Over the past couple of weeks, Edwina and the viscount have gotten extremely close. They are so close, that we are travelling to the Bridgertons ancestral home, Aubrey Hall.

"Perhaps i'll wear the pink silks at dinner tonight" Edwina said grinning from ear to ear. "Do you think Lord Bridgerton will like it?" she asked. "Of course he will Bon!" Kate exclaimed.

"You need not worry about the viscounts favour, Miss Edwina. It is an exceedingly good sign that he has invited us to spend a few days with the family, before the rest of the ton arrives for the real party" Lady Danbury said.

"What do you think Juliet?" Edwina asked. I was in my own world looking at all the wildlife outside the window. "Juliet?" Edwina said louder.

"Sorry what?" i said snapping out of my daydream. "Do you think that it is a good sign Lord Bridgerton has invited us out here?" she asked.

"Well, yes. I do not believe Anthony has ever brought someone to his ancestral home" i replied. "Yes... And this will also be good for a change of scenery, away from the ton" Edwina added.

"That's for sure" Lady Danbury mumbled. I turned swiftly around to look at her. "What's that supposed to mean?" i questioned angrily.

The truth is, ever since the races, i have not had any suitors come to visit. Edwina and Kate said that no one is talking about all the lies Cressida Cowper spread, but i think they are just trying to make me feel better.

"I am merely saying, it will be good for you to get away from the ton into country air, it may make you feel more at home. Just no business with that Bridgerton boy, not even eye contact!" Lady Danbury said.

I rolled my eyes as i bit my tongue. "I think this trip will be good for all of us!" Edwina said cheerfully. I gave her a fake smile as i nodded.

As we all got out of the carriage, we were greeted by the whole Bridgerton family, including Daphne. "Miss Bennet!" Daphne called out as she pulled me into an embrace. "How have you been?" she asked.

"I am quite well, how are you and Simon!" i asked. "We are good, we hope to have you stay soon" she said with a smile. Daphne made her way over to Kate and Anthony and i spotted Eloise taking to Edwina.

"Miss Eloise, could i speak with you?" i asked. "Miss Bennet! I... Of course but i actually have to make my way back inside, Daphne asked me to look after the baby" Eloise said frantically.

"But, Auggie is with Lady Danbury?" i said. Eloise turned bright red. "Oh yes... You right.... Anyways, talk later then!" Eloise said as she sprinted back inside.

I was beyond confused why Eloise was ignoring me, but i was going to get to the bottom of it. Benedict was with his mother and gave me a bright smile. He knew not to come over as Lady Danbury was already angry enough with me. I gave him a slight smile as i made my way inside.

As we put all our luggage in our rooms, the Bridgertons insisted that we join them in a game of Pall Mall. Fortunately for me, Beth, Emma and i would often play this game as kids. Daphne let the Sharma's and i in on all of the families tricks that they use to play the game.

"Let us toss a coin!" Colin said. "Last year you said the youngest could pick first!" Eloise exclaimed. "We should pick based on alphabetical order!" Anthony said joining in with the bickering.

"It is meant to be a game, is it not?" Edwina whispered. I chuckled and shrugged. The family continued bickering about who gets to pick the mallet first until Daphne hushed them.

"Everyone please! The only fair thing to do is to let our invited guests choose their mallets and strike first" Daphne said. They all hesitantly nodded.

"Please, take your pick, Miss Edwina" Anthony said. Edwina picked the light blue mallet. "Excellent choice!" Anthony said enthusiastically. Without hesitation, Kate picked the black mallet.

"The mallet of death" Eloise said. "Would you look at that, brother?" Benedict chimed in. Anthony had his fist over his mouth in irritation. "Is this yours?" Kate said teasingly.

"Not at all... Your welcome to it" Anthony mumbled. "You threatened to beat me last time i touched it!" Colin said. "You exaggerate!" Anthony shouted.

I laughed to myself as i picked out my mallet. I decided to pick the purple mallet. Benedict groaned.

I gave him a cheeky smile as i walked back into my position. All the Bridgertons lurched towards the box full of mallets and fought over each one.

Everyone marched away cheerfully, giggling to themselves. I was about to follow them until i saw Edwina standing behind looking desolate.

