Chapter Text
Kate paced around the foyer in the Bridgerton town house in London, twiddling her thumbs. Her husband had been away for only 2 nights, having taken a trip to Clyvedon house to visit his sister Daphne, the Duchess of Hastings, and accompany her and Simon, the Duke of Hastings, on their own journey back into town.
Kate had pestered Anthony to allow her to journey with him, but he insisted upon her getting as much rest as possible before the next social season begun in a few days time. She supposed he was correct, given that as the Viscountess Bridgerton, she had much to do in getting Francesca ready for her debut, and trying to reign in Eloise. But, oh how she missed her husband dearly.
After spending the last 6 months honeymooning across the globe together, she still felt her stomach clenching together whenever she was apart from him.
‘Kate!’ Daphne called, smiling as she and Simon entered the home.
‘Your graces!’ Kate replied, returning the smile and hugging Daphne and her son Augie tightly.
‘How was the journey, your grace?’ Kate asked, trying her best to look at him, but her eyes betraying her and moving to search behind him.
‘Most pleasant. And please, we’ve talked about this! It’s Simon to you!’ He replied, as Kate shook her head remembering.
‘My apologies, Simon. I am so glad to see you all.’ She said.
‘Daphne, my dear!’ Violet cried with happiness, as she joined them in the hallway.
Kate used this as her excuse to leave them to it, as she tiptoed outside to stand on the front steps leading from the front doorway.
She saw Anthony, stroking the carriage horses, before turning to see her.
Kate could not contain the grin on her face, as she smiled from ear to ear as he approached her and swept her in his arms, burying his face in her neck. She reciprocated and wrapped her arms around his back.
‘My love….I missed you dearly.’ He says, as he nibbles at her ear, making Kate giggle.
‘I missed you too.’ She replies, as he breathes in her lily scent, before finally pulling away, just slightly, so they faced each other, eye to eye.
‘You must travel with me next time.’ He says, as Kate gasps.
‘Don’t even start, Anthony. You were the one who insisted I stay here in misery, my lord.’ Kate says.
He leans in and kisses her lips tenderly.
‘Well we shall just have to make sure that I never have to leave again.’ He says, grinning.
‘I shall tie you to the bed.’ Kate whispers in his ear.
‘And I shall not resist one bit.’ He replies, laughing.
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After basking in each other’s arms for a little while longer, Kate and Anthony finally made their way back into the drawing room to join the rest of the family.
‘The lovebirds have arrived.’ Benedict announces, as Kate sits between him and Eloise on the sofa, swatting his shoulder playfully, and Hyacinth and Gregory swarm Anthony in a hug.
‘Now, I have some important words for you all.’ Violet says, as everyone watches her attentively.
‘The season will commence next week, and it is a very important time for our Francesca.’ She says, stroking her shoulder, as Francesca blushes.
‘Whilst I love Anthony and Kate dearly and I would undoubtedly change nothing about the last year, I should like to remind you all that we are still considered the most respectable family of the ton and that I should like to refrain from being the main topic of scandal in Lady Whistledown this season.’ She adds, sternly.
‘Yes mother.’ They all reply, in unison, Kate suppressing a giggle, as Anthony looks at her, shrugging his shoulders.
‘I am very much looking forward to this season, although I am nervous too.’ Kate says.
‘No need to be nervous dear sister, it is not as though you shall need to marry me off this season too, just Franny. And even then, who knows if she’ll even find a man capable of worthwhile time and conversation.’ Eloise says, flipping through the pages of her book.
‘Eloise!’ Francesca gasps, as Violet calms her down.
‘Dear god, Eloise. Must you be so cynical?’ Colin asks, suppressing laughter.
Kate places a hand on Eloise’s knee, which she realises has been shaking for the last few minutes.
Eloise looks at her, and as their eyes meet, Eloise can’t help but smile. She knows that Kate has her back and that she will make this season bearable for her. She squeezes Kate’s hand in return.
The family continues on, chatting amongst themselves, laughing, Francesca playing the piano and Gregory and Hyacinth arguing over chess.
As Kate bounces Augie on her lap and converses with Violet and Daphne, Anthony can’t help but watch her from his corner with Simon, admiring the way she has swept in and kept his family in line, effortlessly. She cares for them deeply, and in return they love her as their own. No one else could ever compare to his Viscountess Bridgerton.
‘Kate dearest, Augie loves you! I cannot wait to be blessed with another grandchild, hopefully soon? You are glowing, my dear!’ Violet whispers, so only herself and Daphne can also hear.
In this moment, Kate freezes, unknown to what to reply. Her eyes water, and she looks across, discreetly, at Anthony who’s face winces when he sees that she is in pain. Her eyes are watering, and her expression is solemn, and he feels a sudden urge to leap over and take her in his arms.
‘May I be excused? I will just be a moment.’ Kate says, quietly, as she hands Augie back to Daphne, and Violet nods, confused.
Anthony stands up immediately, seeing Kate leave.
‘Anthony what….’ Violet starts, but he cuts her off.
‘I must go.’ He says, and with that he strides out of the room.
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