✿

JOSIE COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. To start with, Lady Whistledown had been rather amusing, but now she was starting to aggravate Josie. The mad woman thought that two Bridgerton brothers were interested in Josie's hand, which was certainly not the case.

Though, Josie's mind was lingering on Colin's previous heartbreak. Maybe Josie was a little curious — too curious in fact. So, Josie found herself in the playroom, embracing all three of her nieces and nephew before her eyes were on Clara.

"Clara, do you have copies of Lady Whistledown from last season?" Josie asked.

"I do," Clara answered, raising her eyebrows. "I wouldn't have thought you'd be one to take interest in gossip."

"I'm not," Josie insisted.

"Perhaps a certain Bridgerton then?" Clara guessed.

Josie scowled at that. "I am just merely interested in the drama."

Clara did not believe that, but she still told Josie where the articles were kept. Come to the afternoon, Josie had read through the articles, not feeling any better. Of course, she had known that Colin had ended up engaged, but neither Freddie nor Colin had told her that Marina Thompson had been with child from another man.

And knowing Colin, he would have still married Marina if she had just told him. Colin Bridgerton was honourable like that, but still naive enough to fall into the trap. Josie was not going to fall into the entrapment of marriage.

Though, thinking of Colin caused Josie's mind to wander back to Greece.

✿

1814 — GREECE

For a week, they had ventured to the beaches of Crete with Josie adoring the little towns with the residents happily welcoming them. The weather was cooler now compared to the long summer months, where Josie was relieved to not be sticky for once.

Freddie had set up his easel as he painted the scenery, finding a moment of silence with Josie knowing that he was set for a few hours. While Josie could not wander off without her brother, she was happy to sit watching the world go by — maybe even write too.

The beaches of Greece were mesmerising with their crystal clear waters and golden sand, twinkling beneath the sun. As Josie's light irises scanned along the beach, her eyes found Colin Bridgerton sitting on the sand in just a white shirt and breaches. In his hand, he held a journal as Josie's head tilted to the side, suddenly curious.

And when Josie was curious, she could not ignore it.

So, she found herself walking towards Colin, hooking up her skirts a little so that they did not brush along the sand.

"Colin Bridgerton, are you writing?" Josie asked.

"Why does that surprise you?" Colin questioned, closing the journal.

"It doesn't," said Josie, choosing to sit down on the golden sand next to him. "Of course, you can write, but I didn't expect you to keep a diary."

"How else would I document my travels?"

Josie smiled at that. "I do the same. I have seen so much that I fear I won't remember it all."

"That is what I fear too," Colin confessed.

"I have a diary for each country I have been to," Josie told him. "With each adventure, I must have a new diary to fill."

"Is a month's travel with me worth a new diary?" Colin asked.

As Josie's head had lifted, head turning to meet Colin's gaze, she found herself silent for a moment. There was a softness to him; a sweet, charming smile that caused Josie's heartbeat to accelerate.

"I was travelling Greece before you came, Colin Bridgerton," Josie reminded him.

A gleam of amusement lit up in his eyes. "Why must you address me with my full name, Josephine Sinclair?"

"To remind myself that you are a Bridgerton," said Josie, smiling brightly, though it was not as joyful as the smile on Colin's face. "And that I still despise you."

"If that was true, then you would not be sitting with me right now," Colin told her with a little bit of that Bridgerton smugness showing.

"I was just merely curious to see what you were writing," Josie told him, breaking the hold of his stare. "I would not dare ask you to share if you do not wish to as I do not like anyone reading my own writing. But, I am happy to sit in silence with you as I write."

Colin rose his eyebrows. "In silence?"

"I don't like you remember," Josie grinned. "Plus I do enjoy the sound of the sea. It helps calm me."

"Very well then, Josie," said Colin, still finding Josie amusing. "I did tell you that this month could be whatever you wanted, so we can sit in silence, listening to the waves as we write."

Josie knew there was a hint of teasing in his voice, but she did not care. Maybe there was a hidden smile on her face too.

