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If anyone wondered what Simon Basset expected to see at a Mayfair soirée, there was a long list he had in mind that he kept tucked away like his own personal game of bingo.
- Eloise arguing with some of his former colleagues from Parliament.
- Lady Mary Sharma arguing with a caterer out of stress more than anything and then profusely apologising.
- Agatha Danbury terrifying many of the young men who instantly straighten up and tuck in their shirts and turn into devout men under her sharp glare.
- Anthony Bridgerton trying not to start shagging his wife.
Simon had seen it all. But a sad Edwina Sharma was new. He was surprised to see Edwina, usually the bubbly, sociable one, sitting on the floor of one of the stone balconies beside her two glasses of champagne. Her orange silk slip dress still looked immaculate as she always did, and she smiled in greeting, but it failed to reach her eyes.
"Smoke break?" She asked lightly.
"No, of course not. That would be wrong." Simon teased, taking a single cigarette and his lighter from his top inner pocket with a smirk, "Want one?"
"Yes, please." She sighed, holding out her hand to receive the cigarette he pulled out for her. Simon sat beside her on the floor, pulling off his jacket and placing it over her shoulders to protect her from the night air. He lit her cigarette and then his own, the two sighing in relief as smoke faded into the night air.
"You look gorgeous."
"Laying it on thick, Si." Edwina replied with a small smile, "But thank you."
Simon had always liked Edwina, seeing her as a little sister or cousin of sorts, given his aunt Agatha and her mother were good friends. She had always been the cheery one; the gentle one, running around in her bright pink dresses and pointe shoes.
"What's wrong?
She took another drag, "I don't want to be here." Edwina said, "I want to be at home, under a blanket watching Midsummer Murders. Does that make me a terrible person?"
Simon smiled, gently tapping her with his foot, "No. You can go home. No one will mind."
“But I’m supporting Kate! It was a great party. Feeding starving children is a good cause, after all.” She said, "I am just not in the partying mood."
Marrying Viscount Anthony Bridgerton was everything Edwina wanted for Kate. It was rather like a modern Pride & Prejudice with how they hated one another when they first met. But much like Mr Darcy and Lizzie Bennett, the dislike was merely a mask to the sexual tension bubbling beneath the surface. And now, she was a lawyer who was now a Viscountess and hosting her first charitable soirée in Mayfair. Edwina could not not turn up to support her big sister.
"Am I… doing my twenties wrong?" Edwina asked.
"You've only just started."
"I'm twenty-five!"
"Exactly. You're too young to be so jaded, Edie. Do I need to beat up anyone?" Simon asked.
"No."
"Sure? I think I saw Matt's older brother around; I can punch him so hard his idiotic brother will feel it."
Edwina reluctantly smiled, shaking her head. Matthew Bagwell, brother to the young Earl Bagwell, was her ex-boyfriend. A wonderfully shy post-doc student whom she dated for two years, and they decided to break up and remain friends. That did not mean that Kate and Simon would not hate him for eternity out of solidarity. But Simon was glad to get a small smile out of her.
Edwina sighed, "I feel as if I am useless. Superfluous."
"You? Useless?" Simon scoffed, "Now, I have heard it all."
"It's true! I mean, I don't fit here!" Edwina said, "I feel like I'm just here because I'm Kate's sister. I have always been Kate's little sister. It's why people tolerate me."
"Edwina, we all love you because you're you . I certainly always have." Simon said, "And Kate too! And your mum. Also, you got Kate and Anthony together, which I have to say is a task I'd rather not undertake. I'd prefer tending to the Queen's pack of pomeranians."
"You did help a lot, and so did Daph." Edwina pointed out, "And besides, Kate has done so much for me. She deserves the glittering days she once gave me after appa died." She smiled sadly, "But lately, I feel as if I am flailing. I thought it was all this change, but it is just me."
"Well, a large family as your in-laws can be stressful." Simon sympathised, sometimes overwhelmed by the Bridgertons. Even being raised in the same world, the Bridgertons were their own ecosystem of aristocracy, well-managed chaos and love. It had taken him a while to get used to his in-laws.
"Your wife's family merely like me at best. I know what they all call me." Edwina said.
The Incomparable. It had started with Colin, who had jokingly remarked upon meeting Edwina that she was painstakingly perfect. She had always been good. When their father died, all Edwina wanted was to make her mother and Kate proud.
