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“Miss Francesca Bridgerton!”
Anthony sighed in relief as his sister was named Incomparable. He had little doubt of his sister's ability and beauty; they were all proud of Francesca. Even Eloise, who hated the whole event, hugged her sister with a warm smile, and Kate did too, pride evident on her face. She had helped prepare her and well, she had trained one Diamond, as had his mother. It was unsurprising they had another in the family.
His eyes then turned to the gentlemen in the room. The old men who were terrified their lines would end still scouring the room for a child bride, sons and brothers guarding their sisters and mamas pushing the debutantes to gain the attention that Francesca had taken away from them all.
Lord Nicholas Howard, 16th Duke of Norfolk, was young, attractive, and wealthy. He was also known for his devotion to his family - his widowed mother Catherine, who was renowned for her charitable endeavors, as well as his brother Alexander who enjoyed life as an academic in Oxford and his two younger sisters.
So when word came to London that he was looking for a wife, every young lady (or rather their mothers) was galvanized into action.
But he made a beeline for Francesca, focusing on his expression that morphed into a perfect smile.
"Miss Francesca, might I have the honour?” He asked, so kind and smooth. Too smooth.
Francesca looked to her mother, who nodded encouragingly, and then to Anthony, who smiled his permission. One dance. One dance could not hurt. The Diamond and the Most Eligible Man on the Mart. It was almost fate like in one of those fairytales.
Anthony watched the two as they danced. It was nothing out of the ordinary, he supposed. Just a dance. A dance did not have to mean anything.
Kate, as she always did, noticed his attempts to remain calm and wrapped her arms around his, "Come dance with me, my dear. So you stop glaring at the couple."
"I am not glaring. Just watching. Ensuring his hands remain where they should be." Anthony said defensively, and she laughed, kissing his cheeks, "She barely knows him."
“My darling grumpy husband.”
“My over-optimistic, beautiful wife. Pregnancy has made you kinder. We are supposed to hate all the suitors together!"
She chuckled, hand on her stomach, "Colin said he was a lovely man, and they were at school together." Kate reminded him, “And it is only one dance. What harm can one dance do?”
Anthony relented. She was right. After all, a number of men were interested in Francesca before she was named Diamond, and the following morning, many arrived at Bridgerton House to meet her.
As did Nicholas. With a bouquet of yellow roses, hand cut from his mother’s prize-winning garden (even Violet had not been too upset when the Royal Horticultural Society awarded the dowager Duchess’ garden at Norfolk House twice in a row over hers). Francesca seemed to be taken with the young man who was intent on courting her. He was always kind to Violet and Kate, and Hyacinth rather liked him.
He made her giggle as they discussed travelling and siblings and their favourite pieces of music. He was the perfect suitor.
But Anthony knew men. There was something slightly insincere about him. Like he wished to hurry it all up. He understood that. The Season could be tedious and once you meet someone you wish to marry, you wish to marry them soon. But was it love or merely marriage he wanted from his dear sister?
He supposed it was more a question of what Francesca wanted. Yes, that was important to him and he had learned that lesson well from Daphne's season. He learned from Eloise's debut that he would need to keep a close eye, and yet not force anything.
So he allows for the courtship to go ahead.
Anthony found Frannie sitting with her dearest friend Harriet, the two taking a moment away from courtships and the season to sit in the drawing room together and giggling over tea.
Harriet Walker was second daughter to Earl Antrim. A charming, shy young lady whose mother’s origins in Kent meant she and Frannie had been friends since childhood and even were in Ireland together recently.
"Good afternoon, Miss Harriet. Are you well?" Anthony greeted her.
"Lord Bridgerton. Yes, I am " She smiled gently as she then ducked her head away. She was always a shy thing.
"Harriet was telling me of Mr James' visit." Francesca said.
Harriet rolled her eyes, "I am convinced that Oxford is full of wealthy unintelligent men."
"There are some wealthy intelligent men." Francesca said, whilst her friend raised an eyebrow, "There are! And you shall find one. Lord Howard is so very learned. We always have the most interesting conversations."
“Lord Howard?” Harriet asked, her smile freezing, “He is in London?”
