༻❁༺

Elizabeth paced outside the drawing room as a million thoughts raced through her head. William had asked to speak with her mother in private, which can only mean one thing. She tried searching for any ounce of relief or joy, but all she felt was unease as she worried when and where it would happen.

The finish line was getting nearer and her lifelong mission would finally see the light of day. Her family would be saved from ruin and everything that's transpired these past months would have been worth it. This was the moment she had been preparing for, but the more she thought about it, the more afraid she became. Everything would change and if her suspicions were true, her life would take a drastic turn as a Duchess.

The doors suddenly opened and Elizabeth quickly removed any trace of her unease. William walked out and smiled upon seeing her, "Miss Windsor."

"Your Grace," she curtsied, hoping he wouldn't notice how on edge she was.

"I shall be seeing you tonight. It will truly be a remarkable evening," he softly said, but from his cryptic tone, she knew the ball would be when everything would change.

She swallowed hard, suddenly unable to form a coherent response. "Umm- yes. I will be there."

William bid his farewell and walked out, making her quick to head into the drawing room for answers. Victoria was facing the window, her hands shaking and expression solemn. Elizabeth didn't want to think the worst, but if everything had been running in her favor, her mother wouldn't look this upset.

"Mama? Is something the matter?" Elizabeth rushed through her words as she prepared herself for the terrible news.

Victoria glanced down at her hands for a second, as if trying to find the right words to say. "His Grace has requested my permission to propose."

"Oh," she simply said, which was not the answer her mother had anticipated.

"Oh?" Victoria narrowed her eyes with suspicion, inching herself closer as if to inspect her better. "You do not sound excited about receiving a proposal from the man you supposedly are fond of."

Elizabeth felt like a complete fool for forgetting to place her mask of joy on. She knew how much her family was questioning her feelings for the Duke, especially after Adelaide had planted the seed of doubt into their minds. No matter how hard she tried to convince them that she had no feelings for the viscount, everyone dismissed her and settled on believing their suspicions instead.

She should have known better than to react this way upon an imminent proposal, but such revelation caught her off guard.

"Did you grant it?" Elizabeth brushed past her observation, hoping her mother wouldn't pry.

"I did," Victoria reluctantly said as she was now also unable to express any ecstasy. "But I told him that it would be up to you if you choose to accept. How he shouldn't expect a yes just because I granted him my permission."

"Why would you say that?" Elizabeth was suddenly overcome with frustration that her mother had expressed such sentiments to the Duke. She didn't want him to believe that she was doubtful about going further with this courtship, because it's far from it. Marrying him would be the most proper and the solution to their financial problems. "He's going to believe my heart is not in it-"

"Is that not the truth?" Victoria cut her off and was satisfied when seeing defeat in her expression. "Listen, Lizzie. You have a choice on whether or not to accept him. You still have time to follow your heart and make the right decision."

She scoffed, "And what would that get me? What would that get us? Nothing."

"We know how to care for each other," Victoria tried pleading case, but something was telling her that her daughter wouldn't give up that easily. "Marriage isn't something that should be done for duty. It should be done because of love, and I know you do not love the Duke. I can see it in your eyes, the insincerity in your laughter, and the lack of passion between you both. There is nothing romantic about pursuing a courtship that won't give you what you need."

"Romantic?" Elizabeth incredulously asked. "There is nothing romantic in seeing your family fall into ruin. Taking care of you has been my responsibility since I was a child, so yes, this courtship will grant me what I need, which is security for all of us."

"But it will not grant you happiness-"

"I will be happy as long as you are all taken care of," Elizabeth argued, now refusing to continue this conversation as she was afraid of saying something she would regret. "I will accept his proposal, mama, and I truly hope you grant me your support."

Victoria went after her, afraid of the grave mistake she was about to make. "I just want what's best for you. I want you to be with the person you love and I know it is the viscount-"

"The viscount is betrothed to Edwina! Even if I chose to follow my heart, it wouldn't matter, because he is marrying her!" Elizabeth didn't realize her admittance until it was too late. She had revealed her truth and confirmed her mother's suspicions. If she wasn't ready to give her support in marrying the Duke, she certainly wasn't now.

"What truly happened between you both in Aubrey Hall?" Victoria questioned, studying her much closer now with the truth having come out. "And do not say nothing, because it is obvious that something did. The way he looks at you, how you look at him, it's a look that is not reserved for someone that views the other as just a friend. So tell me, what happened?"

