It was just after her final performance of the aria, Vittoria mio core by Giacomo Carissimi that the letter arrived, embossed with the official Bridgerton seal. Managing to get offstage quickly, letter gripped in one hand a massive bouquet of red roses in the other, Miss Demelza Bridgerton made her way towards the dressing room she currently occupied, and had done whenever she had a show, ever since she began her education at the Conservatoire de Paris at the age of ten.

Shutting the door behind her and setting the roses down, she held the letter up to the lantern and braced herself, before she broke the seal and peered at its contents.

My Dearest Sister,

As we have not seen you since your brief respite home upon the occasion of father's illness, and later funeral. As such, considering that both you and Daphne have reached the age of twenty-one, you are officially bidden home. The season will begin shortly and, as Bridgerton girls, you will impress the ton, as is tradition.

I've purchased a first-class ticket for you, which is now available at the station of the ferry from Calais to Dover. Either I, Benedict, or Colin will come to Dover to collect you. If none of us are able, we will send a protected carriage for your transport.

The ferry is due to leave Calais the day after tomorrow. I have already written to the conservatory, stating that your education there is at an end. We all of us are looking forward to hearing what you learned there, Daphne especially, although I can see why, being twins, that she would wish for such things. Methinks she wishes to perform a duet of some sort with you, her piano playing and your singing.

We look forward to seeing you back in England, my dear sister.

Warm regards, your brother,

Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton

Demelza sighed, looking around the dressing room; it was much more than a shoebox, which she had anticipated when she began studying in Paris. However, Madame Alix Boisselle had truly believed in her, and had given her a chance. In addition to vocal lessons, she was also given much instruction in French and Italian, becoming fluent in both. The only snag had been religion, as Madame Boisselle was a devout Catholic, something that Demelza could not even muster the courage to pretend to be. She had taken Anglican services in secret, much to Madame Boisselle's dismay, but Demelza knew she would be sent home if she did not conform.

Demelza pushed herself to her feet, straightening her dark blue gown trimmed with lace and nodded to herself. Yes, she would go home and, perhaps, make the Bridgerton family proud when it came to finding a match. She looked at herself in the mirror and sighed.

She knew that Daphne had always been more beautiful than she—peaches and cream instead of her alabaster skin, red hair and bright blue eyes complimented her complexion. Demelza, by contrast, had raven locks like her younger sister, Eloise, but her eyes were hazel, something that didn't go unnoticed by passers-by when she was a young girl. Pushing the thought from her mind, she gathered up the letter and the flowers and left the dressing room; it was time, at last, to return home.

~*~

It was of no surprise to Demelza when she stepped off the ferry in Dover that there was merely a carriage awaiting her. She had never been favored within her family, and so it seemed best for her to be shuttled away to Paris once word came that' she'd been accepted into its prestigious conservatory. Francesca, her younger sister, was musical, too, but was never away from the family home for very long, although she did travel with their aunt regularly.

Pursing her lips, she thanked the shipmen for transferring her trunks onto the docks, where the Bridgerton servants loaded them up upon the back, top, and bottom of the carriage. She slipped inside as soon as polite, after thanking the ship captain, and tore off her gloves, stretching her fingers this way and that as she did so. Proper etiquette had been taught at the conservatory as well, so Demelza knew she would have to conform to it once she'd returned home.

Demelza pulled the curtain back just so she could see the scenery around them, and to keep track of their journey. She knew from Dover to her childhood home in Greenwich would be a trip of about five and a half hours, putting her back at home after luncheon but before tea. Straightening herself upwards and delving into her small bag, she brought out the book she was currently in the middle of, Pride and Prejudice, the second book by the novelist Jane Austen. Her previous book, Sense and Sensibility, was stored away in her other belongings.

Once Mr. Darcy had proposed marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, they had arrived onto the streets of London, and so Demelza packed her book away and straightened up. Peering out of the window once more, she saw familiar establishments and businesses, and her heart hammered from within her, knowing that she would soon be home. Hoping beyond hope that her family would be happy to see her, she smoothed the imaginary wrinkles from upon her skirts and gripped her bag nervously. Just as they pulled up to the house, she pulled her gloves back on and swiveled slightly, ready to take the hand of the footman once she was permitted to exit the family carriage.

