Chapter Fifteen: Harmony
A jilted groom. A broken-hearted bride-to-be. A guard dog on the lookout. A royal wedding in shambles. Sensational? Quite. But true? This author may traffic in chatter and speculation, dear reader, but misinformation? Never.
Explanations of why Miss Edwina absconded from the alter may be greater in number than anyone could possibly fathom. But we must not forget, it was Her Majesty the Queen who placed the young miss on that special stage so the she could make her grand exit. Allow this author to hope for Her Majesty's sake, as well as the Sharmas and Bridgertons, that an official explanation emerges swiftly, lest the ton are run away by their tawdry imaginings.
"Where is your brother? He should be here by now," Violet was agitated.
"Perhaps he is still waiting at the altar for Miss Edwina," Colin joked and Anthony froze in the hall, Letty beside him.
After placing her hand in his, Letty led him through the hall and into the sitting room.
"Brother, Letty. How good of you both to join us," Colin smirked. "Have you eaten?"
"You will need to break your fast later," Violet interrupted. "For now, it is of the utmost importance that we act swiftly to limit the damaging consequences of the unfortunate events of your…"
"Bungled nuptials?" Colin continued joking and Anthony was growing stiffer by the moment.
"Is all of this truly happening because a woman merely changed her mind?" Eloise questioned.
"Unfortunately so, Eloise," Letty spoke up. "Yet, I suppose the reason does not signify."
"We must deal with the consequences," Violet commented. "Now, I think it a pleasant morning for promenade. Together, united, as the most respectable family that we still very much are."
"Respectable? A respectable family is headed by a gentleman, is it not?" Anthony questioned and Letty gave his hand a gentle squeeze, reminding him she was here as he thought of the kiss he'd shared with Kate, something he'd gone straight to Letty about this morning, just missing Pen as she left for her own home.
"Brother? Is there something more we should know?" Benedict asked, approaching Anthony and Letty before dropping his voice. "Or, perhaps, more that just I should know?"
"Forgive me," Anthony sighed, looking to Violet. "If a promenade is what you feel is wise, Mother, then we shall leave within the hour."
"I shall be a little late," Eloise spoke up. "Shopping. I need a new pair of gloves, so as to look that much more united and respectable."
"You can borrow a pair of mine," Letty tried not to hiss the words out.
"Oh, no. I'm afraid I shall still need my own pair afterwards," Eloise stated, giving Letty a look that told her to drop it, but Letty was rather persistent.
"How will we appear united if you are missing for half the promenade?" Letty asked.
"Well, you can stand in for me," Eloise offered. "All will be well."
"El…"
"I'll see you all soon enough."
Letty sighed as she watched Eloise leave, turning back to see Benedict giving her a questioning look. Letty shook her head, telling Benedict without words that she would tell him later. It was about time one of Eloise's brothers stepped in. As the Bridgertons and Letty moved through the park, Violet gave bright smiles and Letty held Benedict's arm in a death grip.
"Good day, Lord Fife," Violet smiled.
"For some of us," he commented before moving along.
"Is this truly our plan?" Benedict asked. "Simply pretend nothing has happened?"
"We are not pretending nothing happened," Violet said through grit teeth; Letty was just surprised Violet could speak through such a large smile. "We are choosing to deal with it in private, in our own time. Scandals may cast aspersions, but they do not obligate us to answer to anyone. Besides, the ton has a remarkably short memory. With any luck, by this time next week, there will be a bigger story for them to sink their rapacious teeth into."
The Featheringtons approached them and Letty held in a groan, Benedict chuckling at Letty's displeased face.
"Is it not a surprise, to see you out in public, Lady Bridgerton, so soon?"
"Lady Featherington," Violet smiled. "It is not as though we are in mourning."
"No one understands the pain of a broken engagement better than myself," Portia laughed lightly. "I never thought we would recover after Mr. Bridgerton and Miss Thompson's falling out, and yet here we are. Miss Thompson now Lady Crane, Philippa now Mrs. Finch, and Prudence now engaged."
"To her cousin," Letty mumbled to Benedict, causing him to turn his head away from the Featherington's to hide his amused smile.
"Yes, it is rather amusing how things work themselves out, is it not?" Violet smiled.
"Indeed," Portia nodded. "I do wish you good fortune with all of your things, Lady Bridgerton. Letitia, come visit me soon. We have missed seeing you around the house so much. It is as if you've simply replaced us with the Bridgertons."
Letty closed her eyes so she wouldn't glare at Portia, only opening her eyes when she heard Pen's voice.
"We are truly sorry, Lady Bridgerton."
