Season's Feather

Chapter Forty-Three

Later, Williamson was at the Danbury drawing room with the jeweler - Mr Brookes - to adjust the Aevery ring for Edwina when Kate walked in.

"Lord Bridgerton?"

"Miss Sharma."

Williamson motioned to the man beside him, "We are here to have Miss Edwina's betrothal ring altered to fit."

Kate chuckled and nodded, "My apologies, but my sister and my mother have not yet returned home."

This was dangerous. Being with her was always dangerous. Williamson had to get out of here. He did not need to be with Kate without Edwina, "Of course," he said, "Then we shall trouble you no further."

Mr Brookes pointed to the table where a single slice of cake sat, "Is that cake?"

"Indeed," Kate nodded.

"Lemon?"

"Pardon?"

The jeweler smiled looking down at the slice, "I fancy a good lemon."

Kate sighed and put her hands together. She smiled tensely at the jeweler, "Might I offer you some refreshment, Mr..."

"Brookes. Only if you insist. I mean, it would be churlish to refuse. Tea, three spoons of sugar, and perhaps some sandwiches too, thank you."

Williamson began to pace as Mr Brooks and Kate sat down. The older man had no problem digging into the pastries as they began to wait for Miss Edwina and her mother. Williamson turned his efforts into controlling his breathing. Keeping his eyes on Kate Sharma. Though, they couldn't keep their eyes off each other.

The oblivious old man just made everything worse.

Williamson couldn't bear the silence though, "It is fine weather we are having, is it not?"

Kate looked at him incredulously, "You wish to speak to me about the weather?"

"Is there another topic of conversation that'd be more appropriate?"

Kate smiled tensely and stood from her spot walking over to Williamson with determined footing, "There is nothing appropriate about you proceeding with this engagement."

"On the contrary," Williamson objected, "I believe it is the most proper outcome of all."

"Oh. And what of everything that passed between us at Aubrey Hall?"

Kate got closer and it only got harder for Williamson to keep him in control. He had to keep reminding himself to breathe. The woman in front of him meant nothing. He was engaged to her sister. It did not matter that Kate was beautiful, objective, and obviously perfect.

Stop, he shook his head. He hated the woman in front of him. That was how he justified the sudden change of air and rise of temperature.

"Nothing passed between us," Williamson declared, "I am a gentleman."

Kate stared at him down, "Is that so? Need I remind you, sir, if anyone other than Delilah discovered us in the library that night, then we, too, would be obliged to wed."

Williamson searched her eyes, "Nothing happened. Would the two of us being obliged to marry be the outcome you desire?"

"Of course not."

"Then let us both be glad we have avoided such an unthinkable fate."

"I say, Miss Sharma," Mr Brooks said, "Do you and your sister happen to share gloves?"

Kate looked over, trying to focus her mind from the current conversation into the new one, "I- yes, on occasion."

"I knew it. I can take the measure of a hand at 20 paces. We may use your finger to size the ring!"

"Oh, I beg your pardon." Kate objected.

Williamson stepped away from her, "That shan't be necessary."

Mr Brooks shook him away, "Nonsense!"

He looked expectant for the ring. Williamson let out a huff and grabbed it off the side table. He didn't want to look. He didn't want to envision it. He didn't want to think about it. But when Mr Brooks stepped away for a moment it was all he could see.

Kate as his fiancee, Kate as his Lady, Kate as the woman of his house.

Kate Sharma looked down at the ring, "It is a beautiful piece."

Williamson stepped forward and cupped her hand where the ring sat, "It is the ring my father gave to my mother before they were wed. It is the last thing we have of her."

His fingers rubbed softly over her hand. Then he turned quickly at the sound of footsteps. Miss Edwina had finally arrived with her mother.

"Lord Aevery?" Edwina asked.

Kate looked to her sister, "They came to, uh, alter the ring." She walked quickly away from the side of the room where Williamson was.

"Uh," Williamson said, "Mr. Brooks insisted."

Edwina bowed and looked to her sister for the ring. But of course it was stuck on Kate's finger. He smiled tightly and waited for her to slip the ring off. But, it wasn't coming off.

"Kate?" Edwina asked, "Are you-"

"Yes, almost." She smiled awkwardly as the ring wouldn't come off. She pulled, and pulled. Till it finally gave way and she handed it over quickly.

Edwina took it as Lady Danbury then walked in, "Ah. Here you all are. I have news. Lord and Lady Sheffield sent word, they are in London."

"Our grandparents?" Edwina said.

Lady Danbury smiled at her, "Indeed. It seems they read the engagement announcement and wish to make your acquaintance. And, uh, that of your future husband of course."

"I should be delighted to meet them," Williamson nodded.

Kate walked over to Lady Danbury, "They are already in town?"

"They arrived last night."

The two shared a tense look. Williamson looked between the two, "Is something wrong?"

"Not at all," Lady Danbury said, "I shall invite them to the engagement dinner tomorrow. I'm sure it will be the most joyous reunion after all these years. Yes, Lady Mary?"

Williamson turned to the Sharma sisters' mothers. Lady Mary smiled and nodded, "Indeed."

The Lord turned with a smile, "I shall look forward to it. Miss Edwina, are you ready to promenade?"

Edwina smiled at him, "I am, my lord."