Ch.vii
12 Years ago
I fell asleep to my brother's hand stroking my hair softly. It was more serenly than I had expected. However the physician had made his appearance, so my peaceful sleep was gone as Benedict shook me gently and shot up quacking in ache. My eyes scanned the room and I smiled seeing Anthony doing the same as he held my hand. Mrs Wilson was standing there too. Mama was not there, i wanted to ask but when we were alone with my brothers.
"Are you feeling well Mrs Bridgerton?" The physician asked me as he was holding the bag of examination he always had.
"Exhausted… anorectic" I explained briefly and let out sigh.
"Have you been sleeping or eating properly like you should?" He asked me and my gaze met Anthony's. I let out a heavy exhale and looked elsewhere offering a negative nod as a response. "Alright then I would like you to start eating frequently for the next week." He spoke and smiled lightly. "There's nothing concerning for now, now how about the rib sides, Mr Bridgerton mentioned you shrieked once you were lifted…" he said "I would like you try and stand up" he instructed and I looked at my brothers with a pleading expression.
"Come on we will help you" Anthony spoke and I sighed heavily. He took my hand standing next to me as Benedict was sitting on my bed, his eyes fixated on us. I grimaced abruptly the moment I shifted my eyes on his as Anthony's tight grip held on me sternly not allowing me to fall back. I made a shuffled sound trying to not worry them more. I was sitting on the edge of the bed, my breath dragging.
"Describe where is it disturbing? And in what way?" Doctor asked me immediately.
"Uh, the left side is really inconvenient- uhh" I breathed out, squeezing my eyes closed while I was maintaining my grasp against Anthony's sleeve who was holding my forearms to keep me in place. "And I as I was laying it was alright now, I is soar even when breath." I revealed
"You can alter your position which means that with a few days of rest and some proper medication shall assist you to the best and quickest recovery" physician smiled and signed Anthony to help me back. He placed his palms beneath my armpits and I hugged his neck. He pulled me further on my bed, I squeaked
again and he kissed my cheek in assurance. I signed in relief as I stopped hurting.
"Thank you very much… let me see you out"Benedict offered as him and Mrs Wilson left me and Anthony.
"Can I do anything?" He asked me softly And I shook my head trying to smile.
"Only to sleep… Can you just stay with me until I fall asleep?" I asked him softly and he smiled
"Of course" he immediately replied. "I won't move a step" he assure me pulling my covers up.
Today
Ev's PoV
The most outstanding thing, I was rather sad for the Duke as he lost my sister's hand. Therefore another lucky man won her attention, a prince! Who could believe it, not me certainly. Owen left to meet his friend see how Bassett was feeling and what were his plans now, he was truly glad for Daphne I never doubted that but he couldn't help but be sad for his friend even though he was aware of how he would never admit being hurt by a woman.
I walked inside Daphne's room as Rose was fixing her makeup. She was all dressed up. I smiled "hello princess Daphne" I greeted playfully and earned a pretty smile. I approached and sat on her bed "off to where you are preparing?" I wondered.
"Prince Frederick offered to take me to a boxing match" she announced, making an effort to sound excited.
"And i shall escort our dear sister" Anthony entered the room sitting next to me on her bed.
"How sweet of you, Owen is going to be there with your friend" I informed him as I stood up to pick a pair of shoes for my sister.
"Oh, did anything occur without my knowledge?" Anthony turned at me and I raised my eyebrows.
"Not at all, he simply went to visit a friend" I spoke with a grin. He was rather suspicious that my love ent to the Duke but he seemed to forget that he is a close friend as well and that Owen's altruistic character features have no finish line.
Owen's POV
Bassett hid it well, therefore I could foresee through this eternal expressionless brow that framed his face. He was preparing his player for the box match as people began to fill up the spacing of the audience while I was only observing Simon advising his friend. He suddenly froze. I turned my glare towards the direction he was locked at, it was Daphne of course, with the prince… Will was speaking of him and he suddenly snapped out of it responding as I was to step in and save the situation.
Daphne seemed just as distracted as Bassett…
The match had started already, I was paying too much attention there as I realized I hadn't seen Anthony around surely he would have escorted his sister…
"Come on Mondrich, watch your face!" Simon yelled as Will was getting punched.
"You got him!" I encouraged the fighter as well, seeing Bassett passionate about the match I was carried away as if I had betted my money on either of the two… I didn't really like gambling or betting.i cheered loudly as Will had finally gotten the upper hand despite the weak start. With my side eye I was checking on Daphne, it still felt bizarre not having a Bridgerton around her.
