Midnight Rain:

Chapter 32: Aubrey Hall:

A couple of days later, James, Lady Florence, and Elijah joined the Bridgertons at Aubrey Hall—as well as Lady Danbury, Kate, Edwina, and Mary.

"Now, the only reason to endure such a journey is to see my great-godson. Hello." Lady Danbury smiled when Violet handed Auggie over to her.

"Well, it is a joy to see you as well, Lady Danbury," Daphne said as Lady Danbury smiled, turning to look at the duchess.

"Oh, Your Grace." 

"Lady Mary. So pleased to have you." Violet smiled, walking over to Lady Mary as she got out of the carriage with Edwina and Kate.

"Thank you for having us." Lady Mary smiled as Lady Florence walked over to join the mothers. "Ah, Lady Florence. This is my daughter, Edwina, you remember." Lady Mary said to both Lady Florence and Violet.

"Lovely to see you again..." Violet smiled at Edwina, who bowed. 

"I do... Lovely to see you." Lady Florence smiled at Edwina.

"And, of course, Kate, my eldest." Lady Mary added.

Anthony stood at the top of the stairs, watching his wife's eyes go to the front of the house while she stood with James and Elijah. James left to go talk to Kate, who stepped to the side, looking at the house as well, while Elijah moved to join the other Bridgertons.

"Ah. You're smiling." James smirked, walking up to Kate, who sighed at his presence. "I see my plan to win you over is already working." He added.

"I was smiling at the view, which you are now blocking," Kate said as one of the servants walked over with Newton on a leash.

"Oh, you brought your dog..."

"Yes. Newton is an excellent judge of character." Kate smirked, taking the leash from the servant. James went to greet the dog with a pet, but Newton barked. "Oh. See." Kate smirked, making James sigh.

"Mark my words, Miss Sharma. By the end of your stay, your opinion of me will be much improved. As well his." James said to Kate as he glanced at Newton.

"I did not think you such an optimist. Since your schemes to manipulate me are now out in the open, I suppose it would be an improvement, indeed." Kate said to him.

"And you must be Miss Edwina." Daphne smiled, interlocking her arm with Evelina while she walked over to Kate and James. She was meddlesome now and wanted to get along with her new sister-in-law.

"No." James quickly denied it as Kate's eyes widened at the two. "This is her sister. Miss Kate Sharma." James quickly corrected, while Daphne looked confused, looking at Evelina, who seemed skeptical.

"Ah. Forgive me, Miss Sharma." 

"I'm entirely flattered, Your Grace," Kate said, smiling and bowing to both of the women. "Allow me to introduce my sister, Miss Edwina." Kate smiled, glancing over to Edwina, who walked over to them.

James moved to stand between Kate and Edwina while Edwina bowed to Daphne and Evelina.

"It is an honor, Your Grace." Edwina smiled at Daphne before looking at Evelina. "And Your Highness." She grinned at Evelina.

"Miss Edwina, I am pleased to introduce you to Aubrey Hall," Anthony said, walking over and resting his hand on the small of Evelina's back.

"It is a beautiful home." Edwina smiled at Anthony and Evelina. 

"Thank you so much for inviting us, Bridgerton." James smiled at Anthony.

"Well, now, you must be weary from your travels. Mrs. Wilson. Please show our guests to their rooms so they might get refreshed." Violet said to her housekeeper.