She wanted to confide in her, to express how heartbroken she was to have fallen for someone who didn't feel the same. She burned for him and no flames were present in his heart. He was marrying someone else and it ached her that it happened to be with someone she deeply cared for.

How could she admit to this?

How could she openly express how heartbreaking it was to see the man she loves marry another?

"It does not matter. He is betrothed to another and I will be as well," Elizabeth's eyes welled with tears as she quickly walked away, refusing to contend with these feelings any longer. She was about to get proposed to, so she needed to focus on tonight's festivities. Her sentiments for Anthony didn't matter, so she settled on accepting her newfound reality.

Her field of dreams were inflamed and all she could do was witness it destroy into ashes. Dreams were meant to remain as fantasies, so it was with a heavy heart that she accepted the loss of her life.

__________________

Chandeliers adorned the grand hall along with crystal sculptures and tons of flowery. Music consumed everyone's essence, granting them the enjoyment of dancing with their partners with ease. Smiles, laughter, fulfilling conversations, and connections were present, but while everyone seemed to be euphoric in standing in the Duke's grand estate, two individuals were also distressed in attending.

Elizabeth entered the hall with her mother, both of them silent and full of tension. After their earlier conversation, neither knew how to move past it and pretend as if it hadn't occurred. Even if it was only half the truth, Elizabeth felt as if a weight had been lifted. While it terrified her having been exposed, she knew it wouldn't matter after tonight.

"Whatever happens, I want you to know that I will support you," Victoria broke their silence and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Even though this is not how I envisioned you being proposed to, I will be there through every step of the way."

She could tell how hard her mother was trying and she appreciated her attempts. It meant a lot to have her support (even if it was forced).

"Thank you, mama," Elizabeth suddenly noticed Edwina and Anthony dancing a quadrille. She tried glancing away, but couldn't once he noticed her presence and locked his gaze with hers. No matter how hard she tried, his soul would always hold hers captive, and no part of her desired him to liberate it.

Anthony tried remaining focused on the dance, but his gaze lingered for far too long. Without realizing it, he stepped over Edwina's foot, causing her to wonder what had him so unfocused. She followed his line of sight and noticed it was Elizabeth he was staring at with deep interest.

"Everything alright, my lord?" Edwina didn't think much of it, but a tinge of her wondered why he had become so captivated by her.

Anthony abruptly glanced down at her and forced a smile, "More than alright. Nothing to worry about, Miss Edwina."

The melody ending couldn't have happened at the most opportune time. He and Edwina walked off the dance floor in the direction of the refreshment's table. Or so he thought. He was taken off guard when she headed in her sister's direction, who was now conversing with Elizabeth – the woman he hoped to avoid.

"Lizzie!" Edwina held her in a tight embrace, soon taking the spot beside her. "I haven't seen you much in the past couple of days. Everything alright?"

Elizabeth nodded, unable not to notice Anthony's piercing gaze. "I have just been busy with preparations."

"For your departure with the Duke," Edwina guessed and the mention of him nearly made Anthony tempted to leave the premises.

"Yes. It has been hectic that I haven't had time for myself," she wanted to find a hole and sink into it. The way Anthony kept staring at her was making her worry that either Kate or Edwina would notice and begin suspecting something.

"I was just telling Lizzie about our guests," Kate added, making her relieved about the attention getting removed from her.

"I cannot imagine how nerve wracking it must be," Elizabeth knew about the history between Lady Mary and the Sheffields. Kate had confided in her about what occurred and she was appalled on how parents could reject their child for following their heart. While she had never met the Sheffields, it was safe to say that they were definitely on her bad side.

Edwina softly sighed, "Even though I am nervous, I can't prevent myself from being excited. Having family over is truly one of the greatest gifts. Isn't that right, my lord?"

Anthony had been so focused on how breathtaking Elizabeth looked that he hadn't been paying attention to the conversation. He simply forced a smile and nodded, hoping none of them would suspect his lack of focus throughout the night.

However, Kate seemed to grow wary of his attention. She tried not thinking much of it, but her intuition was alerting her that something was occurring between him and Elizabeth. Edwina not noticing was the only reason as to why she didn't mention anything, but it was something she would have a conversation about later on.

