Season's Feather

Chapter Twenty-Nine

By dinner, Delilah was back in her high spirits. Giving Anthony a small kiss before dinner, she joined everyone at the table. The Bridgerton's, the Sharma's, Delilah and Williamson. All around the table for a lighthearted meal.

"This room is exceptionally well-lit," Benedict said, "Have you noticed, Col? The twinkle of the candles, it is as...it as if we sit among the stars."

Eloise paused in her meal to look up at her brother, "What is wrong with you?"

Colin glanced at his sister, "I was just telling Benedict how brilliant the stars were in Greece."

Delilah would say that was the case, if not for the dreamy expression and unnervingly relaxed posture Benedict presented. He looked out of it. He looked higher than the moon at the moment. Delilah shared a glance with Anthony, one of amused concern.

"Are you enjoying your time here, Miss Edwina?" Daphne asked the younger Sharma.

"I am, very much. The buzz of the city is thrilling indeed, but I quite enjoy the peace of the country."

Williamson smiled at her, "As do I. Though I dare say. It is not quite so peaceful with such a close family here."

Edwina laughed softly, "I understand, my lord. Certainly, I cannot compare my family with the one you have made for yourself along with your two siblings back at home, but, my sister and I were known to be a handful growing up too."

"Mm. I can imagine," Williamson replied, looking over at Kate.

"But," Edwina continued, "Kate always has had my best interests at heart. She bears a heavy responsibility for our family."

"That sounds remarkably similar to you, Williamson," Delilah laughed, "Much familial responsibility to bear, indeed."

Williamson gave her a pointed look before adjusting in his seat at the call out. His eyes locked with Kate. The tension settled between them quickly. Williamson rattled himself inwardly. He was courting and would marry her sister. He did not want Kate Sharma, he wanted Edwina Sharma.

He was shaken by his thoughts when Benedict knocked his glass over. He watched with wide and shocked eyes as Benedict brought both his hands to cover his face - like a child.

"Benedict, dear, you alarm our guests." Violet said.

"It is quite alright, Lady Bridgerton." Kate insisted.

Lady Danbury brought her glass up and clicked it gently with her knife, "Perhaps...it is time for a toast."

"A good idea," Violet agreed, "To cheer our guests."

Lady Danbury raised her glass, "Or to tend to other pressing matters."

"Williamson?" Anthony asked.

Delilah looked at Williamson. Was he going to propose? Everyone turned to him. Delilah thought it was peculiar how he looked at the eldest Sharma.

"My-" Kate spoke, "I believe my sister and I have grown rather weary."

"A toast. Yes," Williamson spoke as he stood, "My sincere gratitude to the Bridgerton's for letting me join you. To Lady Silvester for hosting me this season. To the Sharma's for joining us. It has been splendid to witness what is now Anthony's second annual loss at pall-mall, courtesy to Lady Silvester for that kind sliver of information. I am sure it won't be repeated."

A laugh rose up around the table as everyone lifted their glasses. Anthony gave Delilah a playful glare. She responded with a wide smile.

Williamson looked over at the youngest Sharma, "And, my special gratitude to Miss Edwina. It has certainly been a privilege to truly make your acquaintance these past days. In fact, I believe there is a question I would like to ask you."

The whole room stilled. Delilah glanced at Kate who sat back in her chair and breathed faster by the second. Her eyes looked at Anthony's who looked wide at Williamson.

Williamson stood there for a moment. His future right before his hands. He could propose right now and claim Edwina Sharma as his wife, what was holding him back? He took a breath, and glanced around with an uneasy simple. What was holding him from doing this?

"I should like to, uh..." Williamson paused, "I would like to ask you to please refrain from telling anyone back in London about the Viscounts loss. I fear the harm to his reputation would simply be too great, and I am trying to get on his good side. To the pleasant days ahead."

He lifted his glass, everyone followed. Delilah looked around awkwardly though. He was going to propose? So why hadn't he. This was everything he talked about. Everything.

"Pleasant days..." Lady Danbury said.

There was a chorus around the table. Delilah looked at Edwina who seemed thrown off, she certainly was not the only one. Delilah tried to catch Williamson's eyes, but he certainly found his glass of wine more interesting.