Aspire - Kanthony's continuation story

Chapter 3 - Good Intentions

The guests started to roll in at noon the following day. Kate had a hard time keeping up with everyone's names, relations and titles, but both Anthony, Violet and Daphne were endlessly patient in supporting her with the struggle. This time Kate was not sure whether her queasiness was caused by the pregnancy or simply the nerves from meeting all these important people and trying to play the part of an English viscountess successfully. She had always trained Edwina for such a role and never seen an alternative ending where she was the one hosting prestigious country gatherings for this many guests.

"Duke of Stanton! We are delighted to welcome you to Aubrey Hall. Is everything going as planned with your horse breeding programme? Might we see one of your fine animals at the Royal Races next year? And you must meet my wife, viscountess Bridgerton, she knows a whole deal about horses as well." Anthony would prattle on, while Violet attacked Kate with another guest.

"Ah, Lord Wilkington, what a pleasure to meet you again after such a long time! Please tell me, how is your lovely wife and your three beautiful children? Have you met my charming daughter-in-law, Lady Kathani Bridgerton? She is about to receive her first child as well, with my dear son." Violet waffled on and then Daphne would bring yet another new acquaintance up to Kate's flustered face.

"Lady Threborn, may I introduce you to the true hostess of this wonderful country gathering, my beloved sister-in-law." She announced happily. Kate curtsied at this person too and exchanged some quick words with her and Daphne. As much as she did enjoy socialising with different kinds of people, the eagerness of everyone wanting to meet the new viscountess Bridgerton was completely overwhelming to her. The heat of this midsummer day was not making it any easier either. The great hall felt almost airless with all the people packing inside of it and Kate's hand grew tired from using her fan so vigorously. Finally after the welcoming drinks the guests slowly started streaming away to their appointed quarters around Aubrey Hall. Kate felt like she would faint at any moment and rushed outside into the gardens as soon as she had bid the last guest goodbye and promised to continue talking to them at supper. She found Eloise sitting at the terrace, unsurprisingly hiding away from all the fuss behind a book. Kate took a deep sigh and slouched down next to her on the light pink floral divan. Eloise gave her a compassionate look.

"Not enjoying your hosting duties, viscountess?" She smirked.

"I would..." Kate breathed out. "But there are so many new people to meet and absolutely no air inside. I seriously thought I would faint, perhaps fall into some strange lord's arms and cause a scandal..." She finished, fluttering her fan furiously.

"Surely Anthony would not stray far away from you even in the tightest crowd and would have been there to gallantly rescue you, if such a fainting had indeed occurred." Eloise laughed and Kate grinned back at her. "It is so unfair..." She suddenly continued. "I mean... I am referring to our talk the other morning. Why do the men get to... Get acquainted with all the aspects of marriage, before it actually happens, and we women do not?"

"Oh, you mean why are men allowed to visit brothels and take paramours before, and after, entering a marriage?" Kate smirked, uttering the words Eloise did not dare to speak. Eloise hushed her and nodded towards some servants who just passed by.

"Yes, that is what I meant." She whispered, blushing. "And meanwhile it is scandalous if a young lady even so much as glances at a man, unchaperoned..."

"It is a rather unfair premise indeed." Kate agreed with a sad smile. "Most mothers share nothing with their daughters about what they in fact are going to face in a marriage, or how one could be able to enjoy it..."

"I know! My mother has not even told me how a woman comes with child." Eloise complained. "Luckily, now I have you as my comrade in arms in this misogynic world. Have you read Wollstonecraft?"