"Focus;Mondrich" Bassett yelled loud enough to be heard.
"You got him!" My voice was heard within a moment of silence and I felt rather awkward, but then the crowd behind us turned the volume up with the cheers that followed my lead, I turned and saw them on the edge of their seats, blended in with, there were Anthony, Benedict and Colin. However, our exclamations were sank in by the opposite supporters, I am certain I heard Daphne telling to plant a facer the moment Gillespie actually did. Thankfully Will was quick to react turning it to his advantage as he cornered him and finally knocked him down with fists landing on his face.
Afterwards we went to the club as Anhony found his chance to pull me aside, He had that serious expression that I couldn't take seriously cause he was being paranoid.
"What did he tell you?" He asked me and I grimaced.
"Bassett? Nothing actually, we were preparing Mondrich…" I confessed and smiled at him "He didn't mention Daphne and obviously nor did I… I only intended to spend some time with him, you know how I actually am aware and familiar with people's feelings… even if you and Simon will never truly admit you have those I know of their existence and I wish to keep an eye on them" I spoke and winked slightly making fun of him.
"And… what are your conclusions?" Anthony asked and I rolled my eyes.
"He has feelings for Daphne, they exchanged some meaningful glares, he is not bound to divulge them, he is too proud and hurt to commit such a thing. " I assured him softly and patted his shoulders "That is of course only my humble opinion, dear brother, you know since I am experienced and I know you and him like my palm" I spoke amused smiling.
"As a matter of fact, I happen to find your humble opinion trustworthy, dear, besides he is fleeing" Anthony replied acknowledging my entertainment, he dusted my suit and fixed my collar, smiling the same way as he handed me a glass of brandy, as he held his bourbon and made his way over to Bassett who was sitting alone in a table.
"I hear you are to leave town tonight" was the first thing he said as he sat down. As if I didn't just spoke to him…
"You heard correctly" Bassett spoke and I sighed.
"I misjudged you but now I see that you intentions for Daphne were honorable…" Anthony admitted.
"Wow, I shall mark the date, national celebration…" I spoke the moment Anthony admitted a mistake. He glared me rather annoyed as I cut of his flow, Bassett gave me a half laugh his attention was on Anthony.
"Daphne is marrying a prince, and you are leaving…I only hope that the three of us could sit together again and be able to laugh at all this…" Anthony sighed and his gaze turned at me only for a moment.
"Oh I am laughing at you both right now…" I only said looking at them "Because this conversation here is really idiotic… and rather fraudulent, owing to the fact that Bassett dearest is feverishly enchanted by our sweet Daphne who can't seem to shake her glare from him while you, Anthony, say you wish him to flee. Which is absurd considering how greatly we spend our time together. And before you come bringing up her honor, I shall kindly remind you, Bassett here would never intentionally harm us or our family" I declared, I was always the insightful one, I was speaking the truth no one actually wanted to listen, I had that habit since we were only students. I was never actually angry despite the fact that my manners implied otherwise.
"Bailey;" Anthony spoke with a growl, the moment he referred to me by my last name I was warned he was infuriated with my whereabouts, good that was a great sign that he perceived what i was talking about. "You don't know what you are talking about! If there's anyone here caring about my sister it's me, I know her better… she will be great with the prince" his tone wasn't raised therefore he was aggressive.
They surveyed me blankly. "Viscount, Duke" I spoke their titles before standing up and swallowing down my whole brandy glass "I bid you a splendid day" I only say before leaving. It was always my way of bringing these two back on track and I hadn't done it in years but one thing I was unable to stand around me is this playing-a-part situation for no reason, if this was harming Daphne, or if there was nothing between them I would be on Anthony but it's a pity to see them both so dipped in this situation that has absolutely no reason of existence.
I realized how bad of an idea drinking down the whole glass at once was while I immediately felt a headache. I would go back home without using a carriage, I knew how to protest… I was walking home… I hadn't done that in a while, in a long while to be frank.
Eva POV
We were having dinner, me and Eloise, talking our theories for lady Whistledown. We surely we knew it wasn't Danbury, we were having trouble, it seemed as if she was invisible member of high society, a servant wouldn't have the time for such activities, therefore my sister was insisting.
"Hello there" Anthony entered and smiled at us sitting down, Daphne followed him sitting on the dining table with us.
"Oh welcome back" I smiled at them while drinking a bit of wine. "How was the match?" I wondered while looking at them. Anthony seemed tired and troubled despite the gentle smile he was offering us. Daphne seemed filled with energy, she was babbling about her day and her first match, of how the men were hitting each other.
