Chapter Text
Bridgerton house was abuzz with activity as Violet descended the stairs, pulling her shawl tighter around her shoulders. Anthony’s wedding was only two days away and the house had been cleaned from top to bottom, fresh flowers filled every vase, the menus had been finalised and all the bedrooms had been cleaned out in preparation for the arrival of various members of family. Her two remaining in laws were expected and Violet had insisted they stay at Bridgerton House. Billie and her husband George were due from Kent and whilst the Earl and Countess of Manston usually would stay at Manston House when they came to London, Violet had insisted they stay at Bridgerton House for the wedding. Surprisingly Billie had been easy to persuade. Her younger sister Georgie had also been delighted at the invitation. Georgie and Nicholas were making the trip from Bath and Violet was excited to see them both. The Bridgerton girls had turned into Rokesby women but they were still Edmund’s sisters and adored by all her children.
“Lady Bridgerton” The doorman called. “The Earl and Countess of Manston have arrived.”
“Oh lovely” Violet replied hitching a smile on her face ignoring the longing that pierced her heart. She longed for Edmund to appear leaning against the door to his study, his smile spreading across his face as he sauntered over to her pulling her into one of his breathless kisses. But he was gone and she had not been kissed like that in twelve years.
Violet sighed and pressed on, walking out to the front steps where the Rokesby carriage had pulled up and Billie Rokesby jumped lithely down despite her being ten years Violet’s senior.
“Violet!” She called warmly bringing her into a hard hug. “Oh you look lovely.”
“Hullo! How was the journey?”
Billie grimaced. “Oh you know uneventful apart from the deplorable sound of my husband’s snoring.”
“I was not snoring” George Rokesby retorted as he too climbed down albeit a little less lithely than his wife. “Darling Violet, you look wonderful, how are you?”
“You were and I swear one of these days I shall stuff your head so far—“
“Oh I am well George thank you” Violet said loudly over Billie’s expletives. “Thank you for making the journey on such short notice!”
Billie raised an eyebrow. “Yes a rather swift engagement - what exactly did my nephew do? Or was it the girl who trapped him so.”
Violet sighed. “Oh it was Anthony I’m afraid. Well he did have a reasonable excuse to those in the know. Katharine was stung by a bee”
Both Billie and George’s expressions suddenly turned sympathetic. “Oh dear”
“Yes” Violet sighed waving a hand dismissively “Well quite. I believe he was trying to suck the venom out but she had been stung in rather an unfortunate place and well, her mother, myself and Lady Featherington came across them in the middle of the deed. Although he assures me that he was already attempting to propose before the bee interrupted them.”
Billie sighed with relief. “Oh so he was intending to marry her anyway, at least he likes the girl”
Violet laughed. “Yes, although it took him a rather long time to come to that conclusion. Last week he swore he despised the woman.”
George roared with laughter. “Oh I can tell him a few things about that. Best way for a marriage to begin if I do say so myself.” Violet’s brother in law beamed affectionately at his wife which she returned with a sharp elbow in the ribs. “Oh hush you”.
It was common knowledge that George and Billie were not fast friends, in fact rivals was a better analogy, when they had been young. But a sprained ankle, a missing brother and an eventful night of espionage had soon made them realise that they in fact loved each other very much indeed.
“And what of the girl in question, will she make a good viscountess?”
Violet had been expecting this question from Billie. For years Billie had taken full control of the Bridgerton estate despite her mother’s protestations. When Edmund had taken the role of Viscount to Aubrey Hall it had taken three years to relinquish her grip on the ledgers. Billie was extremely attached to Aubrey Hall and considering she ran the estate just next door Violet had expected her to question Kate’s integrity and ability to run an estate.
“Oh yes. She grew up in Somerset and enjoys the country immensely, the eldest daughter of two so she is incredibly devoted, and also extremely intelligent. You will like her Billie.”
Billie smiled. “Oh good, I would hate Anthony to marry some bimbo”
“Darling please do not judge the girl before you’ve even met her” George grumbled.
“I am merely pointing out that Anthony needs a strong, intelligent woman by his side who is prepared to get her hands dirty. He doesn’t need a prim and proper Miss who has feathers for brains” Billie snapped fiercely.
“Shall we head inside?” Violet interrupted loudly halting any further argument. “I have tea prepared”
George gave Violet a look that only a spouse of a Bridgerton could possess to which Violet smiled and looped her arm through Billie’s and pulled her up the steps. “Georgie and Nicholas should be with us soon” Violet said, “They told me that it was their plan to leave yesterday and stop at Highclere.”
As they were making their way into the entrance hall, a mighty crash of a door upstairs reverberated with force.
“AUNT BILLIE!” Came a screech and the three looked up to see Hyacinth tearing down the stairs and throwing herself at her favourite aunt. Billie ever ready for impact spread her arms and lifted Hyacinth into the air.
“Oh hello!” Billie said smiling broadly at her youngest niece. “Gosh you have grown”
“I think I am taller than Gregory now” Hyacinth said proudly.
Billie arched an eyebrow. “Oh now he won’t like that. Your father hated, absolutely hated that I was taller than him until he was twelve.”
Violet’s heart panged painfully. Billie was a formidable woman, shrewd and perceptive and was very rarely emotional. She was a practical woman, but she always made time to share stories of Edmund with Hyacinth and shower her with love. Every time she would visit Billie would pay extra attention to Hyacinth ensuring that she always knew of stories of the father she had never met.
“Really? Anthony always told me father was tall.”
Billie laughed. “Not that tall I’m afraid. Will you be joining us for tea?”
Hyacinth looked warily over to Violet. “I am supposed to be doing arithmetic” She grumbled.
Violet nodded. “Yes Hyacinth how did you escape your governess?”
“I run faster than she does” Hyacinth said matter of factly and Violet sighed. Her daughter truly ran the staff to ruin.