The Bridgertons gave Pen a sad smile and Letty gave her a wink, causing her to have to force a smile down.
"Come along, Penelope. We don't want to talk their ears off," Portia called back and Pen moved along.
As they walked, Violet tried greeting more ladies and lords, only to be snubbed. It was irritating Letty out of her wits with each person who did so. Violet was a kind woman who treated everyone fairly and this was how they repaid her. It was maddening.
"After everything that happened with his scullery maid last season, and Lord Cho cuts you?" Letty asked, her anger beginning to get the best of her.
"Breath, love," Benedict whispered to her, placing a quick kiss on her head so the ton wouldn't see.
"You must have, what, every issue ever printed?" Pen asked Eloise as they sat in Letty's sun room, stacks of Lady Whistledown in front of them.
"Double that. There are two copies here of every one," Eloise stated, hands on her hips as she was the only one standing.
"Eloise?" Letty's voice was soft. "What has happened?"
"The queen thinks it is me," Eloise stated. "That I am Lady Whistledown."
"Are you being humorous?" Pen questioned.
"She has given me three days to confess. She is threatening my family," Eloise seemed panicked. "I should get rid of these. If the queen discovers I have all of these, it will only make me appear that much more guilty."
"But you are not guilty," Pen's voice rose a bit. "El, this is a terrible mistake."
"We will arrange to see her majesty," Letty spoke up, going to Eloise's side. "I speak with her nephew. He will help us."
"We must implore her to listen to reason," Pen agreed, going to Eloise's other side.
"Oh, yes, because Her Majesty has always been so reasonable," Eloise groaned out.
"But why would the queen think it is you?" Pen asked.
"You're outspoken and do not care for society traditions, yes," Letty nodded.
"And opinionated, but still," Pen continued.
"One of her footmen saw me visit Theo," Eloise flinched as Letty and Pen both scoffed. "I know. I should have listened to the both of you. I was selfish, and now I may have put Theo in harm's way too. The queen must think he has something with Whistledown."
"But he does not, and neither have you. El, this is madness," Pen insisted.
"I should warn him," Eloise stated.
"No!" Letty stopped Eloise as she went to leave.
"No, you should not," Pen agreed. "You should stay as far away from Theo and that print shop as you can. You should wait for Lady Whistledown to print her next issue. Then, with any luck, you can use that in order to prove your innocence."
Eloise just sighed and nodded. She gathered her copies of Whistledown and left Letty and Pen. Once she had left the house, Letty and Pen sat on their previously occupied chairs. They exchanged looks, both seeming at a loss for words as they tried to think of ways to fix the mess that they'd gotten Eloise into without her knowledge.
"Do we tell her?" Letty asked in a whisper, as if afraid Eloise would hear from two properties down.
"No," Pen shook her head quickly. "If we tell her, she'll be far more paranoid and jumpy. They'll find me in a week and then you'll be culpable for helping me."
"How did the queen get so close but still miss the mark?" Letty wondered out loud.
"I don't know. It's either embarrassing or terrifying. I'm not sure which," Pen admitted and the two let out quiet laughs before turning serious again.
"She's been feeling threatened by you for quite some time now," Letty stated.
"I have questioned her taste, challenged her judgement on multiple occasions," Pen nodded.
"We need to find something to satisfy her. A way to give her what she clearly wants," Letty sighed, rubbing her face.
"Admiration, favor, praise," Pen nodded. "I do not know what to do."
"You can't even turn yourself in. Her Majesty would assume you are simply trying to help Eloise. And that is only even if she would see you."
"She would not see me," Pen shook her head before her eyes widened and she looked to Letty. "But she would see you."
"Me?" Letty asked. "You want me to turn myself in as you? Penelope, I am not even half as good a writer as you are. Her Majesty knows it as well because of her nephew. He told me himself that he told her."
The two grew quiet again and Letty sighed.
"I would take yours and Eloise's place in a second if I could, Pen. You must know that. I would do everything in my power to protect both of you," Letty explained.
"I know," Pen nodded. "You would never let us be ruined."
"Of course not," Letty shook her head.
"I should leave for the night," Pen sighed, standing. "Good night, Letty."
"Good night, Pen," Letty nodded, leading Penelope out of the sun room and to the front door.
The next day, Anthony collected Letty before they headed to the newest art exhibition. Letty gave Kate, Mary, and Lady Danbury bright smiles, turning away when Edwina went to speak to her.
"We need to seem united, Letty," Violet reminded her.
"Sorry. Can't hear you over the guarding that I must do," Letty complained, moving along the hall and staring at the artwork.
Edwina approached her a few minutes later, the crowds seeming to give Letty a wider girth than normal.
