Chapter Text
Simon sat on the end of his and Daphne’s bed as he prepared himself for the day, Daphne was sleeping with her arm cradled around her prominent stomach which housed their second child, she was approaching her due date and Simon was very reluctant to leave her. He leaned over and kissed her softly, “I need to go to Parliament,” he said as she stirred, “Sleep, I’ll be back as soon as I can be. Send Jeffries if anything happens.”
Daphne sighed and settled back into the blankets, her second pregnancy had taken more of her energy than her first and she was finding that she spent longer in bed than she had done previously. It was unusual for Simon to attend Parliament but with the news of Napoleon’s escape from Elba in March, he had taken to attending more than he usually would to be kept abreast of the latest war news.
“Your Grace, are you wanting some breakfast?” Rose asked as she entered the chamber, opening the curtains as she did so, “I can have a tray brought up.”
“Maybe a little,” Daphne agreed as she held out her hand for Rose’s assistance in sitting against the headboard, “Only some toast and tea though, I feel a little sick this morning.”
“Do you want me to send for Lady Bridgerton?” Rose asked, “It is nearly your time.”
“Maybe in a little while,” Daphne agreed, “Let them break their fast at Bridgerton House first.”
Rose nodded and bustled out of the room to set about her tasks.
Over at Bridgerton House, Kate sat with Anthony and the girls as they all had their breakfast. Edwina was chatting happily about her plans for the day which included the latest fittings for her wedding gown and Francesca hoped to tag along to the modiste to acquire some new dresses herself. Eloise was hoping to spend the day with Penelope and was planning to take Hyacinth with her to visit.
Kate took the letter from Humboldt with a smile, “Oh!” she gasped, “I must go to Hastings House! Edwina, ask Mama to accompany you and Francesca to the modiste when she comes down. Walk me out husband?”
Anthony stood and walked around the table to Kate, “Daphne?” he asked softly as they walked towards the door.
“Her maid has sent word,” Kate replied, equally as softly, “Simon is in Parliament and they think her time is close. I will go over now and send word when we know what is going on. Are you heading to Parliament?”
“I hadn’t planned,” Anthony replied, “But I can do, do you want me to tell Hastings the news?”
“I will ask Daphne, I’m sure he has set up some system for this. But you could go and keep him calm; and you have been talking about wanting to know about what is happening on the continent. I will let you know as soon as I know what is happening.”
Anthony nodded and kissed her softly, “Let Daphne know I’m thinking of her,” he said.
Kate arrived at Hastings House and was ushered up to the bedchamber by Mrs O’Carroll, the housekeeper, who left Kate at the doorway as she hurried back down to the kitchens to prepare warm linen should they become necessary.
“How are you Daph?” Kate asked as she perched at the edge of the bed, “Have they sent for a midwife?”
“Not yet,” Daphne replied, “I don’t think I am there yet but I couldn’t get out of bed this morning and I feel so sick. I just didn’t want to be alone, have I ruined your day?”
“Not at all,” Kate assured her, “You have saved me from spending the day in the modiste whilst Eddie is fitted for her bridal gown.”
Daphne smiled and settled back against the pillows of her bed before talking with Kate about Edwina’s upcoming wedding and the burgeoning courtship between Francesca and the Earl of Kilmartin.
A few streets away in the town house in Bruton Street, Penelope was also entertaining her family. Portia had taken to visiting Penelope most mornings now they were all back in town and Penelope was starting to regret writing to her mother about her morning sickness and how ill she had been with it.
“Did they give you some broth as I suggested?” Portia fussed as she fluttered around Penelope, fixing cushions around her daughter, “And did that ginger tea help?”
“It did Mama,” Penelope replied, “And the broth seems to be working, I have more energy now and I am not as sick.”
“You do have more colour than you did when we first got back to town,” Portia agreed, “But I would keep taking a nap in the afternoons, you are glowing now my dear; that new Mr Bridgerton you are carrying is certainly making himself known.”
Penelope smiled and ran her hands over her stomach, she was now six months along and very obviously pregnant, “Colin wants a little girl first,” she said softly, “He dotes on Charlotte and Amelia and wants one of his own too.”
“A boy first would be better,” Portia warned, “More secure. You don’t want to risk ending up at the whim of one of his brothers if anything goes wrong, like we had to be.”
“Mama,” Penelope sighed, “Lord Bridgerton wouldn’t let anything like that happen; I just want the baby to be healthy when they arrive and for us both to be safe.”
