I APOLOGIZE for the wait. It had to do with two reasons; me starting another story while I shouldn't and not feeling very much like writing since the 7th of November. Has been a roughhh month.

Also.. I am struggling a bit with writing for 'Composure'. I therefore realise that this story goes a bit up and down but I promise I will get to the good stuff eventually; I just hope you'll stick with me. I am changing the premise of the story soon I think I am not sure whether I want Anthony to be drawn to Edwina after all. One thing I AM sure of is that I will have Ben and Colin annoy Anthony because I find that funny.

Lastly I want to thank the people that commented saying they love the notion of a jealous Anthony.. Implemented that in this chapter because I honestly had forgotten about that tag. Sorry for the crappy grammar and stuff will edit later but not now since it's past one in the morning.

P.s. I made up a Museum. Just go with the flow OK. It takes time to look things up and when I do I mess it up. Just think of my London as an AU-one.

"Hey."

"Hi. What's up?" he said as he made his way through the streets to home; with take-out in his one hand, the phone in the other.

"Nothing; all is well. And how are you?"

"I'm fine, thanks.."

"Are you?"

"Yes..."

"Really?."

"Yes! why would I lie about that; Colin?" he exclaimed irritably.

"I don't know.. maybe.. some little birdy told me that you... caused a little scene."

This statement causes Anthony's thoughts to pause instantly.

"You know.. at a certain university."

"How the fuck do you know?" asked Anthony but shortly after he finished the sentence he knew how. Of the Sheffield's, Edwina was mostly good friends with Ayyaan's wife, the same Ayyaan who was best friends with Colin.

"I didn't know you and Kate.. were so.. familiar with each other."

"We are not. It.. it was a misunderstanding."

"A misunderstanding? In which you actively grabbed Kate and refused to let her leave?".

"That's not true! I.. I... just wanted to ask her something. I quickly let go of her afterwards Wait. Why am I justifying myself to you? Don't you have anything better to do than harass your older brother? When did that traineeship of yours start again?".

"March.. Why?."

"I'll talk to Tom and ask him if it is possible for you to start earlier so I'll be rid of you bothering me hopefully."

"You'll never get rid of ME silly."

"You are probably right.. What a poor, unfortunate soul I am."

"Look, you can admit it you know... to me at least," Colin said amusedly.

"Admit what?" asked Anthony in an annoyed tone.

"You like her." Anthony's mouth fell open in surprise at hearing this statement and the direct way it had been expressed.

"Like whom?."

"Stop playing dumb it doesn't become of you, dearest brother."

" I do not like her, and I've stated this before, but you didn't listen that time to me either"; he answered with gritted teeth

"Are you really sure of that?..." and if Anthony was annoyed earlier he was feeling fully agitated now. Cheeky bastard.

"Yes.. I'm.. You know what, no. Not doing this. Bye Colin" he said before hanging up.

Ugh, he thought. As if the moment in question hadn't brought him enough shame, but it had been an impulse. A demand for justice, well; it wasn't really that. He had felt more hurt than anything else; that she had found it necessary to make such a fool of him, even though he had been gallant. He had asked her if she wanted to get coffee. Yes, he had flirted a little with the waitress, who, to make matters worse after he had apologised to Kate and Edwina, came walking out with a coffee cup and told him that he had 'forgotten' his order.

He was confused at first but when he looked closely he could see her number on it. He had accepted it in a moment of surprise; a little shyly even, while his gaze was fixed on her. She had walked away wordlessly, still a bit upset he could see, and for which he still felt guilty, together with her sister.

What was it with her? That she could annoy him so much and yet also fascinate him. The way her eyes lit up whenever she was putting him in place, which she had done, fearlessly, three times now.

He was nearly finished eating his Pho when another Bridgerton called him, the second oldest one.

"Ben?."

"Anthony, hi! Are you still at work? I wouldn't want to bother you."

"No, I am home, Benedict. Is there something the matter?."

"No, not at all. I have good news; there will be an exposition of my work in the Frost Museum."

"Frost Museum? That's wonderful, Benedict. Congratulations."

"Thanks, we're incredibly pleased, it is in a few weeks; will text the specifics later as we'd love you to come".

