Kate's ribs were aching.
It had been a week since they announced their engagement and since then every waking moment of Kate's days did not belong to her.
Right now, for instance, she was on a podium at the modiste, having her corset re-tied until Mary and Violet deemed it "just perfect." If Kate weren't so terrified, she would have been glad her wedding to Anthony was tomorrow, if only to end this torture sooner.
Looking back, it had been a whirlwind of a week. Lady Whistledown had published the news of their engagement the very morning after it happened. And the day after that, Kate's sitting room was overflowing with cards and flowers from well-wishers. She had hosted more teas in the last few days than in her first twenty years of life altogether. The entire ton wanted to get to know the future Viscountess Bridgerotn.
It made Kate chuckle. She had been a nobody only a week ago. The overlooked older sister of the most eligible young woman in London. But now, she was a rising star. And she was completely overwhelmed by this new status.
"Ow!" she grunted as the corset strings were tugged too tightly.
"It's alright my dear, you will look exquisite in your wedding gown," her mother Mary assured her.
"Yes, but at what COST," Kate ground out through gritted teeth.
Violet's tinkling laughter broke the charged silence.
"I'm just so very pleased you allowed Anthony to take care of your trousseau my dear. It is very much tradition for us Bridgertons, and I'm so grateful you're allowing it to continue."
"Of course Violet," Kate replied warmly. She adored Anthony's mother, and if she was grateful for nothing else, she was pleased to be marrying into such a kind and loyal family. Kate knew she would always be protected.
"But we really should be going," Violet chided. "The day is almost done and you need a restful night before tomorrow."
Kate's stomach did somersaults. Tomorrow. When she would become a wife, a viscountess, and from what the ton believed, a woman who would truly consummate her relationship with the most well known rake in town. Dear God help her.
_
Anthony's stag party was a subtle affair. A single table at his club, White's, his brothers Benedict and Colin, and Daphne's husband Simon. After years of debauchery and overindulgence, this quiet night was exactly what Anthony wanted.
"So this is it," Colin stated solemnly. "Ant's last night as a free man."
Anthony simply rolled his eyes. "I'll still be my own man," he scoffed.
Colin and Benedict exchanged a look.
"Based on the way you gaze at her and the ridiculous grin you get on your face when she's around, I would say you're more Kate's man than your own at this point," Benedict laughed jovially.
Anthony opened his mouth to make an angry retort, but found he had nothing to say. Benedict wasn't entirely wrong. Every day of this past week he had felt….different. He no longer just considered himself and his family each day. He woke up and his mind was filled not with what he had to do that day or what woman he would be with at night, but of Kate and her wellbeing. Had she slept well? Where would she walk Newton that day? How did she feel as the wedding approached? Anthony found that his sunrises to sunsets were mostly focused on Kate. It was an odd sensation, but not particularly unpleasant. He just assumed this was a side effect of being married. Once you had a partner, you had to consider them in all things. It just made good sense.
"Need any tips before your big day?" Simon asked him, breaking him out of his pensive moment.
"I shouldn't think so Hastings. I know all the important steps already," Anthony couldn't help but say with a smirk.
"That's the truest thing that's ever been said!" Colin exclaimed. "Whatever will the women of society do now that the most infamous rake in all of London is finally leg shackled?"
Anthony couldn't help but grin. "Move on to the next eligible Bridgerton I assume," he said, cocking his head towards Benedict, who groaned under his breath.
"Please don't start. I already need a reprieve. Do you know Mother has already begun providing me with written lists of options to consider? Anthony isn't even married off yet and I'm already on the chopping block!" the tallest Bridgerton whined, hanging his head in his hands.
"Oh come on Ben, marriage isn't that bad," Anthony found himself saying.
All three men looked at him as if he were an imposter.
"How would you know?" Colin said accusingly. "You haven't even EXPERIENCED it yet."
Anthony shrugged. "I just know. Marriage to Kate seems like it will be the easiest thing in the world. It's just a very logical plan."
Simon shook his head at his oldest friend.
"Anthony marriage isn't about logic. It's about loyalty, partnership, and love," the Duke sighed in an exasperated tone.
"Well yes obviously some of that too," Anthony protested as he took a swig from his glass, completely missing the looks exchanged by his companions.
"Whatever you say mate," Colin replied. Let's just toast to your good health and Kate's patience eh?"
The four men clinked their glasses together and Anthony found himself wondering what exactly his bride-to-be was doing now.
_
Bless Mary's heart, she tried.
She tried to sit Kate down and finally divulge the secret information that all married women knew. She had entered Kate's room, sat upon her bed and taken her daughter's hands in her own. But before she could even open her mouth, Kate stopped her.
"Really Mary, this is unnecessary. I know enough," Kate said with an attempted air of detachment.
"Oh really? And just where did you get this information whilst being so green?" Mary demanded.
Kate blushed, but patted her mother's hand. "It's just best if some things are not spoken aloud."
