"WHAT HAS FRANCESCA DONE?" Anthony asked, as he witnessed Mercy Reeves quietly excuse himself another morning.

For the following week since Lord Fuller's event, Mercy only lectured as a souless instructor to Francesca. It was a simple procedure:

Greet, lecture, pause (away from her and in silence), lecture again, and leave.

There was no space for chattering, comments, not even compliments. And that's how it was supposed to have been since the beginning. After all, what was he thinking? She was just like them after all, and he was too innocent, too dumb to have thought she was different.

She would simply accept and behave as them, and marry that jerk that was Lord Samadani.

No, he needed to escape her, know his place.

"What do you mean?" Violet questioned as she saw her daughter facing the piano with an empty expression.

"He's been...strangely unlike himself lately." Anthony continued as he sat by Benedict at the sofa and shot the little Aurora a dorky smile. "You know, usually he would still talk to her."

"But he talks, doesn't he?" Benedict furowed his eyebrows. "I mean, they just had class."

"They spoke the bare minimum, Francesca barely complained about not taking a break today, and she always does." Anthony reforted and this time his brother actually understood what he meant.

Francesca, who was there, still a the piano, staring at the keys, tried to ignore their conversation. All right, maybe Mercy was indeed disappointed, it seemed like the new friendship they developed became colder, and now a wall was created between them. Professionalism, nothing else.

But what did he expect her to do? To defend his cause so bluntly in front of Lord Samadani? That man could possibly become her husband, it's not like she could do much about it, if she did, she'd lose her chance.

Even if she hated that chance.

"So, Francesca." Anthony teased. "Tell us, what have you done?"

Francesca opened her mouth to speak, avoid the question even, when a stronge presence entered the room.

"Look at who just arrived!" Bellatrix exclaimed, as someone held her hand and entered the room.

"Daphne!" Benedict exclaimed happily.

"Did you really think I would miss your first wedding anniversary?" She smirked and hugged her brother, while Simon greeted the viscount, her son, Auggie, rapidly ran to his grandmother. "Francesca!" She greeted her sister and opened her arms. "A little hug?"

The young woman smiled to her and quickly embraced her. Daphne was the one who mostly resembled her in apperance and was in fact her role model, well, she became a role model to all her sisters sincr she married wealthy, a duke, and to make it even better, married for love. She was everything their mother has always wished for her.

While Francesca did not know if she would able to fulfill that expectation.

"Don't mind her, it seems she got into an argument with her music instructor." Anthony declared.

"Miss Jensen?" Daphne asked confused, she was even more dazzling now as a mother.

"No, Mr.Reeves." He corrected. "Miss Jensen has retired, he's her newest substitute."

"Oh." She nodded. "And why did you fight with him?"

"I...I..."Francesca stuttered uncomfortably, her hands glued behind her back, eyes wandering the round as she felt more nerbous by each second. "I didn't..."

"Why don't you three stop bothering her and go to your study?" Bellatrix said instead, hushing her husband. "Colin said he is on his way, you may all catch up and have some good chattering."

"I didn't say a word." Simon spoke for himself and his wife chuckled. "You're laughing at this? I'm being wrongly blamed because of your brothers."

"It is not my fault you're just like them." She teased and he shot her the charmest of the smiles. Oh, that smile was her weakness. The door opened, revealing the third eldest son. "There he is."

Colin blinked confused. "Uh...hello?"

"Come." Benedict wrappes an arm around his shoulder. "Manly bussiness to attend."

"Can I excuse myself from it?"

"Not a chance." Anthony retorted as they pratically kidnapped the brother to the study.

Once everything became quiet again, Violet calmly set her grandchildren comfortably next to each other, the young Aurora and the 2 year old Auggie, and she stood there, pampering them all morning long, oh she was in heaven.

"Aurora has grown so much, she's so beautiful." Daphne complimented her.

"So did Auggie. He resembles Simon a lot." Bella chuckled.

"That is what I've been saying!" Just then the two noticed Francesca at a corner. "Fran" Daphne sweetly called her. "Would you like to join us?"

"I baked some cookies." Bella tried to bribe her. "We'll speak low and..."She gave her some music sheets. "I'd like your opinion for the orchestra's songs."

She widened her eyes a bit surprised by the suggestion. "Me? A-Are you sure?"

"I believe that is a great idea." Daphne smiled. "So, care to join us?"

