Alright a few notes:
Hello, has been a while. This chapter is longer because I gave Kate some background info (which is entirely made up by me and maybe the 'timeline' isn't correct but.. overlook that yeah).
While the pairings in this story are CANON, the events occurring in this story are mostly not.. I am trying to do as much research as I can but not living in the UK makes things difficult. Where I live all major festivals were cancelled till this month, but I suspect that period will be extended, probably longer and while this story does delve into current events such as coronavirus, I am fully aware that the situation in the UK is different. Also please overlook non-London sounding things, in this chapter I have Kate and Edwina driving to the venue where they might take the underground in 'real life'.
Sophie Beckett is in this chapter. I am not going to feature her much on upcoming ones, just know that I see her as a kind person, that has black hair and dark blue eyes but above all is a stunningly beautiful CURVY GODDESS. Why curvy you might ask? I suggested they cast a curvaceous actress as Sophie for S3 on Reddit and people.. were not in agreeance with this suggestion commenting things like "BUT SHE IS A SERVANT! HOW CAN SHE BE CURVY? SHE IS SKINNY!". First of all.. Obviously, as Snape says in the TikTok trend, Bridgerton the show DOES NOT follow the book to a fault. Secondly, it is known for its diverse cast so why is a curvy Sophie so hard to imagine? I have no problem if you have a different Sophie in mind, and I fully respect that but in THIS STORY and in my mind she is CURVY.
I have conjured up an excuse for Anthony and Kate to meet each other again. The venue mentioned in this chapter is NOT real, but it somewhere located near the Big Ben. Ugh I wish to go to London soon but.. can't because of that blasted virus.
Now on with the fun even though I have have some rewriting to do but not now because it is nearing 03.30 AM.
"You did what?" he asked irritated as he tried to quickly cram his lunch down his throat and squeeze this phone call in as well. He had already responded via text but didn't receive a response. Curiosity got the better of him and so, as soon as he had time, he called his brother.
"I invited her".
"Why on earth would you do that for?".
"Um...I don't mean to sound juvenile, especially since I will be 28 soon but it's my party and I'll invite who I want to. By the way, I've seen her so many times in the past few months that-"
"And whose fault is that Colin?" Anthony inquired exasperatedly..
"That doesn't matter. What matters is that she's coming to my birthday party, and so is her sister".
"I thought this party was for your closest friends and family.. And besides how did you get in touch with Kate in the first place? You last saw her when you were in the hospital".
"First of all, there are already something like 25 people coming, two more will be fine. Besides that,... Me and Penelope went to Ayyaan and Ela's for dinner the other day, Kate, and her sister were also there so we got to know each other better and I must say the Sheffield's are rather lovely company. And lastly; to answer your question; I have her number".
Anthony remained silent for a moment after hearing the last sentence.
"It was very nice of her; she gave me her phone number after dinner at Ayyaan's if I ever wanted to talk to anyone. She said she didn't normally do this, but she seemed concerned about me.".
"Oh. That is indeed kind of her" replied Anthony a little taken back and slightly in wonder.
He didn't know that they had gone to the dinner party and run into the Sheffield's there; not that it interested him, nor that it interested him that Colin had her number, and he didn't. It just might have been useful to know that Colin and Penelope had been hanging out with the Sheffield sisters. That was all. Really...
"Thought so too but.. Anthony. What is it to you anyway whether Kate attends or not anyway?".
"It's not.. important to me. Me and her do not get al.. Let's just say I was curious, OK. Forget about.. Well, I have got to go, my lunchbreak is nearly over".
"All right. Talk soon. Bye" said Colin before hanging up. He couldn't help but grin again, he was looking forward to his birthday party for more reasons than one.
He was planning to quickly continue with his work until his phone rang again. Unknown number. Probably a telemarketer or something, for the last few weeks he had been called by his insurance company to revise his policy, but he had not had time to take the call and rebuff them, he had to do it now then.
"Hello... No, I am not interested in changing my policy nor do I have time to"-
"Hi."
It was the voice he recognised out of thousands.
"Anthony?" asked the person on the other line.
"Hello Sienna" Anthony greeted after it took him several moments to compose himself.
"Hi".
*Awkward silence 1*
"How are you?" he asked after a small pause, and he wanted to sound nonchalant but not sure if he had.