She hated the nickname. Oh, she would laugh and smile politely when she heard it, but she hated the idea that everyone thought she was perfect and above all else. She was not. But she was an open book. Regimented. Ordered.
"Daphne adores you. And she told them to stop. Gregory really likes you too. Anthony loves you."
"He cares because Kate cares. I've had two conversations with him."
"...yes, but he is a prick. I say this as his best mate."
"He was a prick." Edwina agreed with a laugh.
She stood, putting out her nearly burnt-out cigarette on the balcony's edge and returned Simon his jacket with a kiss on the cheek, "Thanks, Si. But I am merely in a strange state. You cannot help. It will pass." She smiled tightly.
The following morning, Edwina woke up early. Still feeling so out of sorts, she decided yoga might help; something centring before the chaos of ballet classes and screaming children. Usually, she was always excited before a class. The creativity of all the little kids was the fun part of being at the Royal Ballet. But lately, she just felt numb to it all. She was putting one foot in front of the other.
She could do so. It was not like her father had died all over again or she had lost anyone. Her mother was more than well, probably delivering more adorable babies into the world. Kate was likely having a relaxing morning in with her husband. Newton probably eating a yummy breakfast. All was right in the world. She could tell herself that, and soon she would feel better. She had to.
At 9 am, as she swung her gym bag over her shoulder and grabbed her small flask of tea, there was a knock on the door. She frowned, given she was not expecting anything or anyone. But looking through the peephole, she was rather relieved it was Simon.
"Si? What are you doing here?" Edwina asked when she opened the door.
"What are you doing here?" Simon retorted, letting himself in.
"This is my flat?" Edwina stated, confused, "And I have to go to work, so can we talk later? Maybe we can get lunch-"
"No, you don't." Simon told her, taking her bag, as she looked at him, utterly confused, "You are leaving the country. Holiday. Today!"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Oh yes! Did the booking myself. A weekend in Vienna.” He told her, "For you to explore. I know it's one of the places you want to visit."
Edwina narrowed her eyes, "Simon? I don't want your pity. I told you, I will be fine."
He smiled sympathetically, "It is not pity. I don't do pity. You know Aunt Agatha's stance on pity. But I do see someone who needs a break without worrying about what her mother and sister could think. What anyone could think? So, the flight departs at two. I called in. You don't take a holiday - don't worry, you're not expected in. Pack, prepare."
Edwina blinked, hearing that he said two 'o clock. As in two in the afternoon, "Simon! I can't just go! Fuck!" She sighed.
"Yeah, but now you won't and can't say no." Simon pointed out. It was rather underhand of him, but he knew Edwina and knew that he would need to force her into this break. She put a lot of pressure on herself to get everything right all the time.
"I don't have any euros." Edwina argued weakly, "So, there, I have to go to Mum's to grab my passport."
"I have a credit card for you, and I know your passport is in your side table in your bedroom."
"Shit."
Edwina landed in Vienna late in the afternoon. Simon kept texting her, ensuring she would not tell her mother and sister. She was to focus n wandering and relaxing. It was odd to her, given she used to be the one begging Kate and their mum to take a break, take a breath and now Simon Basset, of all people, was forcing her out of the country to a very nice hotel to take a moment.
Life was a series of oddities, she supposed.
She ordered room service and watched two films before going to sleep in the king-sized bed, the mattress so comfortable and flights always wore her out. She remembers the trips to India when she was younger and how she would fall asleep on the way to her nani's home in her appa or mama's lap.
She awoke on Saturday morning, dressed in a white and pink floral dress and the long brown coat that she threw on. She was glad she brought boots as the weather had shifted, becoming chillier.
Wandering in the city centre, Edwina took a few photographs of landmarks she found beautiful or intriguing. She found a charming bookstore that looked old, likely having been there for ages. The store front was wood painted in a deep brown, and as she stepped inside, pushing open the heavy door, a small bell rang above her.
The store smelt like books. Warm, woodsy and the smell of peppermint tea wafting about from the back of the store. Edwina smiled, exploring the shelves. There was a wide range of books - old, new, in various languages. Leather bound times that had been preserved for a century next to dog-eared paperbacks from the 70s.
