Chapter Text
“Anthony, please sit,” Edmund asked. His son looked rightfully puzzled at being summoned to the office. It had been a good season, and though they were two months into the season, Edmund had something particularly important to discuss with his eldest. As Anthony sat down, his eyes flit between Edmund, who sat behind his desk, and Benedict who stood at his side, arms folded with an annoyed expression on his face.
“Is everything all right?” Anthony asked. Since the ball, Benedict seemed more open to a reconnection with their father. Even his drinking seemed to have reduced but Anthony held no delusions it would stay that way. He recalled his first year at Oxford, if Benedict was able to get alcohol so easily at Eton, the freedom Cambridge offered with adulthood would be like a trip to the Lotus Island. But that did not mean his father and brother now spent time together, in or out of the office. Perhaps things changed while he was away on his honeymoon.
“Anthony… well… I am not quite sure how to say this exactly…” his father stuttered.
“You and Kate need to leave!” Benedict bluntly said.
“What?!” Anthony asked affronted.
Edmund raised his hand to his eldest, asking him to be calm. “What your brother means to say is, with your honeymoon in the cottage interrupted, I would like to send you and Kate to the continent for a proper honeymoon tour. You will be returning to Oxford after the season. After which you may have… well you may have a child and not be able to have the freedom of just the two of you after…” Edmund gently suggested.
“But the season is not done, the children…”
“You and Kate always seem ready to leave balls early and there is hardly any event noteworthy enough for you to stay. Besides, we are all here for the season and will retire to Aubrey Hall upon your return. You will need to pass through London I think…”
“But you cannot stay here!” Benedict said petulantly.
“Do you have a problem with my wife?” Anthony growled.
“No; only the sounds she makes at night!” Benedict replied, causing Anthony’s ears to turn red.
“Well, yes…” Edmund said nervously, “It is why we feel certain there shall be a child within a year… you both seem… dedicated to the task…”
“Father!”
“No! We only had the talk with Colin last year. Since you have been back, he has had questions! And for some reason, I am the one he asks! Should one of our sisters come with questions, I am certain I will not survive,” Benedict said. His voice seemed angry, but the redness of his face seemed to come from embarrassment. Considering the few times that Anthony had been caught with his wife in certain places, he could barely look Benedict in the eyes. To know Colin was more aware was too much to bear.
Since the 1805 Hearts & Flowers ball, the Sharmas had become a welcomed addition to Aubrey Hall and Crake House. Edwina and Eloise struck up a close friendship, Daphne had poured out the years of fear and frustration to Kate, while Edmund and Milan had become friends, speaking about widowerhood. Though Anthony was not certain his father would ever remarry, there was something nice about knowing his father had someone who understood grieving a wife the same day you celebrate the life of a child.
Their family were glad to go into Petal’s birthday with more joy than expected. Billie insisted that the next Heart& Flowers ball not only be held in Aubrey Hall but be the wedding for Kate and Anthony. The family respected Milan’s request to announce the banns next season.
Lady Danbury had been at the Heart & Flowers ball when Anthony and Kate made their debut. She had been put out that when Mary had written consenting to her attendance at her event later in the season, she never spoke about her daughter and the match she had made. The dowager was glad to hear that Kate would be debuting, and Mary would be presenting her along with her friend Priya as Mrs Dhruva was never presented herself. Lady Danbury insisted that Mrs Dhruva be given an invitation, as it would help them both meet kinder women of the ton so the next season would be filled with friendlier faces.
After Petal’s birthday, there was the fête where Anthony and Kate danced twice, a travelling circus that delighted the children who accompanied the young couple and the local play put on by the local school. Kate and Anthony were always chaperoned through the rest of the season, whether intentionally or because one of his family members wanted to spend time with her. They all adored her, which was lovely to see, but overwhelming at times for Kate. Kate got a chance to ride Dawon on the grounds of Aubrey Hall and her family’s new home. Even then, the two of them were chaperoned; by his uncle Andrew after he learnt of Kate’s excellent riding skills. His aunt Poppy had to remind him that he held her hostage on a ship for a week, but he recalled his oldest son came 8 months after the wedding and was not ready for Anthony to be shot by Kate’s father for trying to bring the wedding up.
In town, Olivia, Priya, and Kate would often be seen together, and Anthony almost missed the time it was just him that saw Kate, the peace of sharing her with no one. Even when they would stroll through the town, people deferred to her quite quickly as the new lady of the helm. His aunt Billie took Kate under her wing, so she learnt from a woman who had once done the job of the viscount before her marriage. Now she was a countess, working alongside her husband; Kate did not have to make herself small in her marriage to Anthony. She could continue to work with contracts and ledgers just as she had with her father, just on a grander scale.
