[2] The Duchess of Kent and Strathearn | B. Bridgerton

Chapter 13

The Price of Ambition

A jilted groom.

A broken hearted bride-to-be.

A Royal Wedding in shambles.

Sensational? Quite.

But true?

This author may traffic in chatter and speculation, dear reader, but misinformation?

Never.

Explanations of why Miss Edwina absconded from the altar may be greater in number than anyone could possibly fathom. But we must not forget, it was Her Majesty the Queen who placed the young miss on that special stage so that she could make her grand exit.

Allow this author to hope, for Her Majesty's sake, as well as both the Sharmas and the Bridgertons, that an official explanation emerges swiftly, lest the ton are run away by their tawdry imaginings.

Not even Mr. Benedict Bridgerton—now His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent and Strathearn—ran off the wedding to the Queen's daughter when they married last season.

How very valiant, indeed.

It seems the second son has proven that he can accomplish what the first son could not, while the Viscount fumbles with the duties his title demands, leaving hearts and broken promises in his wake.

Bridgerton House, London

The morning sun continued to cast a golden light across the drawing room, highlighting the warmth and comfort of the Bridgerton family gathered within. The sound of laughter filled the air as Benedict cradled his newborn son, while his wife sat nearby, enjoying a bowl of fresh fruit. The drawing room felt like a cocoon of love and contentment, sheltering them from the world outside.

"Do you know how important you are, little one?" Benedict murmured softly, his gaze tender, brushing a gentle finger across Charles's tiny hand, who was staring back up at him with wide, curious eyes. "You're going to do great things, but first, you have to learn how to hold your head up without toppling over."

"He's already strong," she smiled at the sight of them, her voice full of pride. "I think he gets that from you."

"Or perhaps from his mother, who manages to keep this entire family in check," he smirked in her direction.

"Charled doesn't need to be strong," Hyacinth, who was sitting with Gregory, looked up with a mischievous grin. "He has all of us to protect him. Right, Brother?"

"Of course! We'll make sure he's ready to be King," Gregory nodded enthusiastically. "But first, he has to learn how to play with us."

"I think you're getting ahead of yourselves. He's still just a baby," Eloise, sitting nearby with a book in her lap, raised an eyebrow. "And besides, I'm not sure he'll be interested in your antics, Gregory."

"Oh, I don't know, Eloise. Charles might surprise you," Colin, sprawled on the sofa, leaned forward with a grin. "He may be a Prince, but he's a Bridgerton too. Mischief is in his blood."

"I hope he doesn't get into too much mischief," Benedict looked over at his siblings, a twinkle in his eye. "We wouldn't want him causing trouble for the entire court, now do we?"

"Trouble? In this family?" Colin snorted softly. "Unheard of."

The room erupted in laughter, and even the Duchess of Kent and Strathearn couldn't help but join in, her earlier worries regarding the Viscount's state of mind and soul momentarily forgotten. Although, being surrounded by the Bridgertons reminded her of George, in some way, how they haven't reconciled after their argument.