"It is beautiful," Edwina commented and Letty remained silent. "Letty?"
"Woof," Letty stated before moving along.
"Letty," Edwina tried again. "Please."
"I didn't realize you spoke to those you thought so little of, Edwina," Letty commented, a fake smile on her face so those around them would not think something outward was occurring; Letty would not embarrass Anthony or Violet under any circumstances.
"Letty, I was angry. I am sorry."
"You know, the worst part is that I thought we were friends," Letty told her before moving to the next painting. "I defended you and your family to your grandparents. I didn't do that because Bridgertons were present. I did it because we were friends. I am sorry for having wasted your time with my dog like presence. You will have no need to continue to grace me with yours now. Have a wonderful afternoon, Edwina."
Letty walked away then, deciding that she did not want to stare at the art and pretend to enjoy herself. She went to Violet's side, walking with her rather than be around others in the moment.
"Oh," Lady Cowper spoke up. "Lady Danbury. Lady Bridgerton. Miss Everly. What a surprise to see you here."
"You do know my family has its very own room here, yes, Lady Cowper?" Lady Danbury asked. "Over there, is it not? The one with the, uh… Danbury name just above the door."
Letty tuned the conversation out, half listening as Violet mentioned the ball she was hosting later in the week. Letty walked through the rooms, not really paying attention as she went. She found herself in an empty art room, sitting on a bench and just staring up at a painting of the countryside.
"There you are," Kate's voice broke through the fog, causing Letty to jump. "Lord Bridgerton and his mama are rather worried about you. Said you seemed a bit off and then disappeared."
"It is a hard week for me," Letty admitted as Kate sat beside her. "Anthony and Violet are trying to distract me."
"Why is it a hard week?" Kate asked.
"My mama passed a year ago tomorrow," Letty explained, voice small. "Eloise and Penelope do not remember the exact date, but Violet and Anthony do. My aunt, as well, but she has gone to check on my father."
"My apologies," Kate whispered, taking Letty's hand. "I know how difficult the anniversary of losing a parent can be. Especially when it is still so fresh of a wound."
"You didn't know my mother," Letty said simply, as if just realizing it herself.
"No, I did not," Kate nodded.
"Sorry. That should have been obvious," Letty let out a small laugh before frowning again.
"Would you like to tell me about her?" Kate asked.
"She was… sunshine," Letty stated. "I had a room built on to my family's home made of windows to remind me of her. She would have an inappropriate joke on hand or a kind smile to offer when needed. She was protective and loyal, something I hear I've gained from her."
"Indeed," Kate laughed.
"She was sick," Letty whispered, a tear escaping her. "She would have days where she could not get out of bed and others where she would go into such a rage over the smallest of things. But then the sun would peak through the clouds and she would be my Mama. She would hold my hand and tell me how proud she was of me and gift me a book. She was all consuming."
"She sounds brilliant," Kate told Letty, putting an arm around Letty's shoulders and pulling her into a small hug. "I am sorry."
Letty sniffled a few times, wiping her tears away before looking up to find Anthony staring at them in wonder.
"Anthony," Letty sighed, sitting up. "How long have you been there?"
"Sorry," he shook his head. "Mother and I were worried about you when you ran off."
"I did not mean to make you worry," Letty sighed. "I'm alright now. We should get back."
Anothony nodded, waiting at the doorway as Letty and Kate moved towards him, rejoining the crowds. The ton, as if knowing what the day was, stepped out of Letty's way. Letty wanted to roll her eyes, cry, and tell them that they were all being stupid all at the same time. Instead, she just walked forward, head held high and shoulders back as her mother had taught her, wanting to make her proud as she looked down on her somehow.
Violet sighed in relief when she saw Letty, putting her arm around Letty's shoulders and pulling her close. Edwina and Mary seemed confused before Lady Danbury whispered something and a look of understanding dawned on their faces.
"May I be excused to head home?" Letty asked Violet, voice low so only those in their group could hear her.
"Of course," Violet nodded. "We shall go with you."
"No," Letty shook her head. "Enjoy yourselves. Convince the ton that all is well. I shall see you soon."
"Are you sure?" Kate asked, giving Letty a concerned look.
"Yes," Letty nodded, giving Kate a soft smile and taking her hand. "Thank you."
"Of course," Kate nodded.
Letty released Kate and moved out from under Violet's arm. She moved through the art rooms, reaching the door and walking towards home. Letty tilted her head to the sky, enjoying the sunlight as it beat down on her before hearing a carriage stop beside her. Letty looked over in confusion, half expecting to see Anthony and one of his pointed looks before demanding she get in. Instead, the queen's carriage was beside her and Letty felt even more confusion as a footman waved her inside.
