Chapter Text
I used to think, I had the answers to everything. But now I know that life doesn't always go my way.
Anthony had never been so irate with one of his siblings before. And as he sat there and watched the queen accuse Eloise of being Lady Whistledown, he had no idea what to do. This was much more scandalous than his elopement. He had been prepared for questions about his elopement, but the queen had no interest of it. This was on another scale. The ton enjoyed reading Lady Whistledown, and they would enjoy crucifying her just as much if they ever found out who she was.
Eloise for her part, seemed just as confused as he was. The queen had had Eloise followed the day of his doomed wedding to Edwina. Someone had seen her come out of the printshop that had been suspected of being the print shop that Lady Whistledown used. And for his part, Anthony could see the queen's logic. If Lady Whistledown was used to playing in the shadows, his wedding would be the perfect time to print her new publication.
But he remembered Eloise single-minded determination last season to unmask the gossip mongerer which made no sense of the queen's accusation now.
"I swear to you on my father's grave," Eloise was saying. "Your majesty, that I am not who you accuse me to be."
"Then why were you there," the queen demanded. He should step in. He should do something; this was his baby sister after all. Though Simon and Benedict were standing there, and both looked just as stunned. "You left the castle at the most opportune time." Though he too had questions about this. Why did she leave the wedding? They would have to keep a better eye on Eloise in the future. He would have to talk to his mother. And Kate.
"I," Eloise stuttered.
"Eloise," he snapped. "If you have something to say, you better say it now." He crossed his arms and glared at his sister. Truthfully his voice came out with much more force than he had intended. "Why were you at that shop?"
"I was meeting somebody. A boy," she said quietly and all three of the men in the room jumped into action.
"WHAT," Simon roared.
"Who," he yelled.
"I'll kill him," Benedict shouted.
"Were you seen," not minding the queen, who looked to be in a daze at Eloise's confession, he took Eloise's arm and brought her to him.
"I was being careful, brother," Eloise pleaded.
"Obviously not," Anthony snapped.
"Who was he," Simon asked loudly, clearly, he was ready for pistols at dawn.
"He taught me. We attended rallies. He treated me like a person," she looked up into his eyes, and then over at the queen. "We met when I was still trying to find out who Lady Whistledown was. I swear. It was harmless. I just," she looked so upset. "I never wanted to hurt anyone. I just wanted to learn."
"If you wanted to learn, you should have come to me. I would have ensured you had an escort. I would have made sure you were safe. That is my job as your guardian, Eloise Bridgerton! What would father say?!"
"Dear God," Benedict muttered and plopped down on the sofa.
"And why should I believe you now," the queen snapped. "You have been caught red-handed."
"I would never write about Kate what was written this morning. I never have understood why women get so much of the blame for things that are mainly in a man's control," Eloise said passionately. "It is the one thing that Lady Whistledown and I vastly disagree with. It is why I wanted to find her!"
"Who... Is... He?" Simon at that moment took Eloise's arm and looked her directly in her startled eyes. "This boy? Who is he that he would spend so much time with you unchaperoned, and not worry about your reputation?"
"He was nobody!"
"Eloise," Anthony snapped. "Answer the question."
"No! You will never know who."
"You will marry him," Benedict said when he stood up again and Simon nodded.
"What," Eloise demanded. "No, I will not!"
"People have obviously already seen you together. Fran comes out into society next year. It's a wonder that Lady Whistledown hasn't already published your indiscretions," Anthony said. "Now, I will have his name. Or shall I obtain it from the queen's guards?" Eloise's eyes widened as she looked back and forth in-between all of her brothers. He sympathized with her but honestly, there was nothing to be done. If there was, he wouldn't have forced Daphne to marry last season. He firmly believed woman got the short end of the stick most times when it came to scandals and reputations. But this was something that Eloise walked into willingly. And clearly, she had been with this boy many, many times.
But still, this was his baby sister. He admired her tenacity, and her willingness to question everything. Her ability to challenge the status quo and call out the unfairness of how women were treated. His new wife was the same way, wasn't she? Perhaps in a different century there would be a world where women like her could have a place at the table. In Bridgerton House, that was the case, wasn't it? But it wasn't that way in the ton. And if he was going to protect Eloise, it meant that she would have to marry this boy.