The door creaked open, and she saw swathes of many colors by the door, leading her to believe that the entire family had come outside to greet her. Holding out her hand and pushing herself up and into a standing position, she was taken aback to see Anthony, her eldest brother, standing there, as he gently led her down the trio of steps and onto the ground.

"Brother," she said, and curtsied to him.

"Sister," Anthony responded, kissing her upon the cheek. "Perhaps there will be hope for both my eligible sisters after all."

"Demmy!" cried Daphne then, forgetting decorum for a moment as she dashed forward, past Benedict and Colin, who were waiting to be greeted themselves.

"Daph!" said Demelza happily, and closed the distance between them, embracing her twin for all to see.

"Now, girls," said their mother, coming through the crowd, while Eloise and Francesca whispered to one another behind their hands, Gregory and Hyacinth giggled, and Benedict and Colin looked a trifle shocked at the display.

Demelza broke away from Daphne then and immediately sank into a curtsy; she had been without family for a decade, and so, coming home to them and having them surrounding her was nothing if not quite a shock to her. "Mama," she said softly, not looking up, or making any move to rise.

Violet Bridgerton extended her hand to her second-eldest daughter, and gently tilted her chin upwards, and Demelza locked eyes with her mother for the first time since her father's funeral, ten years ago. "Very pretty," she praised.

Demelza flushed. "Oh, I... Thank you, Mama."

"Come inside, then, dears," the Bridgerton matriarch called, and promptly tucked Demelza's arm beneath her own as they stepped towards the entryway. "You simply must tell me all about Paris, my darling," she gushed.

Demelza flushed, hardly used to all this attention from her mother; granted, Gregory had been a toddler when she'd left home and Hyacinth barely born herself, so she supposed her mother needed to attend to the younger children then. "Well, I saw all my tutors, in addition to my musical instructors, as you ordered, Mama," she said formally as they stepped into the beautiful parlor, the same as it was when she, Daphne, and Eloise had been very young.

"You mean to tell me that you managed to finance an education for her?" Anthony said, his tone annoyed, as he led the rest of the siblings into said parlor.

"Of course I did, Anthony," Violet said, her feathers ruffled as she affixed her eldest son with a mild glare. "All my children are worthy of an education." She turned back to Demelza, eager to know more. "Tell me of your education, my love," she said, moving so that they were sitting on one of the couches.

"Well, in addition to vocal lessons, I learned French and Italian, and can read and write in both languages," she said quietly. "I can dance all the dances of the day, and know about poetry and literature, as much as one should. I brought home a book for you, Daphne, from a female author I enjoy," Demelza said, turning to her twin with a small smile.

"She's not French, is she?" Anthony sneered.

Demelza glared at her brother. "No. She's English, if you must know, brother. She lives in an area called Chawton, and is called Jane Austen."

"She must be unmarried. Only a fool of a man would permit his woman to make a show of herself like that," Anthony said, and laughed at his own words.

Demelza turned away from him and back to her mother, wanting to inform her more of the education she had provided for her. "Basic mathematics, naturally, but I particularly enjoyed the subject of geography. Tracing back the monarchs from all the countries of Europe was a most fascinating lesson, although the Spanish royal family leaves a lot to be desired."

"They're a Catholic nation, as is France," Anthony said, pouring himself some brandy, and deliberately not looking at Demelza. "How can we trust anything you learned?"

Demelza affixed her brother with a sour expression. "If I didn't know better, brother, I would say that my homecoming has put you out in some way." She straightened up upon the couch, not wanting to permit him to get a word in before she had said her full piece. "I know that I will not be seen as valuable as Daphne, as I was born two hours after she was, nor that I am not as fair of face as she is, but, despite all this, I do have feelings as well."

"I'll not have you speaking to your sister in such a dreadful manner anymore, Anthony," Violet Bridgerton said, her tone clipped. "It was bad enough you insisted that she come home on her own. Were you hoping her carriage would be lost on the road?"