"Miss Windsor," William greeted as he approached them. "Miss Sharma, Miss Edwina, and Lord Bridgerton, how delightful it is to see you all."

"Your Grace," Kate and Edwina curtsied and softly smiled.

"Yes, how wonderful it is," Anthony clenched his jaw as he watched him get closer to Elizabeth. He despised the way he kissed her hand and how he looked at her. It brought an immense rage to gather in his chest and expand throughout his body, tempting him to interrupt the moment by creating a type of distraction, but even he knew how absurd it would be. Suspicions would be raised and now that he was an engaged man, a scandal would resurface if such action was ignited.

"Have you come to steal our beloved Lizzie away from us?" Edwina smiled, still not noticing the harsh glare Anthony was sending to the Duke.

"Edwina," Kate scolded through a whisper when noticing how tense Elizabeth appeared.

William thought nothing of it and simply chuckled, "I actually did come to steal her away. I was hoping to share a dance with her. Will you do me the honor, Miss Windsor?"

Elizabeth seemed hesitant, but she still agreed by placing her hand on his. She knew what awaited her for the evening and while she was certain of her answer, it still terrified her of getting put on the spot. It was only a dance, but she worried that he might declare himself during it, and that's what made her so reluctant.

Anthony was nearly about to ask if he could share the first dance with her, but he was prevented from doing so when noticing Kate's suspicious gaze landing on him. He knew right then and there that he couldn't act upon his wishes any longer. Not unless he was intent on losing his engagement to the diamond.

"They look wonderful together, do they not?" Edwina admired them dancing, her heart fluttering in delight as she watched how perfect they were.

He nearly laughed at such a thought as he couldn't comprehend how anyone would view them as a remarkable couple. They weren't an ideal match, so it was inconceivable to think otherwise.

"Pardon me?" Anthony simply said as he glared at them with the fire's blaze.

"Lizzie and the Duke. They fit each other perfectly," Edwina clarified. "You can tell how smitten they are. The fact that they are leaving for Edinburgh together confirms it. Maybe he will propose soon."

Again, Anthony nearly laughed at such a thought. The Duke didn't have any honor if he had asked her to accompany him without having declared himself already. If he wanted her as a wife, he would have proposed a long time ago.

"She barely knows him," he grumbled, making the Sharma sisters stare at him curiously.

"Nor did I you, at first," Edwina innocently argued. "But love moves swiftly, does it not?"

"Edwina, I was thinking that perhaps..."

Anthony faded their conversation from his mind as he could only focus on the sight in front. Elizabeth was dancing with such elegance, her eyes and smile beaming with radiance through every step and every note. She looked like an angel through every spin and every movement. Her regal blue dress made her appear as if she was swimming in the lake's waters, and such a sight made him feel like he had been graced by God's blessing.

How could she dance with him and appear to be enjoying it?

Was she truly interested in someone as dull as the Duke? Or was everything just in his head?

God, he despised how comfortable William held her. It seemed like he believed he might actually have an opportunity with her, but the thing was, did Elizabeth understand the effect she had on people? The effect she had on him?

"Is that so, Lord Bridgerton?" Kate interrupted his train thought and he hastily glanced at the both of them.

"Certainly," he agreed despite not knowing what was said.

Despite Edwina not suspecting anything, Kate was starting to put the puzzle pieces together. She looked back on how sudden their friendship had been, how she thought of it to be strange at how quickly their dynamic had changed, and the way Elizabeth was suddenly supportive over Edwina accepting a courtship with him.

Could it be...?

"Would you like to share another dance, Miss Edwina?" Anthony offered his hand and she eagerly took him up on his offer.

He noticed that William asked her for another dance, which ignited a sense of determination to take on the floor. Perhaps he might be able to eavesdrop and figure out if a proposal could occur. Maybe then, he could learn if she was truly interested in him.

Elizabeth had noticed him from miles away and while she usually longed for his presence, she was now becoming vexed by him. He was supposed to be showering Edwina with attention and instead, he was adamant on shooting daggers at her and William. To make matters worse, she could swear he was getting closer and this brought an intense wave of deja vu.

This had been the way he had disrupted her first dance with the Duke at Lady Danbury's ball. It seemed like ages ago, but the memory still remained intact as if it had occurred yesterday. Now she's wondering if Anthony's intent on recreating that moment, which she seriously hoped he wouldn't.

