✿

WITH THE UPCOMING HEARTS and flowers ball, the Bridgerton's country house was alive. Josie had helped where she could, but she had mostly watched the chaos from a distance.

As a child, Josie's mother had adored the mayhem before hosting a ball, having told her daughter that she enjoyed the planning and arranging much more than the balls themselves. Now, watching, Josie wished to see her mom capturing the spotlight like she once had.

Josie had her own mission: while she was avoiding Edward, Josie was trying to figure out a plan to save her from the entrapment of marriage.

"Our brother is starting to think that you're avoiding him," said Freddie, linking his arm with Josie's as he escorted his twin sister outside for the day. "Edward is yet to see you today, Josie."

"I will find him when I have a solution," Josie confessed to her twin, holding onto his arm. "Or, perhaps Antony will finally ask for the diamond's hand."

Speaking about that, Josie's eyes fell on Lord Bridgerton, who was sitting with Edwina as the two sipped tea together. Everyone could see how forced the courting was and that Antony clearly had no joy to be sipping tea. Though, poor Edwina was adoring it.

But, all Josie needed was a way out, and she couldn't count on Antony proposing to Edwina.

"Oh, dear," Freddie noticed, keeping his eyes on Josie. "You're scheming. You know this won't end well."

"Is Josie scheming again?" Eloise asked, joining the two with Colin keeping his sister company. "I do hope it's regarding our escape plan."

Seeing Colin in a light blue suit caused Josie to avoid his gaze, not liking that they had accidentally matched in shades. The more she saw Colin, the harder it was to ignore him.

Josie was still smiling at Eloise's words, though. "Say the word, Eloise, and I am ready to run."

"Then let's go," Eloise suggested. "It is about time that us women had a say in what we choose to do or where to go."

"I could not agree more," Josie agreed.

"Are you still reading that women's rights pamphlet, Eloise?" Freddie questioned.

"Yes," answered Colin. "She is."

"I must borrow it," Josie decided.

"I shall fetch it for you this afternoon," said Eloise. "That can be our escape."

Josie liked the sound of that, but then their fiery-haired friend in a pale green dress arrived with a sweet smile on her face. Seeing Penelope, Eloise instantly perked up.

"Oh, Pen!" Eloise greeted her friend, holding her hands affectionately. "Oh, you are finally here! With only my own family to speak to, I've begun talking to trees."

"Eloise, are we not here?" Josie questioned.

"Is she calling me wooden?" Colin added.

"I don't think so," Penelope reassured, smiling brightly.

"You're a little wooden," Freddie told his friend, earning a frown.

"I could call him a lot worse," Eloise insisted. "We all know that the Sinclair's might as well be family at this point, but you, Josie, keep being snatched up by my brother."

"Which one?" Freddie questioned, smirking.

Josie had frowned at the words, but it had followed with her eyebrows knitting together. In her mind, an idea had ignited — a possible way out.

"Is there not another pamphlet on women's rights to read somewhere?" Colin asked, eager to change the conversation.

"El is quite done with that," Penelope insisted.

"She has brought one with her here," said Colin. "Prepare yourself for many a quotation, Pen."

"The printer's pamphlet?" Penelope questioned, not impressed. "I thought you realised he was not connected to Lady Whistledown. Those letter K's have not been smudged for some time now, have they?"

"I am just as much interested in their new letters now," Eloise reassured. "It is a rather radical publication, which is why I seem to like it so much. I will be showing Josie later if you care to join. The apprentice there, Mr Theo Sharpe—"

That caused Josie's eyebrows to raise.

"You know his name?" Penelope cut in, shocked. "Don't you think you're getting into dangerous waters, El? That side of town?"

"I've tried to dissuade her from it," Colin insisted. "Though, she's adamant to bring Josie along with her next time."

"Edward would not approve, Josie," Freddie reminded her.

"Nor would he approve of half the things we saw in our travels," Josie countered, eyes falling to Colin. "Or what the two of you got up to when I was not around."

