Bridgerton

Shock and Delight- Part 2

Lady Whistletowns POV

This author has often thought the heart a most curious of instruments, heeding neither reason nor rank. For what possible explanation might Miss Bridgerton have for entertaining the suit of a mere baron when she seems to have secured a duke? Could the debutante's mind not be the only thing amiss? Let it be known, dear reader, that if this bizarre behavior portends yet another scandal, then be sure that I shall uncover it, for there is nothing like an excursion into nature to lift the spirits and loosen the tongue.

Adelaide POV

I sat with the Bridgertons at the picnic feeling very aware of Anthony watching me

"I'll be a moment" I say to Daphne before getting up and walking down the path I feel Anthony's presence before his arm grabs mine 

"Adelaide?" Anthony says and I force my eyes to look at him 

"What do you want?" I ask with a snap 

"I just want to talk about last night" he states before letting go of my arm I roll my eyes

"Speak then" I say 

"Well Just about what Cole said last night" he says 

"That you want a relationship with me?" I ask feeling myself tense up 

"Adelaide-I-I dont know why I said it to him-I just-You're a pretty girl and I may have told him that and he took it the wrong way" Anthony says but I hear a cough behind me when I turn around I see Cole standing there wearing some ridiculous hat 

"Miss Waters would you like to go for a walk?" he asks taking his hat off and showing his messy blonde locks 

"I'd love too your grace" I say with a smile before moving away from a gaping Anthony. I quickly place my arm in his 

"See you Bridgerton" is all Cole says to Anthony before we continue to walk down the path when we make it far another along the path Cole comes to a stop 

"What?" I question turning to look at me 

"Lets sit" he says gesturing to a bench I nod before he leads us over and we sit down, we sit and watch the lake in quiet 

"So how's life Addie?" Cole asks and I widen my eyes in shock 

"Addie?" I question with a smirk 

"Yea Addie, you're old best friend called you Adel, so does Anthony and so as you new best friend I had to come up with a special name for you. So Addie it is" he says placing an arm around my shoulders and I snort at his reckless flirting 

"What the hell was that?" he says and his eyes go wide with mock shock 

"Silence" I cry in laughter until it's too much and I feel my stomach begin to ache and I cradle myself trying to calm the laughing from the side of me I hear Cole having the same problem and when I turn to look at him he has tears in his eyes as he goes to wipe his tears I see dry blood on his hand and all my laughter vanishes 

"Your hand?" I say grabbing his hand into my own, I feel him hiss in pain 

"It's nothing I promise" he says but as I go to reply I hear someone furiously walking when I turn to look I see Rat man with a face bloody and bruised I jump up from my seat putting the two together 

"Bridgerton" Rat man screams 

"What the hell have you done?" I ask a little too loudly and I feel eyes on me as I pick up my dress and run over to the Bridgertons 

"I bring cheerful news, Bridgertons. I have taken matters in my own hands and sought a special license for my wedding to Miss Bridgerton." Rat man cries