"Absolutely, I wouldn't miss it," Anthony replied cheerfully, feeling genuinely happy for Benedict.

"Splendid. Hey, there's also a little reception being held afterwards.."

"Oh really? That's nice".

"So..ehm if you want you can bring someone along", Benedict suggested. Oh. Here we go again, Anthony thought and immediately felt himself getting annoyed once more.

"No thanks, Ben. I will be solo in attendance" replied Anthony, using the power of emphasis in his words, hoping that his message would be clear.

"Are you sure? It would be fine you know if you... brought someone with you".

"Yes I am VERY sure. Listen, did Colin call you?".

"No...".

"BENEDICT" warned Anthony irritably.

"Fine, yes. He called me..."

"Of course, he did. You know Ben? One of these days I will smack him across the head with a heavy cricket bat. Do you want to be next in line?."

"I'd rather not be if I am honest.."

"Don't you and Colin have anything better to do than to occupy yourselves with me? Is your commission finished yet?" asked Anthony.

"No... Not yet."

"Then I suggest; Benedict that you get on with it quickly. See you in a fortnight. Say hello to Sophie and the boys for me. Bye".

"Anthony... don't be angry. We mean-" but Anthony had already hung up before Benedict could finish his sentence. What were those two doing? He should have a heart-to-heart with them and make it truly clear to them that he was not interfering in his love life.

Anthony rinsed his plate and put it in the dishwasher and then sat down on his sofa and switched on the television, but he could not keep his attention. They meant well, no doubt, but the last thing he needed right now was a relationship. A fling. Yes. A relationship no. And one with Kate Sheffield? Although he did enjoy their 'sparring' sessions he was sure that in the case of a relationship they would only quarrel and then another thought occurred to him.

However, when you argue, you usually kiss and make up too. And when you make up you usually make up in the bedroom; was his experience. He wondered if 'that' would be as heated as their discussions.

He quickly banished the thought from his mind. In any case, he and Kate Sheffield were like fire and water, doomed to fail. He could not deny that she was not attractive. She had legs for days, he'd seen them, and when she had her hair down and her curls falling around her pretty face then... well, he...

Damn that Colin; if it weren't for him he would not be thinking about Kate right now, yet his phone offered a temporary reprieve for it buzzed and wanted attention. He grabbed his phone to see who had sent him a message. Speak of the devil.

" Bro.. About today. Sorry. You're right. We shouldn't get involved. So, my bad. I'd like to invite you to dinner to as a way of atonement.. Friday night, six o'clock at my place. Let me know if you're coming."

Anthony stared at the message for a moment before replying. He was still quite angry, but an apology and the prospect of a nice meal softened him. Penelope was known to cook well; something that pleased Colin since he could eat all day long. Also, after a long day of work he often didn't feel like cooking and ordered take-out; so, it was nice to have a homemade meal for once.

Anthony texted back that he would be there and then stared at the Starbucks cup he had placed on the small table in front of him. He could text her, saying he wasn't interested in a relationship; didn't mean he wasn't interested in a fling and. it had been a while. He would be clear with her and tell her that he didn't want a long-term commitment and that he wanted to keep it casual. If she agreed, what would the harm be? However, today he didn't feel like being in contact with anyone anymore, so he switched channels until he found a Swedish crime series that, miraculously, did manage to hold his attention.

She had been so stupid. Seriously, what had she been up to? To interrupt his lecture like that. It had been petty, childish even, jeez she didn't know what it was, but he seemed to bring out the worst in her. No one else had the ability to irritate her to the point of losing her composure, not even Edwina. Although now he was being quite irritating and had been talking about the incident for the past two days. The questioning had begun the moment they had walked away, leaving a perplexed Anthony. He seemed even more perplexed when the blonde waitress walked out to give him a cup with her phone number and name on it, she had seen.

"It looked cosy between you two" said Edwina with a smile.

"Edwina," warned Kate.

"I'm just saying" placated the youngest Sheffield.

"Edwina. I don't want to talk about it" Kate said with a red head, feeling embarrassed.

"Tell me; is he has toned as he looks? Those biceps of his...".

Kate wasn't listening to her.

"I mean he looks like he works out a lot...".

Still no answer from Kate.

