Pastel Skies {Bridgerton}

Chapter 3

Dear Reader,
If my eyes did not deceive me the Duke was seen taking a morning stroll, a quite animated one along Lady DeGrave. Perhaps she has scored a point on our board? Although I was informed that he was one of the many callers over at the Bridgerton residence. My my what a busy young man. Do you not agree?
Lady Whistledown's Society Papers 1 May 1813

Marie looked up from the Lady Whistledown's gossip sheet in her hands "The Duke of Hastings for Lady Bea, madam." Giles announced "Just send him in Giles." she said continuing to read about the Smythe-Smith's concert to be held in the following days "Good afternoon Duchess DeGrave." Simon smiled making his way into the room, no sign of Bea "Was I hoping for a suitor? Yes. Am I disappointed it's you? No. How have you been dear?" She put down the sheet on her lap trying not to frown, taking a cup from the tray on the table next to her chair she sipped the hot tea. Simon shifted his weight from one leg to the other "Very well, thank you. Is Bea home?" "I believe she is outside, earlier this morning she spoke of watercolors or something along those lines. Feel free to wait for her or go search, Simon." Marie said knowing well he would go in search of her. "Excuse me then." Simon nodded before going.

Simon spent five minutes looking for the correct door that leads to the back until a young startled maid showed him. "Bumble Bea!" Simon called as soon he stepped out "What?" she called back. Bea lay sprawled out on the grass in the middle of the yard her head on a blanket "I have some news," he happily joined her "Lady Bridgerton loved the flowers." she hummed not opening her eyes the warmth of the sun too lovely after the rain from the days before.

Simon sat and waited "Stop being so hesitant and just tell me what happened." she said he chuckled "By the way we have let Anthony in on the plan." she opened her eyes "And how'd that go?" "He called us mad." "And I called you stupid," Bea said Simon pinched her arm making her yelp. Bea rolled onto her stomach "What else happened, you busy young man?" She quoted Lady Whistledown "There were six callers, seven including me. I was even invited to dinner." Simon looked at a cloud passing by it reminded him of a bird.

"I'm surprised to see you alive then." Bea joked "Barely. Anthony and Benedict kept sending me quite deadly stares from the other end of the dinner table. I even believe young Hyacinth tried to out me with a pea." "How scandalous!" she gasped sarcastically "Whatever would Lady Whisledown say?" He added, placing his hands behind his head laying down "Wow seven callers, Lady Bridgerton must have been overjoyed." Bea picked at a blade of grass "And you?" "Just one. A Matthew something, but I lied and told grandmama there had been none." Bea said "Bea, why would you do that?" He asked "Because I do not wish to marry and you know that." she whispered.

"I thought you'd changed your mind." Simon sat up "No, I know we were young when I told you. Even if I happen to fall in love I shall not marry." the air had become thick. Bea sat up abruptly "Cook made some lemon poppyseed bread this morning. And I believe she was working on some of her famous chocolate cake before I came out." she stood brushing the dirt off her dress. Simon nodded mentally noting not to bring up the subject again. Bea picked up her blanket and lead the way to the kitchen.

They heard voices coming from the drawing-room as they walked down the hall. Simon raised a brow "Callers?" he presumed she pushed his shoulder lightly "Bite your tongue Simon Basset!" Bea whispered giggling. Bea gained her composure as the door opened "Ah I was just about to ring for Giles to fetch you, my dear." Marie nodded to their guests "Our neighbors have come around for a visit, may I introduce the Viscountess Bridgerton and her children whom you've already met I hear." Six heads turned to Bea and Simon, who stood in the doorway. "My granddaughter Elizabeth DeGrave and I assume you must already know the Duke of Hastings." Simon slyly took a small step to the forward as he bowed "Good afternoon." Bea curtsied "Good afternoon. A pleasure to meet you Lady Bridgerton." She said politely. Anthony looked between the two disapprovingly at the sight of no chaperone.