Contrite & Convicted

A Bee In Your Bonnet Part II

A Bee In Your Bonnet Part II

Ester was in other words...not excited for Kate Sharma to see the Bridgertons at a home that already filled them with bad memories. So she promised herself that for the sake of her marriage, her family and the love of her life, she would be willing to play any part necessary.

Luckily for her, Lady Danbury was the first face she saw as she stood with her two twins on each of her arms.

"NOW! The only reason to endure such a long journey is to see my great-godson and his cousins!" Daphne, who stood beside Ester began to blush. Lady Danbury was filled with joy as she kissed each of them, and eventually held Augie in her own arms.

"Well...it is a joy to see you as well Lady Danbury." Daphne called out as she helped situate Augie into a better position. Violet took Edmund as he decided the only thing worth discovering was how far the hair on his mother's head would move.

"Thank you." Ester whispered, Edmund was definitely going to be the hardest of her children to manage. She couldn't imagine it anymore.

"Oh Your Grace!" Hyacinth was handed Jacob, so Ester could properly greet their guests. Viscount Bane's carriage was not far behind and traveling up the road.

"We are so pleased to have you here at Aubrey Hall!" Anthony's voice boomed next to her as they linked arms. The mothers of the group (the older ones) were acquainting each other with their children. Ester pretended the sting of her own mother's absence wasn't sharp.

Kate Sharma, had stepped out of the carriage and Ester wondered why she was so...inquisitive to Aubrey Hall. Why was she so invested in her blackmail plot anyways? Was toying with someone's life not enough that she had to ruin Ester's perfectly (now at least) pleasant marriage.

"You're smiling?" Anthony commented, as he noticed her interest as well in his ancestral home. "I see your plan to uproot my family's happiness is a success?" Anthony claimed, low enough so no one else could hear. Lady Kate Sharma, rolled her eyes.

"I was smiling at the view but I appreciate your passion to try to have me dislike you--so then my dear sister will be left penniless for the rest of her days." Ester rolled her eyes and walked away. This was not something she wanted to listen too. If this woman wanted to steal her husband she'd have a whole other battle to win.

Viscount Lawrence Bane quickly stepped out of his carriage with a smile on his face.

"Viscountess, you look simply beautiful today! Your home is also beautiful." Ester smiled and gave him a soft curtsy.

"I hope your journey was not perilous?" Bane smiled and shook his head no as he took her arm in his to walk back to the house. Ester was overjoyed to see someone here who was a friend--not related to her.

"Have you met my family, Viscount?" He shook his head no. "I confess I only remember yourself and your children. The rest are a blur to me." Smiling, Ester walked him through the crowd.

"This is my mother in law, Violet Bridgerton. This is Benedict, my annoying brother-in-law. This is my other brother, Collin. He recently has traveled as well. I'm sure he will talk your ear off." Bane bowed at each member so far and shook hands with Collin.

"I myself am filled with travel adventures, shall we discuss them tonight?" Collin smiled and shook his hand eagerly in return.

"This is my sister in law, Daphne who married my best friend, who is away on business. She is the perfect Duchess and homemaker." Bane provided another bow to Daphne which led her to blush. Bane wasn't a fowl man by any means.