𝙋𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 || 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙮 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙤𝙣

Chapter 15

The Beauchamp family certainly knew how to throw a ball. Anthony hadn't thought the family that had only moved into England twelvemonth ago could be so put together. Here they stood, only a handful of the Bridgertons in the ballroom of this joyous affair. Eloise gave the excuse of not feeling well, and with Benedict's absence to his academia, it was lacking for them, but still entirely splendid with the slew of guests arriving in the ballroom.

Violet had gone to join other ladies, perched over a raspberry couch as she listened to Lady Sixton recount some splendorous dinner party in Hertfordshire. She looked wearier lately. As usual, Colin and Penelope chattered away from Anthony, who now stood alone without the company of his finance or family members. The Sharma's had not sent news of them attending the ball, and Violet had chalked it up to them being merely exhausted by the season's plentiful outings.

It had not been long ago since they had attended the ball, and Edwina was already betrothed, so she had no requirement to attend every promenade and soiree. Besides, Kate was not one for those things either, and Anthony assumed she had taken part in this absence, vying for the Sharmas to enjoy an evening in with Lady Danbury. He couldn't say it sounded very cheery. Lady Danbury was not a woman he took much liking in, she was too confident for her own good and rather clever.

It was a small pleasure to be left alone these days, even at an occasion filled from room to hall with people spying out colorful conversation. He had plenty on his mind, and could not handle another voice near him. There had been no word of Rosheen's whereabouts, even looking for them through servants and informants he knew showed no traces of where she could be now. He had a strong feeling that she was back home, finally comfortable and safe in the walls of the Haye's Estate, or whatever it was called these days.

It made a great deal of sense, to have sent her back after being suspected of treason and assaulting a titled man. It would do him good not to see her again, even if it left him feeling a bit hollow. Anthony had not noticed the stillness of air in moments like this. It was, for the lack of a better term, uncomfortable to not hear the Irish woman's voice, speaking to him on various subjects and agreeing with most. He did not find happiness in her agreeance, but confusion as to how a woman so entirely different from him could share a likemindedness.

Sure, most would not say that, certainly not Lady Danbury or Eloise; both women who knew "Lavina" well. They would call her sweet and innocent, a strong girl that by no means would put a harshness in her strength when used. Awkward, yes, but graceful in a way was the best way to desire the parts of her they had seen. She had another side, a rawer example of who she really was.

He had seen it in her kindest moments, and in the ones she attacked him fiercely, not backing down from their fight. If he knew she was not kept elsewhere, he wouldn't cautioned to join his family out into this ball. Anthony oft considered himself a very good fighter, but Rosheen humbled him greatly.

Anthony looked out among the attendees, recognizing various acquaintances and friends of his, and younger ladies by their sides. Colorful gowns of azure, thulian, mulberry, and jade tired out his eyes, until he stopped one particular gown. That gown, a light, delicate pink fashioned modestly and elegantly, belonged to Lady Mary. Though, Anthony could not see her daughter nor hostess around, only she stood there, with a melancholy smile as young dancers and groups flitted past.

Out of an odd occurrence, he found himself walking over to her out of curiosity.

"Lady Mary, what brings you here tonight? Are perhaps Edwina and Kate in attendance?" Anthony asked, taking her side leisurely.

Lady Mary smiled politely, "Oh no, I'm afraid Edwina is feeling under the weather, though I know Kate will be attending later. She and Lady Danbury had been invited to tea earlier today in Greenwich."