1.

Verity often found herself uncomfortable around the more traditional folk of the landed gentry. Mrs Quimby seated herself in the Bridgewater mansion and after mere minutes found herself overly comfortable in the presence of her hosts.

"Mrs Bridgewater, it must be so wonderful having Verity back in town." Said Mrs Quimby
"Why yes indeed." Eleanor glanced in her daughter's direction "Paris' lost is London's gain." Eleanor reached for her daughter's hand. Verity plastered on a fake smile and humored Mrs Quimby's advances to strengthen her friendship with Eleanor. She held her mothers' hand and began an internal count to five before letting go. Verity relied on emotions and affection as a source of manipulation, unmoral but efficient in her eyes.

"And surely of the gentlemen in town as well! With her fine looks and capabilities. I dare say Verity would make anyone a desirable wife. I can only hope that my own two will catch someone's eye this season" Mrs Quimby teased before taking a sip from her tea cup "oh, what fine china you have Mrs Bridgewater!" The sound of fresh tea being poured, and teaspoons clinking filled the silence as the small talk blossomed.

Suddenly, the double doors to the reception room swung open. The Bridgewater scullery maid Mary entered, the sleeves to her uniform had traces of flour "A Mr Hyland for Miss Bridgewater Ma'am."

Mrs Quimby eyed the girl up and down before letting out a snort "Well, she's certainly very comfortable in her mistress' presence." 

How ironic thought Verity.

Eleanor was visibly displeased at the situation but remained silent. All this was far from Verity's mind at that moment. Shortly after this announcement, Colin had turned the corner and joined the 3 women in the room. He had the same goofy smile and disheveled chocolate brown hair. Identical to Verity's memory, only now taller and broader. He was dressed in a dark blue suit that complimented his eyes, his riding boots were smudged by mud and rolled up sleeves with missing cufflinks gave his overall appearance a sense of frowziness.

"Good day Mrs Bridgewater, Mrs Quimby." His gaze landed on Verity "Miss Bridgewater, I heard of your returned." He seemed at a loss for words. Colin had come as soon as he caught wind of his friends return. Whilst her unexplained departure baffled and confused him, his love for their friendship was deeper.

Verity opened her mouth to speak but her mother cut her off "you'd be right my dear." The Hyland and Bridgewater family had been close confidants since Verity's late father had worked closely with Colin's.

Mrs Quimby suddenly felt her lacking in station and felt the need to re-announce her presence "you looked flushed Mr Hyland, a product from your meeting with my Victoria? perhaps she needn't debutant this season. You are a beautiful match."

"It's a little warm that's all." He lowered his head and smiled.

Verity decided to save her dear friend from any further interrogation "Perhaps some fresh air would be beneficial, should we take a spin round the gardens Mr Hyland" Verity stood up and gestured at the door.

"I believe that's just what the doctor ordered Miss Bridgewater." Colin gladly accepted.

Mrs Quimby immediately added "What a splendid idea! Shall we join them Mrs Bridgewater?" 

Eleanor reached for a teacake to pair with her beverage "I believe I ought to stay, my old knees are too fragile for the cold, but by all means if my company tires you Mrs Quimby, Verity would be more than happy to escort you."

"Why of course not dont be daft Mrs Bridgewater, some more tea perhaps?" claimed Mrs Quimby.

Verity let out a sigh of relief and mouthed thanks to her mother.

Verity and Colin walked side by side through the gardens admiring the extravagant plants Eleanor had imported from all round the world. Colin broke the silence "Verity" He shuffled his feet and murmured under his breath.

"I know what you're going to ask me" said Verity "My answer remains the same as two years ago."

"That's not enough, I've been patient with you" His tone was flat.

"Yes...you have I cannot deny that." Verity realized he was in no mood for her antics "there are things I can't explain, at least not right now." Verity then attempted to lighten the mood "I'm back now and I-"

Colin interjected "Verity please, you owe me an explanation."

Verity stopped and debated his request for a few moments. She pulled him to the side "An event took place on the evening of my birthday and It became apparent that I had to leave, believe me Colin I want nothing more than to explain this all to you but for now I cannot."

Colin nodded in defeat "stubborn as always, that's not changed." he ran his fingers through his hair and rolled his eyes "I always was the more reasonable one." He said beaming with pride.

Verity let out a laugh "One day I promise I will relentlessly consume hours of your time and give you an explanation worthy of your patience" Colin didn't respond, he simply resumed walking.

"Well I should inform you of my life if you will not me, I am no longer associated with Victoria." Confessed Colin. Victoria was Colin's first love, the pair were presumed to be married shortly after Verity's departure. This news shocked Verity as she truly believed them to be the perfect match. "After I took on my father's title, she grew distant and cold... Its for the best." Verity nodded as Colin explained further. Verity had caught wind of Colins father's illness whilst she was in Paris and had sent her regards. Not being by his side is one of her greatest regrets.

"Verity!" a voice interrupted their heartfelt conversation. "Ah Viscount. How pleased we are to receive you, will you be staying for dinner?" said William.

Verity tensed at his presence "Uncle...I was informed you were in Norfolk for business. And Colin has arrangements, the first ball of the season? Surely you haven't forgotten as diplomat"

William chuckled "Is it tomorrow already? This winter seems to have flown by."

"For most it has been excruciating." Replied Verity. She locked eyes with William briefly before he looked away.

Colin finally managed to squeeze a word in between the pair "Thank you for the offer sir but I have work I ought to attend to. It would be my greatest pleasure if you, Mrs Bridgewater and Verity would join us for my mothers' luncheon next week."

William and Verity stood on the steps to the Bridgewater mansion bidding Colin farewell. He galloped into the distance on horseback. Verity could not restrain her words, it felt as though they were fighting to escape her throat "I'm retiring for the night, I'm sure you can understand I do not wish to endure more time in your presence than crucially necessary." 

William brushed off her aggression and merely responded with "As you wish" His response and nonchalance attitude made Verity's blood boil. She turned away and made way for her chambers.

Verity laid on her bed and allowed herself to dream of her time in Paris. An act she hadn't dared engaged in since her return. She remembered the hand craft silk gowns she wore every night before she would perform at the opera. The crowd roaring with praise. The men who called upon her each night with chocolates and flowers hoping to be blessed with a few moments of her time. And of course, the handful of gentlemen who she selected to share her bed. They temporarily helped heal the surface layer of her pain and anger. She was finally beginning to recover before Eleanor sent for her after she fell terminally ill. Once again Verity found herself trapped in the very town she had spent the past two years trying to escape.

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Hope you enjoyed! This is my new novel, I'm super passionate about the storyline and characters. Absolutely cannot wait to share it with everyone and please leave any feedback or thoughts in the comments <3

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