⚘fourteen⚘

The final ball of any season is distinguished by one of two things, anticipation... or dread. For, while those who have been successful in the year's marriage market look forward to flaunting their perfect, joyous unions... others shudder at the thought of spending one last night before the discerning eyes of the ton. As they know, indeed, just what the evening signifies, that their time is officially up. And yet, to those who may still find themselves out of both choices and hope, fear not. For who knows when and where one's fortunes may change?

Upon arriving at the ball I spot Daphne almost immediately.

"Good evening, Your Grace," I greet.

Daphne laughs lightly. "Good evening Miss Featherington."

"Are you sure you would not like to take me into your care? Clyvedon is absolutely beautiful," I tell her.

"Thank you, Di," Daphne says.

"It makes me long for my old family home," I admit.

"You know you are welcome to visit me any time here," Daphne tells me.

I smile. "I shall leave you to your guests."

I find Penelope by herself. "Come now, Pen. It is the last ball of the season do not stand to the side. Find someone to dance with." I notice she is staring at Colin. "At least talk to him. Nothing that happened is your fault. He will understand." I offer her a smile before walking off.

"Enjoying your evening?"

I turn and see Benedict standing there smiling at me.

"Much more now," I tell him.

Benedict holds his hand out to me. "Care for a dance?"

I nod my head as I take his hand. "I shall care for more than one."

Benedict chuckles. "I shall dance with you for the whole night if it makes you happy."

So that is what we do. Song after song Benedict and I dance. We only stop as the sky opens up and rain falls upon us. I chuckle as Benedict grabs my hand and rushes me under cover from the storm. Daphne does not move. Instead her and the Duke stand in the rain. I cannot help but smile at the sight.

"Everyone... I believe this evening is complete. We shall thank our gracious hosts for such a splendid soiree in the morning. Now, go. Out. At once," Lady Danbury tells everyone.

Benedict turns to me. "I did not see your Uncle."

"Come round tomorrow. I shall block the door so he cannot leave," I tell him with a chuckle.

Benedict smiles. "I shall be there in the morning."

I head home with my family longing for morning to come.

"Mr. Finch has such a warm countenance, does he not? And his gaze, it inspires me," Philipa says.

"Perhaps it might inspire you into silence," Prudence remarks.

"Prudence, be kind. You will have plenty of opportunities to find your match this summer. I am thinking a full renovation of our country house is in order this..." Aunt Featherington trails off. In the hall are two large men in black coats and red shirts. "Where is Miss Thompson?"

Marina walks down a few steps. She looks worn and upset.

"Oh, my lady." Mrs Varley rushes towards Aunt Featherington. "There is news."

"What is the matter?" Aunt Featherington asks as she moves away from us.

"It is your husband, ma'am. They are saying he is dead. The Bow Street Runners have questions," Mrs Varley explains.

I rush from the house.

"Diana!" Penelope shouts.

I ignore her and continue across the street. I rush through the front door of the Bridgerton house with not even a knock. Anthony walks out from the office confused and concerned.

"Diana, it is late. What is it that you need?" Anthony asks.

"I need to see Benedict," I tell him.

"Surely whatever it is this can wait until morning," Anthony insists.

"No. No it cannot. My Uncle is dead," I tell him.

Anthony looks at me in shock. "I shall get him for you."

In a moment Benedict is racing down the stairs towards me. He is followed by Anthony, Daphne, the Duke, Colin, Eloise, and Lady Bridgerton.

"Diana. How did this happen?" Benedict asks.

I shake my head. "I do not know. We must get married as soon as possible."

"Married?" Anthony asks.

"I had plans to visit Lord Featherington tomorrow to ask for permission to marry Diana," Benedict explains.

"Why not wait until Lord Featherington's heir is found?" Eloise asks.

"He could oppose the marriage," Benedict tells her.

"I still need his permission. I am only twenty," I state.

"So that only leaves two options," Daphne says.

"A special license," Anthony offers.

"Or Gretna Green," Colin offers.

I look at Benedict waiting for him to decide.

"I shall talk to the archbishop first thing in the morning," Benedict states.