"Where is Owen?" I smiled as I interrupted my younger sister with no actual guilt or sense that I did.
"He didn't come back?" Daphne asked me looking back at our eldest brother.
"Oh he did, Eve is just asking!" Eloise commented.
"Anthony" I spoke expecting a response, my voice tense as his name left my mouth. I had gotten serious, Eloise and Daphne paused looking between me and our eldest brother.
"I thought he came back, he left hours ago when we were in the club" Anthony replied to his own defense.
"If he is not her then where is he?" I asked, he looked at me seeing panic rising.
"I am certain he just occupied himself with an acquaintance" Anthony spoke reason but I couldn't process what he was saying.
"Since that's his usual behavior" I exclaimed and stood up
"Perhaps he didn't leave he is still with Bassett" he suggested "why don't you go to bed it is getting late and tomorrow there is the grand ball, Daphne needs support with prince Frederick" he told me and I just looked at me.
"He is right… Ev" Daphne spoke, her voice gentle and soft backing up our brother. I nodded and followed Daphne to my room as she helped me off my gown and in my nightwear. I laid and she stayed there for a few minutes stroking my hair, a gesture always calming me down from the tension but tonight I couldn't help it. I faked to sleep and didn't respond to my sister's words. She soon left and once she left my room I could hear her telling Anthony I was asleep. I was sure something else had taken place and that Anthony was greatly involved to it, I could read guilt within his eyes as he would raise his eyes upon my face when he entered the dining room.
Owen had this unique sense of honor, he always looked for Anthony's trust, therefore my brother always had to ensure everything with his own hands, which came sometimes to my husband's insult. Owen cares for everyone and when people don't see it and do things that aren't good for them gets hurt, upset… he truly is the sweetest person I have ever met, that's what charmed me, his unconditional givingness. I had a bad feeling as the night was getting older.
Owen's POV
I was walking down the non-prestiged neighborhoods as it was a time saving route. I wasn't mad and I really did want to walk. I was not angry, only sad, for my friends.
I was coming from such neighborhoods and I wasn't that scared of passing by, those people are not bad, only tired, exhausted from work and stress on whether their family will have food on the table. I only crossed their agora, when I saw two carriages, one was supposed to stop therefore it didn't as the driver fell from his seat, he seemed unconscious, there was panic and screams as the carriages and horses collided, I jogged and took a little boy from the middle before the carriage fell to the ground, a man came and punched me in the face with rage.
"Let my son go" he exclaimed.
I groaned loudly and turned my gaze, I could taste my own blood " I only pulled him away" I tried in my defense as I moved to the accident to see if there were more people as another looked at me "it's your fault!" He exclaimed, if the mayor, you elected cared for us he would give us streetways for carriages" he yelled and approached me, I swallowed hard as I looked around more people joined him.
They encircled me, approaching me… and as expected the people's rage in the high society that ruled them was expressed highly towards me.
~
Next thing I can recall was me laying on that alley, it was dark, people had died and at least five from the weight of the carriage. I could hear people talking all this time, nevertheless, I was unable to move or open my eyes… There were candles around the carriages for the dead. All I could do was to stay there, expect something to happen. Someone kind enough to aid me back home?
I have lost track of time and I knew because I had gotten used to the taste of the blood inside my mouth. I wasn't brave enough to attempt any motion to leave. I was surprised the police hadn't show up yet, it was really well deserved the message they wanted to give to the politicians and the higher class.
"Here is the accident, Bridgerton;" I heard, it was Mordrich, I knew it.
"The servant said he was here…" Bassett's voice was next.
"Well, maybe he left… Maybe the servant thought he saw him being attacked" Anthony sighed, the distress was obvious. I tried to let them know where I was but I could barely breathe.
"We will search the area first" Mordrich suggested and sighed heavily. I tried to make noise to make them notice me… I tried to move and cried in pain as I changed side, falling on my back.
"There!" Anthony exclaimed and started running. I could hear him approach. "Dear God!" He spoke out of breath at the sight of me. I probably looked exactly as awful as I felt. "Owen; can you hear me!" He asked me and I mumbled a yes that wasn't audible.
"Come on Anthony we have to get him out of here" Bassett suggested.
"We shall take him to my house" Mordrich offered.
"Thank you"Anthony spoke and leaned upon me, so did Bassett.
I felt their arms lift me from each side. "My heroes"I mumbled and coughed spitting blood to the ground, the balance of my head wasn't there as I held it down. It was my attempt to lighten the atmosphere.
