Season's Feather

Chapter Thirty-Four

The wedding. Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Bassett were getting married. It was intimate. There was hardly anyone there. Delilah was adorned in a light blue dress, Bridgerton's signature color. When she entered the church on that day, her eyes were glossy.

She walked swiftly to the Bridgertons assembled at the front few columns in the church. As she approached, Anthony turned to her. "Delilah..".

His eyes trailed her figure. He had only ever dreamed of her adorning the Bridgerton colors. Of course, however, she was adorning a pin in her hair with a silver rhinestone. Anthony had only recalled seeing it once. Her mother had worn it to her father's funeral.

"Anthony." Delilah smiled.

He took her hand in his. His hand trailed the Rhinestone in her hair. "It's beautiful."

"A family heirloom, one of few still in my family. It descended my mom's line. I wanted to wear it so I still had silver measuring my features," Delilah explained.

"Of course, dear, you look beautiful. Come sit. I will be walking-"

Delilah smiled, but shook her head, "I will sit on Simon's side, he is my brother."

Anthony looked at her for a moment, but nodded his head and let her go.

She looked around the front of the church, there at the alter was Simon, his back to the crowd.. Her eyes watered. There was her brother, someone she had seen in almost every stage of his life. She remembered everything. Schooling together as children, running in the halls, playing in the town the Duke now managed.

It was the beginning of a new era seeing him get married. Even if the situations werent the best they could be. Even as his eyes stilled when the sound of music filled the sanctuary. Then the doors opened.

Anthony and Daphne came in. Delilah felt her heart squeeze.

Daphne was graceful, elegant, and beautiful. Her white dress was fitted perfectly to her figure. And her hair was done wonderfully. The veil was beautiful, the accents were beautiful, and the accessories were beautiful. Delilah watched as her best friend walked down the aisle. Memories from her life flashed in her head.

Meeting Daphne for the first time, running in the mud despite their mother's wishes, fake tea parties, imagining engagement to different years' potential suitors. And now, watching her walk down the aisle to her future.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony. It is said that marriage hath in it less of beauty but more of safety than the single life."

Delilah sat in tears as the preacher went on. Daphne had grown up, and Delilah could only watch. There was the girl she had spent so long with. Her best friend, marrying her brother. Her brother, who she had gained through unnerving odds.

"..In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. I now pronounce you man and wife."

The party was at the Bridgerton house. Everyone was there for the post-wedding celebration. Even Mary had been able to gather enough strength to make it.

The room was decorated beautifully. Daphne and Simon were on opposite sides of the room greeting and socializing with guests separately. Delilah was circling the room, she had been emotional that day.

"Delilah."

She turned quickly to meet Anthony's gaze. "Anthony."

"What are you doing all alone?" He asked coming to wrap his hand around her waist.

"She's married," Delilah breathed, "Younger than me by only two weeks, yet married before me. My best friend...a duchess."

Delilah's eyes trailed over to Daphne.

"Darling, you will be married soon as well," Anthony said, spinning Delilah in his arms, "I may not have proposed to you yet, but I am taking my time. Now that your deal is terminated and our courtship is truly real. I want to make the most of it."

Delilah smiled at the man before her. He was right, it was something to make the most of. They didn't need to rush their marriage. Let herself enjoy her friend being married, let herself enjoy being with the man she had dreamed about forever.

"You know," Anthony spoke, "Simon refused her dowry."

Delilah looked up at the eldest Bridgerton, "He refused it?"

"Yes, I have put in into a trust for Daphne, so she wish to use it."

Delilah smiled at Anthony. He tiled his head, but she just shook her head and leant into him, "You are a good man, Anthony Bridgerton."

Anthony kissed her forehead, but nudged her, "The stairs," He whispered.

Delilah looked over to the grand staircase in the Bridgerton estate to see Daphne running up them. Delilah frowned and picked up her skirt, running after her best friend. From the other side of the room Violet and Mary were coming to the stairs as well, the two nodded at each other and hurried up.