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Pouring herself a drink, Daphne tried comprehending everything that just occurred. To have learned that her suspicions were nothing more than the truth should make her feel satisfied, but she was anything but pleased with her discovery. She was now worried her brother was purposely heading down the wrong path all in the name of duty. His feelings were clear and it was upsetting witnessing him make a grave mistake of pursuing a courtship with the wrong person.

"It is not what you think," Anthony stormed into the room, closing the door behind him as he approached her in a hastily manner.

Daphne set her drink down and glared up at him, "I am trying very much not to think about it at all."

"Daphne-"

Losing her patience, she couldn't avoid remaining silenced, "You are courting her friend! Someone who is considered family!"

He knew how dishonorable it looked, but he was adamant on keeping his word even if his heart was demanding him not to. "And I have every intention of bringing it to a point."

She gaped at him incredulously, "Why?"

"Why?" Anthony was appalled at such a question, seeing as she should know that when it came to his responsibilities, he would always follow through. "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 that I am a man and Miss Windsor is a woman," he defended himself, refusing to allow her get a point across.

Only Daphne was too resilient and stubborn to continue proving him wrong, "And you were alone. Quite close to one another."

Anthony knew better than to attempt arguing with his obstinate sister, but he was just as determined in establishing otherwise. "Only there is one significant difference. Nothing, in fact, happened."

She stared at him in disbelief, "It is clear that you have affection for Miss Windsor. The two of you cannot seem to stay away from one another."

"Because she is my friend!"

"Oh, is that what I just witnessed?" Daphne was experienced with such predicaments. She knew when a friendship was developing into something more considering she went through this with Simon, and now Anthony was going through it with Elizabeth.

Anthony breathed heavily as he glared at her with frustration. There was no use arguing with her. Nothing he said would change her mind, so he settled on seeking comfort in the one thing he was certain about – alcohol.

Daphne merely watched him as he swallowed the bitter contents in a giant gulp. It was torturing him dealing with all these feelings, and she wanted nothing more than to help him find the relief and happiness he deserved.

"There is obviously something between you," she approached him with a much calmer tone, hoping her mellowness would change his mind about his courtship.

He denied her words, not daring to imagine such feelings were now tormenting him after having done everything to avoid them.

"And I know that this is not what you would wish it, but you must be honest with yourself. Because, one way or another, these kinds of feelings always have a way of coming to the surface," Daphne advised him, hoping her words would somehow be able to enter that hard skull of his.

Anthony was afraid of asking, but he had to know. "And what kind of feelings are those?"

"Well," Daphne softly smiled and revealed the dreaded word, "Love."

A four lettered word made him cower into the corner like a frightened child. He spent all these years avoiding such sentiments and prayed to the heavens that he would never become a bearer of. Nothing good can come out of this, except for heartbreak and torment, and he could never imagine willingly choosing to dive into such terrifying feelings.

Even if his mind, body, and soul were longing for her, he could never accept this. It was wrong as all he wanted was the best for her. Something he wasn't and how selfish would he be if he subjected her to it?

Anthony knew what he had to do and while it ached him, he knew it was the right thing. "Then I know what I must do."

Daphne smiled as she hoped he would follow his heart and not his mind. Lord knows how often he listened to the wrong one, so her faith relied in the trust she had in him. Perhaps by dawn, delightful news would be received, but of course, she could never know the true intentions behind the enigma that was her brother.

Anthony forced a smile as she parted away, his smile soon dropping once being left alone as following his duty meant not involving the person whose heart was beating for.

__________________

Remorse and indignation poisoned Elizabeth's veins as she was out on the terrace. Everything had gotten so complicated that she couldn't comprehend how it happened. All these years of caring for her family, she swore to never seek love or become its bearer. She desired for a simple and amicable marriage, one that only served to ensure her family's security. Now, everything was at risk of ruining because she just had to fall for someone meant for another.

How could she be so cruel?

Edwina was perfect. She was a diamond of the first water and her brilliance deserved to shine like the beautiful jewel she was. Finding a suitable match that would ensure her happiness and well being was what she had a right to.

Elizabeth wanted to give her that, but she messed everything up like she does with everything. Everything she touches becomes destroyed and she's terrified of turning Edwina's brilliance off due to her deception. Not only hers, but also Kate and Lady Mary's. All three of them deserved the best this world had to offer, and here she was wrecking everything.

