A/N

I apologize for the wait. Again. A few notes.

· I am feeling a tad foolish, not a tad, really foolish for starting too many WIP'S and then feeling quilty for not posting updates. I am sorry for that but I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed and not feeling super well too. Also quite lazy.

· In Chapter 6 Benedict's exposition was going to take place in two weeks, I have changed that as the lazy writer I am to 1,5 months later

· Not entirely sure if this is going to long fic; see bullet point one but I am looking forward to the next chapters.

· A certain thing that occurs in this part of the story was reserved to happen in Chapter 10 but I had such a crappy 2021 and thought 'fuck it' and I originally wanted to post this around Christmas but.. oh well. Lazy writer strikes again. Someone tell me to get of the social media app that starts with an R that I shall not name in fear of repercussion on A03 (Don't ask long story). Takes too much of my time.

· As always do not mind the stupid grammar mistakes and the OBVIOUS; that I don't live in London although I do try to 'research'. I have looked up stuff like Rococo painters and went with the second one mentioned lol

· I am not going to give up on 'Composure' and I will hope to update at least.. a bit earlier? Maybe? Hopefully?

"Hi. Is this Jane?".

"Yes. Who's asking?" asked the voice curiously.

"Hello.. it's me from.. the coffee place" Anthony said, a little bumbling. Shit; was he nervous, like a bumbling teenager?

"Uhm. You're going to need to be a bit more specific;" she rightfully remarked.

"Right, of course how foolish of me. Where are my manners? My name is Anthony; you gave me a cup with your name and phone number a while ago?."

"I remember you. It's a bit rude to call now; after all these weeks, don't you think?" said the sultry sounding voice on the other end.

"Yeah I know, sorry.. You're right, I am sorry for bothering you-". The sentence was not completed by Anthony as he had somehow lost his nerve in the middle of it.

"Don't back out now. You are the one calling me aren't you?." said Jane.

"Forgive me for being rude, I should have contacted you sooner and.. I totally understand if you said no but I was wondering if you would like to go on a date with me".

"I would like to" she replied to Anthony's surprise. The two of them went out soon after, having drinks and getting along very well. Jane was bubbly, funny and attractive, quite a few years younger than Anthony; he was thirty she was twenty-one but that didn't seem to be a problem; he didn't notice she was younger and besides Jane was an adult.

They had had a few dates and kissed a few times, all initiated by her, and Anthony found that refreshing. It hadn't come up yet to see if they could extend things into the bedroom but no doubt they would. There had been no serious conversations so far about their relationship, but he didn't mind seeing where things would go. Now, the light-hearted Jane was just what he needed. He didn't need deep conversations; he just wanted to have fun with someone and see where things went.

Jane was enrolled at the same university as Edwina, but in the drama department, and she still had a year to go before finishing her studies. In her spare time, she worked in the school cafe, so that she had time at the weekend to go to auditions and prepare various plays with her class.

The two of them frequently interfered with their schedules, but that did not stop them from meeting up a few times. Things were going so well that Anthony was thinking of taking Jane to Benedict's exhibition at the Frost Museum; he didn't want to go alone, and Benedict had suggested that he could bring someone along, hadn't he? He hoped, however, that Jane would not be frightened by the fact that his whole family would be there, but there again he surprised her. So first he called Jane, who said she would be delighted to meet his family.

Anthony then contacted Benedict to tell him that he would be attending the exhibition with a plus one.

"Oh; that's nice.. " Benedict had said but his intonation didn't seem to imply that the thought it was 'nice."

"Yes, I thought so too" Anthony exclaimed cheerfully.

"So, things are getting serious between you and Jane? Since she's going to meet us".

"I wouldn't put it like that, but we are in the process of getting to know each other better."

"I see, that's.. great.. well, ehm congrats."

"I'm not getting engaged, Ben. No need to congratulate me yet" Anthony quipped.

"You know what I mean... but um... Anthony", Benedict spoke, the latter part of his sentence apprehensively uttered so it seemed.

"Look; don't be mad at me but my secretary invited the Sheffield's.."

This was something he had not anticipated and hearing the name reminded him of the last two times he had interacted with a Sheffield and specifically the oldest. Remembering his outburst at Colin's brought back a sense of guilt and shame which caused him to be speechless, for a while.

