11. Chapter Eleven

Kairos

Chapter Eleven

The rest of the afternoon had passed in the comfort and ease of a true family circle. The ladies had retired to the Western Parlour for the more "sedentary pursuits" that the Viscount had required. The male contingent of the family had decided to take a tour of the park.

Geoffrey had spent the entire afternoon in disgrace in his room and had been denied any further amusements for the rest of their stay. Benjamin, after getting over the shock, had not really been hurt and had insisted upon getting straight back into the saddle after lunch. This had been agreed upon, but he had been given a steadier pony and was also kept under the careful eye of Gatton rather than the disgraced groom.

It was only once the clock struck half past four that the ladies retired to dress for dinner which was being served at six. Violet had determined to do everything within her power to look her best and so allowed Sarah to fuss over her hair for an entire hour. When her mother entered at 5:45, she was assured of her maid's success.

She had selected the same spring green silk in which she had first met the Viscount and had her hair intricately coiled and braided. Delicate silk flowers of white and gold were interspersed in her hair and the beautiful Bridgerton jewellery set adorned her neck, ears and wrist.

"Will I do, Mama?" she asked.

Her mother stepped forward to kiss her cheek, "You look beautiful, Vi. You'll see off these Miss Temples."

"Oh yes, there's been talk of them downstairs," Sarah added, "They're not well-liked here I understand."

"Why Sarah?"

"Apparently, they think themselves very grand and look down upon any servant, even the ladies' maids. The youngest, Miss Aster apparently has the best manners, but Miss Enright the Dowager's lady's maid was saying that the poor girl is wretchedly underappreciated and always shushed by their mother."

"Well, we shall just have to be charm itself," Violet stated, checking her reflection a final time before she turned to her mother, "Shall we descend, Mama?" Lady Clympton nodded.

They left their rooms and were just reaching the head of the staircase when the Dowager Viscountess approached from her own suite. She looked them both over and smiled,

"Ready to see off the rivals, my dear?" she enquired.

Violet smiled, "Very ready, your ladyship."

Lady Bridgerton smiled, "Yes, I rather think you are." Her eyes lingered on the necklace at Violet's throat, "I am glad that Edmund gave you that set, it sets off your hair admirably. Well, shall we ladies?"

She led the way down the stairs and Violet had the oddest sense that they were descending as one family, all united in their support of the match. It was a strange but slightly exhilarating feeling to know that she had won her soon to be mother-in-law's support and approval.

After focussing upon descending as gracefully as possible, she looked up to see Edmund staring at her with that same blush-inducing intensity. He raised her hand to his lips with decided slowness.

"You look stunning, my love," he murmured.

Unable to stop the blush that stained her cheeks, Violet thanked him and took his arm. He led her over to an older couple who looked in their sixties, the man was obviously a Bridgerton from his height.

"Miss Clympton, may I present Mr and Mrs Bridgerton, my aunt and uncle. Uncle Bridgerton was my father's younger brother."

Violet bowed low, relieved to see the smiles of welcome on both their faces.

"We are delighted to meet you, Miss Clympton," Mrs Bridgerton commented, "We were thrilled when we heard of your engagement."

"Your courtship has most definitely taken the season by storm from what we've heard!" Mr Bridgerton stated with a familiar twinkle, though his eyes were grey and not blue.

"Thank you both, it's a delight to meet you, the Viscount has told me so much about his family." Violet's parents were then introduced, and all seemed pleased with the introduction.

The Viscount left them talking and led her over to a young couple who she recognised from the ballroom of last Season.

"May I present the Earl and Countess of Stafford?" Violet curtseyed and rose to greet the beaming young woman. She had an open, friendly face that she instantly liked.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Clympton," the Countess stated, "I remember you from last year. Were not yourself and Mr Briggs very good friends?"

Violet smiled, "We were Lady Courtesy, we still are, in fact."

"We were delighted to hear of your engagement," the Earl stated, "I think Mary will enjoy no longer being the only titled lady in the family."

"Arthur, honestly, what nonsense you talk!" the Countess exclaimed, she inclined her head slightly so that only those near could hear, "If you wouldn't mind Miss Clympton, I shall greatly prefer Mary when we are alone. To be greeted as "Lady Courtesy" is quite tiring in my opinion."

