A Weekend in the Country

by peepsinthechilipot

Summary:

In 1807, Kate Sharma fell in love with a stranger in the woods. Every week, they met, raced, talked, waltzed—until one day, he was gone, leaving her with only bittersweet memories and a child on the way.

In 1815, Kate returns to London for the first time in eight years to attend her sister’s wedding. When she arrives at his country home, Kate discovers that not only is she already acquainted with her sister’s fiancé, but he is the reason she left England in the first place…isn't it rich?

A story for those who love farce and second chances.

Inspired by A Little Night Music.

Chapter 1: Prologue - Doesn't Anything Begin?

May 18, 1814

My dearest Kate, 

I must abandon the topic of our previous correspondence to write with news that is sure to thrill you: At long last, I am betrothed!

I am happy to report that the man in question, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, is quite the handsomest man I have encountered in London to date. Of course, I know that you have always encouraged me to look beyond appearance in choosing my husband. You will, in that case, be delighted to hear of some of his other excellent qualities: He is kind, and selfless, and best of all, he is utterly dedicated to his family (a quality we share). He has seven siblings, all of whom he dotes upon. 

I could continue to extoll the virtues of my future husband, but I know that you have always preferred to assess a situation with your own two eyes, which brings me to my happiest news: Knowing how much family means to both of us, the viscount has generously agreed to a long engagement so that you may have time to finally travel back to England. I know that the trip from Bombay will be long and arduous, but I simply cannot imagine getting married without you by my side, didi.

Tragically, I know this letter will take a dreary six months to reach you, and you will need to pack quite hurriedly. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I am afraid that I really must insist on your being here, sister. The viscount and I are planning a June wedding next summer. We anticipate your arrival in London will be just in time to accompany us to his estate at Aubrey Hall for a quiet ceremony, just among family.

I am so excited to see you again, didi, I hardly know what to do with myself. Even as I write, my hand is shaking, can you tell? I cannot wait for you to meet the viscount, and to see how much of a lady I have grown into in your absence (to think, I was but eleven when you left our shores!). And of course, I cannot wait to meet your beautiful Anara—my letter to her should arrive at the same time as this one. Please thank her for the drawing of Newton she attached in her last letter—I keep it right next to my bed, to remind myself of his furry little face every night. 

It will still be a year before I see your face again, but already I am counting down the days! 

All my love, 

Edwina

---

May 19, 1814

Dear Kathani, 

I have just been informed that your sister sent a letter to your distant shores yesterday, though if these correspondences cross paths somewhere on the ocean, I write with exciting (though, I am sure, subdued in comparison to your sister’s characterization) news: Edwina is engaged to the Viscount Anthony Bridgerton.

Knowing you as I do, I am sure you will be skeptical upon learning of the engagement. Personally, I can vouch for his family, who have been respectable members of society since long before I arrived on the scene (so, at least several centuries). If my unimpeachable word is not enough to satisfy you—as I am certain it will not be—then all I can say is you must return to England to determine the man’s character for yourself. 

At risk of my meaning being lost, I will put it more bluntly. Your sister is desperate for your company once again, and I admit that she is not alone in that feeling. Your absence has long been felt, and after all these years, there is no reason for its prolonged existence. Your place is here, with your family, even as it has grown by one since last we saw you. Prior to your arrival, Mary and I shall ensure the ton is aware that you are returning to our familiar shores along with your ward, and we will leave the matter at that. 

Let the past stay in the past, Kathani. It is time you looked to your future. 

I hope you and Anara are both as healthy and charming as ever. I trust you are doing your very best not to corrupt the innocent youth in the absence of Mary and my influence, and I look forward to meeting the little troublemaker for myself, in the very near future. 

Yours, 

Agatha 

Notes:

Welcome! This is just a veeeeery tiny taste of what I have planned, but I wanted to bring a little joy to the fandom today, so decided to publish the prologue a couple days early. I am so excited to share the many twists and turns of this story, and I just hope you have half as much fun reading as I had writing it. You can expect Part 1 later this week!

While the plot of this fic is heavily inspired by the musical A Little Night Music (music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Hugh Wheeler), it is very much its own story. Basically, if you don’t know the show, that should not remotely affect your ability to read and enjoy, but if you do know the show, there will be plenty of easter eggs for you to uncover as you read (in fact, there may already be a few in these letters)!

Prologue title from “Later” in A Little Night Music.