The Duke was remarkable. He was splendid, comfortable, easy, and had all the qualities a perfect husband should have, and yet, she felt like such a fraud for not admiring him for it. She longed to open her heart to him, but her heart had opened its cages to the man she could never have. Not even in her wildest fantasies. She was meant to be alone and it killed her not knowing how to fix this, how to fix herself.

"What are you doing still up, dearest?" Her mother's voice startled her and she quickly wiped her tears before turning around.

"I just needed some air," she admitted, averting her gaze to the gardens out front. "I could not sleep, so I thought it'd be better if I didn't bother any of you."

Victoria didn't believe her in the slightest. Elizabeth was always able to fall asleep with ease even if there was the most chaotic storm happening. She would sleep like a log, so this claim made her confirm that something was definitely occurring.

"Tell me what's wrong, Lizzie."

Elizabeth perked up at her words, unsure of what to say as she was terrified of digging herself into a hole much deeper. She wanted to confide in her, but her deception would be revealed, and she would hate for her mother to start detesting her for what she did.

"Nothing is wrong, mama," she tried offering the most convincing of smiles, but it not matching her eyes gave away her dishonesty.

Victoria took the spot next to her and stared ahead, "I am your mother and I always know when something is bothering my daughters. Ever since you came back from your walk that morning, you have been acting differently. Your mind always appears to be elsewhere and your smile fails to meet your eyes."

She swallowed hard and tried coming up with a reasonable explanation, but all her mind seemed to revolve around was tonight's encounter with Anthony. This country visit had opened doors that had been closed and it petrified her that her hidden key was appearing due to him. Now her mother was noticing, which made this puzzlement and torture much worse.

Elizabeth was nearly tempted to confide in her, but it was the fear of judgment and disappointing her that made her backtrack on her soon-to-be mistake. She thought of various subjects to discuss about, and after the most eternal seconds, she obtained an answer that would kill two birds with one stone.

"The Duke asked me to accompany him to Edinburgh and I accepted," she blurted out, the words echoing through the night and making the events much more real.

Victoria didn't know what to say. She knew he was courting her and how serious this courtship could become, but with time. To hear that her daughter made such a crucial choice this quickly, only made her worry about the possibilities that could have led to this.

Leaning closer to her, she whispered, "Have you two become compromised in any way?"

Elizabeth's eyes widened and her mouth was hanging agape. She immediately denied her assumptions, not even aware of how hard she was shaking her head and flailing her hands in denial. "No! Of course not. We haven't done anything."

Victoria took a breath of relief and relaxed her tense posture, but now became curious on why she accepted leaving London so soon when the season hadn't ended. "But why did you agree to accompany him? Is it not too soon? I mean, he has not even proposed yet."

"Well, we are still getting to know each other," she tried defending, but knew it would be rendered useless when seeing the unsettling look in her expression. "And a proposal could happen in Edinburgh. Perhaps when all of us return for Adelaide's debut, I will be married by then."

"All of us?" Victoria raised a curious brow, unsure if what she heard was right.

"The Duke mentioned I could bring you all along. I know you will probably not want to go-"

"That is right. I do not," Victoria felt this was all happening too fast. She knew Elizabeth's heart was not fully into her courtship, so she was worried as to why she was making drastic decisions. "Lizzie, dear, why is it that you want to leave London so suddenly? You were the one who suggested coming-"

"Because I needed to find a husband and Paris did not have what I was looking for," Elizabeth walked away from her, hoping the conversation wouldn't turn south. "The Duke offers what we need and I would be a fool not to accept him."

Victoria hummed in thought for a moment, "But is he really who you want? Because I've noticed how much more you enjoy the viscount's company rather than the Duke's."

"The viscount and I are just friends, mama," Elizabeth explained for what seemed to be the millionth time.

Victoria sighed, "Adelaide does not seem to think so."

"Adelaide doesn't know anything. She just likes to gossip and insist on vexing me," she retorted, ignoring the suspicious twinkle in her mother's eyes. "I have found a suitable match, so I would appreciate it if I receive your support. I may be marrying very soon and I would like for you to welcome it."