Violet smiled, she was growing to like the young woman more each moment, "Then I must be Violet, Mary. I shall have to grow used to being a "Viscountess", though I have admitted to my mother, I'd much rather have your cousin without the title, the well-wishers have been rather … exhausting shall we say?"

The Countess laughed heartily at that, "Ah yes, I remember the clingers on well! Just wait until you're married and you can close the door on them!"

Lord Bridgerton interjected at this point with a chuckle of his own, "Are you both wishing away your husbands' titles, my ladies?" Violet and Mary giggled and saw their menfolk attempting to regard them severely.

"It's encouraging to know that I am not alone in this, Bridgerton," the Earl commented. "I seem to remember my dearest wife wishing me a simple "Mr" during our engagement."

"You as well?" the Viscount remarked. "I was greeted by that very phrase last week."

"It's what you get for choosing to marry two rational creatures who value you for yourselves and not your title," Mary replied, "And you know that you wouldn't have it any other way." Violet laughed heartily; she definitely liked this young woman. Edmund saw her laughter and smiled. It pleased him more than he could say to see his cousin and fiancé getting on so well.

"Well, we had best greet the rest of our guests," he said gently, leading his lady away.

Soon, Violet had met several other cousins and a very formal pair of great aunts, but the anticipated introduction was actually done by Harold. Her soon-to-be brother-in-law was standing by a larger group of women and standing next to a woman who could only be Hector, George and Mary's mother. They all shared the same large grey eyes that seemed to be a Dawlish family trait.

"Aunt Dawlish, Mrs Richardson, Mr Richardson, may I present Miss Clympton, my brother's fiancée?"

Mrs Dawlish must have once been a great beauty. She was tall and fine featured, with a faded grandeur and a haughty expression, but she nodded most graciously to Violet and kissed her nephew upon the cheek.

"We are charmed to meet you, Miss Clympton. We were greatly surprised when we heard of my nephew's engagement but very pleased."

Her daughter was a vision of what her mother must have been in her youth, slender, pretty and pale with an abundance of thick dark hair. She would have been exceedingly pretty had it not been for the way her mouth seemed to be in an almost constant sneer. The young man beside her was incredibly supercilious, but also managed a respectful inclination of the head.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Mrs Richardson said in a breathy little whisper.

"A pleasure," her husband agreed huskily. Violet was reminded to the put-on voices of Miss Kendall and Miss Braydon. Was this a current trend in fashionable circles?

"Miss Clympton, may I have the honour of presenting my oldest friend Mrs Temple and her three charming daughters?"

Violet gathered all her composure and turned to the family with a genuine smile. Mrs Temple's was a larger woman, beautifully dressed and with an affected air that was meant to be dignified but came off as vain. The Misses Temple all looked very alike, though there was a difference of expression that helped her somewhat. Miss Lilac was very tall, very blond, and very finely dressed, with an excellent complexion and a similar vanity to her mother. Miss Freesia seemed to aim for a similar level of finery but somehow fell short of the mark. Miss Aster threw aside all pretensions to finery and simply smiled naturally at her. She was also the smallest of the three sisters and had an infectious smile that reminded Violet of Mary.

"How do you do?" she murmured pleasantly, "It's a pleasure to meet you all." The Temples curtseyed as a group.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Clympton," Mrs Temple stated regally. "May I present my daughters, Miss Temple," an icy nod, "Miss Fressia," a distant curtsey, "And Miss Aster," a genial smile and quick bob.

"We're delighted to meet you." Miss Temple had a nasal quality to her voice that immediately struck Violet.

"It's charming to meet you," Miss Freesia added.

"A pleasure," Miss Aster finished.

"I'm surprised to see you ladies in Kent, I had thought that the season would have kept you suitably entertained in London."

Mrs Temple chuckled and actually tapped Edmund with her fan, "Oh Lord Bridgerton you are amusing! Why would we remain in London for some tedious concert when we have been invited to a celebratory dinner by your dear aunt?"

"Nothing could make me miss a dinner in your honour, my lord," Miss Temple gushed.

"You mean in honour of my fiancé Miss Temple, surely?" Edmund emphasised, taking a step towards Violet. "We are here to celebrate our engagement after all."

"Of course," Miss Temple gushed, "Your family are always so obliging and kind to you, as they should be."

