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He looked at the time, ignoring her comment. “I sadly have to return home soon. We’re all planning to gather for a game of pall mall today.”

“I know,” Siena said with a smile as she reached out her hand, gently brushing across his bare chest. “You’ve been talking about it constantly since I arrived here. Might be a little obsessed, perhaps?”

“It’s important,” he retorted, mildly offended. “It’s about glory and respect.”

Siena suppressed a chuckle. It was all quite sweet, to be honest. This was the first time that he had invited her to join him during his stay at Aubrey Hall. Well, she was not really staying at Aubrey Hall. He had rented a little cottage for her nearby—far away from nosey eyes and ears. But still, it was something. Usually she had spent her summers alone in town.

She leaned closer, kissing him again. When they parted, there was a gentle smile on his face. His fingertips were tracing the shape of her cheekbone as he whispered, “I wish you could come with me. As a good luck charm.”

Siena laughed. “That sounds like I’m a trophy.”

“Well, you are—my biggest trophy.”

“Oh, I’m not,” she retorted with a smirk. “Usually, people present their trophies to the public—not hide them away.” His smile vanished immediately and with a chuckle, Siena added, “I’m joking! As you were, I hope. I’m not really fond of being considered a trophy.”

A small smile reappeared then as he continued looking at her in silence, brushing across her cheeks.

Then, he suddenly said, “I mean … you could join me today, if you want. It’s just my family, after all.”

Siena’s eyes widened. Did he truly mean that? Surely not.

“Maybe another time,” she replied with a smirk, caressing his chest.

He raised his brows, an amused smile on his lips. “Look who’s being a coward.”

“I’m not a coward!” Siena protested. “But I didn’t really plan on meeting your family today. And I also know quite well that you didn’t truly mean it.”

“What if I do mean it?” he asked.

There was that look on his face: a soft smile, but fierce determination in his eyes. She had seen it before—on the day that he had asked her to accompany him to his sister’s ball.

“I love those clandestine meetings we have,” he told her, brushing across her arms. “But … we will always have them; will always have to hide. I don’t want that for the rest of my life. Do you?” he asked. Siena had nothing to reply. “I’m not inviting you to a ball again,” he added. “I’m merely asking you to meet my family. That’s all.”

Siena still felt quite conflicted. Of course, they could keep her visit a secret. It was just his family. But did they wish to have her there as well?

“Are you certain about it?” she asked then.

“I am.”

Siena would lie if she said that she trusted his judgement. But it was his family. If he believed it was fine, then she had nothing to argue against. And she, too, was tired of constantly hiding away. And she had also always been quite curious about his siblings, after hearing all those countless stories.

So eventually, Siena agreed. Though she was still not certain about it.

They got dressed and then left the cottage and entered the carriage.

Siena let out a long breath, realising she felt rather tense. Anthony put an arm around her then, asking, “Are you nervous?”

“What do you think?” Siena retorted.

“It will be fine. I promise,” he told her with a smile.

Siena returned the smile. “Are you trying to calm me or yourself?”

“Both.”

She chuckled, leaning against his shoulder. It was ridiculous. Yet here she was.

Soon, they arrived at Aubrey Hall. After exiting the carriage, Anthony offered her his arm, and Siena gladly took it. She desperately needed him by her side now.

She had already seen the building as she had passed it during her arrival. And even then she had merely thought how preposterously grand it was. Now that she was walking right past it to enter the garden, she could only shake her head with a quiet chuckle. Of course he was so aloof all the time. If she lived in a place like this, she would also have no sense of reality.

It was the exact opposite of her life, however. She had grown up in a small flat with her mother, and without the ability to escape each other. There had been no servants; no fancy garden; no peace or quiet.

She tensed again. Now, she felt even more like an intruder than before. She very clearly did not belong here.

And she noticed that even more when they were walking towards his family.

They were all gathered outside already, and the women were wearing rather nice dresses. Her own was quite plain. Just a simple, red velvet dress. She had not thought much about what to wear, as it was merely a game of pall mall. But apparently, even activities like this required the ladies to wear expensive dresses. Though, those dresses were probably not expensive for them.

As they came closer, the first heads began to turn—and soon, all eyes were on them.

Were they shocked? Confused? Siena did not know. She avoided looking at anyone directly.

“Everyone, this is Miss Siena Rosso,” Anthony introduced her then.

He sounded calm. But as Siena glanced over to him, she could see how his fingers were fumbling with the edges of his coat.

“The soprano?”

It was Daphne—the Duchess—who approached them first.

Siena gave her a smile. “Yes, I am indeed, Your Grace.”

“Oh, I don’t think I ever met an opera singer before!” exclaimed a young girl, who Siena assumed must by Hyacinth.

“She’s a friend of mine,” Anthony told his little sister. “And as she was currently staying nearby, I thought I might invite her to join us today, if that is alright?”

