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London, England - 1813
Following the Duke of Hastings and Daphne's engagement, and the recent discovery of the threat that Cressida Cowper posed, they were in a hurry to procure a special license in order to marry quickly. Simon and Anthony had gone by the chapel to speak with the archbishop, hoping it would be a simple exchange of pleasantries and they'd be on their way.
Alas, it was anything but.
"Denied?!" Daphne's brazenly exclaimed as she looked between her brother and fiancé. They gathered in the foyer to the Bridgerton house, waiting for guests to arrive to enjoy a nice engagement dinner between family and friends. "What on earth for?"
Anthony looked to the side and let out a low grumble, "For some reason the Archbishop of Canterbury did not think he owed me an explanation."
"If we are to wait weeks for this wedding, it gives Cressida Cowper, not to mention Whistledown and anyone else, far too much time to uncover the truth of what happened in that garden." She tried to explain to them. She cast her eyes to Simon who stood further back behind Anthony, "Simon-"
Just as she spoke his name, the doors burst open and Humboldt walked in, cutting her off. "Lady Danbury." The woman of the hour walked in a few seconds later, making her presence known before Humboldt cleared his throat to announce again, "And the Morrigans."
Francis and Rebekah were the first to step into the room, immediately turning to Danbury to give her hugs. "Humboldt," Francis voice boomed against the two-story entrance. He brought out a hand, patting him on the back. "Your informality never ceases to make me smile. It's refreshing."
"Yes, well, that is why I do it, sir." He nodded his head before bidding himself adieu.
James and Inez stumbled in a few moments later, chatting amongst themselves about the chilly temperatures. Betty was the last to enter, noticing the change in atmosphere. It was tense, as Daphne, Simon, and Anthony all stood with worried looks, glancing back and forth between one another. "Well, dear God, who died?" She tried to lighten the mood.
Just then, Violet stumbled into the foyer, welcoming all of her guests with open arms. Without reading the room first, her over joyous tone and happy nature tricked her into thinking all was well. "Welcome!" she said "Welcome! Is everyone as famished as I?"
As everyone gathered in the foyer, Danbury noted the depressing mood and absolute dread filling the room. She looked around to everyone, "Now, this is far too grim a mood for the celebration I was counting on. What on earth is the matter?" She asked the group.
"Anthony?" Violet stepped forward to add on.
He sighed to himself before moving up to come clean, "We have been denied our request for a special license." He stated rather simply.
"What?"
"The archbishop did not see a need." Simon replied, the mood had shifted to be more tense as the Duke of Hastings stood there with nothing but adamant disdain.
