Season's Feather

Chapter Thirty-Three

Delilah was playing cards with Miss Edwina Sharma, Lady Danbury, Lady Mary Sharma, and the Duchess of Hastings. In short, two women she loved, one she heard stories about, and the woman she was about to become friends with on encouragement of Daphne.

She leaned over to Miss Sharma, "Hopefully, the festivities are living up to your expectations, Miss Edwina?"

"Very much, Lady Silvester." Edwina nodded, "You and Lady Bridgerton are such diligent hostesses."

Delilah smiled, "Well, someone had to fill my mother's role."

"My condolences-"

"Not necessary, Miss Edwina, I am happy to fill her role."

Edwina smiled at her, "I so look forward to hosting my own gatherings one day."

"Well," Delilah nodded, "There is certainly pleasure to be had in acting as hostess. Though, between you and I. I think you will find there is no greater pleasure than enjoying your home alone with your family. With your husband, as long as you choose the right one."

"I do think I know what I desire in a match," Edwina nodded.

Delilah looked at the girl in interest, "And what is that?"

"I should like to be with someone kind and gentle. Someone like the man you are hosting this season. He's so even-tempered."

"Williamson," Delilah chuckled, "Even-tempered?"

Edwina looked up at her, "You would not describe him as such?"

"Well, not exactly."

"Well," Edwina nodded, "Perhaps I bring out the very best in him. And is that not what a good marriage should mean? Bringing out each other's best?"

Delilah looked at the younger girl next to her, "I shan't know yet, but I would think it is indeed, Miss Edwina."

A silence passed while Delilah looked around for Kate. The older sister was never far. Though it seemed now she was nowhere to be found. She turned back to look at Miss Edwina, "Where is your sister?"

"Hunting."

"Hunting?"

"With your ward, in fact." Edwina nodded, "I am having them spend the day together, in the hope of their finally finding common ground. It seems the two of them do not exactly see eye to eye on occasion. A good plan, is it not?"

Delilah wanted to nod her head except for the fact that she was well aware of Williamson's attraction to the well-rounded Kate Sharma. She would have called the endeavor a success, but it wasn't. It was just going to rile up the lord more. Which meant more denial. "Well," She finally said at last, "Certainly an intriguing one."

Edwina did not think any different of her answer as she smiled and turned back to the cards. Delilah knew Anthony was within that party. She prayed for him, he would need it.