A Troubled Romantic <<Bridgerton>>

Chapter Two: Another Goodbyes

"You grew by at least two inches!" Gregory exclaimed

Lucy turned to him, with a confused face wondering why her friend would say that and she bursted out laughing.

"I am older little Bridgerton, it is of little import" she said while giving him a soft tap on his head.

Lucy never really cared about her appearance. One could say she was a 'a lad in a lady's guise', which was not really comprehensible in that time. She was from a wealthy family but never wore fancy clothes. She believed wealth divides people as it creates a social gap. This is most likely why everyone found her easy to talk to as she possessed a remarkable sagacity for one so young.

"I believe we ought to get going now. You need to get ready for the party"

The friends started walking back to the mansion while catching up with the stories of their lives. The walk was a very jovial one full of giggles and teasing.

Kate offered the Abernathys to spend the night after the party, which they accepted.

"LUCY !!!"

At the sound of her name, she quickly turned to see who was calling out for her. When she finally could see who was excitedly waving at her from a distance, she smiled and retorted

" HYACINTH!"

They hastened to meet each other for an embrace. Hyacinth is Gregory's little sister. It is not surprising how much she adores Lucinda given her warm personality. She always considered her as her sister, even though she has three sisters already. It was such a pleasant feeling for Lucy who thought everything had changed when everything was still the same in reality.

The party was just another social gathering but it became a welcoming party for the Abernathys. Everyone was happy to see they have come back to society. Strangely enough, no one tended to their loss as a sad happening. Gabriel was relieved as he was always scared of interacting with people in fear their would talk about the unfortunate event which triggered some sad memories.

Gabriel was smiling and interacting with everyone just like his past self, something that Lucinda did not witness for the past five years. She was pleased that her father could finally be himself again.

A few days later, the Abernathys went back to their home, Fennsworth Abbey. Gabriel had to gather his spirits before  entering into their house. It seemed loom and empty without his son, Richard and his wife Giselle. He reached out for his daughter's hand who was looking at him with a face expressing sadness and curiosity, wondering how her father will behave in this situation. Lucy tightened her father's hand to express her support. They walked in together through the heavy doors of their home. He inhaled deeply and smiled. His daughter was pleased. They both lifted up the curtains, to let in the radiant sunshine make its way into the house, revealing its outstanding noble features. The family portraits hung to the wall, the couches made of the finest linen of Alindouar, the sparkling chandelier that reflected the sun rays. It was almost as if it was their first time setting foot into that house. In a way, it is the first time for just the two of them.

Richard Abernathy was born two years before Lucinda. He looked normal at birth until his mother noticed that sometimes he would act strangely. The doctors said he has an injury of the brain due to reasons that they could not possibly understand themselves. Giselle and Gabriel searched for a way to make him  better, but in vain. Fortunately enough, his behaviour would switch back to normal. But the older her grew, the more it was difficult to control his fits. The doctor suggested an institution for children like him which would be able to better accommodate his fits. When Richard was able to remain normal for a whole year, his parents decided to send him to Eton. When his fits started again, he would go back to the institution.