Chapter Seventeen - The 'Hearts' of the Bridgerton 'Hearts and Flowers' Ball

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slight authors note!

in honor of this being one of the longest chapters (and another one of my favorites so far) can we comment like crazy? i love seeing them and knowing what you guys are liking in the story! ☺︎

okay, that's it! hope you're having a good Saturday and enjoying the story! onto the story we go!

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"Isn't this lovely," I say, taking the last step down and looking over the railing at the dancing couples. "A rather wonderful way to end the annual country visit, I think."

Frederick hums in agreement as he looks around, "it is rather nice."

"Is that Eloise?" I ask breathlessly, looking over Frederick's shoulder with wide eyes, "dancing? With a suitor?"

Frederick spins on his heels, his own eyes wide as he looks on at the sight, "I believe that it is... my, I thought we would never see the day. Eloise Bridgerton on the dance floor with- is that Morrison?"

"Lord Morrison? The troublemaker Lord Morrison?" I ask, peering over Frederick's shoulder to get a better look at the man's face. "Why on earth would- oh no. That is not a good sign..."

Eloise had pulled her hand away from Morrison's and was now, seemingly, arguing with him in the middle of the dance floor. She snaps at him one final time before spinning on her heels and rushing off. Morrison look around with a flushed face before rushing off and away from the curious gazes of the Ton.

"I think I shall-"

"That sounds like a good idea," Frederick mutters, taking my glass from my hands as I start past. "Good luck."

"-He is known to share your rebellious spirit," Lady Bridgerton says, following her daughter up the staircase.

"My rebellion is not some party dress I put on to play a part, Mama," Eloise exclaims, turning back around to look at her mother in outrage and disappointment, "and it is certainly not some accomplishment I've developed, like... singing or painting to help me... attract a suitor. I... know I am a disappointment to you. So just allow me to take my leave and go to bed."

When Lady Bridgerton says nothing in response, Eloise turns back around and rushes up the stairs. Penelope is quick to follow after her but is sent away by a flick of Eloise's hand and a shake of her head.

"Violet..." I come to a stop at Lady Bridgerton and look at her with wide understanding eyes.

"I... she is not a disappointment," she whispers back, looking over towards me with tears threatening to fall down her face. "She will never be a disappointment. Not to me."

I am quick to pull her into a tight hug. "I know that... she knows that too, it is just... well, it is just a lot for her to go through. She is so fiercely independent and herself that doing anything but that, especially when she feels she isn't ready..."

Lady Bridgerton pulls away from the hug and nods her head slowly, "I... I should have realized that..."

"She just needs some time..." I continued softly, "Eloise knows that you have her best interests at heart. You have to find trust in that."

Lady Bridgerton sighs and nods her head once more, sniffling softly before taking a deep breath and plastering on a small smile, and nodding her head at me. "Thank you, Florence. You always seem to know the perfect things to say."

I chuckle and offer her a reassuring smile, "I try my best, Violet..."

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"Your Graces! How won-hic! How wonderful to see you once more!"

"Glendale, a surprise to see you here, I admit," Frederick said, turning to the man and offering him a nod of the head.

Lord Glendale shrugged offering Frederick another wide smile as he hiccuped again. After a few seconds, he seemed to gather himself and quickly took a rather large sip from his glass before shuffling away and beginning to jovially speak with another gentleman in the corner of the room.

Charlotte let out a little giggle as she looked over at us, "you must forgive my husband, Your Graces. He was just so excited to come to the Bridgerton's ball... and well... I think that he's rather enjoying himself now."

"Not a problem at all, Lady Glendale," I assure, offering her a polite smile. "How are you finding the ball?"

"It's... nice," Charlotte says, looking around the room as she takes a sip of her drink. "The company seems to just get better and better as the night goes on."

The jewels that were littered across her body were rather... ornate, certainly eye-catching to all those that were around her. She made sure to show off the dazzling jewels anytime that she could, placing her hand in front of her mouth anytime she giggled, showing off her various diamond bracelets and her over-the-top engagement ring from her husband.