"Good and you?"
"Fine, thank you. Busy with work as always".
"That's good to hear."
*Awkward silence 2*
"How.. is the band doing? Any bookings lately?". It was a stupid question as the pandemic had negatively influenced the entertainment industry and he was convinced that "Sienna Rosso and the Void" (her band) had not performed for at least a year.
"Ehm no, the festivals are cancelled so not until September.. Me and the rest had to find jobs unfortunately. I currently work as a Customer Service Representative at Barclays. Guess you can say it is a good thing I decided to graduate after all, because the degree was helpful in finding a job.. even just for the time being. Only until me and the guys can perform again".
"Of course. It is a very sensible thing to do" he said, hinting at her new job.
*Awkward silence 3*
"Yes.. Well, I don't have another option do I?" she nervously said because she had to come to the point of which she was calling for.
"Listen.. Um.. The reason I'm calling is to let you know that I haven't seen Jonathan in months. Ended things immediately.. after".
At this, Anthony remained silent for a few minutes. Johnathan Bayleaf. His former best friend, formerly because he wanted to surprise Sienna after a show in the dressing room and they came in kissing, together with Jonnie.
"I see" he just said. What else was he supposed to say?
"Yes..." and then it was quiet again until Sienna took over and when she did; a torrent of words came out.
"Anthony... I've been thinking a lot about you these past few weeks-"
"Sienna, I don't to want to talk about-."
"Please, let me finish. First, I am sorry. Very sorry for what I did."
Anthony took a deep breath. The apology was needed and long overdue, but it did make him recollect; the memory of her, his relationship with her, was now forever tainted in his mind. It had taken over all the lovely ones he had with her and there had been many. Going on trips to Milan, Rhodes, and New York together, the way her nose crinkled whenever she laughed, Sienna meeting his family getting well on with everyone, Christmases together.. many, many long and passionate nights where they were lost in bliss for hours on end. Him travelling to see her wherever she played as a surprise, even for a couple of hours, or a day. He had loved this woman; he had and was intending to marry her.
The last time he had wanted to surprise her was in the city, at the Rivoli Ballroom, where her band had won a "Upcoming Bands of London" contest and was allowed to do a demo show for some record companies and the press. He had said that he absolutely could not be there as the event was during the day; but he had made time anyway, even though he had missed the presentation itself because his meeting had gone on too long. But anyway, he wanted to surprise her, and he had bought flowers. He was allowed in because one of the crew members recognised him and waited for her in the dressing room, then saw his best friend stumble in with her, his mouth glued tightly to hers.
They stopped kissing when they finally realised they had an audience. Anthony dropped the flowers, looked at the two of them incredulously, unable to say anything and then walked away. His best friend Jonnie ran after him, shouting 'Mate stop' and wanting to explain things to him, but Anthony turned abruptly and knocked him to the ground. Sienna had now left the dressing room and she was looking at the scene in disbelief; first at Jonnie who was reaching for his jaw in pain, then at Anthony. When she met his gaze her eyes started to well up. He gave her one last look before shaking his head, pivoting, and walking away.
"I have been feeling awful for months.." she said ruefully.
"As did I, Sienna. As did I. You couldn't have possibly hurt me more if you had intended to. I trusted you both. I trusted you both. I guess you must have really disliked me towards the end if you had to resort to sleeping with my best friend".
"I did not dislike you nor did it happen out of spite. I loved you. I sti-… Look it is not an excuse, but our schedules were a mess; I didn't see you much or at all. He came to my show one day and we started chatting then he visited again.. somewhere along the lines I- "
"Decided to fuck Jonnie because I was too busy? Because I wasn't there and he conveniently was?" he said suddenly sharply, to her disappointment but Anthony had held back until then, had tried to keep his composure but he hadn't succeeded in the end anyway.
"You don't have to be so crass" she replied hesitantly in a soft voice after she had had time to think about her answer.
"My apologies, you are right" he said slightly calmed. "I should have worded it differently but at the end of the day that's what happened."
To this she had no counterargument and remained quiet. He sighed briefly again and then glanced at the time on his laptop and he realised that he really needed to get back to work now.
"Listen. I appreciate your apology, okay if that's why you called. If it soothes your conscience then you should know that I'm over the issue. That's not to say it didn't hurt but I'm fine now."