Anthony hesitated for a moment, before he sipped his brandy quickly and set down the glass it had been in. "Forgive me, Mother, but I must take my leave," he said, leaving the parlor in a hasty manner.

Demelza shook her head, crossing her arms and slouching upon the couch; no need to stand on ceremony now that her greatest critic had made such a hasty exit. "Welcome home, Demelza Bridgerton," she said darkly.

~*~

What followed were numerous trips to the modiste for various fittings and such, the most important one being the flowing white gowns that she and Daphne were to wear to be presented to Queen Charlotte. Corsets were, of course, included; having lived many years in France, Demelza was familiar with such things, due to the costumes she had to wear whenever she was made to perform. Nevertheless, they never made it any easier to breathe, and Eloise's comments about how she would be permitted to breathe properly for another year were not helping.

The carriage ride to the castle was an eventful one, especially because all their siblings, plus their mother, were coming along for the ride. Upon arrival, they noticed the man guards standing about, and followed the procession of other ladies and their families, more than likely there for the same purpose. They came to a corridor, where most of the guests tapered off towards another entrance, and this was where Daphne and Demelza were left on their own. The gilded double doors opened before them, and they stepped inside, as the herald positioned himself forward, and puffed out his chest.

"Miss Daphne, and Miss Demelza Bridgerton," he announced.

As they'd been taught, both girls stepped forward, taking slow steps towards the throne before them, where the Queen of England was sitting. Demelza could hear the hushed tones of those around them, and was positive that Daphne could hear them, too. Keeping their backs straight and their eyes straight ahead, they continued what was, up until that moment, the longest walk of their life, which would make or break their position within the season.

Just before they reached the throne, both Daphne and Demelza moved fluidly into their curtsies, yet another thing they'd been taught to do. Staring down at the floor and focusing on her breathing, Demelza hardly noticed when the throne creaked, and a shadow passed before them both as the knelt. It was when, however, that two hands came down and tilted their respective chins up, and they were locking eyes with the queen herself, and the queen looked pleased, did both Bridgerton girls relax.

"Flawless, my dears," the queen proclaimed.

There was a whirlwind of activity for the next several weeks, for their were balls, picnics, and other parties of all kinds to attend. It was quite a marvel when Daphne made the acquaintance of Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, towards the beginning of the season, although the man seemed nonplussed that she did not recognize him. Demelza herself played nice with all the gentleman that came her way or asked her to dance with them, but no one inspired her in a way that Daphne seemed inspired by the duke.

"I'm not going any more to these things," Demelza declared, her nose in Pride and Prejudice for the umpteenth time since returning home.

"You will go," Anthony declared, not looking up from his paper. "It is tradition, Demelza. I will not inform you of this again."

"It's all quite pointless for me to attend, I assure you," Demelza told her eldest brother. "No one likes me there."

Anthony folded up his paper. "Perhaps if you would at least smile..."

Demelza slammed her book shut and shot to her feet. "Anthony, hear this. I know you do not like me, and I do not care. I refuse to attend these balls or anything else I receive an invitation to. I suggest you focus on Daphne, since she's the one who will get a proper match in the first place. I know that no man would ever take me willingly, unless he saw the prize on my head that is my dowry. He'd probably kill me the moment he had the opportunity to make it look like an accident," she said, pacing about the room now.

Anthony sighed and crossed the room, ceasing his sister's footsteps. "It is not that I hate you, sister, I assure you," he said softly.

Demelza broke away so that they were at a more appropriate distance. "Then why have you treated me with such disdain since my homecoming?"

Anthony looked around for a moment before he spoke. "There was a woman, a woman that I loved, but she has broken with me..."

Demelza sighed. "I am sorry to see you in so much pain. It cannot be easy, giving yourself to someone and have them not want you, as you want them."

Anthony's eyes snapped to Demelza's. "What do you know of it?"

