in quite deep// featherington oc

seventeen

If the Ancient Greeks were members of the ton, they might have added to their Olympic pentathlon one additional event. The hosting of a country visit. This, of course, is the week of Lady Bridgerton's annual Hearts and Flowers Ball, the year's most coveted invitation in the country, and no event better designed to show the might and mettle of its host.

My family is on the way to Aubrey Hall for the week. The Bridgertons are hosting a country visit. I am roasting sitting between Prudence and Pen. Though I love what little time I have spent at Aubrey Hall before I would rather be anywhere but in this carriage. Especially since we have been at a standstill for some time.

"It is hotter than a pepper patch out here in the country," Prudence complains.

"I do not believe it is any hotter here than it is in London," Pen offers. "We are simply stuck."

"What is the delay?" Mama questions.

"I'm sure someone lost an axle." Lord Featherington sticks his head out of the carriage window. "Oh, there's the Cowper carriage just ahead of us."

I roll my eyes as Lord Featherington waves enthusiastically. Mama reaches forward and steals Prudence's fan.

"Walk on." some shouts.

"Finally," Mama remarks.

As everyone arrives at Aubrey Hall were shown into the back garden. Lady Bridgerton and Daphne are greeting all of the guests. It does not take me long to find Bash with Benedict.

I smile at the two. "Good afternoon gentlemen."

"Patience," Benedict greets.

"Finally you have arrived," Bash states.

"Yes, well the Cowper carriage broke an axle," I inform him. "And we were stuck behind them for some time. I was stuck between Prudence and Pen the whole way here."

Bash laughs. "I am sorry, darling."

"I am here now and that is what matters," I say.

Benedict smiles. "Bash has not stopped talking about your absence. He missed you deeply."

"I simply said that I wished you were here already," Bash insists. "Then I let Benedict drag on about some painting or another."

I shake my head. "It is a long week. You two must play nice."

Anthony walks over towards us looking rather unhappy. "Are you ready for this bloody hunt?"

Benedict laughs. "What has gotten you so upset, brother?"

"Miss Edwina has insisted that Miss Sharma join us on the hunt," Anthony explains.

I laugh lightly. "Perhaps Miss Sharma can teach Anthony a thing or two."

"I suppose Miss Sharma just wants to upstage Anthony," Benedict tells me.

Anthony shakes his head. "I will not be bested by Miss Sharma."

"Of course not," Benedict says with a smile.

Anthony hits Benedict in the arm. "Let us make haste. I want to get this over with sooner rather than later."

Bash turns to me. "Would you care to join us?"

I laugh rather loudly. "I would rather not spend my afternoon in the forest. Especially since it appears it may rain."

"I know." Bash smiles. "I thought I would ask anyway."

I shake my head. "Go."

I sit at the table with young ladies I would not speak to any other day. It is not that I have anything against them, it is simply that I am far beyond a blushing young lady. I am not still dreaming about my wedding day and my future with children and a husband.