" That is great... I am aware it is a peculiar thing to say, especially coming from me; but you get what I mean hopefully.".
"I do, thanks… Look I know things didn't end well between you and I but that doesn't mean I don't wish the best for you and-"
"I would love to see you again." she confessed and while a part of him saw this coming, he was still startled to hear the confession.
And damn there his heart went, been beating harder against his will, not that it hadn't before, ever since he had taken the call, but he had been fooling himself that it hadn't. But now after hearing this sentence, he heard it beating like crazy. But now after hearing this sentence he heard it racing.
"I don't know if that's such a good plan..." he weakly countered, his voice a lot more genial than before.
"I understand your concern, but perhaps it would be better if we discussed these things face to face. Might be better if I can apologise to you in person rather than over the phone".
He remained silent and awkwardly bit his lip, perhaps to prevent himself from saying anything that might hurt her feelings again.
"This is my new number.. Just think about it, Anthony. I'd love to hear from you." Sienna pleaded.
"Alright. I'll think about it. Listen, I have to get back to work".
"I understand. It was nice talking to you, Anthony. I mean that"; and there was an honesty in her voice that told Anthony that she was telling the truth.
"Yes... likewise, well um bye".
"Bye" she said before Anthony hung up.
Anthony leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head while staring at his phone for a few minutes.
Then he sat forward again picked up his phone, went to his 'last called' and stared at her number for a moment. He then pressed 'save' and typed in 'Sienna'. His phone gave him a notification that there was already a contact with that name before the hit 'save' and typed in her name. His phone indicated that this contact name already existed and asked if he wanted to update the contact.
He clicked in the affirmative.
Kate was agitated, very agitated and she didn't know exactly why. It was not in her nature to be nervous and as the days progressed and Saturday approached, this feeling only got worse. She hated it. She couldn't use it. One of the reasons she was successful as an emergency doctor was that she could move quickly and, above all, stay calm. It was because of this that sometimes, in relationships, she was considered cool. Kate was not a fan of sweet romantic gestures; took a long time to open and by the time she could admit it, her boyfriend had already run off with someone not so 'difficult'. Someone that was not so.. reserved, not so fiercely independent; not so impervious.
It wasn't as if she did it on purpose, but she had to do it, protect herself. At an early age, around 4 years old, she lost her mother to a car accident. A drunk driver had collided with her at high speed after making a wrong turn and crashed into Kate's mother, killing her instantly.
Kate did not remember much about her mother, a caress, kisses, some sweet words whispered in her ears, a sweet voice, a presence in the background of her life, like a shadow that kept haunting her.
Her father was a widower for many years until he met Mary Sheffield when Kate was 10, and at first Kate did not like her, but slowly Mary won Kate over even though it took a long time. It helped that Mary didn't demand to be called 'mum' in a bat of an eye, if Kate wanted to call her by her first name it would be okay, she imprinted on Kate. She left it up to her stepdaughter to feel comfortable enough around her and gave her the time to adjust; something in hindsight Kate was very appreciative for.
Five years after her sister was born, Kate was then a teenager, she came home from school one day and saw her parents sitting quietly together in the living room. She knew immediately that something bad was happening; for her father would not look at her and Mary asked Kate to sit down. Mary had been crying and a lot too, Kate could tell. Edwina was happily playing in her room; oblivious to the fact that their lives would change forever.
He had been feeling unwell for the last couple of weeks and they had gone to see the doctor today, Mary explained. Unfortunately, the scans, tests and biopsy were pointing towards a brain tumour.
Her heart dropped and the only thing Kate thought at that moment was that she was going to lease a second parent. Both. Gone.
The family wanted to stay hopeful and countless hospital stays and visits occurred while Kate's father received chemotherapy. For 1,5 years the Sheffield's remained between living between hope and fear until there wasn't anything the doctors could do.
Kate became an orphan at 15. She expected Mary to send her away, since she wasn't her biological daughter, but Mary didn't once tell her to leave even when the period that followed was the toughest of their lives as Kate started to rebel against everything and anything.
She skipped school frequently. When she did go to school and come home in the afternoons she'd argued with both her mother and sister, disrupting the atmosphere of the house. But Mary persisted; and did not lie to her, she did not want her to leave even though Kate threatened several times to run away until her mother had had enough of her.