Still, the two found themselves in perhaps a comfortable silence as Josie focused on writing her latest adventures, finding that Colin Bridgerton had made his way into her words. As she wrote, Josie took a peek at Colin, seeing him concentrate with his brows furrowed with the fountain pen scribbling away. Between them, they shared a pot of ink as Josie found peace.

Though, the peace between them was short-lived. It was Freddie's idea, where he had encouraged the idea of testing the salty waters of the sea. Josie had stood on the shore as she watched him, shaking her head at him as his rolled-up breaches started to soak. Then, Colin joined him, where the two were acting immature.

"Come on, Josie," Freddie encouraged.

"I do not want to get wet," said Josie.

"Just your feet," Freddie told her.

"And you expect me to hike up my skirts to my knees?" Josie questioned. "If Edward was here, he would have a lot to say, Freddie."

"Edward's not here."

"Josie, you are going home soon," Colin reminded her. "And you still have half a diary to fill."

Josie sighed at that, finding herself giving in. Removing her pumps and her stockings, Josie felt the rough, warm sadness beneath her feet — though, she felt slightly exposed too. Colin had moved back towards the shore, being a gentleman as he offered his hand.

But Josie had hooked up her skirts, revealing her ankles as her cheeks flamed. Not looking at Colin, Josie ignored his hand, moving into the shallow waters with a proud smile on her face. The lace of her dress caught in the waves, but Josie was not bothered.

The sand was soggy beneath her feet, but the waves were warm as they brushed against her skin. Josie smiled, staring out to the sea with her heart so full — never wanting to leave.

And then Freddie splashed her.

Josie's head had fallen on her twin, glaring at him. "Fredrick Sinclair!"

But Josie had splashed him back as if the two were children. Though, her attempt was with her weaker hand as Josie's right hand was still clutching at her skirts. Of course, Freddie had to respond, splashing Colin too.

There was a charming smile on Colin's face as he joined in with a chuckle. Josie was smiling too, starting to think that maybe the three could get on again like they once had. Yet, as everything had suddenly been golden, it had been spoiled.

Colin had splashed a little too hard as Josie had stumbled, topping over as she landed on her bottom. The wetness of the sea had soaked her dress, weighing Josie down. Josie's lips parted, shocked and embarrassed.

And Colin looked horrified; the complete opposite of Freddie's laughter.

"Josie, I'm so sorry," Colin apologised. Again, Colin offered his hand. "Let me help you."

"You have done enough," Josie decided.

Ignoring his help, Josie forced herself to stand with the weight of the water feeling like an anchor. Fortunately, she had gone a darker shade of blue today, so the material held, not becoming transparent. Under the sun, Josie would dry, but she was still furious.

So, as she stormed past Colin, the man sighed in exasperation, having thought that they had made progress. Josie tasted salt as her lips pressed together tightly. Seeing her face, Freddie's amused expression vanished, following after his sister, knowing she was upset.

✿

1814 — LONDON.

Even with a diamond shining brightly in Antony Bridgerton's life, Edward did not slow down in setting Josie up with the viscount. The new opportunity had come with Violet Bridgerton offering the Sinclair's an invitation to join the Bridgerton's at their country house after talking with Edward.

Usually, this was a common occurrence, especially since the Sinclair country house had been close to the Bridgerton's (though that house was now untouched, haunted by ghosts).

"A diamond is nothing compared to a Sinclair," Edward reminded Josie, confirming that this whole trip was a set-up.

Freddie, though, was excited. "Marvellous news," her twin decided. "I can catch up with Colin after all this time apart again."

"That was what I told Lady Bridgerton," Edward confessed.

"You lied to Lady Bridgerton?" Josie questioned, shocked.

"It is not a lie if it is the truth, Josie," said Edward. "The Bridgerton's are family friends, after all, and we would have been attending the annual Hearts and Flowers ball."

Things somehow managed to get worse: Clara was staying at home with the children, as well as not wanting to travel while pregnant. While Josie understood, she was not looking forward to facing Edward without his wife.

