As the carriage approached near its destination, Kathani's heart was beating faster. Her eyes transfixed on the beautiful landscape that was passing by.

Anthony was able to feel how tense she was. He glanced at Genevieve who like him was also watching Kathani.

Genevieve gave him an encouraging nod as he gently nudged Kathani to gain her attention. She looked startled when she turned to face him and Anthony could see how nervous she actually was. "Do not worry darling, I am sure my family will love you."

"I hope you are right but what if they wont approve of me?" She asks with a hint of panic in her voice. "I am an ordinary orphan girl without any noble bloodline or dowry. What would we do if they say I am not good enough to be a Viscount's wife?"

Genevieve reached out to grab her hand while Anthony assured her. "Darling, my family is not like other families of Ton. My parents believe in love and when they see how much I love you they will love you too."

"Beside you have every quality to be a spectacular Viscountess." Genevieve told her, making her smile as Anthony kissed her cheek. "She is right, you will be the best Viscountess in entire England."

Feeling encouraged by these words Kathani was able to settle her nerves down by the time carriage stopped and with Anthony's help she stepped outside and her eyes fell on her future home.

Living in Palace Kathani was used to Grand architecture but the moment her fell eyes on Aubrey Hall all she could think was it was a beautiful home straight out of dreams.

The house was built beautifully but there was a homely feeling to it too.

"Welcome to your new home Kathani." Anthony whispered in her ears as he led her and Genevieve towards a group of people who were descending down the steps to greet them.

Kathani watched as Anthony's younger siblings break ranks and rushed down to greet him.

Anthony hugged Benedict tightly as he said. "Its great you are back Anthony!"

Colin hugged him next as he yelled. "Did you bring those biscuits you loved at Oxford." Anthony ruffled his hair and handed him a small box. "Here you go."

He then smiled as his young sisters reached towards him. Kathani watched as he dropped down and embraced his three sisters who were talking at the same time trying to gain their brother's attention. "Al right! Al right I have gifts for all of you!"

"Your siblings have been waiting for your arrival since morning."

Anthony stared at his uncle George and Auntie Billie who were holding little Gregory in their arms. "Anie!' his young brother tried to reach him and he grabbed him in his arms and kissed on his forehead. "Hello Greg."

He then reached out to give one arm hug to his aunt and uncle. "Uncle George, Auntie Billie it's so good to see you here."

"You too my son." His uncle patted his back while his aunt frowned as she surveys him. "You look a little thin."

Before he could reply his eyes fell on his mother who was walking towards them and holding his little sister. Anthony looked at his youngest sister grown few inches since the last time and even his mother looked better.

"Oh Anthony!" She reached out and embraced him. "I missed you so much my son."

Anthony handed Gregory to his aunt and kissed his mother's cheek before reaching out to hold his sister. "Hello Hyacinth." It may be months but soon she came into his arms. It was like she recognized him as she stared at him with her bright eyes and then smilingly touched his face.

"Anthony." His mother calls him as she was smiling at someone behind him.

Kathani watched as Anthony turned around and then gave her a big smile as he gestured her to join them. "Mother, I want you all to meet Kathani Sharma. The girl I mentioned in my letters I want to marry and her sister in law Ms Genevieve Delacroix."

"Oh Anthony! She is gorgeous!" Auntie Billie squealed while Violet smiled and touched her arm. "Welcome Ms Sharma, welcome Ms Delacroix."

The both girls curtsied as Kathani said. "Thank you for having us in your home."

Violet smiled at this beautiful young girl who is the reason for her son's happiness.

She watched as the rest of her children introduced themselves and asked many questions. "Come children let your brothers and ladies settled down before we all gathered for lunch."

Anthony watched as his mother and aunt led His siblings, Genevieve and Kathani inside who glanced at his direction and he was happy to see her previous nervousness fade away.

As he and his uncle followed the group he whispered. "Uncle we need to talk."

"We will Anthony but after you settled down and have your lunch. Otherwise Billie and your mother will scold me if they don't make you healthy again."

Anthony couldn't help but laugh as they followed the family inside.

The lunch was a noisy affair as everyone asked questions after questions regarding Anthony's time at Oxford and how he met Kathani.

Since his siblings are too young to understand the complexity of their situation, Anthony told them Half-truth. "I met her at a village near Oxford."

As soon as lunch was finished he gave his uncle a look and both gentlemen stood up and excused themselves from the table.

Before leaving, Anthony squeezed Kathani's hand and kissed her hand as he assured her. "Do not worry, uncle and I will find a way for us to get married soon." Kathani smiled as she watched both men walked away.

As soon they stepped inside the study. Uncle George took seat while Anthony hesitated to sit on his father's previous chair.

"Son, if you are mature enough to get married, then you are mature enough to take your rightful place in this house."

Anthony and uncle George stared at each other and then his uncle smiled as Anthony walked around the table and finally sat at his father's, now his chair.

"Good, now before we discuss matters of state first let's discuss matters of your life."

Anthony braced himself as he began. "You remembered my last letter where I mentioned a difficulty regarding her brother."

"Difficulty? What kind of difficulty?" His uncle asked.

