9. Chapter Nine

Kairos

Chapter Nine

Fear is a funny thing. Violet had promised herself that she was going to enjoy today. She had assured her aunt and cousin that she would put aside her nerves and on that evening two nights ago, she had believed it.

But now, here she was, lying in bed on the very morning of their journey down to Aubrey Park and she felt as though a hundred butterflies had taken up residence in her stomach. She had been awake for several hours, but instead of taking her usual refuge in a book, she had found herself unable to move from the bed.

When Sarah eventually came with a cheery, "Good morning, Miss," and a hot cup of tea, it had been all Violet could do to lever herself up on an elbow and take the proffered cup.

After thrusting aside the curtains, her maid had taken one look at her mistress and frowned, "Did you not get any sleep, Miss Violet?"

"Some," Violet confessed, "Although far from sufficient, I no doubt look entirely haggard this morning."

Her maid was hard pressed not to hide a smile, "Not entirely haggard, Miss Violet, though perhaps a little tired."

The young woman huffed, "Well I hope you have some miracle cure this morning, or I feel I shall greet my future mother-in-law appearing more ghost than human."

Sarah smiled, "A good wash, a hearty breakfast and proper dressing will make you feel more like yourself."

Violet managed to drag herself out of bed and went about her morning ablutions in something of a daze as her mind whirled through which gown to wear to greet the Dowager Viscountess. She had settled on a gown of sprigged muslin the night before but now she was second guessing herself. Her reasoning had been that the gown was light and pretty (and had been complimented by the Viscount), however, she now wondered whether a more expensive gown might be more suitable. Her eyes had wandered to a gown of authentic embroidered cotton with floral embroidery along the bodice and around the hem. She had discounted it the night before because the embroidery could be heavy and warm against her skin and she wanted to be comfortable when meeting her future mother-in-law.

Her maid followed her gaze and stifled a groan, "Miss, I thought we'd decided the sprigged muslin …"

"But what if the Dowager thinks me cheap?" Violet protested.

Sarah did not often pick battles with her mistress, but in this case, she stood firm. "Miss, the Viscount himself has complimented your figure in this gown and you and I have both decided that it is a better choice for you when you meet the Dowager. We will pair it with you pale blue jacket and the white bonnet with the matching ribbons. You will look very well – fresh and pretty to meet Lord Bridgerton's mother."

In the end, her maid won, and Violet allowed herself to be reassured. She sat quietly whilst Sarah styled her hair and prepared her for the journey. Once she was declared "ready", even she had to admit that her maid had done an exceptional job. Though still pale, her hair was becomingly arranged and she looked fresh and neat in her sprigged muslin gown.

Lady Clympton said as much as she entered the breakfast room and attempted to eat something (though she hardly managed half a piece of toast). The Viscount was mercifully absent and her parents were so distracted by her brothers' attendance (Geoffrey and Benjamin had been taken out of Westminster with special dispensation), that she was able to remain relatively free from her mother's scrutiny.

It was not until the arrival of the Viscount and his brother that the pallor of her complexion concerned Lord Bridgerton so much that he insisted upon Frederick riding his stallion to spend the first leg of their journey in the carriage with his betrothed. He also insisted that he speak to her before they set off.

Annoyed with herself for having caused such alarm, Violet tried to laugh the whole thing off. However, she was soon taken firmly into the parlour by her fiancé and told that they would not be leaving until she explained why she looked so drawn.

"I might not have slept very well," she admitted.

"Are you ill, my love?" he enquired, touching her forehead with instant concern.

She was thoroughly embarrassed, "No, my lord, I assure you, I am well." He gave her a very unimpressed look.

"Fine!" she admitted, "I was anxious …"

"About ..?"

She glared at him, "You're really going to make me say it?"

He looked astonished, "Violet, you can't be scared of … my mother?"

"Why are you so surprised?"

"Because I told you that she's looking forward to meeting you! I thought that you got all of this fear out of your system after that conversation with you aunt and cousin …"

"Wishes and reality are two different things …" she muttered.

"Why are you nervous, though? Have I described her as so terrifying?"

