༻❁༺

Midnight had arrived.

Elizabeth and Anthony strided through the passages toward the grand hall. Their hands were interlocked, firmly gripping onto the other with no desire of ever letting go. Despite the clock's chiming, they were at ease in knowing they'll be facing this together.

The music got louder the closer they got, and hesitantly, they released their hold. A swarm of aching pierced their hearts at the action, but they moved forward despite their souls pleading them not to.

Anthony felt instant coldness at the loss of her touch, his hand flexing as he desperately sought for her graze. He glanced at her for one last confirmation that she was still comfortable with the plan, and she nodded, confirming the importance of the next phase.

Elizabeth parted from his side toward her family while he went to his. Next, they went to their partners and asked to join them in the library, all of them wondering why the mystery and secretiveness between the unlikely pair.

"Are you still certain of this?" Anthony asked her one more time, his voice low and filled with unease.

Sighing, she shook her head, "I'm not, but it must happen. My sister wants a secret, so a secret shall be given."

Anthony followed her as they headed to the library, where their friends and family members were discussing amongst each other. None of them knew what to expect or what to think. It seemed strange the way they were asked to join them far from the ton, almost as if to prevent anyone from eavesdropping.

Elizabeth fiddled with her hands, nervousness and dread consuming her from the inside out. Everyone was staring at her expectantly. They were waiting for an explanation, for a reason on this secretive gathering, and here she was being the epitome of unease and trepidation.

"I know you are all wondering why we have gathered you here," she finally said after the most eternal seconds. "And the reason stands behind a secret that must be told, one in which involves both families, but more so between Edwina, Lord Bridgerton, and I."

That was more than enough to captivate everyone's attention. They exchanged glances between each other, wondering what possible secret could involve the three.

"What exactly are you referring to?" Kate curiously asked.

Elizabeth shriveled under the pressure, but knew it was too late to backtrack. Everyone would suspect them and while a part of her desired to lie about this, she now knew how important it was to be honest. At least about this.

"You see, Miss Windsor and I have been fooling all of you for quite some time," Anthony declared. "We fooled you into believing we settled our differences and became friends, but really, we could barely tolerate each other's company. Miss Windsor thought me objectifying, insufferable, and hollow, which was all well-deserved, really."

Elizabeth wondered where he was going with this. He wasn't supposed to express what they truly thought of one another, but instead about the agreement they orchestrated.

"And I thought her the most insubordinate, ill-mannered, and vexing woman in the entirety of England. Even more when she tossed me into the lake upon first meeting..." he trailed off, a soft smile appearing at the remembrance of that day.

Who would have thought it was the moment when he first started to fall for her?

"We tormented one another by ruining any possible prospects of finding a match," Anthony continued explaining despite his mind demanding him to stop. "When seeing how much harm I was doing, I suggested an agreement, one that forced us to push aside our dislike to help one another find a partner. I spoke well of her to suitable gentlemen, while she convinced the Sharma family to consider me as a possible suitor for Miss Edwina."

Silence fell upon the room. It was the type of silence that was suffocating and held a firm grip of one's soul. Everyone glanced at the other, disbelieving looks and doubts on how to speak overwhelming them.

Elizabeth felt like such a fraud. She felt like she had ruined everything by admitting to this. Even if this was hidden in these walls, if word got around that she accepted the help of a gentleman to acquire a husband, she would be shamed. Society would view her as desperate and make her the laughing stock of the ton.

It took everything for Adelaide not to openly declare the real truth, but she couldn't bring herself to place this scandal on her sister. She merely wanted her secret to be told between just the three parties involved, but like always, Elizabeth got one step ahead of her.

"You lied to me?" Edwina finally spoke, her voice low yet filled with disbelief. She breathed shakily and looked in between them, a sense of betrayal resurfacing from within. "All this time, you- you kept this from me."

"Edwina, if you could please let me explain," Elizabeth walked toward her, but Edwina took a step back as if standing close to her was poisonous.

"Ever since the viscount has been courting me, I sensed you were not being entirely truthful," she spoke softly, but there was a harshness imprinted in it. If anything, Elizabeth would have preferred to have been yelled at. "And now I know I was right."