"How did you two meets anyway?" asked Edwina. Kate sighed and reluctantly told him that he had to give a lecture and ran into each other the moment he came back from giving her Edwina ID.

"It was a coincidence," said Kate.

"Coincidence or faith," Edwina replied.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing. It's just that... the university is big. It's striking that you ran into each other; coincidentally, now for the second time by the way... First time in the cinema and now at a school with thousands of students".

"I still don't understand what your point is now Edwina, and I don't really know if I want to know either".

"My point is... Maybe the universe wants to tell you something" to which Kate snorted.

"Pray, tell, dearest sister. What could the grand universe be telling me for I have no idea."

"Really, you don't?" Edwina teased.

"No" answered Kate to which Edwina snorted this time.

"And I thought you were the smartest of the two of us" she said before taking a pause.

""Anyway.. I think he likes you."

Kate looked at her sister in astonishment; entirely taken back by her direct statement.

"What? No. Of course he doesn't. Don't talk nonsense, Eddie", stated Kate but somewhere she suddenly began to feel warm.

"Why not?"

"Why not what?".

"Why wouldn't he like you? He asked you to get coffee, didn't he?"

"On a friendly basis; yes, I assure you. His attention was more drawn to the waitress, believe me".

"That blonde woman?"

"Yes; that one."

At this, Edwina was a bit disappointed, yet she wasn't one to give up easily.

"Can I ask you something?".

"No."

"Hypothetically speaking: suppose he asked you out? Would you say no?" and again a jolt of excitement went through Kate's body which she tried so hard to hide. She therefore looked at her sister in exasperation.

"A: You are definitely reaching here. Didn't you see how angry I was? He dislikes me. Very much so and I him. B: The notion is too bizarre to be believable because.. see point At".

"I'm not so sure about that, Kate."

Kate rolled her eyes and shook her head. They had arrived at her car by now. Kate opened it remotely and unlocked her door.

"For the love of God, Edwina. Get in and shut up".

"Fine. I will keep my mouth shut about the matter." Edwina replied and she kept her word, even though she had an unmistakable smirk on her face during the ride home.

She had tried to broach the subject a few more times, but Kate had shut it off immediately. She didn't want to talk about Anthony Bridgerton anymore, or that entire family for that matter.

Kate was going to banish them from her mind and since London was a big city she would not run into him again from now on. Online maybe on LinkedIn but she rarely visited that site anyway.

So no, there would be be no more interactions with Bridgerton's in the nearest future or so she thought because the next minute her phone buzzed; a sign that someone had texted her.

"Hey Kate. What's up? Listen; I'm hosting a little dinner party this Friday; I want to invite you and Edwina. I already texted her and she said you weren't working that night. Please come.

Xxx, Pen".

Kate stared at the message and reread it again. Why... couldn't she get rid of this family? Nice people they were, Colin and Penelope; and they had soon become good friends but oh my God. The last thing she would do was see Colin and with seeing Colin think of Anthony and with thinking of Anthony remember how he had held her, his eyes fiery and wanting to penetrate her and she, hypnotised by his gaze and touch; could do nothing but look at him. Up close. At that moment two thoughts ran through her mind; the first was 'the man was ridiculously handsome' and especially at such close range and secondly: that fleeting moment... it upset her, but it also felt somewhere... right?

"EDWINA!" she shouted. Shortly afterwards she heard a rumble in the next room and the sound of someone running to the door, opening it, and leaving.

It was a cold drizzly Friday evening when Anthony made his way to his brother's flat. He was late; his court case had been delayed, a different one from the Elston's; so, he quickly parked his car in his brother's street and rang the doorbell.

"Anthony?."

"Yep" he replied whereupon the gate was opened for him. Anthony walked to the lift and pressed number 7; the floor Colin lived on.

"Welcome; bro." Colin greeted at the door, taking from him the bottle of wine Anthony had brought.

"Thank you. You didn't have to" he said, studying the label. Anthony smiled and said it was no trouble. He was in a good mood today; an evening of healthy food and friendly conversation was just what he needed.

Anthony took off his coat and walked with Colin down the corridor, but just before they were about to enter, the latter stopped him.