Mary gaped at her, wondering when her eldest daughter had the time to discover one of society's most taboo secrets. Eventually, she just shook her head in defeat.
"Perhaps you are right and that is the best course of action," she agreed.
"I am grateful Mary," Kate said with a smile. "I owe you so much. For always loving me equally, for raising me and always protecting me. And I am grateful you will be there tomorrow."
Mary wiped a single tear from her eye. Her Kate, always thinking about other people, even on the eve of her big day.
Taking her daughter's face in her hands, Mary gazed at her child with love. "I am so very proud of you Kate. And I wish you a lifetime of happiness. I also wish to give you something."
Mary pulled out a small box. Snapping it open, she revealed an ocean-colored hair comb.
"It was your mother's," Mary explained, seeing the quizzical look on Kate's face. "Your father told me she left it for you to wear on your wedding day, just as she wore it on hers."
Kate was too stunned and speechless to cry.
"It's your something old, borrowed, and blue," Mary said with a teary smile.
Kate took the comb in her trembling hands and then flung her arms around her mother. They stayed that way until Kate drifted off to sleep.
_
Anthony stood in the packed church next to Benedict, fiddling with his cravat and starting to well and truly panic. The organ should have begun announcing Kate's arrival ten minutes ago. Anthony didn't know too much about weddings, but he assumed that being late for one's own was not proper etiquette. And more importantly, it was unlike Kate. She always faced things head on. Plus, her mother and sister would force her down the aisle should she try to run.
He checked his father's pocket watch for what must have been the tenth time, because Benedict elbowed him directly in the ribs.
"Relax Ant, you know how long women take."
Anthony gave a single irritated nod.
He was about to pledge his life and fidelity to this woman and she was already irking him by making him wait. Ever since he realized he would be marrying Kate, he had been impatient for the day to arrive. He wasn't sure why; it wasn't like he hadn't already had her. He just felt a restlessness in his bones to make it official.
The deep thrum of marital music sliced through the air. Every member of the church stood. And there were many of them. Even though Violet only had a week to plan, she still managed to invite everyone in the ton. And none of them would have turned down the invitation to such an important affair as the Viscount's nuptials.
And once Anthony laid eyes on his bride, he envied that every invitee had gotten a glimpse of her first.
_
Kate felt as though she would not make it to the end of the aisle and to Anthony without lightning striking her.
She still couldn't believe this was happening. She was marrying a man she hated. No, loved. No, was on the way to loving. Ah, she didn't even know at this point. What she knew for certain was that she was in a white gown, a bouquet in her hands, and walking towards her future: Anthony.
Kate's dress was everything she could have ever wanted. It had a high neck, made entirely of delicate lace, that descended into an A-line satin flared skirt. And draped across her shoulders was a lace-trimmed capelet. Her hair was swept up into a curly chignon, secured in place by her mother's toothed comb. She felt truly herself, and she was COMFORTABLE. Kate rarely felt secure in her own skin. But today she did. And she felt beautiful. In front of the entire ton, in front of Anthony's family and her own, Kate wasn't the least bit self-conscious or concerned that anyone was comparing her to Edwina. Today was hers. Hers and Anthony's.
And when she saw him . . . . ohhh when she saw him. She wouldn't have noticed if the ground opened beneath her or if the heavens exploded. The rest of the attendees faded away and she and Anthony existed on another plane. His blue eyes never left her face. His mouth was slightly open, as if he was trying to pose an ineffable question. His hand twitched at his side, as if he wanted to reach out for her. His jaw clenched and then relaxed into a breathtaking smile. Kate found herself reaching out her hand to take his, surprised to find she had reached the end of the aisle. His fingers wrapped around hers with a gentle strength that made her feel safe and excited all at once. As she settled into her place next to his, about to be bound to this man forever, Kate felt as if she were home.
_
Anthony barely remembered the ceremony. After he saw Kate he couldn't see anything else. She was a vision. She took his breath away. He knew Kate was beautiful. He knew he was attracted to her. He knew she made his chest ache and his cock throb. But he never, ever had pictured her in a wedding dress. Hell, he had never pictured any woman in a wedding dress, seeing as he never intended to get married. But now he was, and she was here. With light lace covering her throat and a single curl falling gently in her face. And she smiled at him. When they finally locked eyes the look she gave him could have convinced him that love between them was possible. She looked so damn happy. And she was happy to be his. Anthony had never known a greater joy.
She stood next to him, and he reached down and intertwined his fingers with hers. People in the church whispered at the non-traditional action. Anthony didn't care. He remembered repeating the words read to him, but not exactly what he recited. He knew she had repeated the same, but he was so focused on the way her mouth was moving that he never heard what she said. To Anthony, this was the most romantic moment of his entire life, and he was not usually a romantic man.