"Are you alright?" i asked. Edwina looked at me and brushed away her frown. "I'm fine" she said in a fake cheerful voice.

I nodded as she walked past me. I knew something was wrong, but i did not want to pester her. I'm sure it was just meeting the whole family for the first time.

The game was a lot of fun. We all belted our shots laughing, groaning and cheering. Everyone seemed to be quite skilled at this game... Except Miss Edwina... But i'm sure when Edwina and Anthony marry she can practise more.

It was Benedicts turn to take his shot and he missed... Again. "Wow, you know you are very bad at this game" i said jokingly. Benedict flashed me an annoyed look.

"Your head is clearly elsewhere, Brother. Otherwise, you never would have given me such an easy shot" Colin said as he hit his ball right into the arch of iron.

"I will admit, my thoughts are far from the field" Benedict said. I gave him a concerned look. Benedict walked closer towards Colin and i. "I have applied to become a student of art at the Royal Academy Art School" he said.

My mouth dropped. "Are you serious?!" i exclaimed. "I have always wanted to go there, that's one of best art schools in England!" i said. "Well congratulations" Colin said.

"Well, do not celebrate yet. I await word of my acceptance" Benedict said look at the ground. "But still, it is an exciting prospect" i said. "Well, it's not like i am likely to get in so" he said looking at the ground.

"Brother, do be kind to yourself" Colin said patting him on the back. Benedict gave us both a fake smile as he walked off. "I've never seen him so self doubting before" i said to Colin.

"I predict he is just nervous that if he does not get in, he will never get anywhere with his art" he said.

"I wish we could do something to help his nerves" i said. Colin smirked. "What is it?" i questioned. "I may have just the thing" Colin said mischievously.

After the game, Colin brought Benedict and i into the drawing room to show us something. "So what is this mysterious object that will calm my nerves then?" Benedict asked.

"Well, on my travels-" Colin began. Benedict let out a loud groan as he slumped in his chair. "Another story about your travels?" Benedict said in annoyance.

Colin glared at him and continued. "Whilst on my travels, i was given this" he said whilst stirring two teas. "Worldly travellers use it to open their minds and transcend ordinary anxieties" he said.

Colin pulled out a small bag filled with blue powder. He took a pinch from the bag and put it in three glasses. Benedict grabbed the bag and sniffed the powder.

"Smells rather foul, does it not?" Benedict said wincing. "It only takes the smallest of doses to feel the effects" Colin said sliding over the two glasses.

"So if i drink this, all my thoughts will fade away?" i asked. "Well, i only added a small pinch so you will be able to handle it" he said. Benedict and i took a sip and did not feel anything.

"My mind is the same" i said. Benedict shrugged. "See, your stupid tea does not work" Benedict said. Colin rolled his eyes. "It will take a while to kick in" he said. "Or maybe, you did not put enough in!" i exclaimed.

Benedict nodded. "She's right. And plus, i hardly think a tea will distract me from the momentous decision the proctors of the Royal Schools are making at this very moment" Benedict said putting his head in his hands.

"Or perhaps it will allow you to escape the thoughts that have been plaguing your mind. The doubts, the questions that seem to linger, no matter how far you go to escape them" Colin said.

"Are you quite well, brother?" Benedict asked. Colin continued to ramble on about how the tea has done wonders for him but i was not listening. The truth was, ever since Beth had died, i thought every day about how i was not there for her.

I thought how things might have been different if i had stayed home that night or if i had never left the farm in the first place.It has been plaguing my mind for far to long.

Without second thought, i grabbed Colins bag of peculiar powder and dumped it all in my cup. "Wait, wait, wait!" Colin called out. I downed my tea and cringed at the taste.

"Hell and the devil" Colin said with a chuckle. "That is vile" i said with a cough. "Hey! You took all of it!" Benedict cried out.

"Do not worry brother, i have another bag here. Just add another pinch in if you would like" Colin said handing Benedict the bag.

As Benedict took the small bag, he looked at me and i shrugged. He then looked at Colin who's smile slowly started to fade as he realised what Benedict was about to do.

Benedict quickly dumped the bag of powder into his tea and gulped it all down. Colin sighed as he put his head in his hands. "Your both as dim witted as eachother" Colin said.

"God that's bad" Benedict said as he tried to keep the tea down.