He would make sure they were taken care of. His Bachelor lodgings were available for them to live in, and he could supplement Eloise's dowry to support them. That is what his father would have done, he was sure of it. "Eloise," he said softly as he pulled her down onto a divan across the room, to sit next to him. "I know that we have our differences, but anything I have done has solely been for your own good. I wish you had come to me, and we could have prevented this. I love you, sister," he reached up and wiped a tear that escaped her eyes. His heart broke, he had never seen her so low.
"I don't want to get married," she sobbed and laid her head on his shoulder.
"I know. But it seems to me that this boy might just allow you the freedom you have always craved, El. Freedom that only comes from being a married woman."
"Does Kate enjoy said freedom," she hiccupped and asked just as he noticed his mother, Kate, Daphne, and Lord Ashley fill the doorway. "You'll have to ask her," he said and El looked up.
"What is going on here," Violet asked. "Oh," she dropped a curtsy. "Your majesty. Hello, welcome to our home, I-" she looked around noticing the various moods on the faces of her sons in the room. Simon and Ben's were still red with anger. It was expected with Benedict. If there was one sister that Benedict was highly protective of, it was Eloise. Simon was a surprise though, and not an unwelcome one. Anthony looked at the queen who for the first time that afternoon, looked defeated.
"Lady Bridgerton," her majesty nodded at Violet and then turned at Kate. "And the new Lady Bridgerton. Congratulations on your marriage, but I fear I have outstayed my welcome," she nodded in their direction and then looked at Kate. "Though I expect you for tea next week, Viscountess. And I expect these two to be brought before me," she looked across the room at him, and he nodded.
"I will need to talk with the guard, your majesty," Simon rose as did Benedict. Queen Charlotte nodded. "Of course, he is just outside." She gave one more polite nod to the people in the room and then in flash she disappeared.
"What is going on," Kate worried her lip as she made her way over to Eloise. The young woman saw her new sister and threw herself into Kate's embrace.
"Anthony," Violet said as she watched Benedict and Simon leave in haste. Daphne followed.
"You people are quite entertaining, I'll give you that," Lord Ashley said he took a tart from the pastry cart and plopped down onto the sofa. He reminded Anthony of Colin. "Anthony, what is going on," Violet demanded.
"Eloise is getting married," he said, and Eloise sobbed harder into Kate's shoulder. He almost jumped when his mother and Kate screamed "WHAT," at him at the exact same time. "She's not getting married," Kate said. "To whom," Violet asked.
He gave the short version of the queen's visit. Of how she accused El of being Lady Whistledown, all the way down to Eloise confessing that she had been sneaking out and seeing a boy for a few months now. "Oh Eloise," Violet's voice was dripping in disappointment. "How could you?"
"I don't think it is the time nor the place to lay all this on her right now," Kate said, bringing some levity to the situation. "It happened. Let us move on, as a family, and support her through this. The ton is going to be vicious enough, Eloise doesn't need that from her family," Kate pulled back and wiped Eloise's eyes with her fingers. "Now. Do you like this boy?" Eloise nodded. "He treats you right?" Another nod. "Can you picture a life with him?" A pause, and then another nod. "Well then. I for one am excited to meet him then. We shall have a party, yes," she looked to Violet, who nodded, stunned at her new daughter-in-law's conviction. "Now," Kate looked back down at Eloise. "Go wash your face and think about what you want to eat for the party. And who you want to invite and leave us so we can talk about what to do now, alright." Kate kissed her forehead just as he had seen her do with Edwina multiple times. Eloise seemed too stunned to do anything but heed her words.
"Anthony," Violet turned to him but Kate stepped in-between them. "No. We are not going to do this right now. Eloise is upset. We are all upset. This is a lot of information, and we are not going to do anything but offer Eloise, and later this boy, all the comfort that we can because that is what families do," Kate looked at both of them.
"But," his mother interjected.
"That... Is what families... Do," she repeated to their mother who seemed to falter before nodding and conceding. "Now," Kate said. "I have only been a Bridgerton for a little bit, but I do know that you guys are remarkably welcoming of people who marry into the family. So that's what we are going to do. We are going to make this good for Eloise. Now Violet," she turned to his mother. "You are going to go upstairs and help Eloise. And you are going to tell her you are proud of her despite everything. Anthony and I are going to talk, and grandfather," she looked to Lord Ashley. "You are welcome to join us for dinner, but I rather think our afternoon is done," she said, and her grandfather nodded and stood up.
