"Well, this is unexpected." Violet walked down the steps. It was her grand idea to host a ball to get their reputation back, certain that it would play out. Only, as they went down stairs, not a single soul had attended. "It is still quite early, I suppose."

"Miss Edwina." Griffin smiled as he'd gotten sight of the Sharma family. "Mother, look. We do have guest."

"Would you still like us to play, my lady?" a man from the symphony walked forward in questioning.

"That will not be necessary." she spoke politely with a shake of her head.

"If there's no need for my presence, i'll head to my studio." Benedict spoke up to get each of their attention. "I for one do not wish to be around such misery all evening."

"Wait!" Anthony wished to stop him.

"I know of your opinions." Benedict waved him off.

"You will stay for a dance." the oldest son walked forward with a knowing look. "There shall be dancing. With our clothes on!"

"How dare you get my excitement so high?" Griffin shook his hands, taking his hands off his blazer as Edwina hid a smile.

"A new perspective, yes?" Anthony nodded his head, looking up to the balcony. "Hyacinth! Come down here and do me the honor."

Griffin cracked a smile at her excitement across her face. Gregory looked offended. "If she gets to dance, so do I."

"This shall be amusing." Griffin braced himself as the youngest made it down.

"Come. Show this dowager the benefit of all these lessons I hear you've been taking, Mr.Bridgerton." Lady Danbury encouraged Gregory.

Griffin flashed a side grin as he held out his hand. "Miss Edwina?"

"Something lively. A country dance, perhaps?" Anthony suggested up to the symphony as they all began to partner off and crowd together. "I believe the theme you have chosen tonight is harmony, Mother."

As they music started, they all joined hands as one. Griffin couldn't hold back a giggle as they bowed to each other, skipping together before latching onto their partners. Griffin and Edwina laughed as their hands joined, going in a circle before linking arms and jogging in the respectable circle. Edwina gave a loud laugh as Griffin laughed at her.

They each joined hands again, skipping into the circle before going back. As before, one of the partners ran into the circle before going back to their partner and spinning. Edwina was grateful for Griffins grip on her as they started to go in a circle once more, falling slightly dizzy from all the sudden and intense movement. With one final hand grab, they went back into their circle before falling apart.

Griffin and Edwina separated with a grin, he'd fallen into the hold of Lady Mary as she accepted him with open arms. They danced in a circle with a laugh to the other, their hands grasping and running in the circle. The music came to an end as they all panted. Griffin gave a small bow. "Thank you for the pleasure, Lady Mary."

"Ah, thank you, Mr.Bridgerton." she clutched her heart with an inhale. Griffin turned to find Edwina, finding her gaze had flattened to sadness and onto Anthony and Kate. Griffin followed her gaze and gave his best glare in their direction before heading to Edwina. His hands grasped hers for comfort as he gave her an encouraging nod, the pair taking a deep breath together.

"Perhaps we should start eating some of that food." Anthony smiled around to each of them.

•

kylie speaks

i truly wonder why i made
these last final chapters so
terribly short lmao