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Chapter Text

Prologue

October 16, 1816

Aubrey Hall

Kent, England

There was a bitter chill in the air as Anthony held baby Edmund in one arm and held the other arm up to help Kate from the carriage after their long journey from Bridgherton House in London to Aubrey Hall in Kent. A journey that should have only taken a day was made in two. Anthony and Kate knew keeping their young son occupied would generally be easy; however, in the Bridgerton carriage, away from Edmund's usual routine, they thought it best to stop at one of the inns overnight. Anthony and Kate weren't the only ones to stop at the Rose and Thorn Inn halfway between London and Kent. Colin and Penelope had the same idea and joined them with baby Thomas.

After a light breakfast and some cousin time between Edmund and Thomas, the Bridgerton's were on the road again. Luckily for both sets of parents, the swaying back and forth of the carriages lulled Edmund and Thomas to sleep.

By the early evening, as the Bridgerton and Featherinton carriages pulled to a stop in front of Aubrey Hall, most of the family was already settling in and wandering around the grounds before dinner.

Anthony limbered out of the Bridgerton carriage at the same time as Colin, both brothers stretching before reaching into their respective carriages to grab their sleeping sons from Kate and Penelope. Anthony and Colin walked side by side, looking at their sons, while Kate and Penelope walked arm-in-arm, with Newton running ahead, not wanting to be too far away from his human brother. 

A smiling Violet greeted the group.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite gentlemen," Violet told the group.

Colin looked at Anthony with a sparkle in his eye before saying aloud, "Brother, I'm afraid to ask our Mother if she's referring to us or to the babies we are holding and Newton."

Before Violet could answer, two female voices simultaneously said, "It's the babies and Newton."

Kate stood next to a shocked Anthony and tickled Edmund's foot as the baby snuggled up against his Appa and smiled a gummy grin at his Amma.

"Well," Anthony said, "Edmund does take after his Amma after all."

Colin paused on the steps, rearranging Thomas to put his arm around Penelope as they walked over the threshold. Blowing raspberries onto Thomas's neck, earning an array of squeals and babbles from the babe in his arm, who gently smacked his father's check.

"Is everyone here," Colin looked over and asked Violet.

"Benedict, Eloise, and Hyacinth are somewhere around here," said Violet, "Gregory starts his autumn break in a few days and will be here by the 23rd. Daphne and Simon got delayed in leaving Clyvedon because of a tenant issue and will be here before the 30th. Francesca and John are still traveling from Scotland but should be here in a few days."

As the small group entered the family's private drawing room, Anthony and Colin lowered Edmund and Thomas onto the ground, where they started playing with some of the toys kept at Aubrey Hall. The crinkling sound of the fireplace echoed throughout the room as tea was served, and Colin was scouring the tea cakes and sandwiches and bringing a heaping plate over to share with Penelope, who was sipping on her tea while listening to what Violet was saying.

"There you are, Pen," came Eloise's voice.

"Good to see you too, sister," came Colin's dry response.

Eloise stuck her tongue out at Colin and squeezed between the couple before taking one of his sandwiches. Soon enough, Benedict and Hyacinth joined the rest of the family in the drawing room. Benedict lowered himself onto the ground and played with his nephews. At the same time, Hyacinth talked amiably with Kate about the latest fashion trends for what would surely be a cold English winter.

The group continued to talk until Anthony picked up a sleeping Edmund off of Newton and joined Kate as they went up to their chamber to change for dinner.

"He's fighting off the sleep," Benedict said, looking over at Thomas, who could be seen slowly nodding off before opening his sleepy eyes and gnawing at the scone in his hand.

"I'll take him upstairs to the nursery," Colin said as he scooped up Thomas from the floor. Penelope leaned forward and gently kissed Thomas on the forehead before Colin left the room.

October 23rd

Eloise ushered Penelope to her favorite spot in the Aubrey Hall library. She needed to speak with someone about some of the strange activity she had been noticing, and who better than Lady Whistledown herself? Eloise wasn't the only one who noticed something peculiar was happening. Gregory, who had arrived two days early, had gone to see Eloise and Benedict that morning after breakfast. Explaining what he had heard and may or may not have seen.  

"Pen, have you heard anything peculiar since you arrived at Aubrey Hall?" Penelope looked at Eloise like she may have been crazy, but at this point, Eloise probably was from the voices she'd heard since their first night.

Looking down and wringing her hands, Penelope slowly looked up and said, "I haven't, but I think Colin has. He keeps saying pardon as if I have asked him a question, but I wasn't in the room with him." 

Eloise let out the breath she was holding. She would need to ask Kate if she had heard anything or if it was just those born into the family. 

"What have you been hearing," Penelope asked.

"It's not more so what I have been hearing. But whenever I walk into a room, even with the fireplaces blazing, I can never stay warm and chilled to the bone."

Eloise saw Penelope's concerned look and added, "I've never felt this cold when we have been here in the past."

