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The Duke and Duchess of Hastings hold the final ball of the season, something that makes the Duchess’ eyes sparkle as she announces it. Kate wonders exactly what took place last year to make everyone react to the news with such mirth.
The Duchess laughs when she asks of the significance later as the pair stroll through her home, going over flower arrangements and the like.
“I’m sorry if I overstepped, your Grace,” Kate adds, but the other woman waves off her words casually.
“You can call me Daphne,” she says. “And I am happy to share the story.” She beckons Kate to a small couch, and the two sit down. “My husband, Simon, and I had a rocky start to our marriage. He did not want children. I did. And at this time last year, we had resolved to live our lives apart.”
“My word,” Kate murmurs. She could not have imagined any hardships between the pair after seeing the look of utter devotion on the Duke’s face when he returned home from his travels and saw his wife and son.
“But we realized — at the ball — that we were willing to endure the strife, the challenges, everything. Because true love is worth it.” Kate smiles at Daphne’s sincerity. “But you know men. Stubborn fools, all of them.”
“My stubbornness might give your brother a run for its money,” Kate comments dryly. Daphne chuckles.
“Perhaps, but I argued with him multiple times insisting you were the one he loved, and still it took utter disaster to open his eyes.”
“We were both fools,” Kate admits, then cocks her head. “Wait, pardon, your Grace, you spoke with him about me?”
“Oh yes,” Daphne says smugly. “I knew from the start.”
“Knew what, exactly, sister?” comes a voice that makes Kate’s heart begin to race. She turns to see Anthony himself approaching them, and cannot contain the radiant smile that breaks out on her face when he looks at her.
“Oh you know,” Daphne says with a smirk. “How you were in love with my future sister-in-law here ever since she first admonished you.” Anthony offers no argument there, instead taking her place beside Kate. “I should go find my husband.”
“When I left him, he was trying to coo at Auggie,” Anthony offers. “It was very undignified.”
“Perfect!” Daphne says, turning on the spot and leaving them alone.
Anthony inches closer to her, finding her left hand and rubbing his finger over the newly placed ring.
“I’ve missed you,” he whispers, leaning in. Kate rolls her eyes in a very unladylike way.
“We have been separated for mere minutes, my lord,” she replies, unable to keep the fondness out of her teasing words.
“Too much time,” Anthony insists, resting his forehead against hers. “I leave you unsupervised for too long, you might find something new to hit your head on.”
“Careful, Viscount,” Kate chides, eyebrow raised. “Continue to tease me so and you might find yourself left at the altar twice in a season.”
“Is that a threat, Miss Sharma?” Anthony challenges, lips close and eyes burning. “I don’t take kindly to threats.”
“And what shall you do about this one?” Kate challenges before his lips claim hers, hungry and harsh. She laughs into the kiss, forgetting her earlier teasing, and she can feel his smile against her mouth.
“You are exhausting,” Anthony tells her as he pulls away, lips swollen and eyes dark. “I fear our wedding vows will just be an argument.”
“I would find that far more amusing than ‘in sickness and in health,’” Kate declares. “If I am kind to you for too long you might get complacent.”
“I wouldn’t dare,” Anthony promises.
Lady Whistledown, after an extended hiatus, writes her final missive of the season, declaring Anthony Bridgerton and Kathani Sharma the season’s most and least surprising love match.
Viscount Bridgerton does not escort his future wife to every society function (but then again, what husband does?), but when he is present, This Author cannot fail to note that he always seems to be murmuring something in his lady’s ear, and that something always seems to make her smile and blush.
Furthermore, he always dances with her one more time than is considered de rigueur. Considering how many husbands don’t like to dance with their wives at all, this is romantic stuff, indeed.
The Queen has declared it was her machinations that led to the failed wedding between the Viscount and his intended’s sister, Miss Edwina Sharma, the Diamond of the season. And based on the happenings at the Featherington Ball, This Author can only assume that Her Majesty saw what many say she should have seen from the beginning: that no matter what, the Viscount’s heart has always been with Miss Sharma, even before he knew it himself.
This Author can only imagine the spirit and guile Miss Sharma must contain in order to tame this former Rake and hold his devotion so. Perhaps her composure and intelligence will be enough to overcome the Bridgerton family’s penchant for scandal. It will be fascinating indeed to see what the future holds for this love match too long in the making.
As for Miss Edwina, I am told this Diamond might shine yet. Set to return next season, Miss Edwina’s Diamond status remains a lock as rumors swirl of an upcoming introduction to the Queen’s nephew — a prince also caught in the wrong love story involving a Bridgerton.
“It appears we have even won over Whistledown,” Anthony remarks dryly as he and Kate stroll through the park, arm in arm.
