In hopes to find love

Stasia

"Miss marina Thompsons recent fall from grace continues to echo through. Every drawing room in town, days after it was revealed her engagement to Colin Bridgerton was nothin more than a sham. Of course, a lady's disgrace does not merely tarnish her own name, like the Tara of the Thames, it also leaves a horrid smear on anyone nearby."

I sigh as I knock Colin's door again, he had locked himself away and had yet to come out. 'Please colin would you atleast come sit in the art room with me?' I beg straightening my posture when the door opens

"While there is no parasol in the world strong enough to shelter a ruined woman, the fallen miss Thompson can only hope she shall find a refuge...somewhere."

I smile as he walks into the drawing room finally "Miss Thompson must be agonies over these lies. Why can u not visit her?" He argues. That was unexpected. "Listen to me. That the ton devours every bit of whistledowns on-dit is the only thing keeping this family from shame. Because of her, no one believes you are the father of Miss Thompsons child. But if you were to go near her, then they will presume you responsible for her ruin, and your sisters will pay the price for your notoriety. Is this what you desire?" Anthony rants. I straighten out my skirt as k take a seat when daphne walks in ever so casually 'evening everyone' "dearest!" "What are you doing here? Should you not be frolicking in newly wed bliss?" Anthony asks "I came as swiftly as our carriage would allow me when I heard the news." She explains

'In the middle of your honeymoon Hastings must surely be cursing the Bridgerton name for this.' Benedict jokes earning a slap on the arm from me
'I missed you loads. We must catch up on it all. I assume you have loads to share with me' I smirk "we have all things in order, sister. We do not require your assistance." Anthony assures. 'That is simply not true, and you know it. Daphne may be the answer to all our problems. Once the Tom see that we still have the favour of the duke and duchess, then the whispers may very well cease, and we shall go on our daily lives as if nothing happened, as if nothing is awry." Violet smiles I am not so sure that is a good idea....  "Pretending that nothing is amiss is the perfect way to lure the ignorant into submission is it not mama?" Daphne says almost sarcastically everyone looking at eachother confused

'Now, what grand event will the ton be descending upon this week? Surely there is something?' Daphne asks 'the queen is organising a luncheon.' I suggest 'I am certain the duke and I can secure an invitation. If we are lucky, our return to London will give everyone so much to talk about, they simply will have no breath left to discuss other matters." Daphne finishes her plan.
'I am so very glad this has all been settled on my behalf.' Colin storms out letting daphne follow him we all sat in silence 'are you not all worried for him?' I question quietly. Both of the older Bridgerton boys sitting beside me inbetween them 'we are worried too Ana but it is not any of our business. Colin does what Colin wants.' Benedict shrugs Anthony nodding in agreement 'besides. Why would we do it if you're here to console us?' Anthony jokes benedict laughing along making me slap both their legs.

I smile kissing both the boys on the cheek before kissing violet on the cheek aswell
'I must take my leave, I shall be here tomorrow morning aswell if that is alright?' I ask violet looking at me strangely 'Anastasia you are family! You do not need to ask to come over! Goodness you have a room here" she laughs kissing my forehead making me smile to myself curtsying jokingly as I take my leave.

******

Just as said I arrived at the bridgertons house just before they left for the queens garden luncheon. Holding onto Anthony and Benedict's arms wearing my favourite red dress. As many people came up to daphne and the duke. Everyone curtsying or bowing when the queen arrived infront of us talking with daphne and the duke. I sense something wrong with the chemistry between the duke and duchess. I was left beside Anthony when benedict had left to talk with some friends 'you never did explain why you had disappeared for them few days' he points 'my mama seems to be dealing with life quite difficult' I shrug as I watch lady featherington walk into the luncheon as if she were innocent. It didn't last long until the queen had ordered her to leave, making me snort holding in a laugh 'good good stasia I had never heard a lady make such noise before!' Anthony declares shocked only making me laugh harder 'you haven't called me stasia in quite a while' I strain trying to calm myself down 'no I suppose I hadn't. Not since my father...' he trails off  'I quite missed it if I must admit' I shrug earning a small smirk from him and a nudge in the shoulder 'I shall keep that in mind' I laugh with him again holding into his arm for stabilisation

*****

That is how the rest of the luncheon had went. But u fortunately I had to go home. Daphne had went to a married lady's club and Anthony had went to the mens club. I, unfortunately, had to go make sure my mama was okay and to find some of my nice dresses to bring and keep at the Bridgerton house. It was clear I was not to marry during this season, and I was not overly okay with that but what could I do? 

"Dearest reader, a question, is anything more exhilarating than taking a gamble?  For it is often the highest risk that carries the greatest reward. Yet, wager wrongly, and you might find yourself left with nothing but regret. Ofcourse, one can never know for sure whether a wager will make a fortune or ruin it, unless one chooses a more secure pursuit. But as the season continues, the biggest gamblers have yet to truly show their hand... which leaves gossip in short supply in recent days. In fact this author can think of no other even that merits a mention. It is worthy of note however that the duke and duchess of Hastings have yet to entertain callers together. Our newly weds are no doubt still secluded in nuptial bliss. Who could fault them and who could be surprised if their diligent efforts are rewarded with a new arrival within a year?"

I put whistledown on the table again rolling my eyes. I haven't been in it much his year, which I am mostly grateful for, although I am hoping I am not speaking too soon.

*****

I had been at yet another ball. This one I was wearing a white dress with small detailing of blue flowers. Standing with Benedict with a glass in both our hands, someone had clearly caught his eye yet I did not who until he had left me stood alone to talk with a man I did not recognise.

'A lady should not be left to stand alone' I hear from before me. 'Lord beville" i curtsy him striking a conversation "I do not see much of you, you are always with those bridgertons are you not?"
'Yes, I suppose I spend a lot of my time with them' I agree "are you to be courting one?" He asks I laugh covering my mouth politely 'no no my apologies sir I jus-' once again cut off by Benedict 'Lord beville. I apologise I need to take Anastasia off your hand. My brother wishes to speak with her' I sigh softly when the man leaves me with Benedict who just looks pleased. 'Anthony will tell you that man is not much but a horrid man' "how am I ever to find a husband if my friends are always lurking about?"
'Blah blah. I'm taking Eloise home so go find mother the concert will start soon' He ignores me.

Doing as he says I find Anthony and violet joining both to go to their booth as the concert starts. I watch Anthony's eyes trail off to the sides following his eyesight I realise he has seen sienna with her new man. Goodness this man needs to give up. Sienna is not his nor has she ever been.