there's nothing the ton would love other than a scandal! be it a lingering touch or worse, a kiss! this author feels the need to remind the reader to think before one acts, for one wrong move and your reputation plummets to the ground. desires are h...
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Aaliyah watched in amusement as Benedict argued with the youngest of both the Bridgertons and the Williams about their game. Violet smiled at the sight while embroidering a flower on a handkerchief.
Eloise, slouched on a settee, reading her book beside Henry, while Mark Anthony perused a newsletter in front of the Earl and the Countess, who sipped tea and nibbled biscuits.
"We came as soon as we heard," Anthony announced, barging into the room with Princess Adelheid. Everyone stood to greet and hug the newlyweds. "I cannot believe I have a princess for a sister!" Hyacinth squealed, her face alight with a wide smile.
The redheaded Princess's heart swelled as she tightened her hug on the youngest Bridgerton, who clung to her.
"We are sorry to cut your honeymoon short, Your Highness," the Earl said with a soft, dejected sigh.
"Nonsense, my lord. If it pertains to the safety of family, then it is of the highest priority. And I wouldn't mind a distraction from my honeymoon." Princess Adelheid replied with a gracious smile before muttering the last sentence under her breath while the Viscount gave her a subtle glare her way.
Benedict and Aaliyah stood side by side, arms wrapped around each other's waists as they greeted the Viscount and Princess. "Aaliyah," the redhead said with a soft frown before embracing her friend.
"It is alright. There has been no harm so far other than hushed whispers among the ton," Aaliyah reassured her, smiling as she softly patted the redhead's back.
"As soon as we read the letter, we began to pack our bags back to London." she said. They all seated themselves on chaise lounges as teacups were placed in front of them.
"I informed Aunt Lottie, and she requires an audience with both the Williams and the Bridgertons," Prince Friedrich said, sipping his tea. "That will be this afternoon, so our best course of action right now is to wait but remain alert."
"Brother! You must also tell them the good news!" Hyacinth exclaimed with an excited smile from the chess table. Benedict gave a warning glance, but Anthony caught on and asked what was going on.
"Benedict is betrothed to Aaliyah!" Hyacinth squealed softly, causing Princess Adi's eyes to widen slowly as Anthony snapped his gaze to his brother, whose hand was intertwined with Aaliyah's.
"Oh my, congratulations!" the new Viscountess smiled.
Anthony's gaze softened when he saw the way Benedict looked at Aaliyah, who told the Viscountess how they came to be engaged. Anthony had seen Benedict cheeky and mischievous, but never so content. Benedict's arm was wrapped around her waist, his other hand intertwined with her fingers. His eyes were half-lidded as he stared at his fiancée, who continued to talk to the Viscountess with a huge smile and softly exaggerated gestures.
Noticing a gaze on him, Benedict looked up and saw Anthony. The Viscount gave him a smile and a soft nod, making the second-born smile back.
Violet's heart warmed as she observed the scene. Little by little, her children were finding their happiness, and it brought her immense joy to see them so content. Though she still had one problem with one of her children, Anthony. It seems that even as the two were on their honeymoon, they couldn't put their differences aside and continued to clash.
