Debutante || BRIDGERTON

[15]: Swish

1813 ― Mayfair, London

While Simon and Sienna were out on their walk, Vincent took it upon himself to visit the Bridgerton House to call on Daphne. Violet sat in as a chaperone, but Daphne was surprised when Vincent walked in. He didn't tell her that he was going to be visiting.

"Vincent. How nice to see you. What brings you to Bridgerton House?" She asked and Vincent looked surprised that she would even ask a question like that.

"Aren't we betrothed?" He asked and Daphne's face started flushing.

"Yes, of course." She said.

"It was my impression that men were supposed to visit their betrothed," Vincent said as he sat down across from her and held out a bouquet of flowers. He had already given Violet the bouquet he bought for her as well. "Didn't Lady Whistledown say something to that effect?" He asked.

"I don't think so... but I'm certain my mother must have done," Daphne said which made the two of them laugh and Vincent continued to smile at her.

"There is a reason for my visit," Vincent said as he pulled out a velvet-covered jewelry box from his jacket pocket. Daphne's eyes widened as her face started flushing again. "This is for you." He said as he opened the box so she could see the ring and handed it to her.

"Are you certain?" Daphne asked and Vincent laughed.

"Of course, I'm certain, Daph. You are to be my wife, you deserve a ring." Vincent said. Daphne opened the box and her eyes widened at the diamond cut. It was beautiful. It wasn't too big nor too small, it was the perfect fit.

"Is this your family's heirloom?" Daphne asked.

"It's part of our family's jewels, yes. The more prominent betrothal ring goes to the first son, I'm afraid." Vincent said and Daphne shook her head.

"Oh, Vincent, don't fret. This ring is beautiful." Daphne said and Vincent smiled.

"All of the Reyes jewelry was chosen for someone else. This is the ring I chose for you. Out of all the betrothal rings, this one seemed to suit you the best, and I think it will bring out your eyes." Vincent said and Daphne smiled as she looked back into the box and looked at the ring.

"I love it, Vince." She said.

"Are you certain?" Vincent asked as he looked at her. "Because I can pick out another one for you, or I can bring the jewelry to you and let you pick out a ring that you think suits you because it is your ring. You shall be the one wearing it. It should reflect your tastes, not mine." Vincent started to ramble and Daphne started laughing.

"Vincent, your choice coincides. This ring is perfect. I will treasure it always." Daphne said. Vincent smiled as he reached his hand out for the box.

"May I?" He asked. Daphne nodded her head and handed the box back to Vincent. He took the ring out of the box and reached his hand out for Daphne's. "May I put it on?" He asked. Daphne nodded her head as she took off her glove and extended her hand out to Vincent's. He slowly slid the ring down her finger, Daphne watching intently as he did and as she saw the ring on her finger, it set in. She was engaged, and she was to be married to a man that she loved.

"It fits perfectly," Daphne said as she moved her hand to see how the ring reflected in the sunlight, and as she suspected, it was beautiful. Vincent reached for her hand, brought it up towards his lips, and pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles.

"I'm glad. It suits you." Vincent said. Daphne looked at him with a smile on her face.

"How did you know I liked emeralds?" Daphne asked. The ring had a white-gold band, an emerald cut in the middle with small diamonds on the outside. Vincent smiled at her.