6. Chapter Six

Kairos

Chapter Six

It was impossible to tell which of the three individuals in the garden felt more greatly at that precise moment. Violet, mortified to have been found in such a position, instantly sat in a corner of the bench and covered her face with her hands. The Viscount, after having assured himself that his intended was safely situated, turned upon his brother with a glare that was world ending. Mr Bridgerton was also red in the face, but for him, the colour came from suppressed laughter.

"Harold!" Lord Bridgerton exclaimed, "How dare you!"

"How dare I what brother?" Mr Bridgerton asked, "How dare I enter a garden open to public use where other guests may freely come?"

"How dare you interrupt and so mortify your future sister!"

Mr Harold Bridgerton had the good grace to look a little embarrassed. "Then would you introduce me so that we can all be less embarrassed?"

The Viscount turned to Violet muttering some choice words about his brother under his breath. She still held her face in her hands.

"Dearest?" his tone was substantially softer. She still did not raise her head. He tried again, "Violet, dearest, I'm sorry that you're embarrassed but we are engaged. My brother is very sorry for interrupting such a personal moment, aren't you Harold?"

"I am sorry Miss Clympton," the Viscount's brother agreed.

Eventually, the Viscount managed to coax Violet's head out of her hands. She was ashen with embarrassment.

"Miss Clympton, may I present my younger brother, Mr Harold Bridgerton?"

She managed to gather her composure enough to nod, "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, sir."

He nodded and thanked her, "I have been looking forward to meeting you for weeks now, since my brother first came careening into my poor Mama's favourite morning room at Aubury Hall declaring that he's met the woman of his dreams."

Violet felt herself colouring, "Well it's lovely to meet you." She forced herself to rise and turned to the Viscount, "I think we had better go and tell Mama at once to stop any whispers occurring …" She paused suddenly, "Oh my word, what if someone heard our exclamations? They'll piece is all together and people will say that I forced you into an engagement, my reputation will be ruined!"

The Viscount's reaction was instantaneous, he took her face gently between his hands and forced her to look at him. "No, Violet, do you hear me? No. No-one will say that you or I are compromised. My love, we are engaged! Everyone knew we were going to become so. Andrews was telling me that our waltz was enough to set the ball room alight."

"It's true," Harold agreed, "My friend Paisley and I were taking bets as to what day it would happen." The expression on his brother's face made him cringe. "And I just keep making a better and better impression, don't I?" he added, "I'll see you both inside." This was swiftly followed by a hasty exit.

The Viscount sighed and drew Violet into his arms. He held her until she stopped trembling before placing a kiss on her forehead and leading her to the same bench.

"I could have wished that my brother would make a more positive first impression," he muttered. "I assure you, he's normally a perfect example of gentlemanly behaviour."

Violet managed to find a smile, "I imagine he is a wonderful addition at dinner parties."

The Viscount laughed, "Well he certainly keeps us on our toes." He rose and offered his arm, "So, Miss Clympton, shall we go and tell everyone the good news?"

She beamed, "I believe we shall."

He led her almost decorously out of the garden, taking time to ensure that she had a comfortable footing and avoided unhelpful roots. It was only once they had regained the terrace that they remembered the need to wear their masks. The Viscount passed Violet hers before returning to the garden to find his (which had been left on the bench).

Once she was suitably attired, Violet ascended the last few steps – only to find herself observed most keenly by Miss Braydon and another gentleman who was dressed as a monk. After drawing in a deep breath for courage, she approached them with as a beatific a smile as she could manage.

"Goddess Diana, why would you be going into the garden alone with a pirate?" Miss Braydon tittered, "I thought all your thoughts were for the hunt."

Violet decided to shut her down immediately and replied in her normal tones, "The mortal wished to ask me a most particular question, Lady Elaine, I thought it would be wrong to deny him."

"I'm not Elaine, I'm Guin…" But Violet strode past them without letting her finish, partly because she wanted to find her mother, but mostly because she knew how much it would annoy her.