Josie hated carriages too, where she was constantly reminded of her parents death. Travelling to the country was long and far, leaving the three on edge, trapped on that fatal night when everything had crumbled for the Sinclair's.

Upon seeing the house, Josie's heartbeat quickened, unknowing what to expect.

"Josie, please remember that your priority is Antony during our stay," said Edward as Josie tried to keep her face expressionless. "Perhaps come to the end of our stay, the two of you will be engaged."

"I can already hear the wedding bells," Freddie added.

Turning, Josie glared at her twin.

"Freddie, stop provoking your sister,," Edward scolded his younger brother. "At the ball in a few days, you could very well find yourself a bride."

Freddie scowled at that, triggering a smile from Josie.

Like every year, the Bridgerton family were there to welcome the Sinclair's. Violet Bridgerton was first to greet them with a warm smile, welcoming them to their home.

Seeing Daphne, the three offer a curtsy. "Your Grace."

"Come now," said Daphne, holding a baby in her arms with a happy smile on her face. "I am still Daphne to you. This is our little Auggie. The Duke and I have been very blessed."

Freddie and Josie smiled, not too sure what to say.

"Motherhood has taken to you, Your Grace," said Edward, respectfully. "Will the Duke be joining you?"

"I'm afraid not this time," Daphne told him before Edward was welcomed by Benedict as Daphne's eyes had fallen on Josie, irises glowing that terrified Josie to what she knew. Even though Dahne was younger than Josie, she had always acted as if she was the eldest. "You, Josie, are glowing. I do hope my brother was a gentleman in Greece when he joined you both."

"Am I not always a gentleman?" Colin questioned, joining the small group.

Catching Colin's gaze, the welcome smile on his face had stilled for a moment. The two knew where their minds had fallen — back in Greece when the line had been crossed. As if the Greece sun was on him, Colin appeared to be melting.

Unbeknownst to them, Daphne had caught on, sharing a long look with Freddie.

"You being a gentleman is a charade," Josie told Colin, smirking. "I do suppose you were somewhat pleasant in Greece. Though, you did cause me to fall in the ocean."

Daphne gasped. "Colin!"

"I have apologised for that a thousand times," Colin insisted. "It was an accident."

Josie knew that, but she did enjoy aggravating him. But, unfortunately for them, Antony Bridgerton had hurried out to greet them with Josie's stomach knotting, hating the falseness of what came next.

"Miss Sinclair," Antony joined them, nodding his head respectfully. "I am sorry for my lateness in welcoming you back to Aubrey Hall."

"I will forgive you on one condition, Lord Bridgerton," Josie decided, already searching for a way to make things seem like normal again.

"What is that?" Antony asked.

"Since we're back at Aubrey Hall, and that I will be trying my absolute hardest to beat you at Pall Mall," said Josie, grinning. "Then, please, can we address each other as we had once had?"

If Edward had heard, then Josie would get a scolding for sounding so forward, but it was still Antony — still the annoying Bridgerton that had been like a brother all these years. Now, though, Antony had laughed at her request.

"Yes, I did say formalities can be dropped," Antony agreed. "Though, I am not in agreement to you beating me at Pall Mall. In fact, I think we can all agree that Josie should not be allowed to hold a mallet, especially not around Colin."

"Oh, I am most certainly playing," Josie insisted.

"Hold on, hold on," Benedict joined them. "We're not playing Pall Mall without Josie. I much enjoy mother's face when a plant pot is broken."

Freddie placed a hand on Colin's shoulder. "Try not to anger Josie too much, Colin, for your own sake."

Josie was grinning too, enjoying tormenting Colin. Though, once again, she was oblivious as Daphne's head was darting between Colin, Josie, and Antony.

Before they were due on the battlefield, Josie had been shown to her room. Josie had changed into a pink dress with the sleeves loose, hopefully helping her dreadful aim. Yet, as she was looking forward to the game, Josie had been surprised to see the two Sharma sisters.

Looking back to the courtyard, where Edward sat, Josie wondered if he had known if the diamond had been invited early too. Edward was chatting happily with the three women, perhaps a little relaxed that eased Josie.