Glancing away from him, Elizabeth thought it'd be best to ignore him. Maybe then, he would actually get the hint and let them be. "I have to say, you truly went all out for this ball. Everything is beautiful."

"I'm glad you approve. I wanted everything to be perfect for tonight," William was visibly nervous, which was a rare right considering he was usually the most composed gentleman. She was now growing more worried that his nerves were linked to an imminent proposal, and she couldn't prevent from tensing in his hold.

"Well, for the first ball you have hosted, you did a remarkable job," Elizabeth noticed Anthony getting closer. Despite Edwina speaking about something, he would simply nod every now and then to make it seem like he was attentive. It angered her that he was acting this way, because if anything, he should be supportive considering this was the main goal of their agreement.

William noticed her mind was somewhere else, prompting him to follow her line of sight. "Everything alright with you and the viscount?"

"Why do you ask?" she hastily responded, making her internally scold herself for how interested she sounded.

"You keep looking in his direction as if expecting him," William glanced at Anthony and became displeased when noticing how much closer he was.

"Remember the first time we danced?"

How could he forget? It was the first time when he felt truly grateful for having attended a social event. Seeing her for the first time brought him the light and now he was preparing himself for their next chapter.

However, Elizabeth remembered it for other reasons. That reason being Anthony.

"Of course I do. Sharing a dance with you is unforgettable," William said, his voice full of fondness and captivation.

She didn't seem to notice, "I am simply keeping an eye out to make sure the viscount doesn't attempt to ruin our dance. I am intent on this evening being perfect, so I will make sure he doesn't ruin it."

"I see," William commented before choosing to change the topic of conversation. "You look exceptionally beautiful tonight, Miss Windsor."

His compliment suddenly reminded her about what could possibly occur by the end of the evening. She tensed under his touch and even more when noticing the captivation in his brown eyes. Something about the way he looked at her made her afraid that he was believing this amicable courtship could lead to more. She didn't want him to believe so, but she was afraid of wrecking everything for something so meaningless.

"Thank you, Your Grace," she meekly said, the words suddenly becoming caught in her throat. "You look splendid as well."

Right as their dance ended, William took this as an opportunity to take the next step. He offered to bring her a lemonade and headed to the refreshment's table, but as he reached for a drink, another hand grabbed the same glass as him.

"I believe this is mine," Anthony harshly removed it from his grasp as he glared at him with a sharp and heavy stare. "Make sure to stay away from what isn't yours."

William knew there was double meaning behind his words, especially from the way he kept looking at Elizabeth. "I could say the same thing. Perhaps you should attend to what's already in your hold."

Anthony laughed in more of a condescending way, "Well, Your Grace. It seems we both are understanding each other."

"I hope we are, because things are about to change very soon," William spoke in a lower voice, one that only he could hear.

He tightened his grip on the glass, "You must know that not everything occurs as it should."

Elizabeth noticed the tension and for the first time, Edwina seemed to notice it as well. They exchanged equally concerned looks and joined their partners, causing the two of them to part from each other as if nothing had occurred.

"Everything alright?" Edwina asked.

"Of course it is," Anthony hastily responded without removing his gaze from the couple.

William chose to ignore him and turned back to her, "Miss Windsor, how about we take a breather?"

Anthony took a step forward, but remembered he was in the presence of Edwina. He knew better than to create a situation out of nothing, but it was infuriating watching the two of them walk away with their arms interlocked.

"We should take a breather as well," Anthony didn't give her a chance to agree as he was already walking away, but he failed to notice Mr. Dorset walking by. Before he knew it, his shoulders ended up crashing him into the champagne tower, causing all the drinks to spill and shatter the glass to the ground.

Gasps filled the entire hall as everyone glanced in their direction. For the first time, Anthony didn't know what to do. He was being stared at like he had committed the most atrocious crime, and in a way, maybe he did. A scene was created for no reason. Well, to others it appeared as such, but to those who knew the full story, they were aware the cause revolved around one person that was not his fiancée.

"My apologies," he helped Mr. Dorset up, now avoiding the curious eyes from everyone.

"Are you alright?" Edwina asked.

"I am. Thank you for the concern," Mr. Dorset walked away, but not before glaring at Anthony with a stare so sharp that it could cut.

"I think it'd be best to head out for fresh air," Edwina softly said, gaze softening and voice full of compassion. "You seem to be tense, my lord. Are you sure everything is alright?"

