letty to discuss wedding details all day now," Violet complained.
"We have time," Letty could hear the smile in Benedict's voice. "I promised Letty a long engagement so that I could prove my intentions to her. When she is ready, we can go over wedding plans."
"What am I hearing?" Penelope's voice caused Letty to turn, smiling brightly to her friend. "An engagement?"
"Yes, Pen," Letty smiled, standing and going to her, giving her a tight hug and dropping her voice. "I'll tell you more later."
Penelope nodded and smiled brightly to Letty.
"I believe we have a dinner to attend," Lady Danbury spoke up. "Shall we?"
Letty took Benedict's arm, walking with him as Colin joined the group, having returned from visiting his friend.
"How'd it go?" Letty asked Benedict in a whisper.
"She disappeared to go after the hunt herself and Anthony went after her. I'm not sure what happened when they were alone together, but he seems to be all riled up," Benedict smirked.
"Perfect," Letty smirked back.
"I can see it now," he told her. "I didn't even realize it. I just thought they liked the challenge."
"Oh, they love it," Colin explained as Daphne joined them.
"What is our plan?" Daphne questioned. "Do not get me wrong, Miss Edwina is lovely. Her sister, though."
"Perhaps you can speak with him?" Letty offered.
"We're including Daphne now?" Penelope questioned.
"Daphne included herself," Letty laughed.
"I will try," Daphne promised. "You know how Anthony can be, though."
"Oh, we know," Colin chuckled.
"This shall be fun," Penelope laughed.
The next night at the ball, Letty was standing with Eloise and Penelope in a corner.
"She… She's coming towards me with a suitor," Eloise complained.
"And what if you said yes?" Letty asked.
"To a dance?" Eloise questioned.
"We only mean to say…" Pen spoke up. "It'd entertain me so much for you to say yes to the dances you are offered so I might hear about them."
"There is only so much more we can hear about this pamphlet," Letty offered.
"Have you spoken to Colin about his visit…" Pen tried.
"No, no, no," Eloise groaned as Letty and Pen stepped away from her.
"Eloise," Violet smiled brightly. "I would like to introduce you to Lord Morrison."
"Miss Eloise. A pleasure," Lord Morrison bowed slightly. "Might I have the honor?"
"Of what?" Eloise questioned and Letty and Pen had to bite their lips to not laugh.
"A dance, Eloise," Violet told her before smiling to Lord Morrison.
"You wished to be entertained," Eloise whispered to Pen as she handed over her handbag, causing both girls to giggle.
Pen wondered off to spy on her mama and Letty watched as Eloise danced with Lord Morrison, seeing her becoming more and more angry in the process.
"Oh, no," Letty whispered to herself.
"Why is Eloise dancing with Lord Morrison?" Anthony asked, seeming upset.
"Mama asked her to," Letty stated. "Why?"
"He is rather sexist," Anthony explained.
"Oh, no," Letty's eyes widened as she looked back in time to see Eloise cease dancing.
She seemed to be saying something rude as she turned to walk away. Lord Morrison grabbed her arm and Letty and Anthony immediately rushed forward. Anthony stood in front of Lord Morrison, forcing him to remove his hand from Eloise's arm.
"Next time you compliment a woman, at least try not to insult her entire sex in the process," Eloise stated firmly before allowing Letty to lead her towards the stairs.
"Eloise," Violet rushed over.
"What?" Eloise asked, turning out of Letty's arm.
"I invited Lord Morrison specifically for you," Violet stated, trying to seem chipper as people stared at them. "He is known to share your rebellious spirit."
"My rebellion in not some party dress I put on to play a part, Mama, and it's certainly not some accomplishment I've developed, like singing or painting to help me attract a suitor," Eloise stated, facing Violet with tears in her eyes. "I know I am a disappointment to you. So just allow me to take my leave and go to bed."
"El," Letty and Pen tried.
"I wish to be alone," she told them, rushing up the stairs and away from the watching crowd.
Pen left to follow her mama around again and Letty moved around the floor, reaching Kate and Edwina just as Anthony approached them.
"Miss Edwina," Anthony greeted.
"Lord Bridgerton," Edwina smiled. "My sister and I were just speaking. She wishes to take to the floor."
"Well, I am certain that…" Anthony looked around for one of his brothers, both of whom were refusing to make eye contact with him.
"With you," Edwina stated.
Anthony looked to Kate, taking a few minutes to stare into her eyes.
"Miss Sharma, may I have this dance?" Anthony asked.
"You may, my lord," Kate breathed out, eyes just as intense.
Benedict went to Letty, offering his hand. The two stood by Anthony and Kate, listening into the conversation.
"Do you have something you wish to ask me, my lord, regarding my sister?" Kate asked.
"If I were to ask for her hand, would you give me your permission?"
"I want my sister to be happy."
"And do you think I can make her happy?"
