The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)

17) Lady Whistledown writes nothing but the truth after all

Duchess' POV

Ever so heavy my eye lids fluttered open as I felt stirring from beside me. I had slept ever so well given the circumstances. Confusion flickered through my mind as I remembered Colin coming in yesterday and swarming me with all the love I could ever need. So gentle with his touch, his words so elegant. Believing he still wanted me after Lord Westington, is just beside me. As luck would have it, I have found myself the most eligible of bachelors. I have found my Duke. 

I turned to my left startled at the ocean blue eyes staring back at me.

"Good morning my love." Colin's words made me swoon.

"Although, I must admit waking up to you really does make my morning 'good' whatever are people going to say? Colin what are people speaking of the events with Lord-"

"You mustn't worry about that right now, his name, his anything. Please do not focus your mind on such events. Lady Danbury, my Mother, Simon, Daphne, Anthony and Benedict are in the drawing room. They have resolved the situation and your virtue remains very much sacred. I assure you that none of your worries must remain non-other than in your mind. When you are ready, please meet us downstairs." His graceful words eased my worrying mind.

I watched him leave my room, a feeling I thought I would never have to experience before marriage.

Yet here I find myself with two men leaving in corresponding days.

A knock at the door interrupted me careless thoughts.

"Enter."

"Your Grace, may I assist you with your dressing?" An unfamiliar face came through my door.

"And who might you be? Where is Lily?" I spoke unhappy with the face in front of me.

"I'm Anna, I do apologise it seems Lily is still unwell and has gone home your Grace. For she does not wish to spread her illness"

I nodded at her response, feeling bad for the girl who seemed younger than myself. Knowing she was only doing as she has been instructed.

"Very well, the dress I wish to wear is the white one with a slight silver to the hem, do you know the one?" I asked as she walked over to just one of my many wardrobes.

Anna pulled out the very dress. I nodded with approval. Immediately helping me put it on I could feel her eyes on my bruises and wounds. Trying to not feel so ashamed I continued to allow her to dress me.

Pulling myself together, Anna placed a light makeup over my cheeks and puffy eyes. Lightly moving my hair into a more formal look, appropriate for the occasion.

"You did well Anna, thank you." I gave her a grateful smile before I left the room, noticing guards stood outside my bedroom.

This made me feel like I was helpless, but I guess that night I was helpless.

I rested my hands over my dress before entering the drawing room, to be greeted by my loved ones.

As I walked in Colin stood up, everyone's eyes resting upon the two of us.

Anthony's POV

"Your Grace, whilst we all set our deepest regret and concern upon the events taken place, we must also look to how the situation is resolved to the ton. For which we consider it to be solved." I spoke as Lady Annabelle took a seat bedside my brother.

"Please, you don't have to do anything. This is my mess, and I shall sort it." Annabelle tried to refuse the help.

"Please, for you are to be a sister-in-law to all of us. We already consider you family, and we have fixed the problem already. You needn't worry." Daphne spoke up.

"We have spread the word that you stayed the night with Daphne and Simon at the Basset estate on the other side of town, for that Colin had accompanied you to the Basset estate and went home. You didn't want to travel home alone at such a late hour. Continuing, when you arrived home the next morning you came to learn that Lord- well he who shall not be named broke into your property. That is all. You were not home at the time and you have an alibi. That is the story, we must all stick to. As you will read in Lady Whistledown's most recent papers. You will see this story has already begun to spread."

Dear my loyal readers,

Whilst all is fair in love and war, a certain Duchess found herself at the brisk of what would appear to be a war zone after last night's extravaganza. The Duchess spent her evening accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Hastings. Questionable judgement of alcohol perhaps? Hopelessly oblivious to the nature of events taking place at her own estate. For Lord Westington, a gentleman with no gentleness about him – a man known to the north for his accountability of the gambling scenes of Yorkshire. Somehow found his self far from home, when caught breaking into the Duchess of Yorkshire's London home.

It is my regret to share such news as something much darker than we might have feasibly envisioned was attempted last night. Lord Westington was not only found in the Duchess' house but in her personal suite. Quite the crime was committed. The Duchess chose her moves wisely last night for this morning might have rolled out to be quite the scandal.

The man guilty of treason is being held at the Queen's palace awaiting his sentence. Meanwhile I hear that Mr Colin Bridgerton has requested his marriage to be moved up to the end of this week. Such a sweet man seeking to protect his fiancé.

As we all know, a Bridgerton wedding is one of many joyous occasions. Perhaps they may choose to have a grander ceremony. For they are a love match after all.

Yours truly,

Lady Whistledown 

I read out the words Lady Whisledown spoke. 

"Colin, you have requested to marry by the end of the week?" Annabelle interjected. 

"I thought it would be best, but only if you consent? For I don't wish to force any decision upon you, especially one you aren't ready for." My brother continued to speak his case. 

"You needn't tiptoe around me with you words. I have been ready to marry you since the day we met. Saturday seems like the perfect day to me." Annabelle continued. 

Just like that, the date was set my brother was to be married, before myself and to a Duchess.