Season's Feather

Chapter Fifty-Two

Williamson had run off to find the bride. He walked through the palace to where the bride's dressing room was. When he knocked on the door, he was met with Lady Mary Sharma.

"Lord Aevery."

Williamson nodded at her, "Lady Mary. I was hoping to speak with Miss Edwina."

Lady Mary turned over her shoulder to Edwina before nodding and opening the door. As Williamson walked in, Edwina stood to meet him, "Lord Bridgerton."

He walked forward and nodded his head in greeting.

Edwina stared at him, "I am quite certain this delay is rather unexpected."

"Indeed," Williamson agreed, "But I must ask if it is, in fact, a delay and nothing more?"

He didn't get a response for a moment. He was holding onto his control so as to not fidget in his stance. He was borne down by the eyes of Edwina. The scrutiny, the newfound coldness, the truth that was playing in her vision now.

"I am considering what more there may be regarding our courtship and those involved with its interference."

"Please-"

"Tell me," Edwina said, "You did not come here to offer me more lies or half-truths, my lord. At least offer me that."

Williamson nodded at her, "I am intent upon this marriage. The very fact that we have arrived at this day with whatever interference there might have been should be proof enough."

Edwina accepted his answer, "Indeed. Yet, I still wonder whether it is the marriage or me that you truly want."

Williamson looked at her, "It is both."

Lies, lies, lies.

"It has been since the first moment of our meeting. It was clear to me then, it is clear to me now. What we share is greater than all else."

"And what is it you believe we share?" Edwina asked.

"Our places," Williamson answered, "Our roles. They align. I, as a lord. You, as the diamond. Neither by our own choice. We are yoked to each other in that respect. It is why I never gave up pursuing you, even when some thought me a fool to continue. It is why I was not swayed by the insults of the Sheffields or your lack of a dowry."

Edwina looked at him, "Because you love me?"

Williamson stared at her. But, he couldn't respond with what she wanted. Because he did not love her. This was duty, this was an order from his father. Find a wife. He came to London to find a wife, and he found her. He just had to marry her.

"I understand you. I sympathize with you. In a certain light, I am you. We do not have the luxury of choice. We cannot escape our roles. But married, we may face these difficulties together." He finally responded.

"And what of my sister? What role will she play between us in the future?" Edwina then asked.

He regretted it as he spoke, "The thorn that is easily removed from the blossoming flower of our lives. She shall have no place in our future. Once we marry she will return to India as she wishes. You and I will be free of her."

"And that is what you now wish?"

"That is what I now know. The distance will bring us closer. But that future is only possible if you decide today to marry me."

Edwina looked over at her mother. She took a breath, then she looked back at Williamson, "I have been told what my future will look like more times than I now wish to admit, my lord. But I am no fool. I know the scandal that would ensue should the two of us sail to see this through now. But I cannot find that reason enough."

Williamson watched as she took a step back from him.

"I require a moment to think. Of my future, indeed. But only in the way that I might now imagine it. You must understand."

He did. He nodded his head. He left her in silence with a bow. Then he walked out. Blindly through the halls he traveled. He needed a moment alone. Truly alone, in a space where there was no one else. But, as he walked through the halls there was Kate.

She ran back into the entrance she came from and without his permission, his feet pulled him to follow her.

"You cannot be here." Kate spoke when she heard the door close a second time.

"Miss Sharma-"

"This is my place of refuge," Kate said.

Williamson looked around the room. It was an interesting place of refuge, indeed. He turned back to the eldest Sharma, "A closet?"

"Yes. It may not be grand, but it met my main requirement when you were not present. So go and leave me in peace." She tried to open the door but Williamson held it closed and prevented her from exiting the closet.

"We must speak."

Kate scoffed, "You realize how improper-"

"I've just met with Miss Edwina. She was harsher than I knew she was capable of being."

"You cannot fault her for that," Kate replied.

Williamson took a breath, "I conceded I do not know her as well as you do but that is why I am coming to you. Now you must do something."

Kate looked at him, "What would you have me do, my lord? More plotting and scheming? It seems my sister has finally become wise to all of it. In one way, I should be quite proud."

"So you intend simply to cease to help her, and hide in a closet as she ruins her life?" Williamson asked.

"I have ruined her life." Kate stated.

Williamson took a step closer.

Kate shook her head, "You should not be here."

She tried to walk past him again but Williamson grabbed onto her hand to stop her. It was improper. It was stupid. It was a lack of control. He was supposed to be saving his marriage, not wondering what happened if it ended and he could be free to court Kate Sharma.

"Wait," He whispered, he pleaded.

But Kate shook her head, "Goodbye, my lord."