Demelza crossed her arms. "I know that they are much more open about their topics of conversation in France," she replied. "I did not listen willingly, brother, but I am glad I know something about it now, despite the fact that it will never happen for me..." She sighed and turned back to her brother. "This woman you loved?"

"Siena," Anthony told her. "She was a performer, with dark hair."

"Do I remind you of her?" Demelza asked, wrinkling her nose.

Anthony laughed. "You did that as a child," he said fondly, but shook his head. "No. Now that I am seeing you with eyes unclouded, I see you are just my sister."

"Just your sister?" Demelza asked with a grin. "I recall the term 'favorite' sneaking into that term more than once in our formative years."

"Yes, you are still my favorite sister, Demelza," Anthony assured her. He hesitated for a moment before he spoke again. "You know how I know Simon from Oxford?"

Demelza tucked her book beneath her arm. "Yes, I remember a conversation or two about that in your letters, as well as with Daphne these past weeks. Many of them involving the notion that the Duke of Hastings is not looking for a wife, so that my twin sister should look elsewhere." She gave her eldest brother a smile. "Believe me, Daphne tells me everything."

"She would, and I am relieved that she has you to confide in," Anthony observed. "However, as I am quite sure you can assume, Simon was not the only gentleman I befriended while I was in attendance at Oxford."

Demelza raised her eyebrows. "More than one friend? I am proud of you, brother."

Anthony grinned at his sister. "It just so happens that my other dear friend at Oxford, the Marquess of Hereford, is due to attend the garden party this evening. He wrote to me that he intends to find a wife."

Demelza dragged her fingertips down the spine of her book. "Have I met him?"

"If that is a roundabout way of asking if he's been in attendance before, Demelza, then no. He was at his estate in West Yorkshire. His parents are gone now and he retains sole guardianship of his younger sister, who has gotten a new governess."

"Well, it is admirable to ensure that his younger sister is well-educated," she said, oddly impressed with this marquess she'd never met. "Has the marquess asked you to assist him in finding a bride, then?"

"He informed me that he wished for my opinion on the matter," Anthony replied. "I informed him that Daphne was entangled with Prince Friedrich, and so was no longer available to consider courtship with."

Demelza blinked. "Daphne did not tell me this," she whispered. "Is the entanglement really as serious as that?"

"The prince has asked for his permission to propose to Daphne, and I am offering no objection to his suit," Anthony informed her.

"Ah, yes, I see," Demelza said softly. "Well, I offer no objection to being introduced to this marquess friend of yours, provided that he knows I have no patience for pursuits such as painting or needlework..."

Anthony gave her a guilty smile. "Well, I am glad that you are willing to make his better acquaintance sister..."

Demelza affixed him with a look. "And what have you done now, brother?"

"The marquess has, Demelza, asked for your hand in marriage," Anthony said quietly.

Demelza dropped her book, and made no move to fetch it back into her arms again. "Please tell me it had nothing to do with Daphne's impending engagement to the prince."

Anthony shook his head. "It did not. It had to do entirely with Edward wishing to return to Westbourne," he said quickly.

"Westbourne?" Demelza demanded.

"Westbourne Castle, the home of the Marquesses of Hereford," Anthony continued. "Your son will be Lord Ledbury, the lesser Radclyffe title..."

"I care not for the title," Demelza declared, finally managing to bend down and retrieve her book as she considered it. "How old is the marquess?"

"He is twenty-seven, but Demelza—"

"Good," she interrupted. "What is his sister called?"

"She is called Helena. But Dem—"

"Tell me what he looks like," she said, tapping her foot this time.

"He has long, dark hair, dark blue eyes, he's taller than me... But Demelza, you must know that you are under no obligation to—"

"Will it get me out of parading myself about for the highest favor as if I am a piece of cattle prepared for slaughter?"

Anthony looked shocked. "Is that really what you think of the season?"

"Yes," Demelza said firmly. "I absolutely hate it. I cannot bear it, Anthony. Please. If I accept the marquess's proposal, must I attend these events anymore?"

"No," Anthony said softly. "Edward never particularly liked society. Intimate gatherings with family and friends, he enjoyed, but he loves Helena above all else."