“The most eligible bachelor there is!” Eloise chimed in sarcastically, before returning to her book.
A large bouquet arrived of purple tulips and pink roses. Francesca leaned forward with excitement when they were set down in front of her.
"From Lord Howard," She said, reading the card. She was glad, more than glad by the blush on her cheeks.
Anthony smiled, but he noted Harriet's slight frown that quickly turned into a smile when Francesca looked at her. Perhaps she was jealous or did not like the Duke. It was odd, either way.
Francesca was still floating on air a week later, still courting the Duke. Whistledown was implying there would be a proposal soon! Anthony did not truly know, not having spent too much time around Nicholas. He thought it best to allow Kate and his mother to take charge. But Frannie was happy.
For example, after returning home from the promenade, Francesca skipped into the drawing room, Kate not too far behind, "He is wonderful, he is not?" She asked her.
Anthony put down his paper as Kate sat down next to him, cuddling up next to him. She was far more tired due to her pregnancy but still took an active role in the season.
“I think so.” Kate said cautiously, “And his sisters are charming and ever so well-behaved.”
“Brother, you should have come with us!” Francesca said. He smiled weakly.
"I am sorry, I merely trust Mother and Kate’s expertise more.” He said. "Has he declared feeling for you?"
Francesca frowned slightly, almost confused, "Well, not in so many words. But you taught me actions mean more than words. Why else court me so diligently?"
Anthony blinked. He supposed that was true. A good honourable man would not merely court a young lady if he did not at least care for her?
A flash of the previous season came to him. At this stage, he had sent bouquet upon bouquet to the Diamond, drowning out all other suitors. He wanted the Diamond at that point, and he supposed he had her.
But Kate, Kate always eclipsed his thoughts. He would stay for a short time if she was not there and longer if she was. Unconsciously, perhaps long before he realised what he felt for her, he wanted Kate's attention even as he wanted her sister's.
He was a cad, to put it lightly.
“Perhaps he believes you as Diamond means he meets all the requirements for a wife.” Eloise spoke up, her eyes still in her book. Everyone looked at her, as Anthony knew where her aim was.
It was one of the reasons he was persuaded to remove her from the marriage mart and focus her energy on education. His actions last season. He had no leg to stand on with her, for if her honourable eldest brother could do what he did to a debutant, why should she trust others?
Francesca rolled her eyes fondly, “Must you be so cynical, El?”
“I merely do not wish to see another sister caught up in a scandal because men are foolish, shallow creatures,” Eloise replied casually, even as her words cut a chord with everyone in the room.
“Do you not have your tutor coming soon?” Violet cut in, her eyes sliding to Kate and Anthony. Eloise rolled her eyes, happy to leave a conversation on courtship and balls.
Anthony followed Eloise out, jogging up the stairs after her, “El, wait.” he beckoned.
She stopped turning to her brother with a serious and repent expression on her face, “Anthony, I was merely japing. Do not take my tutors away."
“No, no.” He waved away, “You are not in any trouble. I only wish for you to clarify your thoughts for me. About scandal, that is." He rather felt horrified that his sister thought he would take away her educational experiences because she spoke her mind as always.
Eloise nodded slowly and took a step closer to him, “Alright. From what I have observed, scandals do not affect men in the way they do women. You need not be held accountable for disgracing a young lady or maid or any woman. Your scandals become tales that you may all sit around in White’s laughing about.”
Anthony nodded. He supposed that was true enough. No one mentioned to him his first failed wedding, more finding it hilarious, and he supposed he could see the funny side of it all. He knew of men with illegitimate children and mistresses, even if they were happily married, all discussed in the way one discusses the weather. A fact of life.
“And for the ladies?”
“Sometimes exile. Exclusion. It takes longer for people to forget, or sometimes not. Everyone still talks about Lady Mary, but less so since you and Kate married.”
“Do others still discuss…”
“Your failed wedding? Yes, but no one talks about you. ” Eloise said pointedly before going upstairs to her room.
He ventured to Danbury House. Kate was supposed to go, but found herself busy with more of the redesigns in Bridgerton House. She was redecorating the dining room, which was repainted in a gentle blush colour.
