10. Chapter Ten

Kairos

Chapter Ten

There are many who would have considered the coming together of the Bridgerton and Clympton families as a complete success if the events of the first twelve hours were to be the measure against which the visit was judged. However, as with many similar occasions, an encouraging start does not always herald a positive conclusion and sadly, this was an example of such a case.

The first hint of events going awry was a letter that came during breakfast on the 13th. All residents of the hall had apparently slept well, and it was after the departure of the two youngest Clymptons that Malmsbury brought a letter to the Dowager Viscountess. None might have noticed that anything was amiss had it not been for her sudden inhalation.

The Viscount, always aware of his mother's emotions, turned to her with a concerned, "Mama?"

Lady Bridgerton frowned, taking a very careful mouthful of toast before she pushed the letter toward him. "It seems that you Aunt Dawlish has seen fit to invite her own guests to our family dinner tomorrow." Both the Viscount and Harold groaned.

"You don't mean ..?" Harold began. His mother nodded. The Viscount took a decidedly angry mouthful of bacon. All of the Clymptons were mystified.

"I hope all is well ..?" Lady Clympton began.

After taking a swift look at his mother's ashen countenance and his brother's furious expression, Harold decided to take the lead.

"What my brother and mother are both reacting to is the fact that my dear Aunt Dawlish has seen fit to invite a certain family of young ladies and their mother to a family occasion again." Violet glanced at the Viscount who had gone red with anger. "My aunt has a very intimate acquaintance with a family of the name of Temple. Mrs Temple is a very good sort of woman and lives in comfortable style at her son's estate at Farthingdale. It is an easy distance from Uncle Dawlish's property at Oppington Park and so has led to a great friendship between the families. This would not be an issue; however, Mrs Temple has three very charming and very single daughters. She has made it her life's mission to see one of her daughters married to at least one of the highly desirable Bridgerton brothers. As you might expect, poor Edmund was always considered the ultimate prize but has managed to avoid entanglement masterfully for 23 years. Now that he in unavailable, I do not doubt that I shall be the premium target for one of the delightful Miss Temples to charm into marriage."

"Harold," his mother chided.

"Am I wrong, Mama?" he asked, "Have they not always pursued my poor brother as though he were a stag in the hunt?"

"I am not saying that they have not been persistent, but they are perfectly well-bred young ladies …"

"Who have one kind word from Edmund and instantly translate it to love!" he exclaimed. "Their mother also was obsessed with flowers which hasn't helped the young ladies that much. The eldest is Miss Lilac Temple, then comes Miss Freesia Temple and finally Miss Aster Temple is the youngest and (in my opinion) the least offensive. It helps that she is only just out and has inherited a modicum of their father's common sense. Young Master Temple is at Eton and a very fine shot for a lad of fifteen."

"Why does Mrs Dawlish wish to invite the Temples to a family dinner?" Lord Clympton asked.

"She will say that it's because she wishes to celebrate our engagement," Lord Bridgerton replied, "But the ulterior motive will not doubt be to try and persuade me that I am gravely mistaken and have suddenly fallen in love with Miss Lilac. Which would never do, even if I wasn't already engaged," (he added for Violet's benefit).

Violet, for her part, was untroubled by the unexpected appearance of the charming Miss Temples. She was completely sure that if they had not managed to charm the Viscount for the many years of their acquaintance before she and he had first met, that they would have no powers with him now that he had made up his mind and declared himself.

"Well, I hope they will enjoy the meal," she replied, taking a calm sip of tea, "We will be delighted to make their acquaintance, shall we not Mama?"

"Indeed, my dear," Lady Clympton replied, amused.

Reassured by his betrothed's obvious lack of concern, the Viscount found her hand and squeezed it gently under the table before he returned to his breakfast.

"What is the plan for this morning?" Lady Clympton asked.