Francesca nodded, and while squeezed between the people that made her feel most comfortable in the world, her problems faded away. Even if just for a while.

...

"What is the matter with you?"

"Matter with me?"

"Yes, you." Miss Dorothy Fickle questioned as she watched the dark haired man grab his coat to go downtown.

"I have no matters" He avoided the interrogation, and pet his cat's head. He bit his hand. "Bloody hell, Sharp!" He complained with a soft pain across his hand.

"See? Even Sharp has noticed."

"Sharp hasn't noticed a thing, he's just hungry as always." He rolled his eyes.

It was hard to escape Miss Fickle's burning knowing gaze. It was almost as if a fly couldn't escape her radar, and she could detect any lie just by unfamiliar breathing. The woman was more useful than the royal guard.

"You are upset." She crossed her arms, and he sighed annoyed. "Look at me while I'm talking, young man." He turned to her. "Did you discuss with someone?" He looked away. "You did."

"It is not that important."

"Oh, it clearly is since you look like someone had just rained on your parade. What is the problem, Mercy?" She asked gently, she despised to see that sweet person so sad down the tainy streets of London. "Some days ago you used to whistle while going to the Bridgerton house and-Oh my..."She widened her eyes. "Was it the girl?" He frozened at her words. "The girl you're lecturing, what was her name...Francesca!"

His pale face suddenly became red as a teenager. "No, it wasn't."

"It was her."She confirmed. "What have you done?"

"Me?" He looked at her offended. "Why do you think it is my fault?"

"Why would that sweet girl hurt you? You must've done something."

"You don't even know her!"

"But you used to speak so fondly of her, I don't believe she could be up for something wrong, that only leaves one possibility." Miss Fickle tilted her head to the side, analyzing him. "You misunderstood something, perhaps."

"You read too much into something meaningless." He spkke annoyed and opened up the door having enough. "I have bussiness to attend downtown, I do not have time for this."

"I know you appreciate silence, but sometimes talking can be a great solution." She suggested, he curved her mouth. "Don't be stubborn, it is no weakness to apologize."

"Apologize?!" He reacted and she almost laughed. "I have nothing to apologize, it is her who..."He paused before speaking too much. "It is just who she is. There's nothing I can do. Now, excuse me."

He closed the door with strentgh, almost making Sharp jump at his brutality. Miss Fickle clicked her tongue, shaking her head as she picked up the cat and pet his fur.

"That boy..."She sighed. "When will he ever learn?"

...

"I was thinking about pink, something very delicate." Daphne suggested as she escorted her mother, and Bellatrix escorted Francesca, as they walked thorugh the pretty streets of Mayfair's dowtown. "What do you say, Francesca?"

The girl was quiet as she admired the stores with quite boredom. She liked to be in her family's presence, but sometimes it was just too much for her, she needed time to go home, just stop thinking and maybe recharge for another day.

"I like pink." She simply answered.

Bellatrix gave her a gentle smile, touching softly her arm. "But, if you would like something else, we can arrange it."

Francesca felt grateful for her attention. "It is fine, really." She replied. "I do like the color."

"Then pink it is." Violet smiled.

They continued to walk for a few more minutes, greeting members of the ton every now and then. Daphne and Bellatrix were always cherished, the duchess and the previous princess, what distinguishing family.

Francesca just felt like a little ghost next to them, but still, it was even better not to be noticed.

"Oh, I almost forgot to ask." Daphne suddenly popped up another subject. "Lord Samadani." Francesca wanted to die. "Tell me everything, how is he like?"

Terrible. But she wouldn't say that, instead..."Um...Kind." Francesca only replied.

"Is that all?" Daphne chuckled a bit amused.

"He is a bit handsome, yes?" Bellatrix tried to help and Francesca nodded. "My mother said he is of a very wealth and honourable family."

"Sounds like a good match." Daphne nodded. "But do you like him?"

Francesca did not answer.

Violet and Daphne exchanged fearful gazes. "Look, if that interest is not shared..."The viscountess tried to speak.

"...yes, it will be no problem, I can talk to my mother." Bellatrix tried to ease the situation.

But Francesca had stopped walking, making the group of women slightly confused.

"That is Mr.Reeves." She muttered, as the other 3 looked at the same direction she was.

There he was, Mercy, a black dot in the crowd. The suit adorning his shoulders, as his aquamarine eyes stared at a small collection of snowglobes in a showcase. His semblant was soft, humble, and he looked gorgous under daylight, dark curls falling above his sharp face.