"El?" Penelope asked, "Has your family ever been at Aubrey Hall in October?"

"No?"

"I see," Penelope said, looking at Eloise with a question on the tip of her tongue, but decided it was best to keep her question to herself.

October 31st

All the Bridgerton siblings were at Aubrey Hall; Daphne and Francesca arrived on the 25th, and both sisters felt as if something was off as they stepped over the threshold midafternoon. It wasn't long until Gregory cornered his sisters after seeing their expressions upon entering their family home.

"You feel it too, don't you," was all Gregory said, looking at Daphne and Francesca. Before either could respond, Anthony appeared from his study to greet his younger sisters and asked about their journeys from Clyvedon and Kilmartin. 

Gregory turned to Eloise and Benedict, looking worried, "I have a bad feeling about tonight."

The afternoon sun slowly turned to a full moon, and the Bridgertons had finished dinner, making their way to the family parlor to spend the evening sitting by the fire, reading and working on some form of needlework, or at least Eloise was trying to. The clock struck nine o'clock when Anthony announced, "Let's tell some scary stories before we all retire for bed."

"Really, brother," Benedict said, looking up from the charcoal drawing he had been working on, "scary stories?"

"What are you so afraid of, Benny boy?" Colin said from the other side of the room, next to Penelope, from the chaise they were sitting on. Penelope glanced over to Eloise, who was looking at Gregory, who sat rigidly in his seat. Anthony was clueless about the reaction from some of his younger siblings: Benedict, Eloise, and Gregory were worried, whereas Colin, Daphne, Francesca, and Hyacinth were excited, especially Hyacinth, who already had a scary story in mind that their Uncle Edward had told her. 

Colin stood up, going over to pull the bellpull to order some small snacks for their late-night storytelling. Violet had bid them good night and retired to bed as they waited for the food to arrive. Once the food was brought in, the siblings and their spouses helped move the chairs around so they were situated around the roaring fireplace. Anthony took his spot in the middle, with Kate sitting next to him, wrapped in a thick wool blanket that Francesca and John had gifted them the Christmas before. 

"Since I am the oldest, I'll go first and then birth order like in Pall Mall."

"In the deep woods, there lived an old man......"

Chapter Text

"In the deep woods, there lived an old man," Anthony knew he couldn't tell too much of a scary story, not with Gregory and Hyacinth in the room. He didn't want a scolding from his mother if either of his younger siblings had nightmares. He continued with his story and how the old man's grandson came to stay with him but was continuously haunted by the things he feared the most. 

At one point during Anthony's story, he could see Colin gripping Penelope's hand tighter and tighter. 

"Then, one night, the old man could hear screaming coming from his grandson's bedroom and rushed as fast as he could in his old age. Standing in the middle of the room was a giant wolf standing on two feet. But no such wolves existed," Anthony whispered, looking around the group as he finished his story. "The old man knew what had been terrorizing his grandson was a boggart and knew immediately what to do. He yelled out to think of a happy memory and to say it out loud."

Anthony looked at the group with waited breath. "What did the grandson say," Gregory whispered.

"Running around the green pasture with his father. The grandson stood on his bed and yelled as loud as he could that his happy memory was running around the green pasture with his father until the boggart disappeared."

"That wasn't too bad," Colin muttered, who was practically in Penelope's lap. 

"Sure thing, Colin, then why are you sitting on Penelope?"

"I was keeping her warm," Colin grumbled under his breath as he scooted back to his spot. 

"Your turn, Benny boy," Anthony smiled at Benedict.

"Do I have to," Benedict whined at Anthony.

"Yes. Out of all of us, you should have the best scary story."

"Fine," Benedict huffed and cleared his throat, "It happened one night at a ball…"

One by one, Anthony sat and listened to his siblings' scary stories. At one point, Anthony himself yelped during Colin's story. He should have known Colin, the world explorer, would have the best until it was Hyacinth's turn.

"Uncle Edward told you that story himself," Anthony asked Hyacinth, who nodded.

"He said he heard about it while fighting in the war. Uncle Edward was stationed in New York."

Anthony returned from the nursery after pocking his head in to check on a sleeping Edmund and Newton. Ever since Edmund had been born, Newton had stayed close to his human brother, which meant sleeping in the nursery, and Anthony had no complaints because that meant time alone with Kate. Entering his shared bedroom with Kate, quite the scandal, he closed the door softly and padded across the room to where Kate sat at her vanity. Leaning in and kissing along her neck, she hummed with contentment. Turning in her chair, Kate ran her fingers through Anthony's hair, earning a soft grunt and a deep kiss that she felt in her toes.

"Have I said how much I love you," Anthony whispered and nipped at Kate's ear. 

"Hmm, not within the last hour, you haven't."

"Well then, Viscountess Bridgerton," Anthony said, lifting Kate from where she was sat, "let me show you for the rest of the night."