"And I support you wholeheartedly, dearest," Victoria reached for her hands and gently squeezed them. "But I sure hope you are following your heart and not your mind. I know you have accepted him to ensure our prosperity, but I want you to stop thinking about duty."

Elizabeth wasn't aware of her mother knowing that she was seeking a marriage of convenience. She believed she had done a good job of remaining discreet, but it seemed like she was wrong all this time.

Sensing the shock in her, Victoria laid her palm against her cheek and caressed it, "I know you have closed off love. You have placed the burden of taking care of us by marrying for status, and it aches me that you are denying yourself of happiness. I never wanted you to do so-"

"I am looking out for my sisters' future," Elizabeth explained as she moved away. "They will have a chance to follow their heart, and as the oldest, it is my responsibility to ensure their well being. I will not backtrack on my decision, so please, mama, do not try."

Victoria felt like she had been at fault for this. All these years, she should have noticed something had changed in her daughter, but she didn't. She was focused on preparing her and her sisters for the future when she should have been advising them to follow their heart. How could she not have seen the signs?

"I will simply tell you this," she reached for her hand one more time and redirected her gaze to her. "You must simply marry the person whose soul your heart calls for."

Elizabeth watched as her mother walked away, leaving her alone with her thoughts that she desperately needed a rest from. She wanted nothing more than to follow her heart, but her family's security outweighed her wishes. Love wouldn't provide them with the needed stability, so she knew better than to listen to it.

"Perhaps you should listen to your mother," Lady Danbury suddenly appeared and she gasped at her abrupt arrival.

"Were you eavesdropping?" Elizabeth couldn't prevent from asking, afraid of what more she might have heard.

"I did not intend to," Lady Danbury walked forward and took the spot next to her. "I simply heard the last part, but I must say, I took you as an honest person."

"I am," she forced herself to say, knowing it wasn't truly the case.

"Then why haven't you told Miss Edwina the truth?"

Elizabeth felt her soul turn cold at the accusation in her words. She didn't think anyone could have noticed as she made sure to keep everything hidden. If Lady Danbury knew, then someone else surely knew as well.

Her breath hitched as she naively asked, "Truth about what?"

Lady Danbury made sure no one was around before saying, "This agreement you and the viscount have. The one where you would help one another find suitable matches."

She knew. How could she have found out?

"I- I umm," Elizabeth tried explaining herself, but found the words trapped in her throat. "How did you know?"

"I know a good agreement when I see one," Lady Danbury stared ahead, holding onto her cane much tighter. "Your sudden friendship certainly made me doubt you both, so I simply observed. Let me tell you, Miss Windsor, you can learn so much just by paying close attention."

Her words were cryptic, like they had a double meaning. She wasn't just referring to their agreement, but to everything else as well.

"It seems this agreement has worked out quite well," Lady Danbury continued. "You are being courted by a Duke, and Lord Bridgerton is on the verge of proposing."

"I fear he won't," Elizabeth wasn't sure why she felt so willing to admit her concerns, but it was relieving removing this weight off her shoulders for a moment. "This agreement is not going accordingly like it should, and I am afraid that I helped waste Edwina's time."

"Because you and the viscount have become great friends?"

Again, she was aware of the double meaning behind her sentence. This entire mess that unfolded has become known, and she can't do anything to prevent the boulder from rolling down.

"Perhaps," Elizabeth reluctantly admitted.

Lady Danbury sighed as she rested her palms against her cane. "You are so close to finding success in this agreement, so why are you getting in the way?"

A question that would be so simple to answer, but it felt like massive pressure to her. She wanted to offer a proper response, but she couldn't reveal her truth without admitting to her deception. These feelings were plaguing her and ruining her lifelong mission, so why couldn't she just turn them off for the greater good?

"I do not know," her voice broke the harder she tried repressing everything. It hurt to lie to herself, but even more so that because of her, Edwina could possibly not obtain the happiness she deserved.

"Be honest with her. Tell her before it's too late," Lady Danbury's advice also felt like a warning. The worst would happen if this wasn't revealed on time, but Elizabeth was afraid of the aftermath. She was afraid of losing everyone she loved. "But most importantly, be honest with yourself."