“Well” Billie said setting Hyacinth back on her feet. “Arithmetic is important, so go and finish and then you can show me all you have been working on.”
Hyacinth blinked at her, shrugged and then nodded. “Alright, I shall come and get you afterwards.”
Violet gaped as her daughter willingly took herself back upstairs to the nursery. “You must teach me your ways” Violet stated grimly. “Normally that would have taken at least three bribes and a day out with her brothers.”
Billie laughed. “Well I am her favourite aunt what did you expect?”
Two hours later Hyacinth Bridgerton was sitting at her dressing table as her Aunt brushed out her hair. “Gosh it’s getting long.”
“It’s almost as long as Francesca’s” Hyacinth retorted. “What time do you think Anthony will be here?”
“Any moment now I imagine, your mother says they wanted to arrive for seven thirty.”
Hyacinth turned to the clock on the wall. Fifteen minutes. Finally! She had been cooped up in the nursery doing arithmetic for far too long, all the while her siblings arrived back from various pursuits. Eloise and Francesca had spent the day at the modiste having their dresses fit for Saturday. Benedict and Colin had apparently been fencing and had arrived at the same time as their Aunt Georgie and Uncle Nicholas who had travelled from Bath. Hyacinth had not been allowed to greet them all much to her annoyance, but with the promise of Aunt Billie to come and meet her once her lessons were over made her sit still and concentrate on the monotonous voice of her governess.
“Have you met your brother’s fiancée yet?” Billie asked as she began pinning her hair in place.
Hyacinth scowled. “No and I am certain Anthony has done this on purpose”
Her aunt raised an eyebrow. “And what makes you surmise as such?”
“Reducing the amount of days between engagement and matrimony reduces my opportunity to protest should I not find Miss Sheffield favorable.”
Her aunt chuckled. “And do you presume her not to be favorable?”
Hyacinth sighed dramatically pulling out a small notebook from her dresser drawer. “All I know is what I have been told, which is not a lot. My siblings seemed to have made a pact NOT to tell me much.”
Billie smiled approvingly. “So you have done research?”
Hyacinth nodded turning to her page of notes. “Yes, she is one and twenty which I have listed as a positive, she can’t be too old nor can she be too young, for that would be entirely strange and I would not be able to respect her.”
Her aunt nodded. “Quite, an eight year gap is good.”
“She has a dog whose name I have yet to discover. I like that she has a dog but I read in Whistledown that it caused Anthony to fall in the serpentine. That’s fine of course but the dog cannot tarnish the family name by being misbehaved.”
Her aunt cackled. “Oh Hyacinth you do remind me of myself. What else do you have on Miss Sheffield.”
“She likes the country and I believe my brother likes that she likes the country. “
Billie nodded. “Yes your mother said as much. I believe they also weren’t so friendly to one another.”
Hyacinth nodded. “That I do know, so you see I am not sure if I shall like her or not. I of course will need a full report from Greg as well as he would have spent a whole carriage ride with her.” Hyacinth chewed her lip. “But then again if she is beautiful then Greg will be no good as he will be far too distracted to give an accurate review.”
Billie smirked at her and Hyacinth beamed loving the fact that her aunt truly understood her. They were interrupted by a somewhat muffled but very distinguished shout.
“Anthony!” She heard her Uncle George’s voice boom three floors down.
Billie sighed. “I swear he gets louder with each year. Shall we then?” Her aunt stuck out her hand and Hyacinth jumped down from her chair and took it squaring her shoulders as they made their way down the stairs.
Gregory had been feverish by the time Anthony had woken him upon their arrival to Bridgerton House. Kate chewed her lip as she watched her fiancé’s eyes fill with fear as he eased a barely conscious Gregory to his feet, supporting him as he stepped down from the carriage.
“I’ll get his bag” Kate said hurriedly as Anthony slung one of Gregory’s arms over his shoulder and began up the stairs, Kate following swiftly behind pulling the satchel over her arm.
The door opened to them almost immediately and Kate heard as Anthony enquired the whereabouts of his uncle, who she knew was a doctor. “Has he arrived?”
“Yes my Lord, I shall fetch him” The man scurried off and Anthony muttered his thanks.
“Mm fine Anthony” Gregory muttered sluggishly. “Juste tired and a bit.....dizzy”
Kate gasped as the boy sagged a little more and turned positively green. Rushing forward she took his other arm and slung it around her shoulders just before Gregory lurched forward and vomited on the floor.
Anthony cursed loudly as Gregory gagged again and all Kate could do was hold him as Anthony rushed for a vase on a side table.
“Over here” He commanded and Kate dragged the still vomiting Gregory over to a small chair, crouching down she grabbed the vase from Anthony and held it infront of Gregory, ignoring the fact the vomit was spattering all over her.
“Go and get help” Kate snapped to Anthony as she smoothed back Gregory’s hair from his clammy forehead. “It’s alright” She soothed. “Get it all up, that’s it well done”
“Anthony!” A loud voice boomed and Kate turned her head to see a tall man in his sixties stride towards him. “Oh dear what’s wrong with him.”
“Uncle George, where is Nicholas? Gregory needs a doctor.”
“I’m here Anthony” Another voice said as a man slightly shorter than George appeared, followed by Violet, Mary, Edwina and a woman she did not know.
Violet rushed towards Kate and Gregory her eyes filled with worry. “What happened?”
“He- “ Kate started but turned to Anthony for assistance. She wasn’t really up for telling the entire story.
“He was beaten, badly” Anthony muttered. “Kate ensured the wounds were dressed before we made the journey but I think he’s turned feverish.”
Nicholas crouched down and felt his nephews forehead and then turned to Kate. “Did you clean the lashes before they were dressed?”
Kate nodded. “Yes with alcohol”
The older man nodded approvingly. “Good, he’s probably just overheated. Gregory, we need to take you upstairs do you think you can stand?”
Gregory groaned and coughed up some more vomit. That was clearly a no.