"No …" Violet tried to phrase what she was feeling. "Edmund … I am about to meet the woman who has raised you! I want so badly to make a good impression and what if she does not approve of me? I'm normally very calm, but the idea of meeting your mother terrifies me."

The Viscount could see how real these terrors were to his betrothed and gathered hr tenderly into his arms. "My love," he murmured, "I will be with you every step of the way. I am sorry you're feeling like this, but please remember, my mother does want to love you. I promise not to leave your side at all. Do you trust me?" He captured her chin and made her meet his eyes. They were so very blue and warm and filled with love that she felt silly for doubting. So, she allowed herself to be comforted. She let herself go pliant in his arms and be held.

Eventually, she felt strong enough to face her terrors and lifted her head to kiss him. It started as a gentle peck, but Edmund seemed unable to stop himself deepening it. With her held close in his embrace, she could feel his heart was racing as he held her. In that moment, Violet could truly recognise how deeply she had come to love and rely upon this man. For his part, he only seemed to want to hold and protect her, even from herself.

After five minutes they emerged from the parlour, smiling and on Violet's part, becomingly flushed. Even though her parents made no comment, she saw the glance that passed between them.

In the end, they left only ten minutes late and Violet found herself incredibly grateful that Harold had volunteered to travel in their father's carriage with her brothers, while Lord Bridgerton was travelling in his own carriage with herself and her mother. They enjoyed a pleasant drive out of London and remarked happily upon the excellent weather.

"It will be fine for your sport," Lady Clympton remarked.

"I'm just relieved that you will be able to see Aubrey at her finest," the Viscount confessed. "It is beautiful in the sunshine."

"I'm glad that the rose garden will be in all its glory when we have our wedding," Violet stated, "I hope we might be able to cut some for my bouquet."

"I'm sure Mama will be delighted to arrange that," he replied warmly. "Have you ever been to Kent, Lady Clympton?"

"Only once. I visited a fine old place named Larkdown when I was a girl. A friend from school's Grandfather owned it and I was invited during a holiday."

"Is it by the Channel?"

"Yes, it was, we enjoyed sailing most days."

"I believe I know where you mean, it's south of Deal isn't it?"

"Indeed, my lord! Do you know old Admiral Monterry?"

"He was a friend of my grandfather's I believe," the Viscount replied with a smile.

"What a small world it is!"

"Smaller and smaller with every year I live."

They stopped for a break at a wayside in at about eleven and Violet had the satisfaction of hearing that they were only an hour from Aubrey. Her brothers wasted to time in charging around the tavern's meadow for half an hour after they had swallowed their tea in a hurry and eaten their sweet treats. Violet observed them with a smile, wondering whether she and her fiancée might one day also have a pair of boys of their own.

After some wrangling on her father's side, the boys were returned to the carriage and Lord Clympton exchanged places with Harold to "do a stint". After much persuasion, the Viscount was also convinced to swap with Frederick, who found a seat in his father's carriage and left his mother and sister in peace.

As the next hour passed, Violet spent the time watching a green country unfold that was made up of rolling hills, lush green meadows, and many pleasant views. They passed through innumerable pretty villages and quaint market towns. They had just cleared another rise when the Viscount called through the open window,

"Look yonder, ladies," they both looked out and saw a beautiful building, constructed of the same grey stone that they had seen throughout the country. It was a tall and square, situated on rising land with a lake in front and woods its eastern side. The approach was clear from their current hill as their carriage descended and they were able to take in its aspect from two sides. It had substantial pleasure gardens to the south and a well-maintained parkland to the north.

"It's larger than Wicklesham, Mama," she murmured, "Though not vastly so."

"Well, it is a Viscount's country seat, my dear," her mother replied, "One has to expect grandeur in their homes."

"Though, thank goodness, not in every Viscount," Violet muttered, feeling the butterflies starting to return.

A warm hand clasped her own and her mother whispered, "Courage, Vi, I'm sure she will be delightful." Violet gave her mother's hand a squeeze as the carriage stopped.

She took the proffered hand as the door opened and was surprised to see the Viscount handing her down. "Is that not the footman's job, my lord?" she enquired.