“I will go for you,” Anthony said, kissing her on the cheek. He noticed her frown slightly, but she nodded her thanks.
Edwina, petting Newton, is sitting in the drawing room and stands, rather confused to see him here. He put the basket Kate had put together for her sister. She had said it was merely a gesture - homemade biscuits and a tin of a chai blend put together herself as well as a novel from that Austen woman.
“Miss Edwina.” He greeted kindly and noticed that she was not enthused to see him.
“It is Miss Sharma, my lord.” Edwina replied.
“Oh, of course.”
The young lady stood, awkwardly, “I was expecting Kate. Is something wrong? Is the baby well?” She asked, worried.
“Oh, yes. They are both well. Kate wanted to oversee the finishing touches on the redesigns in the dining room, and we are hosting dinner on Thursday. I wish to extend a personal invitation to a family dinner." Anthony said, placing the basket down on the table.
“I am not a Bridgerton.”
“But you are Kate’s sister. That makes you family. Your mother sits with us at the opera and at tea.” Anthony listed, hoping she would realise she was welcome.
“I shall see, my Lord,” Edwina replied sweetly. Too sweetly. So much effort was being put into being polite to him, fighting against everything in her that wanted to yell at him.
“Oh, good.” Anthony replied, with a nod and smile, “I hope that you will enjoy the basket Kate put together for you.”
“Yes, I am sure I will."
"Will we see you at Lady Hardwick's garden party this afternoon?"
“Alas, I was not invited.”
Anthony frowned, "Surely an oversight? My mother is a friend of hers."
"It was not an oversight, My Lord," Edwina said firmly.
Whilst he did not attend ladies' teas and luncheons, Anthony knew Edwina had been invited to very few. Francesca had mentioned her disappointment at not seeing her last week at Viscountess Lumley's tea party. He would need his mother to have a word with a few ladies.
She was a social outcast. He had not realised but it made sense, he supposed. He had hoped that the Queen's support would mean the taint of scandal would fade but it had only gone so far.
"Still, it is an insult to your sister and mother." Anthony said firmly, "I shall remedy this."
"How good of you, My Lord." Edwina replied dully.
He catches the sarcasm in her voice and she sits down, Newton climbing into her lap protectively.
"I will always be sorry." He said, “For what occurred between us last season.”
"But never held accountable, for I have no brother or father to do so, and you are a man." Edwina said, and then her face flushed, as if she had not meant to say that aloud. But they had been said. There was no unsaying them as Anthony stared at her.
“You should leave, my Lord.” Edwina said firmly.
At the Trowbridge Ball, Anthony’s attention is not taken by the circus performers and opera singers. No, it is Francesca, glittering in lilac and waltzing with charming Nicholas - two waltzes and she was happy.
He noted Harriet Goring, her glittering silver gown making her look lovely. She kept to herself, even with her own sizable number of potential suitors. Still, such a quiet and shy young lady, especially compared to other ladies.
“Are you well, Miss Harriet?” Anthony asked the young lady. She blinked, as if she was startled by him.
“Yes, Lord Bridgerton.” She said with a small smile.
“You played at Aubrey Hall as a child; I believe you can call me Anthony sometimes.” He said kindly, “What is the matter? Your sister isn’t stirring up drama again?"
Harriet smiled, “She is with child, again, and so my mother is pushing for a wedding. No daughter of hers will remain unmarried. I feel for Elena and Lily."
“Ah, Lady Antrim. God bless your father.” Anthony murmured and was about to apologise when she laughed, “May I ask you something?”
“Of course, my Lord.”
“Frannie, do you think that she is happy with Lord Howard?”
Her eyes widened, “I would not know. I do not know him that well and Frannie can make her own choices, can she not?”
“Of course.” Anthony agreed, “You are a good friend to her.”
Her smile faltered, “Will you excuse me? I wish to get some air and hide from my mother.”
“I did not see you.” Anthony smiled, and she tittered nervously before walking away. He felt a little bad; the poor girl was likely nervous about the entire season.
He noticed Francesca had joined Daphne and her mother and looked around for Lord Howard. He was slipping outside and he decided to follow. Perhaps he and Nicholas could have a discreet, honest conversation and his worries would be settled.
