Lady Bridgerton was at a loss. This had to succeed, she so hoped it would for her son Anthony had already turned down several ladies, and if this too failed... No, she did not want to think about it. Still obviously attached to 'the opera singer', her had something to say about potential suitors, so much so that many a parent would not even accept a visit from the Bridgerton's anymore. It was clear to them that the viscount had no serious intention of marrying their daughters and therefore invitations for "tea" were denied.
This was Anthony's last chance, and if he didn't agree to marrying her.. She sighed and shook her head.. Another wrinkle had appeared on her face, she had seen so in the morning and she was adamant it was because of Anthony's antics.
Anthony Bridgerton did not feel very worried, on the contrary he considered it an unnecessary waste of his precious time but no big problem otherwise as he would do the same as before.
He would drop in on a potential candidate, say there was no chemistry between them and move on to the next candidate. His mother insisted that he get married, but he didn't need to.
He could not marry the one he had loved, so what was the point of marriage? He was content with his position as head of the family, brother to seven siblings and now uncle, and he was busy enough as it was. No, the least thing he needed was a wife.
And there was the matter, the thing that.. He wasn't over her yet, as much as he wanted to be... He couldn't let go of her, she was married now but still... She still performed sporadically, and he went to the shows but hid, didn't buy a ticket for the front rows but deliberately sat in the back. He listened to her sweet voice and it hurt him as much as it made him happy. She was just as beautiful, maybe even more so now met her long curly hair, her expressive eyes, and that beautiful mouth he had loved kissing so much.
He had his uhm needs of course and made sure they were met by visiting a few prostitutes but even when he slept with them he made a point of never kissing them. First out of .. hygiene reasons which was massively hypocrite, granted, but secondly he did not want to kiss anyone but her. He had tried but every time he did his thoughts wondered off to a certain opera singer and just like that it felt like someone had put a dagger into his heart.
After her performance was over, he went back silently and felt the same conflict again, euphoric because he had seen her and so sad that she could not be his, not anymore.. So no, if it were up to marry he would never, especially not some boring, generic bourgeois bint. What he knew about Mara Kensington was that she was already quite old, 26 and new to London, they had only recently moved here. Mr Kensington was a former navy general but now bided his time with running a trading company with his brother.
They had suffered a financial hit a few years ago when deals felt through because of certain conflicts the UK had had with countries in Africa but now business was booming again. The Kensington's were well off, of course they were no rival to the Bridgerton's in that case but still affluent. They had 3 children apparently, Mara was the eldest, Lucas was thirteen and Helena was six. He had one thing in common with Mara which was a dismay of getting married, but he did not know why.
In any case, this time he had to deal with an old spinster he thought, smiling. It was brilliant for now he had even more reasons to turn her down.
He got into the carriage with his mother and mocked that she was nervous, he believed that a joke might ease her nerves.
"What do you think, mother? I'm going for a record of 10 minutes this time" and he grinned. The strategy had worked briefly because he could see a smile creeping on his mother's face which she quickly changed after she saw him looking at her.
Lady Bridgerton removed her glove and hit her son with it, quite hard on his arm but it didn't phase Anthony (although he pretended it did).
"Ouch, mother. Go easy on your first-born, please", he grinned but Violet Bridgerton gave him a stern glance.
"For the love of God, Anthony. Please. Please take this seriously. You have nearly no options left" and she now had a pleading disposition and tears formulating in her eyes. Oh no. As much as he was against this idea, he did not like to see his mother hurt. He had seen her cry plenty a time, after their father had died and remembered the times where she could not get out of bed, thinking about what on earth she had to do with 8 kids on her own.
So, he took a deep breath, glanced at his mother, and nodded. They arrived at the Kensington's, a large house with white limestone and black frames, an impressive building to see, that was for sure. They reported to the butler and soon Henrietta Kensington and William Kensington arrived.
"Welcome, welcome" both said, Henrietta kissing Lady Bridgerton and William gave a hand to Anthony.
"How lovely that you found our address" stammered a nervous Henrietta Kensington and mother and son looked at each other briefly, struggling to hold back their laughter.
"Well let us not just stand here in the corridor.. If you may follow us to the drawing room" Henrietta said which the Bridgerton's dutifully did. There was no sign of Miss Mara yet, to Anthony's displeasure because he wanted to have this thing over yet rather quickly.
Arriving at the drawing room, Henrietta Kensington looked apologetically at her guests.
"Please forgive my daughter. She is not in the best of moods today" she said, a little anxiously, whereupon mother and son exchanged glances, this time of curiosity.
