The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)

5) Happy To Promenade

Duchess' POV

"So tell me, Mr Bridgerton. Tell me if you are not to marry this season how do you plan to spend your time until the next one?"

When I had first mentioned promenading I had never envisioned a companion along side me. To tell the truth I was rather looking forward to some peace and quiet. Yet, with that said, I couldn't ask for better 'unwanted' company. Colin Bridgerton, most definitely not just a boy but a man.

"I am in no rush to marry, not without knowledge of the woman at least. Suppose hypothetically I wasn't to marry I think I would focus on work that must be settled. Anthony has been teaching me all kinds of traits to follow in my late Father's footsteps. So I suppose I would just be working."

"I see, we both seem to have something in common, following in our own Father's footsteps except no Father to guide us." Trying to make light of our situation failed.

"The way I see it is, you may see this negatively or you may take pride in the responsibilities that have been left to our hands. We have been trusted with such courteous jobs and given such wonderful lives. Our Father's are most certainly to thank for that. What about you, your Grace? Where do you find yourself if we aren't to wed this season? I mean if you aren't to wed this season."

Amused at his mishap and rosy cheeks, I saw his efforts to change the conversation and followed suit.

"I see myself perhaps doing a little soul searching. A small travel further into England. That is if I am able to find time away from York. You see I find myself at a pause. Yes I need to marry, I do want to in some ways, I just wish I had more time and guidance." I paused looking towards Lady Danbury who was a few meters behind us. "If I am to be honest, completely. I had hoped to not marry for a while longer. Yet duty comes above all." I sighed looking out to the lake beside us.

"Your Grac-"

"Please, call me Lady Annabelle." I was growing impatient with the formalities.

"Lady Annabelle, I believe you have an invitation tonight." Colin confused me.

"I do?"

"Yes, to dinner at the Bridgerton's" Colin confirmed.

"Whilst that seems lovely-"

It was Colin's turn to interrupt me.

"That was not a negotiable offer, Lady Annabelle. I shall see you tonight 5:30" Colin slyly said before walking away.

I immediately turned to Lady Danbury.

"Well thank you Lady Danbury. I am now going to dinner at the Bridgerton's."

"What a wonderful suggestion, as I told you last night Lady Annabelle, Colin Bridgerton would make a wonderful suitor. Now let's get you home. I shall see you tomorrow evening for the next ball of the season." Lady Danbury spoke.

Before I even had the chance to reply I was rushed off my feet and forced into my carriage.

-----

Once home I decided on a hot bath before tonight's events, I know its early but Colin has made quite the impression on me. I'd like to at least try to look a little more glamorous than usual. Lilly helped me pick out an evening dress that wasn't to formal but still an eye catcher.

I felt I ought to open some mail as I had been in the city for a few days now and I had a few letters building up. This will hopefully pass some time whilst I wait for my departure time.

"Lilly, can you bring the mail to the garden seating area? Perhaps a cup of tea as well? Thank you."

Six letters where placed on a silver tray beside me on the glass table. Beside them was a vintage tea pot brewing the perfect warm substance. Upon on the pile of letters was one addressed to the 'Duke of York'. How very strange, it appears someone must have missed his funeral. Without another thought I opened the letter.

My eyes wandering the page before me. Surely this couldn't be right. I re-read the lines again. Questioning the meaning.

'I fear I may be too late your Grace, but I am writing to you as a reminder of the promise of your daughter's hand in marriage. For Annabelle was promised to Viscount Westington if your debt was not paid. Do expect our arrival to your London residence once the season is near an end.

Yours Truly,

Lady Westington.'

"Lilly!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.

"Your Grace, are you okay?" Lilly spoke worried I was in pain.

"I need Lady Danbury, urgently. Allow the usual companions to prepare the carriage. I shall be leaving immediately." My trembling hands still taking a hold of the letter, I stood up from the chair and hurried into the house.

----

Once arriving at the Danbury house hold I didn't wait to be let out the carriage, I flung the door open and rushed into her house.

"Lady Danbury" I shouted with no response I ran into her coffee room without thinking.

"Lady Danbury!" I shouted again.

I hadn't thought about the possibility or Lady Danbury being accompanied by anyone. I most definitely had not thought she would be accompanied by the Bridgertons. The three brothers and the Duke of Hastings rushing to their feet once I had made my grand entrance. With tears threatening to spill over my eye lips, I gulped looking at everyone's shocked faces.

"Your Grace, what is it? Are you hurt?" Simon stepped up coming closer.

I shook my head frantically. Shaking off my tears, realising how ridiculous I must look.

"No, not at all. I am so sorry I barged in like that. How completely out of character. I had just worried about a dress for tomorrow evening's events, for it has not been delivered yet." I faked a smile before turning to Lady Danbury.

"Lady Danbury, might I borrow you for just a moment." Realising the letter was still in my hand I gave my best attempt to hiding it behind my back.

"Of Course dear, right this way." Lady Danbury rushed forward, clearly seeing though my lies and guided me towards the foyer.

I noticed Colin's eyes, full of concern as I left. Embarrassment. That is all I can say about myself as of now.

"Annabelle, whatever is the matter?" Lady Danbury spoke.

"I just received this letter. Please tell me there is something you can do. I can not be promised to this man." My words were quiet, with two tears escaping my left eye, rolling ever so slowly down my face.

"My word, what trouble was your Father in? To promise the future Duchess of York to a sinner of a man such as Viscount Westington. Annabelle, please do calm down. He will come nowhere near you. I promised your Father I would protect you. I shall do just that. Now as the Duchess of York, you must show your brave face. Go to the powdering room and get yourself together. Come down to the coffee room once you are ready. You have a dinner to attend remember." Lady Danbury encouraged.

"Please don't let me marry him." My voice just above a whisper as I made my way to Lady Danbury's powder room.