Lady 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...
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Duchess' POV
Bored to my core, with nothing to do but get ready for tonight's event. Which wasn't something to be excited for, tonight's extravaganza is being held in the most exquisite location of the queens gardens. The display of beautiful fires and candles, lake floats and dancing. I have been told that Colin will be late to attend due to business with the Duke and the Viscount. That already is the main reason for my distress as I don't want to look alone.
Make up wasn't something I wore often but with all this time on my hands I ought to experiment. Lilly was said to not be feeling well and I refuse the help of anyone else, so tonight I got myself ready, something I'm not very used to doing. Requiring assistance only for the tightening of my corset, I was pleased with my appearance.
Making my way to the drawing room, I noticed a note had been left on the sideboard upon entrance to the room.
An unfamiliar black wax seal had been used. Unlike the traditional red one that most are accustomed to. Peeling back the off-white paper to reveal a warning,
'Don't drink the wine tonight'
Confused to the assumption that I would even drink the wine, more importantly, why not? Was someone watching me, making sure I was behaving? Tonight wasn't looking so appetizing before this note, it most certainly isn't looking good now.
"Your Grace, it is time."
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A hollow feeling inside me lead me to believe that tonight I must watch myself. After my suspicious walk to the park, I seem to be easily startled. Keeping my whits about me I strolled towards the entrance of the Queen's gardens.
It really was beautiful, just as I have been told. So many candles and fire pits, an orchestra that played so well together in a close knit space. Couples dancing in perfect fit of one another, all I was missing was Colin.
Dwelling was all I had spent my day doing, moping about with a desire to be unhappy. Ignoring the words in my head I found Viscount Bridgerton and the Duke drinking a bronze liqueur and laughing over nonsense.
"Duke, Viscount." I curtsied paying them the formal respect.
"Lady Annabelle, I do believe Colin is on his way, he was held up with a job I asked of him." Simon spoke smiling.
"I must say I am rather quite looking forward to seeing what you have taught him, though I do hope he remembers that work shouldn't always be a burden on his life." Joking slightly, feeling underwhelmed without Colin's presence.
"I assure you, for you have nothing to worry about Lady Annabelle. My brother is one of many traits and work must be the one he is least tolerable of." Viscount Bridgerton smiled offering his sympathy for his brothers absence.
"Not to worry, I am sure he won't be long. And what about Daphne? Has she got better plans tonight?"
"She is here somewhere, I think she was trying to help Eloise find a suitor, I believe she has had some offers but fear that she just doesn't want that life, not yet." Viscount Bridgerton responded.
"I see, and you do not want to help Eloise?" I asked rather presumptuous of myself.
"Well as I am sure the Duke has told you, my interference with Daphne last year almost costed her a lifetime of happiness. So I found it best not to interfere this season. I shall be involved when required."
"I see." Just as I was about to continue a conversation with the pair a waiter came over.
"A glass of wine, your Grace." The blonde haired male slightly bowing before me trying to pass over this strange looking substance.
"I shall think not." I stood my ground looking at the Duke and Viscount who equally looked bewildered by a waiter offering me, a Duchess a glass of wine as an unmarried woman at a social event.
"I believe a certain gentleman has requested it for you. The finest of grapes and blended fruits." The waiter insisted.
"Who might this gentleman be? As you should be aware the Duchess is engaged and the lady said no." The Duke stepped in clearly seeing my discomfort.
"I do beg your pardon, I meant no such offence. It was a man with a lengthy scar on his cheek, he didn't say his name."
At once the waiter left.
But I knew exactly who this man was.
Lord Westington.
"Now then, what have I missed?" The ease in Colin's voice made me feel nausea.
He must have seen the horrified look on my face, placing a his soft hand on the small of my back.
"What is it?"
"Lord Westington just tried to offer your lady a drink." The viscount stood tall trying to make sure no one had seen the scene that just unraveled before my very eyes.
"Certainly not." Colin asked in disbelief.
"Wine, I was warned not to drink the wine." I spoke quietely.
It was now the Duke's turn to have his say.
"By who?"
"I am unaware of the details all I know is that it was sealed with black wax and left on my sideboard."
"This needs to be put to rest, this nonsense. I won't let him near you, you are family now Annabelle. Family look after each other and that is what we will do for you." The Viscount made an exit after his bold statement.
"I will go and see where he is going, Colin stay with Annabelle. This is serious, for all we know Annabelle, someone could have tried to poison you tonight." The Duke followed the Viscounts actions and left.