"Idiot" Bassett mumbled a small laugh and Anthony sighed heavily.
"Who did this…?" Anthony asked me, he was expressing an effort to support my head so it would be wobbling around
"People… a bunch of them, there was this lady that threw bloody bananas at me;" I don't wish Anthony to bid himself with guilt. "Eva?" I asked as I pondered of my dearest wife, her concern would be over the edge, upon her fury she would be the one to accuse the viscount.
"Worried, she was with the girls, Daphne managed to set her asleep." Anthony assured me and I laughed spontaneously, but it was soon replaced by a wild cough, I was still spitting blood.
" Stop laughing… you are hurting yourself" Bassett instructed me rolling his eyes, while Mordrich announced our arrival.
"Why are you even laughing?" Anthony asked and I sighed heavily shaking my head as the warmth of the house hit my face, I hadn't realized until that moment how cold I was out there, I was shaking.
"Because, there's not a single chance that lady B is asleep, she tricked you to let her be." I spoke inhaling to swallow a shriek of sore, he had a daughter and a wife the last thing I wanted is to scare the toddler. Suddenly his wife appeared shocked and scared of my looks.
"Lay him down better…" she instructed them and they moved me better upon the sofa as Bassett removed the back pillows. "Will, bring over iodine, hot water, towels and napkins, Duke I'd appreciate if you removed his upper clothing while I clean my hands and prepare to stitch him up" she dictated politely.
"Of course" he said and Anthony approached to help. "I shall strip your clothes off you below me with pleasure" he joked and I laughed flinching.
"Ah stop Hastings… he will start disolving to pieces." Anthony smiled as he took off my tie and Bassett unbuttoned my shirt, he flinched as he saw that I had broken ribs. He didn't speak. "Perhaps we ought to call a physician?" He suggested and sighed.
Eva's POV
It was over the midnight… I must have indeed fallen asleep. I stood up I was in my nightgown so I quickly changed into a dress that was easy worn. Owen was not here and I bet so was Anthony, the house was dark, dim lights were just enough for vision. It was empty, I went to check on his office and as I imagined it was empty. I let out a sigh as I felt a hand grasp my shoulder, I jumped and turned immediately to attack but it was Collin, who stopped my wrist from colliding to his face, I hadn't realized I had a frantic expression.
"Hey, what's going on, why are you up this late?" He asked me softly, letting my hand go gently.
"Anthony went to look for Owen… and they still are gone" I explained trying to maintain my calm, it was effortless, it was past midnight.
"Please calm down…" he tried. "Let's just chill and play a round of cards." Colin suggested and I nodded "have you eaten… there is some pie left I shall bring it" he added babbling out to make me feel better.
"I want to look for Colin"I stated looking at him. "And if you are not following I'll do it alone…" I announced and paced towards the door having my cloak along.
"Wait up…" he exhaled and did the same. He opened the door for me and offered me a hand so I could climb to the carriage. "Where would Anthony look?" He wondered softly, looking at me.
"At the small square close to the club… Anthony said he was supposed to be back ages ago…" I explained.
"I don't know what you expect us to find, sister. Therefore I suggest that we return… Anthony is smart he will take care of him if anything happens." Colin tried to calm me down but his effort didn't have the results he expected.
"What would have happened to them?" I exclaimed my eyes widened at his words.
"Nothing… I meant getting drunk." He spoke, his voice always remaining calm and caring.
"Perhaps we ought to alert the authorities" I recommended as I sat down on the elegant couch, I was upset and Colin could tell.
"Negative, I am sure the viscount has it under control" he smiled softly rubbing my back "perhaps a melatonine pastille would aid you into some sleep, I will stay with you if you want" my younger brother assured me and I nodded as I stood up to move to then first-aid cupboard to find the pills that the physician had prescribed. "Good I shall prepare some tea with lemon balm" he offered and I simply followed, I silently refused on staying alone on our house, it spooked me out. He giggled slightly "wow big sister" he mocked me.
"Oh shut it, you were small hiding in my room so as not to be laughed at by Benedict and Anthony" I chuckled back following him to the kitchen, I moved to light up the oven.
"Sit I can do it" he smiled and pulled a wooden chair to assist me.
"Oh you know how to light it?" I asked surprise. "I thought I was the only one who knew" I revealed.
"I thought I was the only one" he chuckled gently and looked at me as he lit the fire and had the water to boil, adding the tea.
"Thank you" I smiled with a soft sigh.
