Miss Sharma.

“ are they quite serious ? ” kate erupted with an incredulous look upon her face as she stood alongside lady eloise. spending part of the season at aubrey hall was a delight, even if the viscount was a constant annoyance. yet, even kate had to admit that the other women of the ton, the other hungry daughters, were vexing her even more than anthony appeared to be able to. once too many times, she had heard them snickering, heard them chattering - or rather insulting - those that were less idolised within society.

truthfully, it was taking a great deal of her self-control not to march over to the current pack of girls that she had overheard discussing- no, mocking - the colour palette of penelope featherington’s wardrobe. heavens forbid, that a young woman did not get a say in her own attire. in fact, kate imagined that many of the gossips did not get a say either. after all, family colours were a matter of pride. it was simply unfortunate that lady featherington had a gawdy taste. feelings aside, it was frankly rude and kate certainly could not withstand bullies. yet, she had sworn that she would be on her best behaviour and could not publicly make a rebuttal in her friend’s honour.

there were some benefits to being a wallflower, or rather being so focused on edwina’s prospects that kate ignored her own. one such benefit was the time that she was able to spend with penelope featherington. being at the edge of the room was for more to kate’s liking than being on the dance floor. while she loved to dance, she could not stand the countless suitors who were trying to win her approval so that they were able to win edwina’s heart. half of them were insufferable and kate could only remain polite for so long before she grew bored and consequently, grew scathing.

a soiree at lady danbury’s home had been a necessity to try and scout the talent - or rather scout the suitors - that had been flocking to edwina, desperate for her attention and her affection. albeit, it had dissolved into a competition of men trying to flaunt their capabilities. capabilities that kate found startling lacking. there was an odd poet here and there but some that attempted to dance seemed to have two left feet and looked more akin to babies learning to walk than elegant dancers. 

in and out of consciousness. that was how kate had been for the last week. she had a vague recollection of being out riding and then dreaming of the viscount. why was she dreaming of him ?  sometimes she thought she could hear voices; edwina, mary, lady danbury. yet, they were hazy, as if they were not really there, as if she was not really there. there was no being able to answer them, even when she thought that she heard her name. it was if everything was there but just out of reach.

kate was unaware of how much time had flitted by when her eyes finally opened. all she was aware of was edwina’s shriek of delight, tainted with tears. “ what-- bon? ” kate murmured hazily, still not entirely there but rather than receiving an answer, edwina was running from the room proclaiming something about getting the surgeon. 

another morning, another ride. as much as lady danbury had tried to rein kate in, kate could not resist the morning mist, the slight chill of the morning air as she galloped across the open fields. it was a liberty that she could not deny herself of, a semblance of freedom from the overwhelming marriage mart that they spent their days parading around. true, kate did not have to do much flaunting herself but ensuring her wits were always about her for edwina’s sake was far more draining that she had ever imagined. men were like vultures and she would be damned before she let anyone unworthy within an inch of her sister.

still, the day had barely begun and there was no need to fret about rakes just yet. at least, kate had hoped. an additional set of hooves could be heard, gaining on her own steed and she peered carefully to the side of her, just to meet eyes with viscount bridgerton.

HOW did kate always find herself ending up in these situations with viscount bridgerton? as much as she tried to avoid the scoundrel, he was always lurking nearby, whether out of coincidence or just sheer desire to vex her. edwina was already promenading with another suitor, one far more adequate than the viscount and yet, here he was, trying to cut in as he always did in attempts to consume all of her sister’s attentions for himself. kate would not allow it. the viscount would never be worthy of her sister and thus, kate had resolved to dedicate her time to keeping him as far aware from edwina as possible.

the summer heat was pleasant. for many, it may have been excruciating but for kate, it was perfect. while many were busy fanning themselves and hiding beneath shade of gazebos, kate was contently strolling alongside the river with newton’s lead in her hand. the corgi panted beside her, the mischievous look in his eye longing to dive into the water but he was being kept on a short leash to ensure he did no such thing.

edwina was off with lord lumley, lady danbury and mary chaperoning them as duty did call. kate would have joined them were it not for lady danbury’s scolding gaze telling her not to interfere for two minutes. so, instead, kate was occupying herself, enjoying the momentary peace while she could afford to do so. it was not often during the season but such luxuries - such as a reprieve - were afforded. no mr dorset, no viscount bridgerton.