Anthony tossed Kate onto their bed and slowly started to strip out of his clothes before crawling on the bed to join Kate. But as Anthony stepped out of his pants, he heard a sound, the very same sound he had been hearing since they arrived at Aubrey Hall. Anthony thought nothing of it since Aubrey Hall was an old residence and made noise often. However, this was different from any other time. He shook the thought out of his head and crawled to Kate, kissing every inch of skin Anthony could see. Slowly lowering himself between the cradle of Kate's thighs with a lazy smile on his face. 

"I can't believe you were scared by Colin's Phantom of...." Kate began to say until Anthony started to move, her words quickly becoming moans.

It's the middle of the night, and Anthony is woken by the sound of buzzing and a cold, empty spot where Kate should have been. He grabbed his pocket watch on the side table and turned it over to read three in the morning. Slowly pushing the covers away, Anthony slid out of bed, lighting the lantern before walking over to the chair against the wall where his pants and shirt were from the day before. 

Opening the bedroom door slowly, Anthony held the lantern in front of his face as he looked around before heading in the direction of the nursery to see if Kate was there. With his hand on the doorknob, Anthony heard the buzzing sound again. Turning to see where the sound was coming from, Anthony faintly heard Kate.

"Kate," he whispered as he crept forward.

The buzzing sound was getting louder and louder as he moved closer. Lifting the lantern, he saw Kate being swarmed by bees. His breath was lodged in his throat. With a quiet whimper, Anthony called out to Kate again, "Kate."

Anthony stumbled forward, but the bees around Kate moved fast down the hall. Running after the swarm of bees, panic rose in Anthony as his worst nightmare was coming true, and he didn't have Kate to calm him down. As Anthony ran faster and faster to catch the bees, the swarm moved even faster down the hall until it went straight into the wall, taking Kate with it.

"KATE!" 

"KATE!"

Anthony ran faster to the wall and the empty space. Frantically looking for Kate, Anthony started to panic, "No, no, no, no, KATE!"

The only sound Anthony heard was his panicked breathing, and he grabbed his hair, unaware of someone approaching.

"Anthony," came Benedict's distant voice, "What's happened?"

"Something took, Kate," Anthony cried out.

Benedict grabbed Anthony and gave him a crushing hug as Anthony's world seemed to be crumbling down. "Tell me everything that happened."

Anthony recounted everything to Benedict, whose only response was, "I don't think those were normal bees, Ant."

Anthony looked at Benedict with a confused look.

"Bees are never active this late at night and when it gets too cold. I think your story about the boggart became real, and since bees are what you fear most."

"But how do I get Kate back," Anthony whimpered out. 

But before Benedict could answer, they heard Colin scream, "PEN," and looked at each other before darting toward Colin's scream.

Anthony and Benedict both thinking, this is going to be a long night. 

Chapter Text

Benedict sat in the family room between Gregory and Hyacinth, listening to Anthony's boggart story. All the while, Benedict kept thinking of a story to tell but came up empty. It would be his turn soon, and he may be incredible at spouting poetry and painting but telling scary stories wasn't something Benedict typically did. He was pulled from his thoughts when he heard, "Your turn, Benny boy," Anthony said while smiling at him.

"Do I have to," Benedict whined at Anthony. 

"Yes. Out of all of us, you should have the best scary story."

Turning and looking at Gregory and Hyacinth's excited faces, Benedict closed his eyes and took a deep breath, thinking of the only thing that was scary to him now: not finding his lady in silver. 

"Fine," Benedict huffed and cleared his throat, "It happened one night at a ball."

"How is that scary," Gregory quipped from next to him.

"Do you want to hear the story or not?"

"Yes," Gregory said with a huff, sliding down in his seat.

"Right. It happened one night at a ball. Everything was magnificent." Benedict continued with the story as he described the beautiful gowns the women were wearing, the dancing, and the delicious food. "Then," Benedict said as he looked around at the group, "the clock struck midnight, and the lady in silver that he had been dancing with all night disappeared right in front of his eyes, and screams of those dancing around him could be heard."

"That's it," Hyacinth said indignantly, "that was hardly scary at all." 

"Sorry to disappoint," Benedict said, tapping Hyacinth on the nose.

Kate and Penelope looked at Benedict, knowing his story wasn't a work of fiction like William Shakespeare or Jane Austen's but rather a twist on what happened the night of Violet's masquerade ball. The two sisters-in-law knew Benedict better than their own husbands and were helping Benedict as much as possible. Kate, by using her title as Viscountess Bridgerton, to host several young ladies, in which Benedict would so happen to be paying a visit to Anthony. Meanwhile, Penelope used her Lady Whistledown skills to hear any gossip about what the ton was saying about Benedict's mysterious Lady in Silver. But, alas, neither was successful, which left Benedict back to square one.

