in quite deep// featherington oc

three

Ambitious mamas rejoice, for the new Duke of Hastings continues to grace our fair city with his presence. And, oh, what an impressive presence it is! It should be noted  that the duke has been overheard announcing to mamas everywhere that he has no plans of ever marrying. This author wonders which brazen matchmaker shall rise to such a challenge, for this competition is well underway.

It has reached my ears that Mr. Colin Bridgerton shall be awarded the year's grand prize when he sweeps Miss Thompson off her pretty little slippered feet. In other news, a most peculiar suitor for Miss Daphne Bridgerton has emerged.

My family is attending the opera tonight. I quite enjoy the opera. It is a guaranteed few hours without my mama nagging or my sisters bickering. Though that may be because of Prudence's tendencies to fall asleep.

I am walking towards my seat when I spot Lord Wilds. I try to avoid him. Moving between groups of people. Then suddenly he is in front of me.

"Were you trying to run away from me, Patience?" he remarks.

I try to step around him but he does not let it happen.

"I am sorry," he tells me.

"Lord Wilds..." I start.

"Please listen to me," he says. I nod slightly. He lets out a breath. "I am sorry for what I did. Leaving when you needed me. I just... I could not bear to be in London without him."

"How is it you think I felt?" I question.

"Levi was one of my closest friends, Patience. I know you lost your husband but I lost him as well. We were in leading strings together," Wilds reminds me. "I may not have handled it correctly. But if you will let me, I would like to be your friend once more."

I watch him for a moment. I can see the regret in his eyes. I know he never meant to hurt me. Grief can make people act in all kinds of ways.

I nod my head slightly. "Alright."

Wilds smiles. "Now will you please stop calling me Lord Wilds?"

I smile slightly. "Sebastian."

"Not quite," he tells me.

I sigh. "Bash."

"That's better," Bash tells me. "I saw you speaking with Mister Benedict Bridgerton."

"He was a friend of Levi and a friend of mine," I tell him. "Much like yourself."

Bash shakes his head. "There were never rumors involving Levi, you, and me."

"You are making me regret my decision," I tell him.

"At least Lady Whistledown had yet to show her face," Bash offers. "Though now there are new rumours about you."

"Would you to like to question me about Lord Ashford?" I remark. "Since the ton suddenly seems to think that him and I are destined for one another."

Bash laughs. "I should hope not."

"Is there a problem with Lord Ashford?" I question.

"No." Bash shakes his head. "I personally think he is on the dull side."

"As opposed to the rakish rogue side," I reason.

Bash laughs. "Now you understand."

I shake my head slightly. "I am going to find my seat now. I still think I may only be able to handle you in small doses, Bash."

He smiles. "Will I see you at the Vauxhall Ball?"

"Unless I manage to avoid you," I tell him.

I start towards my seat again. This time it is Mama who stops in front of me.