Only Hope | Anthony Bridgeton

Epilogue (Season 3)

✦ . 　⁺ 　 Episode 1　⁺ 　 . ✦

Abigail sat at one of the many desks in the house, desperately trying to finish her letter to her brothers. They were off at school and while they all normally corresponded several times a month, their postings had gotten farther and farther apart as of late. She took that the mean they were both making friends and having a good time, as they detailed in their letters, and thus just had less time to write, but she still was determined to finish this letter and get it into the evening post tonight.

While stretching a cramp in her hand, she began to re-read what she had already written. She was so focused she almost didn't hear the door open to her left. Looking around, she saw her husband walking through the doorway.

Smiling, she put the quill down and leaned back in her chair as he approached her.

"You are back," She said as she leaned her head backwards to see him as he stood over her. "How were your meetings?"

"Not nearly as good as our bed," He leaned down to kiss her. "Should we return to it?" He whispered against her lips, dancing just above her.

"There is..." she leaned upward as he leaned back, teasing her. "A matter I must discuss with you first."

She turned in her chair, giving up and facing him. He furrowed his brows and gave her his full attention.

"Your mother." She chuckled as he sighed.

"I know," He moved to sit on the edge of the desk. "I know she is doing everything she can to delay her move. I will speak with her today."

"What if you did not?" She prompted, reaching for his hand. "Your mother enjoys being Viscountess so much, and this is a big change for her, she's been in charge for so long..." She trailed off for a moment. "I want some assurance that I'm doing this right, and Violet can help. Let her stay, help me with Francesca's coming out and maybe, by Hyacinth, I'll be sure I'm doing this correctly."

"You're a perfect Viscountess," He said, without warning.

She laughed at the abruptness of his words.

"I'm serious. You took care of the Bentley household and your brothers for nearly two years, all on your own. You can do this, I know it, without doubt."

She sighed with a smile and stood up to let him hold her.

"Thank you..." She said and leaned in to kiss him. "I love being Viscountess. I love being your wife." she peppered her words with kisses. "But let your mother stay." she whispered the last part.

"I do not," He kissed her harder and turned them around so she sat on the desk. "Wish to talk about my mother right now."

His hands flew up her skirts and in a whirlwind of gasps, moans, and passion she was once again drifting off into oblivion with the love of her life. 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 Episode 5 　⁺ 　 . ✦

They all stood in the drawing room, Abby had walked in on Violet, Hyacinth, and Francesca standing around a piece of paper the latter was holding.

"And what do we have here?" Abby asked, sneaking up on them all.

"Oh goodness!" Violet exclaimed. "You are home late."

"I'm finally back to my normal shape, I wished to stay at the ball a little longer." She explained, gesturing to her party clothes. "We took a later carriage. Now, what did I miss?"

"Lord Kilmartin," Francesca began. "He had the music we heard earlier this week rearranged exactly as I imagined it."

Francesca held up sheet music with the biggest grin on her face. Abby was about to congratulate her, but they were interrupted by a voice behind them.