Lord Bridgerton shrugged, "Normally perhaps, but it isn't every day that one brings home the future mistress of the estate."

Violet saw the smile on his face and gathered her slightly scattered wits. Looking up, she saw the entire household's staff gathered in a careful line on the steps that led to the main door. Glad to have a distraction, she waited for her mother to be handed down. It was only once her father, brothers and Harold had been assembled that her betrothed took her hand and started leading her up the stairs.

He felt her shaking and muttered, "Courage, my love," before greeting the man who was obviously the butler. "Malmsbury, good to see you, and you Mrs Mays."

The housekeeper, a respectable and rather buxom woman, bobbed a perfect curtsey, "Welcome home, my lord, it is a pleasure to have you at home with us once again."

"May I present Miss Clympton, my betrothed?" He gestured to Violet who smiled.

Mrs Mays bobbed another curtsey, smiling at Violet, "Welcome to Aubrey hall, my lady, we are delighted to meet you."

"And I you," Violet replied, "I look forward to becoming acquainted with my new home."

"Speaking of becoming acquainted, we had better hurry through to Mama or she will feel neglected," the Viscount added with a smile. "Is my mother in the Western Parlour Malmsbury?"

"Indeed, my lord, her ladyship is waiting for you."

"Best not keep Mater waiting," Harold remarked. "Malmsbury, please let Gatton know that I will be down shortly with the three Masters Clympton. We will be taking an outing on the ponies as discussed with the Viscount last week."

"Very good, Master Harold," the butler replied as he led them into the house.

The entrance hall was a large one, with a marble floor and a wide sweeping staircase leading off at the far end. The butler led them through one of many doors to the right and they were instantly in a wide, spacious apartment whose western outlook rendered in delightful in the afternoon light.

At the far end upon a chaise sat a small woman, beautifully dressed and soft-featured, but with those same blue eyes that Violet knew so well. Edmund approached the lady who had risen to greet them and kissed her cheek affectionately.

"Mama, may I present Miss Violet Clympton to you, my betrothed? Miss Clympton this is my mother, Dowager Viscountess Elizabeth Bridgerton."

Violet sunk into an immaculate curtsey and was relieved to see a smile upon the old woman's gentle face, "It is a pleasure to meet the young woman who has captured my eldest son's heart, Miss Clympton. Thank you for accepting my invitation."

"Thank you for honouring us with it, you ladyship," Violet replied.

The rest of the Clympton family and Mrs Trice were then introduced and all sat down for refreshments. Lady Clympton laughed at the two younger boys as they demolished large plates of cake and several glasses of lemonade a piece.

"It seems that every young boy between the age of eleven and sixteen has the most unfathomable appetite!" she stated, her smile wide, "No doubt you are eager to be introduced to the ponies Harold has looked out for you. Did I hear you telling Malmsbury to make sure Gatton was ready, my dear?"

Her youngest son swallowed a large mouthful of cake and nodded, "I have indeed, Mama. I have some making up to do and Edmund decided that this would be my penance."

"Making up to do?" his mother raised an enquiring eyebrow, "And what did you brother do to deserve the completion of a penance, Edmund?"

"I will tell you when my future brothers are well settled upon their mighty steeds Mama," the Viscount replied.

Very soon, all three Bridgerton boys were dispatched to the stables in Harold's company and suitably entertained for the afternoon.

"Now that we have some peace, shall we become properly introduced?" Lord Bridgerton suggested.

"An excellent idea!" his mother agreed. She turned to Violet, "I wanted to put some rumours to bed, my dear. I understand that my rather impulsive son might have mentioned that I suggested he stop seeing you. I have been meditating upon how this information might have been received and how you might perceive me to be a terribly fond and overbearing mother who never wishes her son to marry."

"No, my lady, indeed …" Violet began, but was stopped when Lady Bridgerton held up her hand.

"I am aware of what transpired, Miss Clympton, my younger son is never slow to share what Miss Trice calls "gossipy tidbits" and he mentioned that a rather unfortunate epistle had been sent." She here glared at her eldest son who looked away, embarrassed. "I wanted to assure you that I simply recommended that he take the time to court you and get to know you."

