It was a stormy night when Anthony woke up at the sound of booming thunder.

At seventeen years of age he thought he would be able to control this feeling but at night like this old memories start plaguing his mind.

It seems like yesterday when he used to wake up and head towards the library knowing that Uncle Milan must be there reading to Kathani.

They both would smile at him as he joined them and sat beside his friend. Holding her hand in comfort knowing extremely well his touch lessen her fear from storm as much as her Appa's voice when he read to her.

Sadly, now they are both gone and Anthony knows that this stormy night would never bother Kathani again, after all there are no storms in heaven.

Anthony knew he won't fell asleep easily again so he got up and walked towards library thinking that reading a book might help him out.

The hallways of Aubrey Halls were quiet except for occasional thunder and rain noise.

He was just turning towards the wing where his father's study and library were situated when he heard angry raised voice of his fathers.

"I will ask you one last time! Tell me everything you know about this Rhododendron Gladiolus !?"

"I do not understand what you mean My Lord?" His steward voice was calm and clear.

"You don't? Let me tell you something Smith I have been on to you for the past five years! Ever since you came up with these investments schemes. I know who you are corresponding too but in all that I don't understand what does this flower stand for so I ask you face to face! What do you know about this Rhododendron Gladiolus !?"

"Sir, I think you are getting sick again!" His steward suggests."

"Get out! Humboldt make sure he didn't leave this state until further notice but this isn't over Smith! Mark my words the day I discovered all proves against you and your true masters, it will be the day you will all be hanging on the noose!"

"As you wish my Lord!" In the shadows Anthony watched Smith Leaving the room his face filled with anger.

"Humboldt sent this message to Doctor Dorset, telling the messenger he needs to bring him to Aubrey Hall as fast as he can and Humboldt prepared my things for London we will leave as soon as Doctor Dorset arrives."

But two days later.

"Father! Father! God someone help me!"

Anthony watched as his mother rushed outside. "What happened!"

"I don't know It was bee!" They both watched as his father was gasping for his breath and in last moment he clutched Anthony's collar to bring him close as he managed to said his last word. "Treasure!"

His hand fell away and his mother let out blood-curdling screams. "Edmund!"

Anthony! Anthony!

With a gasp, Anthony opened his eyes and as his vision cleared he saw Benedict staring at him worriedly. "Ben."

"Brother are you alright? You seem to be having some kind of nightmare about father, you were calling him in your sleep."

Anthony sighed as he rubbed his face, his eyes fell on his father's portrait.

Apparently he fell asleep in his study while thinking about him. His half written letter to Simon still in front of him.

"I was thinking about him a lot last night and then I dreamed about that day when he..."

He couldn't continue but his brother understand as he quickly fetch him glass of water. "Here drink this and tell me what happened?"

Anthony took his time. The truth is his mouth felt parched as those images still appear in front of his eyes. Finally he put the empty glass back and showed Simon's letter to Benedict.

Benedict read the letter and then his eyes widened in surprise. "Arthur Smith?! How did that weasel get involved with this?!"

"I can't tell you anything but apparently our old steward manages to achieve his heart desire at Hastings which he was unable to achieve with father and then me."

Benedict looked questioningly and Anthony's eyes flicker towards his father's portrait as he replied. "He wanted to lend parts of our lands to Sheffield to double our income. Father refused him plainly because of our strained relationship with Sheffield's after what that woman."

Anthony took a deep breath to control his breathing before he continued. "After what Lady Mary and her Parents did with Kathani, after they abandoned her for exile, our father didn't wanted to do anything with them even if they made him richest man in the entire country. There were many times I overheard argument between them about this topic and each time our father refused him."

"Did he tried to convince you after father's death?" Benedict inquired and Anthony's eyes flared up. "Yes! That man ambitions have no boundaries nor shame! It was right after father's funeral we all have just returned and I was sitting alone in his, now mine study when he arrive inside. He told me some bogus story about father's interested in this huge investment and it was his last wish..."

Suddenly Anthony's eyes widened as he recall that day in great detail. "He wants me to lend our lands to Sheffield but luckily I had heard an argument between them two nights prior and I knew in my heart that father would never do business with him so I fired him for his deception and threw him out of Aubrey Hall instantly."