He felt the cold metal of the ring slip over his finger, and remembered the blush that crept across her face when he placed the simple wedding band on hers. He remembered being told he could kiss his bride, and realized happily he would never need anyone's permission ever again. He kissed her softly, not wanting to subject their intimate moment to any of the ton's prying eyes.
They left the church, one of his hands on her lower back and the other clutching her free hand. Walking towards the carriage, he pulled her close, pressing his lips to her temple.
'Are you ready for the party in our honor, Viscountess Bridgeton?"
She smiled at him wickedly. "Yes, of course my Lord."
_
The reception was one of the grandest parties of the season.
Everyone who was anyone in high society was in attendance. Champagne was flowing freely, lively music from the small orchestra kept people dancing, and an endless line of well-wishers kept both Kate and Anthony very busy.
Kate felt her cheeks burning from smiling so much. Some of it she forced when introduced to another countess or duchess who made not so subtle comments about her husband's reputation and their surprise he had settled down. But mostly it was from genuine happiness. She thought she would dread being the center of attention, but she found herself enjoying it. She stood a little straighter, and often found herself eyeing the two rings on her hand. She was Anthony's wife. Her mind was giddy with the knowledge.
Kate's eyes scanned the room for her new husband. She finally caught a glimpse of him speaking with Lord Featherington, shaking his hand and nodding thoughtfully. Kate couldn't help but smile. He was so very handsome. She found that suddenly her palms were sweaty and her breath came quicker. Her mind suddenly flashed with images of the night ahead and it took all her self control to not march over to Anthony and ask him to leave right then and there.
"Don't be so naughty Kate," she muttered to herself.
Almost as if he heard her, Anthony's head turned in her direction. He saw the darkened look in her eyes, and the way she was clutching her skirt. He smiled devilishly, and gave her a devastating wink. Kate blushed furiously. He always knew what she was thinking. He read her so well.
She wrenched her gaze away and continued looking around the grand ballroom. There was Violet, dragging Benedict from debutante to debutante, her sights clearly already set on getting her next oldest matched. In another corner of the room she saw Eloise talking animatedly and waving a notebook towards the imposing Lady Danbury. Kate could have sworn she saw Eloise's lips form the words "Lady Whistledown". On the dance floor she spied Colin and Penelope, smiling and talking conspiratorially between themselves. Kate made a mental note to ask Anthony about those two. Maybe Benedict wouldn't be next down the aisle after all . . . .
"Enjoying yourself?" a deep voice said behind her.
She knew it was him before she turned around. She could feel him, smell him, and she shivered from head to toe when he was present.
She met her husband's eyes.
"Very much so, my Lord."
He rolled his eyes.
"Kate we're man and wife now. I think you can dispense with the formalities."
"I just don't want tongues to wag if we're too informal."
He smiled.
"Let them talk. Everyone here should know I adore my wife," he stated, drawing her into his arms.
Kate sighed. When he spoke that way, and treated her with such tenderness she almost thought it was possible that he would love her. She knew she shouldn't get her hopes up, but with Anthony, she just couldn't help herself.
"Come," Anthony intoned. "It is late and we should say our thanks and farewells."
Kate felt her breath catch. Soon they would be alone. Soon his hands would be on her. As much as she tried to push thoughts of their first encounter to the back of her mind, now it was so close to the second, and she was filled with nervous anticipation.
Anthony took her hand and led her to the front of the room. He motioned for the music to stop and raised his glass whilst loudly clearing his throat.
The room went silent and all eyes turned to them expectantly, held rapt by the Viscount's commanding demeanor.
"My wife and I would just like to thank you all so much for being here this evening. It means so much to us that you have all come out to celebrate with our family, and we are grateful for both your well-wishes and your gifts. Kate and I will be honeymooning at my family's estate in Kent, Aubrey Hall, for the next few weeks. We look forward to seeing you all when we return and are fully prepared to step into our roles as the Viscount and Viscountess Bridgerton. A true team," he said beaming down at Kate.
Her heart fluttered. God, how she cherished this man.
She hadn't even realized Anthony's speech had ended. People were clapping and cheering and chanting for them to kiss.
Anthony leaned down to meet her and whispered against her lips, "Got to give the people what they want."
His lips brushed over hers, soft, but full of promise for the evening to come. Kate could have melted into him. This man turned her to butter in his hands.
She remembered saying hurried goodbyes, kissing Mary and Edwina and the Bridgerton clan on her way out the door, Anthony pulling her along excitedly. They fell into the carriage, laughing as they tried to catch their breath.
Anthony turned to her, his eyes blazing with unbridled desire. "I want to take you home now wife. I want to truly make you mine."
"Anthony, I am already yours."
He tilted his head. "But I have never been with a wife before. And now that you have stepped into that role, I want to know what it's like to lay with one's wife. Maybe it will feel different."
Kate's insides clenched and she could feel the wetness pooling between her legs.
"As you wish husband," she purred. "Let's go home."
_