Though, thinking about it, Edward would truly blow if he ever found out the truth about Greece. Even Colin now could not look at Josie as he returned his attention to Penelope, determined to not talk about Greece for once.

"Pen, perhaps you could convenience them both while I am gone today."

"I am far more curious about what the two of you got up to in Greece," Eloise said, smiling smugly at her brother before she turned to the two twins. "Or perhaps the rest of your travels."

"Where are you going?" Josie asked Colin.

"Are you joining the men on the hunt?" Penelope asked.

"I am not," Colin answered.

"You're not?" Freddie repeated, frowning in disappointment.

"I have decided to pay your cousin a visit, in fact," said Colin, looking towards Penelope.

"Marina?"

"Miss Thompson?"

Josie pressed her lips together, unbothered by Colin visiting the lady who broke his heart. The stars might have sparkled for a moment in Greece, but they had now long faded; Josie still despised Colin and Colin was still in love with another.

"I rather think I am not the only one getting into dangerous waters," Eloise said.

"Eloise, Josie, Penelope," called out Violet Bridgerton as Colin bowed his head, retreating from the three with even Freddie leaving them too. Lady Bridgerton joined them with her arms enclosing around them, preventing the three from running. "I think you will find we have much to offer the young ladies today."

"Yes, well, Pen is a young lady," Elosie said as Violet steered them in the direction of the gathering that had assembled outside. "And we do have so much to catch up on, so—"

"Eloise, I hope you will behave yourself this week," said Violet sternly. "We're hosts. And don't think you can get out of this either, Josie. Perhaps one day you will host a gathering just like this one."

Josie tried not to flinch at that. Yet, for the first time, perhaps she was seeing a glimpse of her future, and Josie found it similar to her nightmares.

"Your mother would have adored this week," said Violet, sadly. "The hearts and flowers ball was always her favourite."

Josie's heart ached, knowing that she would have enjoyed the balls more with her mother by her side. If Josie could have her parents back, then she would happily accept this life.

"Mother preferred the before more than the ball itself," Josie reminded Violet.

Violet laughed at that. "Miriam always attended just to see her own success at being host before she vanished. It became a competition among the ton to impress Miriam Sinclair; the best ball would be the one that Miriam stayed the longest for."

"And who won?" Josie questioned.

"Miriam, of course," Violet smiled fondly. "When she heard the gossip, she hosted her own ball and stayed until the very end."

Josie smiled at that, proud of the Sinclair reputation. It sounded just like her mom, who had been headstrong and stubborn enough to get what she desired, but Miriam had also been a respectable lady amongst the ton — someone who had always been admired and spoken about.

And Josie...

...well, Josie was clearly a disappointment to the name.

Perhaps now she understood Edward's desperation for Josie to marry well.

"Your mother would be proud to see you here today, Josie," Violet finished, only adding to Josie's guilt, but also making her heart pound with joy. "We had always wished for our families to come together in marriage."

"Josie is family whether she marries or not," Eloise insisted.

"You have been family since the moment your mother was expecting you," Violet reassured Josie. "Nothing will change that."

Josie smiled at that. "Thank you, Violet."

"Now, perhaps the three of you might like to spend some time with the other young ladies in attendance," Violet continued pushing them towards the garden area. "Hmm? Or, at the very least, there will be some good gossip to absorb."

"We'd not dream of doing anything different, Lady Bridgerton," Penelope promised.

Then, with a happy chuckle, Violet pushed the three into the storm. Nervously, the three had curtsied in greeting, unknowing what to say to the young ladies of the ton.

The day was slow: women were either sitting around chatting while sipping tea or playing garden games, where Edward seemed to appear with a glower every time Josie had dared to go near them with the children. While she was still trying to avoid her brother, Josie did not want to anger him.

Fortunately, for Josie, Edward had left for the hunt with the other men. Freddie had also vanished, ditching the whole day to support Colin with his visit to the Crane's.

Josie did not care.

So Josie could relax, but she was still clueless about what to do. Elosie clearly felt the same with the two sticking together, unable to escape under Violet's watchful, stern gaze.

