After their talk, they walked hand in hand through the garden, the tension from their earlier conversation slowly dissipating into the cool morning air. Octavius felt lighter, her steps more assured with Francesca by her side. They talked and laughed, the weight of the past lifted momentarily by their shared joy.
Francesca glanced at Octavius, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You know,” she began, a teasing lilt in her voice, “for someone who’s always so composed, you certainly have a knack for finding trouble.”
Octavius chuckled, nudging her playfully. “I seem to remember a certain lady leading me into said trouble more often than not.”
“Oh, is that how you remember it?” Francesca quipped, raising an eyebrow.
Octavius smiled at this, “I seem to recall a certain Pall Mall game where someone’s ball ended up in the lake because of a rather aggressive strike.”
“That was a strategic move!” Francesca protested, laughing. “You were winning, and I had to even the odds.”
“Strategic, indeed,” Octavius said with a grin as Francesca protested her own actions, “Well, my ball just happened to end up in the lake as well.”
Octavius laughed. “I suppose I underestimated your determination to win.”
Their laughter echoed through the garden, the sun rising higher and casting a golden glow over the world. As they approached the edge of a small lake, Francesca paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.
“Do you ever wonder what might have happened if some things were different?” she asked softly as she recall Octavius’ childhood, her gaze fixed on the shimmering water.
Octavius squeezed her hand gently. “Sometimes,” she admitted. “I wonder what could have been if I grew up just male, if I did not have this condition. If the Queen could have just accepted me as I was… if my mother did not die… or if I just stayed with Lady Danbury and Simon. It does make one wonder what could have happened if I was not placed in the Cavendish’s care.” She smiled. “But then I remember that every step led me to who I am today and eventually, to you.” She stopped as she took the moment to look into her eyes, “And I’ll happily follow you every step moving forward.”
Francesca’s heart swelled with emotion, but before she could respond, a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. “Prove it,” she challenged, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
Octavius tilted her head, confused. “Prove what?”
“Prove that you’d follow me anywhere,” Francesca said, taking a step closer to the water’s edge.
Octavius grinned, accepting the challenge. “You know I would.”
With a laugh, Francesca darted towards the lake with her hands lifting her dress, and Octavius followed without hesitation. But in her eagerness, she misjudged her step and slipped, landing with a splash in the shallow water. Francesca burst into laughter, rushing to the edge to help her out.
“Oh, Octavius, you never fail to amaze me,” Francesca said between giggles, reaching out a hand to her.
Octavius, soaked and laughing, took her hand and stood up. “I think I may have proved my point,” she said, shaking water from her hair.
Francesca’s laughter faded into a soft smile, her eyes locking with Octavius’s. “You certainly did,” she whispered, her voice filled with affection. She found herself in between smiling and admiring, her breath catching as she took in Octavius’ rather wet appearance. There was something undeniably captivating about Octavius in that moment, water dripping from her hair, her clothes clinging to her form, and an expression of pure affection on her face. Francesca was left speechless, surprised by how Octavius’ look took her breath away and could not make sense of what she currently feels about it.
Octavius stepped closer, her heart pounding. “Francesca, you mean everything to me. I would face any challenge, any fear, as long as I have you.”
Francesca’s breath caught in her throat, her heart racing, her mind still in the trance of getting caught up with Octavius’ current appearance. “Octavius,” she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion.
Without another word, Octavius leaned in, capturing Francesca’s lips in a tender, heartfelt kiss. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in that perfect moment. The kiss was soft at first, a gentle exploration, but it quickly deepened, filled with all the love and passion they felt for each other.
As they finally pulled apart, breathless and smiling, Francesca laughed softly. “You know, you really do look quite dashing when…” she trailed off
Octavius chuckled, pulling her closer. “And you, my love, are breathtaking in any light.”
Octavius pulled Francesca closer, their foreheads touching as they stood wrapped in each other’s arms. The warmth of the morning sun cast a golden glow over them, making the moment feel almost magical. Despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, they knew they had each other, and that was all they needed.
“Francesca,” Octavius began, her voice soft yet resolute, “I believe now is the perfect time for me to ask you something I should have asked properly before.”
