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 Bridgertons, that an official explanation emerges swiftly, lest the ton are run away by their tawdry imaginings.
Mama has decided that the best way to minimize the scandal from Anthony's failed nuptials is for all of us to continue on as if nothing happened. She wishes for all of us to promenade together this morning, even West. We are all waiting in the drawing room for Anthony to arrive.
"Where is your brother?" Mama asks. "He should be here by now."
"Perhaps he is still waiting at the altar for Miss Edwina," Colin taunts.
"There will be no mockery today," Mama states.
"She mocks me incessantly," Gregory says about Hyacinth.
"Are we not overlooking the benefit of this... tragedy?" Eloise asks.
"Leftover cake?" Gregory reasons.
"You wonder why I mock you?" Hyacinth argues.
"Brother!" Benedict greets. "How good of you to join us."
"Have you all eaten?" Anthony asks as he walks into the room.
"You will need to break your fast later," Mama tells him. "For now, it is of the utmost importance that we act swiftly to limit the damaging consequences of the unfortunate events of your..."
"Bungled nuptials?" Colin offers.
"Is all of this truly happening because a woman merely changed her mind?" Eloise questions.
"Unfortunately, so, Eloise. Yet, I suppose the reason does not signify. We simply must deal with the consequences," Mama tells her. "Now, I think it a pleasant morning for promenade." Every Bridgerton groans. I would to had I not forced Weston to join us. "Together, united, as the most respectable family that we still very much are."
"Respectable?" Anthony asks. "A respectable family is headed by a gentleman, is it not?"
"Brother... Is there something more we should know? Or, perhaps, more than just I should know?" Benedict whispers.
Anthony sighs. "Forgive me. If a promenade is what you feel is wise, Mother, then we shall leave within the hour."
Eloise clears her throat. "I shall be a little late. Shopping. I need a new pair of gloves, so as to look that much more united and respectable."
Everyone is watching our family as we promenade. It is if they think we are contagious. That if they get too close they too will have a marriage stopped at the altar. It is all rather rude but not surprising.
"Don't look," Lady Patridge tells her daughter.
Mama gestures to Anthony to say hello.
"Miss Patridge," Anthony says. "Such a pleasant afternoon, is it not?"
"Yes, indeed, my lord," Miss Patridge agrees.
"My dear, I believe we will be late for the Gorings," Lady Patridge tells her daughter. "Make haste."
Of all people it is Lady Featherington who is the first to speak to us. "Is this not a surprise, to see you out in public, Lady Bridgerton, so soon?"
"Lady Featherington, it is not as though we are in mourning," Mama tells her.
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by-blows//bridgerton oc
Fanfictionby-blows def: illegitimate children Juliette Bridgerton may not have been born a Bridgerton but she is a member of the family through good and bad through thick and thin.
