Season's Feather

Chapter Fifty-Five

"A jilted groom. A broken hearted bride-to-be. A royal wedding in shambles. Sensational? Quite. But, true? This author may traffic in chatter and speculation, dear reader, but misinformation? Never.

"Explanations of why Miss Edwina absconded from the altar may be greater in number than anyone could possibly fathom. But we must not forget, it was Her Majesty the Queen who placed the young miss on that special stage so that she could make her grand exit."

"Allow this author to hope for Her Majesty's sake, as well as both the Sharmas and the Aeverys, that an official explanation emerges swiftly. Lest the ton are run away by their tawdry imaginings."

Delilah was sitting in the Silvester drawing room with Felicity, Thomas, and Anthony. She paced back and forth. Williamson should have been there. Where was he? Why wasn't he here? What could he possibly be doing?

"Where is he? He should be here by now." Delilah mumbled to herself, her eyes constantly going to the door.

Felicity let her head roll on the couch so her sight was shifted to the ceiling, "Perhaps he is still waiting at the altar for Miss Edwina."

Delilah gave her a look, "There will be no mockery today."

"She mocks me incessantly," Thomas grumbled.

Anthony got up and stopped Delilah in her constant pace, "Are we not overlooking the benefit of this...tragedy?"

Thomas looked up at the viscount, "Leftover cake?"

"You wonder why I mock you..."

Thomas gave his sister a glare. She stuck her tongue out in response.

"Williamson!" Anthony said, "How good of you to join us."

Delilah turned around and to the man who had walked in with a bored expression. He had certainly taken his time and looking at him now, he seemed to have not given any thought as to how important today would be for their reputation. Clearly, he hadn't understood the following repercussions of a failed wedding.

Williamson nodded his head and picked up some of the cheese that was displayed, "Have you all eaten?"

Delilah walked over quickly and looked at him with stern eyes, "You will have to break your fast later. For now, it is of the utmost importance that we act swiftly to limit the damaging consequences of the unfortunate of your-"

"Bungled nuptials?" Thomas asked.

Felicity looked over at them, "Is all of this truly happening because a woman merely changed her mind?"

"Unfortunately so, Felicity." Anthony nodded.

Delilah scoffed, "Yet, I suppose the reason doesn't signify. We must deal with the consequences. Now, I think it is a pleasant morning for a promenade."

All three of the Aevery's groaned. Delilah shook her head at all of them. She looked to Anthony for help but he was laughing quietly into his hand. She passed him a glare instead before turning back to the three other children in the room, "Together, united, as the most respectable family that we still very much are."

"Respectable?" Williamson asked. He walked over to where Delilah was standing, "A respectable family is headed by a gentleman, is it not?"

"Brother. Is there something more we should know?" Felicity asked.

Delilah looked at the man beside her, "Or perhaps more than just I should know?"

Williamson sighed, "Forgive me. If a promenade is what you feel is wise, Delilah, then we shall leave within the hour."

Leave within the hour they did. Arriving at the park, the Silvester party joined the Bridgerton family. They walked together. Though Williamson didn't look happy to be there. Everyone looked away from them. There were whispers throughout the park.

Across the way, the Sharma's stood.

Williamson met Kate's eye. Their kiss flashing through his mind. It seemed as though everyone else caught on to it though. Delilah was going to say something before a voice came behind the crowd.

"Is this not a surprise, to see you out in public so soon, Lady Silvester."

Delilah turned around to the Featherington's. What a joy to deal with them on such a fine morning. She turned with the Aevery's and the Bridgerton's to the small group.

"Lady Featherington," Delilah smiled, "It is not as though we are in mourning."

"No one understands the pain of a broken engagement better than myself." Lady Featherington breathed, "I never thought we would recover after Mr Bridgerton and Miss Thompson's falling out, and yet here we are."

Delilah could hear shifting behind her. If she had to guess it was Colin. Marina was a touchy subject for him after her departure from London.

Lady Featherington smiled however and kept talking, "Miss Thompson now Lady Crane, Philippa now Mrs. Finch, and Prudence now engaged."

"Yes," Anthony said from beside her, "It is rather amusing how things work themselves out, is it not?"

"Yes dear, how strange the world works."

Lady Featherington nodded at the two, "Indeed. I do wish you good fortune with all of your things, Lady Silvester."

Then the woman and her family walked off. All except for Penelope, who muttered an apology before her mother called her along. Anthony squeezed her waist and a hand on her shoulder from Williamson had her nodding softly. She was with the people she loved dearly. They will do their best today.

They continued walking. Trying to address each family that they knew. But, no one responded. No one battered them an eye. No one gave them any kind of greeting. Delilah sighed, she leaned into Anthony's side. Once the morning was over, she could move on. Her eyes looked across to the bridge where Lady Danbury and her ward was.

The two shared eye contact, Delilah knew where she and Williamson would be soon.