"Mr.Reeves?" Daphne looked at her curiously. "Your instructor you say?"

"Bellatrix." Francesca turned quickly to her. "You know Lady Danbury for quite some time, has she ever mentioned him after her ball? Did she mention his family?"

"Uh...no, not as far as I am aware." She answered, and as she took a glimpse at Francesca's sparkling eyes to her instructor, something in her already knew. "Would uh...like to greet him?"

"Yes!" She answered a bit too promptly.

"N-Now?" Violet stuttered.

But Francesca made haste and within the blink of an eye the group had crossed the street, Bella was dragged by Francesca's arm, and Mercy Reeves almost jumped when he heard his name.

"Mr.Reeves, good morning." She said awkwardly as he looked at her as if a spirit had came down on earth to hunt him.

"Miss Francesca...good morning." He cleared his throat nodding. "Ladies." He greeted the group.

"Oh...um...This is my sister in law, Bellatrix." She introduced them and they greeted one another. "She's my brother Benedict's wife."

"You mean the..."

"Previous princess of the british crown, yes. But now I'm just Mrs. Bridgerton." The two smiled to one another. "I heard greatly about your music, from both Benedict and Francesca."

"Thank you. Both your husband and your sister and your husband have been very kind and welcoming to me."

"This is my oldest sister Daphne." Francesca introduced them both. "She's in town for Bella and Benedict's wedding anniversary."

"So you're a musician? How remarkable." Daphne smiles tenderly.

"You are all very kind. I just try my best." He said a bit embarrassed.

But Francesca was sfill nervous, and that little misunderstandment between them was even more awkward when hidden within her so polite family.

"You left...quite abruptely the other morning." She went straight to the point, making him blush.

Bella took a step back, letting Franceaca speak freely, and leaned to Daphne, who whispered at her ear "You never said her instructor was cute." Bella chuckled at her words. "Is he blushing?"

"Do not say such things, he's only talking to her." Violet retorted. "Besides, your sister has no interest in him"

"If you say so..."

"Well our time for class was over, so I believed it was better to leave." Mercy responded, but Francesca did not seem very pleased by his answer.

She remained there, as a statue, almost obligating him to speak when he could not say a word, and none of the other women would say a word either. It was this weird, strange void in silence while her engines in her brain worked nonstop.

"I expected to see you at other events, after Lord Fuller's collection exhibit." She muttered.

"Lord Fuller was some sort of work, I was only there because of the children, and of course to be polite." He smiled as the ladies nodded awakerdly "Which is what I most usually do in events as those"

"And did you..."She looked down, hands glued and a wide adorable smile. "...stop to speak wits us just to be...polite?" She forced a giggle.

Daphne and Bellatrix almost facepalmed at the scene.

Mercy stopped for a moment to understand what had just happened. "I...believe you stopped me."

Another great pause of shame.

Daphne could not believe sometimes that Francesca could be her sister in those situations, they could not be any more different when speaking and socializing. She had to do something.

"Um...Enjoyable music, yes?" She referred herself to a violinist in the middle of the street who attracted many listeners passing by.

"No." Francesca and Mercy responded at the same time, exchanging gazes of understanding.

"Tough crowd, huh?" Bella tried joke.

"And...why do you believe it is not enjoyable, Miss Francesca?" Mercy questioned, and that made her heart speed again.

It was like he turned a switch inside her. "The pace is too fickle." Mercy was all ears to her. "Just as you think as you are starting to comprehend the memody, the song is over." He involuntarily smiled to her. "A song like this would be far sweeter if it were played-"

"3/4?" He suggested with a smirk that could make any lady breathless. Violet Bridgerton wavee herself with a fan.

"Yes." Francesca looked at him mesmerized. "That way, one could in fact...feel, the music."

Mercy Reeves was there, standing still, stunned, completely taken away by such knowledge, such incredibly smart feedback, oh to witness someone so clever, so incredibly humble as Francesca Bridgerton...

"Fantastic." He whispered a bit too loud for Daphne and Bellatrix to have listened to it, exchanging suspicious gazes to other another. "I-I mean, I completely agree with your opinion, Miss Francesca."

She shyly nodded in return, the two with soft, discrete smiles, well, maybe not so discrete, but enough for both of them to witness, until Francesca Bridgerton cleared her throat.

"Do you have any plans scheduled for this saturday, Mr.Reeves?"