Edwina picked a few - two vintage Agatha Christie novels, a book of romantic short stories, and she saw a copy of Iris Murdoch's Sovereignty of Good that was bound in deep purple leather. Unfortunately, it was on the highest shelf and she could not see a ladder anywhere.
She reached up, standing on her tiptoes, straining as her fingers brushed the spine. Edwina groaned, annoyed.
"Do you need help?" She heard someone ask. She turned around, seeing a taller man with deep blonde hair and a kind expression. He was holding three old books himself, his backpack hanging off one shoulder.
Edwina smiled at the man, "Um, yes, please."
He reached up, taking the book as she directed him.
"Danke." Edwina whispered, "I always want the book on the top shelf and forget how short I am. Rather silly."
"Ambitious reading is never foolish." He said, a kind smile on his face, "And besides, Murdoch is worth it."
"She is." Edwina agreed, "Thank you again."
"Not at all. I'm Friedrich." He held out his hand for her to shake.
"Edwina." She smiled, shaking his hand, "It was nice meeting you. Do you work here?"
"Nein, leider nicht. This is one of my favourite bookstores, however." Friedrich replied.
"It is beautiful. Timeless in its way." Edwina agreed.
"Is this your first time in Vienna?" He asked with interest. She nodded, "Well, welcome. I hope you enjoy."
Edwina smiled as he began to walk away. He took two steps before stopping and turning around to look at Edwina, who was approaching the counter.
"This might be rather forward, but would you like to get a coffee?" Friedrich asked, scratching the back
Edwina looked at him, rather confused. He was speaking to her, looking at her. "Um..." She tittered nervously.
"My apologies. We do not know one another, and you have plans."
After a wander, Edwina found herself at an illuminated street, seeing people eating. Perhaps she should grab dinner here, and order her pointe shoes.
"Edwina?" She heard her name and she turned around to see Friedrich, sitting alone at a table, smoking.
"Oh, hello." Edwina said, surprised, "Is it not odd to run into one another again?"
He smiled, putting out his cigarette, "You could be stalking me."
"No! Not at all!" Edwina protested.
"I know, Edwina." Friedrich chuckled, then indicated to the seat across from him, "Would you like to sit with me?"
She nodded, cautiously taking the seat across from him, "Thank you. You could be stalking me." Edwina pointed out.
He handed her his wallet, and Edwina looked at the offered item, confused, "So that you have insurance. If you believe I am a murderer, you may run with my things." He reasoned.
"You are rather strange." Edwina remarked as a waiter approached them.
"I have been told." The young man seemed to know Friedrich, smiling at him as they spoke in rapid Swiss-German.
"Do you always ask out girls you meet in bookstores?" Edwina asked.
"Only the ones who buy Agatha Christie love stories and philosophical musings in one go." He replied, "Especially when she is as pretty as you are."
Edwina giggled, "Does that work?" She asked, thoroughly amused.
"No," Friedrich admitted, chuckling with her.
Some harmless fun. Was that not the point? Perhaps not what Simon had in mind, but Edwina found herself reasoning. She was cautious, not giving away too much about herself.
"I grew up in Somerset and we moved to London when my father died." Edwina told him.
"I have just returned from being away from home." Friedrich told her, "I was in England for a while too. And Scotland."
"Do you do much travelling for your work?" Edwina asked.
"Hopefully not anymore." Friedrich said, rather cryptically, "What do you think I do?"
Edwina studied him; his nice light blue shirt, an expensive yet vintage watch. Signet ring on his left hand.
"Banker. Serial killer." Edwina listed, "Far too put together?"
"Serial killer?" Friedrich asked, amused, "Wow, have I not earned any brownie points yet?" She shook her head as she giggled at him, "Okay, well, I think you are something wonderful like a Grundschullehrerin - school teacher. The kindest one or a lovely socialite."
Edwina smiled, "Well, I do try. But I prefer to be in my home, reading old books. My friends think I'm weird."
Friedrich leaned forward, "I rather like weird."
"And I'm... I don't do this." Edwina warned in between heated kisses, sighing as he moved to her neck, kissing her. Friedrich gently cupped her face.
His flat was far closer than her hotel, in one of those expensive buildings that rather reaffirmed her idea he was some sort of stock broker or banker. But he kissed her in the elevator, pressing her against the wall in a heated embrace. They separated when reaching his floor.
