The London Ton

Chapter 13 - Pleasing the End

Dearest reader,

Once again the social season is drawing to an end. This author find herself drawing upon her words since she had claimed the end of the last social season to be memorable and she must take back her words, for the end of this season shall be even grander than the last. Indeed, it seems that the renewed and most eligible bachelor of the town, the Viscount Anthony Bridgerton is to be married with none other that the Incomparable of the season, the new Duchess of Wellington. If this season was by far the most scandalous yet, it will end in the greatest of way with the union of a true love match. This author sends her congratulations to the couple for they simply seems perfect for each other.

Alina read the paper while taking her breakfast with Lady Danbury in her estate. Her marriage with the Viscount had been announced yesterday at the Hastings ball which celebrated the end of the season.

The marriage may have seemed late for most people but after the scandal of her father and the admission of their feelings towards each others, Alina and Anthony had both wished to take their time to engage in a real courtship. It had been wonderful weeks, Alina often found herself busy with her new obligations as a Duchess but she had received great help from Anthony who had been here to help her in every steps in fulfilling her role. It had been decided that even though Alina was to become the Viscountess Bridgerton after their union, she would keep her title as the Duchess of Wellington. It was not traditional, as Anthony should have taken the title of Duke at the same time of her hand but he wished for her to keep her title and the power that came with it saying that he did not need another title, struggling enough with the one he already had. If they were to have children, the first boy would receive the title of Viscount and the first daughter the title of Duchess.

Despite her new duties, Anthony made sure to offer the Duchess a real courtship. He would whisk her away in the middle of the day for a ride in Hyde park or show up late at night for a dance under the stars. Everyday, she fell more and more in love with him and the new side of him she was able to discover.

Once, while she was having tea at the Bridgerton house, Anthony was playing with his younger siblings, a wide smile unmoving from his face. Lady Bridgerton was watching them from her place on the sofa next to Alina and the elder Lady admitted to her, words that the young Duchess was sure she would never forget.

"Thank you, Alina." Said the matriarch, still watching her children. "You brought back my son to me. I had not seen him so happy since his father died, it is as if your presence and his love for you brought him back to the young and loving young man I once knew."

The words had brought tears to her eyes and she couldn't help but to smile as she watched her future husband so relaxed with his siblings.

Near the end of the season, after a long day of paperwork Alina was shaken from her mid slumber by a knock at the door of the study she had recently been occupying in Lady Danbury's estate.

Anthony was at the door, smiling at her tired form.

"I am sorry to interrupt, perhaps you wish to go to sleep, you seem exhausted."

But his mere presence was enough to shake any thought of sleep from her.

"Not at all, I am happy to see you. To what do I owe the honour of your visit ?"

"I simply wished to see you, and hoped that you would indulge me in a walk ?" He said walking toward her and producing a bouquet of cornflowers from his back. She smiled at him, getting up and taking the flowers.

She hid her smile in the bouquet and looked up at him from beneath her eyelashes.

"Are you offering a walk unchaperoned in the dark, my Lord ?" She asked teasingly.