Another Bridgerton

12 years ago

"Push Violet" the physician encouraged her as I was by her side holding her hand. It had been hours, surely more than ten. My mama cried again, her voice growing raspy, she was exhausted naturally. Me and the maid helped her on pushing. "Someone get the towel" the physician spoke rushing and I waited until another maid was taking my shift next to my mother so I would find one of the boiled clean white towels that were on the drawers.

"Here" I breathed out and stood next to the physician who was filled with my mother's blood.

"You will hold the baby once it's out." He announced and I swallowed hard, it was not as if there were many alternatives solutions at this very point. I nodded."one last push" he announced as his hands were shoved under the blankets and towels that were painted red. He pulled out a small ball of mucus and blood, I wanted to vomit but at the same time I stood with awe in the view of such a miracle, pondering how one day it shall be me in that position hopefully with my beloved husband.

The healer cut the lore and the baby started crying, he placed it in my arms as I wrapped it around with a towel. Eloise would be pleased to hear it was a girl, a tiny vulnerable little creature. I teared up as the doctor instructed me on how to clean her up and I did. Carefully as she was crying with loud sobs, signing that she was alive and healthy despite being with us a month earlier than expected.

"She is so perfect…" I told the maid and she smiled, crying as I.

"Get her to Lord Bridgerton and your siblings, I will tend to your mother" She assured me and I nodded, she was only 18 Anthony's age and I was 15. I held her close to me, I didn't realize I was filled with blood. "Anthony!" I called loudly.

I saw him coming rushing as Benedict pushed the youngest back in the room. He froze at the sight of me, in an instant he was as white as snow. "It's a girl" I announced and I approached him and he extended his hands lightly, they were shaking. I carefully placed the baby in his embrace in the proper position and she purred like a kitten.

"Mama?" He whispered

"She is alive…" I spoke and looked at him, my expression breaking slightly. "I was terrified… to be frank" I spoke, whipping my tears on my sleeve as my hands were dirty from the towel.

"Ev… it's alright… it's been hours and a horrific day… and tomorrow will be even worse…" Anthony spoke softly. He had already gotten familiar with their tiny sister. He extended his hand tugging my rebel hair that was all over my face behind my ear softly. "But it will be alright… I know that it should be dad in there or me." He started off. I could tell he was feeling awful.

"No Anthony, I wanted to be there and I was"I stopped him, I was still shaking as the house was awfully quiet now that mom was resting. "I just… need to decompress" I explained.

"And you deserve Eva… I already have the bath arranged… and we shall expect you shortly." He smiled at me softly stroking my sweaty cheek.

-

Today

The carriage arrived home. I was half asleep. Hearing my siblings talk. "So she just fell?" Colin asked as he was sitting next to me.

"Yes Colin!" Daphne spoke in a huff."Ev mentioned that she hadn't slept. It is not the first time such a thing occurs, remember? She asked me to go further from the crowd… Thank God the Duke was there to assist us" she explained as I felt the carriage pause its motion.

"Are we to wake her?" Colin asked,I could feel his eyes upon me.

"I am awake" I informed them, opening my eyes. I sat up and stayed still for some moments. Right now I was feeling as I was supposed to according to the story we would tell our family.

"You don't appear to be well sister" Colin commented and touched my face probably to check my temperature.

"Oh Trust me brother… me nor I feel" I cleared my throat swallowing.

"Is Owen around Eva?" Daphne questioned me as she opened the door of the carriage allowing space so Colin could assist me.

"I believe not, him and Benedict had to attend a meeting" I thought of it for a moment. And I nodded in confirmation of what I earlier said.

"We will be here" Colin assured me as he got out and held my hands while I stood in the carriage and stepped out, not trialing my balance on my own leaning on my younger, only by a year in the way Colin enjoys to highlight. His grip was tight around my waist while we were stepping inside.

Daphne and Mrs. Wilson rendered me out of the mud-filled dress and into my nightgown and fell immediately to the bed feeling relieved of the tight clothes and hairstyles. "Do I have any bruises?" I asked her as I curled under the blanket.

"One big on your hip to rib side why?" Daphne responded and sat next to me on the bed, her fingers tangled in my hair soothingly, I rather enjoyed it.

"Nothing, I am starting to sense it." I simply said.

"Do you wish a physician?" She suggested stroking my head still.

"God no, just keep doing what you do until I fall asleep" I simply said, closing my eyes.