"Kate... I want you to stop threatening to run away. Just. stop Please. I can't handle the thought of losing you, I've already lost your father... I don't want to lose you too. " she said and then walked away. Kate was struck dumb for minutes until she ran to the living room, found Mary there, hugged her and burst into tears.
Three years later Kate went to study medicine in Bristol, but she often came home at the weekends. The three women shared their joys and sorrows and, as the years went by, formed a lovely family unit.
Well until now that is for Kate could have killed Edwina and a part of her still wanted to do so. She herself had wanted to decline Colin's invitation when there at Ayyaan and Ela's for some sort a housewarming party, using the excuse that she had to work or something, but Edwina had prevented her.
"I would love it if you would come to my birthday, Kate. After all," he joked "I have gotten to get to know you well after spending so many times in your company the last couple of months. It is Saturday The 17th from 7pm on at Reinier's" Colin had said after they had talked about all sorts of things and then somehow the subject had come up on his birthday.
"I am extending the invitation to you too Edwina, please join us" Colin smiled.
"Oh. That is really kind of you Colin, I'd love to attend but-" Kate began before being interrupted by her younger sister.
"We'd love to attend. Thank you for the invitation; Colin" she had beamed, and Kate had stared at her as if she had gone mad.
"What.. No, we can't... at least I can't. I have to work that weekend I think" she added.
"No, you do not, you have a few days off remember starting from Friday, remember?" said Edwina sweetly and quasi nonchalantly with an innocent expression on her face.
"That may be so, but I can always be called in, remember, Edwina?" replied Kate; gritting her teeth as she spoke.
"But in that case, they will call, and you can leave from there. No reason not to go" Edwina replied.
If looks could kill, there would only have been Sheffield left in the room now as Kate gave such a glare at her sister that even Colin turned his head.
"Well then it's settled. See you next week" Colin said with a smile and Kate had to relent.
"Don't feel like going at all." Kate complained that same Saturday as she had just put on her black dress with ruffles while she had taken it off before to choose another dress but ended up back in this one.
"Seriously. Exaggerating much? It is a party!" said Edwina as she rolled her eyes.
"A party we could have avoided going to but thanks to you we can't.. Hey. Stop rolling your eyes already" Kate said threateningly.
"I didn't".
"You so did."
"Did not!".
Mary Sheffield didn't know whether to shake her head or laugh at the sight of her two grown daughters bickering like little children.
"Ladies... You're going to be late if I were you I would leave now." Kate took one look at her watch and realised Mary was right.
"Let's go, Edwina. The sooner we get there the sooner we can leave".
Edwina had opted tonight for a light green A-line dress this time, which the colour contracted nicely to her skin tone and made her stand out. She had also left her hair half-long and had carefully done her make-up. Kate, on the other hand, had struggled to control her curls, leaving them au naturel out of frustration. There was no point in putting her hair up today. Kate had always applied makeup in a subtle and unobtrusive way, as she didn't like bright colours and a practical look was important to her, as she sometimes had to leave the house quickly because of her job, and tonight was no exception. Edwina offered to 'work her magic', so she put it by wanting to help with hair and make-up, but Kate had refused.
And now.. there were here. At a place she didn't want to be really. Reinier's was an exclusive lounge and restaurant that Kate had heard of but had never been to as she had heard that food there was quite expensive, and it was a relatively expensive establishment. The fact that Colin's birthday party was held there of all places was an indication of how wealthy the Bridgerton's were. Not that Kate cared, she was averse to ostentation; but it was a conclusion she drew when she and Edwina arrived.
She felt her pulse quicken as she and Edwina walked towards the entrance where their names were checked to see if they were on the list. Then they were led to the dining area where a smiling Colin met them.
"Hello. Welcome. " Colin exclaimed cheerfully.
"Good evening... thank you. Happy birthday" Kate and Edwina said whilst they kissed him on the cheek and handed over their gift, a voucher.
"Thank you, appreciate it. Lovely of you to come to this little soiree of mine, aww you didn't have to buy me a present" he said as he looked at the envelope, curious to what the content may be.
"Do.. you mind if I.." he stated but they told him to go ahead and open his gift and he grinned when he saw what the voucher was for.
"Indoor rock-climbing lessons?" he smiled.
"It is perfectly safe.. and can be equally thrilling as parkour I think" Kate explained with a smile.
