Aurora was stood in the main reception room of her uncle's house discussing flower arrangements with the florists when a knock on the door startled them.
The future Viscountess had been stuck in the room for nearly four hours along with her three brothers, her mother, and her aunt. They had addressed nearly every topic possible and the only matters left to settle were the flowers and the dress.
But Aurora was struggling to find the right assortment and she was more than a little delighted at the prospect of taking a break.
The door to the reception room opened to reveal the Marlborough's housekeeper and a tall figure behind her. The light was dark and Aurora could not quite make him out.
"Lord Reginald Harding, Ma'am" was the housekeeper's simple introduction before she parted and left him standing in the entrance of the room.
The three Grey brothers looked at each other cautiously, wondering what possible reasoning Harding could have for turning up at their residence unannounced.
Aurora smiled at him and could not help but notice the small package he was carrying, she stared at it intrigued.
"Welcome, Lord Harding. To what do we owe the pleasure?" Came her aunt's pleasant greeting. Indeed, she had asked the very question that the whole room was thinking.
"I come bearing gifts for the Lady, congratulations" he smiled gently, "and I was wondering if perhaps she might wish to join me and my cousin on a walk? Chaperoned, of course. Although I see now that you are quite busy and I should not have disturbed you. His voice became increasingly quiet as he realised his mistake.
Aurora, on the other hand, was delighted at the prospect of spending some time with him and his mysterious cousin, in fact, she rather missed his company.
"I'd be delighted to!" She exclaimed, "I shall have to be back for the Modiste's arrival at five o'clock but that gives us an hour and a half which is plenty of time. As for the flower arrangements - I would like white and gold roses, and any other flowers of a similar colour that you think would pair nicely. Oh! And I would also like a single red rose!"
The florist paled and attempted to scribble down all her requests onto the nearest piece of parchment.
Aurora looked at her mother expectantly, awaiting her approval.
"Very well then, Alexander you can accompany them as I shall need William to discuss certain matters and Julius is -"
She turned and glanced disapprovingly at Julius.
"Julius is fast asleep in your uncle's armchair and is unlikely to awaken before dinner. Yes, you may go but do not be late upon returning home."
Aurora grinned, "yes mama!"
In a bustle of newfound energy Aurora grabbed her cloak and prepared herself to go out on a walk. The weather was pleasant but since it was nearly half past three she did not wish to risk getting cold.
And so Harding and the two Grey siblings headed off toward the park that was nearby Grosvenor Square. It was a quaint splash of greenery hidden away among the luxurious town houses found in this sector of London.
They were strolling along one of the many paths when Lord Harding suddenly broke into a smile, upon following the direction of his gaze she noticed Lady Eleanor Hayward was stood admiring the rose bushes.
"Eleanor, cousin! I'm so glad you were able to join us!" Reg picked up speed and hugged the girl tightly. Aurora smiled at their friendship.
"I did not know you were Lord Harding's cousin, Eleanor?"
Reginald looked between the two in confusion. It was clear that he had not been aware that the two girls knew each other, let alone that they were steadily becoming close friends.
"Yes, I should have told you. I forgot you were acquainted with one another." She turned to Reginald and briefly explained how she had come to meet Aurora.
It was then that Alexander returned to the group, having wandered off through the garden.
"Have I missed anything - oh, Eleanor! I did not know you were Lord Harding's cousin?"
Aurora laughed at her brother's exact repetition of words she had said not five minutes prior.
"Indeed, it would seem we are all already close friends. With that settled perhaps you might like to take a walk by the fountains? It is my favourite part of the garden."
The Grey girl looped her arm into Harding's and smiled as they set off down the path, Eleanor and Alexander in tow.
"I bought you a small wedding present, it is nothing fancy I'm afraid. But I do hope you like it" Reginald's voice was soft and caring. It held a sincere warmth to it that Aurora had dearly missed.
"If it is from you then I am certain I will. I believe you know me better than almost anyone else in London society."
He chuckled at her remark and gave her the present. It was simply wrapped in brown paper and held a genuine quality to it that Aurora felt wholly reflected its giver.
She unwrapped it to find a small leather journal. Opening it she saw pages upon pages of scrawled notes.
"It is my written reactions to your poetry and philosophical writings. I read them when I was younger and they spoke to me on such a personal level that I had to respond."
Aurora looked up at him in absolute admiration.
"Thank you. I shall enjoy reading what you have to say"
Harding looked at it thoughtfully. "Some of it makes no sense at all I ought to warn you."
This only made Aurora appreciate the journal that much more.
"They I shall enjoy reading those the most. For they will be a challenge to unpick, much like you I think."
It was at this statement that Aurora fell a pull upon her heartstrings. It was ironic that she had become engaged to the Viscount Bridgerton in an attempt to escape Harding's clutches when, in reality, they were probably far better suited.
Of course, none of her brothers particularly like Reginald and Aurora herself had had no say in the matter so of course she would never have ended up with him.
But she couldn't help thinking what might have been. Harding was affectionate and warm, whilst (despite what her mother told her) Anthony Bridgerton found her to be unloving and pitiful as his future wife.
Suddenly she felt a heavy wave of sadness overcome her. Sadness that she would be leaving home. Sadness that she may not be allowed to continue her studies. Sadness for the life she may have had with Reginald. And sadness that she did not love the Viscount - at least not in the way she should.