⚘eleven⚘

Dearest gentle reader, I must send felicitations to the new Duke and Duchess of Hastings. Congratulations and stamina as they embark on the most exhilarating time in a young couple's life. I am, of course, talking of the honeymoon. Is there a more romantic notion? To retreat from society together... finally leaving watchful eyes behind. While this author, along with the rest of the ton, will certainly miss its most-remarked-upon couple back in London, perhaps we might find solace in the promise of the Duke and duchess returning to us bearing a surprise.

Today there is a picnic to attend. It is strange knowing Daphne will not be there. We always attend events together. Just knowing that she was there made me at ease. I always knew that I had a friend.

"Diana."

I see Benedict walking towards me.

"Benedict."

"Do not tell me that what my brother said has gotten to you," Benedict says.

"He is not wrong, Benedict. We were being careless," I state. "You said it yourself, it was a mistake."

Benedict looks like he wants to say something but his brother interrupts. "What did I tell you two?"

"We are standing in the middle of a garden," Benedict reminds him. "We are surrounded by people."

"When will you understand that I am just looking out for you both?" Anthony remarks.

Colin hits a glass with a knife drawing the attention of everyone. "May I have everyone's attention? I would like to make a small but important announcement. I have happy news to impart. I have asked Miss Marina Thompson to be my wife, and she has accepted."

Anthony walks away to speak with Lady Bridgerton.

I turn to Benedict. "Did you know about this?"

Benedict shakes his head. "No. Not a clue."

I force a smile. "I should go congratulate them."

"Di..." Benedict starts.

I shake my head. "I have to see to my family and you yours."

I sit in the parlor with Marina, Philipa, and Prudence.

"Do you think Colin will introduce us to his friends? Some of them are quite strapping," Prudence states.

"I am sure he will. I am sure all of our fortunes are about to change," Marina assures.

Penelope stands in the doorway. "Mm. Especially Colin's."

"You look very lovely today, Penelope," Marina tells her.

"Do not mock me," Penelope says with a smile.

Penelope sits down next to me on the couch and Marina sits beside her.

"It pains me you should think every compliment a mockery," Marina tells her.

"Do not pity me, either," Penelope says.

"I do not pity you, Penelope. I respect you. You have been a true friend since I arrived here, and I rely on your continued friendship and sympathy," Marina tells her.

Penelope laughs. "My continued silence, you mean?"

"You think so little of me, I cannot bear it. I never would have made my way through this awful tangle without your kindness. Please do not tell me you regret it," Marina says.

"I would never bring scandal on you or our family, if that is what you ask, but I cannot condone your actions," Penelope tells her.

"I want you as my friend, Pen. Can you not try to understand and be a little pleased for me?" Marina asks.

Aunt Featherington walks into the parlor. "Marina? Time for the modiste. We must see to your trousseau."

Marina follows Aunt Featherington out of the room.

Philipa scoffs. "She is so lucky. A whole new wardrobe and a handsome husband. Between the two of them, they will make the most beautiful baby."

"He is not the father, you dunderhead!" Prudence tells her through a laugh.

Philipa chuckles. "Oh, my goodness! I clean forgot."

"Do not laugh at him! She makes a fool of him already," Penelope tells them.

Prudence scoffs. "Ugh! You are no fun anymore."

"Was I ever?" Penelope questions.

Tonight Colin, Anthony, and Lady Bridgerton are joining us for dinner. Marina stands at the top of the stairs before walking down towards the rest of us.

"Turn, please. Profile," Aunt Featherington instructs. Marina does as Aunt Featherington asks. "Swish." Marina looks at her. "Swish!" Marina gives in and moves her arms forward and back. "Good. You have done well thus far, Miss Thompson. Tonight, I shall need to raise the matter of a swift wedding."

Penelope chuckles. "I am... very sorry. But this plan of yours, I find it wanting. Deceiving Colin is one thing, but being at close quarters with his mother, that is quite another. Lady Bridgerton is shrewd. She has had eight children. Trust she knows when she is being managed."

The diner is dull. I find myself wishing for Benedict's company. Even at the dullest of balls, or picnics, or dinners he was always one to make me laugh.

"What were your favorite pastimes in the country?" Lady Bridgerton asks Marina.

"I enjoyed riding above all else, my lady," Marina tells her.

"Please, you must call me Violet now. Remember?" Lady Bridgerton says.

"Miss Thompson is such a proper young lady, is she not?" Aunt Featherington offers.

"Have you traveled at all beyond England, Miss Thompson? It has long been Colin's greatest ambition to travel the world," Lady Bridgerton says.

"Never. Though it is now a great ambition of mine as well," Marina tells her.

"I am sensing a honeymoon in foreign parts. What think you, Lord Bridgerton?" Aunt Featherington asks.

"I would not like to speculate," Anthony replies.

"Yes, indeed. I believe a honeymoon in foreign parts would be just the thing. Mr. Bridgerton, you might even make the most of this fine weather we've been having if you choose to marry sooner rather than later," Aunt Featherington offers.

"Colin is still very young. I believe a lengthier engagement would be prudent, excellent weather notwithstanding," Anthony states.

"Mother, have I told you Miss Thompson is very accomplished at needlework? She is quite brilliant. Puts my sisters to shame," Colin says.

"I can assure you, that is not true," Marina insists.

"You have not seen my sister Daphne's embroidery. In all honesty, it is like a battlefield," Colin remarks.

After dinner we sit in the parlor. Philipa plays the pianoforte as Prudence tries her best to sing in tune but does not succeed. Anthony sits down on the other end of the lounge under the window.

"Diana. I do not wish for you to be angry with me. You have to understand. I see you as a little sister," Anthony tells me. I smile slightly. "I do not want Benedict to hurt you. I do not want for him to be the reason you cannot find a husband."