He noticed Nicholas go to the maze. He recalls this maze, where he once caught his sister and Simon. Why was he going in there?
After two turns, he hid when he saw Nicholas speaking to Harriet. They were speaking in hushed tones, but he could still here them and see them. They were close. Far closer than was approaiate.
“What are you doing here?” She hissed.
“I...you seemed upset. Miss Francesca mentioned that she had not seen you.” Nicholas said softly.
“I am busy. And well, you are always there! It is hard to spend time with my dearest friend when you are always there!”
“Yes, well…. we are courting.”
Harriet folded her arms, “I am very aware, my lord.”
“Do not-!” Nicholas snapped before calming down, “It is hard. Surely you cannot understand that?”
“You do not think this is hard for me too?” She retorted angrily, raising her voice before exhaling, “Frannie is my dearest friend and she is enamored with you. So, we shall be civil, and this shall pass!”
She was about to walk away, when he tugged on her wrist, and they stared at one another. No, they were captivated by one another.
“I want this to pass.” Nicholas whispered.
“And it will. You have your diamond. You will be happy.” Harriet told him and walked away from him.
Anthony’s heart dropped to his stomach. Frannie’s best friend and the man she was courting. They were involved. No, it was more than that. That disappointment quickly turned to anger as he clenched his fist. This man seemed to be toying not only with Frannie but Harriet too.
He wanted to call him out. He should call him out. For dishonouring Miss Harriet and, more importantly, Frannie. Francesca did not know, reassured by everyone that he was a good man. An honourable man.
He returned to the ballroom, rage coursing through his veins. His sister. His darling sister who deserved a good and kind man, who believed she had found that.
He watched as Francesca smiled up at Nicholas, blissfully unaware. Harriet stood by the side, sipping a glass of lemonade. To anyone else, nothing was out of the ordinary. The Diamond and her devoted suitor.
“Anthony?” He had not heard his wife calling his name. Beside her was her sister. Edwina was sipping a glass of lemonade, playing with the material of her rose gold dress.
Kate. He could do anything to put stress upon his wife, especially in her delicate position. Or if he were to lose a duel or start a fight, he would leave her. He could not leave Kate.
“My apologies,” He said, fixing his face into a smile and placing his hand on the small of her back, calming down. “Miss Sharma.” He greeted.
“Lord Bridgerton.” Edwina said evenly, “Excuse me, I am going to find Lady Danbury. I wish to retire.” She said politely as if they were acquaintances.
“Oh? But Mama wished to introduce you to-” Kate began.
“I am weary, Kate.” Edwina cut in, her voice firm, “Good evening.”
And that’s when he realised - the image of Francesca, Nicholas and Harriet felt familiar. Far too familiar. A vision of Francesca, smiling in a wedding dress one moment and sprinting, played in his mind all the way home in the carriage.
Anthony sat in his study, deep in thought as he stared at the fireplace. Kate, in her nightgown and robe, joined him. Her lily scent was comfort, as was the smell of jasmine from the tea tray that he took from her. He helped her sit down in the armchair across from him, and she smiled, “Your child makes it difficult to relax.” She quipped.
“Are you sure her restless nature doesn’t come from her mama?” He teased. She huffed a laugh, settling in as he poured them both a cup of chai from the tray.
Kate rested her hand on her stomach, watching her husband. He had been acting strange all evening, “What is the matter? Are you still worried about Frannie?” She asked.
Anthony looked at her, “I suppose. I need you to be honest with me.”
“Always.”
"Am I a hypocrite?"
Kate tilted her head, "What is this about?"
"Frannie and Lord Howard. I saw him with Harriet.”
“They danced together at Frannie’s insistence.”
“Not like that.” He explained carefully, “I went to speak to him, and I followed him outside. He was with Miss Harriet. They were rather close. Not in a friendly manner. Rather similar to how close you and I are.”
“Harriet Walker? Really?” Kate gasped. She had thought the girl disliked her friend’s suitor. There was a thin line between love and vexation, however.
