Season's Feather

Chapter Thirty-Six

The next morning Delilah and Anthony walked around the grounds of the Bridgerton garden. "What do you think Daphne is up to?" She asked staring around at little flowers growing along the paths.

"I don't know, I assume they have arrived at the Duke's estate by now. She is probably learning how to be a duchess." Anthony replied. Though his tone was bitter. Delilah looked over at him with a smirk.    

"You are not happy with the idea of Simon and-"

"Delilah I suggest you stop." He glared at Delilah, but his eyes were playful.

"Or what?" She asked timidly.

"This."

He reached his hand around her waist and started to tickle her. Delilah shrieked and attempted to pull away but Anthony was too strong.

"What do you say?" Anthony asked.

"Never."

Delilah shrieked again as Anthony reapplied pressure and he tickled her harder. "What?"

"Fine! I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

Anthony nodded his head at her response and let his hold on her go. He watched as she recaught her breath before she looked back up at him.

"I am sorry that Simon is with your sister."

"Delilah!"

But she ran off in a fit of giggles as Anthony chased after her.

"Dearest gentle reader, I must send felicitations to the new Duke and Duchess of Hastings. Congratulations and stamina as they embark on the most exhilarating time in a young couple's life. I am, of course, talking about the honeymoon.

"Is there a more romantic notion? To retreat from society together, finally leaving watchful eyes behind.

"While this author along with the rest of the ton will certainly miss its most-remarked-upon couple back in London, perhaps we might find solace in the promise of the duke and duchess returning to us bearing a surprise.

And for now, we can watch the spectacle of love that is Anthony Bridgerton and the season's gliding feather, Delilah Silvester."

"I wonder what Daphne is doing at this very moment," Hyacinth spoke aloud in the spring air. It was near the end of the season. That morning, the Bridgerton's and Delilah were out in the park. Since Daphne's absence in the house, Delilah had been spending more time with the leftover sisters in the house.

"I am sure she has as many new duties to attend to as duchess, things you should be learning for your debut." Delilah responded, but her head turned to Eloise.

The girl dreaded having to "put herself on display" as the girl sometimes referred to it as. She was no Daphne. She was a booksmart woman. Not a wife entailed girl.

"Making simpering conversations, pretending to wince every time a man treads on my toes during a waltz?" Eloise rebutted, looking at the older girl. Yes, Delilah was a second addition to her family, but she still would not hear of her having to marry.

"Eloise." Delilah reprimanded.

"I'm no good at such things. I'll only make a fool of myself." Eloise shook her head.

"If you devote part of the time you devote to your journal you might feel rather better. It's not as unpleasant as you think. Who doesn't like being pampered before a ball?" Delilah joked, glancing at the broodful girl.

"Besides that, you might even want to lower your skirts, you will have to wear longer dresses for the season." Delilah commented then. Her features looked towards Hyacinth, the two shared a smile.

Eloise groaned, slamming her book to the side as she sunk further into the settee, "I have no time to visit the modiste." She looked over to Delilah with a pout, "I am busy."

Delilah let out a quick laugh as she adjusted in her seat. "Eloise Bridgerton, busy?" She laughed again.

Eloise rose from her sunken statue on the couch and glared at Delilah. "Excuse you, Delilah. The queen herself has charged me with discovering Whistledown's identity. You would not have me cross Her Majesty, would you?" She asked.

Delilah looked at her with an amused smile. "I guess not."

Eloise looked like she was about to say something, but then Colin tapped on his glass effectively silencing the courtyard. He was standing by Miss Marina Thompson. The girl had been with the Featheringtons for the season.

Delilah was not familiar with the new debutante. She had not had much introduction except for when Lady Whistledown had brought her into view. She had seen her vaguely at balls, mostly dancing with Colin. But other than that, Marina Thompson was no more than a name.

Looking at her now, however, Marina was a beautiful girl.

"May I have everyone's attention?" Colin spoke up. Delilah gave Anthony a confused look, but he only returned it with a worried look himself.

"I would like to make a small announcement. I have happy news to impart." Colin began. He looked nervously around the garden, but when his eyes met that of Anthony, his mother, and Delilah, the worry seemed to grow, "I have asked Miss Marina Thompson to be my wife, and she has accepted."

The whole family gasped in happiness, concern, and embarrassment. The rest of the guests gasped in excitement.

"Congratulations!" One woman spoke out.

"Bravo, sir!" A man then added.

Delilah was standing with Anthony and Violet when Anthony turned to his mother with a look of hard stone on his features. "Did you know about this?"

"People are looking, love," Delilah said softly, bringing a hand to his arm. He turned to Delilah for a moment, "Congratulate the happy couple."