Demelza had to smile at that. "How old is she?"

"Helena is ten years of age," Anthony said softly.

"Well, I hope she will not mind my company," Demelza mused. "You may send Edward my acceptance." She hesitated for a moment. "Will he permit me to keep reading as I have been doing these last years?"

"Yes, and he is most anxious to hear your voice, although he will not command it," Anthony informed Demelza quietly. "He doesn't mind about the lack of needlework and no desire to paint, but he enjoys that you find pleasure in cooking."

"He will permit me to cook?"

"Edward will permit you whatever you wish, for he likes all that he knows about you," Anthony informed her. "Since you were not at home during the portrait painting, I sent him the one we had commissioned of you upon your return."

Demelza flushed. "Well, I know that beauty is not my first virtue..."

"I happen to disagree on that note."

Demelza turned then, feeling her entire body seizing up then as a handsome man stood in the doorway of the parlor, just a few feet away from her person. She managed to collect herself as Anthony stepped forward and warmly shook the gentleman's hand.

"I was not expecting you until tonight, Edward, when I agreed that you could escort Demelza to the event," he said softly.

"Forgive me, I was in the neighborhood and thought it best to make introductions now," Edward replied, and turned to face Demelza then, his eyes locking onto her. "And you must be Miss Demelza Bridgerton."

Demelza curtsied automatically as the Marquess of Hereford stepped forward. "An honor, Your Grace," she said softly, attempting to remember her manners and good breeding.

"Please, don't," came Edward's reply, as he lowered his hand, and Demelza took it, permitting herself to be drawn up, and felt a gasp escaping her lips as they touched for the first time. "I was never one for formality, I assure you, Miss Bridgerton."

Demelza realized that Edward Radclyffe was a most captivating gentleman, especially in such close proximity to her—he had black hair framing his face and resting upon his shoulders, and intelligent dark blue eyes. "Although you are not one for formality, sir, you must know that Miss Bridgerton is my twin sister, Daphne."

"Ah, twins?" Edward asked.

"Yes. I am two hours younger than she, and so I am relegated to merely being addressed as Miss Demelza Bridgerton, for unless Daphne marries before me, I will myself never retain the title of Miss Bridgerton, I'm afraid, sir."

The marquess smiled down at her. "You're quite like Anthony, you know, Miss Demelza," he said fondly.

Anthony stepped up behind him, and Demelza and Edward hastily dropped their respective hands, still clasped between them. "She is my favorite sister, Edward, and I will not stand for my favorite sister not getting all that she deserves."

"She will get that, Anthony, and more," the marquess vowed. "Any wife of mine will be given all that they need to be happy."

"And what of what they want, sir?" Demelza asked, and Anthony's eyes locked onto his sister's then, and he was vehemently shaking his head behind Edward.

The marquess raised his eyebrows. "Yes, Miss Demelza?"

"Would any wife of yours be given all that they want to be happy?" she asked softly, for once, ignoring her eldest brother.

"What do you believe you need to be happy, Miss Demelza?" asked the marquess.

Demelza locked eyes with the man and said softly, "To be understood, to be heard, and, most of all, sir, to be loved."

~*~

Demelza was escorted by the Marquess of Hereford that evening, after graciously accepting his marriage proposal, with her ten thousand pound a year dowry going into a trust, for the marquess had refused to take it himself. Demelza was pleased that the conversations that evening were limited to accepting congratulations from fellow members of society in attendance. It was a great relief not to have to pretend to be interested in anyone's personal achievements, which really didn't sound true at all.

It was after the dance that officially welcomed Demelza and Edward as a couple to London society that Demelza realized that Daphne was no longer about. She peered all-round the hall of ball gowns and fancy dress, but, nevertheless, her twin was missing.

"My dear," said Edward, placing his hand upon hers, and Demelza turned and gazed upwards at him. "Is something amiss?"

"Daphne is missing," she said. "I worry for her."

Edward nodded in understanding. "Continue your search, then. I shall ask His Royal Highness if he has seen her," he replied, squeezing her hand once before slipping through the crowd towards the visiting prince.