Eventually, the 1805 season ended, and Anthony returned to Oxford with a promise to Kate that next year, they would depart together. He was going to secure a townhouse at the start of the season as they would spend their first year of marriage with him still in school. After he would have completed his education, they would reside in Aubrey Hall with his family. He would work for the viscountcy and Kate would be by his side, always.
The 1806 season began as it always did, with the presentation of the young ladies to the Queen. Anthony and all the Bridgertons were there standing with Lady Danbury, his uncle George, and his cousins. Even with Kate’s extensive education and the year dedicated to the planning of their wedding, there was much for her to adapt to. Lady Mary had given Anthony a list of things that could help Kate in the transition from Miss to high-ranking Mrs; but for now, he looked forward to her presentation. He knew the gist of the event and knew that if anyone deserved to be a diamond, it was his fiancée.
Despite everyone’s fears or perhaps because of their fears, Kate and Anthony only shared their first kiss on a foggy dawn after her family arrived in London. In a clearing where Anthony took a ride to clear his head before he met with his future in-laws in their rented home on Milner Street with the Dhruvas. Kate on the other hand was thundering through on Dawon. Finally able to find the large green space she could ride without fear of meeting someone she knew. When she took off her hood after clearing a jump over a medium-sized shrub, she was faced with a giggling fiancé, who was partly impressed at her jump, partly annoyed at her recklessness, but mostly elated they found a moment for themselves. He found a way round and met her dismounted by some trees, taking her into his arms and kissing her deeply as if his life depended on it. It startled Kate at first, as she had expected a hug, but she sunk her hands into his hair, pulling him closer and letting him guide their first kiss… her first kiss.
Kate barely returned home in time, with Anthony watching as she made her way until he was sure she was safe. Her father warned her of any further rides but after such a kiss, she knew she would find a way to Anthony again. But first, she had her appointment with the London Modiste. She was to have the role but not the title of Viscountess and most of her dresses were new and beautiful and fitting of her future status. But Anthony’s aunt Billie was sponsoring her for a few gowns as she knew ahead of time the events and their themes. She had the dresses ordered at the most fashionable modiste requesting a unique design for the young Miss. Billie chose colours that incorporated Bridgerton Blue and Kate’s favourite colour, purple. Some styles were signatures to the Countess, one would match herself and Olivia, and there was a special gown similar to what Violet had worn at her last social event before her confinement. She would wear that to her first society event; if the Ton wished to gossip, Kate would be wearing a clear sign that she was a Bridgerton, the name was coming in time.
It was a busy few days and Kate learnt how serious her father was about her morning rides. Still, Anthony called every day and sent flowers too. On the day of her presentation, she knew Anthony’s cousin would be presented. Olivia Rokesby was most things her mother was not, just as she was everything her mother was. Unlike her mother’s presentation that went up in flames, Olivia was flawless, and she was named the diamond of the season.
Though Kate’s presentation with Priya went well, neither of them was disappointed for not being named Diamond. Lady Mary knew there was a chance that the Queen still held a slight grudge against her, and it was evident at the presentation.
“Besides, the diamond showed men she was the best to be courted, you are done with courtship and have your wedding already planned, it would not be wise to attract any suitors.” Mary tried to comfort Kate.
“I am not upset, Mama. I guess it would have been nice to be the diamond like you, but I am happy Olivia would enjoy the season that her mother missed,” Kate replied. She still laughed when she thought of Aunt Billie’s presentation in which she accidentally set another girl on fire and tackled her to put the flames out. The ton recalled the fire, but no one ever knew Billie was the one that set it. the story brought a comfort to her after she learnt the woman, she set on fire was one of the three gossiping about her at the Hearts & Flowers ball. Olivia promised to keep a match close if they ever met her at an event.
The opening ball held by Lady Danbury was magnificent, and Kate wore the ‘Violet’ gown that at first stopped the Viscount before he smiled and told her she looked lovely. Anthony was at her side for the entirety of the ball, damning propriety after he saw her dance with a Duke. The banns were announced a week into the season, but Anthony continued to court Kate, so she had the experience of a season to the fullest. They had trips to the theatre and promenading through the park where Anthony took Kate out on a boat ride. There were their chaperoned visits, which mostly comprised of Kate trying to get information so she would not disappoint her new family, but Anthony was focused on their honeymoon in the cottage by the sea. Edwina was the poor emissary sent to sit between them or harangue Anthony about not bringing Eloise as she learnt he too did not like philosophy and she was bored watching him fawn over Kate, even if she liked the sweets he gave her as a bribe to give him a moment alone with her sister.
For her 19th birthday, he gifted Kate a corgi puppy, which she called Newton much to Anthony’s confusion.
“I love him, Anthony. He is everything I wanted! Thank you! I love you,” she replied hugging him, the puppy between them. Anthony’s hands hovered awkwardly as her father glared at their embrace. Unfortunately for Anthony, despite Kate’s joy, the dog did not win him points with his future in-law as Mr Sharma was not a big fan of Newton. The dog seemed set to steal the left foot of every one of Mr Sharma’s shoes. He was certain it was a trick Anthony had trained him for which always made his girls laugh at his paranoia.
