A Lady's Calling: A Bridgerton Fanfic

Chapter 4

Cressida felt a flutter of nerves as her carriage jostled along the road to the Bridgerton's summer estate. It was only fair, she supposed, after Eloise had paid her an unexpected call at home. At least she came bearing a peace offering - Eloise's own dress, which Cressida's loyal maid Helena had cleaned and mended with care. Helena had tutted over the garment's loose stitches and signs of wear, but Cressida found the thought of Eloise absent-mindedly picking at her dress rather amusing.

In truth, had Eloise not appeared on her doorstep, Lady Cressida might have remained sequestered at her estate another month. Now she found herself fretting over the reception that awaited her. Would she be turned away after a mere delivery, or would the indomitable Lady Violet insist she stay for tea? And what of Eloise herself - would she even wish to see Cressida again after their last encounter?

Cressida's stomach tied itself in knots imagining which Bridgertons might be in residence. Heaven forbid Penelope was present - Cressida owed her a thousand apologies she had not yet summoned the courage to give. With luck, Penelope and her new husband Colin would still be off enjoying their wedded bliss. The affection between them had seemed genuine, so unlike Cressida's own marriage of convenience to Alfred.

As the carriage rumbled on, she wished fervently that she had thought to bring parchment and pen. If only she could gather her racing thoughts and pour them out in ink, perhaps then she would feel ready to face whatever awaited her at the end of this road.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Cressida's head throbbed as her heart raced, the weight of her thoughts threatening to overwhelm her. She focused on the rhythmic clop of horse hooves and the creak of the carriage, desperate for any distraction from the specter of Penelope Bridgerton. Eloise's friendship was too precious to lose again, especially over a conflict with Penelope. If maintaining that bond meant making nice with the new Mrs. Bridgerton, then so be it.

In truth, Cressida had avoided asking Eloise's opinions on the matter of Penelope and Colin. Perhaps they would both need to extend olive branches. With luck, Penelope would be occupied with her own household come autumn, no longer a fixture at society events. The thought of navigating this unfamiliar territory sent a fresh wave of anxiety crashing over Cressida. For a wild moment, she considered commanding the carriage to turn back - but no, they had come too far. She could not waver now.

As the carriage slowed to a halt, Cressida summoned what resolve she could. Peering out the window, she watched as the gates of Aubrey Hall swung open, revealing the sprawling estate in all its grandeur. The sheer audacity of her visit struck her anew. What madness had possessed her to think this would be welcome? But here she was, for better or worse.

The carriage drew up before the imposing entrance, and Cressida hesitated a beat before accepting the offered hand and stepping down. She made a mental note to learn the names of her escorts - a small thing, but one she had neglected too often of late.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

As Cressida alighted from the carriage, a commotion from the nearby garden caught her attention. Suddenly, a whirlwind of chestnut curls came into view as Hyacinth and Gregory Bridgerton bounded across the lawn. The sight brought a smile to Cressida's lips - a wistful hope for the day she might watch her own children at such carefree play.

"A guest!" Hyacinth cried, her voice bright with excitement as she dashed up to Cressida. The young girl bobbed a quick curtsy. "Miss Cressida Cowper! What a surprise!"

Beside her, Gregory nudged his sister, leaning close to whisper in her ear. Hyacinth's eyes widened, and she hastened to correct herself. "Oh! Lady Debling, my apologies!"

Gregory looked about, uncertainty flickering across his face, before seeming to come to a decision. With a gallant air, he offered his hand to Cressida, clearly intending to escort her inside.