The door opened and she stepped inside and there she stood, right in front of the fireplace. Mara Kensington, not very tall, black hair, expressive brown eyes, slightly ... thicker than the regular ladies one normally visited, and a look on her face that spoke volumes (not amused).
She bowed politely and smiled briefly at the guests but refrained from further movement.
"Mara dear, come a little closer" and her mother threw Mara a menacing look. Mara walked forward with difficulty, kissing Violet Bridgerton briefly and bowing again to Anthony.
"Pleased to meet you" she said gruffly to which the Bridgerton's replied the same.
"Now that we have become acquainted. Lady Bridgerton, I have heard that you are a big fan have the books of Mr. Collins... I would like to show you my collection in the library".
"Oh, " said Violet coyly. "Yes, that's right. I would love to see your collection but" and she looked at Mara and her son " but perhaps another time" she replied a tad anxious.
It was not quite according to decorum to leave Anthony and Mara alone already and she was worried about the consequences.
"Oh really... But I was so looking forward to it" Henrietta stated faking her disappointment.
"Please, I would so like to discuss these wonderful books with you" to which Violet could do nothing but politely say "all right then".
The Kensington's and Lady Bridgerton, this one reluctantly, then walked out of the room, leaving Mara and Anthony alone.
An awkward silence followed which was finally broken by the "possible wedding candidate".
"Would you like some tea, Mr Bridgerton?" she asked quasi-polite, to which Anthony replied in the affirmative. Mara pointed to the sofa so that Anthony could sit down and took the teapot from a table, poured it, walked up to Anthony, and handed it to him without looking at him. She then went back to the table and put some delicacies on a plate and poured herself a cup of tea.
She sat down opposite Anthony and handed him the plate of sweets. Then silence... Uncomfortable silence but this time Anthony did something about it.
"I understand you're new to London. How do you like it so far?" Anthony wanted to know.
Mara thought for a moment and replied.
"London is an exciting city, Mr. Bridgerton. How else can I experience my stay here as very pleasant", she concluded.
"Right.." he said and for the love of him he really didn't know what subjects to bring up next, neither did she apparently but she did glance at him from time to time, a bit harshly he thought and then all the sudden she dropped a proverbial bomb.
"I do hear the opera isn't what it is used be any more in London. What a pity." she stated sarcastically, and his mouth flew open.
She knew.. It was for certain that she knew but how? Didn't matter for the insinuation alone had made him suddenly truly angry, who the hell was she, to question him about his past relationships while she was a fricking spinster!
"I assure you the opera in London is wonderful, Miss Kensington, but of course it is no fun to visit these wonderful performances alone, without a companion, as you might presume. Unless the company is highly unpleasant of course" he sarcastically stated, making sure she got the message.
Her face turned red because she did get the message, him calling her out for her spinsterhood and simultaneously implying her personality was unpleasant. For a second he could see he could see a flare of irritation in her eyes.
"Well, you would know everything about visiting the opera alone wouldn't you, Mr. Bridgerton" she accused, and he didn't know what to answer to that. Instead, he put down his cup and got up from the sofa.
"Thank you for tea, Miss Kensington. I apologize but I just remembered I have an appointment I am running late for. If you'll excuse me" he said before curtsying and walking out the room without looking back. He asked the butler where the library was, entered the room and stated that he was deeply sorry, but they had to go now.
"So soon, Mr Bridgerton? You only just got here" Mara's parents anxiously asked upon which Anthony answered that silly him, he had totally forgotten about the appointment and he was entirely to blame for the misunderstanding.
His mother got up, awkwardly apologized for the inconvenience and they were accompanied to the hallway by William, this time they took the exit from the back for whatever reason.
Lady Bridgerton wanted to ask her son what on earth had just occurred but decided to leave discussing to when they were both in the carriage but.. the carriage was late, and they were unwillingly complicit to hearing things they should not have, screaming voices coming from the garden in the back.
"Have you lost your damn mind child?", Henrietta asked shouting.
"Henrietta, stop.. What do you expect after...? It is not her fault, she-" he started before being interrupted by his wife.
"This was your last chance! Your last chance! There will be no other suitors, we haven't had any in age. How can you throw an opportunity away like this, you fool? He is handsome, rich, he is a Bridgerton!", Henrietta stated angrily.
She then, but the Bridgerton's did not see this because their view was obscured, stormed at her daughter, and gripped her hand tightly.
"What is your problem, Mara? Wait I know.. It is about him, isn't it? You are so daft. He has married someone else. Henry has moved on! HE MARRIED YOUR COUSIN. He might have promised you all sorts of things but when he was supposed to fulfil his promises, he picked her over you, and of course he would. I told you not to introduce her to him! She is stunning and you are overweight and plain", she spewed.
