Midnight Rain:

Chapter 4: The Bridgerton Household:

*****

"Dearest gentle reader.

Did you miss me?

As the members of our esteemed ton lazily sojourned in their rustic retreats, this author was doing but one thing. Honing my skills. Or should I say hatching my plans? No, even better. I was sharpening my knives... for all of you.

Questions abound as to this author's identity and means. Speaking those answers shall prove fruitless, indeed.

There is, of course, another unknown identity at present. Though, you will be able to unearth this one. I speak of the season's diamond, wherever she may be. 

Your move, Your Majesty."

*****

The Bridgerton house.

Everyone changed out of their clothes after the presentation to more relaxed, Bridgerton-themed clothing. Gregory's dance tutor was present, ensuring that Eloise knew all the dances for her first ball. Francesca played the piano while Eloise was unamused, dancing with Gregory. Violet watched while Hyacinth sat down on the sofa, watching. And Benedict was sketching on the couch opposite Hyacinth.

"One and two. One and two." The tutor told Eloise to make sure they were counting the proper steps.

"I do not think she is rather good," Hyacinth said, turning to look at Benedict.

"I believe she can hear you," Benedict said to his youngest sister.

"I can hear you," Eloise said to them before accidentally stepping on Gregory's foot.

"Ow! Watch my feet!" Gregory scoffed at his sister.

"Might we be done?" Eloise asked, looking at her mother.

"If you are to catch the queen's eye after that interruption, you must be perfection," Violet said as Eloise scoffed. 

She moved her dress so it did not stick to her legs when she held out her hand since she knew her mother would make her dance again. "I believe it was the interruption that was perfection." Eloise retorted back to her mother.

"Shocking that Eloise Bridgerton was not named the season diamond, was it not?" Benedict asked his family.

"Was anyone else aware that dear Colin has decided to add Albania or some such place to his itinerary as he gads about the world?"

The family turned to the door and saw Anthony walk through it.

"No. But how happy for him that he can simply decide to do that." Eloise said, dancing with Gregory, before she scoffed, giving up.

"Joining us for tea, Anthony?" Despite her stressed mood, Violet said, braving a smile.

This was going to be a very long season, seeing as she would have to deal with Anthony and Eloise in the marriage market this season.

"Uh, I'm afraid I must pass. Too many calls on my funds today." Anthony sighed before moving to the center of the room. "Now that the season has started, I shall need to fill your coffers at the modiste and oversee the hiring of extra staff. And your ring. When you get the chance, I need it..." Anthony started to say as the room looked surprised, especially Violet. "...The Fields by Ferryhallow. I was thinking we might hold off on leasing them due to the hard frost." He continued to say as Eloise moved to sit next to Hyacinth, and Gregory sat in the chair Anthony was standing behind.

"I beg your pardon?" Violet asked her eldest child.

"The frost hardens the soil, saps it of nutrients," Anthony explained, thinking that his mother did not understand that part of what he said.

"That is very well... But you requested my ring?" Violet asked him, wanting to ensure that she heard her son right.

"Father's betrothal ring." Anthony nodded.

"Did someone catch your eye at the presentation, Brother?" Benedict asked Anthony, looking unsure since he had been beside his older brother the whole time.

Anthony's mind went to the princess about that question. She definitely caught his attention out of all of the presentations. But he was not going to marry based on love or attraction. He needed to do it without any of that foolishness.

"I thought all the young ladies looked beautiful," Hyacinth said, turning to look at Anthony.

"Not particularly. And all the young ladies looked the same. Like ladies." Anthony sighed, but his mind kept going back to the princess.

She kept her chin up as she walked with grace. From what he had heard, she was very well educated. She was taught by the best tutors one could offer.

"I'd simply like to be prepared for when the opportunity presents itself." He continued, shaking away the thought of the young lady far out of his league.

"The opportunity?" Violet asked with a chuckle.

"I've already compiled an index of the season's eligible misses and arranged interviews." He continued, making Violet chuckle again.

"Interviews!" She laughed before stopping as soon as she saw that he was serious. "Dearest, I shall be more than happy to give you my ring when you find someone with whom you are very much in love. Besides... it is in safe keeping at Aubrey Hall." Violet said, subtly walking behind the couch closer to Benedict.

"Very well." Anthony nodded.

"See that he is quite well," Violet said, trying to whisper to Benedict, but Anthony heard her.

"Me?" Benedict asked his mother.

"I'm not in need of coddling. I assure you, all, everything is in order."

~season 2, episode 1: "Capital R Rake"~

~843 words~