"Josie, how wonderful to see you again," Kate had greeted.

"The two of you are acquainted?" Antony questioned.

"Oh, very much so," said Kate. "Josie and I went for a ride together shortly after Lady Dandbury's soiree."

"Wonderful," Antony muttered.

Further introductions were made before the game became more focused. Josie did not feel the threat of the diamond — in fact, Josie was relieved in the hope that Antony was choosing the diamond over herself, but Josie was a little humiliated too.

While Josie was not ready for marriage, she did not want to be an option to choose from. If she was to fall in love, then she wanted to be the first and only choice.

Like every year, the mallets were the first battle as they started the game.

"Let us toss a coin," Colin decided, holding onto the mallets with Josie seeing what one he wanted to choose.

"Last year, we promised to let the youngest pick first," Eloise insisted.

"We pick based on alphabetical order," Antony decided. "That's the precedent."

"I believe the saying is ladies first," Josie added.

"I am not choosing last," Freddie announced, being the youngest male.

"Everyone, please, now," Daphne cut in. "The only fair thing to do is to let our invited guests choose their mallets and strike first."

"Freddie, Josie, you are not guests," Benedict told them, grinning brightly.

"But I do believe we are here by invitation," Josie insisted.

"You have your own room," Elosie reminded her.

"When you are family, no invitation is needed," Daphne told the two Sinclair's.

"Shall we start the game?" Antony questioned with everyone silently agreeing, oblivious to the twins' hidden smiles to be loved and wanted in a large family. "Please, take your pick, Miss Edwina."

Edwina stepped forward so gracefully as she studied the mallets, unknowing what one to choose. Instead of picking up the mallet, she silently pointed to it.

"An excellent choice," Antony insisted, picking up the mallet for the diamond as he handed it to Edwina with a smile.

Josie's eyes fell on him, knowing this was all forced — even more so than Josie and Antony were. There was no spark nor flare that concerned Josie as Antony might not pick the diamond.

Then, Kate was stepping forward, eager to join in with the game. To Josie's surprise, Kate had picked the black mallet that was amusing for everyone to see.

"The mallet of death," said Eloise.

Benedict was too smug. "Would you look at that, Brother?"

Antony looked furious, holding his hand close to his mouth.

"Is this yours?" Kate questioned him.

"Not at all," Antony tried not to care. "You're welcome to it."

"You threatened to beat me the last time I touched—"

"You exaggerate," Antony cut Colin's protests short.

Kate was amused. "Are you the superstitious sort? I know some men cannot perform without their familiar tools. Like a child with a blanket."

Josie, along with the majority, laughed at that, where she truly adored Kate. If anyone was going to put Antony in his place, then it seemed to be Kate.

"I can play perfectly fine with any mallet," said Antony, keeping his eyes firmly on Kate. "I wish you the best of luck."

"Are we to stand around deliberating all day, or shall we play?" Eloise questioned.

Then, with those words, a frenzy had been initiated. Jose and Freddie were quick to snatch their usual mallets, causing a few groans and protests from the Bridgerton's.

They started with the competition starting friendly, though there was no hesitation from the men to wind Josie up. As she had taken her first go, the four men had ducked, ready to brace themselves.

"If you act like that, then you're only asking for a target on your back," Josie told them, keeping her head high. "No one will be hurt or nothing will be broken this time."

"This time?" Edwina questioned, innocent eyes wide.

"Oh, you will see," Freddie answered.

Ignoring them, Josie struck the ball as it hit the white peg, knocking it over. Grinning brightly, Josie faced the group in pride.

"Josie, that does not count," Colin told her.

Josie's smile fell, glaring at him. "I believe it does!"

"Run, Colin," Benedict advised.

The game continued as they reached closer to where the older adults sat. As they got deeper into the game, the group became more competitive, especially when everyone was enjoying the fact that Antony was losing.

"Out of practice much, Brother?" Benedict questioned.

Even Lady Danbury was not impressed.