She registered small things about his large living space - photographs hung in various places of friends and family. Trinkets from across the world. But his bedroom was neat, too neat. Like he didn't sleep there.
Friedrich lifted Edwina as she wrapped her legs around his waist to place her in bed. Her coat was somewhere, so was his.
He brushed his nose against hers, gazing down at her as his hand travelled up her skirt and, Christ, any argument she had died in her throat, replaced with whines and moans.
"I do not usually do this either I but I find myself inexplicably drawn to you. You and that funny mind of yours." Friedrich whispered.
Edwina sighed, trying to catch her breath as he smiled down at her, a gentleness in his eyes that contrasted with the heated actions of wanting to remove her clothes.
In the morning, Edwina woke up first. Friedrich was sound asleep, flat on his back and rather pretty. His toned chest rose up and down steadily. Fast asleep.
Swinging her legs over the side, Edwina's legs felt like jelly as she placed her feet on the ground and nearly fell, suppressing a yelp. She did not realize this part. She was sore, but it was worth it. So worth it.
Edwina did not know what to do in this situation. She had slept with a man she barely knew, and it was great. A night of mind-blowing sex with a really handsome, interesting man, and he seemed nowhere to be seen. She hunted around the room for her clothes, quickly putting them on and tying back her hair to retain a semblance of dignity when she did her walk of shame.
Picking up her lilac tote bag that had been hung up by his front door, she crept back to the bedroom, peeking in to see Friedrich was still sound asleep, and she smiled to herself before leaving.
Friedrich pondered on his mysterious Edwina. Her beautiful brown eyes and long dark hair. Soft brown skin and a warm smile.
Then she was gone.
He was surprised that he had slept so deeply, usually a light sleeper by necessity. The Regiment ensured that, and he would not need to go back. He was lucky. He wanted to see her again.
"Freidrich, what's the matter, schatz?" His aunt Louise asked him. Queen Louise of Austria was a warm woman; she had raised Friedrich and his sister after their mother, her sister, bolted.
Sitting at dinner with her, he felt terrible for not listening to their conversation. She had worried about his work in the British Army and so, having him here was exciting for him. Her secretive nephew who preferred service to his royal privilege.
"Nothing." Friedrich assured.
"Do not lie. You have that same look on your face when you thought you lost Otto in the forest when your uncle took you camping.” She told him.
Friedrich chuckled at the memory. “Do you believe in falling for someone rather quickly?" He wondered, "If it is truly possible?"
She smiled gently, “I think so. I loved your uncle Frederick about a week after meeting him. Him being a Prince had nothing to do with it!"
"Not a little bit?"
"For your grandfather, perhaps." The old Duke of the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz had been an ambitious man. After all, his niece became Queen of England. He had to find various ways of one-upping his late brother.
"I met a girl. A beautiful, perplexing girl and after one night, she is stuck in my mind." He told her.
"I see." Louise said, "Do you think it more than mere relief? You have been away for some time. Soldiers-"
"Auntie!" He scolded with a chuckle, "Yes, it is more than mere relief. I liked her. I liked her a lot, and she was gone."
"Gone? She vanished into thin air?"
"No, she left whilst I was asleep."
Louise smiled gently, "You rarely sleep, schatz."
"I know." He grinned, "And she accused me of being a potential murderer and reads mystery novels and Iris Murdoch." His face warmed as his aunt smirked at him knowingly. He always picked up small details about people; it was why he was a good soldier.
"So, you must find her."
"I do not wish to merely hunt her down." Friedrich said, shaking his head, "I wish to trust in fate."
Louise chuckled, "Think of it as you helping fate along. What is all your privilege if you do not abuse it for once?"
"I do not think that is what you should say to me."
When Edwina returned to England, she felt different. She did not think it was the sex (well, it was rather life-changing). She felt better. Perhaps given some time away to be around history and books. She did think about Friedrich. A shame she did not get his number, but she doubted he would be interested after one night.
She visited Kate the day after she returned. The Edwardian home that they bought together was a little bit of a fixer-upper, but they had managed to transform it whilst keeping many of the original features that Kate had loved.
"Hey," Kate greeted, "How was Vienna?"