“George, Anthony help me get him upstairs. Georgianna” He turned to the woman stood beside Mary. “Get me a bucket of ice and my bag.”
Both Anthony and George moved forward taking Gregory in their arms.
“Keep his back as flat as possible. “Nicholas instructed following them up the stairs.
“Benedict” Anthony grunted to his brother who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. He nodded his head at Kate and she noticed an unsaid communication. Benedict strode forward and took the vomit filled vase from her hands.
“I am so sorry” He muttered but Kate smiled and shrugged.
“It’s fine I just hope he is okay.”
“What happened to my brother!” Came a loud shout from the top of the stairs and Kate looked up to see what only could be Hyacinth Bridgerton standing beside, Kate presumed, Lady Manston, formerly Billie Bridgerton. The eleven year old dashed down the stairs ans then tried to back up as Anthony reached her.
“Not now Hyacinth” Anthony snapped.
“What happened?” She cried a little louder her blue eyes as wide as saucers.
“Hyacinth darling come downstairs please” Violet called as she climbed the stairs. “See that the Sheffield’s are well looked after while we take Gregory upstairs.”
Hyacinth Bridgerton scowled but Violet gave her such a dangerous look that the girl bit her lip and continued past them. By this point all the Bridgerton’s plus Mary and Edwina and Lady Manston were gathered watching the commotion. Beside Kate a maid appeared with towels.
“Here let’s get the rest cleaned up” Kate said wanting to do something. She took a few towels despite the maid’s protest, kneeled down and began to mop up the sick.
“Kate” Benedict and Eloise both called. “You don’t need to clean that up” As they both crouched grabbing more towels.
“It’s fine really” She said pushing her hair away from her face and trying not to breath too hard. The stench was turning her stomach.
“All of you stop, leave that for now” Lady Manston had such a commanding tone they all froze.
“Eloise go to the kitchen and tell them dinner will be served in an hour. Also have them prepare a separate plate for your brother. Benedict dispose of that vase and then send a missive to Hastings House telling the Duke and Duchess what has happened. Colin and Francesca kindly entertain Mrs Sheffield and Miss Sheffield in the drawing room and Hyacinth kindly see to it that Miss Katharine Sheffield has a Bath run for her and that she has a change of clothes.”
All remaining Bridgerton’s nodded and Kate was half expecting them to salute as they all got to their delegated roles. Kate stood facing Hyacinth Bridgerton who stared up at her and then stuck out her hand. “I’m Hyacinth, what happened to my brother?”
“Hyacinth” Lady Manston snapped. “Miss Sheffield can tell you as you take her upstairs.” She turned to Kate her face softening slightly. “A pleasure to meet you my dear, I am sure we will speak later when you are not covered in sick.”
And with that Hyacinth had grasped her hand and was dragging Kate away. When they reached the second floor Hyacinth waved down a maid.
“Helen, can we have a Bath drawn for Miss Sheffield?”
“Already done Miss Hyacinth, in the blue room”
Hyacinth tugged Kate along another corridor until they reached the last door. “This used to be Anthony’s room when he lived here” she pushed it open to reveal a square room with windows overlooking the square outside. A large mahogany four poster bed sat in the middle of the room, the right hand wall was lined with books. Above the fire place was a large oil painting of what Kate recognised as Aubrey Hall and in the corner stood a tall wardrobe. There was no indication that Anthony had ever lived in this room, but Kate supposed he must have moved out some time ago.
“So what happened to my brother? Why is he sick?” Hyacinth persisted striding across the room to a door and pushing it open revealing a Bath tub steaming with hot water and wafting a floral scent across the room.
“The headmaster beat him with a horse whip for defending one of his friends. It was brutal” Kate said quietly shrugging off her jacket and folding it carefully over the chair at the small vanity.
Hyacinth paled and then her eyes glimmered with fury. “Did Anthony kill him? Because if he didn’t I will.”
Kate laughed softly. “I quite agree with you there, but no, I believe Anthony scared the man or something like that.”
Hyacinth frowned. “He should have killed him. No one gets to do that to Gregory, no one!”
Kate crouched before her and brushed away a hot tear running down her cheek. “I have to agree with you and I promise it will never happen again. If it does I vow to you Hyacinth Bridgerton that I will go to Eton and kill the wretched dwarf myself.”
Hyacinth seemed to study Kate momentarily and then threw her arms around her fiercely. “I am so glad you are marrying Anthony”
Kate laughed returning the embrace. “Why thank you Hyacinth.”
Hyacinth pulled back and grinned. “I still have a lot of questions.”
Kate beamed. “From what Anthony has told me about you, you would not be you if you hadn’t questions for me.”
“Well yes that is correct. But I suppose you want to wash first you do smell of sick. I will go and find you something to wear. Madame Delacroix came earlier with some of your new dresses anyway, you can wear one of those.”
“Why don’t you go and choose one for me.”
Hyacinth nodded and then dashed away closing the door carefully behind her.
Kate stood and went into the bathroom stripping off her dirty clothing and plunging gratefully into the hot water.
She groaned as she rolled back her shoulders, letting the water loosen her muscles which had been so tense from the carriage ride. The candles had been lit and Kate felt very much at home as she went over the events of the day all the while staring at the diamond on her left hand. She had gotten used to its weight now, so much that when she removed it her hand felt too light. In a few short days a second band would be placed on her finger and she would be Lady Bridgerton. It still sounded foreign to her, like something she did not deserve. But she wanted Anthony and after today she could not imagine a better man to be her husband. Yes he infuriated her still and he was as stubborn as an ox but he was handsome and caring and kind and his family had made her feel welcome almost immediately. She was still incredibly nervous about her wedding night but at least she knew now how devoted Anthony Bridgerton was towards his family and proved that he would make a wonderful father. That thought by itself filled Kate with a warmth she was not quite sure how to name.