"It is perfect, thank you so much both.. Well, you'll be called up to the tables for dinner in a minute, but before that starts... Would you mind if I introduce you to my mother? She wants to meet you".
Oh. Okay. It was a strange request, but then again, being at an ex-patient's birthday was strange enough, so this was not a problem either.
"I would love to," she said, but a second later she regretted having said those words, as 'he' was standing right next to Colin's mother. They walked towards it and with every step she felt her feet getting heavier, but she wanted to get the meeting over with as soon as possible.
"Mother, this is the doctor who attended to me".
"Oh hello. How nice to meet you." said Violet Bridgerton as she immediately gave Kate a hug and at that moment it was already clear to Kate, that Violet Bridgerton was lovely, and she instantly liked her.
"Likewise, Mrs Bridgerton" Kate replied while she was still not smothered.
"Please. Call me Violet" she replied, still holding the young woman tightly.
"Mother, if you don't let go of her soon the doctor herself will need medical attention" Anthony remarked with a smirk.
"Oh. Yes of course. Sorry" Violet said with a blush.
"It's alright" Kate smiled.
"And you're Edwina if I'm not mistaken-" said Violet as she turned her attention to the youngest Sheffield. This created a predicament for Kate and Anthony as the two now had to acknowledge each other.
"Anthony, hello. How are you?".
"Hi Kate. It is good to see you. I'm alright and you?".
"I'm well, thank you, she replied courteously and then.. neither of them spoke because the niceties were out of the way and the two did not know what to say next and both just stared around the room. The number of guests was still coming in and it was getting noisier by the second, so when Anthony asked Kate something, she did not understand.
"I beg your pardon?" she asked, leaning forward to understand him better, while at the same moment someone from behind tried to clumsily work their way forward and in the process. The result was a stumbling Kate who fell into Anthony's arms. His arms instinctively rose to catch her, and this resulted in the following: two of his hands on her body, well... her lower and upper back. The embrace seemed to last forever while it only took a few seconds as Kate quickly pulled away, much to Anthony's dismay.
That had not been at all unpleasant just now, he thought, to have her body against him.
"Benedict, you klutz" Anthony reprimanded
"Oh dear.. I'm sorry " a contrite Benedict said as he looked around.
"Don't worry about it" a seriously flustered Kate replied while trying to regain her senses
"I am glad my brother there caught you Dr. Sheffield" he said with a shy smile to which Kate started to blush even more than before.
"Yes indeed he did." she replied a tad flustered; not really having composed herself yet.
"Please call me Kate if you wish" she added quickly to change the subject.
"I will, as long as you call me Benedict" he said with a smile.
"May I introduce you to my wife" to which Kate nodded and he walked with her towards Sophie, a stunningly beautiful CURVY GODDESS with blue eyes and black hair (writer's note; see what I did there hehehe).
Kate got to know Sophie and then it was finally time for them to take their seats, much to her relief but... out of the corner of her eye, she saw Edwina in an animated conversation with Anthony and she found it... well, she wasn't quite sure what the feeling was that suddenly thundered through her, but she didn't want to dwell on it too long.
She had no time for it either, as the guests were called to the tables. The room was festively decorated, and several large round tables had been placed on either side. They were seated with Ayyaan and Elena, much to Kate's relief. This evening was awkward enough and it was nice to see a familiar face. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at the Bridgerton's seated a little further away with their entire families; it was a motley collection of people by the looks of it. They all looked alike apart from Daphne, who they had met at their friends' wedding a few months back. Daphne was married to Simon Hastings, descendant of the Hastings Earldom; but there wasn't a conceited bone in Daphne's body Kate immediately concluded and this also applied to the rest of her siblings, well everyone apart from Anthony that is.
Well.. That statement might not be entirely true because he had been quite nice to her last time in the cinema. As she looked towards the table where the family was sitting their gazes met for a moment, but Kate quickly looked away and engaged with Elena; asking her about how her parents were.
Elena explained that they were fine but that her mother had been feeling a tad unwell. Kate listened intently but somehow sensed that someone was watching her, so she looked briefly in the direction of where she was looking before and saw that it was Anthony. Yet now it was his turn to look away.
