Secrets & Scandals •Anthony Bridgerton•

Diamond of the First Water Part II

I have no rights to Bridgerton, all credit except for my own character and plot goes to Netflix and author Julia Quinn for the books. Please see photo above for Danbury Ball dress reference.

Diamond of the First Water Part II

It was the first time that Ester had the time to visit her dearest friend, Daphne. She called upon Daphne to see when a good time for them to speak and visit alone would arrive, and Daphne mentioned she needed a final fitting on her new gown from Madame Delacroix, the shop owner and dressmaker to the most quaint little shop of Modiste.

So, that is where we find Ester, eagerly waiting for Daphne at the bottom of the Bridgerton family stairs.

"Why, if it isn't little Es!" She turned and her eyes met little Colin Bridgerton, except he wasn't so little anymore.

"Colin Bridgerton! Why you sure have sprouted since I've been away!" She smiled and met their gloved hands together, as she knew society and her mother would disapprove of the hug she wanted to give her dearest and youngest male friend.

"I sure have! Mother says I am officially taller than father was." Ester smiled, for she new how Colin was so fond of his father and longed to be like him.

"You didn't mention how your schooling was, in your letters, so do tell me! I am waiting on Daphne and we both know it takes her some time to get ready." Colin chuckled and lead Ester to the sitting room the Bridgerton's usually occupied. However Ester found it rather quiet.

"Where is everyone? It's not like this family to be quiet." Colin belted out a laugh and led Ester to the settee off towards the window.

"Ah, Mother and Eloise are out with Hyacinth for some new skirts I believe, Anthony is who knows where. Benedict is riding with some university fellows and I have just come back from a walk through the park!" Colin sat across from her, on the settee but not too close as society demanded.

"The park is lovely this time of year, I have yet to go." Colin smiled, and shared a look outside.

"Well, I have some time opposite of my studies that I can happily escort a dear friend around the park, I know you do so love to feed the ducks!" Ester smiled and tugged on her skirts.

"Please, I'd love to escape my home. Mother has been increasingly bothersome as of late. Especially with Mariana recently wed, she wishes for me to be soon in the marriage hold." Ester's teeth clenched a little at the thought but Colin was unaware of the short movement Ester had made.

"Yes, how is dear Mariana and good ol' Charles?" Ester shared a knowing look towards Colin. Mariana's husband was an honorable match, however he came from little means. Jacob and Juliana so longed for their eldest and more attractive daughter to choose someone of larger wealth, however Mariana's loving heart took her towards the path of love and not wealth for a husband. A mistake Ester couldn't afford to repeat.

"Well, I see you two have found good company!" Ester nearly leaped out of her seat for joy when she saw Daphne approaching the sitting room.

"Daphne!" She tried to maintain a calm manner but her childish ways found the way through the hardened shell she tried to hold. Daphne however, paid no mind. Nor did Colin, for in his mind Ester was like another sister to him.

"Ester! Oh how I've missed you!" Ester and Daphne shared loud squeals and hugged tightly as they spun around the sitting room. "I wish Mariana had married closer to home, and not out where Charles was from." Ester agreed, her family had traveled the begrudging two hours to the Billingsly manner to have the quaint country wedding his family decided.