Strange

eleven

Charlotte had to keep herself from squealing in excitement when she woke up from her slumber and saw Vanessa's head resting on Miles' shoulder, and his head resting on hers while they slept. Then she had to keep herself from laughing when right next to her was a wide eyed Mary, staring at the pair in shock.

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"Nessa?"

Vanessa felt a gentle nudge at her shoulder.

"Miles! We've almost arrived."

She heard a more aggressive nudge take place beside her.

She opened her eyes slightly and realized that it was Mary who woke her up and nudged her. Of course, Charlotte was on the other side, not caring at all for Miles' comfort when she woke him up. She basically rattled him. Vanessa opened her eyes fully and felt Miles move beside her. She glanced to the side and noticed that he was awfully close to her. She could feel his warmth, and she could smell his cologne. It was like when they danced.

Oh no.

Vanessa shot her head straight, realizing too late that she had been resting her head against his shoulder. A rather broad shoulder at that. She heard Miles grunt beside her, possibly in pain.

Oh goodness. 

She glanced at him and he was visibly confused, from waking up and the missing head that he had been resting his own on. His head had bobbed downward when she moved so suddenly. "Sorry about that." She told him, trying not to blush. 

Then she realized he was holding her hand- or rather her wrist- and she couldn't help but blush at that. Did he apply his massage remedy while she slept to ensure she would not wake up dizzy? 

She assumed Miles also realized their intimate position, because he quickly let go and created distance between them in the seat. Then he tugged his cravat and cleared his throat, making Vanessa bring her hand to her lips to hold back a laugh. Charlotte seemed to notice.

"You two got quite close on the ride didn't you?" Charlotte teased them and Miles glared at her. 

"Vanessa got dizzy and I assisted her with the nausea." Miles told his sister.

"Oh, so you do get sick when you ride backwards?" Charlotte asked Vanessa.

Vanessa nodded, "I learned the hard way. I assumed I would be fine because I felt normal for the first half of the ride, but then I closed my eyes and all hell broke loose. I'm just glad I did not vomit."

Miles laughed, "I am very glad you didn't vomit. I certainly would have been a victim if you did. And I rather like the clothes I'm wearing right now."

Vanessa rolled her eyes.

"And all this happened while we were asleep?" Charlotte asked, curious.

"It was very eventful, and amusing. At one point I insisted on sitting on the floor and almost sat on Mary's feet. I was surprised she didn't even stir in her sleep." Vanessa said, chuckling.

"What?" Charlotte laughed, "I don't believe it."

"The part where I sat on the floor or when Mary didn't wake up?"

"The latter. I absolutely believe that you would sit on the floor of a moving carriage. It seems perfectly something Vanessa Everleigh would do. But I refuse to believe that Mary is that much of a heavy sleeper." She looked at Mary, "You must've noticed it at least, and chose to go back to sleep."

Mary shrugged, "I did not notice anything. I woke up when you did."

The carriage came to a stop and Miles opened the door. He stepped down and helped Charlotte get out soon after. He walked to the other side of the carriage to help Mary down, and lastly Vanessa. 

Vanessa did not feel it until she reached for Miles' hand as she stepped out of the carriage, she was lightheaded. She stumbled out of the carriage with Miles holding her hand and ready to catch her if she fell. 

"Are you feeling alright?" Miles asked her, concerned.

"Yes, I think. I'm not queasy nor dizzy, just a little lightheaded. It will clear."

Charlotte did not seem concerned, happy to see that Miles was assisting her. "I will go greet mother and help her with the preparations." 

"Go on, I will escort Vanessa to her room and ensure she doesn't fall halfway through the house." Miles told Charlotte.

"Please, Miles it's fine. I'm fine. I can handle myself. The other guests will arrive soon anyway and you must be there to greet them." Vanessa declined his help, wanting some time away from him since she was still feeling flustered with their position in the carriage.

"Are you sure?" He asked, genuinely worried. 

"Yes, Miles, I'm sure." She smiled at him weakly. "You don't have to worry about me, I wont be scratching my skin off." She joked and he relented. Then off she went, knowing exactly where her room was. 

Vanessa couldn't recall when it started, but at one point in time, Kate had assigned her a room in Aubrey Hall's family wing, which had been her room any time she visited ever since. Once settled into her room, Vanessa laid in bed and began to rest, but she could not stop thinking about Miles. She had practically been snuggling up next to him, right in front of Charlotte and Mary. Goodness, what might Charlotte be thinking? That she fancies her brother? She couldn't have Charlotte running around gossiping about them, she had to tell her as soon as possible that there was nothing between them.

Vanessa heard more carriages roll in and she went to her window to watch. From her room, she could see the Bridgerton family standing a line, ready to greet the guests. Miles stood between his mother and Charlotte. The family would've been complete if Edmund were there, but he was far too busy with married life to attend the party. Vanessa sighed. Soon enough, Charlotte would be missing from that line, too. And if Miles decided to travel again or even marry, there would only be 3 left in that line. 

She watched as they greeted the guests. Vanessa could only recognize a few. Of course, she knew who James Adamson was, Charlotte's fiancé. There were also the Berbrookes, the dullest family in London. Then the Hawkins, who had two daughters that Vanessa was not fond of. The older one, Augusta, had gone to school with Vanessa and spouted insults at her, and the younger one, Caroline, who was preparing for her upcoming debut just looked like an absolute chit. Their father was a earl, which made them even more pretentious.

Then, there were a few Smythe-Smith bachelors. Vanessa tried to remember their names. One was Michael Smythe-Smith, the other was surely a Prentice cousin, and the other was a Holroyd cousin. Thank God they weren't girls, or else they might've felt compelled to play their instruments.

Vanessa watched and watched as more guests stepped out of their carriages. She felt bad for the Bridgertons, who had to stand there for hours until they all arrived. She kept looking at Miles and felt a tinge of jealousy each time he kissed the hand of another woman. 

He greeted another lady as Vanessa watched. And then their eyes met. Vanessa hid beside the window. What the devil was she doing? She had no reason to hide. But did he know she was watching him the whole time? Goodness, almost an hour had passed while she stood there cursing at every lady whose hand he kissed. 

I'm a fool.

Vanessa decided it was best if she didn't watch him, and rested in bed until it was time for supper.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:

A few references to the Smythe-Smiths again ^^ Julia also has a series of books on them, so please check them out! There are 4 in the series for each member of the quartet that make appearances in the Bridgerton books. The first 3 are great reads

If you liked it, please leave a vote or comment! It lets me know if I should continue posting.

-rhevior