There was an expression of shock on Violet's face which was quicky followed by, yet another expression of pity and Anthony could see that his mother felt bad for the girl.
"I really did not want to tell you this, but your Aunt Gertrude send me a letter the other day.. J jubilantly writing about the fact that she is to become a grandmother soon." Henrietta mentioned, now a bit calmer perhaps even a bit compassionate sounding.. The next minute they heard sounds of crying and someone hurriedly running away, presumably Mara.
The carriage eventually came and the two got on and sat in silence until the end of the journey.
"I am not going to ask you what happened. I am sure you had your reasons for storming out like that and I respect your decision. We will explore.. other options" and she sighed" but.. that being said. Would you mind it if I invite her for tea these days? I feel like she could use some company", Violet asked her son.
Anthony glanced at her, gave her an understanding glance, and nodded.
She visited a week later and was briefly introduced to Anthony's other siblings and immediately got on well with Eloise even though Mara was a lot older than her but apparently age wasn't a factor. She also had a good way of entertaining the younger kids by engaging them in a variety of games. Her demeanour was a lot different than to which he first had encountered, and she seemed to be rather pleasant although he did not interact with her much until..
He was working in his study until he heard a knock on the door and without looking up from his work he told whoever it was, that they could enter.
Anthony expected one of his siblings to come in, but it was Mara to his surprise, and in the background he saw Eloise running away, going after Hyacinth who had just taken one of her books and ran away with it..
Mara did not know what to do for she did not expect to be him alone with him and had expected Eloise's company at least and she nearly turned, intending to leave, before she heard him speak.
"Do come in, Miss Kensington" he said, a tad sternly, trying to give off the impression he was a busy man, and he had no time for this. On the other hand, he was a bit curious to know what she was going to say.
She entered but did not close the door, a little worrying for her reputation perhaps, which was ridiculous for they had been alone before, but she had noticed Eloise's friend, Penelope, following her just now so she was hesitant.
She glanced back and upon seeing Penelope wasn't there then shuffled forwards and stopped a few instances from his desk.
He had put down his pen and was staring at this peculiar, raven haired woman and he couldn't but think that Henrietta Kensington wasn't very astute. Her daughter was not plain at all, true she wasn't a conventional beauty, granted but not that unattractive. A bit curvier than her peers perhaps but not overweight and her skin's complexion wasn't traditionally pale like the other debutantes but slightly tan. The contrast between her hair and skin made her stand out and if she had debuted in London she would not have had any issues finding possible suitors.
All these things he noticed when he was staring at her but she on the other hand was facing the floor..
"Mr. Bridgerton, I.. I would like to apologize for my appalling behaviour the other day", she said with a slight tremble in her voice.
Anthony did not say anything, and Mara thought he probably needed more of an explanation.
"I .. was very impolite towards you and a horrible hostess. I am sorry, please accept my apology" she said, still staring at the floor, feeling awkward as heck, awaiting his response.
He waited a few moments for he did put her out of her misery.
"Apology accepted, Miss Kensington. Now if you'll excuse me I have some work to do". She looked up at him then, clearly looking relieved and a brief smile occurred on her features before she gazed back down again. She curtsied, turned, and left the room.
The following weeks Mara visited more often, her friendship grew with Eloise, she had a friendly, almost sisterly understanding, towards Colin and Benedict but Mara, clearly avoided Anthony, as much as she could and it annoyed him, for some reason.
One day Mara was accompanied by Henrietta, Lucas, and Helena Kensington for tea. The children, Mara and Eloise went off to play tennis in the garden, leaving the two female heads of the family alone. He didn't want to eavesdrop, he had not intended to but when he walked past the drawing room he could hear and see the two women talking, their backs were to him so luckily he was not spotted.
"It was horrible", Henrietta sniffed.
"He intended to marry her when he was dismissed from the military and his travels that followed after the war. She purposely waited for him, many years and was ecstatic when he came back home, safe and sound, only for him to marry her niece a month later. The poor girl was devastated for months", and Henrietta wiped a tear away with her handkerchief.
His mother did not say anything but had put her hand on Lady Kensington's to console her.
"And now she is too old.. No one will have her. They all want the 18-year-olds, and my daughter is 'damaged goods' according to society's standards. "and Henrietta huffed indignantly.
"We hoped by coming to London our luck would change but alas" and she shook her head. Anthony lingered a moment more and then walked away.
