A moment of weakness… for William

[Deleted]

A moment of weakness… 
William Slade

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Having stepped out for a breath of fresh air that morning, William made his way down the street, top hat in place and tail coat straightened out. Prim and proper to avoid the awful words of Lady Whistledown. The very last thing he wished for was to be the topic of gossip, as he'd seen with many men in his position. William suddenly stopped in his tracks when he heard a cry coming from a nearby shop that appeared to be owned by a modiste. Curiousity certainly moved the Duke, for he found himself remaining his in position and peering inside the place, only to find a lady in distress. She appeared to be emotionally compromised and breaking down. Not knowing what to do, Will acted upon the spur of the moment, flinging the door open and nervously asking, "Miss, are you all right?" Hoping that there were no nude women present in the back of the shop. @missshaw

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Deleted]

Bridget liked working for the modiste as one of the seamstresses. She may be with child but at least she has something to do instead of waiting at home with news of her husband or her in-laws. 

She was fixing one of the dresses when she heard some chatter between some of the ladies within the shop that made her stop and listen. By the time she heard it all, she couldn’t stop crying and collapsed. This can’t be real. They’re just lying. These ladies are just jealous. 

As she sobs, she heard the door opening with a man asking if she’s alright. He’s handsome enough, definitely of higher ranking. But he is not her Vince. 

“No.” She wept. “These ladies there in the store said they had relations with my husband before leaving for war. My husband Vincent would never do that to me. He’s completely devoted to me. I’m carrying his child, the official proof of our love. It makes me
long for him to come home soon.”
William Slade

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden The seamstress was in clear distress as she spoke and sobbed of the women who spoke of how they had relations with her apparent husband. Unsure of what to do in this situation, he questioned why he'd even made the decision to enter the distressed woman's space. Right, he was trying to be an honourable gentleman. Extending a gloved hand to her, although highly inappropriate for a man of his status, he suggested, "Some women enjoy chatter, and perhaps it stems from the jealousy that you were the one who captured his heart," William managed a weak smile. "Allow me to offer you tea and refuge. The house is not too far from here." @missshaw

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Deleted]

Bridget appreciates the gesture from the gentleman. However, he did invite her over for tea. As a married woman carrying a child, she felt it’s inappropriate to go alone to his home. 

Plus, she does not want to compromise him if he is of a higher status. In her world, no one would care but according to her sister-in-law, it can cause a scandal despite its good intentions. 

“I appreciate the offer, Mr… or is it your grace or my lord,” Bridget is nervous to give a proper reply to him, not sure where is stands within the Ton. “I don’t want to trouble you if it means getting you compromised. Would it be alright if I have a companion with me? Not necessary for my safety, but your own reputation. She lives across town in Marylebone.”

William Slade

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden "Naturally, Missus...?" His voice trailed off, wondering what her name was before inviting her into his home. "My sisters and mother would be present, of course." Though he wasn't entirely sure how they would feel if he'd brought home a seamstress of much lower status as well as a friend of hers. Then again, however, it was technically his home now, and it was his say. "Would you like one of my sister's lady's maids to accompany you to Marlyebone?" William inquired, letting go of her hand and stepping aside to offer space to herself. @missshaw

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Deleted]

Bridget gave a smile to the gentleman about the offer. He seems like a nice young man to make sure his mother and sisters are protected.

“That’ll be lovely.” Bridget begins to gather her things. “I live at the residence of Dr. George Bishop across Regent’s Park. He is my father-in-law but currently on duty. I’m sure his wife and daughter would be glad for my safety.” When she looked at him, she gave a quick rub to her swelling belly. “Thank you very much. My child and I greatly appreciate it.”

William Slade

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden "Bishop?" He inquired suddenly, recognising the name of their family's physician. "Dr. George Bishop frequents my family home often if anyone is of need of his assistance." Though he would keep his respectable distance, he would accompany her home across town. Noticing the rubbing of her belly, he did not even bother to wait for her to gather her belongings. Instead, he stepped over to where she stood and removed them from her arms, "Please, you are with child," Then, the gentleman opened the shop's door for her to take her leave. "Tell me, Mrs. Bishop, what is your name?" @missshaw

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Deleted]

Bridget’s things were taken by the man as they exit the shop. She gave a respectful nod as they walk to the carriage.

