Contrite & Convicted

Victory Part I

Victory Part I

If the ancient Greeks were members of the ton, they might have added to their Olympic pentathlon one additional event. The hosting of a countryside visit. This, of course, is the week of Lady Bridgertons annual Hearts and Flower Ball now hosted by the new Viscountess. Which is the year's most coveted invitation in the country.

And no event designed better to show the might and mettle of its host.

Ester was frantically running ahead of Violet, who in turn was also running around frantically.

"What would you have us do with these, My Lady?" Mar asked Ester. Ester looked at the three different tablecloths of three different pastel pinks.

"Outside, all on the tables. No one wants to eat off metal. Place some flowers as well as some extra napkins in case they blow away in the wind." Mar ran off and Ester was left with more and more questions.

This wasn't what I was expecting but it was not that hard of a task to complete. One just had to be colored coordinated and understand placements of specific items.

Daphne followed behind Ester as Violet and herself handled specific guest requests. Ester managed larger things such as; food, entertainment, guest locations and large accommodations for carriages, servants and ladies maids.

Meanwhile, Anthony sat in the drawing room while Benedict painted another array and assortments of apples.

"Do you think this is a mistake?" He asked Benedict, begrudgingly.

"What could go wrong? If anything, Ester and yourself have solved the largest error in the season--blackmail." Anthony turned to face his brother, who almost seemed disinterested in his oldest brother's affairs. Almost.

"You don't think it was a mistake in inviting the Sharmas, so that Viscount Bane may in turn set Edwina Sharma's sight on him? To distract Kate from her own goals?" Benedict sighed and set his paints down.

"It has made the whole affair so fraught with difficulty." Benedict tapped his brother on the arm and returned back to his paintings.

"The whole marriage-mart business seems entirely too difficult to me. Lord knows you and Es have had their ordeals just in your marriage." Anthony tried not to become angry at his brother's jest but it was true. They had their misfortunes. Quite a lot actually. Sighing deeply he pondered his life events more frequently.

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"You are sure, this is alright? I would hate to compromise you." Viscount Bane let out a large laugh as Ester and himself walked along the gardens.

"My dear lady, you have not compromised me in the slightest. In any way. In fact you have done me a favor in more ways than one." Ester smiled as took a slower pace. She was rather frazzled today.

"You've done myself a favor I could never repay, Viscount. For it is I who is in eternal gratitude." Bane rolled his eyes and paused their steps. Holding both her arms so that Ester may lay in front of him, with a kind look in his eyes.

"Ester..please, permit me to say you by your Christian name for I fear we have become such good friends." Ester nodded, and allowed him to continue. "I fear I have not been entirely honest with you since our rather...abrupt meeting." Ester laughed as his pun--abrupt was one way to put it.

"Whatever do you mean, Lawrence?" He looked to the birds, who fluttered above the pair in the daring heat the day offered.

"Ester...I fear when I ran into you, fate had the unfortunate occurrence of having me meet a charming, devout wife." Ester didn't quite understand but let him continue.