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Dearest gentle reader,

Last night's festivities are certainly one to remember. While Viscount Bridgerton may have indulged himself with far too many spilled glasses, this author wonders if his joyous spirit had been in the name of his betrothal or if perhaps it was linked to the grand announcement. The Duke of Edinburgh is now betrothed to Miss Elizabeth Windsor. Congratulations to the happy couple as they set sail to embark on this new journey we like to call, matrimony.

Lady Whistledown, 1814

"I shall need fittings for the dress and we should start packing my belongings," Elizabeth told Mrs. Jones as she got dressed for the day. She paced all around, infinite thoughts coursing through her head as she tried remembering her list of tasks needed to be finalized before the wedding. "And, also I- I feel like I am forgetting something."

"It will all be taken care of," Mrs. Jones reassured her. "It is truly exciting that you will be the duchess in less than a month."

Everything happened so fast that she barely had time to absorb it. A week ago, she was only preparing for her departure, and now she will be preparing to become a wife. Her world had become tilted on its axis to the point she was overwhelmed, but with all the preparations, she couldn't acquire a minute to take it all in.

"Yes, that is... exciting," she said through a nervous smile.

Under the doorframe, Victoria called out to her with a crestfallen expression, "Ready, dear?"

Sighing heavily, Elizabeth nodded and walked out of her bedroom. She could sense her mother's disappointment and while she understood her concern, she just wished to acquire her support. Everything would be easier and more bearable to get through, but her mother's mind was always one that could never be changed no matter how reasonable an argument was.

As she strided down the stairs, Aurora leaped with excitement to her sister's side. "I cannot believe you and Duke are getting married! How does it feel, sister, to be in love?"

Adelaide rolled her eyes, frowning at such a question, "To paint you a picture, it's as if you're falling into the pits of hell and pleading for liberation, but no one is there to grant it, so you end up burning until you are nothing but ashes."

"Adelaide Mary Windsor!" Victoria scolded.

Aurora gaped at her sister with fright, now concerning herself on whether or not to believe if love truly felt like such description. "Is that true? Does loving someone feel like you're burning?"

Elizabeth wished to agree, seeing as Adelaide managed to explain such a complicated concept. Of course, not all of it was correct, but burning for someone was the only accurate part.

"Everyone experiences love differently, dear Aurora," she chose to say instead, now glancing at Adelaide with a cunning glance. "But I do believe Adelaide will understand it better next season."

Adelaide scoffed and shook her head in disapproval, "I would rather die than follow in your footsteps. Marrying for anything but love sounds like the worst possible fate. If that is what my debut entails, I will choose to remain a spinster forever."

Maybe it was the pressure of securing for her family finally getting to her or the sorrow plaguing her at her imminent marriage, but her sister's words were fully irritating. If only she knew that her choice to marry for status was to save them from perdition, perhaps her words wouldn't be this harsh.

"You do realize that my marriage will ensure our place in society, yes?" Elizabeth's voice was dripping with vexation and outrage. She wanted her sister to support her, but it seemed no one besides Aurora was willing to offer it. "You should be grateful for how many opportunities you will have. Instead of reprimanding me for my decision, how about you give me your moral support?"

"Moral support?" Adelaide raised her brows in astonishment, appalled that her sister believed she would be in favor of this marriage. "If you were marrying for love, I would be more than ecstatic for you, but you are marrying for status, which is not meant to be celebrated."

"Girls, please!" Victoria stood in between them and attempted to take control of the situation. "This family supports one another through everything. We only have each other, so let's not push each other down."

Elizabeth hated how much she had disappointed her family. All she ever wanted was to make them proud, but it seemed that lately, all she did was offer nothing but shame. Even while they knew this marriage was to ensure their prosperity, they didn't seem to understand. They believed everything was so simple, but life was anything but effortless. It was full of sacrifices and hardships, and while she never expected anything back, the least they could grant her is their support.

And yet, not even that was offered.

"Come on now. We must head to the modiste for the dress fitting," Victoria gestured toward the exit, but Elizabeth had other plans.

"I would rather go alone," Elizabeth hurried out the manor before they could have a chance to respond. If she wasn't thrilled with her engagement, she didn't need the added negativity during her dress fitting. She would much rather be alone than have unwanted company. Even if she truly desired her family to be there.

__________________

"Your wedding gown will be truly magnificent, Miss Windsor. I promise you will not be disappointed," Madame Delacroix assured her.

Elizabeth feigned a small smile and stood still, staring at herself in the mirror as she caressed the delicate texture of the white dress. She remembered the excitement she felt as a child when envisioning her wedding, how getting fitted for her dress would be the most exhilarating moment of her life, but now as she's staring at herself in the mirror, she's anything but thrilled.

Little Elizabeth would be disappointed in the woman she's become. Perhaps her family was right in feeling this way. Maybe none of this should be a matter of celebration, but of sorrow instead.

