Season's Feather

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Delilah usually enjoyed art galleries. Although she also supposed she usually had Anthony to walk around with. Today though she wasn't given that liberty since she had to make amends to the many reputations slightly battered by a recent scandal-clouded wedding.

The group walked in tense. Well, everyone except Felicity. She walked in streaming confidence and anticipation. She quickly squandered off to enjoy the art. Thomas took to himself as well while muttering under his breath about all the different works. Delilah was left by herself to help steer the triangle that had formed itself around Williamson and the Sharma sisters.

Walking into the main room, they gained twice as many looks from just the hallway. Delilah took a breath, "If we can put the wedding behind them, so can they."

She stood by Lady Danbury as the Sharma sisters took off in different directions. She smiled as best she could while Williamson took off with Lady Sharma.

Williamson was not excited for today. But, he held himself with as much grace as he could muster. Having his fathers whispers in his ear since the wedding went to complete and utter failure.

Stand tall and be a man.

His spine automatically straightened.

Do not frown, Williamson. You are a gentleman, not a rake.

His features smoothed into neutrality. He looked down at the Lady Mary he was now escorting around the room, "You must forgive me, Lady Mary. I have yet to formally apologize."

"It is not exactly a surprise." Lady Mary responded, "Men often take time to realize their culpability in such matters. It is quite the privilege, is it not?"

Williamson paused their steps. Most things, he could swallow. He could take being sent away to go through with an arranged marriage on behalf of his father. He could take that deal being terminated, but then being left with the need for a wife. He could take the arguments his siblings would throw at him. He could even take the arguments Anthony could throw at him.

But, he could not send a family to ruin.

You must be gentle with the world. No matter how hard your father builds you to be, Williamson, remember that your actions can make or break another's ray of light. Don't shade someone because it is the easy path. Don't shade anyone if you can at all.

His mother's words flew back to him.

But, if you do. Be a good person, my dear boy. Apologize and try your hardest to fix whatever you can.

Williamson looked down at Lady Mary, "I would be very much remiss if I did not tell you that it was not my intention ever to cause your family strife. I know I have done so."

Lady Mary nodded, "In truth, I cannot place the blame entirely on your door, Lord Aevery. I myself have been absent for far too long. When my husband died, it should have been me taking on the family's burden, not Kate. She sacrificed far too much for us, indeed."

Williamson thought about the eldest Sharma daughter while they were approached by a fellow lady. Williamson nodded his head while Lady Mary greeted the woman.

"Lady Hood," Lady Mary greeted.

"Lady Mary," Lady Hood greeted, "Lovely to see you here today, and you Lord Aevery."

Williamson nodded his head at the woman, "Yes."

When the woman walked past. Williamson's focus had strayed too far away. Far, far away to a certain Sharma in a beautiful lilac dress named Kate.