He is nothing if not attentive, Demelza thought to herself. She caught sight of Miss Cressida Cowper as she passed, and did not like the gaze bestowed upon her as she slipped by and out of the party and into the garden. She heard shouts coming from the maze nearby and, stepping closer, caught sight of Anthony and the duke having a row.

"Anthony?" she cried out, only to see Daphne's panicked expression. "Daph?"

"Take Daphne inside and have the marquess escort you home, Demelza," Anthony said, not breaking eye contact with the duke.

"Anthony..." Demelza said softly.

"Now, Demelza!" Anthony roared.

Demelza stumbled forward and caught Daphne's arm, dragging her away from their brother appearing as if he would kill the duke right there. "What were you thinking?" Demelza hissed at her sister, more in concern than in anger.

"Clearly, I wasn't," she said softly, smoothing her gown as they returned towards the house to locate Edward to see them home.

"Miss Cowper seemed to think so," Demelza said, and she and Daphne stopped in their tracks, locking eyes with one another.

Daphne looked horrorstruck. "You don't think she actually saw..."

"I think so," Demelza said softly.

~*~

Although she did not think it was the best course of action, Anthony ordered a special license for the marquess and for Demelza to be married at once. Demelza fidgeted in her white wedding gown, which the modiste had commissioned for her. On the heels of the marriage announcement came Daphne's own proclamation that she and the duke would be married. Of course, this was after Anthony had challenged Hastings to a duel for Daphne's honor.

Walking into the church, guided by Anthony, Demelza couldn't help but think that she wished she had either tried harder during her season, or that she actually knew her husband. She did not mind that Daphne would be higher than she was in society, but her desire to be happy in her marriage had been a great one. Still, she could have done worse, and Edward's assurances that Helena would love her certainly helped.

The Archbishop of Canterbury looked quite pleased with himself as he got to the vow portion of the ceremony. "Edward Radclyffe, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in holy matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"

"I will," the marquess replied.

"Demelza Bridgerton, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's holy ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, serve him, love, honor and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?"

Demelza stood as tall as she possibly could. "I will," she said softly.

The attention span of the couple was riveted onto the archbishop, who continued merrily on with the ceremony, as he was likely quite used to marrying virtual strangers. When the time came for the exchanging of the rings, Demelza lifted out her arm and permitted the marquess to gently tug off her white silk glove. A gold band with an abundance of diamonds in a double circle, surrounded by a sizeable ruby, was slipped onto Demelza's hand, while Edward's was merely a plain gold one.

Once Demelza was proclaimed the Marchioness of Hereford, she permitted her mother and Daphne to take her to the back of the church, where she was changed into clothes for travel. It had been Edward's idea not to have a large gathering after the wedding, as he wished to return to Helena as soon as possible. Demelza was quite all right with this, wanting to begin her new life as a marchioness as quickly as possible.

Once she was in proper traveling attire, she left the back room, her mother and Daphne at her heels, and met Edward at the front of the church. She bade farewell to her family, and was helped into the carriage by Edward, and stared out the window as it trundled on its way from London to the West Midlands, where Westbourne Castle was located. She knew by now that it was a rather grand old house, and that Edward was rather fond of it, but he had encouraged Demelza to redecorate the estate as she saw fit, but Demelza informed him that it was be far more appropriate to see it first before any final decisions were made.

"Shall you miss them very much?" Edward asked softly.

Demelza considered that for a moment. "I suspect a bit," she said softly. "It is not that I do not love them, but I was away so much from a young age, that I am..."

"That you are used to it?" Edward wanted to know.

Demelza smiled across the carriage at her husband. "Exactly." She hesitated for a moment. "If I'm being honest, other than your friendship with my brother and your education at Oxford, as well as your guardianship of Helena, I know nothing about you."

Edward smiled at her. "What would you like to know?"

Demelza considered that for a moment. "Well, I suppose we have the rest of our lives to truly get to know one another," she mused.

Edward nodded. "Yes, I believe I am in agreement with you there," he responded, as the carriage continued its journey to what would be their new home.