chapter forty six - returning home

The last five days of their honeymoon appeared to pass relatively undisturbed. The newlyweds spent the majority of the time simply getting to know each other, and Anthony was most surprised indeed to discover his wife's intelligence. He found himself struggling to keep up with her thoughts most of the time - although he would never ask her to slow down for fear she would realise his lack of knowledge.

Anthony, for his part, told Aurora all about life in the Bridgerton family; who got on best with each other, their fondest memories, and most scandalous events.

And so, the days passed quickly and in an atmosphere of content. No more kissed were shared, nor was their previous one mentioned. It seemed better to simply appreciate the moment and - rather ironically - neither of the pair wanted to bring it up for fear of the other one's reaction.

The journey home was a delightful one, the sun beamed down on them despite the shift into Autumn, and the roads were perfectly clear. Aurora felt this was a good omen for their marriage.

Arriving at their new house in Grosvenor Street, Aurora was delighted at its beauty. The house was a pale yellow in colour and there was a not insignificant courtyard at the front upon which numerous carriages were already situated. The style itself was reminiscent of classical principles and was not dissimilar to the Bridgerton's country house. It's style was a rarity in London, but Aurora immediately arises it.

Yes, she could see herself being very happy here.

Once inside, the pair made their way to the main reception room in which their family and closest friends had gathered, awaiting their arrival.

The entire house was abustle as servants moved the remainder of their belongings in and prepared for their master's return.

Aurora told herself to visit each of them personally once her guests had left.

Upon entering the room, the Viscount and Viscountess were bombarded with congratulations and questions from the two families. Julius drew her into an unexpected and rather tight hug whilst Colin asked her all about her 'romantic time' with his brother, and Benedict tried to find out everything they could about their honeymoon, despite Daphne's chastisement of their rudeness.

Benedict was in the middle of asking about the Waterstone painting Anthony had had commissioned when he was interrupted by a highly energetic Eloise and Penelope. It seemed that he was as determined as ever to uncover the identity of the mysterious painter.

"Aurora? Aurora! What exactly is a giraffe? Colin refuses to explain it to me!" Eloise's frustration filled Aurora with mirth. She could only imagine how much this had tormented the poor girl over the past week.

"A giraffe is an animal from Africa. It has a long neck and brown spots. I can probably find a photo of one for you."

The two young girls grinned with glee and wandered off again back into the crowd of people. Aurora could not help but chuckle at their antics.

Oh, how she wished Colin would finally notice Penelope's affections. Seeing the girl pine for her new brother in law without receiving a single glance in return saddened her deeply.

'I shall have to do something about that,' she thought to herself.

She wandered about the room, getting to know her new family for some time, leaning about their relations and history.

She was so caught up in Francis Blake's recollections of his time in India that she did not notice a certain young lady's presence in the room for some time.

"Well well well, if it isn't the new viscountess!"

Aurora whirled around at the sound of the young woman's voice.

"Eleanor! Oh how I've missed you! And I hear you have news to tell me regarding a certain Bridgerton brother."

Eleanor blushed profusely at her accusation.

"I - I do not know what you mean."

Aurora raised an eyebrow. "Of course not you -"

She would have continued were it not for a certain splatter of lilac paint that caught her eye. The viscountess peered closer at the skirt of Eleanor's dress upon which the paint was stained. Yes, she could not be wrong.

This was the very same colour used by F. Waterstone to sign his name at the bottom of each painting. There was no mistake - for this was the signature marking of any Waterstone painting and Aurora herself had become well accustomed to seeing it on the painting that Anthony had gifted her.

The realisation dawned on her. For there was no doubt about it.

London's mysterious painter was none other that Miss Eleanor Hayward.

Oh! How she had deceived the ton! And Benedict too - for the two had been attempting to uncover the painter's  identity for some time now.

Eleanor must have noticed the shock on her best friend's face - it certainly was not subtle - and asked if anything was the matter.

"Eleanor, you must come with me now. There is something I must speak to you about. Forgive me Anthony."

And with that she excused them both, dragging Eleanor out of the sitting room and into one of the small sitting rooms where she locked the door.

"Eleanor you must change. There is paint on your dress that will surely reveal your identity if you are not careful."

Poor Miss Hayward looked at her in fear and then down to her skirts where she now noticed quite clearly the purple paint which stood out in stark contrast to the pure white of her gown.

"Oh d- what will I do! I have nothing to change into!"

Aurora thought for a moment until an idea popped into her head.

"I still have my old debutante gowns. They should fit you nicely and I won't be needing them now. If I can get you upstairs they should have been moved here along with all my other belongings."

Eleanor sighed with relief and Aurora could see a thin layer of tears glistening at the edges of her eyes. For Eleanor knew the scandal that would emerge should the truth be uncovered.

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely, have no fear your secret is perfectly safe with me."

"Oh, you're an angel!" Eleanor sighed with relief as a single tear made its way down her face.

Aurora swept across the room to where her friend was now stood and brushed the tear away, holding her face in her hands.

"Do not cry. All will be well. My room is up the main staircase, through the the central hallway, into the hall of the east wing, and then it will be the third door on your left. I will follow you and make sure no one notices your absence."

She guided Eleanor toward the door, poked her head out to check there was no one in sight, and gave her a gentle nudge toward the marble staircase that lead up to the rest of the house.

Smoothing her own dress down, the viscountess returned to the main reception room where the two families and their close friends were still congregated.

Anthony, having noticed his wife's absence, seemed determined to make his way over to her but was prevented from doing so by an enthusiastic hug from Hyacinth.

'Where were you?' He mouthed to her whilst attempting to free himself from his younger sister's iron grip.

'I'll explain later... maybe'

The viscount, it seemed, wished to say more, however, he was interrupted by a young man with blonde hair bearing a similar likeness to himself - Aurora presumed him to be a cousin of some sort.

She did not have long to debate this for too dark hands covered her eyes.

At the intrusion, she turned around at was greeted with a grinning Octavius.

"Octavius? Brother is that you? Oh how I've missed you both!"

The two darkly skinned boys engulfed her in a hug. Octavius and James Grey had been touring the continent over the past few months and had not even been aware of their sister's engagement until their arrival back in London but two days ago. At seventeen and fifteen respectively, they were still in full time education at Eton and, thus, it was indeed a rarity that the entire family should be together at once.

"Now, tell me about this Princess then."

*****

My faithful readers,

So you will see our young couple has returned to London. What fun awaits then there I wonder?

The mysterious Waterstone now has a face to fit the name - although any Secret Truths readers will already know this! Who knew that Miss Hayward was so talented?

I hope you're enjoying the story and I can't wait to be writing about the rest of the family again. Side note: this chapter was written to Primavera, just in case anyone likes to read to music!

As for me, I have spent the entire weekend helping my friend edit a short film she's been directing. It was very exciting but I have to admit I have a terrible headache now - who knew it was so complicated! 

Yours truly

Valentina