A/N: It seems like being late to post a new chapter that has already been written is the only constant with this fanfic of mine. Forgive me, again. But here it is. I was very excited to see the many characters who would get a POV chapter in this fic of mine. Edwina got one. Check it out.
CHAPTER - 13 - TRANSACTION
"Dearest Reader,
It has been said that competition is an opportunity for us to rise and stand ready before our greatest of challenges. And of course, the only competition that compels my attention is the game of courtship. So, if what this author hears this morning is true, then a great challenge has already been set forth this season, indeed. A darling miss by the name of Miss Edwina Sharma, one of Lady Danbury's sponsored guests from India this season, seems to have already caught the eye of the ton. However, any suitor wishing to gain an audience with Miss Edwina must first tame a rather prickly spinster of a beast, otherwise known as her sister. One might even start wondering, if this is a mere precaution or something else entirely. So I wish the best of luck to this year's players. Do try not to stumble on the starting line.
~ Lady Whistledown.
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Mornings at Lady Danbury's house were something Edwina highly appreciated. Freshly baked biscuits and brioche were something she looked forward to everyday since she set foot in England. Although the previous night took an abrupt turn when Kate hustled everyone back to the Danbury house, this morning Edwina felt it might have been for the better. Although Edwina did learn many of the English Dances, and danced very well, she recognized that dancing without rest might have tired her more. For a moment, she wondered if that was why some ladies feigned to have foot ache, or refrained from a couple of dances.
As Edwina climbed down the stairs, she came into the view of her mother and Lady Danbury, who already began their morning tea. Not wasting another moment, Edwina approached them quickly.
"Good morning, my Lady," she curtsied. "Good morning, Mama".
"How are you feeling this morning, dearest?" asked Mary.
"Quite refreshed. The warm bath has provided me with all the energy I shall need for the day."
"Well, then maybe it is time for you to enter the arena, Miss Edwina. Your mama and I were just discussing a few gentlemen whom we consider good matches for you."
"Of Course. I would like to hear all about it", she chimed in.
"Well then, Lord Corning has sent you flowers. He is a good man, and we would suggest you get to know him", began Lady Danbury. "Lord Cumberland, who I believe you were briefly introduced to but did not dance with, is also a very respectable gentleman. Should he ask for a dance once again, do not miss."
Edwina nodded. This seemed like the right idea. She did not know the ton like Lady Danbury, and by extension, her mama knew. So she would observe and learn. And once she gets to know the gentlemen, she surely would know who would be the right one among them.
"Good morning mama, Lady Danbury", came a voice behind her.
Kate had fallen into a curtsy for Lady Danbury, who did not seem too impressed with her somehow.
"Miss Sharma. I certainly hope that you are feeling better since last night", Lady Danbury said curtly.
"Yes, my Lady", replied Kate. "My apologies for being late. I was simply preparing a list for Edwina. Gentlemen who would be the most suitable for her. Here, bon", she said, handing a parchment to Edwina.
As Edwina began reading off the names in the list, she realized Lady Danbury and her mama had approached her and began reading over her shoulder.
"Lord Lumley at the top?" questioned Mary.
"Is he not something of a Dandy?" extended Edwina. She had danced with him briefly, but he seemed to have kept comparing her to flowers and poems.
"I believe he simply has refined tastes", said Kate politely. "I would use the term Chivalrous. But I must say that the names are in no such order of preference".
"Is that what you look for, Edwina?" asked Mary.
Edwina gave it a thought for a moment. Lord Lumley had been polite with her, and respectful. And men had a variety of tastes. Just dancing the one night, all of the men had told her different pastimes they had. It surely would not be a good thing to judge a man's nature based on his favorite pastime.
"If Kate believes him to be a man of refined tastes, so do I", decided Edwina. After all, when had Kate's suggestions ever harmed Edwina in any way?
"I see that you have eliminated the Marquess of Ashdown and Lord Ambrose from your list Miss Sharma", approached Lady Danbury. Although Edwina did not dance with Marquess of Ashdown, Lady Danbury had mentioned him. And if Edwina recalled correctly, she had also said they could find someone better than him.
"Yes. It has come to my attention that the marquess's uncle is accustomed to be in debts and has a rather tight grip on the marquess's finances. Same with Lord Ambrose, who apparently gambles a lot, never repaying his debts."
Edwina was sure that everyone in the room was wondering the same thing. How did Kate know about this overnight? Such information did not seem to be mentioned in the gossip sheets, for Lady Danbury would surely know otherwise.
"How did you come to know about this, Kate?" asked her mama.
"I simply overheard a few conversations yesterday at the ball mama", Kate said plainly. Maybe that's where she had disappeared yesterday when she was looking for her. However, it seemed Lady Danbury did not seem to believe Kate, for she kept her piercing gaze on her sister.
