The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)

11) To The Future (Part 3)

Duchess' POV

Tears escaped my ducts and my heart began to race at a higher rate than normal. Colin Bridgerton.

"Yes." I breath.

"Yes?" Colin replied with a huge grin spread across his face

"Yes, of course I will marry you." Informally, I leapt from my chair and wrapped my arms around broad his shoulders.

"I seem to have fallen in love with you also." I whispered in his ear as he held me up.

He placed me down and we found ourselves surrounded by his family and the Duke.

"Congratulations I wish you both a life time full of happiness. You deserve this Annabelle." Simon spoke as he pulled me in for a side hug. Colin escaping to the rest of his family.

"I partly have you to thank, it seems you have guided me when I most needed it. So thank you Simon." I pulled away from him, turning towards the Viscountess Bridgerton.

"Welcome to the family darling. I am looking forward to having you in our company. Whatever you need, please do ask."

"Thank you so much Violet, I am sure I will need your help with wedding arrangements as I haven't an idea where to start." I giggled.

"Of course, whatever you need."

The thought of becoming closer to Violet brought me such happiness. With not having my own Mother to help me with these plans makes me feel at a disadvantage, but with how Daphne and Simons wedding came to be, I am certain that she will help me bring what I envision to life.

I am to be a wife, Colin is to be my husband, my Duke, York's Duke. We are to be the Duke and Duchess of York. My thoughts felt like disbelief. I looked over at Colin, I don't think I have ever really admired his true looks like this before, he was more attractive now than I had ever before recognised. Colin caught me gazing at him and flashed me a charming smile. I don't want to spend another minute away from him. I want to be married immediately.

To finish the night we danced together under the stars to the string quartet. I felt so lucky to be held in his embrace.

"Suppose I best get you home before the night is done, for we have a big day tomorrow."

"Very well then, Mr Bridgerton."

The carriage journey was slow but the night air brought chills to my arms.

"Come closer, I can't bare to see you cold" Colin stretched out his arm allowing me to move close into his embrace.

"Thank you." I paused.

"Colin, may I ask you something." My eyes peered up to his ocean eyes.

"Anything." I felt as though he was starring into my soul.

"I feel rather foolish for not asking this sooner, how do you feel knowing that you are soon to be the future Duke of York?"

"If I was to be open with you, I worry that I might not be the most experienced suitor for the role. That said, I have spoken to Simon, he has offered to teach me more about our responsibilities as a Duke and the presence one must have with the people of York. I have a lot to learn but I'm excited to go through this journey with you." Colin Bridgerton, as I live and breathe.

"How is it you have such a way with words? You never cease to amaze me."

"You seem to bring out this way in me, your Grace and I very much look forward to the future we hold."

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The next morning I decided to do something I had never put much thought into before. I read Lady Whistledown's society paper.

Ladies and Gentlemen of London Society,

It appears a certain lonely Duchess found her future Duke last night, Mr Colin Bridgerton. How did this come to be? Merely under a week and they are due to marry at the end of the season. Mr Bridgerton stopped at no expense and put on a beautiful display for HRH. With the Bridgerton family and the Duke of Hastings appearing to be completely approving of the pair, the couple are seemingly smitten with one another. For they are not the only two smitten in the ton. For this year, London's society seem to be making matches all over. For Lady Prudence Featherington seems to have landed herself on the arm of Lord Jefferson. An unlikely match but one that seems to know their way across a ballroom. After all loves about finding the one person who makes your heart complete. Who makes you a better person than you ever dreamed you could be. For some in our society this seems to be the case, others haven't had quite so much luck. For today is the gallery outing, will love still be on the cards for all our budding couples.

They thought I was lonely. It could seem that way I suppose from an outside perspective. However, I maybe without a family but I know that the future Duke and I (my word that sounds amazing) are to make wonderful parents one day. Not anytime soon of course but at some point after our marriage, I brushed off the lonely comment and admired the rest of her work, I see how so many people find this a muse. Starting to wonder what previous papers said about me I decided that now would be a good time to get ready for the day.

For today, Colin is accompanying me to our first official outing as an engaged couple. Eager to see my future husband I called Lilly to my dressing room.

"Good morning your Grace. I see you slept well. You didn't tell me about last night. How did it go?"

"I am engaged Lilly, I found myself a husband."