“Frannie has no clue and I…” Anthony sighed, “I could only think of last season. I wish to protect Francesca from someone much like myself.”
Kate pursed her lips, reaching over to take his hand, “Anthony… I have forgiven you. We were both incredibly stubborn.”
“Your sister never comes here.”
Kate frowned slightly, “She has her headaches.”
A terrible lie, for she once told him how she envied her sister’s immunity from illness when they were children.
“Kate, please do not lie to soothe me.”
“I am not. I am lying to soothe myself.” Kate admitted, and he looked at her surprised. Shuffling in her seat, Kate sighed, “Edwina and I… we are still not as close.” She admitted, scratching the back of her neck nervously, “I feel as if I should have noted when she left Aubrey Hall early or the fact that she would not stay here for the season. Agatha and Mama have said that they know not her thoughts.”
She sniffled, as she told Anthony the full extent. There may be peace, but she and her sister were at a distance caused by him. He thought of how close Frannie and Harriet were, almost like sisters. Would her heart break like Kate's?
"It was what I did to you and your sister. I did not really realise it until…” He rubbed his eyes. Until seeing someone else do it to his sister, “I am the reason she does not see you as often as you would like. I am sorry. God, Kate, I am so sorry for not being honest with you, with Edwina, with myself.” He kissed her hands reverently.
“Oh, Anthony.” Kate sighed, "Yes, you are a hypocrite. I believe most men are. You are not raised to really think outside of your own interests, whilst women are not. You are not a bad person, but you may not realise what you have done because, well, it did not affect you the same way.”
He thought of his mother-in-law’s words: Men often have time to ponder on their mistakes.
He sighed, and Kate stood to embrace him. Anthony pressed his face into the side of her stomach, pulling her closer. He would not have the ability to keep Kate close. Her carrying their child.
Kate raked her hand through his hair soothingly, "I believe we may only take life one step at a time. Allow my sister her space to heal, and we shall protect Francesca for now.”
Nicholas was rather nervous when he received a note from Lord Bridgerton to meet him in his home. He was happy to, respecting the older Viscount.
“Your Grace,” Anthony greeted as they shook hands.
“Lord Bridgerton. I was glad yet confused to receive your invitation here. Is all well?” Nicholas asked, "Is Miss Bridgerton well?
Anthony nodded, “I suppose. Francesca is rather taken with you.”
He smiled politely, “She is a formidable and lovely young lady.”
“She is.” Anthony agreed, “She is, and she deserves a loving, advantageous marriage. My sister’s happiness is all that matters to me, as I would imagine it would be to you when your sisters’ debut.”
“It is.” Nicholas agreed, “And I believe I offer that. She is the Diamond, me as the Duke. We make sense and enjoy one another’s company.” He reasoned, and Anthony felt as if he were looking into a mirror.
“Yes. Indeed.”
“And I am glad you are here, for I wished to let you know that I intend on proposing and I ask for your blessing.” Nicholas stated.
Anthony nodded slowly, “And do you propose because it is my sister you love or the idea of marriage? Because my sister will marry a man who loves her. Who does not merely see her for the Diamond she has been named as.”
Nicholas shifted uncomfortably, "I thought you might understand this, most of all. I have my family's interests at heart here. To marry well and uphold my family as you have yours.”
"And so you would deny yourself Miss Harriet? A charming, capable lady.” Anthony stated.
Nicholas leaned back, surprised by his words, “Lord Bridgerton-”
“I have not told anyone what I saw, for I hoped we could settle this. As gentlemen. And you would tell me the truth out of respect. You outrank me, yes, but you have been courting my sister whilst connecting discreetly with another woman as if she is your mistress-.”
“It is not like that!” Nicholas snapped, running a hand through his hair.
“We met in the country. It was nothing, fleeting. But it left an impression on me that I could not shake. I thought it would, and then your sister introduced her best friend to me.” He told him, “I was surprised. But Miss Harriet and I, it is nothing. A fleeting attraction that will fade.” He was trying to convince himself of that. Anthony knew a man in the midst of self-delusion.
"I think you care deeply for her and cannot stop thinking of her,” Anthony replied.
