rage. [A. Bridgerton]

viii

❝ silly, stupid girl  ❞

The morning air flew into Evelyn's room causing her to awake. She turned to her side to see a brunette man laying beside her. His body glistened from the morning sun peeking through the white luminous curtains. Her eyes met his own. A smile crept onto both of their peaceful faces while their hands intertwined with one another. Everything felt slow. Sincere.

Evelyn awoke to the soft breeze from the morning air, the sun knocking on her eyelids. She turned to her side to see a spot with only marks from the sun. The room was quiet.  

The downstairs of the Ellsworth home looked and sounded like the busiest tavern in London. Edward almost regretted his decision to throw an extravagant ball for his daughter's birthday. What he did regret was letting Aunt Hattie take the reigns in organizing the event because the last time he let her do so, she took his daughter for six months. Hattie's stern voice could be heard from across the residence.

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The chandelier sparkled delicately in the lighting. The musicians played beautifully and the champagne flowed freely. Evelyn greeted the guests as she paraded around the ball that Hattie and she had planned for months. 

"Happy birthday, Lady Ellsworth," a couple bowed. Evelyn thanked them before continuing her journey through the ballroom. 

Many individuals of the ton wished her a 'happy birthday' but her eyes only searched for a specific pair that had a way of making her forget how to breathe. And as if whatever higher power heard her prayers, in walked Anthony Bridgerton. 

And Siena.

Evelyn watched as the two walked in, Siena just far enough behind Anthony for no one to suspect a relation between the two. They almost had everyone fooled.

Anthony's eyes caught Evelyn's, causing them both to immediately grin. Her stomach did cartwheels as he approached her.

"Evelyn," her heart raced a marathon.

"Anthony," she greeted.

"Will you walk with me?" he offered his arm to her. 

The two walked through the large white glass doors to the courtyard, still in eye view of any onlookers though no one cared enough with the champagne flowing through their veins to pay any attention to the two. Well, except for a very observant trio.

Anthony reached in his right pocket to pull out a very dainty, beautiful necklace. Evelyn beamed at the site and turned to face away from Anthony, moving her hair out of the way. His hands gently brushed against her back as he secured the piece around her neck. She could feel his breath against her neck. He was so close.

"Happy birthday, Eve," he whispered. 

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The last birthday Evelyn had was anything but a happy ending.  Her Aunt had Evelyn being pampered all morning, assuring her that this birthday was a special one- it was her birthday... but during her debut. In fact, Aunt Hattie made it her mission to invite everyone. 

Evelyn sat in the bath while Charlotte showed her a couple of dresses that Evelyn was to choose from for that night. 

"I don't see why Aunt is making this such a big deal," Evelyn sighed. 

"Your Aunt is just making sure you have a great birthday, my lady," the girl replied back. 

Evelyn grimaced, "Char, the last birthday I had I left and intended to not come back."

Charlotte sighed and sat on a small stool beside Evelyn's bath. She grabbed her lady's hand and gave it a small squeeze. "This time will be different. I have a feeling it will be a splendid birthday," she promised. "Now, come out before you turn into a prune."

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Everything was perfect. 

Evelyn truly could not think of a better way to end her birthday night. It was a quarter past midnight when she decided to retire to her room. The night had worn her out and many others as they decided to head to their own respective homes. 

Her hand danced with the necklace she wore, smiling as she thought of the man who gave it to her. She was smitten. It wasn't anything new to her but the gift from Anthony gave her hope. 

Two voices in hushed whispers caught her attention as she walked through the halls of her home.

"I saw you with her," a feminine voice hushed. 

"I told you before that you have no reason to worry. I am all yours," a male voice whispered.

Evelyn peeked through the crack of the intruded guest room.

"Then tell her, tell everyone, that you, Anthony Bridgerton, are my love," Siena emphasized. 

A small tear escaped her eye as she backed away from the door. Her back hit the wall across from the room.

You silly, stupid girl. This isn't a fairytale.

Did you really think he could go for someone like you? When he has her?

He could never love you.

More and more tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Her soft, delicate hands held onto her necklace. 

The necklace.

When Anthony went to leave the room, he was halted by a small 'thump' against the door. 

There, in the peaceful moonlight, hung the dainty necklace Anthony Bridgerton gave Evelyn Ellsworth.

And there, in the peaceful moonlight, was Evelyn Ellsworth getting into a carriage that would take her far from Anthony Bridgerton.

And there, in the peaceful moonlight, Evelyn Ellsworth's tiny sliver of hope... died.