Once within the ballroom, she determined that the best course would be to let people know as soon as possible. That would quash any rumours Miss Braydon might try to spread immediately. She found her mother where she had left her, now without the elaborate headdress and talking to her Aunt Wethering. She lost little time in asking to speak to her and urged her towards a quieter part of the ball room set aside for drinking tea.

"What is it, Violet?" her mother asked, though she had an expectant twinkle in her eye.

Violet did not leave her in suspense, "The Viscount and I are engaged," she said, beaming. Lady Clympton's reaction was immediate and joyful. She flung her arms around her daughter and kissed her delightedly on the cheek.

They were joined a moment later by the delighted Viscount who found himself also embraced and told off his intended for breaking the news without him. Violet felt the familiar blush threatening but explained the presence of one of the worst gossips of the Ton on the terrace.

"I thought it best to suppress her rumours before she started murmuring her poison," she added. Lord Bridgerton nodded his willing acquiescence.

But once Lady Clympton had been told, Mrs Wethering and Cordelia could not be denied. They were swiftly followed by the Andrews and then, before she knew it, Violet discovered that half the room were acquainted with their engagement. The heavily pregnant Duchess of Hastings even condescended to approach and hope that they would find "Every happiness in life together". Thoroughly embarrassed, Violet had stuttered a thank you and retired to a seat beside her mother before the Viscount would not be denied the last dance of the night.

It was only once they were moving sedately through the colonnade that he asked her when she would call his by his Christian name. She found herself smiling at his hopeful expression.

"Is it permitted now that we are engaged?"

He laughed, "I believe it is, Miss Clympton. I have decided that I will not allow myself that liberty again until you are returning the favour."

She could not hold back her laugh, "And what will you do if I never return it?"

His grin widened, "Is that a challenge?"

Unable to help herself, Violet giggled again. She felt her heart dancing at the prospect of spending the rest of her life with this funny, teasing man who she had quickly come to adore.

"I suppose it is," she replied. In response, the Viscount merely gave her a small bow and continued the rest of the dance without speaking.

As the clock struck midnight, all the dancers removed their masks and Violet saw such a sudden intensity in the Viscount's expression that she had to force herself to look away. In the flurry of collecting cloaks and wraps, he managed to whisper, "I cannot wait to see your glorious hair tomorrow," as he helped her into hers.

That wretched blush once more stained her cheeks and she saw the knowing smile that touched his face. It was only once he made to follow her party that she realised his intention.

"Are you joining us?"

"I had better, or half of London will know about our engagement before I have had time to ask your father."

She could not refute this logic and saw him turn to bid his brother adieu, only to gasp. The young man in the medieval knight's garb came towards her looking both contrite and amused.

"Is your name not Mr Lewis?" she exclaimed, "Did you not visit my mother and I with Lord Paisley when your brother was away?"

Harold Bridgerton nodded uncomfortably, "I did, and I wanted to apologise. I only did it because I wished to meet the young woman who had set my brother's world into such a spin. I apologise for the subterfuge, but I wanted to make your acquaintance and I didn't want to reveal who I was straight away."

"But why?"

"I knew the nature of the letter that my brother had written to you and I was sure whether your feelings had changed."

His brother was angry, "So you again lie to my fiancé and in her own home, no less!"

"She wasn't your fiancé at the time, and I have come straight away to apologise," his brother stated, holding up his hands. "I had no excuse, and I am sorry Miss Clympton. But I just wanted to say how heartily I approve of my brother's choice. I believe that you will keep him firmly on his toes which is what he needs. He has been far too indulged as we grew up, you know, being the "golden first born who can do no wrong"."

This image of the Viscount amused Violet so much that she found a reluctant smile escaping from beneath her mask of disapproval and looked away to hide it. The irrepressible Mr Bridgerton however, had seen it and loudly declared that "His future sister had smiled! She didn't hate him!" This then caused her mother, cousin, aunt, and several other guests around them to laugh.