Putting her wool gathering aside, Kate scrubbed herself down with a bar of soap ridding herself from the scent of vomit and sweat until she felt clean once again. She pulled herself out of the tub wrapping herself in a warm fluffy towel and reaching for a robe which hung on the back of the door. It was clearly masculine, navy blue and soft. She pulled it over her body noticing initials stitched onto the right sleeve. A.E.B.
A warm flush swept through her as she realised she was wearing an old robe of Anthony’s and the need that had been growing inside her for days grew impossibly greater. Her mind played a reel of memories. Anthony’s hands, his lips, the grip he had when he pulled her into his embrace. His desire, she knew physically what it was but she had never seen it. She had once seen in a book what male genitalia was supposed to look like, but she had not been able to imagine what Anthony would feel like, what he would look like and she yearned to know.
She donned her undergarments once more and with some difficulty relaced her stays and then wrapped the robe about her again. Sitting at the vanity Kate began to unpin her hair, brushing it out with a brush she found in the drawer. A few minutes later a knock sounded at the door and Hyacinth came in a dress in her arms.
“Can I come in?”
“Of course!”
Hyacinth lay the dress on the bed. It was a delicate lilac colour with a cream lace trim and a crossed bodice with chiffon cap sleeves. “Mama says you like the colour lilac, so I picked this one. You don’t have any jewellery here but I have a hair comb you can borrow.”
Kate smiled at Hyacinth as the girl held out a velvet pouch which Kate opened to reveal a silver hair comb encrusted in pearls. “This is beautiful Hyacinth”
“Anthony gave it to me for my eighth birthday. My father had had it made for me when my mother found out she was pregnant.”
Kate gasped. “How did he know you would be a girl?”
Hyacinth shrugged. “He didn’t I suppose.”
Kate laughed lightly. “Well it is beautiful, how can I thank you?”
Hyacinth pursed her lips and crossed her arms thoughtfully. “Well you can promise me to never ever hurt my brother. He is the only father I have ever known and as much as he annoys me I cannot stand to see him sad and he has been sad for a very long time”
Kate knelt down and took her hands staring up at her sincerely. “Hyacinth I promise on my mother’s grave that I will never ever hurt your brother.”
Hyacinth nodded. “Good oh and you can make me your flower girl” She grinned slyly and Kate hugged her tightly.
“You Miss Bridgerton have yourself a deal”
When his uncle had reassured him and his mother that Gregory would make a full recovery and all was needed was to apply ice to his back and watch his fever, Anthony bathed quickly and changed for dinner, ridding himself of the sick stained clothes of the day. When he arrived downstairs he found Simon, Benedict, Colin and George in an intense discussion about the latest boxing match. He scanned the drawing room searching for Kate but she was not to be found and nor was Hyacinth. A mixture of panic and trepidation drummed his heart and he met his Aunt Billie’s gaze. She smirked and pointed back out the door. Anthony turned and watched as Kate descended the stairs being half dragged by his youngest sister. Anthony paced to the bottom of the stairs appreciating entirely the vision that was Katharine Sheffield.
She was dressed in lilac again but he knew that this was a new dress. It floated delicately around her and Anthony fully appreciated the crossed bodice which showed her décolletage off beautifully. Kate had taken most of her hair down, it fell in waves about her shoulders and Anthony had a very strong urge to reach out and run his hands through it.
“Anthony doesn’t Kate look beautiful?” Hyacinth all but shouted as she jumped the final two steps and waved her arm in a sweeping gesture.
Anthony smirked dashingly. “Magnificent.”
He reached out to take Kate’s hands and pressing his lips to her warm skin.
“It was all your sister” Kate muttered and Anthony glanced down at Hyacinth who nodded emphatically.
“Yes I think my hair comb brings it all together nicely”
He took Kate’s hand above her head pulling her slightly so she swirled to face away from him. Hyacinth’s hair comb held the top half of her dark luscious locks and Anthony smiled down at his sister winking at her. “Perfectly. Hyacinth mother wants you we shall join you momentarily”
Hyacinth gaped at him in protest but he glared at her so she all but ran into the drawing room. He wound his arm around her waist and brought her back flush with his chest inhaling her scent but stopped short. “You smell different” He grumbled.
“What do you mean?” Kate asked slightly breathless.
“You normally smell like soap and lilies. But now you smell like soap and” He sniffed. “Roses”
Kate laughed and Anthony enjoyed the way it rumbled his chest. “Yes well I am not at home with access to my own perfume.”
“It’s not a bad thing just different.” He pressed his lips to her neck. “But do let me know the name of your perfume so that I may have it stored in every residence at your disposal.”
“My Lord” Kate breathed as Anthony attacked her neck further. “That’s really quite unnecessary.”
He tightened his grip around her waist. “I disagree and it would not do good to go against your husband’s wishes.”
“You are not yet my husband and we are in full view of your family.”
Anthony groaned and it took all his effort to step back from her. “Two days and then you Miss Sheffield will be all mine.”
Kate spun and raised an eyebrow her eyes alight with mischief. “Or maybe Lord Bridgerton you shall be all mine. To do with as I please”
With that she spun on the spot and strode towards the drawing room. Anthony watched her lustfully and then pulling himself together followed her praying to god the next two days would pass by swiftly.
Dinner was seemingly uneventful for a standard Bridgerton meal. Anthony had bit back a retort when Mary had steered her stepdaughter to the other end of the table but Anthony engaged in conversation whilst never taking his eyes off Kate all the while ignoring his brothers amused looks.
When dessert was cleared away Violet looked pointedly down the table at Anthony and then to Hyacinth. Pulling out his pocket watch he saw the time.
“Hyacinth” Anthony called down the table. “Bed time”
There was a collective intake of breath from all Bridgerton siblings as they stared between Anthony and Hyacinth waiting for the age old battle to begin.
Hyacinth turned to him with molten fire in her eyes her mouth open ready to spew all sorts of arguments, insults and protests, but before she could even utter a sound Kate stood.
