The Queen Dowager of Württemberg | A. Bridgerton

Chapter 11

Prince Friedrich of Prussia

Dearest reader, it is often said that those who marry in haste must repent at leisure, a sentiment that is clearly shared by Miss Daphne Bridgerton, who has apparently rejected not one, not two, but three proposals already this week.

Some believe she is showing admirable forethought in her deliberations, but I would venture a different conjecture, that she, like this author, is still waiting in the only suitor of note.

Bridgerton House, London

After the first meal of the day, the Queen Dowager of Württemberg spend the entire morning with the Bridgertons. For the first three hours they were all gathered in their drawing room, Daphne played the piano, Charlotte talked with the three eldest Bridgerton brothers and Violet took care of the young prince and princess with the two youngest Bridgertons.

After those two hours, Charlotte left with Benedict to their backyard garden. There, he organized for a small sofa to be placed in front of some beautiful flowers and got her a sketchbooks for her to draw. It brought them memories of the times Anthony was too occupied with his father and the second-born Bridgerton spent some time alone with then the Princess Royal.

"You have gotten better," she mentioned as she peeked on his drawing.

"This is horrible," he complained. "This drawing looks nothing like that flower."

"It is well drawn, Benny. You have a talent for art wether you realize it or not," she smirked. "Or... Maybe the flower's at fault."

"That's funny," he muttered sarcastically, but chuckled at her attempt of trying to cheer him up. "Thank you, Char."

"Anything for a friend," she smiled. "Is this what you want to do for the rest of your life?"

"I have thought about it many times, and..." He lightly nodded. "I think so."

"Well, do let me know and I will hang all your paintings on the Crown's palaces walls," she smiled widely. "Practice makes perfect. Even if you do not like the drawing... Do not discard it so quickly."

"If you say so," he smiled back and looked over at her drawing. "Oh, geez. Yours is better drawn than mine."

"Because I practice almost every day," she chuckled. "You know, whenever we were in Württemberg or here in Buckingham House, I like to draw my children whenever they are by the garden or spending time with my brothers and sisters."

"You have a sketchbook of your own?" He asked, and she nodded. "Well, now you have a new one."

"I will only use the one you got me for when you and I draw together, just like old times," she smiled. "And I promise to show you mine one day."

"Alright," he nodded, and she giggled. "You know, I must admit, this is the most relaxed I have felt in a while."

"I agree. It is a lovely day, nice weather, and this garden is certainly nice," she said and smirked. "As nice as the company, of course."

"Indeed," he chuckled, smiling softly at her.

"Your Majesty, Mr. Bridgerton," the two turned around to see Albert and Mathilde standing there. "I apologize for interrupting."