"Oh come on, you are a second mom to all of us, even Anthony and Benedict." Colin pointed out and kneeled down as I was sitting on the chair. "Feeling better aren't you?" He asked softly and I nodded although I was still worried.
"The tea though" I spoke and ruffled his hair. He offered it to me and sat next to me we talked about different things.
Owen's POV
I growled as I big a leather box glove, my face was wet with sweat and tears. Anthony was kneeled next to me. I was squeezing his hand and he was squeezing mine and Basset held me down from above as the physician was stitching me up, my blood was everywhere.
"Only a few more stitches" the physician informed me while the needle hole my skin to knit it closed.
"Good to know" I growled chewing the glove, I breathed and I heard the pair of scissors cut the stitch I breathed out and felt the sting, I spitted the glove and looked at my surroundings, there was a lot of blood everywhere… I panicked slightly
"Owen… talk to us" Basset was heard as he saw me probably pale out.
"I think I shall pass out" I confessed choking so the words would come out.
"It's the blood" the doctor spoke " the loss and the vision of it"
"Come on now mate; now turn to me, see the dimples, they look like Eva's" Anthony tried to joke and I indeed laughed slightly
"Eva is pretty" I commented and sighed heavily. "Once I calm down we have to go home" I added thinking of her and how worried she would be once she witnessed me this way.
"You are right, how will he be moved?" Anthony asked with a sigh while the Duke turnt to the physician asking if it was possible, the physician was hesitant therefore he pointed out the way I should be sitting and all that. Basset and Anthony assisted me to the carriage
"Ought I to escort you?" The Duke asked Anthony mostly on whether he is was sure with my transport from the carriage.
"I will wake up one of my brothers, you shall go to rest" Anthony of course declined then kind offer of our friend. It was the moment I was honestly making an effort to avoid. Unfortunately I cannot any more. There was a great silence between us which I was not willing to ruin. He seemed neither did he we stayed quiet for most of the route. It didn't really bother me, he would be the one to break, he was feeling guilty and bad.
"Are you in ache?" He wondered and exhaled lighting a cigar.
"Oh i feel like a thousand angels just kissed me… put it out mother will be upset of the smoke essence" I remarked and looked down at my bloody clothes.
"My sister will be envious of those angels" Anthony chuckled slightly.
"Trust me. If there is anyone who is know for jealousy in this relationship it is me and not Eva!" I smiled slightly
"That makes it hard to believe…" Anthony commented and I did not respond. There were more, several moments of absolute silence. "I appreciate the way you care for the family, our family" there he goes.
"Oh our family… thank you very much" I commented, I was never the one who would roast but this time Anthony made his best effort to earn it.
"Now stop it, I am trying to apologize, I know you only look out for all of us" he sighed "and I wasn't there…"
"Oh hold right there, yes I was really upset about what you had spit out at the club. Therefore this, this is my fault and stupidity" I explained the difference.
"Whatever you say" Anthony sighed and gave me a half smile, he wasn't convinced but I didn't press any further.
"We are here" the driver informed us
"Stay with Lord Bailey, while I bring my brother" Anthony spoke.
I waited about two minutes, I was counting seconds out of boredom… I saw him come down the stairs with Colin, he was dressed up, I expected Benedict to be frank, he usually stays up all night expressing his artistic concerns with coal and paper. Colin was usually outside the house. They approached and opened the carriage, Anthony got in to assist me up. I groaned loudly as his movements were not the gentlest ever.
"Owen, bloody hell, what happened?" Colin asked reaching my other shoulder so him and the viscount would escort me out.
"Oh well the people were mad at the richman who invaded their territory."I tried to look calm and cool although the sharp cuts on it were betraying me.
"Sorry… for the unsmoothness" Collin commented.
"Oh its alright" I breathed out heavily "Eva?" I asked bringing her to my mind expecting an extensively awful reaction at the sight of our bloody appearance.
"She was awake until now, I made her a tea we joked, offered her the sleeping pill, it's been twenty minutes since she completely passed out" Colin reported to us as we finally got outside.
"We should put you to a guest room" Anthony commented thoughtfully "mama's room" he realized and moved me to the stairs, I was trying to keep it quiet despite my soar stitches that pulled my skin. They placed me upon the bed.
"Colin bring a towel And some water so we clean off the blood. I will fetch some clothes" Anthony ordered and so they did, cleaned the blood of off me and helped me into a pair of clothes. And I finally laid on the bed, I didn't manage to thank them, my eyelid betrayed me and I passed out on sleep immediately. It was from the few times I was sleeping separated to my wife, and it didn't feel good, I missed her and felt bad for worrying her so much.