"Many months ago Karan Sharma went overboard from his ship along with twenty or more passengers after a sea storm struck their ship. Since then Kathani, Karan Sharma's twin sister, has impersonating her brother and studying in his stead and everyone at Oxford including myself, never suspected a thing. I only found out her truth after I proposed to her and she confessed everything whilst I was asking for her hand thinking she was her brother."

His uncle was watching him with mouth agape and after a few minutes he only composed himself as he said. "Explain everything from the start."

So Anthony began telling his uncle everything in detail that had happened since the first day he met Kathani as Karan Sharma.

Once he was done his uncle was my quite for sometimes until he looked up and asked. "I understand you are taken with this girl but considering your age and lack of experience I have to ask, are you really sure about this girl? Is this love or just mere attraction?"

"Uncle I understand I don't have experience of intimate relationships like other men of my age. Heck, I am not ashamed to admit that when I left for Oxford I was virgin thinking of losing it but somehow I never felt attracted to anyone until I met Kathani and yes physical attraction aside, we had formed deep friendship and understanding and my soul recognized her as my other half. After all I know true soulmate in my parents and after meeting Kathani I knew deep in my heart that she was born for me as I am for her."

George could see how passionately his nephew loves these girls but once again it's his duty to remind him. "Anthony, are you aware of the troubles you both have to face once you have taken her under your protection?"

"I understand but I also know that as my Viscountess she can survive these troubles a lot better than just being Kathani Sharma."

"Alright Anthony, I will support you and I am sure your mother and aunt will support you too but son you need to keep this secret from your siblings because we cannot afford it if they slip anything by mistake."

Anthony nodded his head as his uncle stood up and started pacing. "Since it's an off-season we need to present Ms Sharma to the Queen as your future Viscountess. I will tell her that she is the daughter of my old friend from India who came here to get married and here she is mine and Billie ward. You both have to put a show that it was love at first sight and now you want to marry her and make her your Viscountess."

His uncle then turned as he told him in a serious voice. "Under no circumstances will you mention Karan Sharma, just let me handle this matter while you both prove your love and hopefully the Queen will understand and grant you special license and after you both get married I will use my contacts to find Karan Sharma."

Anthony stood up and happily hugged his uncle. "Thank you uncle! Thank you so much" George laughed and patted his nephew's back. "Come now, you can thank me once we get you and your fiancé to alter for now let's hope for the best and let's discuss some state matters."

So with that Anthony and his uncle resume their seats and as they discuss the matters Anthony couldn't help but be happy to have support from his uncle.

After lunch Kathani and Genevieve were invited to spend time with Anthony's family.

Genevieve was showing off her embroidery skills to Daphne while Kathani was painting with Benedict, who praised her artistic skills. "You are good with watercolours, I wish I was as good as you."

Kathani watched his sketch and chuckles as she praised the young guy. "Its easy to dabble with watercolours but your skills in sketching makes me envy you."

Violet and Billie smiled as they watched Kathani so wonderful with children. "Trust me when you taste my handmade sweets you will forget about your cake and biscuits."

The look of Aww Colin was giving her made Billie laugh. "looks like Anthony has some competition."

As hours passed Violet was sure her children were enamoured by their guests, especially Ms Sharma, even little Hyacinth was playing with Her long curly hair while Francesca sat beside Ms Sharma as she teaches her new tune on Piano.

In a span of a few hours, this girl has won heart from youngest to oldest family member. Even staff seemed to like their new guests When Ms Sharma and Ms Delacroix offered to help clear dishes when maids came in to take them away.

Yet no one is more smitten than Anthony, whose eyes were admiring Ms Sharma this entire time.

Violet noticed that her Son like his father, has that magnetic pull. No matter how far they were sitting from each other their eyes will often catch each other.

"You really love her don't you?" Violet inquires and to her delight her son gives his brightest smile as he confesses. "As much as you and Father love each other."

"Oh Anthony!" Violet kissed her son's forehead and embraced him with teary eyes as she made a confession of her own. "After your father's death and the way I behaved, I was afraid you would close yourself from love but I am glad that your heart has found Ms Sharma before it could close off to love."

"I agree mother, when I left for Oxford I was not looking forward to falling in love but the moment I met Kathani it was as if I found my light and day by day she took me away from that darkness that was filled in my heart after Father's death. She is my best friend, my confidant and my one true love."

"Then I owe her with my life and will happily accept her as my daughter." Anthony smiled and with uncle George's encouraging nod he began to tell his mother and aunt. "Truth is I need you both to help Kathani to prepare her for meeting with The Queen."

"What do you mean?" Billie asked while Violet looked baffled as Anthony looked at his siblings who were distracted by Kathani and Genevieve and then he began to fill in the reason he brought girls with him.

After he was done he told them in a resolute voice. "I promise Kathani that I will protect her while she full fills her father's and brother's dream by studying at Oxford. I know it's the great risk I am taking but at least Kathani will be my Viscountess and her family along with Ms Delacroix will be under my protection."

Even they were worried, both women were awed by how mature Anthony had become in a span of months. "Anthony, like you we also adore Ms. Sharma and if this is your decision then we will support you in any way we can."

