Season's Feather

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Delilah took that next morning to visit her father's grave. She brought flowers with her. And settled herself in the green grass. It was a lovely morning. It was a rare day that she was wearing one of her own dresses and not one of Mary's.

"Hello, papa," She said, "It has been a long time. I have so much to tell you. Though, you have probably already heard everything from Mama. I am sure you two have reunited in the Heavens. It would be foolish if you hadn't, you two were the personification of love."

She smiled at the headstone.

"Loving father, husband, and friend. The third Lord James Silvester."

Her hand touched the stone, "I am engaged, Papa. I am going to be married. To Viscount Anthony Bridgerton. Damn, your deal. I will not marry a man I don't love, and I hope you are happy."

Wind rustled the grass.

"I hope Edmund is proud of him, I hope you are proud of me."

Sunshine peaked through the trees. She smiled, she wanted to believe the small changes were her fathers presence.

"I will come back," Delilah whispered, "I will come back when I am a married woman. And, when I have children. Goodbye, Papa."

On her way back to the countryside manor, she came across Kate sitting on the terrace. She walked over to her friend and smiled.

"Delilah," Kate greeted, "Come sit with me."

Delilah nodded and took a seat next to the eldest Sharma sister. A moment of silence passed between them. Delilah could hear the birds singing.

"Can I ask you something, Delilah?" Kate asked.

Delilah looked at her friend and nodded, "Anything."

"I fear, I have upset Lord Aevery. After our arrival, he did not show up till dinner."

Ah, Delilah thought. She took a breath and shook her head, "It is not your fault, he was already in a bad mood. We got into an argument. You see, there was a deal made between our fathers long ago. It is touchy for both of us."

Kate looked down, "I am sorry."

Delilah looked at the eldest Sharma sister for a moment, "Can I ask you a question. Was it your choice you never married? I am sure you are aware that around here, it is a fate worse than death to end up a spinster. You seem perfectly content though."

Kate smiled, "You must know it is hardly ideal. The world is not exactly welcoming to an unmarried woman. There seems to be no place in society for us except at the edge of things."

"That rather seems to be society's flaw." Delilah remarked.

Kate nodded her head with a small laugh, "Indeed, it does. Why do you ask, you are an engaged woman, marriage is not a worry for you."

"Eloise," Delilah answered, "I am sure you have heard her complaints about marriage. The girl didn't want to make her debut, and she does not want to marry. But, I think she fears the outcast. She also wants to make her family proud. A common trait with the Bridgertons."

Kate looked over at the Lady, "A trait it is indeed."

— & —

Days after the death of Edmund Bridgerton and James Silvester, Anthony and Delilah walked through the halls. They were the closest they had ever been. There was hardly a moment the two were not seen together in their free time.

Anthony had asked for her help in finding his mother, the next place they were to search was the drawing room. And there was Violet. In a black mourning dress. Delilah felt her breath falter a bit.

"Violet," Delilah said, "You look well."

Violet looked up with dimmed eyes, "I slept. I bathed. I went for a walk outdoors. I saw the children. I wept with Mary. I went to the chapel. Now I'm making myself useful with embroidery."

"Perhaps join us for family dinner?" Anthony asked, "I know this is hard. I know you miss him."

"Please..." Violet whispered.

Delilah's heart broke at the small sob.

"We all miss him." Anthony said.

Violet looked up at her son, "Anthony, this is it. This is my best. I am doing my best. Every day, I get up, I get dressed, I feed myself, I try to breathe in and out."

"Violet," Delilah said, "It's okay-"

"I force myself to stop by the nursery. And I think about how sorry I feel for little baby Hyacinth because she will never know Edmunds laugh. Or the way he smelled, or what it is to be hugged in his arms. She will never have her uncle James. I feel sorrier for myself because, most of the time, all I think about is that this little baby did not do me the kindness of killing me." Violet cried, "So that I could be with my husband."

Delilah felt Anthony squeeze her hand. She squeezed back. They were each other's rocks here. They always had been, and always would be.

"Edmund was the air I breathed," Violet said, "And now there is no air. I do not even have my best friend. So, do not ask me about family dinner. I am doing my best."