"Sorry. Forgot to tell you but... I've invited other people too".

Anthony frowned in confusion. Other people? He hadn't said anything about that. He had assumed that this dinner would be with his brother and sister-in-law; not assuming that there would be others. Somehow he still hoped they were relatives whom Colin had also invited.

"Who then? Ben and Soph?".

"Uhm... no" Colin replied shyly but also simultaneously getting a grin on his face and a suspicious, slightly uncomfortable feeling crept up on Anthony. Colin opened the door to the small dining room. Anthony's eyes surveyed the room in curiosity and.. oh, hell. There was Kate Sheffield in all her glory.

Both looked at each other for a long time, a little too long; and both was equally surprised to see each other.

"Kate... uh... hello".

"Anthony... hi" greeted Kate meekly.

Penelope got up and walked over to her brother-in-law and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Lovely of you to come. Have a seat, I'll serve the soup in a minute" and she pointed to the empty chair next to Kate.

"It's a pity that Edwina couldn't be here;" spoke Penelope; her words addressed to Kate.

"Yes. It is indeed. " replied Kate a tad stoically.. Her sister had cancelled at the last minute because one of her best friends had suddenly ended her relationship and she couldn't leave her alone now; forcing Kate to go to the dinner party by herself.

"Ayyaan and his wife also cancelled last-minute; I think she's suffering from pregnancy sickness" said Penelope apologetically.

"But luckily you two did show up. Well, I'll just get started. Colin: will you help me in the kitchen please?".

Colin nodded kindly at his friend and walked with her to the kitchen.

"We'll be right back. Anthony: would you like to pour Kate some wine in the meantime? I know that's my job as host but if you would be so kind, please" he said and then walked away with Penelope.

And then there was silence... A minutes-long silence in which Kate stared at her plate and Anthony was kind of staring of into the void as well.

"Uhm. Sorry, would you like some wine?" asked Anthony when he could finally think clearly again and remembered his brother's request.

"Yes please" replied Kate quickly. The irony was that she didn't really like drinking and certainly not wine, but for tonight she made an exception. She picked up her glass and held it out to Anthony who took the carafe and slowly poured the wine.

She had not looked at him when she said this sentence but instead had studied the board in front of her again and he found it very touching somehow. He could feel that she was sincere. A smile crossed his lips and he looked at her.

"Apology accepted... if you will accept mine as well... My sincere apologies.

She nodded and from that instant the air between them seemed to have cleared and both felt a little more at ease.

"Edwina couldn't attend tonight?" he asked her, and Kate shook her head.

"No. She had to address her friend...something about a break-up.

"Aah shame."

She looked at him in surprise at this statement.. Was he so disappointed that Edwina couldn't attend?

"About the break-up I mean" he clarified.

"I suppose so.",

Kate replied softly as she took another sip of her wine. Inside, she was burning with anger. It was obviously not right. Edwina's story of the friend with heartbreak. She also found it strange that Ayyaan and his wife were expected; she had heard nothing from either of them about this. The more she thought about it; the more annoyed she became because this... seemed like it was a.. No. It couldn't be... She had to be wrong but everything in her told her that she was right, and this evening was.. a set-up in disguise.

She felt herself getting angry again. What were they thinking? Colin, Pen and Edwina? Well, she could hardly be angry at the hosts in this instant, but her sister was a different story altogether.

"The guillotine is too barbaric" Anthony said suddenly and she looked at him, confused.

"I beg your pardon?" she asked him with a questioning look.

"I'm merely saying that if you are thinking of killing your sibling the guillotine is barbaric, but above all out of fashion."

She didn't know if it due to her nerves; or the absurdity of it all but she burst out laughing.

"Ah, I don't know... I think it does have its advantages. It doesn't take long and is relatively painless," she said amusedly.

She was beautiful when she smiled; Anthony thought. He hadn't experienced it often, but she had one that was disarming, and her face seemed to light up when her lips pulled up.

"Not for the victim" he replied, returning the smile.

and his gaze remained on her face a little longer than he would have liked but he did not want to look away. When he finally did, he saw Colin and Penelope exchanging a knowing look with each other, both seeming to have trouble keeping a straight face.

"I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long but here is the first course" Penelope announced and she walked over to them with bowls and set them down in front of them.