He blinked amused just as the ladies with her. "Not as far as I believe...why?"

"Would you like to come to Benedict's wedding anniversary?"

"Francesca dear-" Violet tried to speak.

"If it is alright with you, Bella." She turned to her sister in law with puppy, pleading eyes and a delocate tone that broke her heart.

"Of course it is." Bella responded right away before Violet could say anything against it. "You are more than welcome, Mr.Reeves."

"I...I am most grateful, but I don't think i should-" Mercy shaked his head.

"I don't find any issue in it." Daphne agreed. "Most of the ton is invited, some of them we do not even know their names." She chuckled. "You, otherwise, seems like a very dear instructor to us. Miss Jensen, her previous teacher, used to come to these events well, didn't she, mama?"

Violet Bridgerton couldn't deny. "...yes, sometimes."

"Then it is settled." Francesca nodded promptly, her fingers shaking with enthsuasim, her smile warmed Mercy's heart. "Will you come, Mr.Reeves?"

He gazed at her, thrn at the other 3 anxious woman, and found himself in a situation impossible to now escape. "...I mean...it would be an honor..." He mumbled. "If you insist."

"Great." She grinned. "We shall see you there."

Mercy nodded, forcing a smile embarrassed. "If you...um..." He couldn't stay there any longer, it was unberable to even say anything at this point. "I have some things to buy...for the orphanage home, if you don't mind.."

"Of course." Francesca nodded, eyes sparkling as bowed to them and entered the first store he could find.

Once Mercy Reeves was out of sight and Francesca could finally breathe, she joined her mama and her sisters on the way home. It all seemed so thrilling and risky, as a kite flying in the air, breeze shaking it against the wind, and she knew that this was the only chance she could have to make amends with Mercy, she couldn't waste, or worse, take the risk of losing someone so similar to her.

"It will be good to have a friend for Francesca there." Daphne tried to fix the situation, as Bellatrix escorted Francesca more ahead. "You know, she often gets lonely at parties."

"I did not know she had grown so close to the instructor." Violet tilted her head to the side, a bit concerned.

"Nothing wrong with making a friendship." Daphne said although a feeling back in her mind couldn't shake away even if she tried to. "Besides, we both know we wpuldn't be able to keep the same tempo of speaming about piano as him with her." She joked and Violet finally smiled a bit relaxed.

"You are right, perhaps I'm reading too much into the situation." She agreed. "Now come on, we must buy those dresses or else this afternoon was only worth endless music chattering."

...

"I think I'm going to die."

"You are guest to an anniversary party, not a groom to a wedding." Will Mondrich furrowed his eyebrows as he looked over his friend's shoulder. "Just wear a goddamn pastel color."

Will raised the soft blue shirt to his eyesight, while Mercy stepped back, hid behind furniture as a scaredy cat.

"Take that thing away from me!" He warned with a pillow on his hands ready to be thrown.

"You need to follow the dress code."

"What is wrong here? Why aren't you ready yet?" Alice came in, already sparkling in a soft yellow dress close to whitez she sparkled in details of golden with the chain around her neck.

Mercy had requested his friends' help to be able to go to the Bridgerton wedding, luckikly they were also invited, perhaps all London had, since the Queen would be there, and according to Whistledown there was no previous wedding to the couple.

So there he was, in one of the Mondrich's new mansion's rooms, hiding behind a chair as a little kid, as his friend, who was ready as well, tried to convince him.

"Mercy refuses to wear a lighter color." Will rolled his eyes.

Alice looked at Mercy. "Is this true?" He clenched his jaw in subtle fear. "Mercy Reeves." She clicked her tongue. "You are a guest you must follow their dress code."

"A terrible dress code."

"Still their dress code. Once you make your own event, then you may dress up like in a funeral, until then..." She took the shirt from Will's hands and threw at him. "You follow their wishes."

He groaned as an annoyed teenager.

"Miss Francesca will be so disappointed, right Will?" She used the same technique she used with their kids.

Will Mondrich immediatly caught the signal. "Oh, indeed." He nodded. "Imagine, she invited him but he can't simply dress up nicely for her."

"But other gentlemen will." She smiled. "Much more kind, considerate ones."

"And you'll just be the only man who ruined her brother's anniversary. Ouch."

"Wasn't her brother who got him the job in the first place?"

"That's right, he-"

"Fine!" He shouted and finally stood up, sighing. "I'll wear it, damnit."

