Chapter Text
Kate stared out the carriage window as the city blurred by. She, her mother, Edwina, and Lady Danbury were heading home from the Featherington ball, but Kate’s mind was still in the garden, turning over what had happened. Lord Anthony Bridgerton had proposed, and now she was betrothed—betrothed—but how was she to tell her family?
“Kate? Are you alright?” Edwina asked, her brow creased in concern.
“Yes.” Kate tried to steady her voice. “Just tired from the ball.”
Her stomach twisted, knowing the truth would stir emotions far more than exhaustion could explain. It twisted tighter when she caught her mother’s worried gaze—and positively knotted when Lady Danbury raised a brow, looking amused, as if she knew everything. Did she see us in the garden? Kate thought, heat rising in her cheeks.
It had to be said. "Lord Bridgerton asked me to marry him."
Lady Mary let out a breath of relief, a knowing smile passing between her and Lady Danbury. Kate barely caught the flicker of emotion in Edwina’s expression—a quick flash of something that stung far more than she was prepared for. Was it anger? Hurt? Or something else entirely?
"Does this mean you’ll be staying in England?" Edwina whispered.
Kate nodded. “Yes.”
“And… are you happy with his proposal?” Edwina asked, a little more softly now.
“Yes,” Kate answered, her smile blooming with a tenderness she hadn’t expected. “Very happy.”
Edwina pulled her into a warm embrace. "I am happy for you, Didi. And I’m happy for us. I didn’t want you to leave."
The sincerity in Edwina’s voice was Kate’s undoing. The tears glistening in her sister’s eyes weren’t born of jealousy or bitterness, but from the fear of losing each other after everything they had already endured.
Kate tightened her hold on Edwina, tears slipping down her cheeks as the depth of her sister’s love hit her all at once. The sisters clung together, tears falling as Lady Mary wrapped them both in a hug.
Lady Danbury sat back, watching, a smug grin on her face.