" Dig in; you two must be hungry. Oh... It's potato-leek soup by the way; before I forget to mention it" suggested Penelope kindly and it was true; they were both a bit hungry. So, Anthony and Kate started eating; and Colin and Penelope took their seats.

"Delicious, Pen. Excellent job" remarked Anthony.

"Yes, the soup is lovely, Penelope... Thank you for inviting me by the way." said his tablemate.

Penelope beamed with contentment. It was always nice to receive compliments.

"You're welcome, Kate. It's lovely to have you".

The party of four ate their entrees in relative silence with the occasional question or comment from Penelope.

"How are things at work, Kate? Still so busy?".

"Yes unfortunately the pandemic is not quite over yet... No rest for us" Kate answered seriously.

"I have a lot of respect for you people in care. You've worked extremely hard these past two years, tirelessly so. Very commendable of all of you" said Anthony looking at her admiringly. And there was that fluttering feeling present in her stomach; that Kate tried to suppress.

"Um. Thank you. That's sweet of you to say" Kate answered a ta shyly.

"You're welcome. I meant it" and once more his gaze stayed on her a little too long. It was Kate who turned away.

They then chatted about the latest developments in combating the virus and a variety of other topics as the wine and conversation flowed, during the main course as well. That was a delicious chicken fricassee, and it didn't take long for each of their plates was empty.

Kate offered to help with clearing and while Penelope resisted at first; she allowed Kate to follow her into the kitchen, which meant leaving the gentleman at the table by themselves.

The eldest of Bridgerton's gave his younger brother a glare that would still put the devil in fear.

"Before you start-" Colin spoke but he was given no opportunity to finish his thoughts.

"I'm going to kill you."

"No, you're not."

"Oh no? I wouldn't be so certain if I were you".

"Yet I am very certain that you will not plan my early demise.", Colin commented with a smirk.

Anthony gave him a second scathing look at these words.

"Oh, come on. Are you having such a bad time then?" asked Colin. It was a question that gave Anthony pause for thought. No. He wasn't having a bad time at all, in fact. So far the evening had been quite amusing.

"Then again. Colin. I know what you're doing... and the worst thing is that you've drawn innocent Pen into it".

"Dragged into what?" asked Colin very innocently. "An evening with a good friend of ours and my favourite brother".

"Liar."

"Huh?" asked Colin in surprise.

"I know very well that Ben is your favourite brother. I am the one you love tormenting."

"I invoke my right to remain silent now, Mr. Solicitor if you don't mind," he grinned.

Anthony took a sip of his wine and sighed his head.

"Listen. I'm not going to deny that I'm not having an enjoyable time but-"

"Aha, I knew it!" exclaimed Colin triumphantly.

"Will you shut up and let me finish... I meant to say. Even though I'm enjoying myself the fact remains that you're out of line. I warned you that I don't want you interfering in my love life, but you don't listen, and you've orchestrated and plotted all of this. It is obvious to me." Anthony sneered.

He suddenly felt angry; and felt himself getting more irritated by the minute.

"I am not plotting anything!."

"You are definitely so. Let me guess; her sister Edwina and her 'emergency' is surely a lie too. Now that's two people you involved in your stupidity, and I want you to stop it."

Colin got a contrite look across his face and sighed.

"Ok. Ok. After tonight I'll cease and desist in my endeavours" Colin said in an apologetic tone as he threw his hands in the air; a sign of his surrender and this gesture appeased Anthony... momentarily as Colin just continued.

"But... do you really not like her then? You guys seem to get along and I see the way you look at her.".

"Then how do I look at her?".

"Like you like her and yes I won't interfere with you anymore but... you can't stay single forever. It's been 5 months since you broke up with Sienna.". Mentioning his ex was the straw that broke Anthony's back so to speak...

"For Fuck's sake. Colin. Just quit it already! I have no interest in a relationship and certainly not one with Kate Sheffield! That's the last person on earth I'd want to be with-".

Anthony didn't finish his sentence because he saw that Colin was looking away. It took him a while to realise it, but when he looked up he saw them standing there.

Kate and Penelope were standing in the room with the dessert, tiramisu in their hands. And had heard everything.