That night, in his bed, he wondered about the illustrious Mara Kensington whether he wanted to or not.
They both would be a good match on paper. On paper yes, but in practice?
In any case, they both needed people to marry and his disposition towards her and the idea of marriage had had changed the couple of weeks. He longed for being able to work without getting constantly interrupted by his rambunctious siblings and wondered what it would be like to have his own place. His duties would not lessen as head of the house but maybe he could perform them from a distance. He loved his mother and brothers and sisters dearly but sometimes wanted a bit of solitude, time to figure out what he wanted to do with his life instead of worrying about the fate of his mother and siblings, particularly Eloise who would rather get lost in literature than dance at a ball.
He still did not want to get married per se, he knew that he would or could never love anyone else than he had Sienna, it would be a marriage of convenience. She needed a husband; he needed a wife so...
Anthony then shook his head. He didn't know what on earth he was thinking, and thought the idea was utterly ridiculous because for one she didn't speak to him but a few weeks later he would eat his words one by one.
They had been invited to The Kensington's, the entire family for dinner and Penelope, Eloise's friend joined them as well. His brothers, the lucky bastards were able to get out of it, stating excuses that they had plans but Anthony could not. Upon entering the dining hall, he could see that there were not the only guests, no there were also a smug looking middle-aged woman, her brown hair tightly coiffed in a bun, an equally smug looking young lady with flowing blonde hair and an enlarged belly and a nervous looking young man with reddish-brown hair. He was wearing some sort of a uniform and Anthony nearly snorted. He looked over to Mara who was clearly on the verge of tears and staring at her plate.
The Kensington's introduced them to the other guests: Lady Gertrude Henshaw, Lauren Carrington-Henshaw and lastly Henry. Violet and Anthony looked at each other briefly and could read others minds and knew who these people were.
"So nice to meet you, Lady and Viscount Bridgerton. It is an honour", Aunt Gertrude claimed.
'Why thank you, Mrs. Meyer. How kind of you", Violet answered. Everyone involved themselves in idle chit chat before the different courses were served but Mara was alternating staring at her plate and off into the distance.
Henry on the other hand, unknowing to Mara, had his eyes set on her and was trying to convey something to her which Mara did not notice. He looked reproachful and incredibly uncomfortable; Anthony sensed and really, really did not want to be here.
Violet congratulated Lauren on her pregnancy upon which the latter rubbed over her belly lovingly.
"We are so overjoyed, aren't we dear?", and she gazed at her husband.
"Of course.. yes. "and he cleared his throat "overjoyed" he concluded with an anxious smile, and a gaze still fixed on Mara. It was not for long then everyone resumed to idle chit chat again until Lauren addressed her cousin as a mean smirk came across her features.
"I only hope, you my dear Mara will experience the same happiness as I am currently experiencing", Lauren mentioned out of the blue. Mara's eyes grew big and her mouth flew open as she stared at her cousin, but she was too shocked to say anything and an awkward silence engulfed all.
After a long while Mara shook her head, said she was sorry, but she was not feeling well, and hurriedly exited the dining hall. She did not return for the remainder of the evening, but Anthony found her standing in the front garden, the one which was facing the street.
Anthony had not intended to encounter her but was merely wanting to take a breath of fresh air and simultaneously escaping the rather bizarre dinner.
Mara did not hear him until he came near, and she turned around, half startled by the sudden visitor while she was lost in her thoughts..
"Sorry, did not mean to startle you. Was looking for a bit of fresh air", Anthony remarked sincerely. It was true, the intent for fresh air but he was also a little worried about her and wished to know how she was fairing.
"Do you mind company?", he asked a tad apologetically upon which Mara shook her head, Goodness knows why she did, apparently forgetting about a sense of propriety. He walked over to her and stood beside her, at considerable distance of course and there they remained in silence. Despite his earlier intention, Anthony had not started smoking his cigar yet.
"You and your mother know right? About Henry? I am certain you must" she said, not facing him but gazing ahead towards the garden and with a slight tremor in her voice.
Anthony bit his lip and wondered if he should tell her the truth but did not say anything and if he had wanted to, Mara would have interrupted him a second later anyway.
"I think it is wise for you to go back Mr. Bridgerton. You wouldn't want to be seen with me, out here. People may talk after all", she gloomily stated, and she briefly looked at him. He only nodded because she had a point and then went to accompany Henry and Kensington senior in the drawing room for cigars and whiskey.