~

During the night I felt Owen's strong arms tugging around me pulling me closer. It felt nice, safe. I turned and curled upon his chest taking in his scent reminding me that he was there and he was the sweetest person. God, how lucky I was to have him around me, only at the ponder of Nigel Berbrooke either as my or Daphne's husband. The kiss on my temple sprayed away all those thoughts and led me back to sleep.

~

The next day when I woke up I heard piano. I walked to the drawing room where my brothers and sisters were gathered. I was rather disappointed to see Owen was gone yet again with Anthony and the family matters. Daphne was at the piano. I was in a lighter dress not formal and I had my hair down but well styled. I would retire in case any suitor happened to visit us.

Daphne was playing the piano and as I walked it Eloise did too "How does a lady come to be with child?" She asked and I choked on the small croissant I started eating. Benedict and Colin eyed me as they had the exact same reaction, making a truly great effort to conceal the laughter we so desperately wanted to have. "I thought you needed to be married! And apparently that's not even a requirement"

"Eloise that's enough" mama intervened and then told Daphne to keep playing. Eloise sat between Colin and Benedict. I approached too, unable to resist the hearing of the conversation that it was to follow.

"I take it the two of you know" Eloise referred to her older brothers.

"Don't look at me" Benedict raised his palms his gaze meeting mine.

"Have you ever been to a farm El?" Colin asked her and I quietly laughed as Benedict slapped the back of his head.

"I do hope the two of you are not encouraging improper topics of conversation" our mom looked at the boys.

"Not at all mother" Benedict spoke shocked of such an implication.

"In fact we were just heading off to… take our sticks out." Colin said innocently and looked at mother. That was the moment I broke, letting out a loud laugh melting at the seat next to Eloise, Benedict was smiling holding his own laughter with success as he was signing me to be quiet, I was snorting. I could see mama's outraged glare at us.

"Colin Bridgerton" Mother exclaimed, attempting to stop his speech.

"For fencing" he completed his sentence and I was already tearing at the scene that just unfolded before my very own eyes. My brothers stood up and so did I, last thing I wanted is an interrogation concerning marital matters done by Eloise… ultimate torture.

"And I shall count the score" I announced following them, taking a napkin from the table to tap the tears away. As we made our way to the backyard we saw suitors galore bearing presents and Owen along with Anthony getting out of our carriage. Owen approached me at the entrance, hugging me and pulling me to a corner. He kissed my lips deeply as I tangled my hands around his neck.

"I missed you beautiful" he sighed softly as we united our foreheads. "You were asleep when I came, I didn't want to wake you up." He told me tugging some hair behind my ear.

" I missed you too. Where did my brother drag you so early in the morning?" I asked him.

"We had to settle some sort of agreement with Nigel Berbrooke, he came to ask for-" he was to say as he saw the man walk away. "I should escort him out," he sighed, unwilling to let me go.

"Don't just let him go, besides Daphne is courted by your friend, the Duke" I revealed and smiled at him proudly just as Anthony shooed everyone. It was obvious that Colin and Daphne told no one about my last night's adventure.

"How did it happen? I lose one dance and all the good stuff takes place." He laughed relieved, we had talked about that ball as Berbrooke was chasing down Daphne and he wasn't feeling well with it either.

"Well The Duke danced with her and sent her and mama those expensive flowers…" I started off as he interrupted me.

"I believe Daphne can do so much better than the Duke"Owen spoke and I raised an eyebrow just as Anthony raced fuming outside the property. "And I think Anthony agrees, I have to go after him my love…" he spoke and left jogging after him.

~

Owen's POV

I raced outside just in time to get in the carriage, reminding me to tip the driver for waiting up and not moving quickly on Anthony's wishes. I got in, panting slightly. "Ev told me, I suspect Daphne is twice as enthusiastic than Ev was when she told me" I made clear I was aware of how filled in with the current news of our family. "I tried to lower her enthusiasm… but then you came out rushing… what will you do?" I asked him, I was getting serious as I was in fully agreement that this engagement should not happen nor the one with Berbrooke.

"I am going to speak with him, Owen…" Anthony sighed looking outside.

"And if he claims he has serious intentions?" I asked stating different case scenarios

"You know I consider you family, a brother…" Anthony replied looking at me and I raised my eyebrows as to why the love confession. "Not only due to Evangeline's smile whenever you enter the room… But owing to the care you show for this family, playing with Gregory pranks, or assisting Hyacinth on her dance lessons… I know you do it with your heart…" he spoke. "I am known for being the mean one in this story… both mother and Daphne made it clear. So I ask you to answer this question" Anthony finally concluded and sighed.

