The Immortal Story - Bridgerton

A Bicker or Two.

"Indeed, the suitor Miss Francesca marries must possess wealth, be strikingly handsome, and hold a title of high rank," declared Queen Charlotte to Lady Danbury.

"Perhaps Lord Debling? I hear he is eager to secure a wife this season," Lady Danbury suggested.

"Lord Debling is preoccupied with his botany and incessantly speaks of it. He is insufferable," the Queen replied with a dismissive wave.

"Ah," sighed Agatha, her enthusiasm waning.

"Lady Danbury, you must throw yourself into it with conviction."

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. My thoughts are elsewhere."

"Is this about the secret child or the affair? I am still astounded you never confided in me. I believed we were close."

"I sought to protect her, to give her a life of tranquility away from the Ton. Through him, I discovered a love I never anticipated, and a child I was not forced to bear. For that, I have no regrets, but I do regret keeping it from you."

"Lady Bridgerton's father?"

"Yes, after my husband's passing."

"But before his wife's demise?"

"Regrettably, yes. We ceased, but rekindled our affair later." Agatha sighed deeply. "He was the love of my life."

"I understand," Charlotte said, her gaze drifting towards the door behind Agatha, missing her own beloved King George. "My son seems quite taken with the young Lady, as does his bodyguard with the other young Lady." Charlotte rolled her eyes.

"I believe Estoria is equally fond of him," Agatha responded. "But we both know their union is impossible."

"I would have welcomed it immediately if she were legitimate," Charlotte said, a hint of regret in her voice. "Ambrose may appear to suffer as his father did, but he is, in fact, perfectly sane."

"Indeed, Your Majesty. I doubt they even realize they are in love."

"And they must not." Charlotte's tone was resolute. "Ambrose has already refused to marry another, but I cannot permit the crown to be further sullied. We must keep them apart."

"I concur, Your Majesty. Estoria already has a title and need not endure what I did when I first married." Agatha shuddered at the memory of her late husband's decrepit state.

Charlotte scrutinized Agatha before nodding. "Now, tell me what truly troubles you."

"I have received word of an unwanted visitor," Agatha confessed.

"Would you have your queen banish this guest to the far reaches of the kingdom?" Charlotte inquired, a sly smile playing on her lips, recalling the fate of the doctor who once treated her husband.

"No, it is not worth your time. Let us cast it from our minds," Agatha replied.

"I have welcomed you back despite your betrayal because you remain the only trustworthy person in the Ton," the Queen stated firmly. "Do not disappoint me."

"Antoinette, hurry up, you harlot!" Carlotta's voice echoed from downstairs. "You must make haste!"

"Perfection takes time," Antoinette retorted, descending the stairs. "Not that you would understand."

"Descend from your high horse and join us," Carlotta shot back.

Antoinette scoffed. "Even if I did, you still could not reach me."

"Can you not?" Estoria interjected, tired of their bickering. Without Agatha to intervene or Edgar to redirect the conversation, it fell upon her to maintain peace.