Anthony still couldn't understand what was the topic of their argument that night because soon it eclipsed his mind until now.

"Ben, go fetch Humboldt and Colin and bring them here."

While he waited he tried to recall how smoothly Smith lied to him that day. He thought that he was some amateur boy but what he didn't realize how deep rooted conflict was between these two families.

Benedict returned with Colin and Humboldt who, despite known for his calm personality, looked curiously at him. "My Lord, Mr Bridgerton told me you want to see me urgently?"

"Yes Humboldt, please take a seat." His old butler looked hesitant but finally took the offer seat beside Colin while Benedict leaned against the table.

"This letter arrived yesterday from duke of Hastings! He was inquiring about the whereabouts of the Late duke of Hastings Steward, Arthur Smith, the same man who was in our employment until I fired him."

"Arthur Smith then went to the old Duke of Hastings and became his steward until his death. After that he disappeared leaving a lot of mess behind for His Grace." Benedict informed him.

All three brothers noticed Humboldt's eyes widen in shock as he asked. "May I ask why his grace is searching for him now? After all, it had been more than two years since the Late Duke of Hastings passed away. As far as I can tell Smith could be employed elsewhere by now or retired to country life."

Anthony and Benedict shared look while Colin stared at them confusion. "Brother? What is going on?"

In answer he picked up Simon's letter and hand it to Colin. While Colin reads it he turned to answer Humboldt who was most loyal to both his and his father and the entire Bridgerton family. "What I am going to tell you is very important and I don't want one word out of this room."

"You can trust me my Lord?" Humboldt assured him with most sincere voice.

Anthony then began to tell him everything and once he was done he told Colin to show the letter to their butler so he could read it himself.

Humboldt read the letter and then it seemed he was reading it again and again. Once he was done reading it for the fourth time, he, with shaking hands, put the letter back on the table.

He then looked up and... "My lord, I implore you! You need to stop His Grace with this investigation at once."

"What?!" Three voices rang together as they watched their old butler taking out his handkerchief and wiping sweat off his forehead. "My Lord, Mr Bridgerton's you need to stop with this investigation at once. I don't want history repeating itself and know this, bad things happened to those before you who tried to investigate this matter."

While Benedict and Colin stared at Humboldt in surprise, anxiety grew in Anthony's mind as he sat straight and inquired in his authoritative voice. "What are you talking about? What do you mean by history repeating itself? What do you know about our old steward and his dealings with Sheffield's!"

Humboldt looked tense but when Anthony continued to stare at him he finally started telling them everything he knew.

"I was talking about your father."

Anthony's eyes widen while Benedict looked baffled as he ask. "What about our father? What he has to do with your warning?"

"Everything sir!" Humboldt exclaimed as his eyes fell on the old Viscount Edmund Bridgerton portrait. "Just like you three and His Grace many years ago your father began investigations about Sheffield's. It all happened right after Doctor Sharma's and then his daughter Lady Kathani's deaths. Your father has sworn to prove his friend's innocence. He hides about this to everyone in the family, including the Viscountess because he knows what dangers lies ahead as he continues to this path."

"Dangers?" Colin suddenly intervenes. " What kind of Dangers are you talking about and how the hell does he know where to begin?"

"Your father began where Doctor Sharma had left his investigation."

At their shocked faces he nods his head. "Yes Doctor Sharma, it all started with him when he was summoned to the Palace after our King was diagnosed with some unexplainable mental condition. Now I don't know what he found out but Lord Bridgerton and he used to corresponded a lot during that time and he informed him that he was close to figure out the cure and cause for his illness. Everything was going al right until one night when everything changed."

(Flashback

Humboldt was just about to head towards his room when Doctor Sharma suddenly arrived carrying his sleeping daughter in his arms.

"Humboldt where is Edmund?!" Doctor Sharma inquired and there was urgency in his voice.

"Lord Bridgerton is sleeping at the moment should I?"

"No! No! I cannot wait that long! I will see him myself but can you take Kathani to nursery."

Without waiting for reply he gently placed Lady Kathani in his arms. Humboldt watched as he kissed the sleeping child's forehead as he whispered. "Appa will return soon."