"Great," Edwina said, hugging her, "Sorry for not letting you know-"
"It's fine! Edwina, you are an adult; you can go wherever you want." Kate told her.
"You've become so liberal, didi." Edwina teased, "Growing up, it always felt like you wanted to put a tracking chip in me like you and Mama did Newton."
Kate scoffed, "Only because you had a thing for running off like you were being kidnapped!"
The kitchen was such a warm and welcoming space in a large home. Kate took many tips from their mother, who had always made the kitchen and family rooms a priority. It was where so much time was spent, after all.
Newton was resting in the corner, in one of his many beds. The corgi ran to greet Edwina, who kissed and hugged him. The sisters shared ownership of the rambunctious dog, who seemed interested in infuriating Anthony and competing for Kate's affections.
Edwina smiled, sitting down at the table as Kate fussed about, asking her if she was hungry or thirsty.
"Edwina?" Kate began rather nervously, "You do know that we can always talk? About anything, right?"
"I know," Edwina replied.
Kate sighed in relief, "Okay, good. It is just, well, I had noticed you seeming off, and I wanted to check in properly, but life has been so hectic with Anthony and the move and all of this!"
Edwina reached out, stopping her sister, "Kate, it is alright. I'm fine." She swore, "I am rather annoyed that Simon said something when I asked him not to."
"Simon didn't say anything, but I'm your sister. Mum has noticed too." Kate said as she poured two glasses of mixed juice. They all noticed something up with her but did not want to pry. After all, she was an adult.
"I have just felt rather numb. Stuck." Edwina said, "But I feel better now. A weekend away was needed." She assured her, whispering her thanks for the juice.
Kate nodded, "I think that's reasonable. You don't take many breaks. I just hate that Simon spotted it before I did. The smug bastard is going to use this to one-up me. By any chance, do you want a car?"
Edwina laughed at her sister's competitiveness, "No, I do not want a car. Your company is enough. And you may outrank Simon by paying for the next pair of pointe shoes I'll need for the upcoming season."
"Deal. Now, tell me, what did you do aside from raid all the bookstores to earn that glow?" Kate asked, sipping her juice.
"I am not glowing." Edwina protested.
"Yes, you are."
"Am not!"
"Yes, you are." Kate laughed, "You have that great sex glow about you. Who are you having sex with? Is it serious? Will I hate him?"
Edwina hesitated, unsure of what to say as her sister looked at her, eager to hear all the details, "I don't know who he was, okay? I only got his first name." She said, looking away and stirring her drink.
But Kate shrieked in excitement. Newton looked up, rather annoyed his afternoon nap was interrupted.
"When was this?"
"Saturday night. And morning."
"Was it good?
Edwina's face warmed, "Well, it went on for six hours. I think. I remember falling asleep as the sun came up." She admitted as Kate's face fell in amazement.
"Six hours?" Kate echoed, "And you just left him?"
"Oh yeah," Edwina said, drinking.
"Wait, you did use a condom?" She asked.
"Yes, of course."
"Good." Kate said, relieved, "Sorry, it's just I'm really proud. Your first one-night stand. You and your mysterious Marathon Man!"
Edwina groaned, "Do not call him that."
"Six hours, Edwina. I am not sure what else we can call him." Kate said as her sister's face warmed, tinged with pink, and it was not her blush.
"I liked him." Edwina admitted, playing with the straw in her drink, "We met in a bookstore and-"
"Bookstore meet cute?" Kate smirked, unable to resist teasing her, "Oh, only you could pick up a handsome sex machine in a bookstore. He probably wears glasses too."
"Says the woman that met her husband in the House of Lords!"
But unlike Kate, Edwina did not think that she would see her fun, mysterious, if not odd, man again. A fun memory for her momentary mania.
Queen Charlotte of Great Britain smiled happily as she watched the army helicopter land in the gardens of Kew Palace. The dogs were startled, yapping away but she was excited to see her favourite nephew after all this time.
"Freddie!" She greeted happily, managing to yell above the noise of the helicopter. He climbed out, pushing back some of his hair.
"Auntie." He bowed and kissed her on the cheek, "How are you?"
"I am well. Louise said you would be visiting. Something about a girl?" Charlotte said. She was always excited about a plot, especially involving matchmaking.
