"SHARP!" Mercy exclaimed as he hushed downstairs with a smile on his face, adjusting the buttons of his suit. "Did you take my cufflinks? Be honest."

The cat only meowed at him, not proving either his innocence or guiltiness, but although surprised at his owner's good mood that morning, as he got ready to go out to the Bridgerton residence. Miss Dorothy Fickle cooked in the kitchen and chuckled as Mercy argued with his cat as a child.

"Poor Sharp is always blamed when something goes missing." She shook her head as she delicately attempted to cut vegetables.

"That is because he is usually the main reason for when something goes missing." Mercy lay on the ground, spotting a pair of sparkling cufflinks beneath it. He stretched his arm with great effort only to prove his point. "See?" He showed the missing objects to her, now recovered. "Not your best hiding place so far, Sharp." He teased the cat, who only rubbed himself on his legs in return. "Now you're just bribing me with affection so I may forgive you." He pets the small black cat. "Good for you, it works."

Mercy looked at his old, almost broken watch, where the golden had already faded along with time. He couldn't delay himself any longer, as by now, he was supposed to be on his way to Bridgerton house to teach the sparkling Francesca. He couldn't get her melody off his head, it was so easy yet so creative, incredibly addictive, a true reflection of her.

"Miss Fickle, I'm afraid I may not have time for breakfast now." He simply said as he put on his boots. "You may have it without me."

"Such a rush, I believe Miss Francesca must be very punctual."

"And so am I. I'd hate to ruin her routine, in which her brother says she is very fond of." He responded as now he opened the door to the chilly air of London. "Oh, it's freezing." He declared. "Grab one of my coats when you leave, yes? I do not wish for you to catch a cold."

The old lady smiled gratefully in return, as now her boss left for the poor neighborhood he loved. There were some small, almost nonexistent stores as he passed by the fragile wood constructions. It was strange how London had these two contrasting aspects about itself, one so bright and luxurious, while the other so simple and opaque.

But people were what made everything colorful there, as how he smiled to everybody on the streets and they waved in return, or how even one of the salesmen would say "Have a great day, Mercy! Kick their asses!"

Indeed, life was hard for those people, but each detail made it all truly alive, from the kids that played in the streets... "Jonah! Good morning!" ...to their fathers who watched them proudly. "Samuel!" Mercy shouted, as the black man hushed to greet him.

"Mr. Reeves, have you seen my boy? Look at him run!" Jonah's father, a mere widow who worked as a carpenter with a tough time paying his bills, now smiled at his son more brightly than the sun. "He won't stop talking about the pianoforte now either, all because of you."

"For that sin, I am guilty indeed," Mercy smirked charmingly, and many ladies passing by would swoon over his dimples exposed to the fresh air. "But I must say, your boy is a prodigy, you should be very proud."

"I know, and I thank you for encouraging him so much, you are great to us, I swear." He said kindly, reminding himself of the lessons and financial help he had given them over the years. "Since Elena died, I..."He sighed. "...I did not know what to do, truly."

Mercy looked at him "Raise your head, Samuel." He demanded. "You're an honorable man who raised your son alone, that is remarkable. You and Samuel never needed me." Samuel tried to smile. "I'm sure that up there in heaven, Elena is very much glad to have chosen you as her son's father."

"And for God to have made you my friend," Samuel added and Mercy grinned. "By the way you look fancy, where are you heading off to now?"

"A viscount's residence. I am teaching his sister." He declared.

"Oh that is great, you are good with kids-"

"On the contrary, she is a debutante already, who is very gifted in the pianoforte, but rather shy." He explained. "Still, they did not fire me yet, so I'll keep teaching, the payment is helping so.."

"A debutante you say?" Samuel made a face.

"Samuel." Mercy called him out.

"I did not say a thing!"

"But you tried to." He chuckled. "Do not create any ideas, the lady is only my student, that is all."

"If you say so..." He tilted his head.

"Now I must rush before I lose my job as I speak so fondly of it. Have a great day, Samuel."

"You too, Mr.Reeves."

...

"3 Minutes and 25 seconds late." Francesca Bridgerton declared as she observed the floor with attention as Mercy came through the front door.

