Secrets & Scandals •Anthony Bridgerton•

An Affair of Honor Part I

Taube means Dove in German, in case there was confusion.

An Affair of Honor Part I

In a town filled with ambitious mamas and fortune-hunting gentlemen, marrying above one's station is an art form, indeed. But Miss. Daphne Bridgertons' advance from future Duchess to possible Princess is an achievement that even this jaded author must applaud.

Though this author cannot dismiss the Duke of Hastings quite so soon, he may have let the diamond of the season slip through his fingers for now, but I shall wager he is not a man to ever hide from a fight.

Ester Sloehigh did her very best, she really did, in seeing anything come out right for her. After last night's ball, her mother and father took a dreadful turn for the worst. Her father grew even more ill than he originally had been, his health steadily declining.

It was in his room which she currently sat at his bedside with her mother, still in her night clothes, crying into his shoulder as the Physician had left rather abruptly with no words of warning. It was so bad, her mother sent for her elder sister to come home.

The doctors claimed it was a matter of the heart, and the lungs. A disease they didn't understand, but were quick to diagnose as Heart and Lung Disease. A rather broad term for her father's illness, but she believes it better to name an illness straight to the point.

They left the ball immediately after her father had a quick fainting spell. Her mother was thankful he was sitting in a chair with other gentlemen playing cards when it happened, and was not reported in Lady Whistledown's paper. (After all, it was the woman who gossiped more than the man---in most cases.)

Ester's plan was originally to mope and cry that Daphne had taken out not only her chance at possible happiness, but Cressida's as well. Which Cressida was more vocal in her opinions than Ester but Ester certainly if given the chance would explain that.

However, Ester's plans were cut short when she received a note. 'Ester' was all that was listed on the front of the letter, but knowing the handwriting well enough, she excused herself and retreated to the hall to read the elegant hand.

Ester,

If it is not in the slightest inconvenience, as I am aware of your father's recent illness, I would be more than honored if you were to join me at Hasting's Hall...there are rather urgent matters I wish to discuss with you, my dear friend.

Simon

Ester tossed the paper into her arm purse and quickly made her way to the door. Deciding this was not a matter that required her to be properly dressed, she just called for a horse from the stable boy (who was more of an apprentice, as he was not paid only but in food) that she would ride bareback.

She missed the country and this would be a moment for her to relive it. Galloping, rather unladylike like to Hastings Hall, a name she had come up for it, as Simon rather tried to avoid his father after his mistreatment with his studies she was happy to help him make happy ones there.

It wasn't a terribly long journey, but by the time she arrived she was rather famished and awaited lunch. She could only hope Simon had something to eat....her mother purchasing the dress she wore last night...well...it was all they had left until next month.

"Ma'am, The Duke is in the drawing room, the lower level." Nodding, I let the hand help me down, and walked towards the drawing room, why anyone needed two she'd never know. In fact, she didn't even hardly use the one her family had.

When she arrived, she was immediately hit with two grand emotions; glee and sorrow. Glee, for the enormous food trays that awaited on a table, and sorrow for her friend who seemed to be morning at the chair.