“Hyacinth I would love to see your room, I am happy to accompany you up to bed.”
If he could Anthony would have bounded across the table and kissed her but he had to remain seated so instead he let a smile spread wide across his face.
Hyacinth’s head spun almost comically and then she too grinned, stood and kissed her mother on the cheek. “Oh that would be lovely, I would be delighted to show you Kate”
Hyacinth skipped down the length of the table but Anthony caught her round the middle. “Be nice” He muttered but Hyacinth flung her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek. “She is simply wonderful” Hyacinth whispered.
Satisfied he let her go. As soon as Kate and Hyacinth were out of ear shot all remaining siblings plus Simon turned to him pointedly and said in unison. “She is perfect”
An hour later and Kate still had not returned. Fingering his pocket watch and completely ignoring what Colin was talking about.
“I should see where Kate got to” He muttered.
“Darling let me” His mother began but Anthony shook his head.
“No worries I just want to ensure that Hyacinth hasn’t murdered my fiancée”
Violet and Mary shared a look and then nodded. Not that he would have waited for their permission anyway as he was already half way out the room.
Hyacinth’s room was located on the top floor. It had once been his and Benedict’s when they were small and then Francesca’s afterwards but then Hyacinth
took ownership. The corridor was dark as Anthony approached but he could see that there was light coming from beneath Hyacinth’s door. Quietly he pushed it open as then felt his chest expand impossibly. Hyacinth lay under the covers fast asleep on her side. Beside the bed nestled into the armchair also fast asleep was Kate, one hand clutched in Hyacinth’s the other resting on an open book in her lap. He gulped, pushing down his feelings and crossed the room quietly lifting the book from her lap and marked the page before setting it down. He moved around the room to sit on the other side of the bed, his hand stroking back his sister’s hair. Asleep Hyacinth’s ferociousness was gone and replaced by the little girl that Anthony adored. He kissed her head gently but before he could move away from the bed Hyacinth’s free hand grasped vice like around his wrist. Anthony paused remembering the first time he had held her in His arms, no bigger than a loaf of bread and had vowed to love her and be a father to her in every way he could. In that moment a chubby little fist had gripped around his index finger and had not let go for almost ten minutes. He smiled. “Oh alright then” He muttered and kicked his shoes off before lying down in the bed, reaching over to Kate’s hand and letting his head sink down into the pillows.
“I wonder where they have gotten to” Mary sighed and Violet’s head snapped up looking at the clock. Anthony had been gone a half hour and Violet pierced her lips.
“What are we discussing?” Georgiana called across the table.
“The whereabouts of my son” Violet stated.
Georgie arched an eyebrow. “Oh Violet it is two days until the wedding surely we can allow them their liberties”
Violet scowled and Mary looked astonished.
“Georgie” Nicholas scolded her. “We must think of Miss Sheffield’s virtue. All of us here respected it and Anthony should do the same despite his er reputation”
“Nicholas” Billie scolded.
“I wouldn’t say all of us er” George blinked about the table free of younger generations. “Respected the time boundaries before the wedding”
Violet watched as Billie blushed a furious shade of scarlet whilst Nicholas and Mary gaped at George and he blinked back. “I see I am the only man here who took those liberties”
They all looked at him and replied. “Yes”
He stood abruptly. “Well then we should find them both then, Violet darling show the way!”
Violet sighed and got to her feet as Mary too gathered herself. “I should ask them to bring the carriage round”
Violet took her by the hand blinking back the fuzziness of champagne. “Not necessary Mary, it’s raining and it’s late, stay the night we have plenty of space and Katharine has her final fitting tomorrow morning. It makes sense to stay”
Mary smiled. “Well that is very kind Violet thank you but only if you are sure”
“I insist, now come on and let’s hope we don’t find another scene as we did in Aubrey.”
Mart shuddered. “Lord above I hope not I haven’t even had the chance to talk to her yet.”
And so the expedition began. They discovered Benedict and Colin fast asleep on Anthony’s office brandy glasses clutched in their hands. Simon and Daphne had long departed but they found Eloise, Francesca and Edwina asleep in the upstairs drawing room. Every spare room was indeed empty which gave Violet hope and fear. Surely he hadn’t taken her out of the house. Finally it was Georgie who discovered them.
“Oh Violet, Mary you must come see it is rather adorable.” She motioned for them to hurry down the corridor to Hyacinth’s room. The men and Billie in hot pursuit. Violet’s heart melted when she saw. Kate curled up in the armchair, Hyacinth curled on her side embraced by Anthony, all three hands clasped together.
“Oh how sweet” Mary whispered.
“We should move one of them” Violet muttered.
“Easier to move Katharine” Nicholas whispered.
Violet and Mary nodded in agreement and Nicholas stepped forward scooping her up into his arms.
“Into the blue room Nick” Violet whispered knowing that it was sufficient space between her son and the future Viscountess.
Mary Sheffield was glancing warily out the window. “Do you think the rain will worsen?”
“I am not sure why do you ask Mary?”
Mary cast a wary glance towards her sleeping step daughter. “Kate hates the rain.”
From the look on the widow’s face Violet was sure that Kate’s fear of the rain had history and was more an acute phobia rather than discomfort but she chose not to press the matter. Her own son was mortally afraid of bees after all.
“We will close the shutters and the drapes are heavy in that room” Violet muttered placing a hand on Mary Sheffield’s arm.
They continued downstairs and once Nicholas had deposited Kate in bed, together the two widowers helped the future viscountess out of her clothes and tucked her into bed.
“God” Mary whispered and Violet could hear the choke in the woman’s throat. “Days like today I wish he was here. He would be so happy, and I am so so happy and I can’t....I can’t share it with him. They were two peas in a pod Miles and Kate and he can’t be here and it kills me Violet.”