"Ben... Correct me if I am wrong but I remember quite vividly a conversation at mothers the other day in which you explained that Sophie was going to help you with the organisational aspect of the expositions now that your employee Kim is on maternity leave?".

"No that is correct."

"And you supposedly were unaware about this?" asked Anthony suspiciously.

"I was...".

"Benedict...".

"Ok I was but the invitations were sent a while back and we didn't get a rsvp until fairly recently. to get a rsvp so me and Sophie thought they wouldn't be in attendance so we kind of forgot about it..".

"So, they are not coming?".

"No, they are..".

Anthony paused for a moment for responding, so he would see Kate Sheffield once more.. He had mixed feelings about that fact, for one it reminded him of the cruelty of his words, and he was mortified.. then there was another sentiment going through him he couldn't quite decipher yet.

"Aha. Well, I um look forward to seeing them. I don't know where the idea came from that I'd have an issue with the Sheffield sisters and there's no need to worry."

"I know but just wanted to inform you. Well, then I'll see you soon".

"Guess so" Anthony stated before saying goodbye and hanging up.

Afterwards he walked over to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of wine. He then went to the sofa; setting his glass on the coffee table before plopping down on the sofa, opening the TV but quickly noticing that he was aimlessly flipping through the channels. Repeatedly his thoughts turned to Kate whether he wanted to or not. Saturday. He would see her Saturday and somehow the notion of this filled him with anticipation.

The past few weeks had been pleasant so far and they had been getting to know each other. The picture of them was right; two young, ambitious professionals; could work well together, he was infatuated with her according to a nurse colleague. She had never seen him 'so in love', Kate was informed. This while, and Kate knew this too, he had a 'reputation for flings that only mattered a few days, so he had stunned everyone by now with 'still' being in a relationship with her. Of course, that had been flattering to hear but she didn't really believe it. Or... was something else bothering her?

Yet the answer lied within. However, she knew.. she was the problem to a substantial extent; it was she who was keeping James at a distance; but he had been nothing but sweet towards her.

The turning point though came when she realised that he kissed her, and she didn't feel much. It wasn't his fault; he was a good kisser but.. something seemed to be missing, so it seemed. Then there was the unpleasant realisation that even when she kissed James, her thoughts went to someone else, someone who should never have occurred to her but did. The one who that night at Colin & Penelope's had loudly proclaimed never to 'want a relationship with her'. It had hurt her intensely and many nights it had played tricks on her. Was she so unattractive? So brusque? So unpleasant to be around? She could not let it go, and what was worse was that the last few nights she had been thinking of the very person who had hurt her so badly, which made no sense at all.

James was the one who wanted her, wanted to spend time with who was kind and forthcoming and patient unlike Anthony who had made her life miserable from the start with his jarring and idiotic behaviour. So, it made no sense that when her eyes closed to a kiss she thought it was Anthony, the one who did not like her. Inwardly she scolded herself at having these thoughts; reminding herself that she was out of her mind.

It wasn't fair to James though to keep him lingering and so she broke up with him. He didn't let on but.. he was heartbroken about it.

"I suppose karma works in wonderous ways and is punishing me for the way I have acted", he stated with a sad expression on his face.

"What do you mean by that?," she wanted to know.

He just gave her a sad smile, not willing to explain further but closed in on her and kissed her for the last time. "I really liked you, Kate" he stated before assuring afterwards that nothing would change at work, that he would remain professional. He kept his promise although it was still awkward to be around each other in the beginning.

Breaking up with James solved one problem but didn't fix the other as she was still consumed of thoughts of Anthony to her dismay.

Maybe seeing him at the exhibition would give her the closure she needed; one minute of talking to him would give her enough reason to never be near him again. So, in consultation with Edwina, she sent back the rsvp's; and strengthened herself in the notion that her preoccupation with Anthony Bridgerton would soon be over.

"What do you actually wear to an exhibition?" asked Edwina to her big sister.

"Something formal perhaps? I don't know; just put on a dress".

"Yes but which one? I want to appear art nouveau and sophisticated tonight" chuckled Edwina. Kate then went to Edwina's wardrobe and rummaged through it, taking out two dresses.