"Well, our cousins are coming over after breakfast," Lord Bridgerton replied, "Harold has plans to take Mr Bridgerton shooting with Hector and George, Lord Clympton is also of course welcome if he is not interested in the planned tours of the house and grounds that I wish to give Lady and Miss Clympton." Violet's father agreed to a tour of the house but then stated his preference for the shooting.

Peace returned to the breakfast room for fifteen minutes before Mr George and Hector Dawlish were ushered into the room and introductions were made all round. Violet instantly liked Hector Dawlish. The younger brother had a pleasing, open countenance and friendly, warm manners that delighted them all. By comparison, his older brother was perfectly polite but distant and had a rather haughty manner that immediately struck her.

It was not until the brothers had departed with Harold and Frederick that Edmund apologised for his cousin's coldness.

"George is highly disproving of all but the highest levels of the aristocracy," he murmured, "Though he is only a Mr, he takes great pride in being the cousin of a Viscount."

Violet was hard-pressed to withhold an eyeroll at this and her father was positively amused, "So a simple Lord is not high enough in his opinion?" he observed. The Viscount visibly cringed and apologised once again.

"Not at all, Bridgerton," Lord Clympton remarked, "I merely find the observation exceedingly amusing. I predict that his estate is highly profitable?"

The Dowager Viscountess actually snorted at that, "It is, my lord," she confirmed, "And apparently my nephew believes that his wealth elevates him above birth."

"My Uncle Dawlish had a serious pride, which he unfortunately instilled in two of my cousins," Edmund continued. "My cousin George had a natural pride as the heir, but my cousin Edith's pride has always confused me. She and her younger sister, my cousin Mary, both married last year. She to a Mr Richardson with an income of £9,000 a year. However, Mary fell in love with the Earl of Stafford and her sister has never forgiven her for it. By comparison, the Countess is one of the most down-to-earth young women I have ever met and fell for Arthur because of his sense of humour and kindness rather than his title. Their meeting was very like ours, Violet. She told me that he asked her to dance, and they managed only half because they were laughing for most of the gavotte. By comparison, Edith flirted with Mr Richardson for two entire months before he deigned to notice her and proposed."

With a sigh, his mother rose, "Well we had better begin our tour, my dear, or the morning will have run away from us before you have shown your betrothed half the house!"

What followed was a fascinating tour around Aubrey Hall. Violet found herself enraptured by the beautiful old home, especially the library and long gallery, along which she spent a lot of time pondering the painted ancestors of her fiancé, trying to find his features in theirs. Edmund walked beside her, giving a short history of each portrait. The most heart breaking was the young mother named Lady Cecilia, a Viscountess of years past who appeared younger than herself, with a baby in her arms. A child who had apparently died only six months after this portrait was painted.

"Did she have more children?" she asked.

Edmund sighed, "No, she died from a broken heart the following winter. The poor Viscount married again but forever mourned his first love and their infant son."

Violet found herself unable to look away from the young mother, so obviously besotted by her little boy. She felt a warm touch to her forehead and looked up to see Edmund regarding her tenderly,

"I promise, you will not have such a tragic marriage, my love," he murmured, "I plan for us to fill this place with our children."

"But Edmund, how can you know what our life will be?" she asked.

His answering smile was gentle, "Because I plan to be ludicrously happy, dearest," he replied. "Now come, I have a very interesting room to show you."

He then led her to a suite of rooms that were exquisitely appointed and furnished but seemed unoccupied. A warm sitting room, a brightly lit dressing room and a beautiful bedroom. There was also a curious door in the wall of the bedroom.

"It's lovely," she commented, "But it seems unoccupied."

"It is for the present," he agreed, "But the rooms only await their new mistress."

"Oh!" she exclaimed, reddening, "These are the Viscountess' chambers then?"

He nodded with a smile, "And that," he pointed to the strangely positioned door, "Leads to my rooms."

"Oh!" she exclaimed again, feeling herself redden more deeply.

Her confusion was so amusing that he couldn't resist whispering, "I have hopes that you will seldom sleep in here. Please be assured that when we are married, I wish to have my wife in my bed."