"Oh… first I feel the same way you are my family… you know how Mr. Bailey is" Owen spoke remembering the times his father would visit him in his student years, how awful and dissatisfied he always was, along with his mom. It was the reason he considered himself a Bridgerton and not his wife a Bailey. "Look Bassett wouldn't lie I believe. Not to you, not to me. I am sure he is aware of how important this is for a debutante… and he has really nothing to gain from this arrange!emt on the contrary he has to lose." I explained my point of view. I was the one who was good with words.

"Let's go there and see what our Duke has to say." Anthony replied as we soon arrived at the ring where we were intelled he was training. And the moment we got in Anthony ran in and punched him, Simon dodged and kicked his hip causing him to groan. I followed suit getting in the ring and standing between them trying to separate them. How the hell did I always end up in these situations?

"Gentlemen…" I tried but it was useless.

"Well what seems to be so urgent?" Simon wondered as he was jumping on his tiptoes ready for a fight.

"I'd like to know what was going through your head last night and this morning." Anthony growled attempting to hit him again gracelessly I'd say…

"You have to be more precise" Simon responded,avoiding the hots yet again effortlessly.

"I believe Basset, he is referring to the flowers sent to Mrses Bridgerton" I tried to ease the spirits by really trying to hold them apart but I was being completely ignored.

"Why are you courting my sister?" Anthony asked getting serious.

"Why should I not be courting your sister?."

"Come on now…" I huffed asthe duke responded he was asking for it this time.

"Because she is my sister, she is engaged to someone else and she is also my sister" Anthony yelled outraged.

"I think you said that twice" I sighed as he successfully punched Simon.

"I was unaware of an engangement" basset excused himself.

"I've given my word to Berbrooke" Anthony argued.

"He is not right for her!" Basset argued

"Alright now point to the Duke" I said standing close to them.

"Really Owen?" Anthony turned at me.

"Don't look at me you said you wished sincerity I am giving it to you " I replied, I wasn't anxious of how Anthony would take my opinion. I knew we were family.

"He was never seen in and out of brothels at least. I even know has been his past few years, right here in London. As opposed to some gambling hell or backwater slum or wherever it was you chose tovfuck about God knows whatever reason." Anthony yelled, there was silence… it was a hit below. I looked between them.

"Basset… Anthony, let's talk this out peacefully" I triedbut I was interrupted by Bassett.

"Nigel Berbrooke is hardly a saint"

"You are and have long been a good friend." Anthony spoke and I sighed knowing where this was going. "The best along with Owen really… but this is my sister. Think of all we have shared as friends, it's not my intention to offend you. But surely you understand family comes before all else!" Anthony exclaimed and left without a word. I turned at Basset.

"What aren't you going to politely agree. He is your lord too" Bassett barked and let out a dry laugh pacing around.

"Anthony isn't my Lord, he is my family,my friend… he welcomed me when. He had no reason and I am grateful. I care for this family… Anthony let his rage get the better of him… I, as you very well know, don't." I signed and then stood before him seeing eye to eye. "What are your intentions for Daphne Bridgerton… I agree Berbrooke is a worm and certainly won't make her happy even if he is the best business choice." I asked him. I was serious, not playful comments like before.

"I want to make her happy. That is all" Bassett replied and then he swallowed hard.

"Good, then I believe you… I hope you will not betray your word…" I simply said and turned to leave.

"How is your wife from yesterday's events?" I heard him ask and froze for a few moments before turning back at him.

"What do you mean what happened yesterday?" I wonder, my frown obvious and my oblivion even more.

"She has a fainting episode in the backyard. I happened to be there and helped her and Daphne get inside… I believe Colin brought her home" Bassett filled me in.

"No she looked fine… thank you Simon for keeping an eye on them." I nodded and slowly walked out and back to the carriage.

"Are you okay? Did he tell you anything I should know?"Anthony asked probably seeing my expression. I knew he was referring to Daphne but I didn't filter my reply.

"He said last night, at the ball, Ev had a lipothymic episode…"

"What, I was there I would surely know if she was unwell…" Anthony spoke and frowned as well, he seemed thoughtful.

"He mentioned Colin assisting her" I added.

"Oh, they said they would make their leave but said nothing of such…" Anthony spoke."if you speak with her, please tell me if she is alright" and I nodded.

By the time we arrived home the ladies were preparing for the next ball and it truly seemed unmanageable to steal her from those. She looked stunning, her hair caught in that braided bun of hairs that had a small tiara balanced upon, and her dress was lilac, this was her favorite color. Ev seemed far from unwell, I mean I knew how she looked when she was ill and that is certainly not.

