Season's Feather

Chapter Sixty-Two

"What is it about betrayal that excites us so? The ton itself has certainly felt its peculiar kind of frenzy after the promise of the wedding to end all weddings was broken. Yet, this author has it on very good authority that the Lord Aeverys' failed nuptials may not be the only betrayal our dear Lady Silvester must manage at present.

The ball that night at the Silvester Estate was grandly decorated. In the main room, a white rose was painted on the floor with pink, pale orange, yellow, and green flowers coated on the walls. The silver was highlighted on all of the walls and everything was in perfect position for the night.

However, when Delilah walked in with Williamson, it was empty. No attendees present. Until the Bridgertons and the Danbury group walked in. All of them looked around in confusion. Delilah rubbed her hands together. Her first ball and no one had shown up.

"Well," Delilah said while she looked at all of her preparation, "This is unexpected."

Anthony came over to her side, "It's still early, Love."

"Would you still like us to play, My Lady?" One of the band members asked.

Delilah shook her head, "That will not be necessary."

"Delilah, might I head to the old studio? I don't think I can stand to be around such misery." Benedict asked.

She nodded her head at the second eldest Bridgerton, "You know where it is Benedict."

"Wait!" Anthony called.

Benedict grumbled to himself, "I know of your opinions brother."

Anthony put his arm out to stop Benedict, "You will stay for a dance brother."

Delilah looked at her fiance confused. There was no one here. What dancing? What activity could be held at such a sad excuse of a ball. Anthony took Delilah's hand, "There shall be dancing." His eyes turned to Benedict, "A new perspective, yes?"

"Dancing? With Whom?" Thomas asked.

"Anthony." Violet called.

Williamson made eye contact with Anthony who nodded before he turned to the stairs, "Felicity!"

Over the railing, the young blonde peeked over with Thomas next to her, "Yes, brother?"

Williamson smiled, "Come down here and do me the honor."

Felicity looked taken back before looking at Thomas with a shocked and excited expression. Thomas looked aghast at her before pointing down, "If she gets to dance then so do I."

Delilah laughed as she watched Felicity drag him down the steps. Anthony stepped back from Delilah's side as Williamson looked at her and smiled before they both went over and extended their hands to the younger attendees. Williamson taking Felicity's hand and Delilah taking Thomas's.

"Thomas!" Delilah smiled, "Do me the honor and dance with me around the floor. Williamson speaks highly of your skill, and I find myself quite curious."

"No, no, Mr. Aevery come dance with me. We cannot leave the viscount without a partner." Lady Danbury said.

Thomas looked at Delilah who nudged him towards the Dowager. Anthony came over to replace his empty spot. The other Bridgertons and Sharma family then came up to take positions.

"Something lively please," Williamson called up to the band, "A country dance, perhaps?"

"Oh! Just like at the jubilees we had back at home!" Felicity squealed.

Williamson looked over at Delilah, "I believe the theme you have chosen tonight is harmony, Delilah."

Delilah smiled at him as everyone took hands. The music began to play. Delilah swore she had never had so much fun. Everyone came in and out. There were smiles all around the circle. Then Anthony took her hand and the two began to spin together. Delilah with the weight on her finger and the happiness that came from the man in front of her had every effect on the small bubble that sealed itself around them.

This was pure happiness. This was something she had not had in her home for a very long time. She was sure at first this ball was a disaster, but it wasn't. It was to be in harmony for the families present tonight. A universe-effected private gathering for them to just have fun in each other's company.

A way for siblings to heal gashes. For lovers to make themselves apparent. For families to become one.

They all came together again, and around them was a ring of fine silver, uniting everyone.

Again they all went into their respective groups and Delilah ended up with Williamson. The two laughed as they bumped into each other before Felicity and Thomas came into their small circle. The four danced together and that is when Delilah had unofficially become an Aevery. To the three siblings that had a good relationship but were somewhat disconnected, Delilah was the glue they needed.

For Williamson, the older sister to guide him. For Felicity, the womanly figure she needed. For Thomas, the gentle hand that helps him relax.

One more time everyone came together. And again, and again, and again. Delilah ended up with everyone once. Each time full of laughter and dubious fun. Then the music ended, everyone was heaving but it was light hearted.

Everyone bowed to each other and then a light silence descended over everyone.

Delilah ended up right back in Anthony's arms, "I am just a tiny bit disappointed everyone did not give a second thought to our story."

Anthony looked down at her before his eyes flashed to the maids who held onto a copy of Lady Whistledown. He squeezed her side as she followed his gaze, "Perhaps we ask them."

Delilah called out for the latest edition and let her eyes wander over the paper.

"Is that Lady Whistledown?" Eloise asked, "Has she published, Delilah?"

"She has." Delilah answered, "Now we may know why we are the only ones here."

"Should our lives be distilled down to the sum total of our choices, then Miss Eloise Bridgerton has certainly made a dangerous, perhaps ruinous one. For she's apparently been associating, unchaperoned, with improper company. Political radicals, in fact.

"It might be that the young miss spent a great deal of time considering her decisions. Or, perhaps, they were made in haste."

Delilah read it slowly to herself before handing it over to Eloise, who read it, and then ran up the stairs. Delilah called out to her to go to her room. She didn't get a response, but she heard a familiar door slam.

Delilah took one look at her figure before turning to Anthony and grasping his outstretched hand. The two walked out quickly. Everyone watched the receding couples with nerves. There was no telling what both of them would do angry.

"Whatever the case may be, we must all remember, as one makes one's bed, so one must lie in it."