He was unable to speak further as the Dowager entered the next moment with Lady Clympton and sighed at her old suite.

"I shall be delighted to see these rooms once again occupied, my dear," she stated, smiling at Violet. "I insisted upon leaving them soon after my poor husband died. Edmund moved into the Viscount's suite when he turned of age."

Violet's mother moved to gaze out of the floor to ceiling windows, "What a beautiful view," she murmured. Violet joined her and exclaimed at the gorgeous prospect over the lake.

"I shall love waking up to this," she murmured.

"And I hope you shall be as happy in these rooms as I was," Lady Bridgerton said warmly.

"Oh, we plan to, Mother," the Viscount replied happily. "Now, would you ladies like to see the gardens?"

The gardens were equally as beautiful and breath-taking as the house. Lady Clympton was particularly taken with the rose garden and Violet took her mother's abstraction as an opportunity to explore a nearby sheltered woody path herself. She had just managed to find an excellent view of a pleasant glade when the Viscount caught her up.

"Running away?" he murmured, using the opening to take her hand and kiss it.

She laughed at him, "No, I merely wished to explore on my own for a while. I adore my Mama but when she gets started on botany my patience quickly wains …"

He grinned in agreement and offered her his arm. They strolled happily away from prying eyes and enjoyed the solitude for a while. Their conversation was light and happy. Violet marvelled at how comfortable their rapport was after so short an acquaintance. She tried to work out how long they had known each other and marvelled when she worked out that it had only been six weeks and three days.

He regarded her shake of the head curiously, "What is that for?"

She smiled, "Just marvelling that we have only known each other for six weeks and are yet ready to spend the rest of our lives together."

He nodded his understanding, "If I'm being honest, two meetings were enough to persuade me Violet …"

"Yes, I know, but … it just seems so short a time …"

He took her hand and pressed it to his heart, "Do you have doubts, dearest?"

She sighed, "That's the thing … no! My head says that we should court for six months and then and only then make a sensible decision … but my heart …"

"Is telling you that you'll never feel this way again and to trust your instincts?" he finished for her. She merely smiled. Edmund drew her to him and hugged her gently. "I know what you mean," he agreed. "But just think for a minute Vi. I have had young women positively thrown at me since my poor Papa died and no woman has had any impression upon me whatsoever until I met you. I was struck by you in that ball room, I knew I loved you at Kew. It may feel quick, but if your parents and my mother feel assured of our happiness, why do we need to concern ourselves with what others think?"

He drew back slightly and lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Do you love me?"

She frowned at him, "You know I do!"

"Then why are you worrying over nothing, my love?"

Violet sighed, "I'm sorry. I have been such a calm creature all my life. It is just that all this is so new to me. I have never been in love before or felt such emotions. I suppose it is the finality of the marriage state that alarms me so much. Please do not mistake me, you are the only man I can ever imagine marrying, but to make such a huge commitment is, by its very nature, scary to me."

His answering smile was gentle, "I do understand, please know that I do. But please, dear Vi, allow me to bear the burden of your worries. Trust me." Unable to speak, she merely nodded and allowed him to lead her slowly back to the house, her heart very full.

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Upon returning to the rose garden, the Viscount and his betrothed found both mothers still thoroughly distracted by the flowers, so a ride was proposed and very happily accepted.

"Bessie and I shall give you a run for your money, my lord!" she gleefully declared as she ran up the stairs to change for riding. She was down ten minutes later and greeted her amused fiancé in the entrance hall.

"I hope you will be impressed by our stables, Miss Clympton," he stated very formally as he led her along the drive.

"I am sure I shall be, Viscount Bridgerton," she replied with amusement, "Why so formal suddenly, my lord?"

"Because I wish to make a good impression and a certain young lady was inferring that I can be too frivolous at times during breakfast, so I wished to show my ability to be proper," he replied.

"I predict that this will last an hour at the most," she declared.

