The next day, the Bridgerton crocket day arrived, filling the air with a palpable buzz of excitement and anticipation. Scarlett found herself surrounded by a sea of elegant gowns and sparkling jewels as she made her way through the crowded ballroom of the Bridgerton estate.

As she mingled with the other guests, Scarlett couldn't shake the memory of her heartfelt conversation with Daphne the night before. The weight of her friend's confessions still lingered in her mind, leaving her feeling both unsettled and determined to support her through whatever challenges lay ahead.

Scarlett headed into the carriage with her sister. The entire ride she was lost in her thoughts. When they arrived Scarlett excused herself to the bathroom inside the Bridgerton Household.

Lost in her thoughts, Scarlett nearly collided with a young woman who appeared out of nowhere, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry!" the woman exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I didn't mean to startle you."

Scarlett offered the woman a warm smile, her curiosity piqued by her striking beauty and unmistakable air of sophistication.

"No harm done," Scarlett replied, her voice gentle. "I should have been paying more attention to where I was going."

The woman's eyes sparkled with amusement as she extended her hand. "I'm Edwina Sharma. And you are?"

Scarlett took the woman's hand in hers, feeling a sense of warmth and camaraderie that she hadn't expected. "Scarlett. Scarlett White."

Edwina's smile widened, her gaze flickering with recognition. Scarlett's breath caught in her throat as Annabelle's words sank in. Engaged to Anthony Bridgerton? The man she had once held in such high regard, the man who had occupied her thoughts and dreams for years, was now promised to another woman. It felt as if the ground had shifted beneath her feet, leaving her reeling in a whirlwind of shock and disbelief.

Forcing herself to maintain composure, Scarlett extended her hand to Edwina, her smile feeling more like a grimace. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Edwina."

Edwina returned the gesture, her gaze steady as she spoke. "Likewise, Your Highness. I must say, the Bridgertons in particular Anthony has spoken fondly of you. Your are the Dimond of The Season, Correct?"

Scarlett's heart lurched at the mention of Anthony's name, the weight of their shared history crashing down upon her with renewed force. She felt as if she were living in a haze, unable to process the reality of the situation unfolding before her.

"Yes, um excuse me." Desperate for distraction, Scarlett found herself drawn to the nearby crochet tournament, where guests were gathered in eager anticipation of the competition. Without a second thought, she seized the opportunity to immerse herself in the role of Kate Sharma, the fearless debutante determined to prove herself in a world ruled by men.

As Scarlett picked up her crochet hook and joined the fray, she felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. The rhythmic click-clack of needles filled the air, mingling with the hum of conversation as the contestants vied for supremacy.

With each stitch, Scarlett lost herself in the challenge, her focus unwavering as she worked to outmaneuver her opponents. But as the competition intensified, Scarlett found herself faced with a formidable adversary - none other than Edwina Sheffield herself.

Despite her initial shock, Scarlett couldn't help but admire Edwina's skill and determination. There was a fire in her eyes, a fierce determination that mirrored Scarlett's own, and for a brief moment, Scarlett felt a spark of camaraderie between them.

As the tournament drew to a close, Scarlett and Edwina found themselves locked in a heated battle for victory, their needles flying with lightning speed as they raced to complete their final stitches.

In the end, it was Scarlett who emerged victorious, her heart pounding with exhilaration as she basked in the glow of triumph. But as she looked across the room at Edwina, she couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. In another life, they might have been allies, friends even. But now, with Anthony Bridgerton standing between them, their paths seemed destined to diverge.

As the evening wore on, Scarlett found herself drawn to the tranquility of the estate's sprawling gardens. The half lit sun cast a soft glow over the landscape, illuminating the winding pathways and towering trees that surrounded her.

Lost in her thoughts, Scarlett couldn't help but feel a sense of longing tugging at her heart. Anthony Bridgerton's engagement to Edwina Sheffield weighed heavily on her mind, filling her with a mixture of sadness and resignation.

But as Scarlett wandered deeper into the forest, she was startled by the sudden appearance of a figure emerging from behind the trees. It was Anthony, his tall frame silhouetted against the pink and yellow sky.

"Scarlett?" Anthony's voice cut through the stillness of the night, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. "What are you doing out here all alone?"

Scarlett forced a smile, her heart pounding in her chest as she met Anthony's gaze. "I needed to get away for a while. The game was becoming a bit overwhelming."

Anthony stepped closer, his eyes searching hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down Scarlett's spine. "Are you alright? You seem... troubled."

Scarlett hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But the concern in Anthony's eyes urged her to speak her truth.

"It's nothing, really," Scarlett replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just... thinking about life."

Anthony's brow furrowed in confusion. "Life? What about it?"

Scarlett took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say. "About everything, Anthony. About what would have happened if I hadn't left."

Before Anthony could respond, Scarlett turned on her heel and disappeared into the dimming light of the forest, leaving him standing alone amidst the whispering trees.

As she navigated the winding pathways, Scarlett's thoughts were consumed by the memory of their shared history, the fleeting moments of connection that had once bound them together. But now, with Anthony promised to another woman, their chance at happiness seemed more distant than ever.

All she could think about was Anthony's hand clasped firmly in hers, Scarlett felt a sense of hope blossoming within her heart. And as they disappeared into the shadows of the forest, their future uncertain but her love for the man was undeniable, Scarlett knew that their journey was only just beginning