"What do you know about her?" Charlotte quizzed over lunch in the gardens. He spotted a peacock and wondered why they still had them. They were rather vicious if not beautiful creatures.
"Her name is Edwina. She enjoys reading."
Charlotte scoffed, "Anything else?"
"She was rather flexible."
"Freddie!"
"She mentioned pointe shoes." He continued, a small smirk on his face, "She could be a dancer. A dancer with a degree. Not white either; I should be able to narrow her down."
Charlotte narrowed her eyes at her nephew, "Are you sure you do not wish to work for MI5? They would be rather glad to have you. You keep a low profile anyhow."
Friedrich shook his head, "I am finished fighting, I believe."
"The Regiment misses you and as their commander, your uncle George could send you back."
"Ah, but if I tell you I may settle down with this woman, you will not."
Edwina decided to embrace her preferred isolation. She was watching TV, curled up on the sofa. Newton was happy to stay in with her, just as enthralled in whatever she was watching.
She taught her classes and went to rehearsals at the Royal Ballet and then retreated to the coziness of her flat.
Simon came around, after a conversation with Kate, "I heard about your fun in Vienna." He said, "Are you not glad I sent you?"
"I am." Edwina admitted, hugging him, "Thank you. And now, leave or you figure out who killed Roger Ackroyd!"
She went to bruch at Violet Bridgerton's home. It was more a brunch party than an intimate family brunch. Edwina found Penelope and Eloise, with Francesca and Colin, all chatting away.
"Apparently, the Queen's nephew is in town." Penelope was saying, "I'm trying to get an interview for Tatler, given he is one of the most eligible bachelors, but he's hard to get hold of!"
"He doesn't do interviews, Pen." Eloise said, "He is rather private. I do think even Lady Whistledown could get anything out of him."
"Which nephew?" Simon asked, hearing the conversation.
"Friedrich - polo player, hot army guy. British-Austrian, Duke of Cumberland. Did I mention hot?" Francesca listed.
"You went to school with him, babe?" Daphne asked Simon.
"Yeah, Harrow before I was moved to Eton. Seen him a few times over the years. Rumours about his service and all." Simon said.
"Could you get me an interview?" Penelope asked hopefully, "He's on the Most Eligible list and he's never done an interview!"
"What is the Most Eligible list?" Edwina asked.
"Tatler's little black book." Daphne told her.
"Surprised you are not there, Edwina." Colin quipped and Eloise hit his chest. Clearly they had a talking to.
Daphne pulled out her phone to show Edwina, "All of my brothers, except Greg of course, are in there. Ant has just been taken off, but I think we can get you on there!" She teased, bumping her hip.
Edwina smiled, shaking her head as she scrolled through, "There's Friedrich." Daphne said, showing her a picture, "I can see why they need an interview and new photo. Still handsome though." She said.
Edwina froze. She knew him. Intimately. Because she could not live a simple life, the one time she tries to do something easy and fun, she ends up shagging a prince.
"Um, I need to go." Edwina stuttered out, and Daphne looked confused, "Pointe shoes. I need new ones."
"Oh, alright." Daphne said, with a small smile, "Safe trip home."
Edwina went home and buried herself in her duvet and quilts, hoping to be swallowed by the blankets and perhaps she would not have to think about it. She needed to calm down. It is not like he would remember her and besides, he met many girls, born and bred for his life. She could move on and not think about the time she accidentally had sex with a prince.
Two weeks later, Edwina was in the studio, cooling down after a long rehearsal for Giselle. Auditions were next week and she so desperately wanted the lead. She felt she was ready. She braced against a barre, inhaling in and out to loosen her tired muscles. Her plan was to go to her mum's, take home the leftovers and hibernate for the weekend.
She did not even pay attention to the excited titters in the studio, before standing up again. When she looked in the mirror, she saw a relived Prince Friedrich.
"Hello." He greeted.
"H-Hello." Edwina whispered and whipped around, startled by him.
Edwina had no clue where to look, or if she should curtsey. Other dancers were looking on curiously, the ones that recognised him were staring, eyes wide as they were corralled out of the room, leaving the two alone.
"How? What are you doing here?" Edwina asked.
He shrugged, "I wanted to see you."
"You are a Prince."
He scratched the back of his neck, nervous, "I was hoping we could forgo that part. Ignore it. Just Friedrich to you, if we may?"
