The second born Bridgerton

Chapter 9- The first weddings of the season

Slightly different from the rest of the season. Edwina will not hold a grudge!

"You drive me insane Antony Bridgerton!" Amelia shouted into her hands as she rubbed her face. "You need to sort your head out now. You are about to marry Kate's sister when you know she's the one who truley holds your heart. This isn't fair on you, her or Edwina. It is not as if you are marrying someone she is a stranger to...it is your intendeds sister. She will haunt you for the rest of your life" Antony paced the room. Sweat on his brow.

"Amelia, learn your place. I am the viscount in this family and i will be respected as one. You know nothing of my feelings towards Miss Sharma. I will marry Kate...EDWINA, I will marry Edwina!" Antony snapped at Amelia who smiled a sad smile at him.

"I'm just trying to look out for you!" She placed a hand on his shoulder as she passed him. "Good luck. I hope you are happy in your choice, whichever you pick!" She knew he didn't mean to snap. Knew the pressure he was under.

"Amelia, I'm sorry!"

"I know you are" she smiled as she left the room. Benedict stood at the bottom of the aisle as everyone took their seats. He smiled at Amelia who sat next to Violet and Daphne!

"Any luck?" Daphne whispered, Amelia shook her head side to side and Daphne looked down. "Very well! We cannot say we didn't try"

"What are you two up to?" Violet asked as her and Eloise looked over.

"Nothing mama!" They replied.

Antony walked in and took his place before the music started for the brides enterance. Kate entered first, Amelia looked to Antony who was looking at no one but Kate, his eyes transfixed on her. This was about to be a disaster.

........

"Perhaps we should give our brother a moment. Is that what you would like brother?" Benedict asked Antony as they all crowded in the reception room. The wedding had been called off when Edwina left the room, Antony and Kate separating and hiding themselves away.

"I'm going to see if I can find Kate!" Amelia told Benedict as she kissed his cheek.

She passed her father on the way who smiled at her.

"That could of gone better. I do hope your wedding is more successful!" Amelia smiled.

"Things happen that are out of our control. Body and soul. Have you seen Miss Kate?" Her father shook his head.

"Not since she left. I'm heading home so I will see you in a few days for your wedding my angel!" Amelia nodded and hugged her father.

Amelia walked forward from her father and felt someone pull her into a cupboard. She turned to find Kate! All she could do was hug her. She didn't know what to do or say, she just knew Kate needed a friend.

"Has everyone left?" Amelia nodded.

"They have all retired to the Garden for drinks. Have you spoken to Edwina yet?"

"She will not speak to me. Rightly so on her behalf. I have messed up Amelia. In a way I do not think I can fix."

"Let me see if I can find her. Go to the back gardens away from everyone and get some fresh air! Antony is in the conservatory just so you know where to avoid him...if that is what you wish?" Amelia said the last line slowly, more a question than a statement. Kate nodded and stepped out.

"Amelia! A pleasent suprise to see you!" Miss Sharma opened the door to her.

"Hello mam! May I speak to Edwina?" Miss Sharma nodded, stepping aside, letting Amelia in and leaving the room. "Edwina, how are you fairing? I can imagine this is not what you wanted for your wedding day!" The two shared a small laugh.

"Did you know? How they felt?" Amelia nodded slowly.

"I tried to talk sense into Antony. He was very set on marrying you and forgetting Kate!"

"No one can forget my sister. It would be a crime to do so!" Edwina sat down, Amelia following suit. "I just wish she came to me and explained what she was feeling. I could of supported her. I would of never made the choice to marry Antony if I knew my sister fell for him first. Especially if I knew the feelings were returned by the viscount."

"It is not the perfect situation for them. Feelings cannot be changed or altered as easily as I think they both had hoped." Edwina looked to the floor. "Kate went to the back gardens if you wish to speak to her!" Amelia stood. "She needs you now more than ever!" Edwina nodded.

"Then I shall be there for her. Can you please ask viscount Bridgerton to meet me in the chapel in twenty minutes?"

"Of course!"

..............

"You look so beautiful!" Edwina, Kate, Eloise, Violet and Daphne stood staring at Amelia who stood in front of them, her white gown trailing to the floor behind her.

"I certainly feel it! This dress is beautiful!" Amelia turned to look at herself. She had never felt so beautiful. The dress fit her body perfectly, the veil hung down from her curled hair to just above her hips.

A knock at the door interrupted the ladies as Antony stuck his head round the corner.

"We are nearly ready for you! Amelia your father is waiting at the doors to the alter. Also Benedict, despite to my disapproval, would like to speak to you before it starts!" Everyone ushered out the room as Amelia went to the door, closing it slightly so Benedict couldn't see her.

"Benedict! Is everything ok?" She heard him breathe out a laugh

"Everything is perfect. I wanted to give you something! A pre wedding present of sort."

"I didn't get you anything!"

"I don't want anything. This is simply to show how much you mean to me! My butler is going to bring it in for you!" She stepped back as Alfred walked in, a square picture in his hand. As he turned it, Amelia felt tears prick her eyes.

"Oh my god! Benedict. How did you do this?" She looked at the painting in front of her. Her mother sat in a chair and Amelia stood next to her. A hand placed delicately on her shoulder, a smile sketched on her face.

"I noticed when visiting that your sisters and brothers had a portrait with your mother and you hadn't. So I visited, with your fathers permission, and painted the portrait using the two seperate portraits of yourself and your mother. You deserved the chance of the portrait." Amelia had never felt a love like this. This man who had gone from nothing to everything. Amelia opened the door, throwing herself into Benedict's arms. "Amelia it's bad luck for me to see you!"

"Then close your eyes!" Benedict smiled and hugged her back tightly. "I can't wait to marry you my muse." He whispered gently in her ear.

"Then let us waste no more time!"