A Loveless Marriage: A Bridgerton Story

Chapter 12

Kathryn woke up and got ready to head straight for her parents. After she was done with her parents she planned on stopping by to talk to Benjamin.

As she walked down the hallway in the Bridgerton house she passed Anthony. The couple did not say a word to one another as they passed. Kathryn was honestly grateful for that as many have been pointing out to her as of late she is not the best liar. She was not sure if she would be able to lie to Anthony.

Kathryn walked into the Bishop house heading straight for the drawing room hoping to find her mother. As she expected her mother was sitting embroidering.

"Mother," Kathryn said, "Do you know what father talked to the Viscount about yesterday?"

"Hello, dear," Katie replied, "How lovely to see you again."

"I am being serious mother," Kathryn said.

"I do not know what your father spoke to Anthony about," Katie said, "He would not tell me, he just said that it was about..."

"Men things," they both said at the same time making Katie laugh.

"I presume you too tried to get it out of Anthony?" Katie asked.

"I did," Kathryn replied with her hands on her hips.

"And?" Katie asked.

"He would not say a word," Kathryn replied.

"Maybe it was nothing important," Katie commented, "Maybe it truly was just men things."

"But what exactly are men things?" Kathryn asked, "It is quite a stupid phrase."

"I do not know darling as I am female," Katie said, "I would not worry too much about it."

"Very well. I'm going to see Father," Kathryn said starting to walk out of the room.

"He and Alia are actually out in the garden," Katie replied.

"The garden? He was feeling well enough to get out of bed today?" Kathryn asked.

"Yes. He woke up feeling well this morning," Katie smiled.

"Why did you not tell me?" Kathryn asked.

"Well you did not exactly give me the chance dear," Katie replied.

"The doctors. What did they say?" Kathryn asked.

"They said that he looks and sounds better. They believe he is making a recovery," Katie said.

Kathryn smiled a genuine smile. All she had wanted since she found out her father was sick was for him to get better. Now, for the first time, she had hope that was actually going to happen.

She walked out to the familiar garden. Kathryn closed her eyes taking in the scent. It brought her back to her childhood. She would spend hours upon hours in this garden. Her mother would have to practically drag her inside for dinner.

She opened her eyes and continued through the garden. She stopped just short of her father and sister who were laughing together. She had not seen her father look so healthy since she arrived. His smile reached his eyes and his color was back in his skin.

"And I thought we were supposed to chat in the garden" Kathryn joked as she walked up to her father.

"Kitty Kat," Alexander smiled, "I was beginning to wonder when you were going to join us."

"Sorry. I had to talk to mother first," Kathryn smiled.

"Come sit," Alexander said patting the spot next to him on the bench.

"How are you feeling?" Kathryn asked.

"I am feeling so much better," Alexander smiled.

"That makes me so happy to hear," Kathryn smiled, "You look much better."

"I was thinking maybe we could go to the park tomorrow, like old times," Alexander said, "We could have the cooks pack us a lunch and we can all go and have a picnic."

The Bishop family had always had picnics, it was their family tradition. Even before having kids Alexander and Katie would picnic in the park often. The girl had so many fond memories. Kathryn always dreamed of being able to take her husband and kids to the park for a picnic. Picnic outings with her family were a big part of her childhood and she wanted the same for her children.

"I think that sounds like a lovely idea," Kathryn said, "What do you think Alia?"

"I think it sounds splendid," Alia smiled.

"It is settled then," Alexander smiled, "You should bring Anthony along as well. He should be a part of the family tradition ."

"I will ask him," Kathryn said, "But I am sure he will probably be busy."

"Nonsense. A man always has time for his family no matter how busy," Alexander said.

Kathryn always admired how her father would always see the best in people and put his family first. There was never one time in her childhood that she ever felt like a second choice to her father. Family was everything to him.

"I am so incredibly proud of you girls," Alexander said.

"Not this again papa," Alia said.

"You tell us you are proud all of the time," Kathryn assured.

"I know I say it all of the time but that is just because I want to make sure you know that I mean it," Alexander said hugging both of his girls, "You both have grown into beautiful, smart, and kind young women. I know that you will never have trouble in life."

"Thank you, Papa," Alia said.

"Yes, thank you," Kathryn said.

"I am not finished yet," Alexander said taking Alia's hand and facing her, "You my darling Alia, my youngest daughter, have grown so much and you look just like your mother. You would do anything for anyone but you are not afraid to stand up for yourself, never lose that sort of you. I know that one day you will find a wonderful husband and together you will raise equally as amazing children."

Alia pulled her father into a hug, tears in her eyes, "I love you, Papa. More than you know."

Alexander pulled back from the hug and turned toward Kathryn taking her hands in his, "And you my darling Kathryn, my eldest daughter, have also grown so much. You unfortunately acquired my genetics and look like me but somehow it works in you. I believe we can attest that to you getting your mother's smile. You have already found a wonderful husband that I am forever grateful for."

Alexander looked back at his youngest, "I never prayed for anything more than you both to find wonderful men to share your life with."

"No matter how hard marriage gets just remember that in the end, all you two have is each other. I know you are going to be the most amazing mother when the time comes. You both learned from the best," Alexander finished.

Kathryn had tears streaming down her cheeks as she pulled her father into a hug, "I love you so much, Papa. Thank you for always being here for us no matter what. Alia and I are forever grateful for you."

Alia joined the hug and the three cried together. Kathryn absolutely could not have asked for a better father. He set the bar so high she did not think any man could ever reach it.