Violet felt the tears that she had restrained all evening come spilling down her cheeks and she reached for Mary embracing her tightly in the dark room. “I know....I know how you feel. Come let’s talk”
They ended up in Violet’s bedroom, crying mostly but sharing stories about their husbands and then cursing the world, and the men in the world and the fact that their mothers never prepared them for widowhood. There was no talk, no precipice, they had just been left in the world with children to raise and finances to manage. Eventually through tears and brandy they fell asleep and Violet was content that she had made such a good friend in Mary Sheffield and that night for the first time in years she did not dream of Edmund. Instead she dreamt of the future of grandchildren and happiness and all the things that would fill the aching hole in her heart where her husband had once been.
It was the low rumble of thunder that woke Anthony from his sleep. He blinked slowly taking in his surroundings and then remembering that he had fallen asleep in Hyacinth’s bed. She was curled up, her head on his chest and Anthony searched through the dim light looking for Kate. But she had gone from the chair and Anthony felt a little empty without her. Careful not to rumble Hyacinth he reached in his pocket to check the time. It was ten to four, he must have been tired then, but five minutes later he knew he was awake. Slowly he climbed out of bed, readjusting the covers over Hyacinth and picking his shoes up he left her bedroom deciding to check up on Gregory.
He found his uncle applying an ice compress to the unconscious Gregory, the low burning candle on the side table throwing his tired features into relief.
“How is he?” Anthony whispered from the doorway.
“Better yes, these will leave scars though there is not much I can do for that.”
Anthony sighed. “I wouldn’t ask you too, thank you Uncle, I really appreciate your help.”
Nicholas shot him a weary smile. “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for my family, you know that.”
Anthony nodded. “Have you been awake for long?” He asked but his uncle shook his head .
“No I took over from Georgie, we were all up rather late.”
“Did the Sheffield’s leave late then?” Anthony tried to ask casually but Nicholas chuckled.
“No they have not left, your mother insisted on them staying especially as we found your fiancée fast asleep. There was no need to wake her.”
A clap of thunder sounded off in the distance and Anthony tensed, Kate was here and he knew she was terrified of storms.
“If you were to go downstairs to your old bedroom you may find the person you are looking for nephew but that information certainly did not come from me.”
Anthony grinned broadly. “What information?”
Nicholas chuckled again and then pulled out his own pocket watch. “I plan to go to bed at six thirty, I expect when I too walk downstairs not to find you in your old bedroom but maybe asleep with your brothers in your study.”
Anthony nodded empathically. “Of course.” He turned hurriedly and then paused. “Thank you”
His Uncle only shooed him away smirking slightly.
Anthony could not stop his heart beating faster as he quietly opened the door to his childhood bedroom. The room was mostly darkapart from a strip of orange light peeking through the crack of the shutters from the outside street lamp. The strip fell across Kate’s sleeping form and Anthony sighed in relief. The distant storm had not yet woken her. But the distance between them was too much for him to bear. Stripping off his waistcoat and cravat he then paused. Would it scare her if he got into bed with her? She was still so innocent. His breath came out shallow whilst he tried to figure out how to proceed.
“Are you just going to stand there or are you joining me” Kate’s mumbled and Anthony almost jumped out of his skin much to her quiet amusement.
“You’re awake” He muttered.
“I awoke only a moment ago. I was trying to work out where I was” She shifted in the bed patting the empty space next to her. “But then when you entered I realised I must still be at Bridgerton house.”
Anthony sat on the side of the bed and smiled. “What makes you say that, I could have stolen into your house in the middle of the night.”
“Well I know this is not my house because the bed is much too comfortable and also this is not my night dress”
Anthony smirked knowing he must look like every bit of the rake he was perceived to be as he scrambled under the covers pulling Kate into his arms relaxing considerably as her body heat seeped into him. “Do you mean to say that you have stolen another woman’s night dress Miss Sheffield? You must take it off immediately”
Kate looked up at him smirking coyly. “Wouldn’t you just love that my Lord”
Anthony nodded his finger hooking under a cotton strap. “I could order you to remove it, Viscount that I am.”
“I am not yours to command, Viscount or no” Kate snapped back but it only made Anthony laugh and wind his arms about her tighter than before.
“I might remind you wife to be, that in two days you shall vow to obey me until death do us part”
“In two days. Until then I am a free woman.”
In a sudden movement Anthony rolled them both over so that Kate was caught beneath him. She stared up at him breathless and then to Anthony’s shock and delight Kate fixed his gaze and then brought her knees up either side of his hips and Anthony felt himself sink further into her feminine cradle. He groaned as he crashed his lips to hers, his hands knotting into her silky hair and he delighted as he felt her hips push up against his making his cock impossibly hard. Her hands were their boldest as she pulled at his shirt, delving underneath up the muscles of his back, her finger bales grazing against skin sending him into a frenzy. His lips dragged from hers and he attacked her exposed neck smirking at the sound of her mewling.
A clap of thunder rumbled and Kate gasped in fear her body going rigid, her eyes squeezing shut.
“Ssshhh” Anthony whispered smoothing her face and pulling her tighter. “Ssshh, I’ve got you, you’re safe”
She let out a shaking breath her fingers gripping to his back tighter.
“How can I make it better” Anthony whispered kissing the corner of the mouth.
“I....I don’t know” She whispered. “I’m confused”
Anthony pulled back noting mentally that her legs had crossed together behind him holding him to her. “What are you confused about?”
“The storm, I...I’m scared of it, but you...you’re....I ...we”
Anthony cocked an eyebrow. “You feel good but you know you should be scared?”
She nodded. “Yes”
“So” Anthony murmured leaning down to kiss just below her ear. “If I made you feel very very good” He kissed her again feeling her shudder. “That should completely eradicate your fear. I don’t want you to be scared Kate.”
She bit her lip. “How do you intend to do that. Do you want to-“
“I do Kate very much so but I won’t unless you give me your express consent.”
