Season's Feather

Chapter Forty-Nine

"A march down the aisle may very well be the longest walk any young lady ever takes. It does not simply cover the length of the church, but rather, countless floors for dancing, and meandering paths for every afternoon promenade tooevv.

"It is a wonder, then, that feet do not tire. Or, heaven forbid, trip under the scrutiny of all those attentive eyes keeping close watch, indeed."

It wasn't long before the wedding. In fact, the wedding was tomorrow. Delilah had been preparing with Williamson over the past couple of weeks. She had tried a few times to bring up Kate, but Williamson shut down that path of conversation.

Now, it was her and Anthony sitting in the dining room dining with the Aevery children. 

Thomas Aevery was the middle child of his siblings. He shared Williamson's brown hair, but he had bright green eyes. He had a firm frame, but there was still a youthful air around him. He was quiet, but he looked at his siblings with adoration. Delilah didn't know when he was due to find a wife, but looking at him, she supposed he may start after Felicity debuted next season.

Felicity was the complete opposite. She had brown eyes that were filled with mischief and ordination. She was a balance between fire and ice, but she switched between the two like the shock following someone's jump into a cold river. Her blonde hair curled around her neck elegantly, and she was bumbling with joy.

"Oh, I cannot wait to see you stand at the altar Williamson. I will finally have a sister. Though, I suppose I already gained one with the way you speak about Lady Silvester. Speaking of Lady Silvester, did you know that Williamson has written about you in every single letter he sends." Felicity rambled.

Williamson looked at Delilah with an apologetic look as she looked over to Anthony, "She is excited. We never left the country manor much when mother died. I am the only one who remembers the city."

Delilah smiled at him, "It's perfectly fine, I am delighted by her."

"And!" Felicity smiled, "Williamson even mentioned you were passing the house to him. Is that true, Lady Silvester? Are we going to live here? If we are, I hope you help me with my debut alongside my brother's wife. Your betrothed is a beautiful man. I want one of my own."

Anthony laughed, "You should meet my sister Hyacinth."

"Please give her some friends. Felicity doesn't know how to stop talking," Thomas mumbled.

Felicity looked at him with an aghast expression, "My talking is a good thing. I will be able to find a good suitor next year, and make impressions on your future wife."

Thomas groaned, "I don't want to think about marriage right now."

"But you're going to be entering the ton with me, even though you should have started last year after Williamson. It's important to meet all the options, Thomas."

Williamson looked at his sister, "I don't think we need to worry about marriage yet. First, let's find a proper gentleman to court."

Felicity smiled at him, "Of course, Williamson, but let's take a step back farther. Let's get through your wedding first. Is Miss Edwina beautiful?"

"She is," Williamson answered.

Felicity smiled, her eyes looking up into space. She leaned back into her seat and smiled wistfully, "I dream of having a man talk about me like that. Lady Silvester, is that how Lord Bridgerton talks about you?"

Delilah smiled at her, "I wouldn't be too sure, but when he's in front of me he does. Or, when he wants something-"

"I speak highly of Lady Silvester all the time, Felicity. It is her you should be worried about. I am lucky that I am marrying her because I think she told all the other young ladies horrid stories about me." Anthony said, giving her a pointed look.

Delilah shook her head with a laugh, "I told one or two."

Felicity looked between the two with a smile, "I would like to have a marriage adjacent to yours."

Thomas looked at her sister, "Can you give me and Williamson another few months to prepare?"

"Are you saying you'll miss me Thomas?"

"Of course, Felicity," Williamson smiled at her, "We both love you dearly and want the best for you. But, we are your brothers at the end of the day and we'll certainly miss you."

Felicity laughed, "I wouldn't be so sure-"

"Don't doubt them. I miss my sister Daphne all the time." Anthony said.

Felicity looked at Anthony before turning back to her brothers and giving a more genuine smile, "I will miss you both too. But, for now, let us focus on Williamson's wedding."

"To Lord Aevery!" Thomas raised his glass.

"To Lord Aevery!"

"Come now," Williamson waved his hand, "Let us dine."