“I wouldn’t look so smug,” she says. “She still called you a rake.”
“I cannot help being a master of seduction, Kate,” Anthony says, eyes traveling down her body all too knowingly. A shiver goes down her spine at his easy use of her given name. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
“On principle, I fear I must not,” Kate replies. “As I recall, Anthony, you were the one who told me how I dominated your every waking moment. How my scent was imprinted upon your mind. Would you, then, not be the one who was seduced?”
“I will not fall for your bait, you minx,” Anthony growls, clearly falling for her bait. “I am-“
“A gentleman?” Kate finishes. His face twitches. He’s so very predictable. “Yes, I am well aware. You do remind me so very often.”
He stops them, turning her to face him directly.
“Perhaps a firmer reminder will be in order when we return to a more… private location,” he murmurs, brushing a stray curl out of her face. If Kate were not in public, she would certainly have a very obscene joke ready about the kind of firm reminders she elicits from his body, but she bites her tongue.
“I am so fond of your gentlemanly behavior,” she says sweetly instead. His eyes narrow, and he steps closer.
“I very much look forward,” he says, “-to being your husband.”
Her eyes soften into something warmer, sweeter. Damn him and his unyielding charm, now turned wholly to her.
“As do I,” she responds as they begin walking again, “-to being your wife.”
Kate makes note of everything Daphne does right hosting her ball. The beautiful flowers. The decadent food. The soft, twinkling lights and the warm, inviting gardens.
She knows that as Viscountess, she will be charged with maintaining the same level of quality that Lady Bridgerton has for years. She wants, desperately so, to be ready.
Kate wears to the ball a soft golden gown adorned with white lace and small gemstones, a gift from Lady Bridgerton meant to complement her engagement ring. Her hair is styled in a simple half-updo so that her curls frame one side of her face.
She and Edwina, clad in a beautiful silver gown and wearing a diamond necklace gifted very deliberately by the Queen, arrive together, arms linked.
Anthony finds them shortly after.
“Miss Sharma,” he says in greeting with a bow, taking her gloved hand and bringing it to his lips, gently kissing the ring. Kate curtsies.
“Lord Bridgerton.”
He turns to Edwina, and Kate notices the flash of guilt in his eyes before it’s gone, replaced by polite regard. Edwina's forgiveness may have been granted a lifetime ago, but he carries his wrongs with him everywhere he goes. Kate hopes to ease those burdens with time.
“Miss Edwina. You look every bit the Diamond you are," Anthony says.
“Lord Bridgerton,” Edwina responds with her own curtsy and a small smile. “Your compliments are most appreciated, especially now that they are sincere.” Kate can’t contain a cough to hold in the laughter that bubbles to the surface as Anthony gapes.
Oh, how she adores her sister.
“You both are forces of nature,” he says as his brother Benedict approaches from behind.
“I am heartburned that I missed the joke that has made my brother blush like a schoolgirl,” he says cheerfully. “Miss Edwina, might I steal you for a dance? I think I would love to hear the tale.”
“Happily,” Edwina says, genuine cheer in her voice. Benedict, Kate has noticed, has that effect on everyone around him. He shoots Kate a wink and a smile as he leads her sister off, leaving Kate and Anthony alone.
“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen,” Anthony says, stepping closer and taking her hands. “How are you?”
“Happy to be with you,” Kate admits readily. In the midst of helping Daphne and Lady Bridgerton in ball-planning and the haze of planning her own wedding, to be held in two weeks, she hasn’t seen much of Anthony beyond stolen moments for days.
Anthony, understanding, nods. “Perhaps in the morning I might see fit to take a slow, well-paced ride in the park.” Kate rolls her eyes.
“Perhaps I might as well,” she says. “Someone needs to keep an eye on you.”
“Might as well be you,” Anthony agrees wryly, pulling her close as they begin their walk about the ball.
Eloise is seated in a small chair in a corner, partially hidden by a floral arrangement. Kate hid a few books behind the chair, sensing Eloise might need one for company. She appears to have found them, meeting Kate’s eye with a grateful expression before resuming her reading.
Daphne and the Duke are conversing with the Queen, while Colin is with a few friends, talking cheerfully. Benedict and Edwina are still dancing, and all eyes seem to land on Edwina at some point. Good.
“I have no idea how they do it all,” Kate admits to Anthony quietly. “Organize events so grand.”
Anthony peers at her. “Funny you should say that,” he says. “Because from what I have heard and seen, you were instrumental in making this ball a happy occasion for my family.”
Kate blinks. “Whatever can you mean? I am by no means anything resembling a proper hostess.” Anthony pulls her nearer.
“You’re the one who hid books for Eloise, I presume?” he asks.