She stared at him. “I don’t know. I mean I do know. I mean, I desire you Anthony....I want you”
Her words tested every ounce of his control. He dropped his head, feeling himself throbbing with need, and brushed his lips against her collarbone. “Kate” He moaned. “You have no idea what saying that does to me.”
“I think I do, I can feel....you” She squeaked. “But I don’t understand why.”
Anthony paused his ministrations. “Why what?”
“Why you desire me...I’m not, I’m not beautiful. Not like Edwina or even your mistress, that opera singer”
He growled, actually growled and silenced her with a kiss, a deep searing needing kiss. It broke his heart that she did not see herself as beautiful. That she did not think he wanted her that she was comparing herself to the likes of her sister who he had not once cast a second glance, or Siena who yes was desirable but it was like comparing a candle flame to the sun.
“Listen to me and listen hard” He commanded. Anthony knelt up trying to ignore the fact that Kate’s nightdress had ridden up to the top of her thighs. “You are infuriating, opinionated, stubborn and maybe perhaps the bane of my existence but by god woman you are stunning and beautiful and I desire....no I need you Kate. I need you morning, noon and night. Even when I despised you I craved you and it is taking every bout of my control not to rip this infernal nightdress from you and sink myself into you and never come out. Do you understand?”
Kate swallowed convulsively and nodded. Her hands pushed up under his shirt, her fingers tracing the lines of his abdomen. “Anthony” There were tears in her eyes. “I want you. I really want you, I think perhaps I need you.” Her fingers trailed to the waistband of his trousers and tugged slightly. Anthony stiffened, his heart beating faster as he waited. “Kate you need to tell me” He muttered. “Explicitly.”
She bit her lip. “I don’t know what I’m doing”
He laughed quietly. “That’s okay, I can show you, but you have to tell me.”
She took a deep breath and looked up at him. Did she want this? He was here between her LEGS, in a bed in the middle of the night, two days from marriage but she couldn’t wait. She knew she needed Anthony now but she was clueless as to what that entailed. But God she wanted to find out. “I want you to have me. Anthony would you, would you make me yours? Would you show me how to....how to do it?”
He grinned boyishly and leant down momentarily to kiss her chastely before he drew up and pulled his shirt over his head throwing it across the room. “Oh Kate I will show you everything.” He pulled her up so that she was sitting in his lap. “But first” He smirked. “This needs to be go”. His fingers pulled on the tie of her nightdress until the knot came loose. Pushing her sleeves down the nightdress fell to her waist exposing to him her breasts, her nipples stiffened in the cool air.
“You’re amazing” He muttered lowering her back onto the mattress his head following as his lips closed around her right nipple. Kate gasped as his tongue flicked across the hardened peak. A moan escaped her lips and she clutched at his soft dark hair. His lips moved, kissing gently on the underside of her breast, his teeth grazing slightly across her skin sending shivers right to her core. “Do you like that?” He muttered.
“Yes” Kate whispered as his lips moved over her ribcage.
“There’s more” Anthony growled chuckling. “Would you like me to show you more?”
Kate nodded. “Show me everything.”
Anthony laughed. “A bossy one aren’t you Lady Bridgerton.”
“I’m not Lady Bridgerton” Kate snapped her pent up need frustrating her.
“Katharine” He grinned as his fingers clasped around her bunched up nightdress pulling them over her hips in one quick gesture. “I am about to make you mine, for all intent and purpose you are very much my wife as I intend to make you mine every day from now until I leave this mortal world. So be a good pupil and be quiet Lady Bridgerton.”
“You don’t want me to make any noise?” Kate asked raising an eyebrow using her sarcasm to ignore the fact that was completely naked, her nightdress a crumpled pile on the floor.
“You are permitted to moan” He muttered his thumbs rubbing circles into the soft flesh of her upper thigh and she did slightly, closing her eyes to the heat pooling between her legs. “You are permitted to mewl” He murmured covering her with his body, his hand reaching down between them, his fingers tracing across her hip bone and Kate did, her heart beating impossibly fast. “You are permitted to say ‘yes Anthony”
He was touching her in her most intimate place and she gasped. It was hot and wet and wonderful. “Yes Anthony”
He chuckled as his fingers tickled the wet folds of her sex. “You are permitted to say ‘more Anthony’”
And she did, as two of his fingers pushed up inside of her sending her hips bucking up off the bed. Anthony held her down though, stroking her all the while kissing her everywhere, her muscles were tense, her fingers and toes tingling and something was building within her she didn’t know what, she couldn’t understand what it was. “Oh Kate” He moaned. “You are so ready, so wet and hot.”
Kate swallowed nervously panting slightly as he pulled away standing off the bed. He all but ripped his trousers off him and Kate’s eyes widened at his...he was so....so big. Angry and red and throbbing and Kate felt herself gulp to which he murmured a laugh.
“You’ve never seen a naked man before have you?” He asked cocking his eyebrow amused. Kate shook her head and he grinned broadly. “You’ll never see another” He crawled back on the bed until he entirely covered her, his forearms resting either side of her face, his palms cupping her face. Kate could feel his manhood resting heavily on her hip and immediately she tensed. “Relax, it will work I promise”
Kate gaped at him. “How did you know”
He laughed. “It was plastered all over your face. Trust me just relax I’ve got you.”
“I still don’t see-“ Kate began but he silenced her with a kiss and she felt his manhood at her entrance stretching her wider than she thought possible. She froze beneath him. “Are we done?” She asked feeling slightly stupid.
He was laughing and Kate felt very stupid. “No my darling, we are far from it.”
“Oh, okay well then carry on”
He inched forward and Kate found herself accommodating his size. “How does it feel?” He asked quietly studying her face.
“Odd” Kate admitted and then scolded herself. “But in a good way?” Dammit she felt like a fool.
“I have never been called an odd lover” He muttered obviously finding this extremely entertaining.