Mary was here too, where she made it known that she was ignoring Josie as she avoided her old friend throughout the day.

Again, Josie did not care.

"I quite like Lord Westbridge," said one lady, where the conversation was too boring. "Though, his hands certainly do wander when he dances."

"At least he is young," another pointed out. "My mama has fixed on Sir Derryworth for me. His breath is excruciating."

"Why do you not just say no?" Eloise demanded from where she slouched in her seat.

"To our mamas?" The first questioned, appalled.

"I do not think it is that simple, El," said Penelope, trying to save her friend.

"I do everything my mama says," another insisted.

"Yet you still wonder why you're so miserable," Eloise picked up her lemonade, laughing.

"Oh, I know how to find my happiness, Miss Bridgerton," said the lady as Eloise had clearly touched a nerve. "There is always Lady Whistledown."

There were a few chuckles at that. Josie sipped her drink, preventing herself from rolling her eyes at the boring ladies, who smiled and fanned themselves.

"Though I doubt she'll publish anything of note this week."

"Why not?" Josie demanded.

"What could you mean?" Penelope added.

"We are all here, enjoying the countryside together," the lady explained. "Anything she might print, surely we will already know."

"Is that so?" Penelope questioned.

"Perhaps we will be the first to learn of Lord Bridgerton's proposal," another lady said.

Josie sipped her lemonade, knowing all eyes were on her.

"Lady Whistledown writes that Lord Bridgerton has a choice between a Sinclair and the Diamond," she continued. "A Sinclair has always shined the brightest, particularly in the eyes of a Bridgerton, but Lady Whistledown believes you have a choice to make too, Miss Sinclair."

Hopefully, that choice was Josie having the option to reject Antony's proposal without a scandal that would damage both family's reputation and relationships.

"A choice?" Josie questioned, acting as if this was the first she had heard about herself being written by Lady Whistledown.

"Between the viscount and his brother."

"Which one?" Elosie questioned, trying to keep her face expressionless.

"Colin Bridgeton."

"Are you courting them both?"

"Is it true Mr Bridgerton came home for you?"

"Did something happen in Greece?"

Josie simply laughed, which was fortunate as it hid her nerves to be questioned so intently for the sake of gossip. It seemed that Lady Whistldown truly was causing a storm in Josie's life, but perhaps she could use the gossip columnist to her advantage.

"There is nothing happening between Mr Briderton and I," Josie insisted, wanting to make it clear. "We simply despise each other."

"Perhaps we should change the conversation?" Penelope suggested, sensing how uncomfortable Josie was.

The conversation changed, but Josie could see that the majority of the table was reluctant to drop the topic. Whether it was general curiosity, a desire for gossip or perhaps something worse, Josie could not tell. But, from this, she knew that the speculation between the four would only grow until a grand gesture was made.

And, for the first time, Josie had a plan.

✿

That night, Josie could not sleep as she spent a few hours tossing and turning with her mind stuck on her grand scheme. Though, with the plan, she had created a list in her head: all the reasons why she should marry Antony, and another, for why she shouldn't.

Of course, it came as no surprise when Josie's list of reasons why she shouldn't grew tremendously long. The main reason was that Josie did not want to marry or be trapped being Lady Bridgerton.

Yet, the reason that surprised her the most was the fact that marrying Antony would not be a marriage of love. As much as Josie despised the thought of being a wife, she had often thought of the love her parents had.

Outside, a thunderstorm had erupted, mirroring Josie's mind. Conflicted with her thoughts, Josie had sought a candlestick as she ignited the flame for a slight glow within the dark night. Wearing her long white nightdress, Josie snuck downstairs to the kitchen.

As children, Freddie and Josie had often snuck to the kitchen together when they could not sleep. They would find something sweet to comfort themselves, but the extra sugar would keep them up even longer.

For the ball the next day, tarts had been made with Josie taking a risk as she helped herself to a couple. The pastry was still warm, but the jam was sticky and full of sugar, and enough to cause Josie's thoughts to pause.