“You’re friends with opera singers?”

This time, it was a boy who had spoken. Gregory, most likely. There was a wary look in his eyes as he stared at Anthony. Apparently, he was not that much of a boy anymore. Unlike his younger sister, he clearly knew what kind of friend Siena was.

“Just one,” Anthony replied.

Siena had to admit that he was doing rather well. He was undoubtedly nervous, yet he managed to hide it. So Siena surely could do the same.

She tried keeping a smile on her face, despite the overwhelming amount of people who were eyeing her curiously. But then, someone else chimed in.

“Well, of course we are all delighted about this rather unexpected addition.”

That was Lady Bridgerton.

Siena stared at her. She was the one person Siena had been most terrified to meet, as she knew quite well that Lady Bridgerton was not too fond of this affair.

There was a small smile on Lady Bridgerton’s face—yet it did not reach her eyes. And unlike her children, who were mostly looking back and forth between then, Lady Bridgerton’s eyes were glued to Siena.

Immediately, Siena looked away.

“Well, a bigger competition merely means a sweeter win,” said one of Anthony’s brothers then. He took a step forward, reaching out his hand with a smile, as he said, “I’m Colin.”

Siena shook his hand as Anthony then began further introductions.

Of course, Siena had known that it was a big family. But seeing them all together was quite different. Growing up, there had only ever been her and her mother. How did Anthony manage to survive in such a grand family? Well, perhaps the size of Aubrey Hall helped. But then again, he was the Viscount.

Now, for the first time, she truly understood what he meant whenever he complained about the struggles of his duty. This was indeed a big responsibility. No wonder he was always so exhausted.

It was not just his family that was present, however. The Duke of Hastings was here as well. Though, essentially, the Duke was now also a part of his family. Yet nonetheless, Anthony skipped him during the introductions and instead said, “Let’s gather everything.”

The two youngest immediately rushed towards the mallets as Anthony called, “And don’t you dare touching my lucky mallet! You will regret it!”

Benedict, Colin, Eloise and Francesca were walking over there more slowly, whispering to each other. Naturally, there must be a lot to discuss. But Siena hoped the game might give them something else to talk about.

Though, did that mean that Siena would be left alone with Lady Bridgerton to watch the game? She dearly hoped not.

She looked back at the remaining people, a forced smile on her face. Then, her eyes met the Duke.

There was a wide, curious grin on his face as he said, “Well, hello again.”

“Again?” Daphne asked, turning to her husband with raised brows.

“We’ve met each other before,” Siena told her then.

That, however, did not help calm her confusion. If anything, she looked quite alarmed.

Well, nothing happened, Siena thought. But she could hardly say that. Even though everyone present was aware of the nature of her and Anthony’s acquaintance, Siena believed it might be best to stick to herself being a friend. Clearly, Anthony preferred that.

“It was not like that,” the Duke told his wife then.

“Well, it kind of was like that,” Anthony retorted then and Siena stared at him, surprised. So apparently, there was no pretence anymore.

“We’ve merely enjoyed a short conversation at White’s last year,” Siena chimed in again, giving the Duchess a reassuring smile. Then, a small smirk appeared on her face as she added, “His Grace promised to visit one of my performances, but he never showed up.”

She glanced at the Duke then who chuckled. “I apologize. Though, considering everything, that might have been a good decision.”

Siena waned to reply something—but was then held back by Lady Bridgerton, interrupting them with a cough. Clearly, she was not too fond of this type of conversation.

“Alright, let’s play,” Anthony stated then, turning to Siena with a smile.

“Me too?” Siena asked, quite shocked.

“Why do you think I asked you to come?” he replied with a grin.

Siena merely shook her head. “I don’t think I’ll be good at this. I don’t even know the rules.”

“I’ll explain them to you, don’t worry.”

Siena stared at him. But there were three other people staring at her as well. And not playing meant that she would be left alone with Lady Bridgerton.

Therefore, she eventually agreed.

He let go of her arm then, walking over to grab his lucky mallet. Siena followed him slowly.

The Duke appeared next to her then, leaning closer as he whispered, “Welcome to the battlefield.”

He chuckled, walking past her as he then yelled, “Hey, Bridgerton! I hope you’re ready to lose!”

Anthony laughed at that. “I hope you got a chance to practise. You were worse than Hyacinth last time.”

Siena had no idea what she had gotten herself into. But she took the mallet Anthony handed her with a sigh, ready to try her best.

Yet as predicted, she was not good. Well, that was an understatement. She was awful. And yes, she was worse than Hyacinth—who had apparently only joined them last year. But at least Hyacinth managed to hit the ball every single time. It was embarrassing.

But it was just not Siena’s thing. Her thing was music and the theatre and poetry and books.

Anthony tried his best to help her. Which was useless. And it only meant that he was falling behind. Siena knew how important this was to him. So now, she did not just feel embarrassed, but guilty as well.