As he pondered over his lost lady in silver, Colin excitedly said, "My turn, and this story is one that I heard on my travels through Paris. It all started at The Opéra Comique….."

Benedict barely listened to the stories his siblings were telling. All he wanted to do was go to the library and paint or draw, whatever his mind wanted to do in showcasing his lady in silver. He might keep it simple tonight and do a charcoal drawing as he sat by the library fireplace, letting his memory bring back the brief moment when he thought the world had stopped. The eyes and mischievous smile are what he always remembers, and how she laughed as they ran to the gazebo and waltzed under the stars. Their brief kiss before she left, only leaving behind a glove with the crest of an old family.

Soon enough, though, Hyacinth had finished her story, which was quite terrifying. He would need to speak with his Uncle Edward about the story, but until then, Benedict made his way out of the family's private parlor and slowly walked to the library.

The small clock on the mantle struck, and Benedict lifted his head to see it was three in the morning. He had been drawing for the past few hours, getting lost in his thoughts and bringing them to life. Occasionally stopping every time the clock chimed a new hour because he heard someone laughing. Not just anyone's laugh, though. The laugh of his lady in silver, as if she was there to haunt him and his drawing of her because she was always out of his grasp.

Shaking his head, Benedict stood from where he was sitting to stretch when he heard what sounded like someone screaming. He wouldn't put it past Gregory or Hyacinth to have pulled a prank after a night full of scary stories and whoever, most likely Colin, was on the other end of the prank. After a few minutes, he heard the scream again, but this time, it was closer and sounded like Anthony. 

Moving closer to the door, Benedict heard someone run by and heard someone yell out, "KATE."

Yep, it was definitely Anthony.  Benedict whipped open the door and ran, following the sound of Anthoyn's panicked, "KATE."

When Benedict arrived, he saw a panicked Anthony pacing back and forth, but no signs of Kate. 

"Anthony, what happened?"

"Something took, Kate," Anthony cried out.

Benedict grabbed Anthony and gave him a crushing hug as Anthony's world seemed to be crumbling down. "Tell me everything that happened."

Anthony recounted everything to Benedict, "I don't think those were normal bees, Ant." 

Benedict continued," Bees are never active this late at night and when it gets too cold. I think your story about the boggart became real since bees are what you fear most."

"But how do I get Kate back," Anthony whimpered out. 

But before Benedict could answer, they heard Colin scream, "PEN. " They looked at each other before sprinting toward Colin's scream. Benedict's only thought as he ran toward Colin with Anthony by his side was that this was going to be a very long night, and he needed to protect his younger siblings. 

Chapter Text

Colin sat next to Penelope as they listened to Anthony’s story about boggarts and Benedict’s about not finding his lady in silver. Colin knew he probably had the best scary story to tell with his travels around the continent. He ran through what stories he was told by locals and which ones were scary but not scary enough because of Gregory and Hyacinth being present. He decided on a story he heard once during his travels through Paris about The Opéra Comique and the mysterious Phantom of the Opera.

Looking at his siblings, Colin sat up straighter and launched into his story.

“It’s been said by the locals of Paris that when they walk past The Opéra Comique, they can hear the sounds of an organ playing only when the opera house is closed. They say a phantom resides in The Opéra Comique and is quite a genius. Writing masterpiece after masterpiece. The only rules are to keep box ten empty and to always leave its monthly payment behind the second pillar on the fourth-floor balcony.”

Colin had everyone’s attention and continued for the next hour with the tale, “It is said that the mysterious phantom had become crazed over the new soprano ballerina that he had been training. He did everything he could to prevent the incredible and lead soprano opera singer, Francine le Blèu, from singing so his protégé could take over. The phantom’s reign ended when he let the chandelier fall into the crowded opera hall.”

Colin’s pause had everyone leaning in their seat.

“What happened next,” said Gregory.

“Nobody knows.”

“What do you mean nobody knows,” came Hyacinth, leaning forward.

“Exactly that. The night of the great fire that nearly destroyed The Opéra Comique, the phantom disappeared, never to be seen again. Some say the phantom died that night; others speculate that the phantom left Paris altogether. But ever since then, The Opéra Comique has been quiet. Box ten has been occupied, and the second pillar on the fourth-floor balcony has been sealed, or so they say.”

Anthony whistled quietly as he leaned back in his chair. During the past hour, Anthony occasionally glared at Colin to keep his story from getting too scary because of Gregory and Hyacinth. Colin would roll his eyes but veer his story away from being too scary. 

Turning towards Daphne, Colin cheerfully said, “Alright, Daph, your turn.

Another three hours went by as Colin sat and listened to the stories the rest of his siblings told. Besides his own, Hyacinth’s story was his favourite. He loved hearing about stories from other locations; whether there was any merit to the story, he was fascinated. 