"Your Grace, how wonderful for you to join us," Charlotte said, looking over my shoulder and grinning.

"Yes, well... I saw the three of you standing and I thought it best for me to join," Daphne says, looking over at me with a brow raised. "Florence, can I speak with you for a moment?"

I nod and allow her to lead me away to a quieter corner of the room, still within view of Charlotte and Frederick, who were now locked in a conversation- much to Frederick's annoyance.

"I must tell you, I heard a little rumor about Charlotte," Daphne said, her voice lowering as she leaned in closer to me. "Apparently she's determined to weasel herself into the role of Duchess of Windsor. How, I have no idea, but she's been talking to her maids about it- and they told my maids who then told me."

I sigh and shake my head, "Frederick told me about her. Apparently, Uriana was determined to see them court each other and marry, which is probably why they both seem to despise me so. Charlotte loves to remind me how close she and Uriana are to each other, and how much Uriana sees her as the 'daughter she never had'."

Daphne pursed her lips and looked at me with reassurance, "well, it must mean something that you were the one that Frederick married and not her. I mean, I could not imagine if she married Frederick and became the Duchess of Windsor... I do not think that anyone in the Ton would be able to handle her."

We both chuckle and glance over towards the duo, who were now standing rather close to each other, much to Frederick's clear displeasure.

"I heard that it was pure luck that caused her to marry Lord Glendale," Daphne continues, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Although, I am sure, her rather large dowery would have helped speed the matter up."

I hum as I continue to look at the two from across the room. Anytime Frederick would take a step back, Charlotte would take a step forwards, looking up at her with her big chocolate brown eyes and flashing him a sickly sweet smile. She let out a chuckle as she reached up and rested her hand on his arm, letting out a sigh and another smile. Frederick stiffened for a moment before forcing his body to relax as he took a rather large swig of his drink.

"Oh, I didn't know that you were such a jokester, Frederick!" She proclaimed rather loudly, "you mama never told me! I shall have to tell her all about it the next time I see her."

I bite my lip as I look toward Daphne, "Frederick and I have been married for some time now and Uriana still refuses to so much as come and have tea with us... why does she hate me, Daph?"

Daphne reaches out and rubs my arms soothingly, "I am sure she does not hate you, Florence."

"Why does it feel like she does, then!?" I cry, looking at her with wide eyes.

"From what I hear, she seemed rather intent on Charlotte marrying Frederick, not you. I am sure that when he proposed to you, it threw her off what she expected, that is all," Daphne explained patiently, "I am sure that with some time she will warm up to you... I mean, how could she not?"

I let out a little sigh and look back at Charlotte and Frederick with despair. Charlotte now had her arm looped within Frederick's and was happily chatting away with a few of the other ladies at the party.

They looked the very picture of the perfect married couple. For those who didn't know, it would be easy enough for them to conclude that they were indeed married to each other- not that Charlotte would ever think to disagree with them.

I could feel some of my excitement slowly crumble inside of me the longer that I watch them. They both let out polite nods of their heads at the perfect times, had the most perfect responses for everything, and seemed to move in sync with each other as they continued their conversation with the group of ladies that continued to surround them. Charlotte looked up at him and batted her eyelashes as she listened to his words, laughing along with the group as he finished. The same charming smile appeared across her face when her friends whispered something to her and looked at the two of them.

"Pay them no mind," Daphne said, all but grabbing me and turning me away from the sight. "You are the Duchess of Windsor. Not her. Don't let her take away what is yours. Ever. You are not anyone's fool, Florence Harding. Remember that."

I sigh and nod my head, whispering a quick goodbye to Daphne, who offered me one more reassuring smile before having to rush after Lady Danbury.

"Aren't they lovely?" A lady behind me said, taking a sip of her drink as she looked on at Charlotte and Frederick with approval. "I mean, I thought that the Duke's wife was a brunette- but..."