Francesca’s brow furrowed slightly, curiosity piqued. She looked at Octavius, her heart fluttering with anticipation. “What is it, Octavius?”
Octavius took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. The earlier, impromptu proposal had felt like a whimsical moment lost amidst the chaos. Now, with a clear heart and a mind full of love, she was ready to make it right.
“From the moment that fate led me to you, you’ve shown me a love and warmth I never knew I could have,” Octavius said, her eyes locking with Francesca’s. “You’ve been my rock, my confidante, and the one who makes my world brighter. Every day with you feels like a gift, and I cherish each moment we share.”
She paused, her gaze drifting to the beautiful surroundings, as if drawing strength from the tranquil beauty of the garden. “When I first asked you to marry me, it was in the midst of a whirlwind of emotions. I feared my words might have seemed like a jest, a fleeting moment amidst the chaos.”
Francesca’s eyes glistened, her heart swelling with affection as she listened.
Octavius continued, her voice steady and filled with sincerity. “But now, with all the clarity I could wish for, I want to ask you again—properly. Francesca, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I promise to stand by you, to support you, and to love you with all that I am.”
She took Francesca’s hands in hers, her eyes brimming with emotion. “You are the light of my life, and I cannot imagine a future without you by my side. Let us build a life together, filled with love, laughter, and unbreakable bonds. Will you marry me?”
Francesca’s breath caught, and she stared at Octavius, overwhelmed by the depth of her words. A soft, happy tear rolled down her cheek as she realized how deeply Octavius felt. Her heart raced, and she found herself caught between laughter and tears, her emotions swirling in a beautiful dance.
“Octavius,” Francesca whispered, her voice trembling with joy
Octavius’ held her hand. “Will you make me the luckiest person in the world to care and cherish you for the rest of our lives?”
In that moment, all Francesca could think of as an answer was to seal the moment with a kiss, and she did. They shared a heartfelt kiss, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving just the two of them in their perfect moment. The proposal had been grand, not just in the setting or the words, but in the love and commitment they shared. And with that kiss, they sealed their promise to each other, ready to face whatever the future held together.
—
Octavius and Francesca, now blissfully engaged, had finally managed to carve out a moment to share their joyous news with their families. After a much-needed bath and rest, they found themselves in the bustling drawing room, where their families and close friends were engaged in various lively activities. The afternoon was filled with the sounds of animated conversation and playful banter, creating a perfect backdrop for their announcement.
Gregory, Benedict, and Hyacinth were locked in a spirited debate over the best macaron flavor, each trying to secure their preferred choice from the plate held precariously by Benedict. The Featheringtons, Lady Danbury, Lady Bridgerton, the Duke, and Duchess of Devonshire were gathered in one corner, deep in their own conversation. Anthony and Kate were engaged in a quiet discussion, while Colin and Penelope were trying to persuade Eloise to look after her nephew. Daphne and Simon were laughing together, enjoying the lively atmosphere as they watch Eloise struggle with Augie.
Francesca, with a mischievous glint in her eye, turned to Octavius. “Well, there’s no time like the present, don’t you think?”
Octavius glanced around at their respective families, who seemed wholly absorbed in their own activities. “Our families are clearly occupied,” she remarked, her tone light but her gaze serious.
Francesca watched Octavius with a teasing smile. “Well, we must interrupt.”
Octavius raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk crossing her face. “I do not believe they will hear me.”
Francesca gave her fiancé a look that said, “Oh, really?” and chuckled.
Octavius sighed dramatically, noting with a hint of disbelief that this was their first argument as an engaged couple. “Watch.”
She stood up and faced the noisy room, clearing her throat to get everyone’s attention. “Excuse me,” she began, but her voice was drowned out by the general clamor. Octavius gave Francesca a resigned look, as if to say, “I told you so.”
Taking a deep breath, Octavius raised her voice. “I have taken ill with the plague and you are all doomed by association!”
To her surprise, the room fell silent. Heads turned, and everyone looked at her with a mix of confusion and concern.