The Viscount was urgent to leave and escorted Violet to their carriage, only admitting that his brother "thoroughly frustrated him", when they were safely travelling down Park Lane.

"Harold has always been a charmer," he explained, "My mother always says that he could charm the birds out of the air."

"I can't say that I appreciate being deceived by him, but I understand his reasons," Lady Clympton replied. "I never doubted for a moment that you would propose. I don't think the Ton have seen such an example of "love at first sight in years", have they Henrietta?"

Mrs Wethering smiled and considered, "I believe the Marquis and Marchioness of Angmering had such a courtship. Rumour has is that he saw her dancing with another man across the ballroom and renounced all his rakish ways on the spot."

"Oh, I remember you telling me of that," Cordelia agreed, "Wasn't it considered as great a love match as that of the king and Queen Charlotte?"

Her mother nodded, "Indeed. If I remember correctly, the Marquis and Marchioness married about five years ago."

"Six," Lady Clympton corrected, "I remember that Fred was just starting Eton that autumn."

"And now he's joining White's!" Violet exclaimed, "I still remember teaching him to walk."

The Viscount laughed, "I don't suppose he will want to have that memory shared in the drinking room."

Violet laughed, "You can use it as a threat when he aggravates me too much."

"Oh no!" Lord Bridgerton raised his hands, "I am not marrying you to be your shield during spats with your brother!"

She mock-gasped, "Are you not supposed to love and protect me, my lord? Is that not in the marriage vows, Mama?"

Lady Clympton smiled, "I am not going to get involved in your domestic concerns, my love. You are more than capable of verbally sparring with his lordship, I wouldn't want to seem like a pushy mother-in-law before you are even married." They all laughed at this image of the future and Violet settled happily back into the corner of the carriage.

Of course, Lord Clympton was happy to give the Viscount his daughter's hand in marriage. However, he kept Lord Bridgerton in his office for far longer than expected. Violet got so nervous that she started pacing.

"You don't think that Papa would refuse his consent, do you?" she asked nervously.

Her mother was quick to reassure her, "Papa will merely wish to discuss financial arrangements, my love. Remember, getting married is for life and your father wishes to be certain that you are properly provided for."

In the end, her concerns were for naught and both men entered the parlour with smiles. Lord Clympton went instantly to hug his daughter and kiss her cheek.

"I congratulate you both," he said, "There are fewer engagements that have made me happier to see. Anyone has to only see you two to know how fortunate you are."

"Thank you, Papa," Violet beamed.

The Viscount approached her and took her hand with great alacrity now that he was permitted to do so.

"Thank you both most sincerely for trusting me with the most precious gift." He kissed her hand tenderly and she felt that same unwanted blush staining her cheeks.

"This calls for champagne!" Lord Clympton exclaimed. Crook was summoned and they were soon toasting the happy couple.

"I shall have to visit my mother at once," the Viscount stated as they seated themselves, "She will be very happy to know."

"I must write to her," said Lady Clympton, "To let her know our joy."

"As must I," Violet agreed.

"Would you ladies be open to an alternative?" the Viscount asked uncertainly. They both looked at him, curious. "I am hoping to convince Mother to come to our house in town," he hurried on, "She hasn't been to the Grosvenor Square house in so long and I long to show it to Miss Clympton. Would you be happy to call upon us for dinner if I can persuade her?"

"We should be delighted," Lord Clympton replied, "And if your mother does not feel well enough to come to London then we shall be delighted to wait upon her at Aubury Hall." The Viscount was all smiles of gratitude and reluctantly announced his departure.

He left, very grudgingly, after kissing Violet tenderly on the hand and promising that he would repeat another of the evening's activities at the soonest possible occasion. This added to her already pink cheeks and made him smile very widely before he left with a swift bow.