“Of course!” Portia exclaimed, “I will be here when it is your time dearest, all will be well.”
“How are you both this morning?” Colin smiled as he entered the room, pausing to give Penelope a kiss to her cheek, “Are you well?” he asked her softly.
“I am fine,” Penelope smiled, “Mama has been making sure I do not overtax myself.”
Colin smiled at his mother-in-law, “How are you Lady Featherington?” he asked, “Is everything alright at Featherington House?”
“It is fine,” Portia smiled, “Prudence and I do not need as much as we would have done the four of us girls together and hopefully Prudence will be settled this season and I can manage just fine with Mrs Varley and Briarly.”
Penelope smiled, “I think I’m going to have a nap,” she announced, “Eloise has said that she may come by for tea so I will need to be well rested.”
Colin smiled and helped Penelope out of her seat as she left the room.
“How are things really?” Colin asked Portia as Penelope left the room.
“It is a struggle,” Portia admitted, “And I am afraid that I am not very good with the ledgers. I was going to ask Mr Finch if he could ...”
“I can come around tomorrow morning,” Colin offered, “Before calling hours, see what I can do.”
Portia smiled gratefully, “Now, go and look after my grandchild, Mr Bridgerton!” she ordered, as Colin helped her into her carriage.
Simon rushed back into Hastings House after a long day in Parliament where much had been debated but nothing had been settled.
“Kate?” he frowned, seeing his sister-in-law taking tea in the parlour, “Where’s Daph? Is everything alright?”
“Everything is fine,” Kate soothed, “Daphne is asleep, she felt a little sick this morning so sent for me. I thought it best that I stay until you returned, just in case anything happened.”
Simon smiled and sank onto the sofa opposite Kate, “I’m not bothering tomorrow,” he grumbled, “It was a complete waste of time today.”
“My Lady!” Mrs O’Carroll shouted as she burst into the room, “Oh! Your Grace!”
“Mrs O’Carroll?” Simon frowned already on his feet and moving towards the older woman, “What is it?”
“It’s Her Grace,” the woman continued, “The baby is coming.”
Kate jumped from her seat and rushed out of the room behind the housekeeper towards Daphne’s bedchamber. “Simon,” Kate called, “Send word to Lady Danbury, and then take yourself to Bridgerton House. It will be a long night, we will send word when you’re needed.”
In the early hours of the following morning, Lady Belinda Agatha Bassett made her way into the world. Daphne sank against her pillows, exhausted as Kate passed her newborn daughter to her.
“I’ll send word to Simon,” Kate promised as she smiled at her new niece, “I sent him to Bridgerton House last night to keep him out of the way.”
Lady Danbury sat on the edge of the bed on her other side, smiling at the baby she considered her newest grandchild, “Give her to me,” she grinned, “Your Papa is not going to know what to do with himself when he sees you!” she cooed as Kate and the midwife fussed around Daphne making sure that she was comfortable.
Simon had spent the night at Bridgerton House with Anthony and Benedict as the three men worked their way through a decanter of brandy. The three had intimate knowledge of the dangers of childbirth and knew that they would not rest until word of Daphne reached them, just as the household was waking for the day a Hastings footman ran up the stairs of Bridgerton House.
Simon practically tore the note from the man’s hand before sinking back onto a chair in relief, “Another daughter,” he grinned, “Daphne and baby are both fine. Belinda,” he smiled, “Lady Belinda Bassett.”
“Congratulations Hastings!” Benedict grinned, “Another niece, I can’t wait to spoil her too!”
Anthony smiled at his best friend, “Congratulations,” he said softly, “Now, get out of here and send word when we can all descend.”
Simon crossed Grosvenor Square in no time at all before striding through Hastings House towards the Duchess’ rooms. He smiled as he saw his godmother with his newborn daughter, “Can I?” he asked softly, trying not to disturb the now sleeping Daphne.
“Of course,” Agatha smiled, passing the baby into his waiting arms, “And then you can go and have a bath, have you spent the entire evening in a bar?”
Simon grinned, “Bridgerton House with Anthony and Benedict,” he replied before lowering his head to Belinda, giving her a soft kiss, “My darling girl,” he whispered, “Papa will give you the world.”
After being ushered out of the room by his godmother who happily reclaimed her grandchild, Simon returned to his own chambers and changed his clothes before deciding to spend the morning in the nursery with his older daughter.