"I will be here this evening," he straightened his jacket and kissed his granddaughter before leaving the room. Anthony was left alone with his wife feeling more than a little hot around the collar after witnessing her command the room as viscountess. Especially seeing her handle his mother.
"That was beautifully done, viscountess," he rasped. "Shall I expect that kind of authority in our bed chamber from now on? Or rather, can I," he asked, and she laughed.
"I am afraid," she reached for his hand. "I am still a student in that arena, but when I become more proficient, I promise I shall be more than willing," she sat down. "Truly though, that is the first time I have felt like myself in a few weeks."
"Are you unhappy?"
"No," she exclaimed. "No. I am probably the happiest I have ever been. But I am used to being in control. Of being a leader. This whole season I have had to rely on Lady Danbury's expertise."
"No longer. How was your walk," he asked.
"Uncomfortable. But nothing we didn't expect. My grandfather stepped up," she grinned when he looked at her like she had gone insane. "He did. He has his faults, but I think he is willing to listen. And truthfully, I think it kind of amuses him that you are so antsy around him."
"I am glad that I can be of some amusement," he muttered as he sat down next to her. He took her hand in his. "Remember when we first met?"
"How can I not?"
"I think about that meeting daily. I had not smiled like that in so long. I am so happy that you forgave me. That you gave me a chance. I keep thinking about my life if you had said no."
"Me too," she said. "I probably would be on my way to India right now."
"You think so?"
"With my relationship with Edwina, right now," she said and nodded. "I think so. We talked about this, Anthony."
"I know," he said quietly. "I just had hope that I would have been inducement enough for you to stay."
"We were not in that position then Anthony. Had we not done what we did, who knows if we would have even been allowed in the same room again," she said, and he nodded. "Now look at us. Married, and in love. Working towards creating a family of our own."
"I cannot wait to have a child with you," he whispered, almost in awe.
"Me either," she grinned and leaned in to kiss him gently before pulling back just as Daphne walked back into the room in a huff. "So, there is to be a wedding. Simon is ready to declare pistols at dawn and Benedict is ready to declare himself as his second. I cannot for the life of me understand men."
"Not everyone can be completely ordinary and understandable like myself, sister," he said as he stood up. Kate looked at him and then she and Daphne both looked at each other, and then back at him, before they both broke into hysterics. He lifted his hands in defeat as he walked from the room to join the men in going to get this boy. Which only caused his wife and sister to laugh even harder. "Women," he said with a huff as he closed the door behind him.
"We are expected at Bridgerton House for dinner tonight, Lady Mary," Agatha raised a letter of invitation from Kate.
"Oh good," she clapped as she sipped her tea. "I shall be happy to see Kate again." Edwina looked between Lady Danbury and her mother before taking a sip of her own cup of chai. Something wasn't sitting right with her. When Lord Ashley stopped by today, seemingly after visiting Kate, he had mentioned nothing of breaking Kate from Lord Bridgerton. In fact, he seemed in quite a jolly mood.
"Must we go," Edwina hope her voice conveyed none of her frustration. For some reason, Lady Danbury didn't read the situation like she read it, even though she despised scandal.
"We must."
"Yes," her mama said. "Kate invited us so we will come." Why did her mother not see what this was doing to her? Why wasn't she on her side? She was her daughter!
"And the season is almost over, and the family will depart to Aubrey Hall," Lady Danbury said.
"Yes," her mother clapped. "And perhaps by then there shall be a grandbaby on the way," she squealed, and Lady Danbury nodded.
"A baby," Edwina exclaimed. "You cannot be serious as to think that Kate will have a baby with that man. If she even lays with him at all that is." Both women stopped and stared at her in shock. "Edwina," her mama gasped.
"Well, I speak the truth. We all know why Kate married the man. She is always doing things for me, and this is the only reason that can be. I know she had some infatuation with him, but I know that I am more important to her."
"Why are you so sure of yourself in this matter," Lady Danbury demanded.
