Season's Feather

Chapter Ten

Vauxhall was reached by boat. Something Delilah was vaugly prepared for when she dressed that night. She wore a beautiful light green dress with dark flowers and studs closing together around the bottom of the dress. It was one of the few colored dresses she owned. But, the sparkling and iconic silver dresses were to be spread throughout the season in a way that amplified the appeal they brought.    

Vauxhall itself was beautiful though. Outside and kept warm with chalices of fire around the grounds. She was going to enjoy herself tonight, she was sure of it. Especially with the wooden dance floor that had been provided for the night. Under the moon everything would be stunning.

When she arrived, her eyes gazed around. It truly was beautiful.

Her eyes looked around more until they snagged on a pair of deep brown ones. Anthony Bridgerton. He was handsome. This moment was one of many that included everything she had ever dreamed of. For so long she thought she'd never get this. Recently, she had to stop herself from entertaining the thought. When he started to approach her though, those flames of hope that had been growing for so long expanded to inflate the smile that blossomed on her face.

Everything was perfect.

"Delilah. You look absolutely beautiful." He said as he came face to face with her.

Her face flushed. "And you look handsome." She returned.

A voice came over the crowd directing them to the garden. Anthony and Delilah looked at each in curiosity and amusement. Anthony extended her arm which she took. With the crowd they walked to a darker area. Strings of lightbulbs hung above their head entwined with greenery.

"I present to you," The announcers voice spoke, "Vauxhall's newest spectacle of illumination. Feast your eyes above and allow all that is radiant to overwhelm you."

All of a sudden lights come up around their heads. Lights! Not fire-lit candles, bulbs of light. Delilah was enraptured by the technology. A gasp spread through the crowd and clapping surrounded Delilah's ears.

Delilah looked around and then saw Daphne standing by herself. She pulled Anthony lightly, and the two made their way over. When Daphne caught Delilah in the corner of her eyes, she smiled wide.

"Is it not the most bizarre?" Daphne says.

Delilah nodded her head in agreement still gazing over the room now lit up with electricity, "It most definitely is, Daph."

Daphne smiled at her before turning to Anthony who had remained quiet. Delilah let her own eyes fall to the man at her arm. Her smile dropped slightly when she saw he was not smiling at all.

"What is it?" Daphne asked.

"Lord Berbrook's barony is over two hundred years old. His lineage is legitimate. He has had an excellent education. Possesses no debts. Never hurt an animal or a woman and he is even a decent shot." Anthony spoke, "To speak strictly, there is nothing wrong with him."

"Why should any of this-"

"You are to marry him."

"Nigel." Delilah hisses out.

Anthony ignores, however, keeping eye contact with his sister, "I had to find you a husband sister. Now be grateful it is done. It should be just as easy for you to fall in love with Lord Berbrooke as with anyone else-".

"I will not hear of this." Delilah pulled away from Anthony taking Daphne away leaving a shock-struck Anthony behind.

"Tonight, a privileged selection of only the most fashionable guests will descend upon the most scandal-prone grounds in all of London: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. Its shaded garden walls, such as those of the Dark Walk, have covered for some of the most notorious of trysts. This author wonders which persons of quality shall be discovered there tonight. Or better yet, how many?"