"I'm sorry we've never been formally introduced in London, Miss Clympton," Miss Aster said, approaching Violet, "Where do your family live?"

"My father's London home is on Kenswick Drive in Mayfair, Miss Aster," Violet replied, "I am sorry we've never been introduced either, it's surprising."

"Is it true that your cousin and Lord Paisley are courting?" Miss Freesia asked, "I've often seen them dancing together at the balls and they are a fine pair."

"I'm not sure whether it's official but Lord Paisley is certainly serious in his interest."

"Lord Paisley is such a fine young man, he is an excellent dancer," Miss Temple agreed. "He has waltzed with my dear friend Miss Kendall many times."

"Oh, you're friends with Miss Kendall?" Violet observed, "I know her."

"Yes, we know her through our cousin," Miss Aster added.

"Well, it's been a delight to see you ladies, if you will excuse us, I wish to introduce Miss Clympton to my great uncle," Edmund stated, sweeping Violet away with a bow and a grimace which only she saw. After a brief introduction and a few minutes' speech with his very elderly and very amusing Great Uncle Victor, they were finally able to escape to a quiet corner and exchange a few words.

"That wasn't so bad," she stated, "The Miss Temples were harmless."

"Oh, harmless were they? Mrs Temple attacked me with her fan!"

Violet laughed, "That is called flirtation, my lord."

"My lord, is it? I'll have you calling me Edmund by the end of the evening I assure you, Miss Clympton."

"I hope you haven't forgotten the bet I won today, my lord." He scowled at her and she was forced to hide a smile behind her glove. "Well, I did like your cousin Mary and her husband. The Earl seems a very amusing young man."

"Oh, he is, and far too given to practical jokes, when he and Harold get going, they're impossible!"

"I am sure the Countess is good at calming her husband's more … frivolous endeavours."

"She's as bad as he is!"

They were just laughing when Lord and Lady Clympton approached with Mr and Mrs Bridgerton and the Dowager following. At the same moment, Malmsbury announced that dinner was served.

The Viscount sighed, "Time for protocol, eh, Mama?"

His mother smiled, "Of course, my dear, if the Viscount would be so good as to escort his decrepit mother into dinner?" They all laughed at that description. None more so than Mr Bridgerton.

"Decrepit? You Sophia? It was no ordinary woman who won my sullen brother's heart I can tell you, Miss Clympton. If I might have the honour?" Violet smiled and gladly took the older man's arm. He led her into the evening slowly, whilst regaling her with the great efforts it had taken for the late Viscount to win his second wife.

"I understand that the former Viscount's first marriage was not a happy one?" she observed.

Mr Bridgerton sighed and nodded as he led her to her seat, "It was the wish of our father. The honourable Miss Lincoln was an accomplished young woman but very immature and very silly. Still, my brother wanted to make it work. But, after four miserable years she was discovered in bed with some Austrian aristocrat and my brother filed for divorce."

Violet gasped in shock. Divorce was a very rare thing. "Is she still alive?"

Mr Bridgerton's face became sombre. "She died many years ago. She fled to Austria with her lover, married him I believe, but she sickened only two years later and was dead before her twenty fifth birthday."

"Really Charles! To bring up such sad events at such a joyful occasion!" exclaimed Edmund's Great Aunt Phyllis across the table.

"Oh, please forgive Mr Bridgerton, my lady, I did ask him," Violet protested.

"Still," Edmund whispered in her ear, "Tonight I wish to talk about one marriage and one alone." She glanced at him apologetically and allowed him to push in her chair before he seated himself at the head of the table on her right. His uncle was to her left, with her father to the elderly lady's right.

She glanced down and saw that the long table was a true sight to behold, beautifully lit with candles and decorated with a beautiful arrangement of roses.

"Such gorgeous blooms," she gushed, "From your mother's garden?"

He nodded, "Mama thought they would please you."

"I must remember to thank her; they are stunning indeed."

"Have you seen the gardens properly, my dear?" asked the elderly lady opposite, "Dear Sophia has always taken such exquisite care of them since poor Anthony died."

"They are truly beautiful," Violet agreed, "The Viscount and Lady Bridgerton showed us around them this morning."

