⚘twenty one⚘

If the Ancient Greeks were members of the ton, they might have added to their Olympic pentathlon one additional event. The hosting of a country visit. This, of course, is the week of Lady Bridgerton's annual Hearts and Flowers Ball, the year's most coveted invitation in the country, and no event better designed to show the might and mettle of its host.

I walk down the stairs with Lady Bridgerton and Daphne followed by Mrs Wilson. Lady Bridgerton has not only sought out Daphne's help for her ball but mine as well. While I have never hosted a ball like Daphne, I do have an appreciation for parties and have definitely learned a few things about planning them in my years.

"Miss Patridge requires large amounts of sugar for her morning tea, and Lord Abernathy, he will refuse to eat any meat that is not well-cooked, while Lady Abernathy will only consume her meat bloody, I am told," Lady Bridgerton says. "And make sure you put an extra blanket on Lord Weston's bed. I hear he feels the cold."

One of the maids is holding two rather large bouquets. "The roses and carnations have arrived, ma'am."

"You may wish to add in lilac, Mama," Daphne offers. "Symbolic of first love. And perhaps make the bouquets even bigger."

"I have taught you well," Lady Bridgerton says.

"If there is truly to be a proposal before the week is out, Anthony will need all the help he can get," Daphne reasons.

I find Benedict in the study painting. He has been painting more as of recently. I am happy. He should not give up everything he enjoys simply because we have a child now.

"Good morning, my love," Benedict greets.

I do not plan on being so forgetful as Benedict seems to be.

"We need to speak about last night," I state.

"I am sorry," Benedict tells me.

"Why?" I question. "Why did you do that?"

"Colin told me about the benefits that the opium could have in clearing my mind," Benedict explains. "I truly am sorry, Diana. I overdid it."

"Promise me you will not do it again," I demand.

Benedict takes my hands in his. "I promise."

I smile slightly. "And you will take me on the hunt."

"You truly wish to go on the hunt?" Benedict asks.

I nod my head. "I truly do." I smile. "It will be your punishment for last night."

Benedict smiles. "If my punishment is to spend time with you then I think I shall break the rules more often." He pulls me towards him into a kiss.

I stand with Daphne in the garden. The guests will be arriving soon, and Daphne is to greet them with Lady Bridgerton.

"I fear I still hardly know the lady my brother is planning to marry," Daphne confesses.

"I fear the same, Daph," I confess. "Though if I know Anthony, I would not doubt that he would like it to remain that way."

"Well, perhaps I should get to know her for him," Daphne offers.

I smile. "I think you the best option."

Once guests start to arrive, I try my hardest to find Penelope. I have not seen her in a week, and I must find out how things are faring for the Featheringtons.

"Oh, Pen!" I shout as I spot her. "Oh, you are finally here."

"It has only been a week, Diana," Penelope reminds me.

"And I am sure I have missed a great deal," I tell her.

Penelope nods. "Mama is afraid that Cousin Jack plans to marry. That he will throw us out into the street once he does."

"I suppose he should want to marry," I reason. "He is new to the ton, and he is being talked about by every Mama."

"Mama wants Cousin Jack to marry Prudence," Penelope tells me.

My eyes widen in shock. "But he's, our cousin."

"Mama insists it is no issue," Penelope tells me. "She says it is not odd to marry one's cousin. It is regal." I make a face of disgust. "Then she said look at the royal family."

I shake my head. "She has lost her mind."

"Worse yet Prudence is going along with it," Penelope tells me.

"She wants to marry Lord Featherington?" I ask.

Penelope nods. "I believe she thinks she does. Mama has pushed her to believe that she does."

I sigh. "Do not worry about this, Penelope. I am sure it will not come to this. Everyone is talking about how Lord Featherington is practically courting Miss Cowper. I know she is not ideal to be the new Lady Featherington, but you will be out of the house soon enough and into your own and it will not matter."

Benedict smiles as he walks towards me. Anthony is trailing behind him looking less so.

"Are you ready for the hunt, my love?" Benedict asks.

"I just need to change into a riding dress," I tell him.

"Well do make haste," Anthony tells me.

"Oh, and Miss Sharma is to come along as well," Benedict tells me. "I assured her you could act as her chaperone."

I look at him curiously. "Why is Miss Sharma joining the hunt?"

"I suppose Miss Edwina thinks it time her sister and Anthony can spend trying to get along. Though I suppose Miss Sharma just wants to upstage Anthony," Benedict tells me.

Anthony makes a face.

I smile. "Perhaps Miss Sharma can teach Anthony a thing or two."

Anthony shakes his head. "You and Benedict are too much alike."

I look at Benedict curiously.

"I said the same thing," Benedict explains.

Everyone mounts their horses and starts the ride into the woods.

"You must play along, Brother," Benedict tells Anthony. "Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to win her over."

"Or to be shot dead by her," Anthony counters.

Benedict chuckles.

"To the right, gents!" Lord Featherington shouts.

I lead my horse in a gallop to catch up to Benedict.

"I have a feeling," I confess.

"You are having a feeling?" Benedict asks. "So, it is just another day." I make a face. "Come now. I am only teasing."

"It is about Anthony and Miss Sharma," I tell him. "I think we can all see it."

"All of us but my brother," Benedict tells me.

"Is he really so caring of his duty as a first-born son that he will throw his own happiness away?" I ask.

"You've met my brother," Benedict says. "You know as well as I that he puts duty above all else."