"I thought I was doing the right thing-"

"By keeping this from me?" Edwina incredulously questioned. "Everything you told me about the viscount being a perfect match for me, it was all for your convenience. Not for me. You made me believe you had my best interest at heart."

"And I do," she tried explaining, but seeing her this disappointed and upset made her shrivel into a corner like a frightened child. If she was acting like this over an agreement, how would she respond to the rest?

"How about we give you two a moment alone?" Kate immediately intervened.

"Yes, perhaps we should," Violet hastily agreed as she passed through the door, choosing to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire a word with her son.

But Anthony couldn't move. He couldn't bring himself to abandon her in the chaos he helped create. He didn't want her to face the aftermath by herself, so he chose to wait until she declared it was alright for him to depart.

However, the second he took a step closer to her, William blocked his attempt. The Duke was visibly upset, but not with her, but with him instead. "Just leave her. Have you not done enough?"

Anthony clenched his jaw as he felt anger brewing inside him. He absolutely disliked him, but he couldn't bring himself to create a scene without affecting her. He would never dream of hurting her in any way, so with a strong sense of will, he decided on leaving the room in defeat.

When it was just her and Edwina left, Elizabeth wasted no time in trying to remedy her mistake. "I am truly sorry for having hurt you. I know how this looks, but know that I was truly thinking of you. You deserve a worthy match and he is the one who will grant you what you need."

Edwina was silent for a moment as she gathered her thoughts. "Why did you not tell me? Do you not trust me enough to tell me what was really going on?"

"How could I tell you that I accepted the help of a gentleman to also find a husband?" Elizabeth was ashamed at her decision, knowing how shameful this was for society. She was terrified of the repercussions this would bring, especially with a gossip column reporting the most insignificant of things. "I never wanted to admit to this, but you needed to know."

"Why now?" Edwina walked closer to her, her eyes narrowing into slits as she folded her arms across her chest. "It has been months since the viscount has been courting me, so why decide on telling me when it's only a few days before the wedding?"

She turned silent as she couldn't admit the true reason was due to pressure. If she were to reveal it, then she'd be forced to admit to her harboring feelings for Anthony.

"It is because of that," Elizabeth chose to say instead. "You are about to make the most important decision of your life, so it seemed proper to reveal it now."

Edwina took a deep breath, "So all this time, you and the viscount have been pretending to tolerate one another?"

At first, but then it became real, she thought.

"Yes," Elizabeth choked on the word, but there was no reason to admit to her feelings now. An agreement was made to continue their lives separately, so breaking it for no reason would be the most absurd thing. "I am truly sorry for keeping you in the dark, but believe me when I say that I was doing everything thinking of your wellbeing."

"I just do not understand why you were so willing to accept his agreement? You could have found anyone without needing his help, so why did you accept?"

Elizabeth deliberated on explaining the weight of her burdens, but there was no other choice than to reveal them. "When my father died, I took on the responsibility to handle my family's affairs. I soon learned that we were on the brink of ruin, so I knew I had to marry well to save my mother and sisters. Moving us here was to find a husband with a title, but my temper caused the viscount to speak ill of me to suitors. A man's word is all anyone values, so when he apologized and offered to help me, I accepted for my family."

She noticed understanding in her expression and it brought hope that perhaps all of this could be resolved.

"I saw that you were interested in him, which is why I also accepted. He would be able to care for you and your family, which is all I want as well."

Edwina left her spot by the window, her hands interlocking and steps slow yet haste. "I now understand why you did it, but like I told Kate, I am not a little girl anymore. I am a grown woman now, ready to be a wife. If you had confided in me, I would have been there for you. I would have tried to help you, because this is not something you should bear on your own."

"I know," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

Sighing, Edwina reached for her hands and squeezed them softly, "It seems the agreement worked then. You and the Duke are to be wed and there is no doubt he will provide for your mother and sisters."

"Yes, he will."

"Although, this has only made me realize the viscount is more honorable than I thought," Edwina smiled as she dreamingly stared off in thought. "He remedied his mistake and offered a helping hand. It only makes me grateful to be marrying him, someone that I love."

Elizabeth's heart dropped at her words. Edwina loved him and it was noticeable how happy she was. How could she dare admit to her own feelings when it would only bring pain?

"You love him?"