"If I were you, I'd choose the blue one," said Kate. Edwina agreed and took the dress out of her sister's hands. Kate put the other one back. When she looked at her sister again, she could see that she seemed a little doubtful, if not worried.

"What?" asked Kate, frowning.

"Anthony will be there too" stated Edwina without mincing her words.

"So?".

"And that isn't that going to be... uncomfortable for you?".

Kate shook her head.

"Why should that be uncomfortable? I saw him at the hospital the other day".

"Really, you didn't tell me that" Edwina commented with a slightly accusatory tone in her voice.

"I don't have to tell you everything either, dear sister", Kate quipped.

"Ok... but um how was it? Did he apologise?".

Kate thought about it for a moment. He wanted to but... she hadn't really given him the chance.

"Kind of. or not quite... ".

"Eeh, what is it? Yes or no?".

"Never mind, Edwina. Get dressed, we have to go soon" Kate merely commanded before leaving the room.

When they arrived at the museum they were a couple of people gathered out front. Much to Kate's annoyance but Edwina's delight as she did her best to walk 'casually' in front of the cameras and be photographed. The Sheffield's made their way through the crowd and were allowed in; after passing their names to the relevant event staff member who looked through the guest list and then ticked off their names.

Once inside, they took off their coats and were told they could hang them up in the cloakroom nearby. After they had done this, they walked into the exhibition area. There were several halls; they read on the signs that had been set up for clarification purposes. One room focused on Benedict's past work, the other two on the present and future. The latter was giving interviews; and was standing in the big foyer somewhere at the back giving a TV interview. Kate saw his wife standing close by; their children, one of whom was embracing his grandmother, followed by three other women, Eloise, Francesca, and Daphne as Colin mentioned he had sisters. The women seemed to be busy talking to each other. On further inspection she also saw Colin and Penelope standing somewhere with the two youngest Bridgerton's but no Anthony.

He wasn't there... and she felt relieved and... disappointed but she didn't have much time to think about it as a moment later she was kindly greeted by the second Bridgerton and his wife.

"Hello, lovely of you to come" smiled Benedict.

"Thank you for inviting us ... and congratulations. This is certainly a great accomplishment".

"How kind of you but it's nothing, really" said Benedict blushing a little.

"He says that, but he's been nervous for weeks" joked the stunningly beautiful and curvy looking, I repeat CURVY; goddess Sophie (writer's note: see what I did there... again) as she looked at him teasingly. Benedict smiled sweetly at his wife before turning back to the sisters.

"Well, maybe a little" he admitted.

"Listen, um, please have a drink and something to eat... and have a look around".

"Thanks that would be lovely" said the Sheffield's in unison. Kate and Edwina took everyone a drink and a salmon wrap and walked slowly into the foyer where they soon had to say goodbye to the rest of the Bridgerton's. Violet greeted them kindly and they were introduced to Daphne and her husband Simon, or. Lord Hastings, as they later found out Simon came from nobility.

They lingered for a moment in conversation with Colin and Penelope, who were friendly as ever until Colin's gaze lingered on someone approaching in the distance it seemed. Colin exchanged glances with Kate and seemed momentarily apprehensive but smiled in confirmation. Curious, Kate looked back herself and ...

Anthony Bridgerton was approaching. And he was not alone. And Edwina knew who she was; she'd whispered in Kate's ear that she knew her from university, but Kate didn't pay much attention. She was busy composing herself and suppressing the rotten feeling in her stomach. Anthony and his date approached them and soon the family took the opportunity to get acquainted with Jane and the ladies among others, moving elsewhere to continue the conversation, apologising to Kate and Edwina of course, there was only Anthony. Anthony who stood there and looked uncomfortable; then cleared his throat and walked towards them.

"Edwina... Kate. Welcome. How are you?" he said. He was not at ease, thought Edwina, who looked briefly in the direction of her big sister and then back to Anthony and saw that they both seemed to be fixated on each other.

"Hi Anthony. How are you?" asked Edwina to take the tension out.

"I am well thanks and you?".

"Also.. well.. I mean" replied Anthony absentmindedly. He walked closer and paused for Kate who hadn't spoken yet.

"Kate... Good to see you-" Anthony greeted..

"Likewise," Kate replied, and she gave him a friendly nod. The two then remained silent; still looking at each other and this time Edwina didn't even know what to say and that was rare for her. She always knew what to say.. or well she knew to speak continuously.