"And I have noticed that Lord Hardy is rather boastful, and might not be your first preference Lady Danbury, but he seems to be a divine dancer, and Edwina would be seen on the floor and will be well noticed", Kate said triumphantly as Edwina hid a smirk. Unlike some people, Edwina did give credit where it was due. Her sister was very intelligent, whether Lady Danbury would admit to it or not.
"I see you have listed Mr. Worthington as well. Does his lack of rank not seem to be in the way?"
Hm. Edwina wondered to herself. Would lack of rank be something that she would consider? Lady Danbury seemed to think so. However, her Appa did not have a rank and it still made her Mama happy. Then, as long as Edwina was happy, would it make a difference if the person she wed had a rank or not?
"Although that might be something to look at Lady Danbury, I happen to believe that rank is not something that can occlude love", Kate said as she smiled at their mama.
Edwina smiled in acceptance and looked at the list to read out the remaining names. As the list came to an end, she was surprised to find that Lord Bridgerton's name was not on the list.
"I see you have left off Lord Bridgerton", said Lady Danbury, taking the words from the tip of Edwina's tongue.
"Yes, his name is missing from this list", Edwina wondered aloud, and looked to her sister for explanation.
"Oh now he is what Edwina is looking for, aren't you?" spilled Mary with a mischievous smile. "You were so eager to introduce him to your sister last night."
"Was it an oversight on your part, Miss Sharma?"
Edwina looked to Kate for an answer, who let out a curt reply. "It is for good reason, Lady Danbury. Lord Bridgerton is adept at conveying false first impressions."
This was something odd. Edwina had found him very straightforward and honorable. There was nothing about him that seemed as if he was charming her. He did not in fact seem to be concerned about wooing her either, unlike the other men she danced with.
"What did you hear?" came a strict question from Lady Danbury.
"Bon, there is something I must tell you."
"What is it?" Edwina couldn't help but ask.
"He is not the one for you bon. He cannot offer you the love you desire."
"Be clear, Miss Sharma. What did you hear?" questioned Lady Danbury. Something that she wanted to ask of her sister herself.
"Yesterday, I overheard a conversation the viscount was having with some of the men of the ton. Amongst other requirements he had, he stated rather clearly that he seeks a wife only to fulfill his duty and in fact does not believe in love at all."
Oh.
"And you find this unusual?" continued Lady Danbury.
Somehow, what seemed to be a deal breaker for her sister, did not look like one for Lady Danbury. She implied it to be very common. Then what about everything her sister had told her about marriages? Kate simply stared at the matriarch looking for more explanation. So did Edwina.
"Most marriages of the ton are in fact mere matters of business my dear. Men provide us with security and happiness, and us women provide them with a family. These matters have been working for centuries. And it is on the basis of this that societies are intact. In fact I do not see anything wrong with it."
Somehow, Edwina could not find anything to say. However, it did not seem to be the case for the people around her, who seemed more invested in her future prospects than her heart and mind collectively were.
"Lady Danbury, he does not wish to marry for love. How could this not be a good reason to not include him in the list? Besides, the way the viscount listed off the requirements was more similar to finding the best chattel, rather than a bride," Kate looked away with resentment.
"Now now, Miss Sharma. I understand that you are looking for something that your parents have had. But I must tell you that it is a true love match that is quite rare. Besides, we do not have many options, as of now. It would be wise for us to keep our minds open."
Edwina did agree to that. If they did not have many options, then it would be prudent to choose from those that exist. And if she happens to find love, that would be something she finds along the way, wasn't it? But Kate intervened before her mind decided on it.
"You know what it is you are looking for, bon," her sister said approaching Edwina. "You must not forget it. The right person will turn Lord Bridgertons' charms into a distant memory. I am certain."
Edwina's thoughts ran in her mind. Of course, a love like her mama and appa had shared would be something she desired for herself. But it was also something that she knew, Kate remembered more of than Edwina herself, given that she was around 6 years older than her. But Edwina also wanted to find something for herself. The past few years seemed to be a blur for every single one of the Sharma women. Edwina mostly remembered the things that Kate had taught her, and the reminder of her memories consisted of her mama and appa, and her mama grieving his death. Needless to say, Edwina had not experienced most of the world. And it was something that she wanted to know - what else the world had to offer. The London season seemed to be so welcoming towards her and Kate, and Edwina could not help wonder what a life here would be like. But here Kate was, insisting that love is something that would allow Edwina to find her happiness. And happiness is the key to finding oneself. And when has Kate been wrong? So Edwina decided to take upon the offer her sister had made.
"Alright, I will keep an open mind, and I will look for love", Edwina smiled, and so did Kate.
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A/N : Well, Let me know what you think about this one. As I already mentioned earlier, this is not an anti-Edwina fic. I have been going on a more Book-Edwina vibe with this. I would love to know your thoughts on this.