by-blows//bridgerton oc

fourteen

I walk into the Queen's luncheon with my whole family.

"Oh, is this not lovely? All of us together again," Mama says.

"Lovely, indeed. We should tempt scandal more often," Colin remarks.

I watch Daphne and the duke as they are surrounded by other people.

"Duchess, may I say how well you look?"

Daphne smiles. "Oh, you are too kind."

"Is it not marvelous to be wed?" the other woman asks.

"It is both a joy and a wonder indeed," the duke tells her.

"Make way!" Her Majesty shouts. "Must you all act like sheep flocking to the trough?" Everyone bows and curtsies for Her Majesty. "I have 100 guineas wagered on there being a Hastings heir within the year. Are you yet with child?"

"We have certainly been devoting our energies to the endeavor, Your Majesty," the duke tells her. "We should hope to see our queen soon satisfied."

"See to it that you do," Her Majesty says before stepping off.

I stand with Benedict.

"I must ask you something," I tell him.

"What is it, Sister?" Benedict questions.

"Have you spoken to Lord Weston?" I question.

"I have," Benedict tells me.

"And?" I question.

"And there is nothing to worry about," Benedict tells me.

"Yes, but did he say anything about us?" I question. "I have not seen him in days."

Benedict points over my shoulder. "He is standing right there."

I turn and see Weston as handsome as ever speaking with a group of gentlemen.

"But does he wish to speak with me?" I question.

"Of course he does," Benedict states. "He desired to give you space for now. He did not want to push you if you were not ready to see him again."

"Well I very much am," I assure him.

Benedict laughs. "West!"

He turns to face us and Benedict gestures him our way.

"You two should speak," Benedict tells me before walking off.

West smiles as he walks towards me. "Juliette."

I smile. "Hello."

"You look lovely," West tells me. "How is your family weathering the scandal?"

"We are alright," I tell him. "Though I could do without the rumours about me."

"I have heard," Weston admits.

"That is why I told you myself," I explain. "Before you could hear the nasty things said behind my back."

"And I still do not care about how you were brought into this word," Weston tells me.

"I thought you may not wish to see me," I confess.

"Because of a scandal befalling your brother?" Weston questions. "Or a few whispers about you when I already know the truth."

"No." I shake my head. "Because of what we..."

"Did you not enjoy it?" West questions.

I feel myself blush. "I did. Very much so."

"Good," West tells me. "I was only trying to give you some time. I did not desire to do anything more until I knew you were happy with us."