"Will your mother be arriving soon?" Madame Delacroix questioned in concern, surprised that she was here all alone.

As if on cue, the door of the shop opened and Elizabeth turned to see who it was. Victoria entered with a gentle look as she swept past the fabrics in the direction of her daughter.

"You could not have waited for me?" Victoria chuckled as she took the spot beside her, admiring how beautiful Elizabeth looked in her wedding dress.

"Mama, I did not-"

"I insisted that she be patient with me. I was still not ready, but her excitement made her take the carriage without me," Victoria explained to Madame Delacroix, who was finishing up the last details.

"A wedding is an important time in a young lady's life," she smiled. "It is completely understandable to be impatient."

Victoria stared at her daughter with love, but was heartbroken when seeing the gloom trapped in her eyes. "You look beautiful, my Lizzie. Purely ethereal."

She could tell how hard her mother was trying to be supportive, and while she didn't believe it was genuine, she still appreciated her efforts. "Thank you, mama."

"You will make the most beautiful bride, Miss Windsor," Madame Delacroix expressed before excusing herself momentarily.

"I did not think you would come," Elizabeth broke their momentary silence, choosing to get rid of the elephant between them.

"I would never dare miss the fitting for my daughter's wedding dress," Victoria placed her arms around her, both of them staring at the other through their reflection. "While I am not ecstatic on why you're choosing to marry, I will still support you. We are a family and family does not turn their back on one another. I know you will find a way to find joy in this marriage, so I place my trust in you."

Tears welled up in Elizabeth's eyes as she took in her mother's words, "I am so sorry for disappointing you. I did not intend to-"

"My dear, you did not," Victoria redirected her gaze to her, ashamed for having caused such sentiments. "You are my pride and joy. You are everything I hoped you'd become and it maims me to have made you feel otherwise. I am truly sorry for not being the support you needed, but know that I will be with you through every step of the way."

"What about Adelaide?" Elizabeth valued her sister's opinion and while she understood her outburst, she longed that she were also here.

"She might take longer to come around," Victoria admitted as she brushed a strand of her hair from her face. "But do not worry, she will. We are Windsors, so we will always remain together."

Madame Delacroix returned holding various silks, "Now, I have come with more fabrics."

"I was thinking she will need three or four nightdresses," Victoria suggested, her tone supportive and tinged with excitement. "Or perhaps five?"

While Elizabeth knew what occurred on the wedding night, it still left her distraught to imagine such action would take place. She may be inexperienced, but reading tons of novels have certainly taught her what to expect.

"I think three would suffice or perhaps less," she walked off the stand, refusing to continue imagining her wedding night.

"Nonsense, ma chère," Madame Delacroix intervened through a light laugh. "Your amoureux would greatly appreciate it. What else would the honeymoon be for?"

Right, the honeymoon.

The honeymoon was the second most important part of a lady's life, and while she knew it was inevitable, it still left her on edge.

"Five nightdresses will suffice," Victoria chuckled as both she and the modiste walked away to finalize the arrangements.

Glancing away from them, Elizabeth headed back to the full-length mirror, her fingers caressing the delicate lace of her dress. It was a beautiful gown and she felt the most fortunate to have been granted the honor of wearing it. Not everyone was given this privilege, so even if she wasn't thrilled for the wedding, she chose on finding the silver lining.

Her family would finally be secure and keep their place in society. Her sisters would be able to marry for love and not for status, which was all she wanted for them. In a way, she truly was looking forward to this marriage. It would grant her everything she desired and how could she dare feel the complete opposite?

"The Duke won't be able to take his eyes off you," Edwina's sudden appearance made her jump in surprise. "From the looks of it, you seem to be truly captivated by your wedding."

Elizabeth managed a small smile, "How could I not be? A new chapter of my life will be starting."

"I am so grateful your wedding will be a few days after mine," Edwina reached for her hands, gently squeezing them as she gazed in wonder and delight. "The viscount and I will wait until your nuptials before leaving for our honeymoon. Oh, Lizzie! It will truly be a season full of celebration!"

In all honesty, Elizabeth would have preferred if they left for their honeymoon. She didn't want Anthony to attend her wedding, but considering she would be attending his, it only seemed right that he attend hers. Like he told her at Aubrey Hall, this agreement wouldn't be over until they were married.

As the two of them began speaking, Anthony was just turning the corner into the street after having left Mondrich's bar. Ever since the betrothal was announced, he had become their daily visitor up until the point that Mondrich considered denying him an entrance. While Anthony knew he wasn't acting like a gentleman should, he couldn't find the strength to pretend to be delighted over his wedding or focus on the preparations.

How could he be immersed in his nuptials when Elizabeth was about to be wed?

How absurd he was acting. He was engaged, so it was inconceivable to hope that she wouldn't find a husband. Anyone would be a fool not to pursue her and while it ached him seeing her with someone else, he knew it was for the better.