He freezer at her attention to the time, as Violet Bridgerton felt her face burn by her daughter's blunt honesty. He stood there, as he had just stepped into the room, trying to find the words to say.

"My most sincere apologies...I did not mean to"

"It is perfectly fine, Mr.Reeves, do not worry." Violet Bridgerton said kindly as she guided the man next to the piano, but Francesca, who was at the stool already, did not alter her same neutral cold expression.

"He still is late." She whispered but he could still listen, as Mercy felt his heart race nervously, for God's sake, was she attempting to get him fired already?

"Francesca."Violet cleared her throat and her daughter looked at her, still with that same moody behavior. "Please be kind, dear." She pleaded instead, and Francesca only looked down. "I'll be right there if you both need anything" She pointed to the sofa across the room. "Have a great lesson."

Violet went back to her corner, reading a random book, as now the silence consumed the two again. The young Bridgerton took a glimpse of her instructor's figure, he had brushed his hair to the opposite side he used to and put on special cufflinks for the occasion, like it deserved some effort for it.

"I...once again apologize, Miss Bridgerton, I promise this mistake won't happen again." He declared, as Francesca only analyzed him silently. "If you'd like, we may-"

"You should brush it the other way." She spits it out, and Mercy looks at her confused. "...your hair...it looks better to the opposite side as you usually do it." He was surprised by her attention.

She feared his upcoming reaction, but instead of some disapproving remark, or even a comment to her mother about her inappropriate behavior, Mercy greened and laughed, he laughed truly, as if that was actually funny and not that type of mockery funny, but truly funny and sweet of her to say it.

Violet looked at them across the room, as Francesca looked at her instructor's reaction with surprise. "I knew I looked ridiculous." One of his hands ran through his hair instantly, the soft curls were messy once again as they used to be, and Francesca caught herself smiling in awe at them and at his instant follow to her command. "Thanks for the suggestion, I appreciate it." He spoke, and Francesca only nodded shyly.

She turned promptly to the piano, now with a faint blush across her cheeks. Mercy was in a great mood as well, and as the lesson developed and he instructed her about the notes she should follow, her skills developed greatly. Even Violet caught herself immersed in their harmony, closing her eyes and enjoying it.

That is until she heard something crash in the kitchen. "GREGORY! LOOK AT WHAT YOU'VE DONE!" Hyancinth's scream was enough to know what happened.

Violet sighed and excused herself quickly, as now only Mercy was there with Francesca in the room.

It was not normal for a lady to be alone with a gentleman surrounded by only 4 walls, but Violet Bridgerton did not suspect anything would happen, after all, in her eyes, Mercy Reeves was only Francesca's instructor, and appeared to be a gentleman.

Indeed, he was.

But it is impossible for one to determine, or interrupt upcoming feelings that grow and develop themselves, so that one day they may reach the surface.

"Try it in another key." He asked kindly, as Francesca tried to alter the tune. "Just like that..."He whispered, leaning a bit over her shoulder to observe the music sheet. "Wait, stop it." He ordered and she did it instantly.

"Is something wrong, Mr.Reeves?" Francesca whispered, even though they were the only ones in the room and everything was silent. Her head turned a bit, their faces only inches apart, as his gelid eyes met hers.

"The last ones." He pointed to the piano tiles. "Try to contain them." He asked but his gaze failed not to observe each detail from her face.

That perfectly shaped diamond, the doll-like eyes, it was everything so perfectly sculptured that any man would shake in her presence, not to speak of how her lips were so inviting yet so forbidden.

"These?" She pointed, and he nodded.

"Allow me." He spoke gently, as his fingers descended upon the keys by her side, touching them delicately so the sound wouldn't be too loud. Her skin brushed against his, as now his chin was next to her. "Now...1, 2, 3..."He muttered in a tempo as they followed the melody. "...1, 2, 3..."

Francesca smiled warmly to the sounds created, as a serenade from Mount Olympus to Zeus' lovers. Her heart fluttered within her eyesight.

"Now, father, come on." He said, as he now pressed the tiles more eagerly, and she barely could keep the tempo at first. "Come on, Miss Bridgerton." He smiled as Francesca giggled as he almost smashed her fingers when she delayed herself. "That's it, keep going"

"Am I doing it correctly now?" She chuckled, and her smile was simply majestic to him.