"You must take home a full bouquet Aunt Phyllis," Edmund added, "Maybe you and Aunt Ada can use some seedlings in your own garden?"

"My sister and I live in our own little cottage a few miles away, Miss Clympton," the older woman explained, "We both decided to live as isolated spinsters once my poor husband passed away."

Mr Bridgerton snorted, "Isolated spinsters, indeed! They live in very comfortable style just outside the boundary of Aubrey Hall, Miss Clympton and with a staff who I believe, are only just fewer than those kept by the Viscount."

"My relatives love to be rude to each other," the Viscount confessed, "But they are always the souls of discretion among the Ton."

"If one cannot be rude to one's relatives, then when can one to rude?" declared Aunt Phyllis, perhaps a little too loudly, but greatly to Violet's amusement.

"I cannot agree more, Ma'am," her father added, "When my boys get going, they greatly remind me of myself and my sisters when we were young."

"There's been much galivanting about the estate on our old ponies the past few days," Edmund added with a smile.

"How old are your boys, my lord?" asked the older lady.

"Twelve and Fourteen, madam," Lord Clympton replied, "My eldest is currently enjoying the youngest Miss Temple's company, unless I'm much mistaken."

Curious, Violet glanced over and saw that her father was indeed correct. Frederick and Miss Aster were currently engaged in a most diverting conversation, so much so that she was in fits of giggles and he was bright with laughter.

The old lady smiled indulgently at them. "Much the nicest of the Temple girls," she stated, loudly.

"Phyllis!" Mr Bridgerton exclaimed.

"Why should I not state my opinion?" The older woman declared, "Aster Temple is a sweet girl and doesn't consider herself too far above common courtesy."

Thankfully, the nearest Temple, (Miss Freesia) seemed much too engaged in her conversation with Mr Richardson to have hear this comment, though Violet did see Mrs Dawlish's lips become very thin over her spoon.

As the meal progressed, she was to learn that Great Aunt Phyllis' tongue could not be curbed, and that Edmund's relations were overall very amusing and diverting. She was particularly enjoying old Mr Bridgerton's company and soon found that the uncle had become something of a surrogate father to the boys after his brother died.

"I was in my second year at Cambridge when I got the awful note," Edmund confessed, "Father was dead a week later and Uncle William and Aunt Fanny came to support us all. You didn't leave for a full six months, did you Uncle?"

"I don't think it was that long, Edmund, but it certainly was a fair few months. Your poor mother couldn't face the estate accounts, and someone needed to keep the place ticking over while you finished your studies."

"Where is your own estate, my lord?"

"In the north of the county, Miss Clympton, on a pretty piece of land called the Isle of Sheppey."

"Oh, by the sea?"

"Yes, and a very pretty prospect it is. My son John is currently at Eton and doing remarkably well by all accounts."

"How old is he?"

"Sixteen, just a year younger than your brother and more than ready to be done with school. He aspires of join the army and I dare say will make a very dashing officer. My wife, of course, wishes he would come home but I believe it will do him good to see some action before he settles down to regular life."

"I think it is the way of all young men, Mr Bridgerton, to crave action and adventure. I know that even I desire action when in the country."

"Do you indeed?"

"Yes, I am a keen horsewoman and adore fresh air and exercise."

This then led to a long discussion of the grounds and summer sport and before she knew it, Violet found that dessert was being brought in. The conversation had flowed so comfortably and effortlessly that she marvelled at how willingly this warm and boisterous family were accepting her.

She was just consuming the last of her souffle when she became aware of Mrs Dawlish addressing her,

"My dear Miss Clympton, your father could not remember the exact events. Would you tell how it was my nephew proposed to you? I know my friends in London are all wild to know. All I can recall was that it was on the evening of the Duke and Duchess of Hastings' masquerade ball."

"Yes, madame it was," Violet replied, suddenly feeling her heart lurch slightly. But before she could continue, Edmund interrupted her stuttering.

"What you might not be aware of Aunt, was that Harold witnessed the whole thing, though accidentally." Half the table gasped.

"You did?" Lady Bridgerton exclaimed.

"How were you there?" demanded his cousin Edith. Frederick laughed.

Harold snorted and looked slightly embarrassed, "I … um … well I was coming to apologise because my friend Paisley and I had actually tricked Miss Clympton and Lady Clympton into admitting my acquaintance under a false name."