"Edwina, darling," her mother's voice was soft. "Edwina, Kate has lain with her husband. Many times, in fact. She's told me. I don't know why you are speaking of such things. But they want a child together. They are trying for a child together. You and I had that conversation the night before your wedding. You know the logistics. You may not be happy that they are married, but they are married. Your sister is the Viscountess Bridgerton. She's Lady Bridgerton. She will produce the Bridgerton heir. They are happy and they love each other. I've spoken to Lord Bridgerton as well. He is my son, your brother now. He is responsible for us now. I don't expect you to be happy, but I do not want you to say anything like this to your sister. You know her temper. And you know Lord Bridgerton has a temper to match."
"And he is very protective of his wife," Lady Danbury added.
"I just don't think it is what you think it is," replied with a shrug of her shoulders.
Both Lady Danbury and her mother shook their heads at her.
"We," Kate gasped as he thrust into her against his desk in the library. "We have to meet our guests. They are downstairs." He felt her hands claw against his back.
"We can be a few minutes late," he rasped into her ear. "It is our home."
"It is not polite. Lady Danbury will have a lecture," she said, and he laughed causing her to giggle and then gasp when he hit that spot within her. "Oh! Anthony!"
"OH," another female voice rang across the room in a gasp. Anthony felt Kate stiffen as she looked over his shoulder. "Edwina," she said in shock and for the moment he was glad he hadn't dropped his trousers, this moment was exposing enough. He laid his head down on his shoulder and inhaled. He couldn't move away, he had to preserve both of their modesties. "Edwina. Give us a few moments," Kate breathed and released his neck when he heard the door slam shut. He exhaled.
"God above," he said quietly, and she put a hand over her mouth before she just gave up and burst into giggles. "It's not funny," he exclaimed as he began to thrust into her. He might as well finish as it would take just as long to calm down.
Theo Sharpe was a printer's apprentice. Right away they knew he would do what they demanded of him. And they knew immediately why Eloise gravitated towards the man. At twenty-three he was quite the social justice warrior for women's rights. And if Eloise had to marry against her will, Theo was the type of man that they knew they could trust her with, despite the abrupt start to their relationship. Theo Sharpe was the eldest son of a single mother who also had a daughter who was Hyacinth's age, and a husband who passed during the war. He was doing his best to provide for them both. When his father died, his mother's back was against the wall when it came to providing for their family, and Theo saw that.
He saw a strong woman, who did her best, and was hindered because of her sex.
Anthony sympathized with her.
It was clear that this was to be an advantageous marriage for more than just the young man. Theo had mentioned that his mother was upset about what had happened to spur this marriage on, but she had met Eloise, and it was clear that she adored her. And Ella, was just in awe of the size of Bridgerton House. Hyacinth immediately gravitated towards the girl, and then they were off, most likely to torment Gregory who was in the drawing room.
He saw Kate speaking to Edwina who looked a little peevish with her arms crossed. If she gave Kate any flack, she could expect a conversation with him later. He and Kate had done nothing wrong, and he refused to allow his wife to feel guilty about what her sister witnessed.
Dinner was amazing. Kate had had the staff pull together a feast. He chuckled when he saw Ella's eyes widen at all the food on the table. "This is all for us," she looked at her mother? "How are we going to eat all of this, what about the staff?"
"Not to worry, Miss Ella," he winked at the little girl, and she blushed. "The staff will partake in their own feast later; it is the only way."
"Oh," she exclaimed, and her blonde curls shook. Her concern for the staff melted his heart. His children would know privilege, but he hoped they would always be as kind as this little girl.
Edwina was sulking beside her the whole dinner. She was glad she had the foresight to seat her sister beside her and not anywhere where Edwina could ruin the dinner for anybody else, especially the Sharpes, who she was growing quite fond of. Their argument before supper was Edwina accusing her of betraying her for having a relationship with Anthony. Apparently, she had thought that Kate had sacrificed herself for Edwina, by marrying Anthony. Though Kate had no idea how that idea could remotely come into her head considering that their infatuation with each other was the sole reason Edwina called of her wedding to Anthony. She didn't seem to know her elder sister at all, which Kate could see maybe that was her own fault. She had hidden a lot of herself to compensate for being Edwina's everything.