The orders for their meals were taken. They both chose vegetable soup as an appetiser, and as the main course Edwina chose salmon and Kate steak and vegetables, as Reinier's was famous for this. For dessert, the ladies would get cake.
Some of her nerves seemed to have calmed down a little now, she was grateful to the 'host' that she was sitting next to friends, even though both sisters were introduced to another friend of Colin's and his heavily pregnant wife, charming and friendly people.
The dishes were quickly served and soon both were enjoying their starter and main course and good conversation but then it was time for dessert, then cake and. someone tapped his glass a few times, asking for the audience's support.
It was Anthony.
"If I may have your attention" he began, smiling, "I would like to say a few words about the birthday boy", and he then turned to Colin.
"First of all, thank you all for coming today and celebrating Colins 'birthday. It means a lot to him and thus also to us as a family. As for you, Colin, 28 years old, how time flies. I remember distinctly that you were a teenager and I had to pick you up from the hospital because you had done something foolish and hurt yourself.
Oh no wait, that was last month, my mistake" Anthony said whereupon Colin started to laugh, and he was soon followed by other people in the room. While Anthony was giving his speech, waiters had started to hand out glasses of champagne to everyone.
"But all kidding aside. I admire you, my dear brother, for many reasons. Your taste for adventure, your good-humoured disposition and your wit, although not everyone in our family is as appreciative of the pranks you pull on us" to which Colin nodded with a grin.
"Anyway.. Ehm I just want to say on behalf of all of us" and he turned to look at where his family were sitting" that we all love you very much and.. I would like to ask you all to raise your glasses to Colin and wish him many more happy and healthy years to come" he said as he lifted his champagne.
"To Colin" he stated and soon after everyone repeated Anthony's words.
The guests were given a piece of delicious cake, chocolate and meringue flavoured, and then the tables were cleared, pushed back and the music started.
Shit... thought Kate. She wasn't particularly keen on dancing tonight, she wasn't naturally very graceful when it came to that, and she didn't want to look like an idiot today. When she had danced with Anthony at the wedding, it had been purely out of spite; nothing more nothing less although she had wondered about what had gotten into her.
The music hadn't even started for five minutes when Edwina wanted to drag her to the dance floor, but she gave a firm 'no' in response, to which Ayyaan and Elena suggested she go with Edwina.
Soon the three were enjoying themselves she saw. The guests mingled with each other, and Kate lost Edwina and her friends in the crowd for a moment until she saw that... Anthony and Colin had come over to their side and joined Edwina and co. The five of them continued to dance in a circle until... Penelope came, and Colin went to her and danced separately Elena and Ayyaan then proceeded as a couple too. This awkward new dynamic only meant that Anthony and Edwina had to do the same... Anthony shrugged, smiled, and just continued to move and Edwina smilingly did the same. The two were having a great time, it seemed, as Edwina bent down to say something, and Anthony burst out laughing.
And Kate saw them and... and... something of that same feeling from earlier in the evening returned in full force and, and she had to go, she didn't know why but she had to go... She excused herself, then went to the toilet where she tried to calm herself, somehow, and berate herself for cowardly running away and yet... somehow she couldn't go back. Not now.
The toilets were near the outdoor area, where people could dine during the summer; but it was too cold for that now. There was no one there and the door was fortunately open, so Kate stepped outside and briefly admired the view. Big Ben illuminating the night, the people strolling about, no doubt enjoying a better evening than she was having.
"Admiring the view?" she heard suddenly.
She looked back in surprise at the voice that had spoken and saw him, standing there and god... she only now realised how ridiculously handsome the man was and even more so today. He was wearing a blueish/greyish suit with a white shirt, and it fit him perfectly.
For a moment she knew nothing to say, which aggravated her when he came walking slowly in her direction and stood still beside her.
"Sort of," she finally replied as the shock of him being there had worn off, only a little, but as she did so, a shiver went through her. Shite, she had forgotten to bring her coat and now she was shivering.
"A bit cold for that, isn't it?" he asked but she didn't answer him partly because of the cold that cut through her... Anthony looked at her for a moment and obviously saw that she was shivering and started to take off his coat. Kate saw this and protested immediately.
"You don't have to..." began Kate but he shook his head.
" I do. Believe me, my mother would tell me off if she heard that I didn't assist a lady in need" he said.
She scoffed at that and then looked at him a little sharply.