With that he ran towards Viscount room and by the time Humboldt returned from nursery he saw Doctor Sharma running and Lord Bridgerton following him as he called his name.

"Milan stop! listen to me!"

He followed them outside and saw Doctor Sharma was about getting into the carriage where his assistant Doctor Dorset was waiting for him by carriage door holding his medicine bag.

"Milan stop listen to me tell me what is going on?"

"I cannot wait one second my friend otherwise they will make our King's illness worse. Just look after my Kathani and I promise I will give you all the answers once I returned."

Giving one last hug to his friend he took the bag from his assistant and went to sit inside the carriage and all three of them stood there watching as Doctor Sharma's carriage disappeared under the dark night.

End of Flashback)

"Doctor Sharma didn't return and as you all know what happened next. Your father and I rushed towards London to find out about what happened but the king didn't remember much about that night and Queen could only tell them she saw Doctor Sharma after he was executed by their family member. Your father came up with negotiations to keep Lady Kathani and the king agreed with his negotiations they..."

Humboldt seemed to hesitate and Anthony urged him. "They what?"

Humboldt stared at him hard and then sadly shook his head. "It doesn't matter because it was then a messenger came with letter for Viscount, your mother had written about Lady Kathani's exile. Leaving everyone shock at this news."

Rage burst in Anthony's heart as he punched on table. "Shock! Why were they shocked about something they caused."

"They did not! Neither King nor Queen nor any of their sons had passed that order."

All that previous anger drains from Anthony's face. "What?"

" It is true my lord, Lady Kathani's exile was not caused by the King, Queen or any of the Prince but before anyone could figure out what really happened it was too late and Lady Kathani was gone."

For a while it was complete silence as everyone processed this truth until Benedict quietly asked. "When did my father start investigating?"

"Two years later, you see one day we were visiting White's where we saw Lord Featherington betting heavily on cards games. He then boosted that his recent investment had solved his money problem. When everyone asked he refused to tell but later under Alcohol influence he informed your father that Sheffield is going to cover his betting losses as long they can harvest on his lands."

Colin frowned at this part. "I don't understand why this information create suspicion in fathers mind?"

"It was not this incident but what happened afterwards. You see a few weeks later your father steward came up with a business investment idea. I don't know if you remember My Lord but a plague of plant eating bugs happened that year rendering many lands undesirable for harvesting for many years to come. It was during that time few of our lands suffered too and Arthur Smith wanted to lend those unusable land to Sheffield for harvesting."

"That still didn't explains his suspicions." Benedict spoke up and Humboldt stood up as he then started looking at shelf and then pulled out an old ledger.

"Luckily Viscount Bridgerton took away the first deal papers from Smith and after we moved here I brought it here along with other ledgers."

He then placed it in the middle and opened it and all three brothers started reading that investment agreement and then they all frowned as they stared at him.

Finally Anthony asks. "You said land were supposed to lend to Sheffield but here it says that land ownership and responsibility is on Viscount Bridgerton and Sheffield's name is not mentioned."

"Exactly my Lord, they didn't want land nor its owner ship but they want to be silent partner while they just harvest on it and the profit half of land owners will be given before the season or harvest starts."

"That's insane! It can't be legal!" Anthony exclaims.

"Apparently they made a legal deal." He points at signature.

" Prosecutor Willis Herbert." Anthony gasped as he read that name again and again.

"Yes my lord and I can assure you that not just this family but a few other families were offered the same deal but your father was smart enough to figure out something was wrong and Even he refused his Steward he started keeping an eye on him."

"So what does he find out." Colin inquires in excitement but Humboldt shakes his head. "I am sorry Mr Bridgerton but what happened next is mystery to me. All I can tell is that a few months later he got reacquainted with Doctor Dorset. Your father never invited him to Aubrey Hall but he used to visit him often and at that time he would drop me at inn and visit him alone. In his last years Viscount Bridgerton was leading a secret life because he may have figured out that his investigation is dangerous. I believe he was close to find out truth but sadly all that was over with your father's death."

After that no one said the word and finally Anthony asked. "Why didn't you tell any of this before?"