”Bridget.” She grinned as got inside and sat down. “Originally Miss Bridget Shaw but since last year, it is Mrs. Bridget Bishop. I married to Dr. Bishop’s son Vincent. He’s currently away to fight.”

She let out a gasp before calming down. She felt her child kick in her womb. 

“It kicked.” She smiled at the feeling of the kick. “Kicking and yet he’s not here to experience this.” The smile turned into a frown at the thought of her husband and what the women were saying about him.   

William Slade

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden As his home had not been too far away, William had managed to call a carriage for them both so that he could escort the young lady to her supposed father-in-law's home. He waited as she stepped into the carriage, proceeding to do the same, perching before her. "A pleasure, then, Mrs. Bishop." William was caught by surprise at her gasp, believing that something was wrong with her. "Are you all right?" He was quick to ask her, only to relax when she mentioned that it was the baby inside her womb. The man certainly was not used to witnessing pregnancies, particularly due to the fact that both his sisters still remained unmarried. "He fights for King and country," He remarked with a slight smile, having merely been involved in the politics revolving the war. "You must maintain your strength and show that you are proud of him." @missshaw

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Deleted]

Bridget is proud of Vincent, fighting on behalf of the Crown. She finds it ironic considering the Bishops originally came from a France in the middle of a bloody revolution. The France Vincent left as a young child is not the France that is being invaded by a power-hungry emperor. 

Their child may have an unique mix of French-born solder and an Irish seamstress, but it’ll be English. 

“Vincent is proud to serve. All I want is for him to return home alive so he can meet our child.” Bridget looks down and rubs her belly, another kick occurred. “You’re wondering, how the Bishop’s son’s wife continues to work despite her new status? I like to work. It keeps me distracted… most of the time.” She chuckled, hoping to get a reaction from him.

“I do not mean to pry but do you always go out and rescue ladies in distress? It is very valiant of you.”
William Slade

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Peering down at the round belly that she continuously rubbed, he could not help but consider how he'd feel if his own future wife were pregnant. It was a frightening thought. He understood very well how pregnancy worked, having been educated on the subject in the past. "But you need your rest, Mrs. Bishop." William remarked, his eyes moving over toward the window, ensuring that their carriage had been travelling in the right direction. Turning back to when she made her inquiry, he responded, "If I see a lady in distress, it is only natural that I come to her aid. That is what Dukes must do." He smiled softly. @missshaw

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Deleted]

Bridget grinned of the Duke’s valiant efforts. He is right, though. Worrying and stress is not good for the baby growing inside her. 

“Well, thank you again, your Grace.” Bridget relaxed on her seat. “Whoever your future spouse will be happy to have a husband like you to protect her.”

She checked the window and saw they have made it. Her mouth dropped at the sight of the Duke’s home. The Bishop household is large for Marylebone but it’s only a quarter of the size of the Duke’s residence. She’s sure she might had seen his family at the shop before so it would be an awkward exchange if and when she enters the home.
William Slade

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden Upon hearing her words, William offered her a smile, thinking about his fiancé, Marianne Talbot. "I am sure Lady Talbot is as grateful to me as I am to her." It was a respectful indication toward the woman that he was intended to marry, and he wished nothing but to show her respect in public, especially before those he barely knew. The carriage door opened and William climbed out first, offering her a hand as a polite gesture. If the pregnant woman was married, it was not inappropriate. Followed by his footmen that had already been standing by the door, he led her inside the home and proceeded directly to the drawing room where his mother and sisters perched down for their afternoon tea. "Mama, sisters, I introduce to you Mrs. Bishop, the daughter-in-law of Dr. Bishop." They, of course, already knew who the family physician was. "Ah, Mrs. Bishop -- how kind of you to join us. To what do we owe this visit?" Inquired his mama. "A safe haven for a few moments," He answered on Bridget's behalf. "Lend her some comfort?" His mama nodded once in somewhat of a hesitant manner, gesturing toward one of the chaises. @missshaw

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Deleted]

Bridget gave a small curtsy to the Duke’s mother and her daughters as she took a seat. She felt out of place at Wellington House, an Irish seamstress in the home of one of London’s prolific families. 

“Thank you.” Bridget rubbed her bump. “Your son saw me in distressed and wanted to help. There were a few ladies at the shop spreading horrible rumors about my husband before he left for war.”

She looked at them, hoping they don’t turn their noses at her because she’s Irish and without a title.
William Slade