Season's Feather

Chapter Thirty-Seven

The next morning Daphne and Delilah were together decorating a room with flowers. Daphne had insisted she help her friend with all the preparations for that night's ball. Mary had certainly gone above and beyond every time she decorated.

"How was your conversation with Miss Edwina yesterday?" Daphne asked.

Delilah smiled, "She is certainly a diamond. Knows exactly when to smile and exactly what to say at all times. It is just that, I've come to imagine Williamson with someone more like him."

Daphne nodded at what her friend was saying. She looked down at the flowers in her hand before glancing back over to Delilah, "Sharp, quick, a little too exacting?"

The both of them shared a light chuckle.

Daphne shifted to the other side of Delilah, "You know, every time I think my marriage has become simple, Simon and I find some new stone to turn over. A new foible that one of us needs the other to tease out and inspect. It is decidedly irritating."

Delilah laughed at her friend, "Is that what marriage is about"

"Yet," Daphne continued, "It is incredibly gratifying at the same time."

Delilah looked at her friend. The toll of marriage and motherhood shined delightfully around her. Delilah couldn't wait for her turn to shine.

"Have you started planning your wedding?" Daphne asked.

Delilah shook her head, "I have confirmed some arrangements, but then Mama, and Williamson. I just have not had any time."

Daphne nodded her head.

Delilah looked down at the followers, "Miss Edwina is nearly perfect, but Williamson is my ward. Is there not something tied around us that requires a challenge?"

"Indeed there is," Daphne nodded, "But, you need to stop worrying about Williamson and do something for yourself - like plan your wedding."

Delilah shook her head with a laugh, "Let us get a marriage license first, then plan out all of the fun details."

— & —

After decorating, Delilah found Williamson sitting in the sunroom. He seemed to be located there most days. She walked over and took a seat next to him. He had a glass of brandy in his hand and was dressed down. He was comfortable here.

"Delilah," He smiled.

"Lady Bridgerton has the ball all set for you," Delilah said.

Williamson looked at her, "Just her? Are you to tell me you have no hand in it? That you have not filled your mothers role?"

"Well," Delilah laughed, "We have both been planning, certainly. But, our plans do not require yours to be set."

Williamson took a sip of his brandy.

"Miss Edwina, she is lovely." Delilah said.

"I am sure she will make the perfect wife," Williamson nodded, "Do you still not like her?"

"I never said I did not like her."

Williamson gave her a pointed look. Delilah scoffed and shoved him slightly. Small laughter passed between them before Delilah took a breath and looked down, "I only wonder if you truly know each other well enough."

Williamson looked at her, "Is that not what marriage is for?"

"Well," Delilah sighed, "Yes, but...it helps if you share similarities. Truly, Williamson, is there really no one you share similarities with? No one at all?"

She looked over at Williamson. But, he was staring pointedly out over the countryside. He did not acknowledge her statement, and did not reply. Delilah sighed, she should have gotten Anthony to have this conversation with him.

She looked out over the Aubrey Hall grounds, "How was your hunt with the elder Miss Sharma yesterday? You have not mentioned anything about it."

"I bet I will certainly miss the viscount. Without Anthony, I am certain you've become quite meddlesome, have you not?"

Delilah looked at him with wide eyes.

The Lord shook his head though, "Do not concern yourself."

With that, Williamson got up and walked away. Delilah stayed for another moment before letting out a breath and going to get ready for the night's ball.