He hummed in response, as he now watched her even more than the piano. "You tell me. What do you feel in the melody?" He asked.

Francesca took a moment to fully digest the sounds, as they processed inside her, note after note, a full story that could be written and matched with her heartbeats. When he watched his hand follow hers in the small duet, the world seemed even more alive and colorful, almost too bright and exciting.

"It's almost...euphoric." She grinned surprised. And when she stopped playing, she finally looked at him, now only inches away. "...I like it." She mumbled, as her breath almost escaped by their proximity.

Mercy found his eyes sinking into Francesca's for a single moment, both their breaths suspended by the warmth that grew on both their chests. In that split second, Mercy Reeves found the sweet Francesca, something that resembled mostly a dream, so near yet so far.

"But mama!" Hushed steps approached the living room, and Mercy took that as a sign to quickly step away and recompose himself, clearing his throat as the two youngest bridgertons walked in and the viscountess just behind them.

"Don't be loud, your sister's having her lessons now." Violet disapproved of the two but then smiled to her daughter, who was still embarrassed and frozen into place, and to her music instructor, who cleared his throat as if he had swallowed a bug.

"Um..."Mercy shook his head. "Let's continue, shall we?"

...

"Have you seen that papa? Look at that!" Bellatrix smiled at her old father who sat next to his queen, he smiled brightly at his daughter. "Ernest you should go in one of those."

It was a joyful morning when the sun shined brightly above and a distinct carnival was laid on the fields of the countryside of London, there were all sorts of attractions, including a great buffet to water one's mouth, and a gigantic balloon at the center, the newest science's miracle.

Bellatrix, her husband Benedict, and her daughter joined her parents and her brother Ernest (who was dragged there, and only convinced to stay because of his little nice who he was surprisingly very fond of) at the biggest tent of the event, escaping from the sun and watching the event develop itself as more people arrived.

"So I can fall from it and die? No, thank you, sister." He rolled his eyes, as his father laughed. "You are finding it so funny aren't you father?"

"You could be the newest supernova in our galaxy, Ernie." He declared, and his son slightly smiled at the childish nickname.

"I glow wherever I go, I do not need such a vehicle." He joked and the king laughed once again.

"What about you, your majesty?" Benedict tried to smile at his mother-in-law, who only looked at him with a straight face as he held his baby in his arms. "Would you have the courage to go on a balloon ride?"

"I believe that observing it in silence, is far more enjoyable, Mr.Bridgerton." She pronounced the silent part louder, so he would take notice of her message.

"I see..."He forced a smile as he looked back at the large invention at the center being tied up to the ground. "I could paint it for your majesty if you'd-" Just at that moment, Aurora blurped on his shoulder, creating a bit of a mess on his outfit.

The queen laughed a bit too loud, and Benedict smiled to have finally done something to cause such a reaction.

"Oh, my love..." Bella chuckled and tried to clean it. "Ernest, hold this cutie for me please." She asked gently as her uncle grabbed the baby in his arms.

"Oh, what is this thing you're wearing?" He made a disgusted face to the baby. "You deserve better clothing for such an event, this is so opaque and doesn't enlighten your little smile." He tickled her and the baby giggled. "Do not worry, I'll buy you new gowns. Your parents have no style at all."

"She laughed finally!" Benedict exclaimed to Bella in a whisper, raising his eyebrows. "Your mother...I am finally gaining her heart."

"You do not need to try so hard, Ben, you win people's hearts effortlessly." Bella kissed her cheek. "Just as you stole mine."

"Benedict!" Geroge called him joyfully. "You said you have a new art collection, don't you?" The artist nodded proudly. "Sit down and tell me all about it!" The king pulled a chair next to him.

"See?" Bella smiled, and Benedict Bridgerton completely believed her now. "Now go, I need to rescue our daughter from my brother now" She chuckled.

Across the field, more guests would arrive, such as the newest member of the ton, who amused themselves with the huge balloon at the center, and their friend, who actually came to the occasion.

"You finally agreed to join us, I feel so happy," Alice said with a smile, as she watched her kids run playing around.