"Anthony, I believe you should introduce me" said a voice from behind. It was her; the girl; well woman from the coffee place at the university.

She put an arm around Anthony and looked kindly at Edwina and Kate.

"Jane..." said a started Anthony.

"Oh yes. This is Edwina and Kate Sheffield" she introduced.

The ladies each extended a hand to Jane and shook it.

"Jane Michaels, pleased to meet you... Hey... You look familiar. Do you to go Northridge University?", Jane inquired.

"Yes, I do, and I sometimes drop by the coffee you place you work at". replied to Edwina friendly.

"I thought I knew you from somewhere! You order a large cappuccino with a dash of caramel if I remember correctly" Jane summarized.

"Guilty as charged" Edwina laughed.

"Correct me if I am wrong but didn't you play 'Ophelia' in the annual performance of the theatre department?'.

"That is correct. Did you go?".

"I did actually.. My compliments: it was a lovely play, and you were very good in it".

"Thank you, that's always nice to hear". The two chatted on about their education for a while before Jane turned her attention to Kate.

"Where do you know Anthony from?" asked Jane.

"Oh um... Colin and me and Edwina have mutual friends. I work at the hospital...as a doctor... Colin was one of... my patients. Repeating patients. Anthony used to bring him in... a lot" said Kate. Anthony looked down at this and chuckled, then glared at Kate.

"That's true" he said amusedly holding his gaze Kate's for a moment.

"I see" Jane remarked softly, assessing the situation and not liking it.

"Well, it was very nice to meet you" stated Kate before turning to Anthony.

"Honey. I would like to admire your brother's work. Will you escort me to Room 1 please?" asked Jane as she intertwined her arm with Anthony.

"Uhm... Of course. If you'll excuse us. See you later perhaps at the end of the exhibition" said Anthony before glancing at Kate and then finally walking away with his date.

Left to their own devices, Kate took a big breath and turned to Edwina. "Well shall we do the same, in a moment... But first I'm going to get a glass of champagne, do you want anything?".

"But your glass is still half full" Edwina remarked.

"Not by the time I get there" said Kate as she took a sip from her glass and walked away.

After the second drink, Kate and Edwina walked through the exhibition rooms together. It was impressive how much work Benedict had produced and the development he had made as an artist. It was clear that in the beginning he practised and played with his style to arrive at a unique, specific approach that resonated in all his later work. When they had finished viewing all the rooms, Kate wanted to go home but Edwina Penelope accosted them and practically told her the details of her interview with the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, leaving Kate alone. As the rest of the museum's rooms were open, Kate went off on her own and ended up in the Rococo period section. She was just admiring a painting by Jean-Baptiste Pillement when she was awakened from her reverie.

"My brother certainly didn't paint that," she heard a voice saying, the impact of it immediately speeding up the rate of her heartbeat.

"Mind if I join you?" he inquired with a friendly expression.

"Certainly," she said when she finally came to her senses again. He walked in her direction and stayed beside her, putting his arms back as if he were an inspector examining the work for blemishes.

"Beautiful, don't you think?" he said, taking in the painting. She looked at him briefly and agreed with him verbally. They remained standing there... in silence for a while.

"Where's Jane?" wanted to know Kate; why she didn't know either, but she asked the question primarily to make conversation... she imagined.

"Gone. She had to go to a birthday, her cousin's I believe" Anthony replied still not looking at her; his eyes intrigued by the painting.

"Oh" she said before she realised that was a short answer and speaking further

"She seems nice. Jane, I mean. Edwina says she's quite talented; one of the best at school".

"I've been told she is an accomplished actress indeed" replied Anthony, and then, finally, he looked at her, for a long moment, until Kate looked away eventually.

"I want to... apologise for that night with Colin and-"

"That's not necessary" said Kate quickly, hurt by the recollection.

"It is. I want you to know that I didn't mean what I-".

"It's very nice of you to want to apologise but I don't want to talk about it" remarked Kate with a slightly flushed feature.

"I understand that. I do. but if I could just for one second..."

"No."

"Good grief!" cried Anthony.