“Well, yes, but-“
“And you ensured that Hyacinth and Gregory would have new puzzles to play with while alone?”
“Nothing to do with the ball, it is simply important to give them an enjoyable way to occupy their minds.”
“And my mother informs me that the ‘Diamonds and Pearls’ theme was your idea?”
“I merely pointed out to your sister that pearls, like diamonds, are formed under pressure and take effort to discover,” Kate argues. “I thought it might give heart to the young women who have not been so fortunate as to secure a husband.”
“Ah yes, Daphne. Who has adored you from the start and told me this morning that your perspective made planning this ball enjoyable instead of a chore.”
Kate stops. “Anthony. You are kind, but truly, it is not necessary. I do not need to be praised until I have mastered something. Like Pall Mall.”
“I am not patronizing you,” Anthony insists. “I wouldn’t dare. I rather like having all of my limbs intact.” Kate chuckles. “Ah, there’s that laugh.” He hip-checks her gently. “You may not realize all of the ways you influenced this ball, but I see your attention to detail, your kindness and understanding of my family’s needs and ambitions, everywhere I look.”
They begin their walk again. Kate, for once, decides not to argue further.
There is an ease with which Daphne and her husband dance together, Kate observes. Their eyes never leave each others’ as they move in perfect step, the kind of practiced coordination that only comes with familiarity. They move as one, floating through air.
She and Anthony have a similar sort of ease, though different. Whereas Simon and Daphne move as one, she and Anthony move around the same axis, orbiting each other because there is simply no other option. They cannot separate anymore than they could cease to breathe.
After their second dance of the night, Kate sends Anthony off with the Duke so that he might be seen with others.
“We have our whole lives ahead of us,” Kate points out when Anthony begins to whine. “I can spare you for a few minutes while I seek out my sister and yours.”
Daphne has a lemonade waiting for her when she joins her at the edge of the dance floor with Lady Bridgerton. Kate takes it gratefully.
“You look rather spent,” Daphne teases. Kate snickers.
“I am not usually the one dancing multiple times a night,” she points out. “I fear I will need Edwina to teach me the art of stamina.”
“You should have seen Anthony before your arrival,” Lady Bridgerton says. “He danced all night, and did not enjoy a single moment of it.” Kate remembers lurking about the first ball, watching him stumble through a dance with amusement. She hadn't found cause to hate him at that point, and found his awkwardness endearing.
“It does help to have the right partner, wouldn’t you say, Mother?” Daphne muses.
“Indeed,” she agrees, looking at Kate with unbridled warmth. “I have been waiting to see my son enjoy dancing with someone as much as I enjoyed dancing with his father,” she says. “I see that when he dances with you.”
“We Bridgertons need partners who can keep up with us,” Daphne says with pride. “It is why you are perfect for our family.”
Kate remembers Edwina’s words from the night she got engaged. Shine on your own, she had insisted. She remembers the pride Mary had shown as Kate taught Edwina to dance, how to plan and host events. And perhaps, for the first time, it truly does sink in how prepared for the life of a Viscountess she is. Because of her work. Her studies. Her diligence and unwavering work.
“I could not imagine handing my duties to anyone more worthy,” Lady Bridgerton says. “Or more loved.” Kate can’t hold back the tears that come to her eyes.
“Thank you,” she says sincerely.
She wanders out to the gardens for some air and finds an especially peaceful bench next to a small fountain. She is greeted by several lords and ladies whose names she cannot be bothered to remember, though she recognizes many as the same people who leered at her and Anthony before the Queen’s act of heroism.
“Mind if I join you?”
Kate looks up to find the Duke of Hastings standing before her.
“Your Grace-“
“Please, just Simon will do,” he says, sitting beside her. He inclines his head, and Kate spies Anthony and Daphne bickering over a floral arrangement. Kate smiles. “I was being asked to take sides in lilies versus carnations, so I used you as an excuse to flee. I hope you do not mind.”
“I find it quite clever, actually,” Kate says with a laugh. “It can be hard to bring any conversation back to sanity when Anthony’s frustration kicks in.”
“Ah, someone who understands,” Simon says with mirth. “Why I thought dueling him could lead to any satisfaction, I will never know.”
“Just be sure it doesn’t happen again,” Kate says mildly. “I have told the Viscount that if he dares to try something so foolish again, I am to be his Second, and my influence can only guarantee his victory.” Simon grins.
“You are indeed as formidable as Anthony proclaimed.”
“I try,” Kate says with faux seriousness. “Have any advice on joining this family for me?”
“Treasure it,” Simon responds frankly. “I grew up in a cold household. It almost ruined me. Daphne was the one who showed me how to smile, how to see life for the gift it is, again.”
“They are a wonderful group,” Kate agrees. “I do think I would be drowning if not for your wife.”