"That's exactly what my parents suggested," Violet replied.

The Dowager nodded, "I am delighted to hear that we are so of one mind Lord and Lady Clympton." Violet's parents smiled.

"We wanted to thank you for this most kind invitation, my lady," Lord Clympton added, "And for so kindly entertaining our boys."

"Not at all, Lord Clympton, I'm sure the Viscount has told you how much I enjoy having children at Aubrey. It was always very noisy when he and Harold were boys. I am delighted to have the ponies brought out of retirement." She turned to Edmund, "I understand that you are planning some sport over the next two days, my dear?"

Her eldest son nodded, "I've invited Arthur and Hector to come shooting with us tomorrow."

"Excellent thought," his mother agreed. She smiled at the Clymptons, "I hope you won't mind, but we haven't had a Bridgerton bride in this house for over two decades and we want to celebrate your engagement with the family. My sister Lady Dawlish and her husband will be joining us with the cousins and their children for a small family dinner the day after next."

Lady smiled, "We look forward to meeting them all. I hope you shall also return the favour and honour us with a visit at Wicklesham over the summer."

The Dowager smiled, "I should be delighted. I understand that Wicklesham is in Sussex?"

"Yes, my estates are primarily within East Sussex, though my great uncle left me a small estate up in the highlands of Scotland near Fort William," Violet's father replied.

So began a discussion of their estates and the afternoon passed swiftly. Violet sat quietly, enjoying the easy, comfortable conversation of the parents, and finding herself so relaxed that she felt ridiculous for having been so fearful. It was only when the ladies left to dress for dinner that she found herself addressed by his mother.

"I just wanted to say how glad I am to meet you finally, my dear," the older woman said, patting her hand kindly, "I look forward to making your better acquaintance."

"As do I, your ladyship," Violet replied, "I am overwhelmed to think that this will one day be my home."

"I too was an overawed bride," the Dowager confessed, "But I mean for you to have a good afternoon's conversation with myself and Mrs Mays, we'll show you how the estate all but runs itself." After expressing her thanks, Violet curtseyed and left to change.

Mrs Mays showed her to a beautiful chamber. The windows opened out on to the lake and gardens and the dual aspect was delightful.

She was still observing it when Sarah bustled in, "What gown do you wish to wear tonight, Miss?" she enquired, "I heard that there's to be a family dinner the evening after next, shall we save the emerald silk for that evening?"

Violet nodded, "Yes, I'll wear the white organza with the blue sash tonight."

After taking time to make sure she was properly attired and looking as well as she could, she found that she was very pleased with the effect of a delicate sapphire choker and silk bluebells in her hair.

Her mother entered and caught her breath, "Oh my darling, you look lovely."

Violet felt that hated blush staining her cheeks but found a smile, "Thank you, Mama. I am nowhere near as concerned about the impression I make, now. The Dowager seems a very agreeable woman. I felt quite at ease this afternoon."

"She did make every effort to make us welcome, didn't she?" her mother agreed, straightening a glove. She raised her eyes to smile at her daughter. "I think you're going to be very happy, Vi."

She felt her smile widening, "Thank you, Mama, I believe I shall."

"She's far less fearsome that my mother-in-law," Lady Clympton confided, "She terrified me. She never smiled and it took me a couple of years to realise that she was simply a no-nonsense down to earth woman who had raised her sons by hand and refused any help. It took her a while to get used to another woman entering the family but when you were born, she delighted in becoming a Grandmama."

"I remember Grandmama Clympton always slightly scaring me," Violet confided.

"Oh, that was simply her way." They both laughed and descended the staircase to find the parlour a blaze of candlelight. Violet was so taken by the effect that she did not step far into the room at first and saw the Viscount smiling at her.

"Like Mama's fondness for a blaze of light?" he commented as her approached.

"The affect is quite beautiful," she marvelled.

"Yes," he observed, "Though Papa used to pull out his hair at the monthly candle bill." Violet laughed and allowed him to lead her into the room. He led her towards the French doors which were open and showed her the gardens. "I will give you a proper tour tomorrow," he added, "I believe you shall come to love them as much as my mother does."