"I did not know you liked this...science stuff." Will Mondrich said as he guided his wife through the event.

"I don't." Mercy Reeves, who received a new dark brown suit with ornaments from his friend to come to the event, watched the decorations all around, he stopped in his tracks at the sight of the balloon. "...But my mother did."

Mercy didn't talk much about his mother, it was a sensitive topic to him since he met Will Mondrich for the first time in his dueling ring, where he still used to fight with Simon Basset. He was more of a reserved gentleman who went there only to find the richest man willing to spend money, and possibly patron him in his musical gifts.

All Will knew is that Mercy's mother was the one who taught him piano and that she died at a very early stage of his life, still a boy, probably 9 at the time, and he was sent to an orphanage, where his skills developed in an old piano that created dust in one of the corners. However, he knew about that man's great love and admiration for his mother, he valued his family and his roots, and perhaps that is why Will respected him so much.

He only wished his friend had a chance to succeed and live life truly just as he was now.

But even if Will insisted, Mercy would never accept his financial help. He had a strong sense of character and morals, which would certainly be difficult to break to make him accept such help so easily, a very stubborn fellow, Will would say.

But now he saw him, as a little boy, going to an event he would mostly despise being at, only so he could witness a balloon as his mother would like to. A golden-hearted man, his friend thought.

"Oh God, where is Nicky going now?" Alice asked as she saw her son speed at a noble.

"This boy..."Will sighed. "Give us just a minute, Mercy."

"Take as long as you need." Mercy chuckled as the two ran after their son.

Francesca Bridgerton, instead, was just introduced to Lord Samadani, who was invited by the queen and came all the way from Vienna to meet the debutante. He was...pleasing to the eyes, but not really an interesting person, and as soon as she found an excuse of "going to meet an acquaintance" the girl escaped from the matchmaking.

She was walking by the tents, avoiding the loud chattering of the carnival when she accidentally bumped into someone. A mysterious fragrance of blueberry, vanilla and black pepper filled her lungs, as now she saw the figure turn around and match the same surprised expression as hers.

"Mr.Reeves" Francesca gasped a bit surprised. "M-my apologies..."

"No, I apologize, I should have looked beforehand..."He said a bit awkwardly as well as both of them gave awkward smiles. "Uh...delightful day, is it not?"

She nodded. "The sky is surprisingly clear." Her gaze fell to his hands. "...Is that a kite?"

Mercy sniffed with a grin as she took notice of the tool in his hands. "Yes." He smiled so adorably that Francesca felt her being melt at his sight. "I know what you think, I am too old for these sort of things..."

"Not at all." She shook her head. "I do find these things quite...interesting, although I've never had the chance to actually manage one."

He raised an eyebrow. "Never?" She shook her head. "But that is unacceptable, what kind of childhood did you have, Miss Bridgerton?" Francesca chortled. "Let me guess, endless afternoons playing piano."

"I'm afraid to say that yes." She said sweetly, hands glued behind her back. "I am more of an indoors person."

"I am as well, but my mother insisted for me to spend some time at the sun at least an hour a day or I would become a little pale ghost." The two laughed. "The kite was the only thing that managed to keep me away from the piano, even for a short time."

He showed off the kite he had just bought for just a few pounds from a salesman, it had bright blue and lilac colors with a hint of turquoise, quite delicate but still nitid to see at a higher distance.

"Is it that interesting?" Francesca asked a bit curious.

"Oh, it is quite a wonder, here, let me demonstrate." Mercy took note of the winds and their directions before throwing the kite to the sky, where the wind hugged her and lifted it towards the clouds. The little ribbons on it showed where the object, now a bit far, stood, as a colorful for in the middle of the deep blue. "Look at that!" He exclaimed.

Francesca looked up, as the object practically floated with the breeze, her hair and her gown shaking next to her instructor as they both watched the kite above. It almost resembled a bird, flying free from any sort of matter or anyone, and Mercy could control it any way he wanted to, which impressed her even further.

"Oh, that is quite exciting." She smiled at the breeze, and Mercy almost lost focus when gazing at her.

"Not yet." He smirked as he handled her the small crafted wood device used to control the kite, Francesca widened her eyes in an exposed panic. "You give it more line if you want it higher, if you wish to make it closer, you take it and twist here."