"You Majesty?" Letty asked, sitting across from the queen.
"Miss Everly," the queen stared at her critically. "Why are you walking along the path?"
"I was heading home," Letty told her.
"Why are you heading home on foot?"
"I rode in a Bridgerton carriage," Letty stated. "I told them to stay and enjoy the art."
"Why are you not enjoying the art?"
"Because I would rather be at home mourning," Letty shrugged.
"Has someone died?"
"My mother. A year ago tomorrow," Letty told her.
"Ah," the queen's critical gaze disappeared for a moment before reappearing. "I guess I shall not receive a Whistledown paper tomorrow then?"
"I'm sorry?" Letty asked in confusion.
"See, I thought it was Miss Eloise Bridgerton. I thought about it more and realized how wrong I am. No one would have known the information about your mother except, of course, for you. You tend to hide in the shadows and just watch others, I've realized. I assigned spies in my footmen and, on the day of the Viscount Bridgerton's wedding, the one that was assigned to you was unable to pass a rumor along to your ears. You were highly involved in everything in the ton as of late and I feel like you are the one writing the society papers."
"I assure you, Your Majesty, that I am not Lady Whistledown," Letty began.
"Denying it will only implicate you further," the queen stated.
Letty thought it over, thinking of Pen and Eloise. Pen, who hid like a wallflower and was pushed around all the time by bully's and how she was actually accomplishing something. Eloise, who was terrified for her family now that she was somehow on the queen's radar. She thought of her words to Penelope just the day before.
"What do you want?" Letty asked, voice careful. "What do you wish to accomplish?"
"I merely believe that one would want to make an ally out of the crown," the queen smiled.
"Have you not been enjoying the challenges?" Letty asked.
"Mind your tone," the queen barred her teeth.
"I apologize, You Majesty," Letty sat back. "I only wished to amuse you. I have heard that you are rather bored with the ton and the marriage market. Can you truly fault me for not denying my queen with something more… thrilling?"
"Hmm," the queen hummed.
"I am not Lady Whistledown," Letty told her.
"You are not," the queen smirked as the carriage came to a stop in front of the Everly home. "Prayers and sorrows, Miss Everly."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Letty bowed her head before exiting the carriage and walking into her home.
Once the door was closed, Letty leaned against it, hyperventilating as she sank to the floor.
"Miss Everly!" Sophia gasped, rushing forward. "What is it? What has happened? Do you need a doctor?"
"I need Penelope," Letty gasped out, letting Sophie help her to her feet. "I need Penelope."
Sophie brought Penelope to Letty three hours later. Letty sat in the sun room, eyes wide and arms wrapped around her knees.
"Letty? What has happened?" Penelope asked.
"Sophie, leave us, please," Letty said to the handmaid, waiting until the door was closed before looking to Pen. "You have to ruin me."
"What?" Pen asked in confusion.
"You have to ruin me. I may be with child. Say you saw me on the day of Anthony's wedding sneaking away with Benedict. Say you looked into the room and saw us in the act. It will be true," Letty told her, continuing before Pen could interrupt. "You have to write of Eloise sneaking off to visit Theo Sharpe. You have to, Pen."
"What has happened?" Pen asked, voice soft.
"The queen found me today. She think I am you and Eloise is me. She believes I am the writer and Eloise makes the deliveries," Letty told her. "Do it the day of the ball."
"Letty, I can't," Pen had tears in her eyes.
"You have to," Letty said, voice firm as she grabbed Pen's hand. "This is the way to save us."
"Are you pregnant?" Pen asked in a whisper.
"I will not know for another week," Letty sighed.
"Oh, Letty."
Pen pulled Letty into a tight hug, both with tears running down their faces. Letty thought of the home she, Pen, and Eloise had dreamt up as children. The home with no husbands or children and books piled high. She thought of how it had changed over the years, adding music and drinks and silk fabric. It was always the three of them though. Always. Now, Letty would have to marry Benedict as soon as possible once the society paper was released and the dream would be forgotten. Maybe she could stay over every so often before she was expected to provide children, if she was not with child already.
What is it about betrayal that excites us so? The ton itself has certainly felt its peculiar kind of frenzy after the promise of the wedding to end all weddings was broken. Yet this author has it on very good authority that the viscount's failed nuptials may not be the only betrayal our dear Bridgertons must manage at present.