Nicholas scoffed, angered, “Your sir, are a hypocrite. For you proposed to your wife’s sister? The Viscount and the Diamond. We all remember. You dare lecture me on honour? Do you think we do not suspect that something occurred between you and the Viscountess before you led her sister down the aisle!”
Anthony stared at him, nodding, “I am a hypocrite. Which is why I am speaking to you and asking you to end this.”
The younger man looked away, “You and I are the sons of widows. We know the pain love and death cause. I could not…” He inhaled, “I could not do that.”
Anthony nodded, "I understand your dilemma perfectly. But do not do as I nearly did. I have learned that no matter your plans, the other person may not see it the same way. My sister could be falling in love with you. It would be cruel for both of you to carry on if you have no intention of loving her or, better yet, are falling in love with someone else.”
Nicholas looked ashamed, exhaling gently as he thought deeply on his words.
“What shall I do?” He asked, “I have taken this rather far.”
“Yet not so far that the damage cannot be limited.” Anthony assured, a hand on his shoulder.
Francesca is hurt when he ends things, holding back tears, ever so poised as she accepted the end of what had been a wonderful courtship.
“Oh, Frannie!” Violet hugs her tightly when Nicholas leaves.
“I had thought that he…” Frannie whispers, “I feel such a fool.”
“You are no fool.” Kate adds, standing up, “And you shall recover and find another, most wonderful man who truly respects you.”
And like always, Kate is correct.
A few. days later, Francesca is receiving suitors again. Her smile meets her eyes which are a comfort to Anthony.
A week later, Harriet comes to Bridgerton House to pick up Francesca. She looks far less stressed than she had been. Francesa popped into Anthony's study to let him know she was going out.
Anthony smiled at her, “Where are you off to?”
“Just the botanical gardens, brother. I am chaperoning Harriet and Lord Howard!” Frannie tells him excitedly, “Oh, they make a charming couple, do they not?”
“I did not realise they were courting.” Anthony was glad, relieved that the young man had taken his advice. He hoped he and Harriet would be most happy together.
“Oh, it only began two days ago, but he has a sparkle in his eyes when he sees her! And Harriet told me that they had met in Hampshire,” Francesca tells him, “Lord Stirling will be there too, and so will Mama, so you need not worry.”
“Frannie,” He spoke gently, and she looked at him, “Are you alright? With all of this? Harriet and Lord Howard.”
She shrugged, confused by his question, “I was confused at first but Harriet and I spoke through it. And luckily, Lord Howard and I made no promises to one another, even if we enjoyed one another’s company. It was not like he proposed!”
Anthony winced, but she did not catch it, reminded of the proposal he made on the steps of Aubrey Hall to a girl only a year older than his sister.
“I suppose I was just surprised that you forgave Harriet.”
Francesca shrugged, “I believe that would have made it much harder to be around him or forgive him had he proposed. But I feel our courtship ending before I suppose any real feeling could develop, and we may be friends. Good if all goes well with him and Harriet!”
“I am glad to hear it.”
She chuckled, leaning down and kissing Anthony on the cheek, “You worry too much, brother. But thank you.”
“I only want you to be happy.” Anthony said.
“I know.” Francesca smiled, then she stopped before turning to him again, “You worry about Miss Sharma and Kate, do you not?”
He looked up at her, startled by her observation. That was Francesca all over. Startlingly clever and quiet when she watched her family and especially her brother.
"I suppose my fear was you may end up in a similar situation." Anthony admitted, "And it made me truly think of the damage I caused. I just do not know how to fix it."
“I believe your interference will not be welcome. Your interference caused the infraction, and I suppose for you to interfere could deepen it.” She stated, “Kate loves you, whilst her sister rightfully despises you - no offense.”
“None taken.” Anthony assured, “You are rather wise, Frannie.”
“Most women are. Men do not listen.” Francesca quipped, and he smiled, “Good day, brother.”
And it is a good day when he meets Lord John Stirling, who looks at Francesca as if she hung the stars and moon in the sky. And Francesca and Harriet are still close. But the guilt at seeing the distance between Kate and Edwina still gnaws at him.
One day, he would hope he could help, in a small way repair the distance but them.