Secrets & Scandals •Anthony Bridgerton•

Shock and Delight Part III

SHOCK AND DELIGHT PART III

Ester and her family, sadly gathered around the table as they awaited the newest scandal of Grovener's Square that would hopefully put them past the minds of society with Lady Whistledown's newest article.
Her father quickly read aloud;

This author has often thought the heart a most curious of instruments, heeding neither reason or rank. For what possible explanation might Miss. Bridgerton have for entertaining the suit of a mere baron when she seems to have secured a Duke? Could the debutante's mind not be the only thing amiss?

Let it be known, dear reader, that if this bizarre behavior portends yet another scandal, then be sure that I shall uncover it, for there is nothing like an excursion into nature to lift the spirits and loosen the tongue. Or in case of the Sloehighs, a chance at emptying out their pockets."

Jiliana sighed and plopped into her chair once more, no longer interested in the rest of Lady Whisledown's paper.

"Will we ever escape the claws of society?" Her father chuckled with a slightly wheezing cough and smiled and his daughter.

"Hopefully, Ester here at the picnic today, thanks to the Duke, will do us proud. I know she will." Ester smiled at her father, always one to encourage her.

"As if!" Her mother said, quickly leaving the room, her plate unfinished.

__________

The picnic was a rather elegant event, more so than she anticipated. Wearing a dress she had already worn this season she knew she couldn't hide her family's fortune a secret for much longer. However, she was determined to follow Simon's deal and find a way to secure her fortune for her family.

Boats floating and gliding across the lake, tents of all shapes, colors and sizes and people galore just gallivanting around the park. Seeing Daphne's family tent, she quickly walked over, ignoring the glances and glare from others.

The only thing saving her from embarrassment, is knowing she had no tent to rest under. So, if things were to go south, she could always leave. Her mother and father, off walking the trails, eagerly avoiding the high stares of the golden geese.

"Daphne, my dear friend, you look simply radiant under the sun with your family!" Ester beamed as her friend, quickly rose out of the sitting position she was in, to hug her friend. Ester knew Daphne had been brooding, not enjoying a moment without the spotlight.

Ester loved Daphne like her own sister, but even she knew that Daphne couldn't stand even just a fragment of the social injustice she was having. Daphne would crumble like the basic housewife she was.

"Ester! I am so happy that you have come, and just in time to lighten my spirits. I seem to be out of sorts today." Ester and Daphne then sat down once more, when Ester felt the seat besides her sink lower.Anthony.

"I was not aware sister, of what Berbrooke attempted. I would have helped you. You should have told me." Daphne, aware that Ester was there, took the courage and bravery her friend normally provided her.

"Would you have believed me? Did you only believe what happened with Lord Berbrooke because another man told you?"

"You truly esteem me so little?" Anthony retorted, now in a half sitting, half laying position.

"After I apprised you of my wishes, and you proceeded to ignore them...yes brother, I do."

Then, almost as if rehearsed, Ester, Daphne and Anthony heard the sound of a galloping horse approaching the Bridgerton family tent. It was none other than Simon Hastings. Ester knowing her friend would be off scampering for another man's attention, while having another at her side.