"I am not a damsel in distress" she stated firmly, looking at him a little too long and then pretending that the view was very interesting again.
He smiled at that, finding it rather endearing really, she was obviously a bit flustered, but he wasn't going to call her out on it.
"I didn't call you a damsel... Well, I didn't mean that way.. just, just allow me okay?" he said, carefully draping his coat over her and while doing so rested his hand on her back for a moment, just a moment. It was gone in a whim.
Even though she had been against the idea, she could not deny that she was a lot warmer now and she had to thank him, of course, just out of courtesy.
"Thank you" she therefore said curtly as she looked at him briefly.
"You are welcome" he replied in a soft almost... lovely tone but she had no doubt misinterpreted it.
"Are you having a good time tonight?"
No.
"Yes" Kate replied with a nod.
"Really, you haven't moved from your seat, apart from now and I certainly haven't seen you on the dance floor... Are you afraid you'll stomp on an innocent man's feet again? "He asked teasingly.
She couldn't help but chuckle at the memory and she turned to face him.
"I really didn't do it on purpose" she lied with a grin.
"Sure, you did" he smirked.
"Ok... then... maybe a little... on purpose" she admitted to which he in turn chuckled.
"Glad you admit it" he smiled and the two of them crossed glances before avoiding each other again.
"You look beautiful today" he said out of the blue. She looked at him incredulously, amazed at his compliment, with parted lips and big eyes that blinked twice, and he thought he had said something wrong... so he corrected himself... quickly.
"Both of you I mean. You and Edwina look beautiful tonight" he stammered with a red head.
"Oh... right. Thank you" she said with an expression that looked like disappointment, but she quickly recovered. She gave him a brief smile and said they should go back as Edwina might be worried where she was.
"Of course, I'll walk back with you" but she shook her head.
"That's nice of you but... I need to go to the bathroom first, they are close by here I just saw" she lied and a) oh my god that was embarrassing to say and b) he didn't believe her lie, she could tell by his highness but happily did.
"Then I'll see you back inside" he said somewhat pained it seemed, but not as pained as Kate felt at the time. She carefully took his coat from her, folding it in her hands before he could protest that he didn't need it back (yet) because they were still outside.
She handed it to him, but when he accepted it, their hands made contact with each other. This should have lasted a second but.. did not because Kate realised something, and she was taken back by it.
He was holding on to her, with her hands his, although she thought for a moment that this was not the case. She looked down to where their hands were entwined, then up to him... The way he was staring at her made her breathe faster and although she had studied medicine for years and knew this was physically impossible, she was convinced she would be the first person whose heart jumped out of her chest, that's how hard it was beating.
"Kate... I... I.. – he began but the rest of the sentence did not come out of his throat, as if something wanted to prevent him...and did.
So, the spell broke...and she retreated, taking a few steps back.
"Thank you again... for lending me your jacket she said softly.
"No problem" he replied after taking a deep breath on which she turned around. She had lied about going to the bathroom but went there anyway and stayed there for a few minutes composing herself and then she thought.
What was that just now? All evening he had been in Edwina's company (well not quite) and now he was trying to... something... with her, to hold her and she didn't know exactly why she got angry... very angry but she felt fooled? Somehow? Was he playing a game of which sister he could seduce first?
She knew it was irrational, her sudden anger, and uncalled for, but before she knew it she was rushing back at him. He was just leaving, she saw, and looked up, a little startled, when he saw her storming out again.
"What are you doing?" she asked him sharply.
"Sorry, what?" he frowned, something flickering in his eyes with concern.
"You. Tonight."
"You need to be a clearer for I really don't understand where this is-"
"Fine. I'll explain it to you, earlier this evening you sought out Edwina's company continuously-".
"That's not true" he exclaimed indignantly "and it was just a dance, Kate. Just one-" but she interrupted him once more.
"And then you deliberately seek out me, when I am alone, not to mention and you pretend to be.. this gentleman but I don't buy it, see. Is this a competition for you or something? Which one of the Sheffield's will get into your bed first and-"?
"If I were you I'd stop talking because besides the fact that you're incredibly insulting me, and your sister by the way, you're embarrassing yourself" he said angrily.
He was right. She was embarrassing herself... Horribly. Shame washed over her. She was so presumptuous... to think that he would be interested in her that way, but it was too late now to admit defeat.