So it was that the whole caper of "Mr Lewis" had to be explained and then the unveiling of his identity at the ball and his witnessing of the entire proposal (all intimate details were obviously left out). By doing so, not only did Harold quash any suggestion of unsuitable liberties in the garden becoming rumours, but he also gave the whole thing an amusing tone which overall created a very diverting story.

It took him the better part of dessert and coffee to explain what happened, so it meant that dinner was nearly finished by the time that Mr Bridgerton rose.

"When my dear wife and I heard that young Edmund had proposed, we were surprised," he confessed, "But having spent the better part of an evening with this charming young woman I completely understand why my nephew has become so enchanted. Not to mention, it reminds me of another Viscount and another impassioned courtship." He winked at Lady Bridgerton at these words, which made her laugh and wave off her brother-in-law.

With a smile, he turned to Violet and raised his glass, "Miss Clympton, we are delighted that you will be joining our family, I ask you all to raise your glasses to the Viscount and his betrothed. May you have a long and happy marriage together."

There was a general hubbub of well-wishing that embarrassed and pleased Violet. After the general melee had settled down, Lady Bridgerton led the ladies out.

Once they were all settled comfortably enough in the parlour, Mrs Dawlish decided that now was the perfect time to put her plan into action.

"Do tell us, Miss Clympton," she began, "What do you think of Aubrey Hall?"

Violet smiled, "It is a beautiful home. Mrs Dawlish. I was honoured to be invited."

Lady Dawlish raised an eye brow, "Did you not expect my sister to invite her eldest son's intended?"

"I would not presume to expect an invitation, madam," Violet replied, a little shocked by her bluntness.

"Don't mind Prissie, Miss Clympton," Great Aunt Phyllis added, "She enjoys finding breaches to etiquette when there are none."

"I do no such thing Aunt Jacobs, and I would kindly ask you to refer to me by my married name."

"Ladies," Lady Bridgerton quickly interjected, "We are here to celebrate my son's engagement to Miss Clympton, not rehash old grievances. Edith, my dear, would you delight us with your lovely playing?"

Mrs Richardson only put up a token resistance against performing, before the request was repeated and she sat down to the instrument with evident pleasure. She played a well-known piece with vigour and with excellent musicality. Violet enjoyed her performance and listened with pleasure.

She was soon followed by Miss Temple, who played proficiently, but also with an air of superiority that made it difficult to enjoy. She also sang, and though her voice was clear and performed well, she had an enjoyment of trills and vibrato that Violet thought stole from the loveliness of the piece, which was meant to be a simple love song.

Overall it was Miss Freesia Temple who proved to be the true musical talent of the evening. Although she declined to sing, she performed a notably difficult movement of a concerto with such feeling and ease that the listeners were rendered speechless. Lady Bridgerton in particular was warm in her praise and Miss Freesia happily performed a second movement, again delighting the ears of all her listeners.

After such an experience, Violet was reluctant to perform, however, she was eventually persuaded and walked to the instrument. Instead of trying to impress, she chose a favourite piece of hers. With simple enjoyment, she played and sung, her voice clear and lovely. It was only once she had finished that she noticed the entrance of the men and found herself blushing under the scrutiny of so many eyes.

"What a lovely piece, Miss Clympton, who is it by?" Lady Bridgerton asked.

"Alessandro Parisotti," she replied, "It's an Italian love song, my Italian nursery maid Gia used to sing it to me and my brothers when we were children."

"What do the words mean?" the Countess enquired.

"It's mostly about a shepherdess warning a shepherd not to fall in love with her because her hand is already spoken for."

"I remember Gia singing that," Lady Clympton agreed.

"I wonder that you hired a foreign nursery maid, Lady Clympton," Mrs Dawlish commented, "Could you not find an English woman?"

"Gia was recommended to me by my godmother, Mrs Dawlish," Lady Clympton replied coldly, "And she was an excellent nursery maid. I believe my daughter and Geoffrey's skill with tongues are due in some way to do with the fact that she taught them Italian from infancy."

"She was a very dear woman," Violet agreed, "We were so sad when she had to leave."

"Where did she go?" Miss Aster asked.

"Her mother became dreadfully ill and she returned to Florence to nurse her."