Alice high fived with her husband and smiled victoriously. "Do not forget the white suit." She remarked. "We'll wait downstairs until you're done."

"Good boy." Will winked teasingly and exited the room before his friend could curse him.

He would be colorful, damn him, he would dress up as a little doll for her. Why did he agree to this in the first place? Fake smiles and chatter with strangers all day long, that was torfure, and those sttangers were noble! He would die right in front of the Bridgertons!

He dramatically cursed as he put on the shirt, he was already pale, but now he could almost see himself as a complete spirit.

They did suit up nicely, much lighter, fresher, like a flower blossoming, something straight out of a fairytale, prince charming style.

Would Francesca like it? He thought, but immediatly shook away the idea.

Greet thr family, socialize the bare minimum and leave. That is all he had to do.

He stared at himself in the mirror. He did have to give Aloce and Will the credit for buying such a fine piece, perfect fabric even the details were made of gold, he could buy an entire new house wigh that suit.

"I look like a fucking bride."

...

"And that's how Benedict got ink inside his nose." Anthony finished.

"He's really stupid, always knew it." Colin chuckled.

"And you both are great brothers." Benedict squinted his eyes at their audacity. "You are lucky I'm too nervous to care."

"Nervous?" Simon raised an eyebrow curiously. "Is it about the queen?"

They were all gathered at a table together, the gardens of Aubrey Hall were particularly dashing all decorated as they should be. Good thing Bellatrix had managed to drift the event from the queen's palace to the Bridgerton home, it was much more comfortable and familiar, matched with the couple's aesthetic.

"You worry yourself too much, brother." Anthony shook his head. "It'll be fine."

"You say that cause you're not me." Benedict tilted his head to the side. "It looks like whatever comes off my mouth, she despises it. Even if I am just breathing."

Colin cheated on the card gane they played once again, the sun was shining and he could spot the ladies at some distance gossiping.

"Put that down." Stephen Surrey recommended as he spot the act. Colin groaned annoyed. "Put it down, Colin."

He obeyed and Simon laughed victoriously.

"I believe that is mine, thank you." He took the money from the desk and caredully put it inside his pocket.

"That isn't fair, you're a duke. You don't need it."Colin retorted.

"And you're a cheater, who's worse?" Simon snapped back, silencing him.

Benedict otherwise could only mourn about his future public humiliation in front of Charlotte.

"She'll hate me. She'll...annulate my wedding, exile, execute me even-"

"Drama queen" Stephen mocked.

"Do not say the word queen!" He whimpered and let his head rest on the desk completely defeated.

Simon tapped his shoulder with some empathy.

"I do believe that is no reason for such behaviour." Anthony said otherwise. "Bellatrix is happy, Aurora is happy, there is nothing to fear about."

"That is so easy for you to say."

Anthony sighed annoyed. "And why is that brother?"

"Because you're the one who she had chosen." He interjected, causing tension among the table. "You're the viscount Queen Charlotte wished for her daughter to marry."

Anthony looked at him surprised, face cold as stone as he brought up the past so suddenly.

"Do not speak foolishness, that was long ago..."

"If it was you, she'd be happy." Benedict retorted. "She'd...laugh, smile, chat even." He shook his head. "While I only make Bella ashamed."

"Guys..."Colin tried to speak.

"Bellatrix had chosen you." Anthony spoke in an ultimatum tone. "Your...wife." The word hurt him. "She knew what she was doing when she chose you, she loves you."Even simon could have noticed the pain in his eyes as he spoke. "No, you do not own a title, and no, you were not the queen's choice, but Bella's." He put his cards down tired. "And that is all the choice you need. So for God's sake, stop bitching when you are the most blessed man in the world."

That managed to silence his brother, but not calm the situation. Even if Stephen called him, Anthony got up from his chair and walked away, back into the house, leaving the group.

Benedict sighed, running his hands through his face exhausted. "He's right...I shouldn't have said that." He declared.

"Give him some time." Simon recommended. "He'll come around eventually." Colin nodded and before they could start another round of poker, they could hear the women caing from sone distance. "We should go back and check on them. Come on."

...

"Somebody just kill me already."

"Me too."

"Stop it you both." Alice retorted as she watched her husband and his friend squirm in their suits as they finally reached the crowded gardens of Aubrey Hall. "Oh this is beautiful." She smiled.

"Not as beautiful as you, my love." Will kissed her cheek.