It was clear to see that they had. Anthony didn't know what to say; he was perplexed and at a loss for words. He saw her walk to the table, put the plates down and say nothing. He did not say anything either when she apologised, obviously making the excuse that she had a night shift later. Not a word came out of his mouth when she silently grabbed her bag; she thanked Colin for the evening and walked towards the corridor, with Penelope in her trail. And he said nothing when he heard the door close and he knew she had left; realising that he had hurt her; hurt her beyond measure, that he should have gone after her, but his feet seemed to be in cement and Anthony was incredibly embarrassed.

Penelope came back into the room and looked at him, angry but above all disappointed.

"Was that really necessary, Anthony? Why did you say that? " she wanted to know.

He could not answer her question.

ONE MONTH LATER.

"OOeeeh". exclaimed Violet Bridgerton in discomfort.

"Enough, mother. We are going to the hospital" Anthony reasoned brusquely.

"But I'm fine though" but she was not 'fine'. She had overstepped and fallen down the stairs with a smack; causing her wrists to take the brunt of the impact... Anthony was luckily there at the time; because his mother had invited him and was able to give her first aid, but she continued to groan in pain.

"I don't want to hear about it. We're going now" and Violet reluctantly gave in.

He drove her to the hospital; registered her and then sat with her in the waiting room. The nurse called them and took care of his mother, saying they had to take pictures just to be sure. Anthony could not attend this to inform the rest of his siblings. Anthony typed into the group text app that Violet had fallen; nothing life threatening; but that they were now in hospital. He was so busy answering the questions that he didn't realise there were two people heading towards the entrance; until the last moment when he looked up.

Kate Sheffield. With a man. Who had put his arm around her waist and kissed her playfully on the cheek to which Kate smiled, tipping her head back in delight.

The moment she saw him, however, she immediately stiffened when the man asked her if something was wrong, and his eyes curiously went to Anthony's side. He heard her say something like 'you go, your shift is about to start. Have to say hello to an acquaintance of mine.

This reassured Kate's friend and he walked away from her, giving a nod in greeting as Anthony passed.

Kate walked cautiously towards Anthony, and he felt his heartbeat faster suddenly. He had called her number, the one he had had from Colin; to apologise but she had hung up the first time, the second time brusquely saying she had no time for him. He had, however, sent her flowers, still feeling very guilty, but these were returned. Since then, he had given up; it was clear that she didn't desire to be in contact with him.

She was close by now and stood before him with a worried look.

"Colin?" she asked with concern.

"What? Oh; no. My mother. She's fallen... uh... She seemed to be in a lot of pain, her wrists mainly so I thought I'd bring her over".

"Oh. Sorry to hear that. Are they doing scans now?" she wanted to know with a compassionate expression on her face.

"Yes... That's why I went out for a while" he replied.

"I see; wish her well for me. Well; I have to go in; my shift-".

"Was that your boyfriend?"

He had no idea; absolutely no idea what had possessed him to ask the question; where he had got the nerve to inquire but he had blurted it out. The inquiry threw Kate off balance and for a moment she did not know how to respond.

Was James her boyfriend? Sort of. Then again, not. He had had his eye on her for some time, so her colleagues had told her, but she had not wanted to know anything about it, as he had a reputation for alluring several ladies in hospital. But something... something after that disastrous evening at Colin's home had made her change her mind; so, she surprised friend and foe, but especially James himself when she said yes to a date.

"Not that it's any of your business... but yes" she managed to utter. She didn't quite know why she was telling him this but something in her compelled her to do so. Anthony's features blanched but he managed to change his demeanour quickly after.

"That's great. That's lovely. Congratulations."

"I'm not getting married you know, there is no need to congratulate me" replied Kate sarcastically..

"I'm just trying to be nice, Kate," Anthony said with a dejected tone.

"For a change?" she retorted. He took a deep breath and glanced at her contritely.

"I didn't mean any of it. What I said that night was-"

"Sorry, but I really have to go in now. I'll check on your mother with the nurse before I start work.".

"Thank you. I appreciate that" said Anthony.

"You're welcome" and with that she passed him and left. He looked after her, realising one thing.

He was the biggest idiot on earth.