Season's Feather

Chapter Nineteen

The next evening Delilah, Anthony, and Violet sat in the Bridgerton drawing room. Anthony stood, guilt colored over his features. "I have heard talk that Berbrooke has left town. I think this solution to our problem did not come by chance. I am resolved to handle matters differently in the future."

"Or perhaps not at all," Violet spoke.

Delilah said nothing, but she walked over placing herself by Anthony's side. He gladly welcomed her, putting a firm arm around her waist.

Violet turned to her son, with no hint of anger or disappointment coming out, "I know society has dictated your present role in the family, Anthony, but with Daphne officially out, I assure you, I am more than capable."

Delilah watched as Violet finished the piece of needlework in her hand before looking back up at her son, "This is for Daphne. Tulips. They symbolize passion. A most appropriate hem for your sister when she decides to marry the duke. Perhaps your bride would like the same."

Delilah felt her face erupt into a blush. Anthony's arm tightened around her waist and Delilah stuffed her head into his side in an attempt to mask the redness protruding through her thin layers of powder.

"Goodnight, Mother," Anthony said. He was just as flustered.

"Goodnight, Violet." Delilah squeaked exiting the room with Anthony. Once the two fully left and entered the study alone they broke out into laughter.

And all was okay that night. Because Delilah had Anthony. And Anthony had Delilah. And Nigel Berbrooke was gone, Daphne free. And Daphne had the Duke. And the world spun on, and for a moment, true peace settled in the air as Anthony gazed lovingly at Delilah's laughing form.

— & —

The next evening's ball, Delilah danced with Anthony. She felt something else sparkle in her chest when she looked at him. A stronger flutter. A tug that was harsher. Everything about him seemed brighter. The air around him was easier to breathe. Delilah felt weightless with him.

This season was more than she could ask for. She thought she would be buried in her family study and worried about her mother. But, she was out and her mother was healthy and she had received something she didn't think would ever be possible.

Anthony Bridgerton wanted to court her because he liked her.

And she...Delilah, dare she even think it, loved him.

Her thoughts continued with her until she found herself standing next to Simon. Watching Daphne on the floor.

"You make a captivating match," Delilah smiled. Her eyes looked up at Simon - practical brother - and dimmed with the fight that seemed to be brewing in his eyes as he watched Daphne on the floor, "Whatever is bothering you?"

Simone watched Daphne for a moment more before he shook his head, "N-nothing at all, Miss Silvester."