Season's Feather

Chapter Forty-Three

Delilah was escorted by Anthony and the rest of the Bridgerton family to the queens luncheon as Daphne had scored an invitation as the new Duchess. Everything was fine for the first half of the evening.   

Families were talking and it seemed that the drama surrounding the Bridgertons extinguished as families were slowly conversing with the children and Violet. Delilah stayed next to Anthony though. She was not in the mood to socialize, not after Miss Thompson's terrible mood.

Delilah wanted to talk to Simon. But, she had not seen him away from Daphne. And, as much as she loved her best friend. She needed to talk to her brother in private.

She did notice the absence of the Featherington's however. Usually Eloise would be running around with Penelope. But, if Penelope wasn't there. Then her sisters and mama weren't either.

But she assumed drama could never be stopped as the Feathrington family walked in confidently. Well, more like walking in with shy smiles while they watched the crowd quiet down into mutters.

"Anthony.." Delilah looked up at him.

But he was also staring at them, "I know, love. Be quiet."

"The audacity."

Delilah could hear all the murmurs around them.

"After they tried to entrap poor Mr. Bridgerton into marriage with a woman with child."

Delilah and Anthony made their way beside Violet. Daphne had also come up on her other side. Lady Featherington had spotted the group and made her way over with her chin held high. Delilah's posture straightened.

"My dear Lady Bridgerton, is it not a dreadful circumstance, for us both to have been so duped by that scheming hussy?" Lady Featherington began.

Delilah would have opened her mouth, but Anthony slipped his hand around her waist as a warning.

"To think that Miss. Thompson would take advantage of my kindness after I opened my home to her. You must believe, I had no idea of -"

"Lady Featherinton, I must ask you to leave." There queen's steward demanded.

Lady Featherington turned around with a pleading expression, "But I have an invitation."

Delilah almost felt guilty.

"Not anymore." The steward looked her in the eye, "I am sure you wish to avoid any, unpleasantness."

Lady Featherington looked as if she were about to fight for a moment, but she ultimately decided against it and with her daughters exited the gardens. Delilah turned to see a sigh blow from out of Simon. She walked over and threaded her arm through the dukes.

"Something troubles you." Delilah whispered. "I know you are a man now, the Duke no less, but I am still your sister and you can come to me when you need a sibling. I may not know much about marriage. But I know it cannot all be fairytales."

Simon sighed again and looked down at her, "You always had an affinity for being right Lily. My marriage almost ceases to exist."

Delilah smiled. "Then perhaps a rant may suffice."

Simon smiled too, but it quickly turned to a frown. "I do not know what there is to rant about."

"You could start with why you refuse to have children." Delilah said.

Simon shook his head, "Now is not the time to discuss this, you need to go to Daphne."

"Simon-"

"Please, Lily. See to it that the Duchess is not doing something unrashional."