It was out of his mouth before he realised it, but he had suddenly become annoyed. Here he was trying to do the right thing, to apologise for his heinous words, and she would not let him. Her. Kate who was beautiful tonight, with her long red dress; topped off with a black coat, her beautiful curls loose; and wearing cohesive, jewelled jewellery that accentuated her lovely almond coloured skin. He had not been able to take his eyes off her, and however much he did not want to, his eyes were constantly searching hers. Jane had noticed this and had added 1+1 and taken him aside and confronted him. At first, he'd sputtered and argued that it was all a mistake until Jane asked him something poignant.

"Anthony... Who are you trying to fool here, yourself or me?". He could not say anything in response and looked at her in amazement. She smiled sadly and gave him a brief kiss on the cheek before she left him alone and he had almost immediately gone to look for Kate and found her; on her own; much to his delight. Now he had to get things right with her or she wouldn't believe him, so he had to say sorry first. But of course, she thwarted him and now he was annoyed because if step one of his plans failed.. Then there was the matter of the boyfriend too, but he considered that

"What?" she called out in irritation, in a comparable manner to him.

"I don't know if you're aware but it's common courtesy to make someone apologise", he noted irritably.

"Is that so? Failed to get that memo then yet do you know what is also common courtesy? Not to press the issue if someone doesn't want to talk about it," she curtly replied.

Anthony shook his head in exasperation... OH. This woman. No one else could make his blood boil and intrigue and excite him at the same time. Only her; he was convinced.

"I have to go back. Bye Anthony" she said as she walked away but soon stood still again for he called out to her.

"James couldn't be here today?".

That was an odd question to ask on many levels. He knew very well that the invitation was addressed to her and Edwina only and that there was no possibility of having a plus one. She didn't know why the question annoyed her so much; it seemed as if he was mocking her; mocking her relationship; a relationship that... admittedly couldn't quite be called that but still. She turned to him and walked towards him.

"No, he had to work"; she didn't know why she lied but she did. Something; flickered in Anthony's gaze; too fast for her to notice but she did.

"Pity" he merely remarked.

"I suppose so," she answered.

"So" and he walked a few steps in her direction... "you're still together I assume."

Kate took a short breath and paused before speaking.

"We have broken up."

The effect of the word was instantaneous as his brows raised in amusement and he almost laughed but did not.

"You think that's funny?" she demanded to know.

"No; no... it's. very... very unfortunate" but this time he couldn't hold back and grinned. She was single. Single! Anthony was delighted. He didn't automatically assume that she would fall into his arms right away; but it offered potential. One obstacle had already been removed.

"You look like you think it's funny"; she remarked.

"Dan assume you the worst of me, unjustly so".

"I would have good reason to."

"I'm not so bad when you get to know me" said Anthony and he moved closer again to her surprise..

"I beg to differ" she commented; slowly feeling a tiny bit nervous as he crept more into her vicinity.

He stood here in front of her, smiling at her, and it did all sorts of things to him, but she would not admit it.

"Where is Edwina?" he asked her.

"She is still talking to Penelope. Why do you ask?" she wanted to know with a frown as her heart sank.

"Just wondering" he stated amusedly; still taking her in intently but at the same time confusing her

"Why do you want to speak to her or something?"

"No" he said shaking his head, still with a smirk on his face.

"Then why are you asking?" she asked with persistence.

He chuckled for a moment to her annoyance; and this in turn annoyed her and led her to misconstrue and jump to conclusions.

"Edwina is too old for you.".

"What?"; he exclaimed in surprise.

"Edwina's 24. Your type is younger right?".

"Huh?".

"Jane is twenty-one, you are thirty there is almost 9 years difference between you. And speaking of Jane by the way; you have a thing for her after all; what about Edwina?".

"First of all. Jane is of age; yes there was an age difference between us... Second, I-".

"Was?".

"Was what?"

"There was an age difference between you with the emphasis on 'was'".

"Oh. Yes we broke up earlier in the evening" and at this admission Kate was at a loss for words.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be" Anthony spoke softly.

"We have a good conversation, and she has made me realise some things."

"Such as?" asked Kate wishing to be informed.

"That I like someone else" he confessed.

She stared at him, not understanding.

"You like Edwina?".

Good grief, good GRIEF. For someone as intelligent as her she was wonderfully obtuse about love.

"No not Edwina" he replied.