"I'm sure I shall," she agreed.

"How are your worries? Are you feeling better now that the great introduction has happened?" he teased.

Violet felt herself flushing and turned away so that she could hit his arm lightly without anyone else seeing. "Your mother was charming," she stated, "I feel bad for worrying so much."

"It came from a desire to please her; I don't see anything to feel regret about in such a sentiment."

She sighed, "I suppose, but to think I made myself almost ill …"

He touched her arm, "Violet, if I have one aim in my life from now on, it is to make you see how remarkable and lovely a mind you have. Please let these regrets go dearest, I wish these days to be nothing but happy and joyous for us."

Suddenly feeling a heat behind her eyes, Violet turned to blink it away and found the composure to turn back and give him a nod. He was unable to respond or mention her distraction as Malmsbury entered the next moment to announce dinner. After offering her his arm, he led her to a seat next to his own and made a point of murmuring,

"Don't think I didn't see those tears, what did I say that upset you?"

Violet hid her smile, "Not all tears are sad, my lord," she whispered as the soup was brought in.

The meal that followed was delicious and the conversation that flowed was easy and comfortable. (It had been decided that Frederick and Geoffrey might enjoy a more relaxed meal of their own and the boys had highly approved this idea and were now tearing around the grounds in the company of the long-suffering Gatton.) The wedding was discussed in detail and various questions considered such as which guests would be offered accommodation and how many should be invited.

It was only once the ladies retired with the Dowager that the topic of their courtship came up.

"I have been meaning to ask you," Lady Bridgerton began, "Did you feel as strongly for my son as he did for you upon first seeing each other?" Violet felt herself blushing as she admitted that she had.

The older woman smiled, "I thought you had. I must confess that I have never seen my son in such awhirl as when he came to declare that he had met the girl he was going to marry. It was quite a spectacle, was it not Janette?"

The stoic Mrs Trice nodded, "I've never seen Master Edmund in such a flurry and there's many young Misses in the neighbourhood who've been trying to catch his eye for years."

"Oh indeed?" Lady Clympton observed, "Were there many?"

"Oh, ever so many, Ma'am. You see, the Viscount has always been such an amiable and kind young man, he has an ability to make everyone feel comfortable. The only problem is that half the young ladies thought he was in love with them on first sight because of how interested he seemed. It was only when they get to know him that they realised that it is simply his way."

"I do feel sorry for the young men of the aristocracy when they come down for the Season, the pressure must be immense with every female eye upon them."

"I don't know Mama; I believe many young men enjoy the attention. The Duke of Andover is an incredible rake," Violet observed.

"Oh yes, young Andover. My good friend Lady Danbury told me all about him," the Dowager scoffed, "Is it true that he's been flirting with your cousin, Miss Clympton?"

"Yes, but she has a sensible head on her shoulders. She simply dances with him, she never reciprocates."

"I understand that a young Lord Paisley is giving court to the lovely Miss Wethering?"

"Not officially yet, but we believe that his intentions are serious. We're eagerly waiting for news of their courtship every day."

Lady Bridgerton smiled, "I miss the days when I could live in London. I used to love chatting over the latest intrigues in my friends' parlours." She sighed, "I was so sorry that we couldn't open up the Grosvenor Square house, but I hope you will make use of it after you are married, my dear."

Violet nodded, "I look forward to seeing it."

"It is a beautiful building when it's all opened up. The front is covered in wisteria and it has a long, elegant staircase leading to the top floor. My dear late husband was always vastly fond of the dear Mayfair house."

"We were so sorry to hear about your ladyship's poor health," Violet's mother said, "But the Viscount has told us that it has been better in recent years?"

The Dowager smiled wearily, "Yes, it has improved of late, but my lungs cannot abide the air of London I'm afraid. It is the theatre I miss the most. I used to love watching the Opera, the drama and the music."

"Maybe Violet could entertain us with a song, would you mind dearest?"