I didn't really see anything different in this ball than any others, I was quite bored sitting with Benedict glaring at my graceful wife at the dance floor. "Seriously? Having heart eyes?" Benedict commented and I chuckled slightly.

"Well what can I say, still enchanted" I smiled slightly.

"Yea yea, thank God we have you two… this house needs romantic stories." Benedict commented as Anthony approached him and looked at me seriously, my gaze to where he looked before.

"Um Benedict, dance with Daphne" I suggested with a smile

"What why?" He protested.

"Do as he says" Anthony growled and Benedict just walked there unwillingly causing Bassett to reach back at us, I poured some wine offering it to him.

"Perhaps I was unclear…" Anthony started.

"Is it your wish for me to insult your sister Bridgerton?" Bassett asked as he took a sip from his drink, I was there in case things got out of control or more like Anthony's temper. "On the contrary,you wish your sister to marry a loathsome toad, then." He ended his thought and I choked slightly.

"Loathsome toad ahead" I voiced between my coughs turning my face to the buffet so I wouldn't witness that abomination of a man, Eva has talked to me about him and his presence made me mad.

"Lord Bridgerton, forgive the intrusion, but, if needed be, I will happily restate my intentions with respect to your sister." Berbrooke offered so altruistically I wanted to punch him. Basset looked at me and raised an eyebrow, I didn't realize how white my knuckles had gotten as I squeezed the glass of brandy I was holding. I avoided his gaze. "She is a prize I have longed coveted for her beauty, for her grace–" he started licking on Anthony's boots, I could see the saliva all over.

"For her powerful right hook?" Bassett added and I turned him with a slight frown, my discomfort made more obvious as I didn't bother hiding my actual sentiments.

"I must know whether I can count on you to handle this misunderstanding, my Lord" Berbrooke finished his speech,he was so talkative he made my ears bleed. "For I certainly wish to avoid any kind of embarrassment"

"Rather late for that" Bassett added now straightforwardly.

"Whatever you mean my Lord" I murmured, calling him like that because the loathsome toad was there. I had no actual social thesis after denying my parents, I am a lord only because of my marriage with the viscount eldest sister.

"Are you two, too friendly with the Duke or simply intimidated by his rank–" He started off and I let out a laugh pacing around. Something about this man, the way he was politely hunting down Daphne, or how he insisted on marrying her just like he did with Evangeline.

"Oh there Berbrooke" I huffed

"Easy now Berbrooke, I assure you I will resolve the matter, which i shall remind the duke is none of his business" Anthony tried to ease the spirits.

"Perhaps you're not the authority on what concerns me,nor the matter of lord Berbrookes character" Bassett spoke. I frowned at what he said…

"I shall do my best by your sister, Bridgerton. And perhaps she may learn to return my affections over time." Berbrooke smiled at Anthony.

"Perhaps he failed to mention how he got that purple eye." Bassett said and I immediately turned, he indeed had a bruise on his face I assumed he would reply.

"I was careless with the cabinet door"

"He was careless with his honor."Bassett stated calm, he was so composed all the time I could never really understand how. "He attempted something last night I shan't dignify with words, when lady Bailey ended to the ground and your sister planted a facer.Deservedly so." Bassett spoke his eyes on both of me and Anthony.

"What-?" I questioned taking a step closer to Berbrooke therefore a hand stopped me. It was Basset who put an obstacle on my way.

"My Lord you must know-" he started off and I took a step closer ignoring Anthony and Bassett despite the fact that I was seeing red.

"If, and I mean if you ever muse over approaching my wife or Daphne or anyone who isn't comfortable with your presence, trust me you'll -" I was speaking through my teeth as not to scream at him, containing my reaction to the maximum discreet.

"Owen…" Anthony spoke both him and Bassett were squeezing my shoulders to hold me back. "Why don't you go out with the Duke for some fresh air, I am certain it would benefit you" he suggested and I pulled back after a few seconds I was released from their grip. "Surely my sisters would tell me if this were true"Anthony stated and I frowned

"Would they really?" I asked before heading out Bassett following me, he really looked like he wanted to stay there.

~
Ev's PoV

I was dancing with Colin as Daphne did the same with Benedict, It was one of those quadruple dances I loved so much… as the violins slowed down I noticed Owen storm out, he was infuriated, I could tell by the way he moved. The Duke followed, leaving Anthony alone with Berbrooke. Daphne looked at me and I shook my head.

"I shall go and disturb Anthony… why don't you sister find your Duke…" I smiled and kissed her cheek dismissing Benedict and Colin to have a break from the dancing process hoping that they did not realize what happened with the trinity of friends.