“You’re my lover are you? Strange I thought in order to be your wife, vows aside you were supposed to be my husband.”
“Touché well I certainly have never been a husband before so it can only get better from here yes?”
Kate nodded but she still couldn’t relax and she knew Anthony knew.
“Kate” Anthony whispered. “I have a question for you”
She could feel him nudging further inside her. “What” She breathed.
“Are you ticklish?”
Kate blinked up at him confused but before she could answer his fingers tickled under her arm and she was gasping with laughter and then Anthony was lurching forward and she felt her Maidenhead snap in a short sharp searing pain.
“Oh god” Anthony groaned. “You feel so good”
Kate was unable to speak she was in limbo between pain and pleasure. “Move” She gasped. “Anthony I need you to move I need you-“
She reached to the back of his head and pulled his lips to hers as she lifted her legs to wrap around his hips as he began to thrust passionately. It was hot, it was heavy and Kate moaned into his mouth feeling her heart rate quicken.
“Fuck Kate” He panted one hand grasping her hip the other clutching the pillow, his hips grinding needlessly into hers pushing her further into the bed.
“Anthony....Anthony” Kate moaned. “Oh god faster please, more Anthony.”
He growled savagely and plunged deeper and harder her name a repetitive verse on his lips and Kate threw her head back, thrusting her hips to meet his, feeling her insides coil tightly. She couldn’t breath, she couldn’t think all she could do was FEEL and by god it was amazing. She thought in that moment she may die. “Anthony I can’t -“ She panted and then her limbs went stiff as a board and after a second she was exploding and screaming which was quickly stifled by Anthony’s hand across her mouth. Her head was spinning, her vision turned to stars and she was only vaguely aware of Anthony moving through her euphoria his thrusts relentless.
“Kate...oh god Kate....fuck...it’s never been” His head dropped down and he all but roared into her shoulder his hips thrusting one last time. “It’s never....ever...been so good”.
They panted in unison exhausted until Anthony realised he was probably crushing her he rolled off bringing her onto his chest and planting a kiss on the top of her head. After a while Anthony looked down at her. “How are you feeling? I hope I didn’t hurt you.”
Kate shook her head. “It only hurt for a moment and then....and then it was wonderful”
Anthony felt a warmth in his chest. “It certainly was”
“Is that how it will be on our wedding night?”
He smiled at the innocence of the question. “It won’t hurt and I intend to make it more than wonderful multiple, multiple times”
“And after our wedding night?” Kate asked.
Anthony chuckled and pulled Kate on top of him, his hands smoothing over the curve of her bottom. “After our wedding night I plan to take you to Aubrey Hall and make it wonderful every second of every day. Trust me Katharine Grace Sheffield you will not be able to walk again when I am through with you.”
Kate blushed but then smirked wiggling her hips slightly. “Maybe it will be I who makes you unable to walk”
Anthony smirked. “Ever the competitive edge Miss Sheffield”
Kate grinned. “You love it”
And Anthony froze in a panic. Because he did love it. But he shouldn’t. He loved that she was here and she was his, and she had made him feel the best he had ever felt. Anthony loved that she so obviously cared about his family. He loved that she fit just right with him. He loved that he was the only one who saw her true beauty and by god she was beautiful. But he couldn’t love her. If he loved her then how could he ever leave her? In a flash he imagined his life loving her, being with her, inside of her, saying those three words to her. He imagined their children running around Aubrey Hall, he imagined what it would be to love them and Kate all at once. It was warm and happy and colourful and in that moment he knew that a life without loving Kate Sheffield would be a very bleak life indeed. So against every fibre of his being screaming at him to stop, to push her away and rebuild those sturdy walls around his heart he brought his lips to her softly savouring this moment. “That I do” He whispered. “You should know something Kate”
Tears were swimming in his eyes and a lump had built in his throat threatening to consume him. Her dark brown eyes bore into his questioningly and he took a breath. “I’m falling in love with you” It came out as a croak but Anthony knew that he heard her. Her face was still and then suddenly it broke into a relieved sort of smile.
“Well that’s good” She whispered. “Because despite everything Anthony Bridgerton I have completely fallen in love with you and I don’t think I can fall back out of love with you ever again.” She kissed him passionately and Anthony felt his tears spilling down his cheeks as his chest burst with happiness. He did not know how long they kissed, it could have been minutes or millennias all he knew was the woman in his arms loved him and he loved her and nothing else mattered. That was until he heard a soft knock on the door.
Kate froze. “Who was that?” She whispered and Anthony realised that she was now underneath him.
Anthony swore under his breath. “My uncle.”
Kate frowned. “Why is your uncle knocking on my door?”
“Making sure I leave before anyone catches us. He was the one who told me you were in here.” He sighed. “I should go”
Kate’s face turned suddenly glum. “I don’t want you to leave”
“Believe me I do not wish to go” He leant down and kissed her and then groaned knowing that if he didn’t pull away now his erection would return and he would not be able to control his urges. Pulling away from her was like ripping off a limb.
“Will you see me later? Before the wedding?”
Anthony groaned as he pulled on his clothing. “I am barred from the house today as you my dear have a dress fitting and then tomorrow I will not be allowed to see you as my mother believes it to be bad luck and my brothers want to celebrate my last day as a bachelor.”
Kate raised an eyebrow. “I am sure I do not want to know”
Anthony smirked. “No probably not. So I am afraid I will not see you until the alter.”
“I’ll be the one in white” She muttered. “Although I fear I may burst into flames upon my arrival to the church, being a fallen woman and all that”
Anthony chuckled and leaned down to kiss her. “Never, you my love are the most fantastic woman to ever lived and you may not be as innocent as you were this morning but you are certainly nowhere near the ranks of a fallen woman.”
“So there’s more than just that?”
Anthony laughed. “Oh there is much much more” His fingers traced over her breasts. “Get some sleep darling and dream of me”
She gazed up into his eyes her lips parted. “I always do.”