"It seems my invitation was lost in the mail. I am sure your dear family would not have forgotten to invite the uncle of the bride, would they?" The man stared at Madeleine, his hateful gaze making her feel entirely too uncomfortable.

She grimaced at the stench of alcohol that seeped from his pores as Lord Alaister moved closer. Benedict stepped protectively in front of her, keeping his arm back around her.

"Lord Alaister, I am afraid I must ask you to leave." Benedict's voice was calm, but Madeleine could hear the rage that lay behind his pacifistic facade.

Lord Alaister only laughed at this, a wicked laugh that sent a shiver down Madeleine's spine as she recalled the last time she had spoken to the man.

"Lord Bridgerton," His voice was mocking as he sized up the boy. "I am afraid I must deny your request. I am simply here to offer my congratulations. How adorable, the artist and the orphan." In his drunken state his speech was slurred, but his last word came through loud and clear, like a dagger straight into Madeleine's heart.

"It is a shame that your lovely parents could not be here today. I am sure they would be ever so grateful to express their disappointment. After all, they-" He was unable to finish his sentence as he was bludgeoned across the face with a hard punch.

Lord Alaister stumbled back, bringing a hand to his bleeding nose as he stared incredulously at the second eldest Bridgerton.

"I said, it is time for you to leave. If you dare show your face around my wife or our family again, you will be leaving with much more than a bloody nose." Benedict snarled through gritted teeth, his knuckles a glowering red from how forcefully he had hit the man.

Lord Alaister only chuckled in response, raising his hands in surrender. His gaze shifted to Madeleine, a disgusting smirk growing on his face as he stared at her. Anthony stepped in front of the girl, blocking his view of her as Violet called for the guards to remove the man.

Madeleine let out a shaky breath as her uncle was escorted out, his spine-chilling gaze remaining focused on her until he could no longer see her. A warm hand cupped her cheek and Benedict gazed down at her, concern written in his eyes.

"Are you all right?" He whispered, gently stroking her cheek with his thumb. She nodded softly, a distant look in her eyes as she seemingly stared through him. She was lying, she wanted to be all right but she could not deny the way her uncle's unexpected appearance had shaken her to the core. Benedict noticed this and turned to his mother.

"I believe it is time to call it a night." He whispered, Violet nodding in agreement. None of them felt much like a party after what had just occurred. She gave Madeleine a sad smile before leaving to tell the employees to end the party.

Benedict took her hand, leading her through the house and into the living room. Once he shut the door, he immediately wrapped his arms around the girl, pulling her to his chest. She sighed and melted into his embrace, closing her eyes.

"I hate that he just ruined this night for us." Her voice was a sad whisper as she gripped the back of his jacket. He kissed her forehead, tightening his grip on her.

"He ruined nothing, Mads. This is still the happiest night of my life, wouldn't you agree?" She smiled softly and raised her head to meet his gaze.

"Mine too." She nodded, standing on her tiptoes and pressing a soft kiss to his lips. She pulled away and took his hand in hers, running her thumb gently over his bruising knuckles.

"That was quite the punch." She giggled softly, looking back up at him. He smirked and squeezed her hand, lifting it to his lips and kissing it gently.

"I will do it again and again if he insists on badgering us with his vile presence." He winked, intertwining their fingers. A knock came at the door and Benedict walked over to open it.

"Is she all right?" Violet whispered in a hushed tone and Benedict nodded, smiling softly at his mother.

"She will be." He promised, his mother nodding in relief.

"Well, the guests have all moved to the front to load their carriages. I believe we will be heading out as well." She smiled at Madeleine as she came into view. Benedict nodded and the two walked with his mother to the front of the house, where the rest of the family was waiting outside by the carriage. Violet stopped at the bottom of the steps and smiled warmly at Madeleine, pulling her into a hug.

"Do not let that insipid man get inside of your head. This is the beginning of the rest of your life." She whispered, giving her an encouraging squeeze. Madeleine smiled and hugged her back, nodding. The children all said their goodbyes, feeling rather bittersweet as they bid farewell to their brother and to a girl they considered their sister.

"When can I come to visit? Will you two be coming over to the house often?" Hyacinth was practically bubbling with questions as she hugged her older brother. He smiled and nodded, brushing her hair back with his hand.

"We will be over so often you will get sick of us, Hy. And you are always welcome to come visit." He kissed her forehead and she beamed, waving goodbye to the two of them as Anthony helped her into the carriage.

"Send for me if you need anything at all, we will all miss you." Anthony smiled warmly at the couple, both returning it. Benedict wrapped his arm around her waist as the carriage door closed. She smiled softly and rested her head on his chest, watching as the carriage rode away.

"The beginning of the rest of our lives." She whispered softly, Benedict's steady heartbeat drumming against her ear.

"Hm?" He hummed in response, looking down at her.

"Oh nothing, just something your mother said." She smiled up at him and pressed a kiss to his lips. He grinned at her and led her inside, closing the door behind them.