Contrite & Convicted

Let it Go, Let it Go, Let it Go Part I

A.N.--This Chapter answers, A LOT of question and there is a surprise at the end! So enjoy and sorry for the delay!!

Let It Go, Let It Go, Let It Go Part I

Ester climbed off the bed where the sleeping post tear stricken Hyacinth laid, currently. Trying to tiptoe seven months pregnant was not easy.

Some of the floorboards creaked and moaned under the weight of her trying to tread lightly. Ester had been in there long enough for the rest of the family to finish dinner and head to bed. Mar stood outside the door waiting for her.

"The carriage is ready for you, Ester." Ester nodded and took a deep sigh. As Mar's retreating form reached the top of the stairs to head down, Ester called out in a loud whisper.

"Mar.....tell them to wait until after the Holidays. Let them go home and be with their families. Our trip to the country will be postponed." Ester tried not to feel guilty when Mar did a small smile and almost skipped outside to tell the happy news.

With the rest of the house asleep, Ester finally took the time when she arrived to the kitchens to get a cup of milk. She slipped off her shoes awhile back when she reached the bottom of the stairs and carried them in her right hand.

Her warm feet hit the cool wooden floors and then the tile where the hardwood met. The kitchens were just about empty, except for one girl who was doing the cleaning. Ester looked at the clock.

11:37

Ester placed her shoes by the door, grabbed a robe off the wall and rolled up her sleeves.

"Go to bed, Sammie. I can do this." Sammie went to protest and when Ester held up a tentative hand to silence her, a smile on her face and she ran towards the back door to her rooms.

While Ester cleaned and washed the remaining dishes she had time to reflect.

Was it not almost a year ago she sat cleaning dishes in her mother and fathers house because they couldn't afford a servant?

Was it not, almost a year ago she sat with them trading stories instead of presents because they couldn't afford them?

Was it not, almost a year ago she sat sketching in an old notebook how much she longed to tell Anthony Bridgerton despite their rivalry she adored his every step?

Ester took time to reflect, when she looked at herself in the murky and grim infested dirty dish water. What happened to you? A calm voice of her beloved and deceased father called to her.

It was true, Ester had changed. Her cheeks were plump again with a natural red glow to them. Her hair was no longer brittle and wavy but held a shine and bounced back into her curls.

Her hands and arms weren't scared from manual labor. Her eyes no longer showed how little sleep she got in a cold, uncomfortable bed with little food in her belly.

Now, she had two babes inside. Kicking around, healthy, a life of luxuries she didn't have waiting for them. A potential daughter with an actual chance at good marriages, being the daughter of a Viscount. A Bridgerton Bride.

A potential son with an actual skill and trade to from a father--which despite his marital flaws--would be there for them.....

Ester however, after emptying the dirty water out the freezing window took a moment to enjoy the floating snowflakes that littered the black London sky. The snow was becoming thicker, more compact. If it wasn't too windy, maybe they could all build a snowman like her father would for her.