Season's Feather

Chapter Forty-Six

"Dearest reader, a question.

"Is anything more exhilarating than taking a gamble? For it is often the highest risk that carries the greatest reward. Yet, wager wrongly, and you might find yourself left with nothing but regret.

"One can never know for sure whether a wager will make a fortune or ruin it, unless one choses a more secure pursuit. But as the season continues, the biggest gamblers have yet to truly show their hand which leaves gossip in short supply in recent days.

"Of course, the only other astonishing couple is blossoming soundly, yes, Miss. Delilah Silvester and her courtship to Anthony Bridgerton. A handsome couple indeed. However, it leaves little to the tongue.

"In fact, this author can think of no other event that merits a mention.

"It is a worthy note, however, that the Duke and Duchess of Hastings have yet to entertain callers together. Only newlyweds are no doubt still secluded in nuptial bliss. Who could fault them? And who could be surprised if their diligent efforts are rewarded with a new arrival within the year?'

Delilah was back with Marina again. She had to admit, Miss. Thompson was a lovely girl, the two had been seen together on multiple occasions within each other's home so as to not draw attention. But, Delilah came with results from the general today.

Within the Featherington drawing room, she sat across from Marina, "I wrote to General Langham, and I have told him all about Sir George. If he is a man of honor-"

"You wrote to the general?" Marina asked.

"Yes." Delilah nodded.

"And did the viscount sign his name as well on this letter? Or the duchess, you two are friends." Marina pressed.

"Well, no." Delilah sighed softly.

"But-"

"Marina, what is it?" Delilah asked.

"The general will not concern himself to write back to you, Delilah." Marina said.

Delilah frowned at Marina, "You do not know that. He will pay attention to the words of a respected lady. He must."

But Marina shook her head, she was insistent on it. "Are you so unworldly?" She asked.

Delilah looked at her in shock. Marina was pleasant, but when her temper took a hold of her words, she was a brash woman. Marina must have realized it too.

"I'm sorry. I - your help was greatly appreciated, but there is nothing more you can do." Marina said shortly.

"Marina-"

"It is over. I have already accepted the fact. Thank you for your efforts." Marina dismissed.

Delilah sighed. She walked back to her carriage and was dropped off at the Bridgerton house. She disappeared into the study where Anthony greeted her with strong arms and a soft kiss to the head while Delilah leaned her weight against his chest, head falling on his shoulder.

"Hello, love." Anthony greeted. 

"Hello." Delilah whispered.

Delilah reached in for a kiss. Anthony greeted her with welcome arms.

"Get ready for the concert, my love. I'll be escorting you." He mumbled giving her a kiss before releasing her.

Delilah nodded and began to walk to the door. Before she paused and made her way to another room. Colin's room.

"I want to apologize." Delilah said coming in. Colin looked over at her.

"Are there locusts in the street? Blood in the Thames?" Colin asked. They both cracked a smile. But Delilah sighed.

"I may have been a trifle harsh with you, Anthony as well and, we both are sorry." She muttered.

"You merely wished to protect me from my more foolish impulses." Colin smiled.

"So you admit it now?" Delilah asked him, "You were acting a fool?"

Colin laughed slightly, "As apologies go, this is certainly novel."

Delilah only shook her head with a smile of her own, "Hush."

Colin and Delilah laughed.

"You may hurt now, but the pain will pass. You have all the love of your family, and me. And, the honor of your actions. Soon you will forget Miss. Thompsons name and it will be as if you never loved her at all." Delilah sighed.

"And how have these precepts served you?" Colin asked, "Aside from being the most dismal, troubling ones I've heard in quite some time."

Delilah smiled, "It's a work in progress, to be sure."

Delilah headed down from Colin's room where she had just heard the soft gasp of someone from down the stairs. When her silvery eyes turned to find the culprit, she blushed upon seeing Anthony's gaze.

"Hello, Anthony." Delilah greeted with a smile.

Anthony seemed to break out of whatever trance Delilah had placed upon him and smiled back up at her. "You look absolutely breathtaking."

Delilah's face flushed. She treaded slowly down the stairs stumbling over words and phrases. "Anthony, you're - I'm not - please, dear.." She stuttered.

Anthony only gave a laugh coming to greet her in his arms with a kiss. "You look beautiful, Miss. Silvester."

"And you look quite handsome, Lord Bridgerton." Delilah smiled

The Bridgerton family had arrived at that evening's event. And it was assured that almost everyone's eyes were drawn to either Delilah or Daphne.

"How long is this concert Anthony? Three hours?" Delilah mumbled.

He looked down at her, "Four."

Delilah groaned.

"You love the concerts, do you not, love?" Anthony asked, drawing a hand around her waist. Delilah nodded her head but sighed anyway.

"They are beautiful, but it is really inefficient to wear such clothes to an event like this. I would much prefer a simple dress." Delilah explained.

Anthony smirked, "Need assistance?"

"Anthony Bridgerton keep your hands off me, I am a Lady."

"Sure, Delilah, a Lady is most certain what you are."

Delilah moved up to the Bridgerton box with Anthony, across the way Daphne sat in the Hastings box. The two gave a wave and laughed slightly.

Then the concert started. It was beautiful, the music, the elegance, the lighting. Everything was perfect. Delilah lost her sense and delved into her mind. Everything that had happened recently was everything and nothing.

The drama was horrible, it kept her humble certainly but to see her extended family so hurt, made it like a deep gash in her side.

And when she looked over at Daphne's gasping and running form. She ran herself. Across the theater, and into Daphne's box.

"Daphne!" Delilah gasped.

Her friend was gasping on the ground, a napkin between her legs. Blood. Daphne's courses had arrived. Daphne's courses had arrived, she was not pregnant. Simon's promise still true.