"But enough of old nursemaids," Mrs Dawlish stated, "Miss Freesia, you really must play for the gentlemen."

Though embarrassed, the second Temple girl was happy to play and delighted them all with her talent. Miss Temple then took her seat once again and began a complicated piece that required much concentration. Again she sang well but there was such a clear comparison of skill that she turned to their hostess and requested whether they might have dancing "to celebrate the happy occasion". This was readily agreed to and her younger sister was persuaded to play some country dances for them.

It was only once her fiancé had claimed her hand for the first dance that Violet noticed Edmund had been loitering at the back of the room, observing the musicians.

"Why were you hiding?" she asked as the dance began.

"I wished to observe without being spoken to," he replied, "I love watching you play and it was a complete pleasure to hear your voice when we entered the room. Miss Freesia plays beautifully doesn't she?"

"She does, she has what my master would have called "true musicality". Miss Temple sang nicely as well." He pulled a face that made her laugh. "Don't think that I've forgotten your part of the bet, I expect a full hour of time spent with her. I will measure your increments of time if you like."

He groaned, "You are a cruel woman, Violet Clympton."

"Then don't make bets with me, my lord." They both laughed and enjoyed an amusing conversation before the dance finished. Edmund glared at her before going off to meet his fate (as he referred to dancing with Miss Temple) and Violet found her hand claimed by Mr Bridgerton for the next dance.

What followed was a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours of dancing. Violet danced with most of Edmund's relations and enjoyed an amusing conversation with her soon-to-be mother-in-law explaining why her fiancée was spending so much time with the eldest Miss Temple. Harold was so diverted that he claimed Violet's hand and deliberately stood her next to his brother and Miss Lilac in the set so that they could hear their conversation.

Miss Temple was in full flow.

"I can't help wondering why you are monopolising so much of my time tonight, my lord."

"I can't think what you're referring to, Miss Temple," he replied.

She giggled. "My mother has observed that you have danced far more times with myself and my sisters than other ladies present."

"It is simply good breeding, I do assure you," he answered, catching his brother's eye with a glare when he saw what he and Violet were about.

"I hope you will show me these same manners when we are once more returned to the Season, Lord Bridgerton," she added, batting her eyes in such a way that Violet was led to wonder whether she practised in front of a mirror.

"I shall be delighted to see you in town, as always."

"Do you prefer town or the country, Miss Clympton?" Harold asked loudly.

"Oh the country," she replied with equal volume, "I am so fond of fresh air. Though town also has its benefits."

"What say you, my lord?" asked Miss Temple sweetly.

"To what, Miss Temple?"

"What say you to town or the country?"

"I prefer the country," he replied, "I'm very fond of hunting and sport."

"And caring for your tenants, naturally," she continued, "Your family have always taken such good care of your tenants."

"Well we have no estate without the tenants," he observed.

"You're so dedicated, my lord," she replied with another eyelash flutter.

Violet was so amused that she had to look away. She didn't dare meet Harold's eyes.

It was only once the dance had finished and they were safely away that she stated quietly, "You are wicked, Mr Bridgerton! I could hardly keep my countenance!"

Harold Bridgerton laughed heartily, his blue eyes twinkling wickedly. "Yes, but that's what makes it fun! Now I must insist upon being called Harold, Miss Clympton, I cannot have a fellow conspirator and be called Mr Bridgerton."

"Then I must be Violet from hence forth Harold, though I decline the invitation to be your co-conspirator, now if you will excuse me, I am going to relieve poor Miss Freesia."

With a smile she approached the second Miss Temple and offered to play so she could dance. This was gratefully accepted and she was able to find some peace for a few minutes from dance partners and the schemes of her new brother.

It was only when her mother and fiancé approached that she realised they were in cahoots and would not allow her to sit out the dancing at her own engagement dinner. With a smile, she accepted her fiancé's hand and enjoyed a slower gavotte with him.

"How am I doing?" he enquired as they took their place.

"Fifty minutes completed," she replied, "Only ten minutes left and I promise to not let your brother near the proceedings."

"He is a wretch," the Viscount griped, though he was smiling.

"He has an infectious sense of humour," she corrected him, "And the rest of your family have been wonderful."

