Kate and Anthony were barely in the door before a cacophony of voices and sounds descended upon them.
"Dear lord," Kate thought to herself, "He has SEVEN siblings."
She didn't understand how she had forgotten. The Bridgertons were one of the most prominent and well-liked families in all of London. Everyone knew they were named alphabetically, Anthony being the oldest and Hyacinth as the youngest. So unused to a large family, Kate felt herself fold closer into Anthony's side, as he reassuringly patted her hand.
A flurry of activity on the staircase caught Kate's eye. Descending at a rapid pace was Eloise Bridgerton, fifth oldest, with a sharp wit and keen eye. She and Penelope Featherington were best friends, and Kate had a sinking suspicion that somehow Eloise already knew what had transpired earlier that day.
"Is it true?" Eloise asked her older brother, jolting to a halt in front of the pair.
"Is what true Eloise?" Anthony responded in a most exasperated manner.
Eloise rolled her eyes.
"Don't play stupid with me. I know you two," she said, gesturing wildly between Kate and Anthony, "are engaged to be married!"
"Keep your voice down! Mother will hear you and be devastated it wasn't announced properly." Anthony hissed.
Eloise narrowed her eyes. "Very well. But you should know that rumor travels quickly, and you may want to announce it before dinner if you don't want Colin finding out."
Anthony groaned. Colin, the third Bridgerton male, was notoriously cheeky. His favorite pastime was to rib his family and make his siblings uncomfortable every chance he got. To Colin, this was a sport.
"Fine El, I'll announce it before they even pour the wine."
"Excellent. Now," she said, turning to Kate, "I've heard that you are more than a match for my fool of a brother. I'm very much looking forward to watching you put him in his place."
Kate tried to stifle a giggle and failed.
"Why thank you Eloise. And don't worry, I'll have Anthony wrapped around my finger in no time." She said this with a grin on her face and a nudge to Anthony's hip.
He simply rolled his eyes in response, but a slight grin played on his face.
_
Violet Bridgerton clearly adored her children. And she adored anyone who planned to marry one of her children. Anthony had already reassured Kate that their announcement would be well-received, and that Violet would want to begin planning and shopping immediately. Kate found all of this truly overwhelming. Never had she been the center of attention. That role always went to her younger sister Edwina. Her mother Mary had never made Kate feel lesser than, and Kate wasn't bitter or envious of her sister's beauty. She always entertained Edwina's suitors with grace, knowing they were only trying to curry favor through her. Kate loved her sister more than anyone in the world, and would never begrudge her for their positions in life. But sometimes it made her heart ache, the way their sitting room would fill up with flowers, none of them addressed to her. Anthony was actually the first person to ever bring her flowers, even if he had only done so to get under her skin as he attempted to court Edwina.
But now, it was Kate who was surrounded by a flurry of attention. Instead of making her feel worthy however, she was overcome by fear and anxiety. It had begun to dawn on her that by marrying Anthony, she was going to become Viscountess Bridgerton. She would have duties and responsibilities. She would be expected to attend many social events and be called upon by members of the ton much more frequently. She would be in the public eye in ways she never had been in the past. And everyone, absolutely everyone, would want to know how she, Kate Sharma, had snagged the most eligible bachelor on the market. It was enough to turn Kate's stomach over and over.
And it wasn't just that gnawing at her. She couldn't stop thinking about what Anthony had said to her on the steps of Bridgerton House. Theirs would not be a love match. Kate was more devastated by this then she would care to admit to herself. All her life, she had assumed she would be a spinster. That Edwina would marry and be able to provide for her and her mother. That she could retire to the country somewhere with her books and never have to worry about things like marital duties or love. But now she was betrothed to Anthony. While she was no longer nervous about her wedding night she thought to herself with a blush, she was worried about falling in love. For all his rakish ways, Anthony was handsome, intelligent, and absolutely devoted to his family. He was responsible, not taken to bouts of anger or a slave to the drink. He would be an excellent father, and she was sure their battle of wits would keep things fresh and exciting as the years passed.
But Kate couldn't deny the tiny part of her heart that wanted it to be more than that. Kate knew she could fall in love with Anthony. She feared she was already halfway there. How could she live with him, lay with him, raise children with him, all the while secretly loving him? It was more than Kate could bear. Every day the knowledge her husband did not love her would chip little pieces from her heart.
Kate was broken out of her dreadful reverie by the gentle voice of the Bridgerton matriarch.
"Kate darling, how lovely to see you. And so unexpected!" Violet Bridgerton announced with a twinkle in her eye.
"Yes, I apologize for accompanying Anthony unannounced, but he assured me that you wouldn't mind too much."
"Of course not!" Violet exclaimed. "We are very happy to host you. You two are just in time, everyone else has just arrived and we were about to take our seats around the table."
