Chapter Text
Daphne was not normally one to giggle or do anything less than ladylike in a drawing room, but for some reason, she was entirely unable to control her mouth. Her lips had been turned up since before she awoke, she could feel an increased bounce in her steps, and she constantly felt like something was trying to burst out of her chest. The laughter kept bubbling out in little giggles which, throughout the morning, had increasingly drawn her family’s attention,
Eloise had clearly had enough. “If you must continue in that way, can you at least tell us what on Earth is so very funny?”
Daphne had to cover her mouth as another giggle attempted to escape. Once she thought herself capable of words, she turned to her sister.
“Nothing, in particular, dear Eloise, I believe that I am simply in a cheerful mood. I had a truly splendid evening last night, and I very much look forward to repeating such an event.”
“We will see the Duke today, will we not? He promised to have us to Hastings House for luncheon!” Hyacinth’s eagerness was hardly less than her sister’s, and daphne was quick to reassure the girl that they were indeed scheduled to see Simon that afternoon.
Benedict watched all of this with a quiet smile on his lips. He had already seen the limited physical affection the Duke and his sister had exchanged (at least, he hoped it was limited!) and he had seen them at the dinner table the night before. It was plain as day that the two of them were eager, not only for the physical union but the unions of their minds and souls as well, to truly spend their lives together.
Simon held very still as Anthony’s words washed over him. The idea that he was playing with Daphne, or that he was using her was entirely foreign to him. As well as revolting! And this was how an outsider viewed his actions toward Daphne.
Crude. Depraved. Wrong.
Anthony was Simon’s friend, he knew that, for all his flaws, Simon did not use women, at least any more than they might use him. Very often to them, he was a mark, a method for earning a living, and to him, they were good temporary bedfellows.
And Anthony surely had learned from the situation with Berbrooke, to let Daphne take the lead in determining her own future husband, surely he wouldn’t be trying to interfere further, to make decisions for Daphne. If he was interfering now, surely he had a reason. Did he simply not think Simon was good enough for her? They were all mercenary enough to admit that rank and status were of import, and marrying within one’s sphere was of great importance. Anthony certainly could not object to the title and connection that would come with the union, so his interference must stem from another source. Was it Simon himself, imperfect, disappointing Simon, who Anthony thought unworthy of his sister?
That was always the problem, wasn’t it? Disappointing all who knew him. Not as talkative, not as outgoing, never as quick-witted. That was it, wasn’t it?
Had Daphne said something? Last night’s dinner had been perfect! Or at least, he had thought so, with Daphne appearing to glow with joy, Benedict's quiet approval, and Lady Violet’s more vocal encouragement. But perhaps that had been it, the atmosphere had blocked Daphne from voicing her discontent. And now Anthony was here to end it on her behalf. What had he missed?!
But as he began to spiral in his panic and grief, a soft voice broke through,
"I choose you."
While it was entirely possible she had changed her mind, Daphne would not shirk the responsibility of telling him herself. If she truly wished to end their courtship, he would hear it from her lips alone. She would not send another, especially Anthony, to dismiss him. No, Daphne had told him she loved him, and until she told him otherwise, he would stay by her side, and he would not allow anyone to drive him from her side.
Then why not wed her?
Calling it an epiphany was perhaps an over-exaggeration. She had said this was what she wanted. He had acknowledged, if only to himself, that he did want her. The whole of society expected it. This was what they had been building towards.
And yet the calm and relief he felt as the decision washed over him deserved no title other than an epiphany.
He heard Anthony shift and realized he had not yet responded. Taking a deep breath, he put aside his tumbler of brandy and turned back to the man who would be his brother-in-law.
Whether he likes it or not.
"I assure you, Bridgerton, I intend to end our courtship today. I believe both your sister and I will be pleased with the outcome." Was he fucking with his friend? Yes, but there was no doubt in his mind that it was fully deserved.
The surprise on Anthony's face was quite satisfying. He clearly had expected more resistance.
He has no idea how much resistance I shall put up for Daphne's sake.
Anthony seemed to have recovered, "Well, I'm glad you understand. Daphne has a reputation to maintain, and of course, her reputation and marriage will set the course for the other girls." Anthony was clearly trying to think of what else to say, but given Hastings' agreement, there was little else to add to the issue.
"Of course," Simon added, "I have invited your whole family for lunch, and I am fully aware that young Hyacinth is likely to be champing at the bit to see Hasting House. Shall you accompany me to retrieve the Bridgerton Brood?"
Simon knew he needed to appear calm and unaffected, despite his racing heart and strained nerves, desperate to see Daphne as soon as possible to ask her the most important question that had ever left his lips.
Do not stutter.
Well, that certainly didn't help his nerves.
As Anthony rose and the two of them made their way to the entrance, Simon struggled to maintain the facade. As they began the short walk through Mayfair, the only thoughts going through Simon's head were how embarrassed Daphne would be of a fiance who couldn't even get through the proposal.
She deserves better. Do not embarrass her.
As they were let into Bridgerton House, and the entire Bridgerton Brood surrounded him, his eyes sought out only one face.
She emerged from the drawing room behind her mother, the smile on her face enough to send a thrill throughout his entire being. He was aware of Hyacinth and Gregory talking loudly and quickly, but all he heard was the blood rushing from his head.
He must have moved for, quite suddenly, he seemed to be standing next to Daphne and lifted gently her hand to his mouth, her glittering eyes and glorious smile the only thing he could see.
"Miss Bridgerton, I wonder if you would do me the kindness of allowing me a moment of your time before we journey to Hastings House?"
Though she had already been glowing, she was now practically luminous. As she nodded her consent, he realized that though he had not been fully aware of the conversation behind them, he was now fully aware of the silence that had replaced it.
Daphne led him into the parlor and as he turned to close the door behind them, he caught Anthony's face and smirked at the shock he saw there.