Duchess POV
Back at my house hold, exhausted from the boring day I had, I decided to change into a lighter and less formal day dress to promenade in. I fear I may fall asleep if I do nothing but sit for the rest of the day. Desiring a quiet walk alone with my thoughts; ought to be a nice way to end the day.
Making my way through London ton to the local park seemed like a mission in itself. It seemed much busier than usual. But then again, I am so used to being in the country, anymore than 6 people in a street at the same time seems awfully barbaric to me. A bench at the front of the park looked rather comfy. Taking a seat I started to turn the frail pages of my book to the marker I had left just past midway. It was about true love. Something I feel I haver never felt until now.
As engrossed in my book I was, a presence could be felt around me. I peered over the top of the pages and couldn't see anyone. Yet I just couldn't shake the feeling, it left me uneasy. I gripped my book in my hands and left. Fearing I had made a mistake leaving my home alone. Having always been warned that the streets of London are not for the fainthearted, my Father would tell me awful things. Possibly things that a lady with my honour shouldn't know. Yet there is so much that I do not know.
This must be the one time I had longed for my carriage and works men. I made it to the end of my path when a small tap on my shoulder startled me.
"Ah." I jumped out my skin.
"My deepest apologies your Grace. I didn't mean to startle you." It was Lilly.
"Oh Lilly, you gave me such a fright. You will never believe what I think just happened." We spoke as we walked to the house.
"Sorry my lady, what you think happened? Might I ask?"
"Well I sat on the park bench you know the brown wooden one at the entrance? I was just minding my own business, reading my book and I felt like I was being watched so I just came home."
"Well you are safe now, where you unaccompanied?" Lilly tried to reassure me.
"Yes I just felt I needed some alone time after the hectic few days I have had. I know I should have at least told someone I was leaving but I just wanted to be alone."
"Even you should know that being alone isn't one of your luxuries, you're a Duchess." Lilly dismissed what I said clearly over looking my true feelings.
"I guess, well I'm going to retire early tonight." I started making my way up the stairs.
"But you haven't had dinner?"
"I'm not hungry." I yelled back.
I needed to sleep, I needed to be alone and sleep.
Feeling hard done by I left a note outside my room politely asking for no wake up call in the morn.
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10:15 AM
My word, maybe no wake up call was a mistake, waking up at such an unthought of hour.
"Good you're awake, you have visitors in the drawing room." Lilly spoke as she made he way over to my dressing station.
"You must get ready at once, your Grace."
"Who is it?" I spoke with a slight yawn escaping my mouth, how very much un-lady like that was of me.
"Your fiancé, Lady Bridgerton and Lady Danbury. You are aware you arranged to meet with them this morn at the Bridgerton house, aren't you?" Lilly stopped for a second admiring my face.
"Are you unwell your Grace?" She continued.
"I am very much well, thank you Lilly. I am simply tired and would love to do nothing but rest for the entirety of the day. However, I am to wed within two weeks. Therefore arrangements are to be made."
With both plimsoles placed on my feet I made my way to the stair case, hearing loud voices from below.
"Well she must be sick, what lady sleeps in at such an ungodly hour?" That was Lady Danbury, she will have my head for this act.
"I'm sure she is just tired." Colin's sweet voice spoke as I made it to the door arch of the room.
"I am quite well, simply catching up on my beauty sleep before the big day." I smiled placing my hand on Colin's arm to reassure him.
"Well how splendid of you to grace us with you presence. Your Grace." Lady Danbury gave me the look.
The look that only a fool would retaliate to.
I simply smiled and proceeded to sit down with Lady Bridgerton on my right and Colin and Lady Danbury across from us.
"Now shall we start with flowers?" Lady Bridgerton brought up a topic to distract Lady Danbury.
"We shall, I am quite the fan of simplicity and neutral colours. I know it is tradition for the bride to make such decisions however I quite look forward to your input Mr Bridgerton."
I do like tradition but not this one, this will be our only marriage and I hope that it is a day we look back on and celebrate.
"I'm taken back, I-I well, if I had to decide. White roses, with some greenery. For purity and wholesome is represented in white and roses are but the most romantic flowers of all."
Slightly blushing at his statement, I clapped my hands together somewhat riddled with a burst of excitement, as notes where taken for the arrangements.
"We make an excellent team."
Wedding planning continued for another two hours before all decisions where made and the date was set.
"That was quicker than I thought, I have arranged an artist for you already and your wedding dress appointment is two days from now. Have you any other wishes?" Lady Bridgerton proceeded.
"I believe that will be all, Colin would you like to have a drink at the café, my ladies maid will be most happy to chaperone." Hoping for a different answer to the one that left his mouth.
"As much as I would love to accompany you, I am afraid I have business with the Duke to tend to. However tomorrow? Perhaps you would enjoy some lunch at the bistro?"
"That sounds quite lovely."
YOU ARE READING
The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)
FanfictionLady Annabelle Rothwingham - Duchess of York. Despite her eagerness for a life filled with independence and her hopes to marry only for love. Annabelle could not allow herself to have that choice, for she was a lady, a female. For they did not have...
