i guess i have to be a lady - a bridgerton fanfiction

eight

"Isn't it great?" Perseus asks his brother Peter as he walks into the parlour of their estate, where Peter can be found downing a glass of such libations.

"And what would that be brother?" Peter returns a question, not even turning around to face Perseus.

"Bridgerton. He showed up, he made an impression, and apparently, even Persephone is enjoying his company," Perseus answers with an accomplished grin stamped on his face. Peter turns around, his face stamped with confusion.

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean Perseus," Peter tells him, propping an eyebrow.

"Well, everything is going according to plan," Perseus says back to his brother only to see Peter still not understanding what he is saying. "Mr. Bridgerton is most likely the only suitor that will favor our disesteemed sister. Have you seen how he looks at her? He might as well be in love." Perseus laughs while Peter finishes his drink in a timely manner before setting his glass on the table firmly. "Persephone will marry Mr. Bridgerton."

"Right," Peter scoffs.

"Well, what has you in a twist?" Perseus asks. "Shan't you be happy? Grateful, even."

"And why do you presume this?" Peter stares at the wall in front of him.

"Because brother, this will help us in our future endeavors. Think about how delighted father would be, how satisfied mama's smile will be, the connections, the allies, well everything will be grand. Not to mention Persephone will have a life of her own, no longer getting in the way of business here for our family," Perseus explains with a grin on his face. "Life will be simple. Life will be... right."

"Just perfect," Peter sputters under his breath and into his now empty glass, hiding his words from his brother.

"Peter, if my memory has not confused me, you were the one to plant the seed for this marriage, were you not?" Perseus questions.

"You are becoming older brother, for I have not said such thing," Peter scoffs once more.

"You told me that Mr. Bridgerton was a pleasurable suitor for our sister. I simply acted on the information I was told," Perseus tells him. Silence falls upon the two of them and Perseus clears his throat. "Look, you want to make Mama and Papa proud, right?" Perseus lowers his voice and begins to say: "You shall converse with Mr. Bridgerton, promote the idea of wedded life with our sister, and I'll deal with our tenacious Persephone. Soon we'll have a beautifully planned marriage and everything will be as it shalt. Of course, if you wanted to continue your life of disappointment and ineffectuality, 'touring' around the world and never growing up, then be my guest. I'm going to bring significance to our family name, with or without the help of my brother."

Peter winces at the idea of not only going behind one of his best friends' back but betraying his sister's trust as well. He pours the liquid found in the round bottle of whiskey into his glass, he urges the rich alcohol down his throat, swallows before telling his brother:

"Fine. I'll do it."

________

"Well? Are you to speak or will you just stand there and watch me?" Persephone asks the figure behind her as she paints delicately on the canvas in front of her. Her head still faces the unfinished painting in front of her, but she can sense eyes on her.

"M-My dearest apologies, Miss Rosewater," Ramsby stutters and Persephone's eyes widen for she thought this presence she felt was her brother's. She turns around quickly to face Ramsby and her face suddenly heatens up in embarrassment.