Should our lives be distilled down to the sum total of our choices, then Miss Eloise Bridgerton has certainly made a dangerous, perhaps ruinous one. For she's apparently been associating, unchaperoned, with improper company. Political radicals, in fact. It might be that the young miss spent a great deal of time considering her decisions. Or, perhaps, they were made in haste. Whatever the case may be, we all must remember, as one makes one's bed, so one must lie in it.
Even more shocking and ruinous is one Miss Letitia Everly and Mister Benedict Bridgerton. Their actions at the palace during the disastrous wedding is the most scandalous of all. As the actions they committed are only supposed to be shared by husband and wife, which they most certainly are not. Was it a slip of engagement bliss, or is Miss Everly being sure that Mister Bridgerton cannot slip aways so easily this time?
Anthony found Letty in the sun room, staring out at the rain storm with Lady Whistledown on the table before her. He sat beside her, letting out a slow breath.
"You are to married in two weeks' time," he told her.
Letty just nodded, tears on her face as she refused to look to Anthony. She was ashamed and terrified of seeing the disappointment that what she knew would be clear to see on Anthony's face if she turned to look at him. The two sat quietly, neither saying a word as they watched the rain. Finally, Anthony broke the silence.
"Letty, look at me," Anthony's voice was soft but demanding.
Letty sighed before looking to Anthony, letting him see how broken she looked.
"You are my sister and I love you. You are a lady. I do not blame you," Anthony told her. "You are not responsible."
"Is that what you said to Benedict? Where is he?" Letty questioned.
"He is back at the arts school," Anthony answered seeing a bit angry about his answer.
Letty took a deep breath, looking back out the window again. She and Anthony just sat in silence for a while before Anthony spoke again.
"Kate is afraid of storms," he told her.
"And how do you know this?" Letty smirked.
"Do you remember the storm when we were at Aubrey Hall?" Anthony asked and, once Letty nodded, he continued. "I found her under a desk in my father's old study. She did not even realize I was there at first, she was panicked so much. I had to get her breathing normally again before I could get her to speak to me. It is perhaps the most civilized conversation that we had ever had."
"I like her," Letty nodded. "She is good for you. You challenge one another. You could make each other happy."
"Benedict will make you happy," Anthony told her. "You will challenge and comfort one another. You are to wed as soon as possible."
"Anthony Bridgerton, are you admitting that you love Kate Sharma?" Letty smirked.
"I am," Anthony nodded.
"Well, that sounds like something to celebrate," Letty smiled. "And I believe there was meant to be a ball down the way?"
"Almost no one came. There is far too much food and the band is paid for the next several hours."
"Well, let us go show everyone how it is done," Letty laughed, taking Anthony's offered hand and walking with him to Bridgerton house, where the Bridgertons, Sharmas, and Lady Danbury were waiting, all laughing and speaking happily to one another.
A silence overcame the room when Letty walked in and she sighed, feeling out of place for the first time ever in the presence of the Bridgertons. That was, until Eloise ran over to her, wrapping her arms around Letty in a tight hug.
"Not so roughly, Eloise," Violet told her daughter.
"It's fine," Letty laughed, holding Eloise just as tightly before dropping her voice to a whisper. "Are you alright?"
"Are you?"
"I will be."
"Then so will I," Eloise promised, pulling away from Letty and giving her a soft smile.
"Well, I was told there was music," Letty smirked.
"Of course!" Violet smiled, waving to the band to begin again.
"Miss Everly, how are you feeling today?" Lady Danbury asked.
"I am well," Letty nodded.
"And are there any… signs?" she asked.
"No," Letty shook her head and a sigh of relief left a few people in the room. "I'll know for sure by the end of the week, though."
"Good," Lady Danbury nodded. "Now. Dancing!"
Letty grabbed Eloise's hand, pulling her to the center of the large floor and forcing her to dance with her. The rest of the attendees joined, all laughing and dancing with one another. Gregory pushed at Anthony's leg so that he could get to Letty and offer her his hand, causing her to laugh before accepting and spinning in circles with him. Others joined, forming one large circle and running in circles together before Hyacinth got too dizzy and Letty just barely had time to catch her, laughing as she held the younger girl in her arms.
By the end of the night, Anthony walked Letty back to her house, promising to check on her in the morning. She told him he need do no such thing but he insisted, telling her he'd bring Benedict with him so that they could discuss wedding preparations. Letty felt it was in bad taste to hold a large celebration, but kept her opinion to herself, knowing Violet would point it out for her.
She saw Anthony walk through the backyard to get home, stopping at the gazebo, the darkness blocking anything else from view. She debated going to him, making sure he was alright, but decided that maybe he just needed time on his own. She went to her office instead, going through business dealings and making sure no new debts were piling up as her father tried to drink himself away.