"Yes," another woman stepped closer to her, looking around everyone to catch a glimpse of the two. "They are a rather beautiful couple. Imagine what their children will look like."

"I don't think that we'll have to imagine for much longer," the lady retorted, "I heard that the Duchess is already with child. Apparently, she and the Duke won't have to wait much longer... Uriana was telling me about how excited she was to see the Duke and Duchess- then just a Miss Aberdeen- get married and start a family together."

The second lady let out a little chuckle, "well I am sure that Uriana is over the moon with the news."

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I had managed to steal Frederick away from Charlotte and the crowd of young ladies that had surrounded them, much to Frederick's relief. He had quickly pulled me out to the gardens in an attempt to put as much distance between us and them as possible.

After a few peaceful moments alone outside, we had slowly, and somewhat regretfully, started back in, wanting to connect with Daphne- who we had seen walking around the room.

"They look rather... perfect together," I whisper to Frederick, watching as Kate and Anthony dance.

Frederick doesn't respond but continues to watch them closely until they split apart, Anthony rushing out of the room, leaving Kate alone on the dance floor.

I bite my lips for a few moments before turning to Frederick, "people think that you and Charlotte Glendale are married."

He lets out a humorless laugh as he shakes his head, "me and Charlotte Glendale? Ren, please-"

"They also think that the two of you are having a child together," I rush out, looking up at him with a defeated gaze. "Apparently, your mother has been talking about just how much she is looking forward to your impending grandchild with her..."

He looks at me with wide eyes, thinking over what I had said for a moment before opening his mouth to speak, only to get cut off by Lady Featherington.

"Your Graces, would you like to join us on a tour of the orangery?" Lady Featherington says, stepping in front of us and offering us both a beaming smile. "I was just about to head that way with everyone."

I continue to look up at Frederick before breaking my gaze and looking at her for a moment before slowly nodding my head, my brows furrowed. "Um... that sounds lovel-"

"Wonderful!" Lady Featherington exclaims, "follow me, Your Graces."

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"I took a tour earlier," Lady Featherington says, turning to look at us all with a smile, "and you must see the orangery. The scent of the jasmine is absolutely ambrosial."

"I am sure it is," Frederick mutters, looking around the outside of the orangery with a raised brow.

As we continue in, Lady Featherington gazes around the room for a moment before gasping dramatically, causing everyone to rush over. Prudence and Lord Featherington were standing and seemingly in the middle of a conversation, alone, in the front of the Orangery.

"Lord Featherington," Lady Featherington gasps, looking at the two in horror. "What are you doing in a room with my unchaperoned daughter?"

Lord Featherington clears his throat as he looks toward Lady Featherington in surprise. "I- I found Prudence in here, and neither of us were-"

"Do not blame her," Lady Featherington exclaims, "she is but an innocent girl, unknowing of the ways of an older gentleman."

Prudence's brow furrowed as she looked towards her mama, "Mama, you-"

"I-I assure you nothing untoward's occurred," Lord Featherington proclaims, "I was to meet with Lord Fife."

Everyone turns to the man in question, who looked up in surprise, his brow furrowing. "Featherington?"

"How can you deny what is plain to the eye?" Lady Featherington exclaims, "I saw you remove your arm from my Prudence's waist as I walked in. It is a scandal!"

"That is what it seems to be," I say, looking towards the man with a raised brow. Beside me, Lady Cowper huffed in disbelief.

"Well, are you the marry the girl, then, Featherington?" Lord Cowper asked.

Featherington's face paled. "What?"

Lady Cowper huffed once more as she looked toward him, "as a man of honor-"

"he is hers in honor, should she wish it," I finish plainly.

Lord Featherington looks to Prudence, whose mouth slowly falls open in shock.

"Oh!" Prudence exclaims, turning to Lord Featherington with excitement, "oh my! Oh, I would be delighted to marry you, Cousin Jack! Yes!"