"Friedrich." Edwina repeated, "Um, what are you doing here?"
"Looking for you."
"Looking for me?"
"This fell out of your bag." He said, holding the purple bound copy of Sovereignty of the Good that he pulled out of his satchel.
"You flew here to give me... my book?" She whispered.
"Well, no. I wish to get to know you, Edwina." Friedrich said.
"You want to get to know me?"
"Indeed."
Um, I'm not pregnant or anything." Edwina blurted out, "Really, you did not have to come all this way."
"And yet, I wanted to." Friedrich said, "I liked you very much and you ran from me. That's never happened before and it merely made you worth pursuing. I was to leave it to fate, that I would see you again."
Edwina's face warmed as she sighed, "How did you find me?"
"I am a prince, and I am rather observant. Especially with people I am interested in knowing." He said, "And there are only so many Edwinas in Britain. And I recall you were rather flexible." He added teasingly. Edwina gasped, playfully pushing him, "Well, you did mutter to yourself about pointe shoes too."
Edwina sighed, recalling that she needed to pick up a new pair to break in, "I still didn't get them!" She groaned, "I blame you. And Simon too, I blame him."
"Let me make it up with the dinner I was going to buy you before you ran away from me." Friedrich suggested.
"Um, I have to go. Family dinner." Edwina said, "I promised."
"Can I come?"
"You want to come?" Edwina was beginning to feel like a parrot, but she had to repeat everything he said in fear that she was misunderstanding and to reassure herself that this was real.
"I would like to." Friedrich said gently, "I told you. I like you. I want to know you."
Edwina smiled, feeling butterflies flutter in her stomach - the good kind that made her all fuzzy inside. She bit her lip and nodded, "Okay, then. I hope you like spice." She said and he grinned.
He took her bag and held her hand as she tried not to blush because everyone was staring at them.
It was safe to say that Mary Sharma was not expecting her daughter to bring a guest. It was not that she did not have enough food, for she cooked as if she were personally feeding each one of the five thousand and their families. But Edwina unlocked the door to her childhood home, seeing everyone else had arrived. She knew that Agatha would be there, with her grandson Gareth which meant Hyacinth, Gregory and Violet Bridgerton would be there. Simon and Daphne would come for Mary loved their son Auggie and of course, Kate was never one to miss family dinner.
But when Edwina walked to the living room, where everyone was, they were all rather focused on the tall blonde behind her whom they all recognised.
"Um, everyone, this is Friedrich. This is everyone." Edwina introduced.
The room was silent, which Edwina did not think was possible for any Bridgerton. Anthony and Simon looked at one another as did Daphne to her mother and Violet to Agatha, who warned Hyacinth and Gareth with a stern look not to take any photographs to post.
"Uh, your Royal Highness…" Anthony began.
"Just Friedrich, please. Apologies for the intrusion." He said bashfully.
Mary shook her head, "Not at all! There is plenty to go around. This is just, uh, unexpected. Um, I will set another place."
Sitting around the large dining room table as large bowls of food and sides were passed around rather interesting, as Friedrich complimented Mary, who was flattered by the praise.
"Oh, I always cook a lot. It is a great stress reliever." Mary said, "Speaking of stress, how did the two of you meet?"
Edwina's face warmed, "Um, we met in Vienna, mama." She said quietly.
"Wait, he's Marathon Man?" Kate blurted out, her eyes wide.
Simon spat out his beer comically. Friedrich was amused, looking at Edwina, who wanted to be swallowed up by the ground, "Is that what I am known as? Marathon Man?" He asked curiously.
"Well, I didn't exactly know who you were," Edwina said defensively, "And Kate came up with the nickname."
"Do you do a lot of running?" Violet asked innocently.
"Let's not discuss it. Please." Edwina begged, "Please."
"We need to discuss it," Simon said, "Because you could be carrying a little prince based on what I heard."
Mary's eyes darted to the couple, "Wait, what?" She cried.
(Edwina was not pregnant, but two years later, upon having their first child, H.R.H Edwina Sharma, Duchess of Cumberland, would still not tell her mother what 'marathon man' meant. H.R.H Prince Friedrich could not stop laughing as he did during the one interview the couple did when asked for the specifics of how they met.)