Kate felt a lump rise in her throat. She thought she might choke on her own tongue. She knew the moment of truth was near. Once the words were out there, her fate was sealed.
Taking a steadying breath, Kate managed a pained smile.
"Of course Lady Bridgerton, we'll retire to the dining room immediately."
"Please, Kate, dispense with the formalities. You will call me Violet. As I'm sure you will be doing for some time now."
Anthony coughed uncomfortably next to her. He had been silent for so long, Kate had almost forgotten he was at her side.
"Mother," he said, "let's not keep the family waiting." He placed a hand on Kate's back to steer her into the dining area, while Violet simply following with a knowing smile.
_
Kate had barely settled into her chair when what felt like a hundred voices descended upon her.
"Aren't you Edwina's sister?" asked a man who looked remarkably like Anthony.
"How did my brother manage to strong-arm you into joining this rowdy lot for dinner?" inquired another identical, but younger looking man with a devilish grin on his face.
"Your dress is very pretty!" cried a young girl who was clearly Hyacinth based on her age.
Kate's head whipped around trying to make sense of it all, not being able to get a word in edgewise.
"Settle down everyone, let's introduce ourselves properly before we give Ms. Sharma heart attack!" Violet chuckled.
"Kate I'd like you to meet my children, Benedict, Colin, Daphne and her husband the Duke of Hastings -"
"Please just call me Simon," the dark-haired man seated next to Daphne responded.
Violet continued almost immediately. "And this is Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth," she finished proudly.
"It's lovely to meet you all," Kate smiled nervously. "Thank you so much for allowing me to join you for dinner."
"It's no problem," the man who had just been introduced as Colin replied. "We're just glad you're here. Hopefully you can spill all Ant's secrets."
"Not on your life," Anthony growled as he shot his younger brother a glare.
"Yes, we are all rather curious. Anthony never brings anyone to dinner, especially not someone as lovely as you," Benedict said with a warm and genuine smile.
Kate found herself grinning. "I shall happily tell you everything I know, if you tell me some tales of his exploits in return."
"I like her," Francesca simply stated.
Anthony rose to his feet, an exasperated expression on his face.
"No one will be exchanging any stories regarding me, thank you very much."
He cleared his throat nervously, and Kate broke out in a sweat, knowing what was coming next.
Anthony continued. "The reason we decided to join you all for dinner this evening is because I have a rather important announcement to make." His voice faltered for one moment as he reached down to take Kate's hand in his own. Her eyes met his and he smiled at her reassuringly.
"I know this will probably come as quite a surprise. Many people, including some of you, were under the impression that I intended to marry Kate's sister Edwina. Once I met Kate, I very quickly realized that she was the better match for me. I realize this has come about quite suddenly, but once we both admitted it out loud, we simply couldn't wait. Therefore, I have asked Ms. Sharma to marry me and she has accepted."
The room fell silent. Gregory dropped a fork onto his plate, the tongs clinging loudly throughout the room. Kate held her breath.
And then all at once, it was a babble of voices.
"Dear God I thought this day would never come!" Colin shouted.
"I can't believe a woman has actually accepted you," Eloise scoffed.
"Can I be a bridesmaid?" came Francesca's voice.
Weren't you going to marry her sister?" Gregory said in a bratty tone.
"Shut up Gregory he already explained that!" Hyacinth shrieked.
"Now mother's attention will turn to me next," Benedict groaned.
And finally, Violet's voice broke through all the noise.
"I am so happy for you both," she said, with tears welling in her eyes. "I always knew that Anthony was waiting for the right person. I am that much more sure of you Kate, because he has truly chosen his perfect match in you. I cannot wait to welcome you into the family as my daughter." Violet dabbed her eyes with her napkin, trying to gain composure.
Anthony was grinning widely, enjoying the responses of his loved ones. He glanced down at Kate and was startled to see absolute panic in her eyes. She looked as though she was going to swoon.
"Mother, if you don't mind, may I take my fiancée into the hall for a moment? I think she may need some air."
"Of course dear, just do not tarry because the first course is about to be served."
Anthony grasped Kate's trembling hand and yanked her into the hall, closing the door behind him.
He whirled around to her, his eyes full of confusion and concern.
"Kate, darling, tell me what is wrong."
Kate felt her lip quiver and her traitorous tears finally flowed freely.
"Oh Anthony!" she cried, flinging herself into his arms. "I cannot do this. We're deceiving them. Your mother doesn't deserve to be lied to. I cannot continue this charade."
He held her for a moment, rubbing her back soothingly as she shook with repressed emotion.
"Kate," he said as he held her out in front of him to get a better look at her face. "We are not deceiving them. I know this situation is not ideal, but we can make the best of it. I respect you and will always treat you well."
Yes, but you don't WANT to marry me!" she blurted out, verging on hysterics.