"Josie?" Colin's voice appeared behind her. "What are you doing?"

A little wide-eyed from being caught, Josie turned to look at him. "Nothing."

"Nothing?" Colin repeated, amused.

"I'm just taste testing," said Josie. "For tomorrow."

"And do they meet your approval?"

"Oh, they do," Josie insisted, holding up another tart with a heart created with the berries. "Perhaps you should try one to see for yourself."

Colin smiled, stepping further into the kitchen as he accepted the dessert from Josie's hand. There was an awkwardness as Josie's fingers tucked the loose strands behind her ear, becoming aware that she was in her nightdress in front of Colin Bridgerton.

"It tastes like Paris," Josie confessed.

"I didn't realise Paris had a taste," Colin said.

"No," said Josie. "But I adored the bakeries in Paris."

"If they taste like this, then I must go," Colin decided, looking down at Josie as his facial expressions became soothing, causing Josie to melt. "Are you well, Josie?"

"Why wouldn't I be well?" Josie questioned, defensively.

"It's late and you're in the kitchens," Colin pointed out.

"You're up to and in the kitchens too," Josie accused. "Where have you been?"

"I visited Marina," Colin reminded her.

Josie's arms folded across her chest, looking away from Colin. "How is she?"

"She's well," said Colin. "With two happy children." 

"And you?" Josie asked.

"I'm happy too," Colin insisted. "It was nice to see Lady Crane and to close that chapter of my life for good. You still haven't answered my question."

"About what?"

"If you're well," Colin repeated.

Instead of answering, Josie looked down to the tiled floor of the kitchen. Her mind was spinning, the plan was there, but it was taking a new form of courage to take that first step of initiating it.

"Josie," Colin's voice with soft, his touch too as his hand fell to her arm. "What is it?"

"I need your help with something, Colin," Josie told him, still too much of a coward to look at him.

"Anything," Colin promised. "What is it?"

Finally, Josie met his blue irises, enchanted by the shade again.

"I do not want to marry Antony," Josie announced out loud.

"Has he done something?" Colin questioned.

"No, Antony has done nothing wrong," Josie explained. "I love him as if he was my brother, Colin. To reject him, though... it would be a scandal for both our families."

"Antony could choose Miss Edwina Shamra," Colin reassured her.

"Can you promise me that?" Josie questioned.

Colin fell silent at that with the two knowing Antony's greatest strength and weakness was his honour. Out of honour to both families, Antony would propose to Josie as if it was his duty — no diamond could out-sparkle that.

"Then what is your plan?" Colin asked.

"It's a little crazy," Josie insisted, feeling her heart pound. "But it could buy me time until Antony proposes or from Edward insisting I keep to my promise and marry."

"With you, I wouldn't expect anything less," said Colin. "How can I help?"

With the next words, Josie's heart felt as if it would explode.

"I want you to court me," Josie confessed.

The news surprised Colin, who stared at Josie as if he was in shock. Then, Colin Bridgerton laughed, and the sound echoed, causing Josie to hush him. Josie had stood on her tiptoes, pressing her hand to Colin's mouth as he rose his eyebrows at her, eyes gleaming with amusement. Pulling her hand away, Josie's cheeks were red.

"You truly perplex me, Josie," said Colin as if fascinated by her. "One minute you despise me and the next you want me to cour you. Are you sure you are well?"

"I am perfectly well," Josie reassured him. "I told you it was crazy, but it won't be a real courtship, we will simply act as if we are in love."

"I have been used before, Josie," Colin told her. "I do not wish to be used again."

That was the part that had tugged at Josie's heart, where she needed to make sure that this plan would help Colin as much as it helped her to.

"It would prove to Lady Whistledown that you are over Lady Crane."

"I do not care what—"

"Please, Colin," Josie pleaded. "Do you really wish for me to marry Antony?"

Hearing those words, Colin pressed his lips together, holding Josie's stare. As the silence hung between them, Josie became anxious, thinking that Colin would deny her request, and then Josie would have no choice but to marry Antony.