He laughed and took the hand she offered, "And what do I get if I win this bet, Miss Clympton?"

"A prize of your choice. My prize shall be the opportunity of leaving you alone with Miss Lilac Temple tonight for a solid hour."

Edmund could not withhold the laughter that broke from him, "Very well, my love, then if I win, you have to spend the entire hour with us."

"It is a deal, your lordship," she replied, curtseying low and then striding ahead, her eyes upon the opening stable yard.

The stables were indeed impressive, and the first half hour spent meeting many of the equestrian companions of Edmund and Harold's youth, as well as their current horses.

"I hope my brothers have not been terrorising the ponies too much, Mr Gatton," she remarked to the head groom who had joined them for the tour.

"Not at all, your ladyship," the head groom replied. "We gave Master Geoffrey an old favourite of his lordship's called Spartan and Master Benjamin has his hands full with a fiery beast called Salamander."

The Viscount burst out laughing at this and grinned, "Benjamin will have his hands full with Sally!" he agreed, "She seems such a pretty creature from a far but when she takes off, she's a galloper to behold. Father chose her for Harold when he turned twelve and goodness me was she well chosen."

"And named, my lord," Gatton agreed, "She's a real firecracker, my lady, and your brother thoroughly enjoyed his time on her."

"You make me quite envious!" Violet exclaimed, "If I didn't have my Bessie, I might be jealous." At her words, Gatton disappeared for a moment and returned with her beloved mare, freshly brushed, and looking ready for a ride.

"She's a sweet creature, your ladyship," he remarked.

"Indeed, she is," Violet agreed, stroking the bay's nose and giving her an apple.

"Would you like to meet Zambezi?"

"Zambezi?"

Violet turned to see Edmund standing by a handsome palomino who was built for speed. "He's beautiful, my lord," she murmured, approaching to stroke the beast's neck. "Is he named after the river?"

The Viscount nodded, "My father decided to name all the foals born that year after rivers and Zambezi had the most fire in him, so he was named after the most dangerous." The stallion accepted Violet's touch but butted Edmund in the chest with his nose, which made him laugh. "I believe my horse thinks it is time for our ride!" he stated.

After lifting her carefully into Bessie's saddle (and lingering for maybe a moment too long), the Viscount mounted Zambezi and led his fiancé out to the main drive.

"There's a very pretty ride over to the east," he stated. "It leads to an enjoyable cross-country course that my brother asked them to maintain, shall we try it?"

Violet was all eagerness and soon they were galloping across the grounds with an excellent view of all the surrounding country. The Viscount pointed out all the local landmarks of note. They mounted one larger hill and Violet was overwhelmed by the view.

"Oh, my lord!" she exclaimed, "It is such a beautiful county, to think I have never visited it before."

Lord Bridgerton regarded her Violet such real joy that she could not withhold a look of her own. He dismounted and came over to Bessie. Gently, he lowered her to the ground and kissed her long and tenderly. With a soft touch, he caressed her cheek but did not release her.

"I had hoped you would love it," he murmured, "This is your home, dearest Violet. I want you to love every tree, every hill, every rock. Every part of this place that I love above all others on this earth."

"I do, dear Edmund," she replied, daring to raise a hand and caress his cheek in return. It was a daring gesture for her. He closed his eyes at her touch before capturing her hand and kissing its palm. "I know how happy I will be here," she added before her smile grew impish, "And also … I win!"

He grinned and pulled her even closer as he kissed her again, "You know what? I do not think I care." It might have continued for some time had not Zambezi approached in search of an apple and nudged his master with his head. They both laughed.

In the end, the time of luncheon was drawing near, and both thought it best of be getting back. They were just trotting up the drive when they met the shooting party returning, with apparently some success. Frederick was flushed and seemed very pleased with how many birds he had bagged.

"How did you find the estate, Miss Clympton?" Harold asked. Violet was warm in its praise and could not stop gushing about the view.