“The feeling is mutual,” Simon says. “But I must tell you: I have known Anthony for a long time. And I cannot recall ever seeing him so happy and at peace than he is with you.”
Kate’s face warms, and raw joy threatens to bloom in the pit of her stomach. “I am glad to bring him joy. Though I fear I bring him frustration in equal parts.”
Anthony turns then, meeting her eye. She arches an eyebrow and the corner of his mouth twitches before his sister draws his attention back to their argument.
“Anthony Bridgerton could not be with anyone less spirited, trust me,” Simon says. “Each Bridgerton is their own special kind of challenge. Only the right person can rise to meet that challenge.”
“On that, we can agree,” Kate says. “I do appreciate you speaking to me.”
“I always wanted to see what kind of woman could drive Anthony into actually wanting marriage,” Simon says. “You are beyond what I could have hoped for. I am honored to call you family.”
Kathani Sharma becomes Viscountess Kathani Bridgerton on a sunny day in Aubrey Hall. The Queen does not travel out to the country, but she sends her regard through a beautiful diamond necklace, tiara and veil that she insists Kate wears. As it happens, they match Kate’s dress to perfection.
The guest list is limited despite an invitation becoming the most coveted of the season due to Lady Whistledown’s overblown curiosity with the event. Eloise remarks, rather coldly, that she wishes the Featheringtons would not be in attendance. Colin tells her to hush.
The ceremony is simple and short, and no bracelets are dropped.
It almost feels surreal, how simple the wedding itself is. After all the tumult and pain involved in their courtship — if one could even call it that — the ease of the wedding feels out of place. Kate keeps waiting for something to go wrong, but nothing does. The Featherington women are mostly silent. Edwina’s smile shines. The Bridgertons all dance joyfully.
And Anthony… well. Once the rings are exchanged and their marriage is sealed with a kiss that certainly lasts longer than is deemed appropriate, he does not leave her side. If he is not holding her hand, he is pressed to her back, an arm snaked around her waist. Under other circumstances, she would have found such behavior bothersome, but Anthony’s touch is a balm against the expectations of the day. He will sometimes whisper the word, “Viscountess” into her ear and press a kiss to her temple, or his hands will wander too high or low.
He radiates a level of calm and relief that keeps Kate grounded until, blessedly, he pulls her aside and into the garden, to the gazebo where they spent their first night.
He glances to check that they are alone before pulling her into his arms, hugging her tightly and pressing hot kisses into her hair. She laughs, caught off guard, as he releases her.
“I am,” he says, sitting down on the couch, “Unbelievably relieved.”
“Was something vexing you, my lord?” Kate asks as she sits next to him.
“Alas, vexing is my job henceforth,” he jokes, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer. “I am, as it were, simply relieved to be here.”
“In this gazebo?”
“With you. Married to you,” Anthony clarifies simply. “I did not think this kind of happiness possible for me. I certainly did not think it possible for us after everything with your sister.”
“Nor I,” Kate admits. “But we are here. It’s real, Anthony. We made it.”
“I love you,” he whispers. “Mrs. Bridgerton. My Viscountess.”
“I love you too,” she whispers back.
The wedding of Viscount Anthony Bridgerton and now-Viscountess Kate Bridgerton was, as it were, exactly what one in the know around London might expect. This Author has it on good authority that the Viscount never left his wife’s side following the ceremony, nor did he suffer much conversation beyond his immediate family and the mother and sister of his wife.
The bride wore jewels gifted by the Queen herself — an apology, perhaps, for having misjudged which Sharma would be best suited to Lord Bridgerton. The groom looked about as domesticated as any former Rake could claim to be.
Notable still was the rare appearance of the Duke of Hastings, whose wedding attendance marks only his second appearance all season. There can be few worries remaining over his marriage to the Duchess, however. The pair danced thrice over the course of the evening, including a waltz where the Duke and Viscount switched dance partners halfway through. The Duchess could be heard raving about her new sister-in-law. A formidable pair these two shall make when their children reach marriage age, to be sure.
Benedict Bridgerton provided hearty laughs for guests when he presented a crude caricature of his brother alongside a well-received portrait of the new Lady Bridgerton. A full portrait of the newlyweds can be expected in the coming months.
Colin Bridgerton, perhaps looking to inherit his brother’s old reputation, danced with almost as many ladies as were present. This Author doubts, however, that he shall share in his brother’s wedded bliss any time soon.
Gentle Reader, though This Author may not be seen for awhile, rest assured that I shall remain ever vigilant for the next scandal lurking in the shadows of seasons past, present and future. Viscount Anthony Bridgerton may have found his happy ending — but there remain so many delicious stories to be uncovered.
Until we meet again,
Lady Whistledown