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As with every big event that occurs within the Season, when an engagement is announced, one cannot expect it to remain a secret from the Ton for long. This is especially true when someone as distinguished as a Viscount takes himself off the marriage market.

Violet had not considered any of these truths when she had fallen into a blissful sleep the night before. The reality of marrying a member of the aristocracy had only hit her the next morning when she had received no fewer than six congratulatory notes from "upstanding" matriarchs of the Ton. None of whom had taken the slightest notice of her previously. They had also received an incredible number of invitations from people with whom neither she nor her mother had exchanged more than a few polite words in the past.

It was only at luncheon, after her eleventh (Geoffrey had been counting) well-wisher of the day had left, that Violet had collapsed inelegantly upon the sofa and started complaining to her mother. Lady Clympton had simply taken a calm sip from her teacup and reminded Violet that this was to be "her future".

"Can one not simply marry the man and forget the expectations of his title?" Violet had asked from under a cushion.

"I'm afraid that's not how it works."

She had received the amused reply from a relatively unknown voice. Without much dignity, she had levered herself into a seating position, only to see the Viscount's brother grinning at her.

"Mr Bridgerton!" she exclaimed, seating herself with more elegance and smoothing her hair.

The young man had laughed merrily, "Please, call me Harold, we are to be family after all." She allowed her posture to relax somewhat and saw her mother's evident amusement. "Are you already tired of being the new darling of the Ton?" he continued, accepting the offered cup of tea from her mother with a grateful nod.

"I wish to marry your brother Harold, not the Ton!"

He grinned, "But that is what you have to expect, sister dearest. Why do you think Edmund has been touring Europe for the better part of six months?"

Violet groaned, sorely tempted to re-bury herself under her pillow, "And I suppose you were sent in your brother's place?"

Harold smiled, "It was my pleasure to come. He wished me to reassure you of his great regard and to remind you that he is not here simply because he has gone to Aubury Hall to convince Mama to come to town to meet her future daughter."

"When is the last time your mother was in town, Harold?"

The young man pondered the question, "I believe over a decade ago."

Violet felt herself sighing again, "No pressure then," she muttered. If Mr Bidgerton heard her, he had the good grace to refrain from commenting.

"I hope your mother's health is not so terrible, Mr Bridgerton, that she is unable to travel?" Lady Clympton interjected, "It would be concerning if her efforts of coming to meet us were to adversely affect her health."

He smiled slightly in reply, "I thank you for your kind concerns, Ma'am, but I believe my mother is enjoying a spell of good health. She has a complaint of the lungs, you see, and the air of the country is so much healthier. But I believe she will greatly enjoy her time in town this Season." He looked directly at Violet who looked away in embarrassment. "I also wanted to add, Miss Clympton, that you do not need to fear Mama. She only warned Edmund not to become carried away with by his feelings, I assure you that she will highly approve of the match; as much as I do."

Violet thanked him, though she was not entirely convinced, "I'm just worried that she will think me flighty and that we've rushed into this."

At this he smiled. "I wouldn't worry too much. You see, both my parents made sensible first marriages, but when those both proved childless, they married again against the advice of their families and she and my father were two of the happiest people I have ever known. She's always advised my brother and I to marry for love."

"You also put down your own attractions, dearest," her mother added. "And do not fear, your father and I will both be there to love and protect you from the dowager's displeasure."

Harold laughed at this image of his mother, "Really ladies, my mother is a charming woman and simply wishes for my brother and my happiness."

Slightly mollified, Violet allowed herself to be comforted and permitted the subject to be dropped.

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Author's note:

So the surprise is revealed! What did you think of Harold? Did anyone see that coming? He's actually really fun to write and we have the meeting with the dowager to look forward to!

Many thanks for all the follows and favourites, if you have time, please so drop a review and let me know what you think. It really helps me!

I think (realistically) that I'll be updated weekly from now on, work is just very, very busy!

Anyway, many thanks for everyone who reads, I'm still loving this story and characters so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Breeze.