chapter seventeen - the Basset Ball

Aurora hated to admit it but she was somewhat excited for the Basset Ball. Daphne had quickly become renowned for the balls she and Simon threw, and Aurora was excited at the prospect of catching up with her childhood friend the Duke of Hastings.

She also relished in the prospect of seeing the Viscount Bridgerton in his evening dress - after her conversation with Julius two days prior her feelings for the eldest Bridgerton were steadily growing.

She was yet to see him, however she had had the pleasure of dancing with both Colin and Benedict Bridgerton which was (as always) an eventful affair.

Whilst Colin always made sure to keep her on her toes with energetic and peculiar dance moves, her dances with Benedict were perhaps the more humorous as the two had a tendency to pretend to be snobbish aristocrats. Having danced with both at nearly every ball of the season, their ridiculous escapades were becoming a regular part of any ball.

Although she had not yet spotted the eldest Bridgerton, he had most certainly seen her. He could not held but chuckle at her silliness with his brothers. It was nice to see them so happy considering the stress they were all under from their mother and her suggestions of matrimony.

Indeed, he had half a mind to ask her hand for the next dance had not Reginald Harding got their first.

Reginald Harding. At first Anthony had felt no concern or particular emotion toward the man, however, he was become increasingly insufferable.

It was quite clear to Anthony that the young Lady Grey - although she was fond of him - did not wish to marry the Lord Harding. And so Anthony could not help but feel annoyed at Reginald’s frequent attempts to woo the woman.

“Lord Harding, I fear you do not have the same passion for dancing as you do for other pastimes. You look positively feverish!” Declared Aurora to the man.

They were halfway through a line dance and Reginald was still clearly uncomfortable.

“Perhaps you might prefer if we sat down and talked instead?”

The suggestion seemed a wise one, especially for poor Aurora’s feet which would likely be black and blue tomorrow from all the bruises she had sustained thanks to Reginald’s terrible dancing skills.

“That does sound like a rather good idea” came his awkward response.

Aurora was quite aware that there was something troubling him but she feared it would be impertinent to ask him. Finally she could take it no longer.

“Lord Harding are you quite well? I fear there is something on your mind this evening!”

Harding turned to her with a smile, grateful for her concern.

“It is nothing that will not resolve itself soon, my Lady, I assure you. I will be all the better for it tomorrow I hope.”

His answer confused Aurora even more. In fact, she was sat pondering this riddle of a response when the Viscount Bridgerton suddenly appeared before her.

“Lady Grey, can I trouble you for a dance?” He held out his arm to her.

Aurora sighed gently and looked up at him with regret.

“I do not think I should like to dance again tonight, Sir. My feet are in quite a bit of pain you see.”

Anthony looked worried, he tried his best to hide it but both Aurora and Reginald saw it.

“I hope it is not too severe. If you like I could find your companion and escort you both home?”

The Bridgerton shook his head internally at his forwardness and Lord Harding looked up at him, jealousy passing over his features.

“I am sure the Lady is not so badly hurt?” He turned to Aurora, “are you?”

“No! No, it is nothing” she smiled. It was not nothing. Indeed, she questioned if she could even stand up for the immense pain in her feet.

‘Surely Lord Harding’s shoes must be made from lead to have injured me so!’ She thought to herself.

Her thoughts were interrupted, however, by Reginald standing.

“You must excuse me. Lord Bridgerton. Lady Grey. There is someone with whom I must speak.”

And with that Lord Harding left them.

“How bizarre” chuckled Anthony.

He sat down on the seat Harding had previously occupied and turned to the Grey girl. “Are you sure you are alright. I have four sisters; I know when a woman is hiding their pain.”

“In truth, my Lord, I think my feet might fall off” she began to laugh quietly and Anthony could not help but join in.

“Then why didn’t you say something to Harding!”

Aurora looked at him seriously, “I thought it best not to. It was his fault after all, for standing on my feet all evening. I did not wish to make him even more embarrassed.”

“You are too nice to him. If it had been me you would have declared it in front of the entire Ton!” Anthony stood up again and held out both arms for the girl to grasp.

“If it had been you I do not think my feet would hurt so much. I am told you are an adequate dancer” Aurora responded as she slowly stood up.

Once the two were balanced, the Viscount liked his arm with hers and slowly led her through the ballroom to the entrance of Basset House where her carriage was waiting along with the others.

“I am sorry Harding has caused you such pain. I will speak to him tomorrow at White’s. If he is to continue in his advances towards you he ought to at least ensure your safety.”

They were now stood outside her carriage and Aurora was about to get inside when she processed his words.

“You do not think Lord Harding is serious in his affections?” She was surprised at his comment.

“Of course, why shouldn’t he be? You’d make a decent couple. Lady Whistledown would be thrilled!” The Bridgerton could not help the hint of hurt in his voice.

“I doubt it. She seems rather set on the two of us” laughed Aurora until she realised what she had said. “Forgive me, Anthony, that was rude and silly of me.”

He merely smiled in response.

“It was nothing of the kind. Merely an observation. Now, when you return home you must put a hot water bottle over your feet and some lavender balm to ease the pain” he said sincerely.

“Thank you. Really, this is not kind of you.”

“Goodnight Aurora, I hope you will visit us soon once you are back to full health.”

Anthony grabbed her hand planting a gentle kiss on it, thus surprising both of them.

“Goodnight Anthony.”

And with that the carriage pulled away from Basset House.

Meanwhile, in the great hall, Reginald Harding had sought out the three Grey brothers and was presently engaged in a rather serious discussion.

“My Lords, perhaps we might find a more private place to discuss the matter at hand” began Reginald, “it is a topic of some delicacy.”

William turned to Alexander and Julius with a look of horror of his face that was mirrored in their own.

He attempted to cover this with a smile as he returned his attention to Harding.

“Very well, my Lord.”

*****

Rather a long chapter and so too is the next one.

What do you think Reginald wishes to discuss with the Grey brothers?

And how do you think Anthony and Aurora will feel when they reflect on that moment in the carriage?

Stay safe,Valentia x