Contrite & Convicted

Finale Part II

They laid there, tangled. Enraptured in their own minds. Sleeping as babes, their troubles melting away.

The ball, against Esters wishes was an utter failure. Eloise and Penelope seemed to have had a rather intense argument that Ester couldn't quite decipher.

The Bridgertons were the cause of many a whisper against dimly lit walls, Colin unknowingly led Penelope Featherington into thinking (without his own brain working) she was the most vile creature, when she in fact was not and the Queen seemed highly inattentive to the ton. Which of course left nerves frail.

The family powered through. Past Anthony and Benedict's argument over quitting the academy and Violet and Eloise got over their hump—for now—about the marriage market and Colin once again has left for another European tour. One Ester would leave for him to attend. No more pestering letters.

She hated seeing her family so distraught. She did her absolute best to assist them in whatever way she could. Until they closed up Bridgerton Manor and made their way to their winter cottage...or My Cottage...for the colder months.

Anthony agreed it was high time to abandon Grovoners Square until they could refresh.

Daphne was sad to see them go, crying buckets but the Bridgerton family packed their belongings with a renewed fervor.

That was until Anthony decided Ester looked better at packing with little to anything but a chemise and long socks on.

They were not much advanced on their own packing. Then again, Mar would handle it. Ester hoped.

"My love, if you do not weaken, you will be miserable the rest of the day for sleeping too long." Ester groaned at Anthony's annoying reminder.

"I hear a bee, buzzing in my ear." She felt him stiffen beside her at her cruel joke but kept his eyes close to her own.

"If you do not wake, dear wife, I will drag you out into our carriage with nothing but your unmentionables and I will have all the ton watch." Esters cheeks blushed but smirked nonetheless.

"Is that an invitation?" She received a light slap on the back of her leg for her comment.

"You mustn't say such devilish things or I will have to hold you too them." Anthony grinned against his wishes.

Then began to laugh.

"Whatever is so amusing?" She asked, rolling over slightly. He smiled at her and held their hands together.

"I find it so amusing that you quoted yourself the other night." Ester quirked an eyebrow.

"When you asked if we were to have sex, it reminded me of our carriage ride home alone when we were shortly wed." Ester sat up and her hair fell behind her.

"This is amusing?" Anthony smiled and laid his hand over her bump.

"Quite. For I remember the little girl in long braids who would've done anything to get me to look at her." Ester rolled her eyes.

"It was wrong of Daphne to spill so many of my secrets." Anthony gave a soft, reassuring smile.

"No—it was wrong of my character, even so young, to take advantage and hold your feelings against you. I was mean, Ester. That I know. A man my father would not have been proud of."

Ester held her hand to his face and gave a gentle touch of her thumbs to rub his slight stubble.

"You have changed. We have changed. Like a cake."

"A cake?"

Ester flopped down beside her.

"Yes, I would enjoy a cake. Your offer is most appreciated!" She squealed and licked her lower lip.

"Ahh, a trap, you nearly began conversation just so I could somehow provide you with a sweet!" Ester smiled and did not deny that was exactly her goal from the moment her eyes awakened.

"Mornings are of no issue. When you have a Viscount in your womb then I, a lady shall have cake whenever!" She chuckled as Anthony groaned but made his way through the pile of packed and unpacked clothes to retrieve his wife a cake.

"It could be a viscountess?" Anthony smiled and wiggled his brows.

"Something tells me it's a boy, only one this time." Anthony smiled.

"Boy or girl, I hope they have your crooked nose!" With that he ran through the door as it left a resounding shut with a feather pillow thrown in its direction. Ester flopped into the bed and a soft grin filled her face.

Cake really sounded wonderful.

More to follow!!!! ❤️