I approached Anthony who was speaking tensely to Nigel Berbrooke . "Hello brother" I got my arm tangled around his.

"You are to buried, if you ever so much as look in her direction again" Anthony declared, I have never heard my older brother speak in such a manner, it felt nice seeing how he believed us even if it was a man's word that told him of last night's events. "Be grateful you won't take a punch from yet another Bridgerton" he spoke and finished before taking my hand and leading me off the ball, probably so we can talk.

"Are you alright Ev?" He asked placing me to sit on a bench of as we reached the backyard.

"Of course, the scene with that… toad was rather amusing" I smiled at him brightly "it was actually high time you said those words to him. Don't you think?" I asked him.

Anthony exhaled, in what smelled like defeat. "Tell me please Ev, what happened yesterday" he asked me sitting next to me.

"After you announced the delightful news of Daphne's marital plans… she thought we could celebrate somewhere more quietly" I narrated, in a sarcastic manner, I didn't wish for Anthony to think it was something scary. "So once she arrived that toad assaulted her… claiming her physically and improperly. However she was lucky her eldest sister was there to defend her honor but unfortunately I was defeated to the grass due to an attempt of Berbrooke made to get through me. Our sister tried to break free of his grip and she punched him unintentionally… It was entertaining." I finished my funny story. It didn't seem to work Anthony knew my tactics.

"Stop that Ev, are you okay, are you hurt?" He asked with a heavy sigh "Bassett told me and Owen you were unwell" he added taking my hands to his.

"I only have a bruise, I was unwell because I have once again insomnia… Daphne had to stay until I fell asleep "I unriddled my situation, he exhaled again. "Daphne isn't mad as long as you consider her opinion… she wants to be with that friend of yours? Let her be." I spoke, ok ew this was fake but I had a good feeling and I liked them together.

"Ev stop advising me, I am your older brother I am supposed to protect you, Daphne, and you didn't come to me, or in extend to Owen. Why didn't you tell me? Do you not trust me?" He asked me looking into my eyes, it was a rare moment for him.

"Frankly, it's not I who doesn't trust you… it's you not trusting the word of a woman, even if that woman is your sister… and do not refuse it. You ignored mine, Daphne's and mama's plead to not proceed with an agreement with him. And I truly didn't believe you would after he was my suitor candidate back then…" I explained my thoughts without even holding back a word.

"I truly apologize, I know I can be dogmatic… stubborn, but the next time anything happens that upsets you, you know you can come to me… I know you are married, but it is not only Owen in your life it is me as well…." He spoke he was rather sentimental.

"Are you going to cry or something?" I mocked him lightly, I avoided sentimental confessions even though it meant the world to me. After father's death, may have become the viscount and gained a lot of weight on his shoulders but so did I, with mama grieving and unable to handle anything I had become the lady of the house. He knew I didn't think of him as my eldest brother… But more like my partner in holding everything together. Benedict was the one I was leaning on while Anthony counted on me for many things. Tonight was a good reminder of who Anthony really was.

"It is usually you who cries, sister" He smiled slightly. "Owen was ready give him a matching eye" he informed me.

"Uh he was indeed almost punched by a second Bridgerton" I replied and smiled "should I go?" I asked him

"No it is better if you talk with him home,he is infuriated, which makes me glad, I am trying to recall him hitting someone and I can't, it was usually him his fluency and his charm that took us out of sticky situations" Anthony spoke and I smiled.

"Then would my eldest brother do me the honor of escorting me in a dance before we head home?" I wondered and smiled

Anthony stood up and kissed my hand. "With pleasure" he told me and we walked inside.

~
Owen's POV
"Bailey, calm down, nothing happened" Bassett told me gripping my shoulders.

"Tell me what happened, detail to detail" I demanded, he was not a Duke right now, only my friend. Daphne soon appeared next to us and I turned to her. "If you don't Daphne will" and I turned at her,taking softly her petite hands into mine.

Bassett sighed heavily and rubbed his forehead.

"Ev, was sleepless, and she tried to assist me with Berbrooke who pushed her aside, she tripped and fell, that's all, it was insomnia that caused the rest…" Daphne told me and I nodded sighing in relief.

"Are you okay?" I asked her afterwards, I was starting to calm down.

"Of course, Duke made certain of it" Daphne smiled at me and then looked at Simon.

"Of course, I wouldn't let anything happen neither to your wife nor to my lady's sister" Simon smiled and patted my shoulder as I turned and squeezed his hand, grateful.