"Because I have lost Lord Bridgerton and I didn't want to lose any more of his family members. I thought if he kept this truth, his secrets from you all then it was for your own protection and so I followed his unsaid command."

Humboldt then stood up, bowed and was about to open the door when Anthony's voice stopped him. "What happened to Doctor Dorset? I don't think ever saw him around here."

"I believe he live with his family in Bath and as for why you haven't saw him is because his fate was worse then death."

It was late in the afternoon when Anthony finally got out of his study and he found his sisters huddled together with none other then Penelope, who looked little better as she sat between Colin and Eloise both trying to feed her with cake and biscuits.

"Ms Featherington? How are you? I thought Doctor Sterling said you and Countess would need a week's rest to recover?"

"Yes, I was going to recover at my house but sadly Mama and my sisters were invited to Mr Finch's house as it is not safe for them to stay alone without male relative at these dangerous times. I am fortunate that Lady Bridgerton offers me to stay here until Countess returns."

"Countess returns?" Anthony frowns as he inquires. "Where is she going?"

Penelope looked nervous as she replied. "She is leaving this evening with her cousin Doctor Sterling for his Bath residence to recover in peaceful environment."

"But she didn't inform me about these plans." It was not a question as his siblings and family stared at him in sympathy .

"Brother she is sick, maybe she forgot to send a message to you." Daphne tries her best to placate him but he knows something is wrong especially how Penelope is unable to meet his eyes.

"I am going to see her."

"No!"

Penelope stood up as she nervously looked down. "I mean there is no need and I think she didn't want you to catch her illness."

Anthony stare at this young girl who was just like his sister and he knows in his heart that something is definitely wrong.

Without a word he turned around and left ignoring his siblings voice.

He didn't took carriage as he climbed on his horse and galloped towards Beaumont house.

By the time he reached there he saw a carriage outside and Jacopo putting last of luggage.

"Where is Countess?!" He inquires and Jacopo didn't replied at once but give him strange look.

"Anthony."

He turned around and saw his Priyaey dressed in a dark blue dress and black cloak.

She looked extremely weak unable to walk on her own as most of her weight was on her cousin who was helping her out.

He quickly rushed to pull her in his embrace. "What is going on? Why are you leaving? Where are you going?"

She was silent as she quietly hugged him back.

Finally after her cousin cleared his throat she moves away. "I need to go Anthony, I came here thinking this place was safe enough to start a new life but after what happened yesterday, I just need some time to think about my next step."

Anthony's heart sanked because like Penelope, she was also not meeting his eyes.

Cupping her face he made her look at him. "Priyaey, Kate my Love. You don't need to be afraid about your life here. I can protect you. If its security you want , we can get married and you won't have to live alone anymore! We can live here or my country seat but please don't leave me alone!"

Tears fell from her eyes and soon she was embracing him as she cried in his arms and each tear felt like a crack to his heart because his brave Countess hardly let out her tears and now she was crying in his arms.

"Just when I thought! You say something like this! How can I?!"

She managed to gasp between her sobs.

He couldn't understand what she is trying to say."I don't understand."

She finally stopped crying and moved away. Her voice was hoarse as she told him. "I need some time to think."

"Kate?"

"Please Anthony! If you love me you have to give me this time! You have to let me go!"

"But Why?!" He burst out desperately. "Did I do something wrong?! Why this sudden urge to leave me when clearly you are too sick to travel?!"

More tears fell from her eyes as she shook her head as if trying to stop them.

Behind her Philip and Jacopo were staring at them with sad eyes and he couldn't understand why they are leaving.

Finally she calmed down and grabbed both his hands as she kissed them one by one. "Anthony, I need to leave, I never asked you for anything so I ask this please let me go for now."

Tears started falling from his eyes as he asked. "Will you come back to me?"

But instead of replying she kissed him with passion and love and before he could reciprocate she moved away. "Good bye Anthony."

He stood frozen to the spot as she went back to her cousin who gave them sympathetic look as he helped her into the carriage before following her inside.

Anthony slowly walked as the carriage started moving and once again he saw someone close to his heart leaving him as the carriage vanished out of his sight, taking his heart along with it.