Feeling Edward's gaze, Josie tried to make it seem that her focus was on Antony, not wanting to anger her brother.

"Here, allow me," said Kate, taking her turn as she shot her ball through the peg, where she then cheered in celebration.

"What a shot!" Daphne said. "Good start."

As they moved on through the game, Josie's good start had started to fade. Josie had struck the ball, sending it through Violet's flowers before it skidded along the grass. Smiling innocently, Josie waved over to Violet Bridgerton, hoping it was enough of an apology.

"If your target was the flowers, then excellent shot, Josie," Colin commented.

"You know, the aim is to keep the ball close to the ground," Freddie added.

Josie grinned, uncaring. "Perhaps I like to make my own rules."

"If there is a second game, then I would much like to play Josie's version," Kate confessed, enjoying the game. "Especially if it means seeing Lord Bridgerton lose for a second time."

Antony scoffed at the words, stepping forward to take his shot. Though, it took him far too long as he had to line up his aim.

"Would you take your shot?" Eloise complained, impatiently.

Then, striking the ball, it collided with the wall of Violet's flowers. Josie's eyebrows rose, starting to think that Antony was sinking to her level.

"Ha!" Eloise said. "Rather unfortunate."

Of course, Kate did not waste an opportunity to show the viscount out as she struck the ball, sending it straight through the peg. They all exclaimed, happy for Kate (more so that someone was finally beating Antony).

"Miss Edwina, I believe you are next," said Antony after a moment, approaching the second youngest of the group. "I did not wish to leave my ball in your path, so I've left an open space so you can send yours."

"How very kind of you, my lord," Edwina replied.

"Josie," said Colin, stepping towards her so she could hear his quiet voice. "Please accept my apology on behalf of my brother."

"Colin, stop being a gentleman," Josie told him, smiling. "If Antony chooses Edwina, then that's a win for me too."

"His behaviour does not bother you?" Colin questioned.

Edwina took her turn as the ball bounced on the peg, where applause was encouraged.

"No it does not," Josie insisted, now feeling on edge with what everyone thought of the triangle situation as it did seem that Antony was playing two women at once. "Benedict, I believe it is your go again."

"So it is," said Benedict.

But Josie had already removed herself from Colin's presence, not wanting him to question the obvious — or Josie's feelings — any further. Instead, she joined Eloise, Daphne and Kate, eyes spotting Freddie joining Benedict and Colin. Even separate, Josie's eyes had found Colin's again before she forced herself to look away.

"Did anything happen in Greece?" Daphne asked.

Josie felt her eyes widen, but she could not look at Daphne. "What do you mean?"

"Well, it seems you and Colin are starting to get on again," Daphne noticed, keeping her perspective eyes on Josie. "I am rather curious about your travels in Greece and Colin has told me all about his." That caused Josie to look at Daphne, unknowing how much the sister knew. "Though I hear that you and Antony might be engaged soon. Yet, here he is with the diamond of the season. I must admit, I am truly perplexed by the situation."

"Watch it now, Eloise," said Lady Danbury, who enjoyed cheering the younger ones on, while the rest were clueless about the conversation. "Yes, then. Send it!"

The ball was sent flying through another white beg.

"Edward wants me to marry Antony," Josie confessed. "Our mothers have always desired our two families to come together through marriage."

"But is that what you want, Josie?" Daphne asked.

"If I had my way, I would be on a ship halfway across the world," Josie confessed.

"And love?" Daphne pressed.

Josie shook her head. "No, never again."

But Josie had walked closer to the game again, not wanting to talk about the idea of love — after all this time, it had been a feeling that had been deeply buried.

So, the game continued, becoming more competitive among the large group that was playing. Come to Josie's next go, the peg had been further away as she whacked the ball, causing it to dart to the side as it almost hit Freddie. Josie's twin brother shot her a look, terrified that he was about to lose teeth or end up with a broken nose.

And then, on the next go, everyone had taken ten steps backwards from Josie.

Though, towards the end, the true competition was between Kate and Antony.

"You have the chance to best him," Eloise noticed, seeing the opportunity on the field.