"If I say yes," said Colin. "Then how would this end between us?"

"We'll find a way to phase it out," Josie decided. "I just need time before I'm ready to keep my promise to Edward. But, I promise you, no one will be under the impression that I broke your heart when this ends."

"You are too kind, Josie," Colin told her.

"Just remember that I still hate you," Josie added. "But maybe I'll find a way to like you again for helping me."

"If it means you liking me at the end of this, then I am happy to help you, Josie," Colin told her. "But, do remember, you must act as if you like me for this to work."

"That is a challenge I am willing to accept," Josie insisted.

Colin laughed at that. "Very well, Miss Sinclair."

Josie's nose screwed up at that. "I don't like that."

But, for once, Josie saw a chance at freedom.

✿

It was the evening of the hearts and flowers ball when Edward had escorted his sister. Josie had worn a purple gown that was heavy due to crystals and jewels that clung to the fabric.

The night was young, yet the dance floor was already full of couples dancing together. Josie stood on the side with Edward, who was likely waiting for Antony to come to collect her.

"How are things going with you and Lord Bridgerton?" Edward asked.

Antony had given Josie the space and time to think, which she had respected. But, telling Edward that, would only mean disappointment.

Yet, as Josie looked up, her eyes had fallen on Colin Bridgerton. The man looked a little nervous as he walked into the ballroom, aware that all eyes had fallen on him as he walked towards Josie.

"Lord Sinclair," Colin greeted with a respectful nod of his head. "May I have the honour of dancing with Miss Sinclair?"

Josie's breath stilled, sensing Edward's tenseness next to herself. Close by, Freddie's gaze had fallen on the three, eyes narrowing at his twin sister as if he had already guessed her scheme.

"Please," Edward insisted. "Josie would appreciate the gesture, Mr Bridgerton."

Colin smiled at that, offering Josie his hand. There was no backing out now as Josie's heart pounded, knowing that she was the one entering dangerous waters now. When her soft small hand slid across his own, Josie felt the small tug as he pulled her towards the dancefloor.

The music changed into a new piece as they joined the couples. Colin's hand was gentle on her waist while the other still held onto her hand, keeping the two of them close together. As Josie looked up, she met his crystal blue eyes, finding the air from her lungs vanish again.

"You must smile, Josie," Colin whispered.

Colin pulled her closer to him, which caused Josie to blush, a smile blossoming.

"There you go."

"Only because this is peculiar," Josie whispered.

"We danced together in Greece," Colin reminded her.

"That..." Josie lost her words. "That was a whole world away, Colin."

"And yet here we are again."

Josie was speechless at that as she let Colin guide them both into the music. Maybe, even if they were back in their home country again, it was truly like being back in Greece together, but those were thoughts that Josie did not want to tumble into.

As Colin spun Josie around, she noticed the attention: the two had caused a storm of gossip, many looking between the couple on the dance floor and Antony Bridgerton. Josie felt tense as she spotted Antony amongst the crowd, but he simply rose his glass at the two with a happy glimpse of a smile on his face.

"I don't think Antony is angry," Josie informed Colin.

"I might have spoken to him," Colin confessed. "It would not be right to simply steal you from my brother, after all, so we officially have Antony's blessing."

"So that means..."

"No proposal," Colin reassured her. "Though, Antony wishes to talk to you privately about it."

Josie's heart soared, but she didn't want to let anyone witness her joy of the moment.

"However, I am yet to face your family too," said Colin. "And I am not sure which Sinclair I fear more."

"Oh, Colin, we all know you fear me the most," Josie told him.

"You don't scare me, Josie," Colin insisted. "Like I said: you perplex me."

And Josie smiled.

Though, while she had spared herself from marrying Antony Bridgerton, she had ended up in the dangerous waters of those hidden, suffocated feelings igniting for Colin Bridgerton.

✿

Again, I love them! So excited to be at the part where Colin & Josie are "pretending" to be in love!