"Since nothing can be done until then all of you back to bed," Lady Bridgerton orders. "I shall have a maid make up the guest room for you, Diana."

I smile as I nod. "Thank you, Lady Bridgerton."

Lady Bridgerton smiles. "Please call me Violet."

Everyone starts to go back to their own rooms. Benedict takes my hand in his.

"Everything will work out, Diana. I promise you," Benedict assures. I nod my head. "Let's get you to bed."

If there is to ever be a grander finish to a season than the one provided by the Duke and Duchess of Hastings this year, this author will need to feast upon her own words. For it was this couple's memorable affair that brought another scandalous London season to a close. As many now leave the city behind for greener pastures, some endings seem more permanent than others. Of course, there are other endings that will offer new beginnings... however uncertain those new beginnings might be.

I sit with Daphne in the parlor waiting to see if Benedict will be able to get the special license we need to wed.

"If you keep biting on your nails you will bite your whole finger off," Daphne warns. I give her a look. "I am just saying. You do not wish to be missing a finger on your wedding day do you?"

Just as I am out of finger nails Benedict and Anthony walk into the room. I hold my breath waiting for my future to be decided by a yes or a no. Benedict smiles as he pulls a piece of paper from behind his back.

"We got it," Benedict tells me.

I let out a chuckle. "I have a wedding to plan."

Daphne smiles. "I am so happy for you two."

"Congratulations," Anthony offers.

"Do you think your mother would let us have the reception here?" I ask.

Benedict nods. "I am sure of it."

"I have three days to plan a wedding," I state.

"I shall help you with everything," Daphne assures.

I smile at Benedict and he smiles back at me. We are to wed. I had only ever thought this possible in my wildest dreams.

The wedding and reception are everything I have dreamed about. Though most of it is a blur. Everything just seems to be rushing by. The ton is buzzing with word of Benedict and I. Rumors have been flying about our quick wedding but I pay no mind. I know that this wedding is for love and not any other reason.

I smile as our carriage pulls up to the place I called home until the age of five. There is no one there to greet us. No one has lived or worked in this house in fifteen years.

"Maybe hiring servants should have been part of the wedding planning," I offer.

Benedict opens the large front door. "I think we shall make due for a day."

Everything is covered in sheets and the sheets covered in dust. I drag my hand along a couch. I stop in front of the fireplace. Hanging over the mantle is a portrait of my mother and father. I do not have many memories of them but in everyone of my dreams my mother is wearing the same blue dress as this portrait.

"This place truly is untouched by time," Benedict states. I nod my head. Benedict stands beside me. "You look just like your mother." I smile. "They would both be proud of the woman you have become."

"I like to think they would be proud to call you their son in law," I tell him.

Benedict smiles and then suddenly he picks me up. I let out a squeal not expecting the action. He laughs as he starts his way to the staircase.

"You do not even know where you are going," I protest.

"Yes I do," Benedict insists. "The first room with a bed."

Like he says Benedict puts me down in one of the many bedrooms. While I lived here it was a guest bedroom.

I put my hand on the back of Benedict's neck and pull him down towards me for a kiss. I would not say it's sweet. It is more needy. Like we are trying to make up for lost time. I feel Benedict's hands roam all over my body. He pulls away resting his forehead on mine.

"I love you," Benedict tells me.

I smile. "I love you too."

Electricity shoots down my spine when Benedict starts to unbutton my dress. I let the dress slip off of me and puddle at my feet. I wrap my arms around Benedict and tangle my fingers in his hair. Benedict trails kisses down my neck before lightly nipping at my breast. I let out a moan.

I reach my hands out to pull Benedict's shirt out from his trousers. He smiles as he starts to undo his tie and slip his vest off. I start to undo the buttons but find it hard to concentrate as Benedict kisses my neck. Once I manage to finish with the buttons Benedict shrugs the shirt of. I trail my hand down his chest. Suddenly he grabs my bottom and I jump wrapping my legs around his waist. He attaches his lips to mine once more. He walks us across the room and lays me down on the bed.

Benedict smiles down at me. "Do not be afraid."

I smile. "I shall never be afraid with you by my side."