Elizabeth was very explicit in expressing how much she desired security for her family. As much as he disliked the Duke, he couldn't prevent from admitting that William would offer the needed stability she desired.

Anthony wanted her happiness, her wellbeing, her stability, and despite his mourning period, he was willing to move past it as long as it's what she desired.

As he strolled through the street, he came to notice two familiar carriages nearby the modiste. It was Elizabeth and Edwina's. Through his naivety, he simply thought the two of them must be checking on the final touches for Edwina's dress. Women had a gift in knowing when a dress was the one for them, which was why he didn't allow himself to dwell on the possibility that they're at the shop for Elizabeth instead.

Just to make sure, Anthony figured he could take an accidental peek through the window. Perhaps he might be able to catch sight of her. Perhaps seeing her would silence the chaos and grant him the needed air. He wasted no time in hurrying to the shop, discreetly stopping to keep up appearances that this was simply coincidental.

However, the second he peeked through the window, his heart dropped when realizing this wasn't a visit for Edwina's dress, but for Elizabeth's instead. As if his feet had developed a mind of their own, he found himself inching closer to the door. It was frowned upon for men to enter the modiste, but he couldn't care less for societal rules. All he desired was to see her in her white dress before any man did. He wanted to be the first, so with his heart on his sleeve, he pushed through the doors into the shop.

Standing before her was a sight for sore eyes. She was breathtaking and the most bewitching woman to have roamed this earth. He felt unworthy standing in her presence, like he was dishonoring her grace with his impertinence. Her white dress made her resemble an angel and her smile was the light, allowing him the gift of soaring the skies and the ends of the universe. She was incomparable and he couldn't believe how fortunate he was to have been blessed with such a magnificent view.

"Lord Bridgerton," Edwina was startled at his arrival, but not even her voice was enough to disrupt the trance he was in.

Elizabeth remained still, her mind dwelling on the desire of shielding her dress as if he were the groom. She was surprised to see him here, especially after his silence for the past week. Ever since the announcement of her engagement was made, he has been keeping his distance much more. Not even at the lake had he been present, so finally seeing him at the modiste while wearing a wedding dress, certainly left her on edge.

He was looking at her as if she were the most beautiful art piece, as if she were the stars in an empty night, as if she were the words of an intricate sonnet, and as if she were the missing piece to his puzzle. He looked at her like she was the needed singer for their duet and such feelings made her afraid of the ending they would encounter.

"What has brought you here, my lord?" Edwina asked.

If it hadn't been for Victoria and Madame Delacroix returning, Anthony would have remained fixated on the lovely bride. Feeling as if he was caught doing something he shouldn't be, he willed himself to remove his gaze from her and avert it to Edwina.

"I was walking by and saw you through the window," he explained, his lie coming out with ease. "I wanted to come greet my future bride."

Elizabeth refrained from rolling her eyes as she turned around. She didn't want to continue looking at him, not if he was intent on staring at her as if she were the last sip of water. She faded out the rest of their conversation and excused herself to free herself from this garment, but was prevented from doing so when she heard him call out to her.

"Miss Windsor," Anthony took a step toward her as if a golden thread was connecting them. "If you are thinking of obtaining this dress, you should know it is the one. You truly look ravishing."

A silence filled the shop, one so tense that it could practically be cut with a knife. Unspoken words were exchanged between them, causing the rest of the world to fade into oblivion. While it was known the two were friends, only the observant ones knew there was more, but a few were still blind to the truth even when it was staring them right in the eye. Such circumstances became more present as the seconds went by and if it weren't for the shop's doors opening, this silence would have been everlasting.

Anthony returned to Edwina's side, her innocence insisting on protecting her from the truth. He was grateful for it, but at the same time was resentful over such quality. "I apologize if I was out of line. I was just offering my perspective as a-"

"Thank you, my lord," Elizabeth refused to remain in his presence, not unless she wanted to lose her thread of honor. The way he spoke, the way he looked at her, and even the way he breathed drove her crazy, and no matter how much she tried exiling him, he would forever remain imprinted into her soul.

Anthony secretly watched as she faded into the distance. It was maddening resisting his longings, but they were each other's forbidden fruit. If either took the first bite, they would be exiled from the Garden of Eden and condemned to purgatory. Neither would reach the gates of paradise and he would rather face a million sentences than condemn her to perdition.

All of this silence and patience was destroying him slowly, but he knew it was too late now. Both of them were betrothed to another and if he truly thought about it, this had been his fault. He had initiated their agreement and allowed himself to dive into these forbidden feelings. Instead of banishing her from his heart, he permitted her to create a home in him.

With one last look, Anthony glanced away in the direction of the exit. She noticed him from the corner of her eye and allowed him to exile himself despite her heart calling out to him.

Author's Note

Hey, everyone! Hope you're doing good!
I just wanted to thank you for all the support this story has been receiving!
It's been so much fun writing it & getting to read all the comments, so thank you so much! 🫶🏼

Hope you guys liked the chapter!
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