"Oh, Burgess Hill is a fine view indeed," Hector agree genially, "We rode up there every day as boys."

"Speaking of boys, where are Geoffrey and Benjamin?" Violet asked.

"Off riding with one of the grooms I believe," Harold replied. At this moment they passed a small area of woodlands and came in sight of the lake, around which the younger Clympton boys were at that moment riding with a liveried groom.

"Oh dear, Ben has upset Geoff again," Frederick murmured. Violet frowned. Her brother was right, Geoffrey was loitering behind on his pony and obvious sulking, whilst the others led the way.

"Probably lost a race again," Lord Clympton suggested.

"He has to stop taking loss so personally, Papa," Violet murmured, "He's becoming a dreadful sulker."

"Vi, he's nearly a teenager, you remember how hard that time of life is for a boy."

"We are unbearable," Frederick agreed with a grin.

"Yes, but Fred you knew when to … oh no, what is he doing?"

The whole party stopped and watched what was about to occur in horror. Geoffrey had reached up to pluck a stick from an overhanging tree and was approaching Benjamin at a quick trot.

Utterly oblivious to his brother's approach, the older boy was retelling the groom a story with big hand gestures, when his younger brother hit his pony's wither with his stick. Salamander reared and took off at a panicked gallop. Benjamin, totally unprepared was simply clinging to her neck and holding on for dear life. The groom, taken completely by surprise, instantly took off after them, but he was far behind.

As the only riders present, the Viscount instantly took off to waylay the panicked pony and Violet soon followed.

The chase was fast and furious, but Zambezi was not wrongly named and soon the Viscount was able to draw alongside and pull the pony up sharply. Shaking and steaming, Salamander stopped, and Benjamin hurriedly dismounted at this point, managing to get out of harm's way.

Violet quickly approached, intent upon her brother and urged Bessie up slightly too close to the panicking pony. In the process of leaning down to help Benjamin, she narrowly missed being kicked in the face as Salamander reared and bucked in fear. In response, Violet's mare side stepped and managed to dislodge her rider. What resulted was that she fell clean out of her saddle, missing Benjamin and landing most inelegantly upon her posterior.

By this time, Gatton and the others had arrived. Between them, they managed to separate the horses and humans. Lord Bridgerton insisted upon lifting Violet and would brook no argument despite her protests. She however would not be taken anywhere until she heard that her brother was alright. Benjamin was checked over and found to be shaken but unharmed.

"I insist upon you allowing me to walk, my lord!" she exclaimed, and Lord Bridgerton most unwillingly.

"Are you unharmed Vi?" her father asked.

"Quite fine, Papa, I do assure you," she replied, "Only my pride is wounded at having fallen quite so spectacularly upon my rear." This made her father and brother laugh and soon all but the Viscount were joining in.

"I insist upon calling a physician …" he began. But his fiancée held up a hand.

"My lord, we are both avid riders and falls are a natural part of being one. I really am fine. I refuse to be denied the pleasure of dining with your family and dancing with you tonight on the word of some overly concern physician, please do not fuss!"

With very bad grace, he agreed to not send for a doctor. However, he would not be denied lifting her on to Zambezi and sparing her the walk back to the house.

After being assured that his daughter was truly fine, Lord Clympton was able to waylay any fears and concerns his wife might have and after assuring her mother that she was fine, Violet was sent upstairs to change for luncheon and to then spend the afternoon in more sedentary pursuits.

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Author's note:

I can only apologise for how long it has taken me to update! I planned to upload this a week ago but the chapter got so long that I've decided to split it into two parts – morning and evening. The second part (Chapter 11) should be out in the next day or so.

Thank you so much for all the love this story has been receiving, I've had a number of very kind PMs from people. Thank you for every read and favourite. I'm so pleased that people are loving these two as much as I am!

I hope everyone had a lovely Easter. Keep an eye out for the second part in the next day or two – the claws are about to come out, the Miss Temples are here! :D

Thanks again,

Breeze.