Walking arm in arm with Penelope around the small private garden, Colin led Penelope over to the small corner seat and sat in silence for all of ten seconds before Colin leaned over, leaving soft, light kisses along Penelope’s neck before kissing her lips hungrily. Penelope, in turn, ran her hands through Colin’s hair, pulling him down closer. 

Neither breaking the kiss.

Their moment, however, was broken when Penelope pulled away after hearing the sound of a twig breaking. “Colin,” Penelope whispered as she looked around to see who or what caused the twig to snap.

“Scared?” Colin said as he pulled Penelope closer to him, nuzzling her neck.

“I wouldn’t say scared,” Penelope said, looking up into Colin’s deep blue eyes, “just making sure it’s not one of your siblings taking an evening stroll.”

“Mhmm,” Colin muttered as he kissed Penelope’s head, “the perfect opportunity to continue what we started up in our chambers then. No need to worry about being interrupted there.”

Pushing Colin’s shoulder away, Penelope stood from where they sat and started to walk away. Colin closed the distance between them before she got past the flower archway. Nipping at Penelope’s ear before whispering, “Mrs. Bridgerton, you little minx,” and led them back toward the house. Unaware of the mysterious shadow lurking in the dark.

After peaking in on Thomas in the nursery, Colin walked the quiet hallway to his chambers, where Penelope was already in bed reading over his next travel book. He smiled at the sight before him and was happy that Penelope forgave him for what he said a couple of seasons ago about never courting her. He only said those harsh words to get the other gentlemen off his back. But in truth, Penelope happened to be one of his closest and dearest friends, and the summer he traveled across the continent was agony simply because Penelope hadn’t written back. He was used to his family not writing or caring about his travels, but Penelope had always cared and loved to hear about his latest adventures. 

He also nearly lost Penelope to Lord Debling had it not been for his mother warning him that Debling would propose the night of Queen Charlotte’s ball. He never ran as fast as he did chasing down the carriage Penelope was in. 

Smiling at what had ensued after Penelope allowed him into the carriage and what transpired the following morning. Colin slowly stripped out of his clothes and joined Penelope in bed. Grabbing the book she had been reading and tossing it aside before capturing her lips in a hungry kiss.

“Colin,” Penelope said with amusement, “ I was reading.”

“Tell me what part you were on, and I can give you the oral version instead.”

Colin awoke after his nightmare about the phantom and swore he could hear someone singing Penelope’s name. That’s when he realized Penelope wasn’t snuggled in his arms asleep. Softly calling out her name, Colin rose from their bed, fighting the fear creeping in.

“Pen?”

“You can come out now!”

“Pen?”

“Penelope?”

As Colin got closer and closer to the door, the sound of a tenor singing Penelope’s name could be heard. Opening the door, Colin saw Penelope walking down the hallway, but she wasn’t alone. Leading her down the hallway was none other than Lord Debling. But that was impossible; Debling was away on an expedition. The only logical explanation was that this was a dream.

“It’s not a dream, Colin Bridgerton,” came the raspy voice of the phantom Lord Debling. “You took Penelope Featherington away from me; now I am taking her away from you.”

“No!”

The only response was a deep and bone-chilling chuckle.

Colin raced after the phantom Lord Debling and Penelope, yelling Penelope’s name, but they only got farther and farther away. 

Colin watched in horror as Penelope disappeared into a painting of Aubrey Hall as he ran screaming her name.

“PEN”

“PEN”

“No, no, no, no, PEN.”

With tears streaming down his face, Colin banged against the painting and fell to his knees. He didn’t hear the approaching footsteps and the calling of his name. He felt someone grab his shoulder and, in true panic, threw a punch. Luckily, whoever grabbed his shoulder dodged the punch. Over the thundering noise in his ears, Colin could hear the voices of Anthony and Benedict.

The only thing that came out of Colin’s mouth was a choked sob as he said, “Lord Debling took Penelope,” shaking his head, Colin explained more clearly, “A phantom version of Lord Debling took Penelope through this painting.”

Anthony and Benedict glanced at each other before turning and looking at the painting in question. 

“Colin,” Anthony said with a seriousness he hadn’t heard from his eldest brother in a long time. “Kate was also taken.”

With a shuddering breath, Colin looked at Anthony for a better explanation. But it wasn’t Anthony who spoke next. 

“I believe the stories we all told tonight are coming true,” Benedict said, looking at Colin.

“That’s impossible.”

“Haven’t you noticed the weird noises and the ominous feeling since we’ve arrived,” Benedict said.

Colin noticed it was a bit colder in their ancestral home, but he only figured it was because winter was slowly approaching.

“How do I get Pen back?”

Anthony and Benedict were quiet.

“We can get Kate and Penelope back, can’t we?”

Looking at his older brothers, Colin could feel his entire world slowly slipping away. He had finally gotten Penelope and started a family. Thomas needed his mother just as much as Colin needed Penelope.

“We will try everything we can, but we must get the others together. Because if their stories become reality, especially Hyacinths, we are in serious trouble.”

