Chapter Text
(12.45pm)
Benedict: Can anyone pick Alex up from school?
Benedict: Doctor’s running late. Will be another hour at least
Benedict: I can stick him into after school if you can get him with yours @Daphne
Daphne: We’re booked into after school till 5. Meetings all day 🙈
Anthony: In Spain.
Eloise: I don’t get why your school takes midterm a week before everyone else.
Anthony: 🤷♂️
Colin: Saying we live in Manchester I’m clearly not able to
Hyacinth: I’ve class till 4?
Hyacinth: Could get him from after school by like half?
Fran: Where’s Will and Vi?
Hyacinth: Mum has them.
Hyacinth: That’s why she can’t get him
Hyacinth: Vi puked all over me this morning by the way 🤮
Colin: She’s two weeks old. That’s literally all they do. Sleep, eat, poo and vomit
Daphne: @Benedict. I’ll call now and book him into afterschool with the girls.
(1.54pm)
Gregory: I’m free. I’ll grab him. We can go for ice cream.
None of Gregory’s siblings had seen his message about picking up Alex, so the young Bridgerton was checked into after-school care at Markwell Prep. He was grouped with Caroline Basset, where they would wait until Amy and Bella joined them at three. Their mother would collect all three girls by five. It wasn’t ideal, but with everyone juggling commitments, it seemed like the most straightforward plan.
Around two o’clock, Gregory strolled into the playground. He expected the task to be simple: grab Alex and head out for ice cream. The late autumn sun slanted across the pavement, painting long shadows over the modest chaos of parents and children. Laughter echoed as kids sprinted ahead of their parents, their vibrant coats bouncing with every step. Gregory weaved through the throng, smiling as he dodged a particularly energetic little boy brandishing a stick like a sword. The lively energy of the scene reminded him why he loved this stage of life—carefree, full of possibility.
Brightly coloured signs guided him to the Reception class door, where a cluster of parents lingered. He paused for a moment, observing the quiet bustle. Amid the flow of coats and chatter, his gaze settled on a young woman crouched near the doorway.
She was focused, methodically buttoning up a little girl’s coat. Her blonde hair caught the light, framing her face in soft waves. The scene struck Gregory in its simplicity—her hands working quickly but gently, her tone warm yet firm as she spoke.
“You don’t want to get cold,” she said with a small smile, her voice calm and soothing.
“No, Miss Abernathy,” the little girl responded with an obedient nod.
“There we go,” Miss Abernathy declared, standing and brushing her hands lightly on her skirt. “All ready. Go with Nanny now, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
The little girl beamed, threw her arms around Miss Abernathy’s waist for a brief hug, and then scampered off toward her waiting grandmother. The young woman straightened, pushing a strand of hair from her face and adjusting the glasses that had slipped down her nose.
It was then that her gaze landed on Gregory. For a moment, she stilled, her expression shifting into something guarded and alert. Her blue eyes—large behind her glasses—swept over him with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.
“Who are you?” she asked, standing a bit straighter, her tone polite but firm.
Gregory stepped forward, flashing his most reassuring smile. “Gregory Bridgerton. I’m here to pick up Alex.”
Miss Abernathy didn’t return the smile. Instead, her brow furrowed slightly as she glanced at the nearly empty playground, her clipboard clutched against her chest. “Alex has been checked into after-school care,” she said cautiously, her head tilting slightly as if to appraise him. “I’m sorry, but I don’t recognise you.”
Gregory nodded. “Right, that’s true. But there was a mix-up with my brother. He’s stuck at the doctor’s, so I offered to swing by and grab Alex.” He gave a casual shrug, hoping his explanation sounded reasonable enough.
Her frown deepened. “I’m afraid it’s not that simple. Children can only be released to authorised adults listed on their pickup forms.” She flipped open her clipboard and began scanning the names. “And for Alex, that’s his parents, grandmother, and an aunt. No mention of an Uncle Gregory.”
Gregory resisted the urge to sigh. He wasn’t used to being questioned like this—it was new territory. “Well,” he began, his tone turning a shade more persuasive, “I am his uncle, and I’ve picked him up before. Probably just an oversight on the form.”
Miss Abernathy’s expression didn’t waver. “I’m sure you’re a great uncle, Mr. Bridgerton, but rules are rules.” She pushed her glasses up again, her professionalism unwavering. Yet there was a flicker of something softer in her gaze—like she appreciated his effort but wouldn’t budge.
Gregory leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms in a casual stance. “Couldn’t we bend the rules just this once? I promise, Alex is in good hands.”
Her lips twitched ever so slightly as though she might smile, but instead, she raised an eyebrow. “Bending rules for charming strangers isn’t in my job description.”
He chuckled, taken aback by her quick wit. “Fair point. Are you Alex’s teacher?”
“No. Mrs. Rodgers had to leave early. I’m the teaching student,” she replied.
Gregory perked up at the detail. “Oh, so you’re still learning? Maybe this could be an... extracurricular lesson in adaptability?”
Miss Abernathy blinked at him, unimpressed. “Or it could be a lesson in why school policies exist.”
He laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. “Fair enough. I’m sure Alex is just waiting to head out, though.”
Miss Abernathy remained steadfast, her gaze narrowing slightly. “I still need permission from a parent. If you’re on the form, I can release him. If not, I can’t.”
“Well, I’ve picked up Amy before,” Gregory argued, thinking back to last year when Daphne and Simon had gone on holiday. “And Charlie once! I must be on someone’s list. Surely that counts.”
Her head tilted, a trace of amusement flickering across her face. “Unfortunately, school policy isn’t transferable between cousins.”
Gregory sighed. “Why don’t I just call Benedict?” he offered, already pulling out his phone. It wasn’t his usual route—charm always seemed to work before—but there was something about this woman. Her steadfast refusal intrigued him.
Gregory raised his phone to his ear, glancing back at Miss Abernathy as it rang. Her gaze remained steady, arms crossed, clipboard held defensively against her chest. She had the air of someone used to standing her ground, and Gregory couldn't help but find her composure intriguing.
“Come on, Ben,” he muttered under his breath as the line went to voicemail. He hung up and tried again, shooting Miss Abernathy an apologetic smile. “He’s probably still with the doctor. You know about Charlie?” Miss Abernathy only nodded, she wasn’t sure how to answer about the brother with leukaemia.
You know, you could save yourself some trouble and wait for him to finish at after-school care. He’s probably having fun.”
“Maybe,” Gregory admitted, tucking his phone back into his pocket. “But I said I’d pick him up. And, well, I’m an excellent uncle. It’s kind of my thing.”
Miss Abernathy finally let a smile break through. It was small but genuine, and it lit up her face in a way that caught Gregory off guard. “An excellent uncle who didn’t think to get on the pickup list?”
Gregory chuckled, holding up his hands in surrender. “Touché. But in my defence, I didn’t plan to be the one picking him up today. It was kind of last minute. Like 15 minutes ago last minute.”
She arched an eyebrow. “And you didn’t think to confirm with the school?”
“Listen,” Gregory said, leaning slightly toward her with a conspiratorial grin, “I’m usually very reliable. This is just... a unique situation. I’m sure you can imagine. It’s a bit all over the place with Charlie.” They were all stepping in whatever way they could to light Benedict and Sophie’s load.
Her blue eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and skepticism. “Well, Mr. Reliable, I still need parental permission to release Alex to you. So unless you can get ahold of your brother—”
She was cut off by the sound of Gregory’s phone buzzing in his pocket. He quickly retrieved it, and Benedict’s name flashed on the screen. “Saved by the bell,” he said with a wink, answering the call.
“Ben! Finally. I’m at the school, and Miss Abernathy here won’t let me take Alex without your say-so.” He glanced at her, watching as her expression remained professional despite the mention of her name.
Gregory paused, listening to his brother’s response, then handed the phone to her. “Here. He’ll vouch for me.”
Miss Abernathy hesitated before taking the phone, her fingers brushing against his briefly. Her gaze met his, and for a split second, Gregory thought he saw a flicker of something other than professionalism in her eyes. Then she stepped back, phone to her ear.
“Mr Bridgerton? This is Lucy Abernathy,” she said, her voice steady.
There was a pause as Benedict spoke on the other end. Lucy—Miss Abernathy—listened, her expression softening as the conversation continued. After a moment, she nodded and handed the phone back to Gregory.
“All right,” she said, exhaling a small sigh. “You’re cleared to take Alex. I’ll go get him.”
“See?” Gregory said, tucking the phone away. “Completely trustworthy.”
Lucy didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she gave him a long look, one that seemed to assess him not just as an uncle but as a person. Finally, she shook her head, a faint smile playing at her lips. “Just wait here. I’ll bring him out.”
As she disappeared into the building, Gregory leaned back against the doorframe, watching the bustle of the playground as he waited. There was something about Lucy Abernathy—her sharp wit, her calm demeanour, the way she didn’t let him charm his way out of the rules—that made him grin to himself.
When she returned a few minutes later with Alex trotting beside her, Gregory straightened. Alex’s face lit up at the sight of his uncle, and he ran forward, throwing his arms around Gregory’s waist.
“Uncle Greg!” Alex exclaimed.
“There’s my partner in crime,” Gregory said, ruffling his curls.
“Can we go to the park?” Alex asked. “Can I go get Carrie?”
“Just you today buddy. We need to go home to Will and baby Vi,” Gregory said. Alex nodded then turned to Miss Abernathy.
“See you tomorrow Miss Abernathy,” he said, and he gave her a quick hug. Gregory couldn’t help but smile at the way the little boy treated the teacher.
“Thanks for everything, Miss Abernathy,” Gregory said.
She nodded, her smile subtle but present. “Have fun. And don’t forget—next time, get on the pickup list.”
Gregory laughed, taking Alex’s hand as they headed toward the gate. “I’ll make sure to add it to my uncle duties.”
As they walked away, Gregory couldn’t resist glancing back over his shoulder. Lucy was still standing in the doorway, clipboard in hand, watching them leave. When their eyes met, she gave him a small wave before turning back inside.
Maybe he’d offer to pick his nephews and nieces up more often.