Lady Danbury soon turned around and headed back inside, leaving her to ponder about her limited choices.

It made sense to admit to the truth, but Elizabeth was afraid of the consequences. Trust would be broken and her loved ones would come out affected. She would become an outsider, the black sheep of the family, and all for what?

For nothing.

Anthony's feelings weren't there for her. They were nonexistent and these moments have been nothing but mere passion. These desires would fade and become cursed memories.

They would pass.

They simply have to.

__________________

Heading back to the city felt like a breath of fresh air. While she loved the country, her necessity in ridding herself of this pressure was much greater. All she desired was getting home and having the opportunity not to worry about this courtship any longer. She might be an idiotic fool, but a part of her was relieved that no proposal had emerged.

Everything was safe.

For now, at least.

After bidding their farewells to the Bridgertons, the Windsors exchanged a few words with the Sharmas, knowing the next couple of days would be hectic now that there were preparations for Elizabeth's departure with the Duke.

Time was a valuable weapon, but it was also a deadly one.

"I am so sorry things did not go accordingly, Edwina," Elizabeth apologized not just for the lack of proposal, but for everything as well. She hated seeing Edwina's hopeless expression and the way her eyes lost their sparkle. All she wanted was for her to find happiness and she failed by not bringing it to her.

"It is not your fault, Lizzie," Edwina told her as they pulled away from their embrace.

"You did everything right, Bon," Kate assured her, gently rubbing her arm in a comforting stroke. "It was not your fault."

"The viscount's feelings are clearly not there for me. Perhaps they are elsewhere," Edwina glanced at Elizabeth and for a mere moment, she felt as if Edwina could possibly already know.

"Yes, perhaps," Adelaide commented while staring at her sister as well.

Just when Elizabeth believed she was off the hook, Lady Danbury turned to her from her carriage. With just one look, it signified the importance of her advice needing to be followed. Now when there was time before it was too late.

And she found herself willing to do so for the first time.

"Edwina," Elizabeth blurted out, her voice sounding much lower than intended. She knew honesty was the right thing, but her nerves were consuming her and making her regret ever having considered such a thing, and yet, she also knew the truth would set her free. "I must tell you something and it could-"

"Wait," Anthony strided down the steps in a rush, his gaze setting strictly ahead all while ignoring the curious looks from his family. His heart started banging against his chest once catching sight of those beautiful eyes that had bewitched him, but he knew better than to allow himself to accept this vulnerability she caused him. "Might I speak with you?"

Elizabeth found herself taking a step forward as she believed he was coming to discuss what occurred between them last night. "Yes, of course."

Not sparing her a glance, Anthony dismissed her as if she didn't matter. "That was meant for Miss Edwina."

At the mention of her name, Edwina looked up with a dubious look, wondering what he could possibly want from her before departing.

"My lord?"

Elizabeth knew this moment would come eventually, but never did she believe she would witness it in close proximity. Let alone after their near intimate moment that clearly meant more to her than it did to him.

"Miss Edwina Sharma," Anthony got down on one knee and held out his mother's ring as an offer of an eternity of promises and responsibilities. "Will you marry me?"

If Elizabeth's heart wasn't already broken before, now it was completely destroyed. He proposed to her after everything that occurred between them. They had been nothing but meaningless encounters, and this was the final confirmation.

"Yes. Yes!" Edwina smiled in bliss as her eyes shone brighter than the sun. She removed her glove and handed it to the nearest person, which so coincidentally happened to be Elizabeth. "I shall be your viscountess. I shall marry you."

Anthony placed the ring on her finger and tried his hardest to put on the most convincing of smiles. He tried persuading himself that he made the right choice as no love would take place in his marriage and she would go on and live the life she wholeheartedly deserved.

This was a victory, indeed.

And yet, no triumph was felt for him and his Elizabeth. 

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. While Prudence Featherington seems to have secured her match, it was not the only occurrence of note. Anthony Bridgerton is now betrothed to Miss Edwina Sharma. Victory, indeed.

Author's Note

This was short, but this moment needed it's own chapter ☝🏼
I'm having way too much fun writing this fic, so I'm really hoping you guys are enjoying it!

Don't be ghost reader!
I'd really like to know your thoughts and opinions, so comment as much as you'd like 🫶🏼