CHAPTER 7. UNTOUCHABLE AND PURE

at the entrance of Daphne's room, as she throws all her bouquets away. I look at Mama, with a sad face, and she sighs.

"Rose, can you leave us for a moment?" Mama tells her, and she bows, and walks out of the room.

"I have taught you both to believe that marriage is the best that life has to offer, and that remains true." She tells us, and she holds both our hands. "But it is not simply a partner that marriage provides. You will have comfort and a house to tend, and most importantly, children. You will throw yourself into raising your family, and you will find much joy." She gives us both a sad smile. "I am certain."

"You and Papa..." Daphne says. "The two of you were so beautiful, Mama. That is what we both wanted. That is all we hoped to one day find." I give her a smile, and put my arm around her, as Mama smiles at us.

"As did I." She tells us.

and her turns around.

"Miss Bridgerton, you came." He tells me, as he sees Elle and I near the table that he was sat at in the Gunther's Tea Shop.

"It is not in my nature to make promises I don't intend on keeping." I tell him, as he pulls up a chair for me, and I sit down. Elle walks a little, and sit down at a table, in her lonesome, out of her space.

"I hope you don't mind, I already ordered tea." He tells me. "I thought you shall take your time getting here."

"It is no bother." I tell him, and wave it off. "I just wanted to tell you, you have done my family, and I a great favor, for not saying anything about Daphne and Lord Berbrooke." I continue, looking at the table, not meeting his eye. "It would destroy our family's reputation, if it got out that my sister was alone with two men near the dark walk, unchaperoned."

"I told you, Miss Bridgerton, you need not worry. I shall not break your trust." He tells me, while my eyes were still on the table, filled with worry for my sister. "Though I must say, it seems most bizarre to me that a lady and her family's honor might crumble upon such a trivial matter. I never had any idea."

I finally look up at him, to see him genuinely confused.

"It has always been like this, Mister Barnes, how could you not have knowledge this?" I ask him. "A women's virtue, is decided by how untouched she she, how pure. And if there is even an ounce of doubt about her integrity, she will be deemed impure and unwanted. I do not believe how you could not know of this, while you have been living in this society."

"I suppose, I was never one to have my ear to the ground." He replies. "I never paid much mind to societies gossip about these topics. But, I must be honest with you, Miss Bridgerton, the more I hear, the more baffled I become."

"It enrages me that, that is all they think a women is fit for." I tell him. "To be untouchable, and hide herself away, until marriage of course, then she needs to give birth, and manage a household. Every women's life is planned beforehand, and we get no choice in the matter and even after that, society has the nerve to judge us based on evidence, that is purely circumstantial and—" I cut myself off, as I realize I was not in the company of Eloise, who would nod and agree with me, and was in company of a man. A horrified look taking over my face. "Forgive me, Mister Barnes, I did not mean to rant to you. Of course, the matters of a women's hardships hold no interest to you, I must—"

"No, not at all, Miss Bridgerton." He shakes his head, a smile on his face. "I find it most refreshing to hear a women's opinion on things for a change. And I must say, I entirely agree with you."

"You do?" I ask, surprised.

"Of course." He replies. "Please, do continue."

I grins, as a soft smile makes it's way to my face.

A different kind of man, might just surprise you, Lady Danbury's voice says in my head.

It has come to this author's attention that the ton is abuzz with a most sordid tale. It is said one cannot judge a book by its cover. But in the case of the bumbling Baron Berbrooke, it seems his displeasing appearance is quite an apt metaphor for the state of affairs in his household. I would not be surprised if Lord Berbrooke were called away to the country on alleged business... Business which, perhaps, might involve sending some much overdue funds to one former maid and young boy, who we can only hope takes after his mother.

And, furthermore, Miss Diana Bridgerton was once again seen, laughing with Mister Louis Barnes, at Gunther's Tea Shop, and I dare say, it was something to see.

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