"That is a better question for you. Can you make her happy?" Kate questioned as they all danced around one another. "If your silence is any indication you are reconsidering your declaration…"
"Is that what you want? For me to reconsider?"
"It does not matter what I want.
"I do not think that is true."
"I am to return to India the moment my sister marries."
Letty and Benedict exchanged startled looks.
"You will abandon her?" Anthony asked, seeming angry now.
"Far from it, my lord. She will be married. She will not need me. There'll be no more reason for me to stay. It was the plan all along."
They bowed to one another and Anthony ran from the floor.
"Where is the viscount going?" Edwina asked and Letty knew exactly where Anthony would go.
Benedict led Letty off of the floor.
"What do we do?" Benedict asked, voice soft.
"I know where he went," Letty sighed. "I'll find Daphne. Ask her to help me talk some sense into him."
"The two of you against Anthony. I would pay to see that," Benedict smirked.
"Yes, well, I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities," Letty laughed. "We are to be wed, after all."
"I'll see you soon, my love," Benedict kissed her hand and Letty smiled softly before leaving him to find Daphne.
It took a few minutes, but finally Letty and Daphne were heading towards the office that Anthony hid in. They didn't bother knocking, just walked in. Benedict and Kate separated quickly and Letty wondered if the second-hand embarrassment she was feeling was what Colin experienced that morning with her and Benedict.
"Oh!" Daphne exclaimed.
Daphne grabbed Letty's arm, dragging her away to a private room. She poured them both a drink, passing a glass to Letty.
"Daphne…" Anthony ran into the room.
"You are courting her sister," Daphne stated.
"And I have every intention of bringing it to a point," Anthony stated.
"Why?" Daphne asked.
"Why?" Anthony seemed confused. "Because I am courting her. Because I've decided."
"And I had decided last year that I'd marry the prince until you caught me in the garden with Simon at the Trowbridge Ball under very similar circumstances."
"Similar only in that I am a man and Miss Sharma is a woman," Anthony stated.
"And you were alone. Quite close to one another."
"Only there is one significant difference. Nothing, in fact, happened."
"Is nothing what I saw this morning?" Letty questioned.
"Letitia," Anthony warned.
"Oh, don't Letitia me," Letty rolled her eyes.
"What happened this morning?" Daphne demanded.
"Nothing," Anthony tried.
"I believe Daphne has every right to demand you marry Miss Sharma or duel her at dawn," Letty offered.
"That is ridiculous, Letty," Anthony insisted.
"What happened this morning?" Daphne demanded again, her voice hardening.
"She was stung," Anthony stated.
"And Anthony thought the best way to correct the sting was to cup her breast and suck the venom from her bosom," Letty stated.
"There is obviously something between you. I know that this is not as you would wish it, but you must be honest with yourself," Daphne told Anthony. "Because, one way or another, these kind of feelings always have a way of coming to the surface."
"And what kind of feelings are those?" Anthony demanded.
"Well, love," Daphne said simply.
Anthony took Letty's glass from her hands, downing the dark liquor before looking to Daphne, much more calm than he had been moments ago.
"Then I know what I must do," Anthony stated.
Daphne and Letty smiled softly, leaving the room together and feeling rather accomplished with themselves. Daphne separated to continue hosting and Letty went in search of Pen, not having had the chance to speak with her yet. She heard Pen and Prudence arguing, listening in before moving up the stairs to comfort Pen.
"Make them pay for it," Letty told Pen. "Make them feel ashamed for their actions without revealing your entire hand."
Pen got a serious look on her face before nodding, telling Letty that she would do exactly that.
The next morning, Letty stood beside Benedict as they wished the ton well in their departure. Edwina and Kate were walking to their carriage, Kate stopping Edwina once they were almost to it.
"Wait," Anthony called, rushing forward.
"Lord Bridgerton," Kate gasped.
"Might I speak with you?"
"Of course."
"That was meant for Miss Edwina," Anthony stated, passing Kate quickly and stooping down to one knee in front of Edwina. "Miss Edwina Sharma. Will you marry me?"
Letty and Daphne looked to one another in shock before looking to Colin and Benedict. All four stood together, mouths open and unable to form words.
"Yes," Edwina laughed. "Yes! Yes! I shall be your viscountess. I shall marry you."
Dearest gentle reader,
While much occurred at the Bridgerton country visit, this author feels not all is fit to print. Especially when so much is already known by far too many members of the ton. But if you thought we would reach the end of this journey without this trusted author finding a truly delectable morsel of gossip, then you are sorely mistaken. Three congratulations are in order for three happy, or so they seem, couples.
It seems the Americans have strange customs of marrying their cousins, as Lord Featherington is now engaged to Miss Prudence Featherington.
Miss Letitia Everly has finally ensnarled Mister Benedict Bridgerton. Who knows how long that may last though, with how fickle Mister Bridgerton has been in the past.
The Viscount Anthony Bridgerton is now betrothed to Miss Edwina Sharma.
Victory, indeed.