Mercy made a disgusted face teasingly and his friend pushed his shoulder. What a huge crowd, the duchess of hastings wasn't exaggerating when she mentioned there would be most of the ton there, the priviledged, well known highest peers were there, chatting and exposing their pastel colors to sunlight, when it got all together it did seem pretty, like a canvas itself. But still, to make him wear that was supposed to be a hate crime.

"I can't even find the Bridgertons from here." Will commented and Alice nodded. "The Featheringtons...the Cowpers...ew." He reacted. "The Smiths...where the hell are the bridgertons so we can just greet them and leave?"

"Be patient, we'll soon have our chance" Alice tried to calm him, giving some light taps on his arms. "Until then, we...uh...smile and wave." She forced a smile as a couple passed by.

"I'd rather drink poison." Mercy grinned forcedly as he nodded to some gentleman ignored him. "Why was I even born in the first place?" Will laughed. "Shut it, you're the one who convinced me to be here, if it weren't for you both, I'd have already left this miserable-"

"Who's miserable?" A voice made Mercy jump at his words. It was the Viscount Anthony himself.

"Just my stomach, I'm starving." Will chuckled and escaped the awkwardness greeting Anthony and duke of hastings, Simon Basset, his old time friend. "So good to see you man. Looking nice"

"So are you, proud of you, my friend." He tapped his shoulder. "So this is the musician?"

"The one and only." He turned to Mercy. "My friend Simon, he's married to Anthony's sister Daphne."

"Ah yes." Mercy smiled now more recomposed and shook his hand. "Pleasure to meet you."

"Now tell me, how do you handle this jerk all the time huh?" He teased and Will laughed. "Hey Will he looks very thin, don't you take him to fight?"

"Oh Mercy's got princess' hands, wrestling's not for him." The two laughed and Mercy pushed his friend shoulder.

Indeed, even with a well shaped body by work, Mercy wasn't as near as strong as Will or Simon Basset were, and he didn't even wish to. Fighting for him was simply meaningless if not professionaly, he'd rather work in his more academical side instead.

"Now, I'm glad you came, my sister won't stop looking for you." Anthony touched Mercy's shoulder, making him gulp. "What did you do huh?" He squinted his eyes.

Mercy felt his whole body rigid for a second. What did he mean by that? He didn't plan on seducting or hurting Francesca, what if he mistook the situation? What if he could see through him?

"Me? I-I just-"

"Relax, musician!" Anthony laughed. "I was just teasing you." The other gentleman followed and Mercy tried to keep his cool, he was a pile of nerves. "She probably wants to gloat about music again, thank God we have you for that." He tapped his shoulder friendly. "Come on, let me guide you until her, you won't get too far if stuck in this crowd."

Will and his wife joined behind as they squeezed through the crowd until another tent where the Bridgertons were. Between them, was also the royal family and Lord Samadani, who, predictably, was next to the poor Francesca.

"Are you sure you're not interested for a match for yourself?" Bellatrix smirked for Eloise Bridgerton, who waved herself in distress under the sunlight. "I could find someone for you, maybe introduce you to one of my siblings."

"One of your siblings?" The dark haired scoffed. "Bella, with all due respect, I love you, truly, I couldn't have chosen a better wifr for Benedict, but your siblings are..." She gazed at some of them, a group of gentleman poking their fingers in each other's ears like kids. "....barbarians."

Bellatrix looked over at the group, and the second hand embarrasment washed all over her. Eloise was completely right. But just then she watched her favorite brother pass by.

"Ernie!" She grinned.

"Where's the ambush?" Her brother furrowed his eyebrows, it was incredible how he resembled so much their father.

"What do you mean?"

"When you call me earnie in such an endearing way it must mean it you want something. Something diabolical." He dramatically established.

"Do you remember Miss Eloise Bridgerton, Benedict's sister?" Belkatrix tried to introduce the two.

Eloise and Ernest exchanged disgusted gazes at one another, repulsed by their presence and the absurd idea.

"Absolutely not." They said at once and walked in opposite directions.

Bella sighed, well, she tried.

Speaking of terrible matches Francesca Bridgerton almost yawned as she heard Lord Samadsni speak of...what was he speaking about again? Horses? Fabrics? Something he bought, probably, something expensive he wanted to show off. How ridiculously tiring.

But she looked like an angel on earth, and angels did not ignore or reject a considerably great suitor, so she had to play her part.

That is until she spot him, dark hair against pastels, a figure that made Francesca gasp amused.