His mouth softened into a real smile at that, "I'm glad. They are an amusing though rather boisterous lot." She nodded her acquiescence with a smile and they were able to finish the dance without further incident.

Edmund returned for his final ten minutes of conversation and Violet was just thinking of getting a glass of punch when it happened.

It seemed that Mrs Richardson had been drinking punch and rather heavily as well. She had been in conversation with her mother and sister and was red in the face as she raised her hands and swept her arms from side to side in the middle of the dance floor.

"I forgot to make a toast!" she cried.

Her husband approached and attempted to move her aside but she skipped out of his reach. She raised her half full glass to Edmund and Violet, "Congratulations on your wonderful engagement and being incredibly happy. No doubt you are thrilled to have landed a Viscount, Miss Clympton."

"Edith …" her mother began but was interrupted by her daughter.

"No, Mama, why should I be silent? All our relations are thinking it. What's Edith's marriage when Mary landed an Earl? Aren't we happy for Edmund now he's married the daughter of a lord? A young lady who by all accounts, made no effort and loitered at the side of every dance floor for a whole year last Season!"

"Edith that's enough!" her sister exclaimed, striding forward. But Mrs Richardson skipped out of reach again and swallowed the last of her punch, some spilled out and stained the bodice of her cream gown.

"No!" she exclaimed, "Why should I stop? You're just going to out do me again Mary. Even though I have always been called the beauty of the family, now you have to go and get yourself with child before me as well!"

The entire room gasped.

"Edith! Enough!" The eldest Mr Dawlish strode towards his sister and forcibly pulled her from the room. Violet stared at them, her mouth agape. Everyone seemed shocked and not sure what to say.

Until one voice croaked, "Well done, my gel, keep reminding her what pride will always come before!"

"Aunt Phyllis!" Mary exclaimed, "That was never my intention and for it to be announced at Edmund and Violet's engagement dinner! I am I so very sorry." She approached them, her face contrite. The Earl took her hand.

Violet smiled, "I'm not, it's thrilling news, congratulations to you both."

"Truly," Edmund agreed, "It's wonderful to know that the next Earl may be on the way."

Mary smiled, "Thank you, both." The Earl nodded and smiled.

"On that note, I believe the evening has come to an end," Lady Bridgerton stated, smiling. "Come now everyone, it is time we all went to our beds and get a decent night's sleep."

All the family nodded and started heading to their rooms. After congratulating the Earl and his wife, Violet started following her mother and father to the stairs when she found her hand taken. She knew it was the Viscount, but allowed him to lead her away from prying eyes and into a darker room that could only be his study.

Once the door was closed, he turned to her, his face nervous. "I can only apologise for my cousin's theatrics," he began, "I had no idea that her feelings of jealously went so deep …"

"I can," Violet said, "I have no sister but I have seen the rivalry between my brothers. I imagine that she feels hard done by after having been raised to be the pretty, accomplished sister, it must be hard to have a sister who is a Countess. I imagine she thinks it unfair."

"But she is married to a wealthy man!"

"An untitled man."

Edmund sighed, "I do not understand the logic of women."

Violet laughed and embraced him, "Well I hope you understand the logic of this woman." She felt him smile as he drew her close and buried his head in her neck.

"I think I just might," he agreed, kissing her throat lightly, "Do you have any idea how beautiful you looked tonight?"

She smiled, "I can hazard a guess." She allowed him to kiss her for a minute before she pulled away, gasping. "I am going to bed, before we are caught. I will see you on the morrow, my dearest soon-to-be husband."

The Viscount laughed, "Sleep well, my dearest, sweetest, cannot-be-my-wife-soon-enough wife."

With a laugh of her own she departed, not missing the smirk on her fiancé's face.

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Author's note:

Sorry it's taken me longer than expected but I hope you enjoyed it! This was hugely fun to write but I found RL distracting me as always. Who did you enjoy reading the most? I think Great Aunt Phyllis might be my favourite.

Just a couple of historical notes:

Countesses are apparently referred to as "Your Courtesy", which I'd never known before now.

Also, Violet sings a piece called Se Tu Ma'mi, which was originally written by Parisotti in 1885, so sorry it is a bit historically inaccurate but I thought the song would fit the scene well.

As always, thank you so much for reading and I look forward to knowing what you think!

Breeze.