Not long after Benedict had spoken, the three heard Daphne scream.

“We’re too late,” Anthony said as he started running towards the sound of Daphne. Benedict and Colin followed behind as they heard Anthony yell out, “ Hold on, Daph. We’re coming.”

Chapter Text

“Your turn, Daph,” Colin said as he sat back down after grabbing a cup of tea and some cookies to share with Penelope. Daphne had one story in mind that she had heard long ago when Simon had taken the family to Scotland for the summer. It reminded her of when her father passed away and the night Hyacinth was born. 

“There’s a legend that when someone you love is close to death, you can hear the cry of the banshee. The banshee can be heard screaming, wailing, shrieking, or keening, and its shape changes depending on who hears or sees it.”

Daphne continued to weave the tale of the banshee with ease, earning gasps from the group and, just like Colin, a warning glance or two from Anthony when her story got a bit too scary. 

“Did you hear a banshee when father died,” Gregory asked worriedly.

Turning to Gregory, Daphne grabbed his hands and said, “Remember Gregory, the banshee is a mythical creature. It’s existence isn’t real.”

“But to answer your question,” Anthony said solemnly, “it was a beautiful, sunny day, and the only noise you could hear was the birds singing.”

The group sat in a somber silence before Benedict told a funny story about their father to lighten the mood in the room again. The older Bridgerton siblings had a fond look on their faces as they remembered all the fun times they had with their father, Edmund Bridgerton, before his untimely death after being stung by a bee at the tender age of 39.

With a clap of his hands, Anthony looked around the room until he found Eloise, who, like Benedict, was having issues coming up with a story.

Four hours later, after checking in on Auggie, Belinda, and Caroline in the nursery with Simon, the two retired to their bed-chambers, talking about the stories they had heard throughout the evening and reminiscing about Edmund.

“I remember all the stories Anthony told of your father while we were at Eton,” Simon said, holding Daphne and looking down. “I always wished Edmund was my father, with how much love Anthony had on his face whenever he spoke about him.”

Daphne nodded in agreement with Simon. Even though Daphne was only eleven when Edmund passed away, she treasured her memories full of love, laughter, and occasional pranks. She smiled fondly at the many short memories she had of her father.

Daphne’s smile faltered slightly after she heard wailing from a distance. Shaking her head, Daphne leaned forward and kissed Simon before breaking away as the two got ready for bed.

Slipping under the bed lines, Daphne halted as she heard wailing once more. Deciding to check out the noise, Daphne told Simon she would be right back and slipped on her robe. Walking down the hallway, she followed where the wailing sound was coming from. Daphne stopped in front of Edmund's painting when she heard the wailing again coming from outside.

Following the sound outside, Daphne slowly walked alongside the wall until she stopped under a window. The window belonged to the chambers where Francesca and John were staying in. Confused about why the wailing stopped under their windows, she was about to walk away when she saw a figure in the distance. Drawn to the figure and wanting to know if it was the reason behind the wailing, Daphne headed further away from the house.

Continuing along the path towards the woods that led to her aunt Billy’s estate, Daphne encountered Eloise, who was on a late-night stroll. 

“Eloise?”

“Daph?”

“What are you doing out here so late,” they both asked each other.

“I heard a wailing sound and wanted to see if it was a prank because of my story or if it was something else,” Daphne told Eloise as she wrapped her robe tighter around herself. I followed the sound until I stopped under the window in Sterling’s chambers.” 

Looking at each other, the sisters were silent for a moment. 

"I couldn't sleep and decided to sit on the swings to clear my head. However, on the way, I ran into a mystery person and heard a loud sound.

“Eloise, what if I heard the wailing from a banshee,” Daphne said with a trembling whisper.

“That would mean either Francesca or John are going to die.”

Without saying another word, the two started to sprint back towards Aubrey Hall. As they ran back, Daphne screamed in fright when she saw the banshee right under the Sterling’s chambers.

Chapter Text

Eloise sat at the far end of the family room, away from everyone else. Which wasn't unusual, however, this time, Eloise made sure to be far away from the others as the unease she had been feeling since they had all arrived seemed more intense. She couldn't quite place her finger on it, but she also didn't like how they were telling scary stories tonight of all nights. Maybe she could phain that she didn't know any and follow Benedict's lead on not telling a terrifying tale. Before she knew it, Daphne was calling her name to let her know she was up next to tell her story.

Eloise got up from where she was seated and moved closer to the group. Clearing her throat, "You know the fairytale and Jack and the Beanstalk," Eloise said as she looked around. 

Before Eloise could continue, Gregory interrupted, "How can a fairytale we've all heard before be scary?"

Turning to look at her younger brother, Eloise responded, "Well, here is the origin of the fairytale we all know so well."