A few days after welcoming baby Belinda into the family, Benedict walked into the studio at the Royal Academy of Arts; he had been developing his art for several years and after everything that had happened the previous season, with Eloise and her foray into politics he had decided to pursue the craft seriously and finally do something just for himself instead of spending his time partying and playing support to Anthony and Kate.
As he entered the studio, Benedict smiled at one of his many acquaintances from Granville’s salons and happily accepted the offered glass of wine as he set up his easel and started to sketch the tableau in front of him.
“I would have thought you would have been here last year, Bridgerton,” the other man, Briarly, Benedict recalled, commented as they worked, “I was sure I had heard you got the place last season.”
“I did,” Benedict replied, “But my sister caught a nasty fever and we had to send her back to the country. I needed to help with the others to make sure they didn’t catch it too.”
“The perils of having such a large family,” Briarly laughed, “You miss all the fun! Will you be coming back to the salons this year too?”
“Hopefully,” Benedict smiled, as he turned back to his work.
Soon enough, Benedict was immersed in the hedonistic, rakish lifestyle of the art scene once again.
As Benedict enjoyed himself in the art world again, Francesca was enjoying her first season and courtship. Lord Kilmartin had paid another call and they had enjoyed several promenades. They were currently taking a walk through Hyde Park with Kate acting as chaperone walking a few steps behind them.
“Are you feeling well my Lord?” Francesca asked, as John was quieter than usual.
“I am,” John smiled, “Just thinking a little, have I ever spoken with you about my cousin, Michael?”
“No,” Francesca replied, “Is he in town? I don’t think I have been introduced.”
“He is with the Duke of Wellington,” John replied, “In Flanders at the moment. With all the news coming from France and the rest of the continent I can’t help but worry about him.”
“Of course!” Francesca gasped, “Has he been fighting with Wellington for some time?”
“The last three years,” John replied, “He joined the army immediately after we left school and has been part of Wellington’s camp ever since. I can’t keep myself from pouring over the news reports and every scrap of information that comes through the House. I am sorry it is eating into our time.”
“Please don’t be,” Francesca smiled, “I will pray that your cousin is safe. I will not pretend to fully understand everything that is happening but I do read the newspaper and from what I read, Wellington is in control of the situation. I am sure that his men will be safe.”
John smiled and took Francesca’s arm into the crook of his elbow, “Thank you,” he said softly, “I am sure that I am worrying over nothing but we are as close as brothers and I can’t help it.”
“I understand completely,” Francesca replied, “Last season, my sister Eloise was very unwell and Anthony sent her back to Aubrey Hall. I was so worried I hardly slept for weeks. I think it is something about siblings, you will always worry about them no matter what is going on.”
“That is very true Miss Bridgerton,” John smiled before they turned the conversation to lighter topics.
“Do you think Lord Kilmartin will propose?” Hyacinth asked as Francesca and Kate returned to Bridgerton House later that afternoon, “I think another wedding would be fun.”
“I don’t know,” Francesca replied, “And let Edwina have her wedding before you start talking about anyone else getting married.”
“If Lord Kilmartin did propose,” Hyacinth persisted, “Would that mean you would have to go and live in Scotland?”
Anthony straightened out his paper aggressively at Hyacinth’s comment, huffing slightly as the two girls continued speaking. Francesca looked over at Anthony, who was hiding his face behind the paper he was clutching in a death grip.
“He hasn’t said anything yet,” Francesca replied, “And like I said, Edwina’s wedding is happening very soon. Are you not excited about that?”
Hyacinth happily chatted about Edwina’s wedding for a while longer before tiring of the subject and skipping out of the room.
Seeing that they were alone, Francesca turned to Anthony, “PapaAnt, I do like Lord Kilmartin," she said softly, "If he came and spoke with you, would you let him marry me?"
"You'll be going to live in Scotland though," Anthony pointed out with a slight frown as he lowered his paper, "Are you sure that is what you want?"
"I thought all that business with the Scots was sorted now?" Francesca commented, "And anyway, Kilmartin isn't in the Highlands proper, so it's not like there's some warring clans outside the gates."
Anthony smiled, "That's not what I meant," he replied, "It's just, you will be so far away Frannie. We all live within a few days of each other at most and you’ll be weeks away. What if something happens or you need one of us?”
“PapaAnt,” Francesca sighed, “You’re being silly. Lord Kilmartin spends a lot of time in Parliament so he spends a lot of time in London; I would simply join him here.”
“And when Parliament isn’t in session you will be in Scotland,” Anthony concluded, “And it is so far away.”