"Perfect," Anthony interlocked his arm with hers, both of them now heading out into the terrace for a much needed breather.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth and William were outside deep in conversation. None of them had noticed the scene having occurred, seeing as both of them were only concerned with what the next few moments would entail.

Both of them looked out at the grand gardens, the warm breeze hitting their faces and the moonlight casting a shadow into their essence. Through every second, the more nervous he became as this would be the most important night of his life. He wanted everything to be perfect and while the evening might not have started well due to the viscount, William wasn't about to allow him to ruin his plans.

"Miss Windsor, I would like to ask you to call me by my given name," he blurted out, his face turning a deep red that he could only hope the faint lighting would cover it.

Elizabeth raised her brows in surprise, unsure of how to respond to such a suggestion. She wanted to agree, to say something, but all she could say was, "Why?"

He softly laughed, "I- I just feel like we have reached a moment where this is the most appropriate. Do you not think so?"

Inexplicably, she started fidgeting with her hands nervously. She couldn't help but agree despite feeling an intense panic as this seemed like the first step into something more serious. "I do. It's just that... well-"

"If you do not feel comfortable, we shall remain formal-"

"It is more than alright, Your Grace," Elizabeth interrupted before fixing her mistake. "Sorry, I meant... William."

Why did calling his name feel so wrong?

It wasn't anything significant, but losing formalities with him meant they were on the precipice of becoming much closer.

He was visibly ecstatic at getting to hear his name getting called by her voice. It was all he'd dreamed about and while it seemed like the smallest thing, it meant the world to him. He could only hope she felt the same, but that was something he would choose to worry about later.

"Miss Windsor, I am more than ecstatic about heading to Edinburgh by your side," William began, his hand discreetly reaching into his pocket. "You have been the most remarkable woman I have ever met and from the first time I saw you, I knew you were the one."

Elizabeth stopped breathing at his words. This was the moment she was both dreading and waiting for. All her preparations, sacrifices, responsibilities, they would all conjoin into one word – success. This agreement would finally end and while the majority of her wasn't ready for it to cease, she knew it was for the better.

William got down on one knee and took out his mother's ring that held a round cut moonstone with leaf shaped diamonds. "Miss Elizabeth Windsor, will you marry me?"

Infinite thoughts raced through her mind. Her heart was beating uncontrollably and her tension became worse as the most awaited question had been declared. She breathed heavily and tried forming a coherent sentence, but her words were failing her. He was waiting for her response and she was making him wait.

Why couldn't she agree?

"Yes. I will marry you," Elizabeth finally gathered the strength to say and softly smiled, but it was one that didn't match her eyes. She held out her hand that he eagerly took and placed the ring on. Its cold metal felt pressuring against her skin, an indication of a binding contract about to be signed.

William couldn't prevent his smile from becoming wider. He reached forward and held her in a tight embrace as he raised her into the air and gave her a spin. "Should I start calling you my Duchess?"

She softly laughed, "Perhaps you should."

"Shall we make the announcement?"

Elizabeth followed his guidance back into the hall, but her footsteps came to a halt when noticing Anthony and Edwina standing by the entrance. It didn't make sense for her to feel like she had betrayed him, because it was far from it. He was about to start a new chapter of his life and she had the right to do the same.

"Seems we're starting now," William interlocked his hand with hers, showcasing the ring shining brighter than the moon. "Miss Windsor and I are betrothed."

"Congratulations!" Edwina exclaimed in delight and held her in a tight embrace. "I had a feeling it would happen tonight! I am truly happy for you both!"

Anthony's world came crumbling down. If his heart hadn't been maimed before, it was now shattered into a million pieces. Elizabeth was marrying someone else and while he knew this would happen, it still destroyed him seeing her with him.

This was supposed to be another victory, indeed.

And yet, nothing but despair consumed him and his Elizabeth.

Author's Note

Hey, y'all! Hope you're doing good!
So, how do we feel about this chapter? Let me know!

Also, can we talk about season 3?
While I enjoyed it, I feel like we were robbed of Polin. I needed more of them just like I needed more Kanthony!
I hate the fact that we have to wait 2 years for season 4, like I really want to see Benedict & Sophie already!

Don't be a ghost reader!
Comment as much as you'd like! I'd really like to know your thoughts & opinions!