Anthony blinked at her, realization slowly dawning.
"Do you think that I would really allow myself to become entrapped into a lifelong commitment if I didn't want to be?"
She shook her head at him.
"Dear Lord, woman," he said exasperatedly. "I'm glad to be marrying you. I had to marry sometime. It is my job as viscount to continue the Bridgerton name. And I'm very happy it will be you. You'll make a fine viscountess and wife. I admire your strength and your wit. You can always make me laugh. You keep me on my toes. You're certainly not empty-headed like the rest of the eligible young women who have been flung at me over the years. To be perfectly honest, I am proud to be marrying you Ms. Sharma."
His speech concluded, he simply looked at Kate, waiting for her to digest his words.
It still wasn't everything she wanted to hear. Kate knew she wanted to be safe in the knowledge that her husband would fall in love with her. But she would have to make due without that. As much as that scared her to death, she could tell that Anthony was giving her as much as he could. The earnest look in his eyes and the way he clutched her hands convinced her that theirs could be a successful marriage, even if it wasn't a love match.
"Anthony," she breathed heavily, getting her voice under control from her outburst. "I appreciate you saying all of that. This is all just so overwhelming. This morning I woke up in a house with my mother, sister, and my dog. I took what I thought was to be a simple walk in Hyde Park. And in the span of a few hours, I now have a fiancé, a new family, and a future title I have no idea how to step into. Not to mention dealing with the whispers of the ton once they discover our news. They will talk. No one will understand how or when this came about. No one will ever believe you willingly chose me over my sister."
She fell silent, biting the skin off her lips as she waited for his response.
He looked at her for a long moment before speaking.
"Katharine Sharma," he said seriously. "I mean no offense, but I frankly never gave a damn about courting your sister. Edwina is a perfectly lovely person, but we could never make each other happy. As for the ton, they can bloody well shove it. They don't know you like I do, but they will. I understand this is a lot to take in one day, but I promise I will be by your side every step of the way. And as for anyone who questions our union, I'll just politely inform them that my wife, when she isn't being a stubborn bull, is the finest damn woman in all of England, and that I am a very lucky man."
Kate's heart felt like it had stopped. His words would not banish all her fear, or completely assuage her of her insecurities, but it was a start. If they did this together, Kate thought she might just be able to face it all. She took a steadying breath, wiping her eyes and nodding at him.
A moment of realization passed over his face.
"Come with me for a moment," he urged, taking her hand.
"But your mother said not to take too long!"
"Kate I promise you, she will make allowances for this."
Walking quickly, he led her into a room down the hall. It was full of what were clearly antiques and other items passed down through Bridgerton generations. Kate gently ran her fingers over a vase, and stared in wonder at an intricate sculpture.
Anthony was rummaging through a box on the other side of the room, He was picking up different items Kate couldn't see, shaking his head and returning them. After what seemed like ages, he turned and walked back to Kate.
"I know I mucked up actually being able to propose to you. But I want to do this as properly as I can. I've always admired this - he took a small box out and placed it in her palm - more than any other piece in my family's collection. I know we've only known each other a short time, but I feel like this properly represents you and I would be honored if you would wear it."
Kate slowly opened the tiny box. She gasped. Inside was a silver band, with one single perfect mother of pearl stone in the center.
She looked up at him in shock.
"It's multifaceted and vibrant, just like you," he shrugged. "It isn't overly showy or anything, I didn't think you would want something like that. I can obviously let you choose a different one if you'd like -"
She cut him off.
"Anthony," she breathed in wonder. "It's perfect. I love it. I couldn't ask for anything more beautiful."
His handsome face broke out into a boyish grin, seeming rather pleased with himself.
"Well perfect then. It will look flawless on you. Anything would," he said sheepishly.
Kate could have laughed out loud. The imposing rake was almost bashful in her presence. The knowledge made her giddy.
"I gladly accept of course," Kate assured him. "I will wear it with pride."
"Good," he said as he pulled her into the safety of his arms. "This way, everyone will know you are mine, and I am yours."
"For always," she sighed happily, resting her head on his chest.
"Now Ms. Sharma we really should get back to the party," Anthony purred in her ear. "We don't want to cause tongues to wag at our absence."
Kate giggled in spite of herself.
"I think, my Lord, it might be too late for that."
He pondered that for a moment and then crashed his lips onto hers.
"Well then," he murmured in between kisses, "we should absolutely make it worthwhile."
As he held her in the darkness of the room, surrounded by all of the items that dictated his position, Kate felt it. Her heart swelled and her body almost melded itself to his. She was in love with this man. She was still terrified, of course, but he had made her promises. And soon, he would make the ultimate vow to her, and she to him. Kate knew the coming days would be challenging. She would still doubt herself at almost every turn. But with Anthony by her side, with the two of them on the same team, Kate felt like she could survive anything.