Francesca rolled her eyes, “But if he came and had a conversation with you,” she pressed, “Would you turn him away or not?”
“Will you be happy with him?” Anthony asked seriously.
“I will,” Francesca smiled.
“Then how could I turn him away,” Anthony replied, “If he asks then I will not refuse him. Even if it does mean losing you to the wilds of Scotland.”
Francesca laughed, “I’ll miss you too PapaAnt,” she said softly, “But he has not asked yet.”
Anthony stood and pulled Francesca into a hug, “I’m sure he will,” he said softly, “And I’ll stop sulking about it, I promise.”
Francesca beamed up at the man she considered her father, “Love you PapaAnt,” she smiled before slipping out of the room to prepare for the evening’s ball.
“I’ve told Frannie I will accept Kilmartin if he asks for her hand,” Anthony stated as he joined Kate in her sitting room, “She confronted me about him earlier.”
Kate resisted the urge to laugh, “I thought she might do soon enough,” she replied, “Does that mean you are going to stop sulking about her potential move to Scotland?”
“I told her I would,” Anthony replied, “It feels different than when Hastings married Daphne,” he admitted after a while.
“Daphne was older,” Kate pointed out, “Frannie is in her first season but she is ready for this. I have been sat with them during every call and she lights up when she sees him and he isn’t much better. I can’t say I’m too happy about sending her off to Scotland but she is so happy with him Ant,” Kate paused, “And I don’t think she would ever forgive us if the only reason you objected was because she would be going to Scotland.”
“I know she wouldn’t,” Anthony replied, “But, she did point out that he is quite active in Parliament so they would be here for six months of the year at least.”
“And Kilmartin House is only around the corner,” Kate stated, “And we hardly see Daphne in the off season now she is married; I know Clyveden is a lot closer than Scotland but we don’t see her and Simon from one season to the next.”
“And are you ready to say the same about Eddie?” Anthony asked.
“I’ll have to be,” Kate replied, “She does get married in three days after all.”
“And then will only be moving to Oxford,” Anthony sulked, “Not bloody Scotland.”
“But still will not be under our roof,” Kate retorted, “Or with Mama. And Oxford is still the best part of a day away.”
Anthony sighed, knowing that Kate was correct and he was being ridiculous. Kate smiled as she noticed Anthony deflate and knew that between her and Francesca they had won him around to Fran becoming the next Countess of Kilmartin.
The following day, Anthony left Bridgerton House early in the morning and returned just before tea with Gregory, fresh from his first year at Eton.
“Gregory!” Kate exclaimed as the gangly fourteen year old entered the house, “Oh come here! You have gotten so big!”
“MamaKate,” Gregory smiled, hugging his pseudo-mother tightly, “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, my darling boy,” Kate said softly, kissing the top of his head, “Come on, let’s take tea and you can tell me everything about school.”
“Gregory!” Eloise and Francesca cheered as he entered the room, the young boy soon was swept up in the loving mothering of the women of the house.
Hyacinth came running down the stairs as she heard the commotion, before bounding into the drawing room to reunite with her partner in chaos. Soon the two youngest Bridgerton siblings were sitting on one of the couches, plotting together to the slight concern of everyone else in the room.
“I’ve missed you,” Hyacinth said softly, “But if you tell anyone I’ll deny it.”
“Missed you too,” Gregory replied with a grin before nudging Hyacinth so that she would drop her biscuit causing them to fight over the last remaining few on the plate.
“Your father would be so proud,” Mary smiled as she and Kate helped Edwina prepare for her wedding, “Mr Bagwell is a lovely young man and you will be very happy as a scholar’s wife.”
“I will be,” Edwina smiled, “Nicholas is already talking about a new project that I can help him with; I will be able to spend my time reading all my favourite philosophers, it is all so exciting.”
Kate chuckled, “Well, rather you than me,” she smiled, “But I’m sure you will enjoy it.”
Edwina smiled as she smoothed down the front of her gown, “Is the carriage ready?” she asked, “It is nearly time to leave.”
Mary and Kate walked Edwina down the stairs to the waiting Anthony who held out his arm for his sister and walked her out of Bridgerton House for the last time as Miss Sheffield.
Two hours later, the wedding party returned to Bridgerton House to celebrate the marriage of Mr and Mrs Bagwell. Edwina shone as she danced with her new husband and soon the newlyweds were leaving for their honeymoon, a few weeks at Lord Astley’s country estate in Hertfordshire before returning to their Oxford townhouse to start their new life.