Edwina nodded, "Learning how he helped you, how could I not? I want nothing more than to be his wife. His viscountess."

The way she expressed herself and had the most lovestruck gaze, Elizabeth knew that she could never reveal the full truth now. There was no need for it. Edwina and Anthony were to be wed in a matter of days just like she and William were. That is, if he would still be willing to.

But that was something she would concern herself about later.

"Is there anything more?" Edwina questioned.

She froze for a moment, concerned there were still any lingering suspicions. "What do you mean?"

"Well, now that we will move past this, I just want to make sure there are no more secrets between us," Edwina clarified. "A new chapter of our lives will be starting soon, so I want to be certain that nothing will hold us back."

Elizabeth contemplated for a moment, but Edwina's admittance to her love for Anthony kept her quiet. "There is nothing more."

"Very well. We shall head back then," Edwina softly smiled, both of them now rejoining their families in the main hall.

With just one look, it was made clear that everything was resolved, but now Elizabeth was faced with the reality of needing to discuss her future with William. That is, if he was still willing to marry her.

"May we speak in private?" she asked and he nodded, following her into the same room she had just exited.

As she headed back to the library, she noticed Penelope Featherington turning the corner into the main hall in a rush. Her eyes widened when seeing them, almost like she was caught doing something she shouldn't.

Knowing she was one of Adelaide's friends, Elizabeth offered a friendly smile, "Penelope, I have not seen you in a while. Has everything been alright?"

Penelope seemed conflicted, like she was contemplating how to answer. "Yes, it has been quite long, but I have been well."

"Were you just arriving, Miss Featherington?" William curiously asked.

"Umm, no. I just went out for fresh air and was just coming back. Congratulations to you both. I truly wish you all the best."

"Thank you, Pen," Elizabeth noticed how flustered the girl appeared, but chose not to mention anything.

"Thank you, Miss Featherington," William urgently said. "If you could, please excuse us,"

"Of course, Your Grace."

Elizabeth was about to enter the room, but then turned back, "You should come over for tea some time. It would be nice getting to know one of my sister's friends better."

Penelope eagerly nodded, "I shall be taking you up on your offer."

Glancing back to William, she found herself now dreading having to face the consequences of her agreement with Anthony. She was worried he would call off the wedding and now she'd be forced into finding another suitor, but her only hope lay within the fact that William was an honorable man.

"I sincerely apologize for the shame I have brought you," Elizabeth said just as soon as the doors closed.

He stared at her like she had said the most absurd thing, "You have not shamed me. You could never."

She was surprised, "I just thought that you would have found me pathetic for having accepted the help of a gentleman."

William shook his head and reached for her hand, "You had your reasons and I am no one to judge you for them. I do admit that I was surprised. When I first arrived to the city, I heard lots of gentlemen wanting to marry you, so I was afraid I would not have a shot."

She couldn't help but laugh at such a thought. If that were true, she would have received tons of callers, but none of them came. "Oh, please. You are only saying that to make me feel better."

"Nonsense," William softly said, his expression warm and filled with adoration. "Every man wanted you, so it came as a great delight that you accepted me."

His understanding and caring words only made her feel worse for not reciprocating his feelings. He viewed her romantically while she viewed him in a friendly way. She hoped that with time, her feelings for him would grow, but she knew it wouldn't be a possibility.

Elizabeth loved Anthony and always will. Nothing she did would rid her of these feelings, so her only hope was that the distance would help remedy her heart.

"Nothing you do will make me want to end our engagement," William assured her, an enamored smile covering his face. "So do not worry that this agreement with the viscount changed my perception of you, because it has not."

Relief consumed her as she was now at ease that her family wouldn't suffer the consequences of her actions. Her wedding will be happening soon and for the first time, she was urging the time to go faster. If it meant her family would be secured, she would accept this fate with open arms.

If only she knew that by morning, the ton would learn of her agreement with the viscount thanks to the publication of Lady Whistledown.

Author's Note

Hey everyone! Hope you're doing good!

So sorry for the wait. I just started a new job and have been working on getting my masters, so I haven't had much time to write. I'm not sure how fast updates will be, but I'll try to get a new chapter out when I can.

Hope you guys liked the chapter!
Don't be a ghost reader! Comment and vote!