As it was, she and Anthony had been married a month, and her courses were due any day now. She was well aware that sometimes it took a while to make a baby, but she still held hope. She wasn't expecting any of the lower back pain she always felt a couple days before her cycles were due, but that could also mean that her courses could be late. She would reach that bridge when they crossed it. But Edwina had admitted to believing that Kate would not have consummated anything with Anthony, and she was working to help her get an annulment. And Kate was struck with how young Edwina actually was. How naive she was. Nothing Kate said that night would comfort Edwina, so she decided to save her breath.
"Kate," Gregory said from across the table. "We can take Ella on our ride tomorrow, right?"
"If it is alright with her mother," Kate smiled at the boy sweetly. He really was the sweetest boy. If she had a son, she hoped he would be as sweet as his uncle Gregory Bridgerton.
"I have never been horse riding before," Ella bounced excitedly in her chair. "Mama, can I?" She could see Mrs. Sharpe was having a hard time, and she understood. Horse riding, while typically safe, could be dangerous. One could be bucked off or hit a branch and be knocked off. "If it helps, she can ride with one of us," she motioned to herself and Anthony. "We take horse riding very seriously."
"Bridgerton's are very fond of horses," Violet said while she sipped her wine.
"It's true," Daphne piped in. "We are practically taught to ride in the womb. Auggie has already ridden with Simon."
"Surely not, Your Grace," Lady Danbury looked scandalized, though they could tell she really wasn't.
"He did very well," Simon said proudly. "Even held the reigns." What Simon didn't say however was that Auggie held the reigns so tight that he had to forcefully grab them from the baby's hands, and Auggie threw a fit, which was quite entertaining to everyone who were not his parents.
"I suppose, if you ride with one of them," Mrs. Sharpe said, and Ella squealed and clapped. She was just a year or two younger than Hyacinth, though her enthusiasm was infectious, and the adults laughed. Kate turned her attention to Theo and Eloise. Eloise was quiet but seemed comfortable, and Theo was just taking in the surroundings from his spot by Anthony. She had applauded her husband for being so kind to the boy. He was kind to them all as well, if not a little judgmental when he saw the splendor of the house, though he didn't voice his thoughts out loud.
He was mostly protective of his mother and sister, and she could relate to that. Once they married, his mother and sister would move in with them across the square. Anthony was giving them his bachelor lodgings, which Kate had toured, and the house was very nice. It wasn't what she was expecting it to be, though it was definitely not as decorated. Violet would help Eloise make the house feel like a home.
Benedict and Simon were still suspicious of the boy but could truly not find fault with him. That didn't stop them from trying though. And her grandfather actually was doing a great job of making Mrs. Sharpe feel at ease, with his complete lack etiquette and care for society rules.
All in all, when she climbed into bed next to her husband that night it felt like they had done something good.
"Do you think I'm doing right by Eloise," Anthony asked as she laid her head on his shoulder.
"It is only a matter of time before this gets out, my love," she said softly and reached for his hand and took it in hers. "I think our marriage may soften the blow, or it may not. But Eloise needs to be protected. If we can play it off like they have been courting, then that is better than the alternative."
"I know," he sighed. "I keep asking myself and wondering what father would do in this situation, and I keep going back and forth."
"I think, knowing you all as I do, that he would make the best of a very bad situation, which is what you are doing."
"You think so?"
She sat up. "Anthony, at some point you have to stop asking yourself what your father would do, and just do. Think about our future children. Do you want to raise them exactly as your father raised you?" Anthony thought seriously about it for a minute. "I suppose not. I would hope that I would be more involved. Especially with the girls."
"Then be that," she encouraged.
"And not so very by the book. I suppose I would want my children with me at all times."
"That is how I was raised," she nodded. "Really," he asked, and she nodded again. "Yes. Our parents took us everywhere."
He sat up interested. "Tell me." And so she did. Bridgerton's were notorious for children at the family dinner table, but Sharma's had the children at any dinner table, regardless of who was visiting. She remembered many a time when her appa changed Edwina's nappy. He and Mary never relied on a nurse to give the girls their bathes, and their appa was very in tuned with their education. That was who they were, and she felt growing up, that they had been closer for it. The problems in their family didn't start until after her appa passed away.
How she missed him.
"I want that," Anthony said quietly.
"Then we will have that," she smiled.
"Promise?"
"With my whole heart," she kissed him gently. "I love you."
"I love you, Lady Brigerton," he said quietly and pulled her back to him. They were still newlyweds after all.
