Season's Feather

Chapter Thirty-Five

In Daphne's room, there was the bride herself sitting on the bed looking more nervous and scared than Delilah had ever seen her before.

"I know it must be very difficult leaving this house," Delilah spoke. She walked over to the end of the bed where Daphne was. Violet and Mary walked in behind her.

"I have many memories here," Daphne said, "We have many memories here."

"And you will make new ones with your husband." Violet chuckled.

Daphne sat there in a daze, her eyes snapped up at the end of Delilah's sentence. "Ah, my husband," She said, "Seems so strange to finally be able to say that."

Violet laughed softly too. The Bridgerton mother paused for a second, Mary looked between the two girls. She smiled, then grabbed Delilah's hand. Violet went over and sat next to her daughter.

"I suppose I have put this conversation off for as long as I can." Violet smiled nervously, "On my wedding night, I insisted Cook bring out round after round of food, in part because I did not want the celebration to end, but..." Her eyes trailed off. It was like she was embarrassed to look the two girls in the eyes.

"Oh she was so apprehensive," Mary smiled.

Violet looked at her, "Mary!"

Delilah furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. Did this have to do with what Anthony explained, "...It is a natural continuation of what happens at night..."

Violet laughed softly to herself, shifting in her seat, "In fact, I was quite full by the time we got to Aubry Hall. I certainly do remember that."

"Well, what do you recommend, Mama?" Daphne asked.

Violet cleared her throat and then finally looked up at Daphne's eyes, her confused, innocent, eyes. "I know you and the duke - well, whatever took place between the two of you..you may know some things already."

Mary let out a small laugh.

Daphne shook her head, "I know nothing I assure you."

Violet nodded her head and took a larger breath.

"Well, there are some things you ought to know. Some things will happen that involve you and your husband...the duke - obviously. Well, he..you see..the marital act, which, you may perform..."

Daphne looked at her mother with wide eyes. Delilah's were as well. Violet was always very good at speaking to her daughter and explaining things. What on earth could have Violet this flustered?

"If it is this difficult to discuss, how difficult must it be to perform?" Delilah asked.

"It is not," Mary said, "It is most natural. Much in a way like rain soaks a field in autumn, and in spring, flowers grow."

Violet shifted again in her seat, "When you were younger, do you remember, we had two hounds in the country?

Daphne smiled at the memory, "Basses in fact!"

Delilah nodded her head at the memory of the two little dogs running around, she and Delilah used to chase them. And while they chased the dogs, the boys would chase them.

"Well, no one explained it to them, but there were puppies." Violet explained.

Daphne nodded her head, "I see. So..so this act, it is performed to have children?"

"Yes!" Violet laughed. But Daphne's face fell. And so did Delilah's. According to Daphne the duke physically could not have children. Daphne would never know the memory of being a mother.

"What if the duke cannot have children? Dees that prevent them from performing this act at all, from them even having a wedding night at all?" Delilah asked again.

Mary looked over at Daphne, "Dearest, is that your concern?"

"The two of them care for each other deeply," Violet nodded, "When all is said and done, nothing else matters. There is no reason to be concerned."

"I still have so many questions, Mama."

But there was no time. A knock at the door sounded. "They are bringing the carriages around." One of the maids called.

Delilah sighed. "It is time."

Delilah trailed behind the mother-daughter duo as they ascended through the house. Truly, she didn't want Daphne to leave. It would be as if a whole was ripped into her. That was her best friend, who was married. And would be moving on with her life. And Delilah would be left with Anthony which would be fine. But, without Daphne.

"Perhaps I can come with you. I've always wanted to live in a castle." Gregory boasted as he chased the group through the hall.

"If Daphne is going to anyone with her, Gregory, it will be me." Hyacinth proclaimed. Her eyes sparkled, and Delilah knew she would be a wonderful debutant someday.

"The two of you are staying here until your dear sister allows us to visit her." Delilah chuckled looking at the youngest Bridgerton.

Anthony smiled, bringing a hand around Delilah and pulling her closer. "You mean if she allows us a visit?"

Benedict looked down at his sister, "I'm sure you'll enjoy the peace and quiet."

"I am going to miss you terribly." Daphne smiled sadly at her family - blood and extended. She looked over to Delilah and Anthony, her smile widening.

"Even me?" Anthony asked.

Daphne nodded with another laugh, "Even you."

"You are a beautiful girl, Daphne, it has been an honor to know you." Mary smiled.

Daphne requitted the smile and looked between the Silvesters, "You are family all the same. I will miss you both so much."

Daphne then turned to Eloise. The rest of the family walked down to the carriage. Delilah accompanied them. Soon enough both Daphne and Eloise came down. Delilah knew at that instant that even though they had their fair share of fights, they were sisters, and they would always forgive each other.

"Write to me as soon as you arrive." Violet waved.

"Of course Mama." Daphne chuckled.

"I want details, Daphne!" Delilah shouted from her place beside Anthony. The whole group chuckled and Daphne turned with a bright smile.

"Of course Liliah, you'll be the first to come visit!" Daphne called back.

Delilah nodded her head as Daphne's hair tucked into the door of the carriage. She looked at Simon. "Take care of her, Mon. Promise me."

Simon nodded his head. "Of course Lily."

Then they were off. The newlyweds disappeared into their carriage and flew out of the town to their honeymoon. Delilah turned to look at Anthony with a smile. The Bridgerton family slowly piled into the house. Anthony was left alone with Delilah.

"Let me walk you home?"

"Of course, my lord."