It's not like she wouldn't be always dazzled by Mercy's figure, she did, he was dashing, but to see him so...bright, as fairytale like knight, straight out of royalty, just standing there, shining by the sun, made any lady heart's speed.

And it did make many ladies's hearts speed, as quite a few of them tried to approach him.

Francesca felt helpless yet desperate.

"Would you excuse me for a moment, please?" She simply said to Lord Samdani, who muttered a response she did not listen.

Redheads, blondes, dark haired, any sort of women you could inagine, all of them surrounding him as flies near fresh food, ready to take a taste.

Francesca quickly squeezed between them, bothered by the chattering and the uncomfortable situation she found herself into, but her smile finally repapeared as Mercy stopped talking and looked at her.

It was like fireworks exploded in his mind, his stomach full of butterflies. How could one look so perfectly pure and beautiful at once? Francesca Bridgerton wasn't real, she couldn't be.

"There she is." Anthoby smirked as he saw his sister. "I was just bringing him to you." He joked.

"Mr.Reeves." She mumbled a bit still shocked by his appearance. "You came."

"Miss Francesca." He smiled softly, a bit shy and nervous, god she was so stunning, he couldn't stop thinking that over and over. "I could not make less of your so kind invitation."

"I appreciate it."

The two shared two shy gazes as the mondrichs engaged in a conversation with Simon Basset and his wife, who had just arrived. Anthony Bridgerton walked around, greeting many other people, as now Francesca tried to escape Lord Samadani, but failed completely in that task.

"Miss Francesca." Lord Samadani arrived, he was dressed in a rather pale shade of orange, resembling the fruit, but his smile faded a bit at the sight of the gentleman next to her. "Mr.Reeves, I did not know you'd be here."

"The Bridgertons were very kind to invite me." Mercy smiled forcedly. "Good to see you, my Lord."

"Ah...yes, same to you."He lied as well.

And there they were three figures with something in common: each of them whished for one of them to disappear.

Mercy Reeves stood there, quietlu, taking a sip of a drink served by a charming waiter while Francesca endured more meaningless conversation.

"How many children would you like to have, Miss Francesca?" He suddenly said, and Mercy almost choked. "Are you alright, Mr.Reeves?"

"Of course." He coughed, as Francesca contained a laugh. "I was just careless for an instant, sorry."

Lord Samadani made a face at him, but still turned ro Francesca, who gulped instead of answering right away.

"Um...some, I suppose." Was the safest answer. "But I do want to be a mother."She smiled warmly. "I'd like to share the same love I received from my mother, to be a good one as well."

Mercy caught himself lost in her essence, how could one be so pure, so gentle and sweet as Francesca Bridgerton?

"Of course you do." Lord Samadani replied a bit proud. "That's any lady's dream, to be a good wife and mother."

"Speaks so certain, as if he's a lady himself." Mercy whispered only for Francesca to hear, making her chortle.

"What did you say, Mr.Reeves?" Samadni furrowed his eyebrows.

"Nothing, Lady-I mean, Lord, Lord Samadani, sorry." He mistook the world on purpose and Francesca cackled laughing, surprising the ton with her lack of ettiquette.

The man cleared his throat and continued talking, although no one listened, until Mercy volunteered to get some lemonade.

"I'd like one too." Francesca replied promptly.

"I can fetch you one if-"

"No, don't worry, I'll fetch it myself." She interrupted the suitor and looked at Mercy. "May you please escort me there, Mr.Reeves?"

"Surely. Shall we?"He offered an arm, and for the first time Francesca blushed and linked her arm to his.

The sensation was actually notbing as she expected. Francesca wasn't one who usually enjoyed physical touch usually, well, only from some people. But being there, close enough to smell Mercy's blueberry misty cologne, and touch the sofy fabric of his baby blue suit that covered his strong arm, made her heart skip a beat down to London's bridge.

While he tried not to panic. For God's sake, he had Francesca Bridgerton right there, linked to his arm for only 2 minutes before they could reach the bouffet table, and she dazzled, oh she sparkled indeed, Lady Whistledown and the queen did not lie. It was almost like he escorted the sun itself through the galaxy, a mere acessory to her hands and he was so pleased to be one. Her touch was soft, delicate, and for an instant she did not wish for her to ever let it go.

But eventually they both did.

"All that talking did make me thirsty." He commented sarcastically as he took a beverage and drank it slowly, only as an excuse to stay away from Lord Samadani.