"Thank you mother." Anthony says this in both relief and gratitude. "With you both guiding her, I am positive my Kathani will charm The Queen and hopefully we will get married before Christmas."

Violet smiled and then Anthony braced himself as he asked. "Mother, since you have given me your blessing ,can I ask you for something else?"

"What?

"Your betrothal ring."

After dinner everyone retired earlier and as everyone went towards their room Anthony grabbed Kathani's hand and they both sneaked away towards gardens.

The snow had not fallen yet but the night was cold as Anthony led her towards a small archway surrounded by winter blooms.

Kathani watched that despite the cold night Anthony was feeling sweaty as he stared at her intensely.

"Anthony?" She dreaded to ask but seeing him like this makes her wonder. "Is everything all right? Does your family not like me?"

"No!" He yells before quickly composing himself. "I mean to say, do not worry because they all fell in love with you just like I have, in fact I think Colin and even little Gregory have taken liking to you the way they both were at your side."

Kathani laughed and pinched his cheek. "Do not worry darling, I won't trade you for your brother no matter how adorable they are."

Anthony smiled but then fidgeted again for some reason, making Kathani wonder what the problem was. "Anthony? Please tell me is there something wrong?"

"No darling, everything has gone smoothly. Uncle George and I planned everything. First we will present you in front of the Queen as mine intended. Do not fret once she sees how truly we love each other she will grant us license weather you were noble born or not."

Kathani felt scared but she trusted Anthony and her uncle to handle these things but still. "Anthony, is there something I have to do?"

"Yes, my mother and aunt will prepare you for this meeting and I am sure you will do great and learn everything quickly." He told her confidently, making her smile.

He then grabbed her hand as he kissed her palm. "But first thing we need to do is make sure that everyone knows who you belong to."

With that, Anthony got down on his knee and presented his beloved with the ring that was once symbol of his parents' love.

Kathani gasped as her eyes fell on the beautiful ring as Anthony began to say. "My Darling Kathani, I fell in love with you the moment I saw you for the first time and maybe even before when I fell confused around your another persona. Kathani my love you are my joy, my guiding light and my soulmate and you will make me the happiest man on this earth if you accept this ring and marry me."

Kathani was crying as she managed to gasp. "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Anthony felt joyful tears as he slipped his family ring on Kathani's finger where it will belong as long they lived.

Standing up he pulled his Kathani and kissed her with passion and love. After a few seconds when he felt her shivering, he decided to escort her towards her room.

They both were walking side by side while their pinkie's were connected together, softly caressing other hands.

Once they reached the room she was staying in Anthony kissed her goodnight before sighing against her lips. "Good night my love, I will count each second until we can get married and finally be together so I can make sweet love to you."

He kissed her forehead and took a long sniff of her scent. "Until then, sweet dreams darling."

Kathani watched as he walked away and as she stepped inside her eyes fell on Genevieve's sleeping form.

She remembered her and Genevieve's previous discussions about desires and making love and then an unsettled feeling started rising inside her until something clicked.

"He wants to do what?!"

Anthony has taken his shoes, stockings, coat and waistcoat off. He pulled his braces down and then just when he was about to pull his shirt off a loud knock startled him.

"Bridgerton open the door!" A voice hissed from outside.

Anthony opened his door and Kathani barged inside looking agitated but alluring in her purple robe and white nightgown. "Sweet heart how did you find my room?"

"I bribed Colin to tell me by helping him sneak a plate of shortbread into his room." She replied as she looked around his room.

"This is not Viscount's room, right?" She asked.

"No, at this moment Viscount's room is being remodelled, mother and I agreed to change its decor entirely if they expected me and my bride to reside there. If you want you can help my mother out with decorating it."

Kathani's gaze momentarily softened before he saw something changed as she got nervous all of the sudden as she asked. "Your parents used a Viscount room or separate...?"

She trailed off but Anthony realized her question. "They loved each other so much that my mother never used a Viscountess room and I hope my wife will also love me enough to share a room with me."

"Anthony we are already sharing room for months."

"But I was hoping without Basset or Dorset this time." He joked but apparently Kathani was not listening as she seemed lost in her thoughts.

Crossing the distance he made her look at him as he asked. "Kathani, tell me what is bothering you?"

"Anthony, earlier you speak of making love but." She took a deep breath as she said. "What if you don't like what we did? What if something goes wrong and we both couldn't make each other happy by our love making skills?"

Anthony tried to contain his amusement as he reminds her. "Darling, since it will be our first time we both will be equally unskilled and I hope as time goes our skills will improve."

Anthony thought these words will be enough to assure his fiancé but Kathani looked mortified as she gasped. "You want to consummate this marriage without any knowledge! Have you lost your mind!?"

Anthony watched her incredulously as he yells in frustration. "Then what do you suggest we do!"

"We will study and practice prior to our wedding night of course!" She replied as if it was the most simple thing in the world as she took out a small book out of her robe pocket and gave it to him.

Anthony couldn't help as his eyes budged out as he saw illustrations on the inside of the book which was filled with various kinds of position and technique for sex.

He couldn't help but yell in outrage. "What the hell is this?!"