Taking a deep breath, Eloise started her story, "It happened hundreds of years ago; there was a botanist by the name of Phillip Dove who dedicated his whole life to plants. He studied every aspect of the plants he grew and even created hybrid species. One of these species kept growing to the point that Phillip needed to plant it in the ground, but it continued to grow and grow up into the sky."

Eloise paused, looking around the room, having everyone's attention.

"One day, Phillip decided to climb the plant that he officially named the beanstalk and see how far in the sky it went. So he climbed and climbed and climbed until he couldn't see the ground below him anymore and was reaching the clouds in the sky."

Eloise continued telling Phillip's story and what happened after he climbed the beanstock. 

"Finally, Phillip reached the top of the beanstalk and wandered around the grand palace in front of them, taking care not to touch anything. But as Philip moved from room to room, he kept having to snap his hands back to his sides until he entered the greenery. He was drawn to the golden seed in the center of the room, and before he realized it, he was holding it."

"A golden seed," Gregory asked skeptically.

"Yes, a golden seed that would continuously grow whatever plant, crop, or whatever the person who owned the seed would need.”

“Can I continue now, or do you have other complaints?”

Gregory motioned for Eloise to continue.

Eloise paced back and forth in her bedroom, unable to fall asleep. She grabbed her robe and slipped on her slippers before heading to the swings by the giant oak tree. On her way outside, Eloise thought she heard yelling and loud footsteps in the distance.

Continuing on her way up the path toward the swings, she definitely saw someone running through the mist, almost like they were running away from something or someone.

Instead of turning around, Eloise ran after the mystery person through the mist. 

“Anthony?”

“Benedict?”

“Colin?” She yelled out to the mystery person, thinking it was one of her older brothers. But the mystery person stopped and started running back towards Eloise.

“Colin, this isn’t funny,” Eloise said as the person got closer, but when the mystery man was in front of Eloise, he was someone Eloise had never met. 

“Keep your voice down, or it will find where we are located,” the mystery man said.

“Who will find us?”

“The giant. It followed me down from the beanstalk.”

“What beanstalk?” Eloise asked, confused.

Grabbing Eloise’s hand, the mystery man ran towards the woods, where he pointed out the beanstalk in the distance.

“Who are you?” Eloise asked.

“My name is Phillip. Phillip Dove, Who are you?”

“I’m Eloise Bridgerton, and how did you end up on my family’s estate here in Kent?’

“I’m in Kent?”

“Yes,” Elosie said as she crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, exasperated. 

“What year is it?” Phillip asked Eloise.

Lifting her eyebrows, Eloise said, “1816. It’s October 31, 1816.”

Phillip looked at Eloise in shock, “That can’t be. It’s 1516.”

“No, I’m pretty sure it’s 1816.”

With a panicked look, Phillip asked one more question, “Who is the King?”

Taking a step back and taking a good hard look at Phillip. Eloise noticed he wasn’t wearing clothes like her older brothers. “King George II!”

Before Eloise or Phillip could say anything else, they heard a loud growl from the distance that wasn't so far away. Moving to see where the sound was coming from, Eloise saw Phillip sprint away in the direction he was running in initially. From where Eloise was standing, she couldn't see anything until she felt the ground rumble, and what seemed like a tree in the forest moved as if someone was taking a step.

Eloise stood there, mystified by the exchange she had just had. Had she just met the man from her story? If so, her thoughts were interrupted when she heard Daphne yelling her name.

"Eloise," Daphne said as she got closer.

"Daphne?"

"What are you doing out here so late," they both asked each other.

"I heard a wailing sound and wanted to see if it was a prank because of my story or if it was something else," Daphne told Eloise as she wrapped her robe tighter around herself. I followed the sound until I stopped under the window in Sterling's chambers." 

Looking at each other, the sisters were silent for a moment. 

"I couldn't sleep and decided to sit on the swings to clear my head. However, on the way, I ran into a mystery person and heard a loud sound.

"Eloise, what if I heard the wailing from a banshee," Daphne said with a trembling whisper.

Looking at Daphne, Eloise said, "That would mean either Francesca or John are going to die."

Without saying another word, the two started to sprint back towards Aubrey Hall. As they ran back, Eloise could see a large figure through the mist, but her attention was returned to Daphne, who screamed as she saw a figure underneath the Sterling's window.

Chapter Text

Francesca sat near the fireplace and was speaking quietly to John when Eloise said, “Alright, Franny, your turn.” 

A thrum of excitement could be felt as Francesca sat up straighter to tell her story. Ever since Francesca had married John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin, and moved to Scotland, she was told stories from those who lived near and around Kilmartin House of Scottish folklore that dated back centuries. She was fascinated by the tales that had been told, so picking one wouldn’t be hard.

She had once been told the story of Kelpies when she first arrived in Scotland with John while taking a quiet stroll along the stream behind Kilmartin House. One of the older tenants was walking by and saw Francesca leaning a bit too close to the stream and told her to be careful of the Kelpies so they wouldn’t take a beautiful young lady away. 

