Hey everyone! I am so sorry for the long wait but school work has been hectic and my mental health has been really down lately. I really hope you enjoy this chapter! If anyone would like the list of character's professions and ages, please dm me. I have also made a Bridgerton Discord Server if you would like the link for that as well!

"Basically…you and Anthony are engaged."

"You have got to be kidding me." Anthony gritted out, hands clenched in fists as he stared at Simon. "This can not be legally binding Simon. Especially if Kate and I have no recollection of making the bloody thing."

"Plus it's on a napkin- a stained napkin, Simon. No court would accept it as a contract…right?" Kate stated, sending a pleading look to the man. Simon sighed and looked between his two friends, both of them displaying equally anxious expressions.

"I'll see if there's anything I can do but- as far as I can tell, this is legally binding. Both myself and Featherington have looked it over."

"Featherington's seen it?" Anthony went pale, Simon and Kate looking at him concerned. The man dropped his head into his hands and leant against the counter in front of him.

Kate was torn.

On the one hand, she was desperate to comfort her old friend, hating seeing him in distress. But, on the other hand, she needed a moment to process the information she had just been given, to try and figure out a loophole of some sorts.

"Kate? Everything alright in here, love?" Her mother called from the doorway, startling the trio. Right, her birthday. She'd forgotten about that.

"Everything is fine, Mama." Kate reassured her, plastering what she hoped was a convincing smile on her face. "Anthony here was just explaining how he could make it off work and surprise us all."

Her mother seemed to take in all of their expressions: Anthony hunched over the counter with his hands now stressfully carding through his hair, Simon's anxious look as he fiddled with a napkin and Kate's large smile which didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Right…" Her mother drew out, eyes flicking back to Kate. "Don't take too long okay, Kathani? Benedict's eager to bring out the cake."

"We'll be just a moment." Kate answered, suppressing an eye roll at the mention of her best friend's love for cake. Once her mother had nodded and left the room, Kate slumped against the counter with a sigh, taking a moment to collect her thoughts.

"Right," she started, turning around to face the two men, "first things first, no one, and I mean no one, can find out about this. Anthony and I had it hard enough in University with our mothers trying to pair us up. If they hear one word of this, we are doomed."

"I agree with Kate." Anthony's voice was muffled, his face still buried in his hands. When no-one else made an attempt to talk, he lifted his head and ran a hand through his hair, sighing deeply. "The less people who know about our- agreement the better. Especially when it comes to my family."

A murmur of agreement came from Simon and Kate as they shared a knowing look, well-versed in the knowledge of the 'Bridgerton Gossip Mill'. Even Hyacinth, the youngest Bridgerton, couldn't be trusted with a secret of any kind.

"Okay. As for the next thing, all three of us need to meet somewhere to discuss what to do about this. We can't do it here and now as it's Kate's birthday party and it's suspicious enough as it is with the three of us in here." Simon whispered, checking the doorway was clear before continuing. "My suggestion is we meet at one of our houses one afternoon this week and come up with a plan."

"My house is out of the question." Kate immediately stated, drawing both men's attention to her. "Do we really want to discuss this with Benedict in the same house? Sophie, I trust. But Ben's too much of a mama's boy to keep this a secret."

"I would offer my place but the bar is quite noisy in the afternoon." Simon frowned, both him and Kate turning to look at Anthony expectantly. Anthony sighed and stood up straight.

"I suppose we could meet at my place." He offered reluctantly, avoiding Kate's gaze. "I'll text you both the address on the day."

"Sounds like a plan." Simon declared, bringing his hands together. "Let's sort out the rest of the details later. For now," he turned to grin at Kate, "I believe the birthday girl owes me a dance of some kind."

"Simon," Kate laughed, her demeanour changing almost immediately as she took the hand that he had stretched out, "there's no music playing or other people dancing."

"Who needs music?" He asked, eyebrow raised as he spun Kate towards the exit, missing the longing look Anthony had sent their way.

"You're staying for the rest of the party, right Anthony?" Kate asked, pausing in the doorway. They held gazes for a moment, an imperceptible emotion in the man's eyes before he broke eye contact.

"Um, I'm not, I'm afraid." He admitted, giving an apologetic smile. "They still need me back at work."

"Oh," Kate breathed, her smile dropping slightly, "well, we'll see you at your place soon then?"

The look in her eyes was hopeful and Anthony was powerless to do anything but nod.

"Soon."

Thanks for reading! Love you all! - Ash 3