Olivia and Priya were enjoying their courtships, the three friends were often together at balls either to cover for Kate enjoying a moment alone with Anthony or for Olivia and Priya to find respite from the toe-stepping men always asking for dances.
The Sheffields, Mary’s parents, came into town when they read of the Sharmas presence in London. Edmund was not yet familiar with the strains between the Sheffields and Sharmas and invited them for dinner. By the time he realised the mistake, it was too late to revoke the invitation. Milan had stopped feeling fearful of them, or anyone from noble society. He was a man proud of what he had worked to achieve for his family. His daughters were intelligent, kind, loyal, beautiful young women, and his eldest was to marry her heart’s desire without losing her independence. When Milan threw them out of Bridgerton House, it was the last they heard of them as they disappeared to their country estate in Yorkshire, never to be seen or heard from by the family.
Milan was in better spirits after what he called the exorcism of his in-laws and found the London season to be enjoyable, especially as he watched Mary reconnect with old friends and make new ones. By the Queen’s luncheon, she found herself paying more attention to Miss Sharma and Mr Bridgerton. To the point that she attended their wedding. Kate and Anthony used the small church most Bridgertons and Rokesbys married in, and Priya stood by Kate as Benedict stood by Anthony when they were finally declared wed. Though the gossip was incessant since the Sharmas’ arrival in the Ton, after the wedding attended by Her Majesty, no one dared speak a word against Kate who had married into the Bridgerton family and won the affections of the Queen.
Anthony fulfilled every promise he made that night almost a year ago. After their wedding in Aubrey Hall, they went on a short honeymoon to the seaside cottage for two weeks, returning back to London for the rest of the season with the family. They had only been back for a week before Anthony was summoned.
“I was thinking Italy or Greece. Your mother and I went to Greece for our honeymoon, it is nice to be away. The Ton and life in England in general, will always be here, but you only get one chance to be young and see another country for yourself.”
“Before you make any plans for our eviction, let me talk to my wife. See which she would prefer.”
“Talk, Anthony! Just talk!” Benedict said with his arms crossed as he recalled a telling giggle that let him know not to venture further. He was just grateful the children were out on a promenade that day, but still it was in a drawing room and Benedict had not been able to sit on any of the chairs until Mrs Wilson assured him, they were all cleaned at his insistence.
By the end of the week, the Bridgertons and Sharmas were on the steps of Bridgerton House to wave goodbye to the young couple who were travelling to Greece.
“Enjoy your travel, son.” Edmund said giving Anthony a hug “We’ll be here…”
“Yes brother, enjoy your tour…” Benedict said suggestively giving his brother a hug as well. Anthony glared in response, smiling when Francesca interrupted for a hug of her own.
“You promise you’ll be back…” Gregory asked, holding Newton. He was very proud to have been trusted with the responsibility of taking care of the dog, but he would miss his brother and new sister dearly.
“With lots of presents,” Kate promised, holding onto Edwina and Eloise on either side of her, as she watched Anthony crotch down to speak with his brother.
“I want something blue or white,” Gregory asked beaming at the thought of presents.
“Blue!” Petal exclaimed giggling from Daphne’s arms.
“Obviously, she wants something blue.” Colin joked. With a final group hug from their sisters, Kate and Anthony entered their carriage to set off on their honeymoon tour. Waving delightfully before they turned to each other and shared a kiss.
“Perhaps there is much to be gained from this tour…” Anthony quipped as he bunched up her skirt to get access to her body.
“Here? Now?”
“Don’t worry, I will make sure the curtains are closed. Can you tame the noises that got us kicked out of our home?”
“And whose fault is that?” Kate asked breathlessly as he found where he was seeking.
“Mine… entirely mine,” Anthony replied swallowing her moan with a kiss.
“I’m surprised they wanted another tour.” Milan said as he walked back into Bridgerton with Edmund, “Then again, they did find work while at the seaside. Your viscountcy is larger than I thought.”
“The cottage was really Violet’s. From the Ledger estate… besides, it was my request they go…” Edmund responded.
“I thought you wanted them to move in?”
“I did… I do… I just forgot what it would be like to live with young newlyweds in love.”
“What do you mean?” Milan asked. Edmund didn’t say a word, but obviously, his face conveyed the meaning and Milan turned back watching the carriage turn the corner and disappear from his sight.
“I would like to remind you they are married…” Edmund said, placing his hand on his friend’s shoulder.
“Don’t even think about it, Milan!” They heard Mary call.
“But Mary!” Milan whined stumping into the house.
Edmund took a moment to watch the busy street in front of him and turned back to the home that carried many memories, good and bad. With a soft smile, he looked up to the sky, “You live on, Violet… in these moments and in our children, you live on.”