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The ballroom at Bridgerton House was alive with the hum of conversation, the shimmer of candlelight reflecting off gold-gilded mirrors. The scent of roses and fresh beeswax filled the air, and the sound of strings played a lively waltz. It was a perfect evening—if such a thing could exist during the chaos of a debut.
Kate took a deep breath, watching from her place near the refreshment table as Hyacinth twirled gracefully across the floor in the arms of Lord Langley. The young viscount had been charming, polite, and, most importantly, entirely too interested in Anthony’s youngest sister.
“She looks happy,” Kate mused, sipping her champagne.
Beside her, Anthony let out a sigh that was caught somewhere between resignation and frustration. “She looks like she’s about to make a foolish decision.”
Kate chuckled, turning to face him fully. “You mean she looks like a Bridgerton?”
Anthony shot her a look, but she could see the flicker of amusement behind his exasperation. “I should have never let her out of the nursery.”
Kate reached for his hand, giving it a brief, reassuring squeeze. “She is not a child anymore, Anthony. And besides, do you not remember your own debut season?”
His brow furrowed. “Unfortunately.”
“Violet told me you were quite the eligible bachelor,” Kate teased. “Danced with every young lady in sight, and left a trail of broken hearts behind you.”
Anthony scoffed. “I hardly left a trail of broken hearts.”
Kate smirked. “No, just one very irritated Miss Sheffield, who found herself betrothed to you against her will.”
Anthony turned to her then, his eyes dark with something that made her stomach flutter, even after years of marriage. “And yet, it turned out rather well for both of us, wouldn’t you say?”
She lifted a shoulder in a delicate shrug. “On occasion.”
His grip on her hand tightened, his thumb brushing along her knuckles. “Minx.”
Before she could respond, Eloise appeared beside them, expression filled with mischief. “Are the two of you planning to spend the whole evening staring at one another, or shall we actually pay attention to the debutante we are celebrating?”
Kate laughed. “We were simply discussing Hyacinth’s success thus far.”
“Success?” Anthony scoffed. “I would hardly call allowing that boy to twirl her about the floor a success.”
Eloise rolled her eyes. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, Anthony. If you glare at him any harder, he might faint dead away.”
Kate bit back a smile. “At least then Hyacinth would have a memorable story to tell.”
Anthony ignored them both, eyes locked on his sister as she laughed at something Langley had said. “What do we know of him?”
Eloise let out an exasperated sigh. “That he is perfectly respectable and has not, to my knowledge, absconded with anyone’s virtue.”
“That is a very low bar,” Anthony grumbled.
Kate patted his arm. “Your sisters are strong-willed, Anthony. Hyacinth will not allow herself to be swept away so easily.”
“And yet, look at her,” he muttered.
Kate followed his gaze, watching as Hyacinth threw her head back in laughter. She did look radiant, and happy. And though Kate knew Anthony would rather lock his sisters in Bridgerton House forever, he also wanted them to be happy. He just had a rather difficult time letting go.
“Shall we dance?” Kate asked suddenly.
Anthony blinked, as if only just remembering she was beside him. “What?”
“You look as though you are moments away from dragging Hyacinth off the dance floor. I think it best to distract you.”
“I do not need distracting,” he muttered.
Kate raised a brow.
Anthony sighed, then offered her his hand. “Very well, wife. But if that boy steps out of line, I—”
Kate tugged him toward the floor before he could finish the sentence.
The orchestra began a new waltz as they stepped into position, the familiar warmth of Anthony’s hand at her waist grounding her. They had danced countless times before, and yet, there was always something thrilling about it.
“You are watching her over my shoulder,” Kate accused.
“I am not.”
Kate tilted her head. “You are.”
Anthony exhaled, clearly trying to keep his expression neutral. “It is my duty as her brother to ensure she is not making a mistake.”
“And it is your duty as my husband to focus on your wife during a waltz,” Kate countered.
That earned her a slow smile. “Is that so?”
She arched a brow. “Indeed.”
“Well then,” he murmured, spinning her gracefully across the floor, “I would hate to fail in my duties.”
Kate laughed softly, allowing herself to simply enjoy the dance. The rest of the room faded away—Hyacinth, Langley, Eloise’s teasing gaze. There was only Anthony, his steady presence, the way he moved with practiced ease, the way his eyes darkened when he looked at her.
By the time the dance ended, Kate was breathless for an entirely different reason.
Anthony’s fingers lingered on her waist. “Shall we escape?”
She tilted her head. “And leave Hyacinth to fend for herself?”
“She seems quite capable,” he said dryly.
Kate laughed. “Very well, my love. But only for a moment.”
Together, they slipped onto the terrace, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the warmth of the ballroom.
Anthony pulled her into his arms, his voice low. “Remind me why we ever attend these events?”
Kate smiled against his shoulder. “Because you love your family.”
He sighed. “A terrible burden.”
She laughed, pressing a kiss to his jaw. “Come now, admit it—you enjoy it, just a little.”
Anthony huffed. “If I say yes, will you promise not to tell my mother?”
Kate grinned. “No.”
He let out a resigned sigh, then kissed her soundly.
When they returned to the ballroom, Hyacinth was still dancing, still laughing, and still causing her brother great distress.
Anthony groaned. “I need more champagne.”
Kate merely slipped her hand into his. “Come, husband. Let us enjoy the night.”
And despite his many complaints, despite his glaring and his fretting, Anthony knew there was nowhere else he would rather be.
Because as much as he worried, as much as he loathed the idea of change, he had everything he had ever wanted—his family, his wife, and a future filled with love and laughter.
And, he supposed, one too many dances.