The Duchess of Devonshire, her face a picture of worry, leaned forward and asked, “Could… could you repeat that, dear?”
Francesca burst into laughter at Octavius’s dramatic performance, “It’s a jest.” and the room soon followed suit, the tension breaking into relieved chuckles.
“Very well, now that we have your attention,” Francesca started with a smile, as the laughter subsided. She looked at Octavius and then back to the crowd, suddenly feeling the enormity of their audience. She nervously moved closer to Octavius, clinging to her arm as if seeking comfort. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice trembling slightly. “I appreciate it.”
Octavius wrapped an arm around Francesca, offering her a reassuring squeeze. “We have a small announcement to make,” she began, her nerves getting the better of her as she glanced at the expectant faces around her.
Clearing her throat, she continued, “We are to marry.”
Eloise was the first to react, letting out a gasp and jumping to her feet, leaving her nephew on the floor. Lady Bridgerton cheered with delight, and the Duchess of Devonshire quickly followed suit. The room erupted in cheers and congratulations.
Eloise rushed to Francesca, enveloping her in a tearful hug. “I’m so happy for you!” she exclaimed, her voice choked with emotion. She practically witnessed their love story unfolding right before her eyes.
Daphne joined in, hugging Francesca and Octavius both. “Congratulations!” she said warmly, her eyes shining with happiness.
Hyacinth was practically bouncing with excitement. “You shall be the most beautiful bride! Well, equal to Daphne and Penelope, of course,” she added with a grin.
Penelope smiled at Hyacinth’s enthusiastic praise. “You two make a beautiful pair,” she said, her eyes full of warmth.
The Duchess of Devonshire beamed at the couple. “I am so pleased. I look forward to joining our families together.”
The Duke, observing the scene, finally allowed a smile to break through his serious demeanor. “I am looking forward to seeing our families unite,” he said, nodding to Lady Bridgerton, Kate, and Anthony.
Anthony, with a playful grin, extended his hand to Octavius. “Congratulations,” he said, giving her a firm handshake. “Now it’s sealed. We’ll have to rematch at Pall Mall next year.”
“Oh dears,” Lady Danbury said, struggling to find the right words. Overwhelmed with emotion, she simply wrapped the newly engaged couple in a heartfelt embrace.
“I am so pleased and happy for both of you,” Lady Bridgerton said, holding their hands in hers. “You make such a lovely pair.” Her eyes shone with genuine affection for the two women before her.
Amidst all the congratulations, Daphne and Octavius exchanged a knowing look, and Octavius nodded in understanding. With the room now cleared of servants, Octavius took a deep breath and prepared for the next part of the announcement. “There is something more I must share with you all,” she began, her voice steady but filled with apprehension.
Her eyes fell on to the Featheringtons, “What? Go on.” Lady Feathering ton said
Octavius hesitated as she recalled what she was told by the Duchess about Lady Featherington, the rather infamous biggest gossip of the ton.
She took a deep breath again and proceeded to reveal her true identity to the family, keeping her words true to what she told Daphne when she found out about her identity. Octavius spoke of her origins, the rare condition that had caused her transformation, and the painful past she had endured. She recounted how Lady Danbury had rescued her from the palace and how she had been taken in by the Cavendish family. The room was filled with a mix of shock, empathy, and supportive murmurs as Octavius laid bare her past.
As she finished her story, the room was quiet, the weight of her revelation sinking in. “And you knew of this?” Anthony looked between Daphne, Simon, and Francesca who could only offer their nods as an answer.
“Only a few knew.” Lady Danbury said as she gestures to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.
Anthony seemed somewhat angered by the matter as he points out how it looked like they were being tricked into accepting Octavius in their family. However, Lady Bridgerton stopped him and talked sense into him, “My dear son, I do not think these secrets change Octavius’ sincerity and the character she has shown to us over the course of time we have known her.” His wife also joined in, and it only took him awhile before he starts accepting their reasoning.
The Bridgertons and Featheringtons then offered their heartfelt support, their reactions a blend of surprise, concern, and acceptance. The love and solidarity from both families were a testament to the strength of the bonds that had formed through the engagements and revelations of the past few days.
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