Work Text:
Anthony did not bother taking the carriage back to Bridgerton House. He walked the mile between Danbury House and his family’s residence, fully aware that he had left his home behind. Home was with Kate - her dark, rebellious curls; those deep brown eyes that could tell a thousand stories; the beautiful hands he had not held nearly enough. Merely a week ago it had all been within his grasp, his fingertips caressing her perfect skin, soft lips kissing every glorious part of her body.
He had imagined that their night in the gazebo had been a beginning - permission to finally allow themselves to wish for things and claim them without fear. It seemed to him now that she had seen it as an end. An unspoken farewell that she had kissed into his mouth while he’d remained blissfully unaware.
When, in the afterglow, she had told him her name - Kathani, Kathani, Kathani - he had felt as though he had received a sacrament holier than those of his faith. She was what he believed in now, the altar at which he would worship for the rest of his days. Kate would leave but he would never forget every moment with her, every fight, every look, every touch. Night and day, Anthony would dream of her, just like he had been for months. He would picture her dancing in his arms, twisting in his bedsheets, carrying his children. In his dreams, Kate would always be his while he lived his reality belonging to her alone.
He could almost say his heart was broken, but it had not been his for a long time; it had been gifted to Kate on their very first morning ride. And now she would take it to India as an unworthy collection of shattered pieces, each belonging to her. Did she even know?
Anthony had wanted to make her his Viscountess.
Kathani Bridgerton.
He found himself mouthing the words as he walked, uncaring about who could hear his mumblings.
“Viscountess Kathani Bridgerton.Viscountess. Kathani. Bridgerton.”
With every step Anthony’s whispers became quieter, each syllable devastating him further until the very breath in his lungs burned with the truth of it.
There was no Viscountess.
There was only Miss Kate Sharma and he would never see her again.