Prudence begins to break out into a burst of excited laughter while her mother watches on with a knowing gaze.

"Poor Cressida," I mutter, looping my arm with Frederick's and beginning to walk back outside. "She seemed so smitten by the man... a fairly good match, I thought."

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Walking back into the ball, Lord and Lady Cowper were quick to rush over to Cressida, no doubt, to tell her what had occurred between Lord Featherington and Prudence.

Before Frederick and I were able to talk about what I had overheard with him and Charlotte, I was whisked away by Cressida and a few of her little followers.

"Did you hear about it? About Lord Featherington and his apparent engagement?" She asks, her eyes wide as she looks at me.

"I found out at the same time as your parents, and the entire group, did," I say softly, looking over at her and gently squeezing her hand, "I'm so sorry, Cressida, I know how excited you were about it."

"I should have expected it," she said, "I mean, why would he... why should I have even gotten my hopes up?"

"Cress..."

Behind us, a little cough caused us to break apart from our conversation. "Your Grace, how wonderful to see you."

"Miss Aberdeen," I greet, looking over at the younger Aberdeen with a polite smile. "You look lovely."

She lets out a little hum and only offers me a smirk in return.

The similarities between her and Charlotte were scarily similar. They shared the same chocolate brown eyes and blonde hair. But the one thing that scared me the most was their similar mannerisms. The little smirks and judgmental hums that they both did.

Even though Victoria Aberdeen was a few years younger than her sister, she was just as cunning.

"I thought that I heard you two talking," Victoria said, grabbing a glass of alcohol and perfectly sipping it.

"I haven't seen you around? How have yesterday and today been for you?" I ask pleasantly.

She lets out a little chuckle as she takes another sip of her drink. "Perfectly adequate. I will admit, I do look forward to hosting balls when I marry. Hopefully, they will be more... refined."

Cressida scoffs into her glass as she rolls her eyes at the younger Aberdeen's words.

I only send her a strained smile as I look around the crowded ballroom.

"Aren't they just wonderful," a young debutante whispered from behind me.

"That they are... but I do wonder what the Duchess has to say about it," her friend whispered back.

My brow furrowed as I listened to them, replaying their words for a moment before turning towards the ballroom floor, where they seemed to be looking at.

Yet again, it felt like a little bit more of my heart dropped.

Charlotte and Frederick had somehow made their way to the dance floor and were in the middle of the dance floor engaged in the picture-perfect Waltz. Their dance would cause even the most cold-hearted of dance masters to let out a little tear.

After a few more seconds, the music came to an end and the entirety of the party began to clap for the duo, much to Charlotte's enjoyment. Frederick looked like he would rather be anywhere but on the spotlight of the ballroom floor, but Charlotte seemed to have his hand latched tightly in her grasp, not allowing him to move too far away from her.

"They look rather nice together, don't they?" Victoria murmured, glancing over at me for a moment before turning back to her sister, a ghost of a smirk appearing on her face.

I send them both a smile before clearing my throat. "If you both will excuse me for a moment."

Cressida sends me a nod of her head before her ever-famous sneer appears as she looks over towards Victoria.

I make my way towards the crowd and start over towards Frederick, whose face filled with relief as he watched me make my way through the crowd.

"Florence! I was just looking for you," Frederick said, ripping his hand away from Charlotte's and wiping it on his jacket before slipping it into mine. "Shall we go take a walk around the garden? Get some space from the... party?"

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," I whisper, walking alongside him towards the gardens.

The second that we stepped outside and the doors closed behind us, Frederick turned to me and began to frantically explain how he and Charlotte Glendale had made their way to the ballroom floor.

"-one moment I was trying to get out of a conversation with her and the next moment I was being practically shoved onto the dance floor by her and her sister!"

"Ah, yes, Victoria Aberdeen did come over to chat with Cressida and I," I whisper.

"I'm just glad that we're not surrounded by them now," Frederick said, letting out a little sigh of relief. "What do you think? Shall we stay outside for a little bit longer?"