"Am I so far off then then, you do have a reputation here in London" she weakly argued, very weakly.
"How lovely of you. thank you for reminding me about that but then again, might I add, may I remind you that my reputation is none of your business." he replied with restrained anger.
"Furthermore... my dealings with your sister tonight have only been on friendly terms. I have not behaved improperly, nor has she.
"And finally... miss 'jumping to conclusions' I have exhibited the same behaviour with you, haven't I?" he said taking a few steps forward.
"Or am I wrong here?" he added.
Kate hoped fervently that the ground would open and swallow her up, but she was not so lucky. She was mortally embarrassed.
"No" she said softly.
"I beg your pardon?" he wanted to know even though he had heard her best.
"I said no" and the tone of this short sentence was again slightly angrier than the last. Yet she had no choice... She had to apologise.
"I was wrong...my apologies... I misjudged things, I'm sorry" and even though she was currently looking at the stupid floor that wouldn't open up to swallow her, her apology changed his mood for the better.
He took a deep breath and even closed his eyes for a moment, as if to prepare himself for what he was going to say.
"Kate, listen... I-"
"Please. I've made enough of a fool of myself already. Don't say any more, please. Forget it. Sorry again" she pleaded and just like that she stormed off, leaving a flustered Anthony standing outside for at least 10 minutes, marvelling at what had just happened, before returning.
When he got back to the room she was no longer at the table, but Edwina was still there.
"Where is your sister?" he asked to which Edwina's brows creased in curiosity.
"Went home. Said she wasn't feeling well".
"I see... thank you" he replied before re-joining his family.
The party was far from over but for Anthony the evening was already ruined so he was glad when most of the guests left and he was left with the rest of the Bridgerton's; apart from Gregory and Hyacinth who had already been taken home, along with Eloise who took the opportunity to leave early.
So, at the end he had seen Francesca (but she was already half asleep on one of the sofas near the entrance), Benedict sans Sophie (their children were still too young to be taken home), Anthony, Colin sans Penelope, and his mother remained, and they were still talking.
"Great party, if I do say so myself" said Colin with a grin.
"Totally agree with you" said Benedict.
"Wonderful party, indeed, my dear son" said Violet as she bent down to squeeze Colin's cheek sweetly for a moment before giving a wistful expression.
"I can't believe you're already 28... I remember your birth like it was yesterday... You were a fussy baby and-".
"Mother please...I love you very much but please, no stories about how I was as a baby and toddler. I want to go home soon and if you start reminiscing about my childhood, you'll undoubtedly also cover Benedict's, Eloise's etc and then we will still be here tomorrow" he grinned.
"Cheeky bugger, you are" replied Violet disapprovingly but with a smile and then she paused.
"Too bad Kate... suddenly didn't feel so well tonight and left early" Violet remarked, and even though his mother was so subtle, Anthony had certainly spotted the way her gaze was fixed on him very briefly.
"I'm thinking of inviting the Sheffield's to our annual benefit; such nice ladies. What do you think?" she said, exchanging glances with Colin and Benedict before turning to Anthony.
"Good plan," Benedict and Colin replied in unison.
"What do you think, Anthony?" asked Violet innocently.
"You should invite them" he replied to which mother and his younger brothers briefly stared at each other again.
"But...just to be clear...I know what you are doing, and you can stop. All three of you. It's not going to work, your little plan".
"What are you talking about?" his mother wanted to know. She wasn't the best actress, unfortunately, so not very credible as her face spoke volumes.
"You know very well. Stop it okay. It's not going to happen. Now, if you'll excuse me... I'm very tired and want to go home".
"Colin, congratulations again" Anthony stated as he gave his brother an embrace.
"Ben, give my regards to Sophie, I didn't say goodbye to her unfortunately; also kiss the boys for me".
"Will do" Benedict replied as he hugged Anthony.
Anthony then walked over to his mother who had stood up, kissed her on both cheeks and said he would be dropping by soon. He then walked away towards the entrance where he kissed Francesca on her forehead who was now asleep. He walked out to the car park where his BMW was, opened it and took a seat, then closed the door.
He put his car key in the ignition, turned it once but not a second time so that the car would start. Instead, he thought about Kate Sheffield... and a serious expression crossed his face before giving way to a smile.
Only then, he started the car and drove home.