Francesca slowly looked around the group before starting, “In Scottish Folklore, there is a creature called the Kelpie.” 

“I’ve heard about those,” Gregory said, looking at the group. One of my classmates is from Glasgow, and he told us about them. They're not the nicest of creatures.”

“No, they are not,” Francesca said before explaining why. Kelpies are shape-shifting water spirits that can appear as horses or humans and tend to live by bodies of water……”

Francesca continued with her story about Kelpies, only stopping here and there because Gregory and Hyacinth would ask questions or make comments. A few times, she could see her older siblings grimace, especially when Francesca told them what the Kelpies did with those who got trapped by one.

“I am never going by any body of waters the next time I visit you in Scotland, dear sister,” Colin said as he passed her on his way out of the family room. Francesca laughed as John kissed her cheek before grabbing her hand and climbing the stairs to retire for the evening.

“Out of all the stories the local mamas have told you,” John asked once they were in their chambers, “what made you decide on the Kelpies?” he said as he hugged Francesca from behind, moving her hair to the side and leaving a trail of kisses on her neck. Francesca melted into John’s embrace with a quiet moan. 

Between John and Francesca’s shyness, they were the opposites of the other married Bridgerton siblings who were constantly caught in scandal-inducing moments. Luckily for her siblings, mostly Anthony and Colin, the ton just rolled their eyes and let them be. There was no stopping Anthony and Colin once they spotted their wives from across the ballroom as they were men on a mission. Whereas her older married siblings had no problems flaunting their love for all to see, Francesca was different and subtly showed her love for John in public and vice versa for John. Something that Violet at first didn’t understand, but soon grew to realize that their passion may be stronger than her other married children’s.

“It was the first story told to me when I arrived at Kilmartin House,” Francesca said as she turned in John’s embrace to return his kisses.

Tossing and turning in bed, Francesca lay wide awake, hearing strange noises. At first, she thought it was the wind against the window. After all, Aubrey Hall is an old country estate. But Francesca knew better since she had spent much time at her family's ancestral home. No, the sounds Francesca had been hearing were not the wind against the windows but much more and even scarier. Looking over at her small table clock, Francesca tip-toed out of bed, not wanting to disturb John.

Grabbing her dressing gown and slipping on her slippers, Francesca quietly exited her chambers to see where the noise was coming from. Little did she know the noises she heard were from what was happening to her older siblings.

Lifting the lantern, Francesca made her way from the wing she was in. Stopping every now and then when she heard a shriek to determine where the sound was coming from. Quickly making her way down the main hall on the second floor, she stopped at a window when she saw one of her sisters running around outside. “What in the world are you doing, Daphne or Eloise,” Francesca muttered to herself. Unaware that Daphne had stopped under her chamber windows at that exact moment.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Francesca heard shouts coming from the other wing where her brothers were staying. She couldn’t make out what they were shouting, but it sounded urgent and desperate as if someone was hurt or worse. Taking deep breaths to slow her beating heart down, Francesca made her way outside and followed the path to where she saw one of her sisters running around. 

The path leads to the lake where they would all swim during the hot summer days. However, when Francesca got closer to the lake she noticed a horse by the water. It didn’t look like any of the horses from the estate or from her aunt Billie’s estate either. As she took a step closer she saw someone step right next to the horse. In the moonlight, Francesca saw that it was John. But hadn’t John been asleep when she left their room? How could he be outside unless he took a shortcut or her mind was playing tricks on her because one moment John was petting the horse and then the next, the horse grabbed John and dragged him into the lake. 

Francesca realized it wasn’t a horse, but the creature from her story, a Kelpie.

Picking up the ends of her dressing gown, Francesca ran towards the lake screaming out John’s name to no avail as the Kelpie and John were both gone by the time she arrived. Just then she heard the screams of Daphne and Eloise coming from near the house and started to run back where she found her older sisters standing underneath the window to her chambers.

Calling out to her older sisters, Daphne turned around and lunged, giving Francesca a bone crushing hug; soon followed by Eloise.

“I saw the weeping woman by your windows,” Daphne choked out looking at her younger sister.

“I saw Phillip and the giant,” Eloise nonchalantly added while giving the ground.

Francesca looked between her older sisters before saying, “ did all our stories come to life? I think I just saw a Kelpie drag John into the lake. But John was still asleep when I left our bed.”

The three older Bridgerton sisters looked at each other before they heard the shouting from their older brothers.

“DAPHNE!”

“ELOISE!”

“FRANCESCA!”

Running towards them was Anthony, Benedict, and Colin. “Let me guess, your stories came to life as well,” Eloise said.

“YES!” 

“We need to find Gregory and Hyacinth,” Colin stuttered out, “ because their stories where a lot worse than any of ours, especially Hyacinths.”

At that very moment, they could hear the screams of Gregory and Hyacinth as they ran towards the safety of their older siblings.