Francesca smirked, it was almost too miachievous for him to bare it. "Thank you for rescueing me."

"Do not mention it." He tilted his head to the side as the two watched the crowded field. "My God, does your brother have so many friends to invite?"

She chuckled a bit overwhelmed as well. "It's mostly the queen who does want to put on a show. You see, Benedict didn't have a wedding ceremony, so this mostly resembles one." Mercy nodded attentive. "Although even here it's a bit...lonely."

"Feels like somewhere but nowhere at all. A void." He retorted and she agreed. "How long have you been drained by Lord Samadani?"

"A solid hour and a half I believe." She sighed.

"You're a bloody warrior for that." He responded and she widened her eyes. "Sorry for my language." She chuckled. "Sometimes it's good, helps you get rid of some tension, you should try it."

"Ladies are taught not to curse"

"Well..."He looked around. "I won't tell if you don't."

Francesca looked down, pondering about his suggestion, then grinned. "Bloody hell." That was the most delicate, princess like, adorable curse he has ever heard. It was whispery, sugary, and struck right into his heart.

"Pretty perfect for a first try I might say." He chuckled and she smiled. "Do not tell your mother I taught you that please." He joked.

The two looked at one another for a brief moment, letting the words fade and melt into them, that hidden connection of them, she wondered how it was possible to feel so close to someone she never dreamt of ever meeting. Could she ever be close like that to her future husband? Could she endure a life with someone so different, such as Lord Samadani?

"I do not agree with him." She suddenly said, surprising her instructor. "About what Lord Samadani said at the Lord Fuller's event about the orphans...he was wrong." She figdgeted her fingers nervous and he was the first one to ever notice it. "I should have...said sonething but I...I was told to never speak-"

"No, it is not your fault." He retorted shaking his head. Damnit he was a fool, he was horrible to have made her feel that way, poor Franceaca had no fault, she was only a pawn into that terrible Season game. She needed to play hr cards right, or else she'd end up as a badly spoken spinster. "Just because that...gentleman..." He did not mean he was gentle at all. "...had some uninvited opinions, that doesn't mean you agree with them abd I may have...I may have been offended and misunderstood the situation, I apologize."

"No, I apologize, truly."

"No, I-"The two said at once and cut the sentence with a shared smile.

"Let's call it even then?" He raised his glass and Francesca did the same. "To disagreeing with Lord Samadani's poor frequently open mouth."

She chuckled. "Cheers." The two clicked their glasses together and drank a bit. She looked at the crowd gathering next to the Queen's tent. "Oh, what is it now?" she said a bit impatient.

"I wonder if you'll ever have a break Miss Francesca." He teased and she curved her mouth. "How do you do it?"

"I was just...trained for it."She shuddered her shoulders.

"Still, it takes a lot of skill to properly execute it. I admire that." He nodded and she blushed once again by his compliments. "Tell me." He turned to her as if nothing else mattered. "If you could choose somewhere to be, anywhere right now instead of here, where would you choose?"

She clicked her tongue and looked up at the sky, he liked to see that, the nitid image of her engines in he brain working as she pondered at the question like it was worth many pounds.

"Somewhere quiet." She responded. "Somwhere...maybe cold, I like the cold." He smiled. "Where I could only listen to the wind, maybe some soft melody, something rather discreet but smooth." She closed her eyes imagining it. "And there would be flowersx no, better, it would be a garden, a secret garden" She giggled and Mercy did the same, his eyes looked at her as if his life depended on it, as if she was so precious he'd give it all to grant her that wish right now. "And I'd be the only one with the keys to access it."

"The only one?" He smirked and she finally looked back at him. "Not even I could visit you, Miss Francesca?"

For an instant she looked into the inviting aquamarine in his eyes, her breath escaped her throat. "You could enter." She whispered softly, and Mercy frlt his body tickle, excited, nervous, shy, as a sniff escaped him with joy.

But before they could continue their chattering, a voice called them back, it seemed like a speech was about to begin.

"Time to resume to the cruel reality." He said still lightning the mood. "Ready to face the pastel ton?" He joked.

"I do not think i'll ever be." She responded and tilted her eyes as she linked to his arm briefly so he could escort her back. "But...I believe we can survive it, can't we?"

Mercy Reeves gazed back at his favorite student who made him cross his limits and always smile as if the world spinned around him. That woman...

"Yes." He responded sweetly. "We can.".