The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)

6) A letter from Papa

Duchess' POV

Dinner was slightly awkward. I fear that my mood has been passed round all bodies at the table. With no chatter or small talk, all that could be heard was the sound of silver cutlery hitting the antique plates. The Bridgerton chief had prepared venison with various vegetables. I must admit I much prefer the meat on offer up North than what can be bought down south. Realising how boring I sound, I allowed my eyes to leave the comfort of my plate and glanced around the table landing them upon Colin. Watching as he ate his food, it looked as though something was on his mind.

"Lady Annabelle, I must ask. Did you manage to resolve your situation?" Daphne spoke.

"My situation? Oh, yes. Thank you Daphne. Lady Delacroix will be delivering it herself in the morning." Almost forgetting my previous lie, I pulled myself together before digging my grave further.

"Very good, your Grace. You should accompany myself and the Duke tomorrow evening. We haven't spent much time with each other since your arrival and I am very curious to hear all about your stories of the Duke and yourself growing up." I was taken back by Daphne's request. I was stating to think that Simon had forgot all about me and our friendship. Perhaps she was just being polite.

"That is such a kind offer your Grace. I don't want to be a burden on your plans." Politely I tried to decline the invitation.

"We insist Lady Annabelle. Perhaps we can talk about possible suitors you have found this season." Simon replied this time taking what he thought was a subtle glance at Colin. Which some how led me to blush a slight pink shade.

"If you are sure, that would be lovely. Suppose a catch up it long overdue." I smiled.

The meal came to an end, the only items left of the table where our drinks.

"Lady Annabelle, I don't believe we have managed to have a word since you arrived, would you like to follow me to the meeting room." Violet mentioned.

"Of course." This seemed to have caused some furrowed eyebrows around the table but I chose to put that to the back of my mind.

In the next room Violet was stood by the window with an envelope in her hand.

"The letter, I shall give you a minute alone to read it." Violet handed me the letter before heading out.

'Dear my darling daughter,

You must know how much I truly loved you, my heart hasn't always been in the best place. You remind me so much of your mother, for that I often resented you. My heart aches to think about you alone without anyone to guide you further through your next stages of life. Know that your Mother would be beyond proud of the young woman you have ever so perfectly moulded into.

Please know that for what you are about to read I am so sorry. I have carried this weight heavy on my heart to the grave.

I found myself in some bother with some awful people, my only way out was to promise you to a man I know you will never love. Previously I have told you that you shall not marry for love as in our line of work we do not have that luxury. I was wrong. Your Mother was merely a woman who came about from an act of passion. Love came naturally and I couldn't allow her to marry another, so before she had the chance I claimed her as my own bride. You should have the chance to find not only happiness and passion but love also. But I find myself in a position that will leave you without a Father and someone to protect you and your virtue. The thought of you in a marriage with a man who you cannot provide you with certain comforts unsettles me.

The only way out of this union is to marry before the suitor I have promised you to arrives. I beg of you to find yourself engaged by the 6th day of the season. You must.

Lord Westington is the man you are promised to. You must burn this letter in hope that this is the only evidence of the promise.

I hope you find it in your heart to believe me and my apology, for you have been my life. You will make an excellent Duchess and I know you will find a husband well suited to the Duke role.

You have my love and honour watching over you,

Love Papa x

----

Tears once again fell from my eyes. I needed to find a husband and quick.

"Your Grace?" That voice, I knew ever so well.

"What is it? What's happened?" Colin knelt down on one knee and placed his hand on mine.

This was the most intimacy I think I have ever felt. I looked at his hand which he soon retracted.

"You see I find myself in a dilemma Colin." I'm not sure I have ever called him by just his first name. " I seem to be promised to a man who I simply can not and will not love. A man who will ruin York and my Family name. He will ruin not just my city but me." My voice trembles slightly as I can no longer talk.

"But you can not marry a man who you do not love, especially if his intentions are to ruin yourself. Surely their is something we can do." Colin seemed hopeful.

"If I am not at most engaged by the sixth day of the season I will have no other choice Colin." I smiled grateful at his attempt to fix my situation through my tears.

"This is my mess to un-crease, thank you for your offer Colin but I am either to marry a man who I can not stand or marry a stranger off the street."

"I won't allow it." Colin stood up and left the room.

Whatever did he mean he 'wont allow it'. Last I checked we had no promise to each other. Sure the man is charming, thoughtful, kind hearted. Sure, it may help that I find him beautiful to look at. Still, that does not mean I have any feelings for the Bridgerton.

Why was I having all these thoughts, an aching feeling in my chest, rosy cheeks from his presence. What is this that I am overwhelmed with?

-----

Thank you for all your support so far, I didn't expect to even get one read. Let alone over 200.

My thoughts are with all of you in these trying times. I hope you all manage to find comfort and an escape through this book and the series. I'm watching it for the fourth time now.

All my love,

K x