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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2022 20:34:10 GMT
kitty & violet.  "You've had eight?" The notion of having eight children was absolutely terrifying, though perhaps that was more to do with knowing she'd be doing it all on her own from the very beginning. She had been since the moment she got pregnant with her first, and nothing had changed, not with Alexander. This time...things could have been different, if only the world was, if only she wasn't stuck in a loveless marriage, with a man who only came home when he wished to attempt to sire an heir. It would be greatly ironic if this baby was a boy, though of course, it would have to be raised as a Langham...not a Bridgerton.
Having tea with her lover's mother was like rubbing salt into the wound, and yet somehow she was seated across from Violet Bridgerton, talking about the child she was carrying as if it wasn't technically the older woman's grandchild. What a horrible twist of fate, and yet she could hardly decline the offer. Lonely as she so often was, it seemed like the perfect opportunity...she only hoped this wasn't some way of subtly implying she knew about her and Benedict. "I can hardly imagine handling three on my own," she found herself saying, barely thinking of the implications. Surely, though, everyone knew by now that the General was never home? "How did you do it?"
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Apr 19, 2023 21:21:49 GMT
Tag me @violet
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Post by Violet Bridgerton on Nov 3, 2022 21:28:49 GMT
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| There was no greater torment than to witness your child in pain and being powerless to alleviate their suffering. When she had gone to visit with Benedict after he'd insisted upon isolating himself away from their family, she had never seen him looking so lost.
It was clear that he was suffering through the most painful of grievances one could ever endure. She had told herself that she would not pry into his business and that he would come to her if he wished to, but how could she keep to herself when he looked so broken, so unlike himself.
The truth was unspeakable. That he had fallen in love with a married woman was scandal enough, but the fact that she was carrying his child? It had left her at a loss for how to comfort him, because what was there left to say? The woman was married, and yet... She had somehow captured Benedict's heart.
Violet had promised not to meddle once she learned the truth of Benedict's distress. Inviting the woman of her son's affections might be seen to some as a breach of that strictly verbal contract, but she considered it a courtesy. To extend the hand of friendship towards a young lady whose social circle thus far seemed rather limited.
Then there was the simple matter of the child, that would technically be her grandchild, in blood alone if not in name.
Sipping her tea as she sat across from the woman who had somehow managed to seduce her second son, she allowed herself a smile. "You have done it twice before, the third really is no more different" it had been many years since she last had a baby in the house, but once you had raised one child through infancy, you were well equipped to do it again
"I had my husband; he was a wonderful father and devoted much of his time to helping with the children" the smile slipped from her face as she replaced her cup upon the table. "We lost him before Hyacinth was born and the idea of raising my daughter alone was daunting" she gave the other woman a knowing look. She almost pitied her, for it was obvious that she did not have the love or support from her husband, or why would she search for it elsewhere?
"Now, Hyacinth was a handful when she was small. I do not think I would have coped, if it weren't for Anthony" her son had stepped up in the absence of his father. Clearing her throat, she took to refilling her cup with fresh tea, not looking up as she spoke "I think it much depends on the child, Hyacinth was a handful but then Benedict was such a quiet baby, I often found myself checking that he was still breathing"
Her eyes met Kitty's over the table "more tea?" She reached to fill her cup, stilling her hand as she awaited word to do so. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2022 21:49:27 GMT
kitty & violet. An invitation from the Bridgertons was not to be scoffed at, even if it made her a little nervous. She was grateful to have such an invitation, to be welcomed into their home, although it wasn't easy. The man she loved had grown up here, his family resided here – she was having tea with their children's grandmother, any of their aunts or uncles could walk in at any moment...and none of them would ever truly have that familial connection, just as Benedict could not. Nothing had ever stung as much as this did.
It wasn't planned, none of it. She hadn't intended to meet anyone, she hadn't been looking for someone to keep her bed warm, she'd simply been prepared to be on her own with the children, keeping herself occupied with parties and the like. Benedict had caught her off-guard, and he was doing far more than 'keeping her bed warm'. It was the first time she'd ever been in love, but what could she truly do about it?
"I suppose not," she agreed, though she wasn't convinced. Everything was different. That, however, could not be said for most mothers. The biggest difference this time was the parentage, was knowing her husband would be well aware this baby was not his. He simply wasn't home often enough for that to be possible. The love on her part would be no different; all three children were a part of her...this one would simply be the first to be borne out of love. How tragic it was.
A loving husband certainly would have made this all much easier. Then again, if her husband had ever hinted at caring for her, she never would have found Benedict. Their marriage was hardly even one of convenience, it was one promised due to her father's passing – she'd not even been old enough to debut into society, yet her hand had been promised to a stranger. He'd hardly become anything more than that in the years since. "I am sorry for your loss, Lady Bridgerton. I know it was many years ago, but I do not imagine it gets any easier." How could it? It was painful enough knowing she couldn't be with the man she loved, but at least he was still breathing.
The mention of Benedict caused Kitty to still. For a moment, she was silent, weighing up what exactly that meant. He was one of Violet's children, it was natural to bring him up in such a conversation...but it wasn't that, she knew it wasn't that. The tone, her face – she knew. Kitty could only nod with regards to the tea, aware it wasn't the most polite nor gracious response, but it was rather evident she was trying to blink back tears. Was that what this was? Was she going to tell her to stay away, to stop ruining his life? "He told you? I–" she cut off, her voicing cracking somewhat. How did one explain such a thing to a mother? How did she make it sound any better? "It is not what it sounds like, Lady Bridgerton, I assure you. I am not the type of woman to fall into bed with gentlemen – or with anyone. I never got to be out in society, I was married before then – my father promised me to General Langham before he passed. He's never home, he can barely stand the sight of me, and I was alright with that. I had the children, I had my freedom – Benedict was unexpected. I know we have made a mistake. A lot of them. But I can assure you I love your son...though I am well aware nothing can be done about it. I know that hardly makes it better...but this is hurting me as much as it is him." [attr="class","mizocredit"] [newclass=.mizocredit a]font:bold 6pt calibri;letter-spacing:1px;color:#b5d1f1;[/newclass] |
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