Kate saw too as she had a smile on her face.

"That would not be very sportsmanlike now, would it?" Colin questioned.

"I was told unsportsmanlike conduct was a requirement for this game," Kate said, fitting in all too well.

Daphne chuckled. "A fast learner you are indeed, Miss Sharma."

"What do you say, my lord?" Kate challenged. "Are you in a losing mood?"

"You shall remain unchanged regardless of your choice," Antony replied.

"Ah, is that so?" Kate said. "You would bravely bear the crushing shame of defeat?"

"Play pleasant, Didi," Edwina told her sister.

"Not to worry, Miss Edwina," said Antony. "In light of my brother's, sister's, and the Sinclair's tactics, Miss Sharma conducts herself with much grace indeed."

"Huh," said Kate. "Then you shall not mind this."

With one large whack, the ball was sent flying into the bushes.

"Well done!" Daphne cried out as everyone applauded.

"I knew I liked her," Eloise commented.

"Miss Edwina," said Benedict. "It's your turn."

The smallest of them stepped forward, a little shy under everyone's gaze. They were silent as Edwina made her shot with her aim off more than Josie's, where her ball was sent into the greenery too.

Trying to be nice, Josie joined in with applause.

"I am bested, I see," Edwina said.

"You could still retrieve your ball if you wish to stay in the game," Daphne offered.

Edwina's eyes fell on the shrubs, debating what she wanted to do.

"I think I shall cut out," Edwina decided, heading back to the country house.

Antony chased after her, where all eyes fell on the two briefly. While they waited, Benedict and Colin took their turns, where Colin had sent Antony's ball into the woods too.

"Yes!" Colin said. "What a shame. You two better go fetch them. Unless you would like to quit, here and now."

Two heads whipped around, staring each other down with Josie's eyes flickering between the two, unknowing what to think.

"Absolutely not," Kate decided

"After you," Antony insisted.

The two left, stalking towards the woods as everyone watched after them, completely amused. Though, with them gone, the game had come to an end with the others heading back up to the house.

✿

That night, Josie had hoped to retreat to her bedroom for the night in search of peace and quiet. There was an unspoken tension, perhaps due to Antony inviting both Josie and Edwina without realising how it would affect the two.

A knock on the door sounded. "Josie, may I come in?"

Hearing Edward's voice, Josie sighed as she knew what was coming. Reaching for the dressing robe, Josie wrapped it around her night dress before she opened the door to her older brother. Edward was there still dressed for the day with a smile on his face.

"I am sorry to disturb you, but I hoped we could talk," Edward said.

Josie moved away from the door, choosing to sit in one of the armchairs by the window as Edward joined her. It was awkward between them, where neither knew how to talk to the other when they were alone.

"I am happy that there was no blood this time," Edward said with a smile, though it seemed forced.

"As am I," Josie agreed. "Though, you were missed on the field, Brother."

"It seems childish for me to join," Edward insisted.

"Antony played."

"Antony does not have children yet."

Josie tried not to recoil at the words. Of course, Josie was aware that Edward had become more stern and serious as a result of being forced to grow up so young.

"Josie, I am sorry," Edward apologised, surprising the youngest sibling. "I did not know that Antony had invited the Sharma's."

It was not the apology Josie had hoped for, but she nodded her head, somewhat grateful.

"I think Antony is set on Edwina, Edward," Josie told him gently.

"Antony has not proposed yet," Edward insisted. "The Bridgerton's value the Sinclair's more than a diamond, Josie. If you showed more of an interest, then I am certain Antony would have a change of heart."

But Josie did not want Antony to choose her.

Trying to not let her face betray how she was feeling, Josie forced a smile. "I will do what I can," Josie reassured. "After all, I am a Sinclair, and we do deserve the best."

"There you go," Edward encouraged, happy to hear the words.

Though, Josie knew she needed to come up with a scheme before she ended up betrothed to Antony Bridgerton.

✿

I do adore Josie and Colin! I'm super excited for them to "pretend" to be courting. Any guesses to what happened in Greece?