Henry was a knob, Anthony thought after conversating with him briefly and looked rather afraid and rightfully so to be honest. Anthony could tell that Sir Kensington was cross with Henry and was certain a certain conversation between the two of them had taken place but had stopped when Anthony afraid. Sir Kensington was angry for sure. Anthony had no idea of knowing this but apparently the Henshaw-Mayer's had come over out of the blue, inviting themselves upon hearing how great the Kensington's got along with Anthony's family, thus being uninvited and unwanted guests.
He couldn't believe it. His daughter's life was in shambles and now this poor excuse of a man had the audacity of coming and sitting here like nothing had happed. The atmosphere was uncomfortable, and Anthony was glad the evening ended, and his family went home.
The Next day.
Dearest Reader,
I spy with my little eye a meeting happening between the Viscount Bridgerton and a newcomer to London which I have written about earlier, Miss Mara Kensington. This meeting occurred, unchaperoned, in the front garden of the lady in question's house. As far as I know Miss Kensington and Lord Bridgerton are not courting or betrothed, so I wonder what went through her minds.. Could their rational thinking be clouded by a blooming love perhaps? One can only wonder, my dearest readers. I shall keep you posted.
Until next time.
Sincerely,
Lady Whistledown
"Anthony!", his mother had yelled before running into his study and then throwing the little leaflet at him. As Anthony read his eyes grew big and lips opened in disbelief before starting to realise what the consequences might be.
"What were you thinking?", his mother wanted to know.
"I,.. I had no malicious intent; mum, please believe me. I saw her and wanted to know if she was okay. That was it", Anthony stammered.
"Well.. How honourable of you, my dear son but what do we do now?", she asked but A minute later the housekeeper knocked and entered stating there was a message from the Kensington's stating there were going to come by within an hour.
Violet started to panic and started to walk up and down the room and Anthony himself wanted to join her but didn't.
The Kensington's arrived and were seated in the library this time and not for long the Bridgerton's entered.
Henrietta Kensington got up from her seat and Violet rushed to her.
"I am so sorry, we will figure things out", she said to Henrietta and then glanced over to Mara, who had clearly cried a lot, her face red and swollen and Violet could understand why.
Not only was she too old by society's standards; her reputation was in shambles now as well. Anthony looked at her and couldn't help but take pity on her, so he decided something, it was foolish perhaps but the right thing to do.
"This.. This is entirely my fault, I apologize Sir & Lady Kensington, Mara. I should have known better and it's on me to fix this unfortunate predicament "he said but the last one mentioned did not even look at him.
The Kensington's were silent but eager to hear what Anthony would state next and their eyes followed him intently as he took a few steps towards them and their daughter.
"Therefore, Sir Kensington.. Please allow me the permission to have your daughter's hand in marriage".
Mara's gaze shot up to him and her lips separated in shock and the separation was even bigger the next moment.
"Granted" her father said to everyone's surprise.
"DENIED" Mara said angrily and she flew out of the room, as fast as her legs could carry her trying to ignore her stammering heart.
She could not escape to extremely far as there were only so few places to go to in the house, so she went to her room, hearing a knock on her door several minutes later. Her mother entered with a face that was half concern and half relief, or so Mara thought.
Mara expected a speech, a lecture, a verbal torture but to her surprise her mother's sentence was brief.
"He wishes to speak to you privately", was the only thing she said and then followed up by "He is in the drawing room".
She walked downstairs with shaking legs and feeling the most anxious she had ever felt, she opened the door and saw him sitting there. He got up to greet her and then sat down again as Mara took place on the bench besides him. Neither of them said anything for the longest of times, for ages it seemed like.
"I know this is a shock to you, but I feel it is the right decision to make, Mara", he started.
"It is my fault so please allow me to correct my mistake.." was his second sentence and somehow this statement irritated her.
"I am just as much of a culprit to this .. predicament as you called it earlier it, Mr. Bridgerton", she stated a bit prickly.
"However, that does not imply that there is no other solution than marriage.. I may not know you very well sir, but I wouldn't wish a loveless marriage, because that is what it would be, loveless, upon you Mr. Bridgerton and even though you might not know me well, I hope you would not wish the same upon me. So, I cannot go through with your idea even though I appreciate your kindness. I am certain my parents and I can think of something, perhaps even return to Bristol where we are originally from. Regardless, I thank you for your offer".
She then stood up, thinking that was the end of the conversation and was eager to walk away until she felt a hand on her wrist. More importantly, his hand on hers, stilling her in her movement. Her heart started beating faster.
"Please think about it, a couple of days before you decide" he said. Anthony then realised that he was holding her arm and then instantly let go.
She looked at the place on her arm where he had just hold her, then glanced at him and said "Give me a week" before walking out of the room.