With a further urging from the Dowager, Violet seated herself at the elegant pianoforte and played a few of her favourite country dances. She became so lost in her music that it was not until the end of her second that she became aware that the men had entered and were standing, listening. The Viscount's gaze was rapt upon her face and she was only vaguely aware of the others clapping.

"Beautifully played, my dear," Lady Bridgerton remarked, "You have a true talent." Violet blushed and thanked her.

"You know my mother never gives paltry compliments," Lord Bridgerton stated as he approached, "When she says something, she means it."

She smiled, "I'm sure she's always gracious to guest who play, my lord."

"Indeed, she is not," he retorted. He glanced around at those assembled and moved closer, "Would you join me in the gardens for a stroll?"

"At this hour, my lord?"

He gave her a serious look, "We are engaged, Miss Clympton, I would hope that we might be able to spend some time alone."

She smiled, "Very well, I would be delighted to join you."

His answering smile was dazzling, and they made their way out of the front doors and along the terrace. Violet looked about her with delight. There was a small carefully tended garden of box hedges upon the front terrace and a wide sweeping lawn that led to the lake.

"Oh, it's beautiful," she murmured, "Kent is such a gorgeous county. To think I've never been here before."

"I hope it will soon feel like home, my love," he said. "Come, I want to show you something."

He led her along the terrace and down into the rose garden. But he did not pause here, it was not until they had reached the end of the rose garden that she caught the most amazing fragrance. In a moment they were in a beautiful walk covered with lilac and honey suckle.

"Oh Edmund!" she exclaimed, "It's wonderful!" She took her time walking beneath the hanging flowers, being bathed in their scent, which was only heightened by the hour. She turned to her betrothed in rapture.

He was smiling tenderly down at her. "My father had this whole walk planted for my mother after my birth. She loved this time of year and how heady the scents are in the evening." He led her to a bench and sat next to her upon it. "I have something to give you, it's the first of many."

He reached into his pocket and handed her a jewellery box. Violet took it hesitantly before raising the lid. Inside were a beautiful matching necklace, bracelet and earrings of emeralds and diamonds.

Her breath caught in her throat. "Edmund …" she began.

He caught her hand. "This was the only set of family jewels that came to mind when I thought of you," he stated, "On the night we first met you were wearing a green dress and I knew the emeralds would match your beautiful hair." He caught a curl between his hands and brought it to his lips.

Violet felt herself becoming overwhelmed and simply took his hand in hers and kissed it. "Thank you for everything Edmund. These jewels, this visit, trusting me with your heart …" She struggled to express the words and simply kissed his hand again.

The Viscount took her head gently in his hands and brought his lips softly to hers. It was not a stolen kiss as they had had to satisfy themselves with over the past week. Now they had time and enough privacy to truly express their love to each other. The kiss was soft and went on for a long time. Violet felt his hands in her hair once more and pulled away with a wail as her hair once more fell away from its pins.

"You have to stop doing that!" she declared, "I'm in your mother's house, Edmund! What will she think of me if I return to the house with my hair all disarrayed?"

Edmund, however, would not have it and pulled her back into his arms to kiss her soundly. Gone was the softness of their first kiss and in its place was a firmer pressure. He pulled her to him and held the back of her neck, holding her with surety. Eventually, he drew away and she was slightly dazed, her eyes closed and her hair slightly mussed.

"How do people who are married stand it?" she asked.

He laughed and hugged her to him, "Why do you think they want privacy on their honeymoon?" he asked.

Violet blushed, "So there's more?"

The Viscount roared with laughter, "Oh my love, there is much …" He kissed her, "…much …" He kissed her again, "…more …"

With a smile he bowed to his fiancé and offered her his arm before leading her back to the terrace and their families.

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Author's note:

So! We've met the mother-in-law! What did you guys think of the Dowager? Don't worry, we have some hijinks coming up in the next chapter! We can't have the family meet up going off without a hitch, can we?

I really hope you're enjoying reading this, thank you so much to Hollylove2write for saying that this is one of the best Bridgerton fanfics you've seen, that really means the world to me!

Thanks again for every read and please review if you enjoy it!

Breeze.