Secrets & Scandals •Anthony Bridgerton•

The Duke and I Part I

The Duke and I Part I

Ester didn't remember anything after returning to Bridgerton. The only thing that she understood was that her head was swelling with pain. Her eyes felt like they could burst out of their sockets and her mouth was considerably dry. She remembered fuzzily seeing Daphne run outside and she began to follow her towards the stables....however she didn't remember anything after that.

She knew she was married to Anthony Bridgerton, drunk or not. How would someone manage to forget that piece of information? She was Ester Bridgerton now. As well as she knew there was a duel...seeing no Anthony or signs of Anthony, she only assumed two things.

One; Anthony was dead. A reasonable thought considering usually someone does die in a duel and to be frank....he stood no chance against Simon. Two; he was arrested and put in jail for dueling. Okay, maybe there was a third reason; he won and fled the country. It was nearly mid-day and Ester knew that by the way the sun was practically a beacon into the room she was sitting in.

What was I supposed to do now? Ester didn't know what to do. Does she explain that she merely spent the night? Does she not say anything and try to escape the Bridgerton household and wait to find out about Anthony?

Luckily, she didn't have to decide what to do, because she noticed a starch white piece of paper on the nightstand beside the bed she was laying in with her name in elegant calligraphy; Mrs. Bridgerton.

Hesitantly after letting her eyes try to adjust to the insane sunlight from her hangover, she ripped open the wax seal on the back.

Good morning my fellow sister-in-law.

It appears you have decided to sleep an entire day away and I dare say you have missed an awful lot while your head was filled with deep dreams and your stomach filled with whiskey! Turns out our brave sister Daphne interrupted the...event...shared some enlightening words to Hastings where they both proclaimed they were getting married!? I know, I wish they would have decided it sooner.

Nevertheless I came back with Anthony and Daphne in tow, ready to introduce them to the new Viscountess Ester Bridgerton, the wife of Viscount Anthony Bridgerton but you see you were sleeping so deep that Anthony said to leave you be.

No need to worry as Anthony has already informed the ton that you are blissfully married--with your parents backing the information as well as the church. Leaving you with the knowledge that Lady Whistledown has already written a fetching review on the matter. Mother isn't pleased but at the same time, Daphne's wedding came at the perfect time.

With all affections,

Benedict Bridgerton

P.S- Marieabelle has been checking on you by the hour for when you wake up.

Ester was astounded--everyone already knew that she was married? Well in a way, that was splendid for her. She still couldn't believe that she was actually married and she now had money to her name. I have money. Oh my gosh, I have money! Ester tried not to become greedy but it was rather difficult in that specific moment to not become greedy.

Deciding not to wait on Marieabelle to assist her, she grabbed the dress she was previously wearing two days ago, noticing it was washed she quickly dressed herself and at a few biscuits on the table where her dress was. Marieabelle was going to make her fat if all the biscuits were that good here.

When she was dressed and walked down to meet Anthony who was standing at the doorway of his office who she saw was speaking to a servant who held broken objects in his hand that looked like a vase.