After showing her, step by step, how to do it, he told her with a smile, “See, it’s easy.”

It was not.

“You make it look easy,” Siena retorted. “I just don’t think I’m made for this.”

“Are you giving up?” he asked, raising his brows. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you give up anything before.”

Siena gave him a smile. “I do that quite a lot, actually. Because I know my strengths,” she told him. “And I won’t make a fool out of myself.”

She took a step closer then, putting her hand on his chest, as she said, “Enjoy your game. I know you’ve been looking forward to it. And now, thanks to me, you’re behind everyone else—even your youngest sister.”

He sighed with a nod. “Well, I don’t want to force you. And it was quite sudden, I guess.”

“Sorry to disappoint you. But now, I can act as your good luck charm, like I promised,” she told him with a smirk and he chuckled.

She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before she went to put away her mallet. Then, however, she suddenly realised that Lady Bridgerton was still standing at the side.

Siena could choose to remain where she was, watching the game by herself. But that would be quite rude.

So, she took a deep breath, and then approached Lady Bridgerton with a smile.

“More difficult than it looks, isn’t it?” said Lady Bridgerton.

“Well, I didn’t get a chance to practice,” Siena replied. “And I know how important this is to everyone. I didn’t want to hold anyone back.”

Lady Bridgerton nodded at that. Then, suddenly, she stated, “Quite a coincidence that you were out of town today.”

The tone of her voice left no doubt that Lady Bridgerton was quite aware that this was not a coincidence in any way.

But Siena was willing to play her game of pretence. She was used to it. And so was Lady Bridgerton, undoubtedly.

“Only for a week,” Siena replied. “I will leave again in two days.”

Before Lady Bridgerton could retort anything, Benedict Bridgerton was suddenly walking over to them.

“Benedict!” Lady Bridgerton exclaimed. “Are you already out?”

“Well, it seems like Anthony was quite determined to catch up and so his first decision was to eliminate the competition,” he sighed. “He kicked my ball all across into the woods. And unlike him, I know when to give up. I’m certainly not crawling through the bushes searching for it.” He turned to Siena then with a smile. “I guess you, too, decided that it wasn’t worth it.”

“Well, I didn’t want to keep him from his victory,” Siena replied.

Benedict chuckled at that. “I have to say, I never thought it possible for him to jeopardize his victory by helping someone else. He didn’t even do so for Hyacinth when she joined us last year.”

Siena narrowed her brows with a smirk. “Is that a good things or a bad thing?”

“I don’t know.”

Lady Bridgerton sighed. “I guess we will see.”

Now was that a good thing? Or not?

Siena did not know Lady Bridgerton well enough to judge her. But at least she had not been rude to her. Was there a way for her to accept it? Was there something Siena could do to get her favour?

You’re thinking like a man, trying to receive the parents approval to marry a lady, Siena told herself. But she knew how much Anthony loved his mother. If there was something she could do, she obviously had to take that opportunity.

But not today.

Thankfully, Benedict’s presence allowed for Lady Bridgerton to mostly converse with her son. And soon, they were all excitedly watching the game, commenting on what was happening in front of them.

The youngest were struggling—as was the Duke of Hastings. Francesca did not seem determined enough. Eloise was determined, but also easily distracted. Perhaps, she simply did not care as much as the others. Anthony tried catching up, yet it was no use.

In the end, it came down to the Duchess and Colin—and Daphne Bridgerton was eventually the one winning the family’s glory.

They all went to gather for tea then as Siena stayed back, waiting for Anthony.

“I’m sorry you didn’t win,” she told him with a smile.

“It’s alright,” he replied. Then, he bit his lips, before saying, “I hope my brother was nice to you.”

“He was,” Siena said before narrowing her brows, adding, “Though, it was quite rude what you did to him.”

“That’s the game,” he chuckled. “But also, he asked me to do it.”

“Why?” Siena asked surprised. It did not sound like that earlier.

“Well … I saw you talking to my mother, all on your own,” Anthony explained, taking her into his arms. “So I told him that I might forfeit the game to join you. He then offered to do it for me—to kick his ball into the woods, so he will have a reason to leave.”

“So you sent your brother to rescue me?”

“Did you not need the rescue?”

Siena chuckled, biting her lips. “Well … perhaps I did, in a way.”

“My mother didn’t say anything bad, did she?” he asked then, his smile vanishing.

“No,” Siena replied, shaking her head. “Just … well, it was obvious she didn’t like me being here.”

Now, the smile returned to Anthony’s face. He brushed along her arms, saying, “My mother is a kind woman. She would never treat you badly. I’m the one who will have to hear about all this later,” he added with a smirk. “Come on, let’s join them all for tea,” he said then. “And afterwards, we can practice a little. So you will be prepared for the next time.”

Siena raised her brows in surprise. “There will be a next time?”