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Dearest Readers,
it has come this this author’s attention that the Viscount Bridgerton has begun courting Lady (y/n) (y/l/n) earlier this week. The pair have been seen promenading on several occasions and Mr. Bridgerton has sent flowers every day. Are we to expect a new Viscountess in the ton? Rest assured, if they are to wed, this author will find out.
Yours Truly,
Lady Whistledown.
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“Do you truly think he will propose, mama?” your asked your mother.
She had woken you up with the latest society papers in hand.
“Of course he will! I would not be surprised if he dances with you four times at tonight’s ball!” your mother replied, a proud smile on her face.
“Don’t be absurd, mama! That would be extremely improper!” you exclaimed, but a crimson blush still appeared across your cheeks at the mere possibility of being close to Anthony for that long.
It was no secret that the eldest bridgerton had your affections, but you were not sure if you had his. Despite his actions, the Viscount was known for being a rake of the worst kind and didn’t tend to show his emotions aside from the occasional smile or brooding demeanor.
“My daughter! A Viscountess! Who would have thought?” your mother hugged you tightly, grinning like a cheshire cat.
“Don’t be hasty, mama. You forget he has not yet proposed, he might not at all.” you answered.
“Don’t be absurd my dear! Tonight you shall wear the family diamonds!” she declared and stepped out humming joyfully.
You didn’t want to rush into this, but your thoughts circled back to him during the day and you realised 'I can’t help falling in love with you, Anthony Bridgerton.'
“Do you think she will be here tonight?” asked Eloise to her eldest brother.
“She guaranteed she would.” Anthony replied, the same brooding look as always on his face as he looked at the entry expectantly.
“My son, why don’t you dance with one of the other ladies? I’m sure they are just as fine dancers as Lady (y/l/n).” the Dowager Viscountess said, already looking around for someone appropriate for her son.
“I do not wish to dance with anyone else, mother.” he responded, still looking at the door.
“My son, bear in mind that you are choosing the future Viscountess Bridgerton, this is not just one more of your affairs. You have only been courting her for a week, it’s still the beginning of the season. Only fools rush in.” Lady Violet muttered so only her son could hear, a smile on her face to keep away the prying eyes and ears of the ton.
Anthony finally looked back at his mother and said “This is not just another affair. (y/n) is different. I -” he looked around then back at his mother. “I’m falling in love with her.”
Violet’s eyes softened, a small smile appearing on her face. This is all she had ever wanted for her children, to find love and live a happy life.
“Well then, I think you would like to know that your dearest has arrived.”
Anthony’s gaze went straight to you and, smiling softly, he thought you looked like an angel. You were wearing a white gown with gold details, long gloves, diamonds and a small tiara. He immediately made his way to you and bowed.
“If I may be so bold, Lady (y/n), you look absolutely stunning. May I have your first dance?” he said with a shy smile.
You blushed at his comment.
“Of course, Lord Bridgerton. It would be my honour.” with that, he took your gloved hand, ever so softly, and guided you to the dance floor.
The scenery was truly breathtaking. It was an outdoors ball, so light of the moon and the stars shone upon you. There were also a few lamps scattered, but just enough so the ambience was filled with romance. Taking your place in the midst of the other couples, you looked at each other as you waited for the music to start.
“I meant what I said earlier, you look breathtakingly beautiful tonight.” your heart was beating much faster that normal as he held one of your hands and placed the other on your waist.
“Just tonight?” you remarked in a humorous tone, trying to distract yourself from the feeling his compliment brought you.
Only Anthony didn’t catch on, his eyes widened and he stuttered. “N-no! Of course not! Not just tonight! I-”
You felt pity for the poor Viscount and replied “I am only joking, my Lord.”
He relaxed his tense shoulders, chuckling.
“Of course you are.” he mumbled with a smile before spinning you and pulling you back in his arms.
This was not part of the dance, so you gasped and started laughing, throwing your head back. Anthony looked at you in awe and thought 'like a river flows surely to the sea, darling so it goes, some things are meant to be.'
“You always take my breath away.” he mumbled tenderly.
The song ended and you parted, you looked back and he was still looking at you with a silly smile, making you giggle. You turned your gaze forward right before bumping into someone.
“Cressida! How lovely to see you!” it wasn’t.
“I know what you are doing, (y/n).” she said with the fakest smile you had ever seen.
“And what would that be?” you asked, truly curious as to what she was talking about.
“Do not be daft, darling. It is not very attractive. Everyone knows you are trying to seduce the Viscount.” she stepped closer to you and continued “This will never work. He would never marry someone like you. A Viscountess should be elegant, beautiful, sociable and everything else you are not. So, do yourself a favour and bow down while you have time. Wouldn’t want to embarrass yourself when he chooses me over you.” she was grinning when she stepped away and you were holding back tears.
Not wanting anyone to see you cry, you went to a more secluded part of the garden. What you did not know was that Anthony saw the expression on your face as you left and ran after you.
Sitting on a bench you found far away from the party, you cried, hands on your face. The scene broke Anthony’s heart.
He stalked to you and asked angrily “What did she say to you?”
You were startled at first, but when you saw that it was Anthony, you relaxed a bit.
“It was nothing, my Lord. Just Cressida being Cressida.” you tried smiling, but failed miserably.
"Anthony. Please call me Anthony. And it was something if you are here alone and crying.”
Then he realised. You were alone, unchaperoned. But you were also crying and obviously sad. 'Shall I stay? Would it be a sin?' he thought. Anthony looked back one more time to make sure no one was coming and hugged you, wiping away your tears.
“I can’t stand to see you this way, can’t stand that she hurt you.” he muttered.
You looked him in the eyes and asked “Why?”
He didn’t know where the sudden confidence came from, but still he said “Because I can’t help falling in love with you.”
You were shocked, but still answered smiling. “I’m falling in love with you too.”
The Viscount grinned at that, holding you tighter in his arms.
“I know it is still early in the season and I have only just started courting you, but I can no longer wait.” he knelt to the ground and continued “(y/n), take my hand, take my whole life too. Would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
“Yes!” you exclaimed. He stood up laughing, spun you around and gave you a soft kiss on the lips.
“Are you going to tell me what Cressida said to you, future wife?” he asked with a satisfied grin.
You laughed and looked at him sheepishly.
“She said you would never marry me, that you’d choose her, and that I was not fit to be a Viscountess.”
“Well then” he linked his arm with yours, walking back to the party “I think she will be very surprised with our wedding invitation.” you laughed at that and he resumed. “As for the last part, to me you are perfect and that’s all that matters.”