"Sounds quite complex." She felt her mind race.

"Miss Bridgerton, you play the most difficult, chord progressions ever known to mankind as if you are petting a cat." He chuckled. "I am quite sure you can manage a child's toy."

Francesca smiled at the compliment but still felt nervous overall, how could she do that so suddenly? She may have seen Anthony or Colin playing with one of these things once, as she gazed through her bedroom's window when she was still little, but besides that, she had no experience whatsoever.

The wind got faster, and she felt her body tremble in anxiety as she thought about ruining it all until.

"Easy." Mercy's large veiny hand landed on top of hers, steading the control, as her cheeks blushed by the soft contact. He felt his smile wider, a she giggled against the wind, trying to control the kite that attempted to break free, her eyes glistened in wonder. "Great job, look at you." He chuckled.

"I am a professional...uh...Kite driver." She made it up and Reeves laughed. "I know, that was terrible."

"Indeed."

She madw a face in wonder for his blunt honesty but couldn't help but feel in ease. Usually, a gentleman would agree, even ignore what she'd say, but Mercy...he was simply Mercy. It was like he managed not to break her barriers, but indulge, absorb into them, enter her world as if he had his own invitation to it.

And she caught herself wishing for him not to leave.

But the wind got faster, and as the grand balloon started to be contained by some gentleman, Francesca's kite begun to fight her way to freedom.

"Oh no-" She tried to hold it, but her hair was on her face, her dress shook violently.

"Miss Bridgerton, I think you should let it go." Mercy told her.

"No, but your kite..."

"Miss Bridgerton it doesn't matter."

Francesca's were almost hurting from trying to pull the kite back, and she hated to see that lilac dot disappear so easily.

She was being dragged by the Kite by now, her feet trying to follow as it started to run away, and soon enpugh she would fall on the ground.

"Miss Bridgerton!" Mercy shouted and just in time, when her arms couldn't hold it anymore, Franceaca collapsed into his instead.

The kite disappeared into the wind do fastly that they barely had time to spot where it could possibly land. All Mercy focused on now, was to keep the Bridgerton dame secure in his arms, as a shield of protection surrouding her completely.

Francesca felt the warmth of his body, his fragance infect her clothes, and when she looked up, meeting his face her cheeks turned into a deep scarlet rush.

"Are you alright?" Mercy whispered as she stuttered to even answer. "Did you get hurt, Miss Bridgerton?" He asked concerned.

Franceaca shook her head, as now he stood her on the ground, arms leaving her as the cold embraced her instead, making her instantly miss his touch.

"No...Not at all...Thank you." She mumbled as her fingers fidgeted nervously. "Byt I've lost your kite, I am deeply sorry-"

Mercy chuckled and shook his head. "Oh, Miss Bridgerton, there is nothing to apologize!" He tranquilized her. "It is just a kite, you're all that matters." Just then he realized his words, coughing. "I...i mean, your safety matters first."

Francesca nodded, a bit embarrassed feeling the butterflies in her stomach still agitated. It was so strange, she had never felt that way before, what could it be?

"Francesca? Francesca, dear?" Violet's voice could be heard at some distance, and just then Francesca realized it had been long since she escaped the queen and her guest.

"Oh Goodness, my mother is looking for me." She exclaimed.

"You shouldn't leave her waiting." He advised, offering an arm. "Should I escort you back to her?"

It was almost too tempting to link an arm to his, but what would the queen say if she saw them? The marquess of Samadani would despise it, and Francesca certainly did not wish to displease her mother.

"I...I believe I can manage it on my own, I won't bother you any longer, Mr.Reeves-"

"You do not bother, Miss Bridgerton"

"And thank you.."She turned to him sweetly. "For teaching me how to use a kite, I am most grateful."

"It was certainly fun, thank you for joining me." He smiled in return, hands sweating nervous as a little boy. "I believe I'll see you in our next lesson?"

"Of course." She declared, already anticipating it. "Until our next lesson, Mr.Reeves."

Just when Francesca turned around, leaving, Mercy could finally let out his shaky, nervous breath he tried to contain for so long.

My God, that woman would be his doom.