Chapter Text
To Anthony, this year’s season was different than the ones he attended in the past. His sister was to be presented as a debutante this year. She was of age to get married and Anthony was set to find her only the best suitor in London. A proud smile had stretched itself upon his lips when he heard the queen call his sister ‘flawless’.
The season’s first ball, Anthony had kept a close eye on all the men present, refusing to allow Dapne dance with any man he deemed unworthy of her. He thought it alright to make decisions in her stead. But wrong he was. So wrong.
Anthony had come to senses that his sister’s life wasn’t something he could control. It was hers and so were the decisions concerning it.
Her engagement with Lord Berbrooke was instantly called off when he heard about Berbrooke’s inappropriate behaviour with her. He now had to see Daphne having a rather close friendship with his best friend, Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. No one in their family actually knew what their relationship was. They sure spent a quality time together but when he asked either of them if they were engaged, they’d simply dismiss the question. Whatever it was, Anthony did not approve of it. But this time, he understood that there wasn’t much he could do about it other than trust his sister.
And trust he did.
To (y/n), this year’s season was just as dull and boring as the past five years. She had been a part of the ton since she was eighteen; now, at the age of three and twenty, she was deemed a spinster by the society. But (y/n) couldn’t be less bothered.
Her first couple years bought her a lot of male attention but she knew what she wanted in a man and none of them she thought ideal. Her mother greatly disapproved of this, she had lost all hope that her daughter would find someone.
Now, as (y/n) slipped away from the party, completely negligent of the rumours that would spur up if someone saw her unchaperoned, she found herself in the garden. Her exploration led her to the middle where she was stunned to see Anthony Bridgerton holding the Duke of Hastings by the collar. She was quick to spin on her heel and go back but it was too late; Anthony had already seen her.
When she entered the ballroom once again that night, she tried to steady her breath and forget about what she had just seen. Matters of others were never her concern. She wasn’t the type to gossip and goodness, she certainly had a strong dislike for Lady Whistletown.
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Like every other morning after the ball, this morning too, (y/n) did not expect any suitors to visit but yet attended the living room to please her mama. So it was to her utter most surprise when she heard the bell chime and the foot-man mentioned the arrival of a young man who wanted to meet her. Delighted, her mother welcomed the man with excitement knowing that he could be a possible suitor.
The man revealed himself as none other than Viscount Bridgerton, the very male that she had ran away from last night. Though, she must admit, the decision was much hasty. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw him walk in. Her mother was pleased, surprised too but mostly pleased that her daughter had managed to catch the Viscount’s eye.
“Lord Bridgerton, it’s lovely to see you here today!” Her mama welcomed. Though, she thought it odd that Anthony had no sort of gift in his hands nor did he bring flowers.
“Likely, Lady (y/l/n).” He nodded.
“Please, have a seat.” She pointed at the seat next to (y/n) with open arms, giving him a wide smile.
“Would you mind if I spoke to Miss (y/l/n) alone?” He looked up at her mother after taking a seat.
“Why yes, of course!” She scurried off the room, ecstatic that her daughter has finally had a suitor this year.
“I do not presume you are here as a suitor, Lord Bridgerton.” (y/n) stated after the doors were closed.
“Yes, you are indeed correct.” He confirmed. “I’m here to discuss the matter of what you saw yesterday at the Throwbridge ball.”
“I do not quite understand what you speak of,”
“You were there at the garden, weren’t you? I suggest you dare not speak of what you saw last night to anybody or there shall be consequences.” Anthony tried his best to keep his tone neutral. It had been a hectic day for him so far. He had not slept the entire night, preparing the papers just in case he lost his duel with the Duke of Hastings- which was rashly interrupted by his sister and now, the duke and her were to be wedded. Certainly a lot of events and it was just the morning.
“Forgive me, my lord but are you threatening me?” She asked in disbelief.
“If that’s what you’d like to call it. My family is very dear to me and I shall not let anyone ruin their reputation.” He concluded leaving (y/n) confused. Was he still talking about his fight with the Duke?
“This is absurd. You can’t barge into my house and threaten me for something I do not even know of!” (y/n) did not care about the consequences of speaking to a Viscount in such a tone.
“I should not like to speak of it but it concerns my sister and Duke Hastings.”
“You sister? I assure you, I do not recall seeing your sister last night at the garden.” Anthony’s eyes softened a little at her confession, meaning it was his turn to be confused now. “I only saw a glimpse of you holding the duke by his coat and walked away immediately because I do not meddle with other’s interest that do not concern me!” Cried (y/n), clearly offended at Lord Bridgerton’s accusation. “Now, if all your queries are cleared, my lord, you shall take your leave.”
Anthony was stunned to say the least and ashamed that he had falsely accused someone innocent. “I-“ He opened his mouth to talk but was interrupted by a frustrated (y/n).
“Good day, Lord Bridgerton.” She pointed at the door and Anthony slowly walked out of it with his head slightly hung in shame.
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Anthony’s chat with (y/n) ignited a feeling of guilt in his chest. The rest of day was planned for. He had to visit the church in request for a early marriage license for his sister along with Simon. His duties kept him occupied but his mind wandered to (y/n) often.
“Denied? What on earth for?” He saw his sister’s face fall after he delivered the unfortunate news of her special marriage license being denied.
“For some reason, the archbishop of Canterbury did not think he owed me an explanation.” He said solemnly.
“If we are to wait weeks for this wedding, it gives Cressida Cowper, not to mention Whistletown and anyone else, far too much time to uncover the truth of what happened in that garden.” His mind instantly went back to (y/n) and his harsh, not gentleman-like behaviour with her, making him regret it.
Fate, thankfully, was in Daphne and Simon’s favour as they had somehow managed to get a license and were soon married in a small, intimate gathering. Their reception, however, was a little rushed yet grand enough. Every member of the ton was invited and that meant, (y/n) was too.
As much as she had preferred to stay at home, her mama forced her to attend. She thought it very unusual that her daughter refused to speak even a word of her conversation with the Viscount. She had the modiste urgently make a gown for (y/n). One that preceded the glamour of all her other gowns and made sure her hair was in a perfect up-do.
“Oh dear, how lovely you look!” Her mother gushed once more this evening as they arrived at the Bridgerton house. “Lord Bridgerton would be delighted to see you!”
(y/n) discreetly rolled her eyes and muttered a quick “God, no.” under her breath. This party was the last thing she was looking forward to.
As always, she tried her best to blend in the background, hoping people didn’t try to talk to her. Her eyes slightly widened when she saw Anthony coming her way. He waved at her shortly and she looked behind herself, unsure if it was her he addressed.
“Miss (y/l/n), I was hoping to see you.” It was true. Anthony had hoped he would get to meet her at today’s event but he wouldn’t have been surprised if she hadn’t showed up due to his coldness.
“Me?” She asked incredulously, “Whatever for?”
“I wanted to apologise,” He looked down at his feet in shame.
“Oh, you did?” Slight annoyance visible in her tone.
“Yes, what I said that day is unforgivable. But I sure hope you will accept this sincere apology for I mustn’t have acted harsh and uncouth.”
She thought for a moment. She was still a little sour about it but she had always believed in kindness and so she said, “Apology accepted.” And gave him a small smile.
Anthony could swear he felt his heart swell at the sight of her smiling. “You mean it?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Very well. I’m glad you accepted my apology.” He smiled at her. “If you do not mind, would you care so much as to save me a dance at the season’s next ball?”
“Of course,”
“Oh and Ms. (y/l/n)?”
“Yes?” She asked, slightly curious and what Anthony said next only caused her cheeks to heat up.
“You look beautiful tonight.”