Eloise sat in her swing staring out at the night sky. She was so alone with her thoughts that she didn't hear her mother approach her from behind. "You always come to this swing, even when you were barely out of leading strings. Your father used to call this Elli's tree. He maintained it just for you."
"I barely remember him, but I miss him."
"I miss him too," her mother said softly. "But I see his presence daily."
"You do," Eloise asked, surprised. Was her mother into some sort of witchcraft? Her mother chuckled. "In each of my children he left a little piece of himself."
"Ah," she said as her mother took a seat in the swing next to her. "I have spoken to your brother."
"Are you terribly upset with me?"
"No," her mother said automatically leaving no room for doubt. "No, I am not. In fact, I am quite proud with how you are handling this."
"I do not really have a choice now, do I? Anthony has mandated it, so it must be so."
"You are being entirely unfair to your brother."
"Am I," Eloise said, her temper flaring. "Last season when Anthony agreed to a marriage to that Berbrooke fellow, you seemed to sing quite the different tune," she said, and her mother winced. "Is it because Daphne is your favorite, that she absolutely had to marry the duke. Or is it that you cannot wait to pawn me off on the first available stranger and that is the reason for your agreement to this?"
"Eloise, you know I have only wanted what is best for you, for all my children. Anthony and I's relationship is complicated, and I take full responsibility for the Berbrooke situation as you put it."
"What, why," she exclaimed.
"Because it was at my direction that Anthony arranged a match. Despite it being misguided, I taunted him into it, and it was not well done on my part. Anthony and I, we are learning to cope with each other. I said many things to him when your father died that I should not have ever said to any child of mine, but that was how I coped with my grief, and Anthony being my eldest took the brunt of that. At eighteen years old, he was still a baby himself, and had to act as the man of the house without any help from me. I should have been there. Anthony had many faults last season with Daphne, but it all stemmed from being overprotective of his sister, and Daphne understands that and perhaps applauds him for it. Even before Berbrooke he was turning men away that were only after her for her dowry to cover their debts. He knows about these men. I do not doubt that he has already thoroughly vetted your Theo, and had he found anything of concern, he would have found a way out of this situation."
"If he can do so, why doesn't he?"
"Because this is not a fairy tale, my dear. And because your brother is doing the best, he can with the information he has. It was badly done Eloise, going off on your own like that, without a proper chaperone, and I think you know that. That is why you hid it from us, from me. That is why you lied. You cannot blame for your brother for this, I am afraid. In this, he is acting exactly as your father would. In fact, if your father was alive, I am sure Anthony would be acting more like Benedict," her mother's tone was amused. Her second eldest brother was acting quite unlike himself and being very much, well... Like Anthony had been with Daphne last season.
"You think father would act as Anthony is acting?"
"I know so. Anthony was probably the closest to your father out of all of you children, naturally as the eldest he got the most time with him. And in many ways, I see your father in every single one of his children. But he shines in Anthony the most. Anthony is a kind man, a loyal man. He does whatever he can for his family despite it being a detriment to him. Why do you think Daphne and Benedict and Colin are so adamant at supporting his marriage to Kate? It's the first time he has done something for himself, not that Kate isn't great."
"Kate is scary," Eloise said and her mother chuckled. "She threw me from the sitting room earlier," she said, and Eloise felt her eyes grow wide. The fact that someone threw Violet Bridgerton from a room was vastly intriguing. She wishes she had been there.
"All joking aside, Theo has made quite the impression on your brother and the family. Even Benedict. And we will be walking beside you as a family every step of the way."
"Do I have to have a big wedding," Eloise groaned.
"No," Violet chuckled. "We can have the wedding at Bridgerton House, or this summer at Aubrey Hall. Wherever you desire."
"Anthony would be amenable to that?"
"I think Anthony goes where Kate goes. And Kate has brought up that since no one is talking about seeing you there as of yet, we can pass this off as a proper courtship and engagement."
"I love her," she admitted, and Violet laughed as she pulled her daughter close.
"I love her as well. We got lucky to have such a supportive woman as our new head of household. And soon she will be the matriarch. Soon there will be little Anthony and Kate's running around Bridgerton House and Aubrey Hall. Who knows, maybe you will have your own children," Violet said and laughed when Eloise groaned. "Something to just think about then," she kissed the top of her daughter's head.
And for the first time that night, Eloise could inhale.