"He loved her in pink…."

"Family, I have an announcement to make!" All of us were seated at the breakfast table, busy chatting and munching until the eldest Bridgerton pounced up from his chair at the head of the table. Everyone paused, glancing to him startled- and a tad annoyed if you were some of his siblings. Anthony grinned, fixing his shirt to look pristine.

"What is it, dearest?" Violet went on to inquire. "We are going back to London- tomorrow." That set the room a buzz, with Edwina's eyes lighting up in particular. She dabbed her mouth with her napkin, looking at her fiancé with wide, excited eyes. "Does this mean I can finally go dress shopping?" Anthony nodded and she squealed. "Eeeeeeek! Did you hear that, Kate?! Oh! We also have to get my engagement ring re-sized." "We'll have plenty of time to do that once we're back. It's all settled; I've taken the liberty of arranging transportation for all of us," the viscount took his seat once more. "You did that very fast, Anthony. Is there any particular reason for the haste?" Violet then asked, to which Eloise tacked on: "Yeah. Did you ever stop to think that some of us might have wanted to stay in Bath a bit longer?"

Anthony suddenly frowned, firing off one of those "older brotherly" looks off to his sister. "We've been here for close to three weeks. It's high time we return home. Edwina and I have a lot to prepare for the wedding, and we still have to move hers and Kate's things to our estate in Chelsea." "I fail to see what that has to do with the rest of us," Eloise groaned rolling her eyes. "Now that's enough! I expect you to come back and support the Sharmas during this busy time. The summer's going by fast; we need all that Bridgerton energy if we want everything to be ready on time."

"Speaking of which, I should start making some calls to some dress venues today. Will you help me set up some appointments, Kate?" Edwina next asked me, to which I gave her a flat, deadpan glance. "No." "Kate! Oh come on, I've never bought a wedding dress before." "And you think I have any experience in the matter?" I fired back. "But I want your opinion." "You want my opinion on a dress? Me?" My hand rose up to my chest, making Benedict laugh and shake his head. "Don't worry, Edwina. I'll go with you; I've got a pretty good eye for fashion." "Thank you, Benny," my sister gave him a warm grin.

Violet's eyes turned from them back to her eldest son. She seemed alright but not overly pleased with the situation, not that Anthony could tell. "Well, that's very responsible of you to be so forward-thinking, dearest. I'm sure you'll have everything in order by September." "Indeed. I'll supply you with a dressing allowance, Edwina," Anthony noted, which made my sister light up like a Christmas tree. She certainly liked the sound of that. "Thank you, Anthony. Though make sure it's enough to cover shoes and jewellery as well." "Of course," he nodded again.

Soon after this Edwina took off from the table, rushing to her room to grab her wedding planner. A wedding planner- I wouldn't even know how to use one of those. Everyone else wandered off too, presumably to pack. Anthony waited until it was just me and him alone in the dining room. Smiling, he got up to pull out my chair for me. I grinned over at him from behind my shoulder.

"You're spoiling her already, you know." "Well she is my fiancée. Got to make sure she's happy with the arrangement." "That is very generous of you," I only hope Edwina doesn't take advantage of it. His eyes softened onto me slightly, his shoulders relaxing a bit. "My first order of business is moving the two of you into the manor. I'll arrange that the moment we arrive back in London." "Oh please don't worry about that Anthony, if you have more pressing calls upon your time. Edwina and I will move in eventually; it doesn't have to be immediate." "That's where you and I disagree," he remarked, and my cheeks sizzled a little. Trying not to smile too hard, my fingers curled on the helm of my shirt contentedly. Anthony witnessed my cute reaction and smiled once more, sincerely so.

"About your dress….." "What about it?" "You'll need a dress for the wedding too." "Oh, I'll just wear whatever Edwina puts me in," I waved my hand flippantly. Anthony shook his head, clasping his hands behind his back and taking another step in my direction. His deep, ocean eyes locked onto mine. "Nonsense. I want you to be in something that you actually like. You're going to be wearing it for a while at the ceremony." "Ah, I really don't care about dresses, and I HATE dress shopping. It's easier just to let Edwina deal with all that," my have gave another wave.

"All the same, I'll give you a dress allowance as well….. You can buy whatever dress you like," his eyes softened in their edges. I looked at him a moment, thinking to myself. That's when this organic smile began to bloom across my lips as well. "In that case, can I pick out my own dress….. but can it come from a charity shop? If I must take part in all this ceremony and what not, I'd at least like my contribution to go somewhere good- w-with my sister's approval, of course! I won't wear anything she doesn't like."

Anthony chuckled, taking yet another step nearer to me. His one hand came out from around his back to rest on the chair's top; the one I'd just been sitting in. His stare was so calm and kind right then…..

"Sure, if that's what you want. You pick the charity organization and I'll write them a cheque." "I already have one in mind. Since you're paying, I want it to do some good for men like you too…" I said and his gaze softened slightly. "I think I know which shop you're referring. I'll send them another donation," he absent-mindedly blurted out. My eyes grew a tad in surprise. "Another donation?" I repeated, causing Anthony's expression to falter as he realised his mistake. He hastily cleared his throat, ripping his eyes away from me.

"U-Uh well anyway, we're wasting daylight. You should go start packing; I've got to go make some calls." "Heh, ok then. Is there anything I can do to help you while we're still here?" I felt the need to offer. Anthony looked back at me before slowly, tenderly shaking his head, grinning as he did so. "Just be of assistance to your sister, however she needs. This is going to be a lengthy process." "Naturally," I giggled before turning to leave. But before I had the chance Anthony added:

"And I'll be assistance to you, however you need."