"Why what's wrong with her?" she bluntly asked him and his eyes grew large in disbelief.

"Excuse me?".

"Is she not good enough for you?".

"WHAT?".

"Well?".

"Are we actually having this conversation right now?".

She crossed her arms and held his gaze with defiance.

"Apparently, so.".

"W..Wwwwait. Hold up. Weren't you the one that told me to stay away from her, at the wedding?".

"I. I.. Yes but-". .

"And now you are berating me for not wanting her?", he interrupted in aggravation.

"That is not the point. The point is that you have a rather haughty disposition-".

"A haughty disposition?" he interjected irritably, repeating her words.

"YOU DO. There's nothing wrong with Edwina. She is beautiful, sweet and intelligent".

"I didn't claim there was anything wrong with her!".

"Are you sure?" she questioned and that was the last straw for him.

"Or for fuck's sake! FOR FUCK'S SAKE. I like your sister. I do Kate but SHE IS NOT YOU. SHE IS NOT YOU. Don't you get that? I am trying to explain here that it is you I like, against my better judgment, because you are argumentative; and like to argue with me every time you can but on the other hand you are intelligent, and I like your sharp wit and the banter between us. And I think you're gorgeous okay, that too. I'm terribly attracted to you, and I have been since the beginning when I met you and I-.

He couldn't finish the rest of his sentence because he made the mistake of looking at her and saw that she was stunned, and Anthony immediately regretted his ill-timed confession...

"Never mind what I said" he stated after she had not reacted for minutes. He had been wrong. He was an idiot.

"Sorry" and he made to turn but was stopped by a force that almost took his breath away on several fronts; firstly, by the impact of her brusque embrace and secondly by the feeling of her body against him as she buried herself into his neck. He slowly dropped his arms to hold her, careful not to startle her or either of them. They stood there embracing for what seemed like an eternity until Anthony pulled back, looked down at her she looked at him with big eyes and he couldn't hold back any longer and bent down to claim her lips.

She had the softest lips he could imagine and something in him urged him to possess them, as he, after a while, still demure her but soon yielding to the fire in him. He gently nudged her backwards so that she understood the message and walked with him to an 'empty' spot on the wall. He did not push her lightly against it; lost in the moment; devouring her mouth and slowly caressing her back, as a start. She, too, seemed to lose herself and held him tightly, her arms wrapped around his neck; with one hand going through his hair.

My God. He could kiss her forever. Forever... but as always, nice things don't last forever.

"Oh, so there you are" remarked a voice dryly. A voice Anthony knew well. A voice belonging to a person he wanted to kill one of these days; but especially now. She drew back from him startled; leaving his lips and body bereft of her.

"Hi Kate" said Colin with a grin.

"Anthony... Mother was looking for you... she needed to discuss something with you; she had received a letter from the lawyer regarding father's will. She couldn't find you, so she sent me" he said with a grin.

"Sorry to interrupt but she seemed a bit alarmed" Colin explained.

"Right... uhm... I'll see her in a moment.

"And Kate; Edwina would like to go home if that is okay with you".

"C-" damn her vocal cords didn't want to cooperate.

"Certainly... Well, I'd better go. Good evening to you both" commented a heavily embarrassed Kate, with one more glance at Anthony.

"I... I'll call you. If. if that's OK", Anthony asked.

Kate merely nodded and then walked away, offering Colin one last look of acknowledgement with her head.

And then the brothers were alone, but before Anthony could ignite his tirade Benedict came to his 'aid'.

"Hey... Mother is looking for you two.. She sent me to search for me; honestly not a good idea when she has seemingly lost two of her children already" Benedict joked.

Colin turned to Benedict and clung onto him with a smirk, refusing to let go.

"Ben... Don't leave. He's going to kill me in a minute. Protect THY SIBLING".

"Why? What did you do? And did I just see Kate leave... Did something happen or something, she didn't even greet me, and she seemed flustered... Was she coming from this direction now? Was she with you Anthony? Did something... happen... between...".

"Oh. OH." said Benedict now suddenly understanding, only to smile broadly and cross his arms; tauntingly starting at Anthony who was inwardly fuming.

"Not a word out of you. BOTH" Anthony commanded before walking away in firm steps, leaving two giggling Bridgerton's behind.