Kathani Sharma is a fast runner but never had she ran this fast before. Her heart is still pumping widely inside her chest. She could still feel the imprint of his lips on her. His touch has lit fire within her that no water could diminish. She was breathless by the time she reached Genevieve's home. Her relief was unexplainable as she found her friend sitting on a chair waiting for her. "Oh Gen! I am so glad you were waiting for me here!" Genevieve frowned at her friend's expression. "Where else would I be? I knew you would come here straight after congratulating your Viscount." "I hope you thoroughly congratulated him." She asked and at the sight of blush appearing on her face, Genevieve gave her a knowing look. "Kathani, why do you look so flushed?" "I, We, Oh Gen!" She sat beside her hiding her face in her palms as her face started to heat up. Genevieve looked at her friend with an alarming expression. Coaxing her face out of her palms, Genevieve makes Kathani look at her as she inquires. "Kathani? Tell me what happened?" "We kissed." She replied and Genevieve smiled at her friend in understanding. "Oh Kathani! Your first kiss!" Kathani nodded her head as she stared nervously at Gen. "Do you think I am fallen woman for kissing someone who is not my betrothed or husband?" Genevieve shook her head as she gently smiled at her. "Its not wrong, those are just stupid society rules that force us girls to feel bad about falling and showing our love." For some reason, Kathani still looked worried so she caressed her hair as she asked. "Do you love Lord Bridgerton?" "I do!" She replied without any hesitation. "Do you enjoy spending time with him? "Genevieve asked next. Kathani beamed as she eagerly confessed. "I love spending time with him both as Karan and Kathani and my love for him grew more as I spent more time with him." Pleased with her answer, Genevieve finally asked. "Now tell me? Did you enjoy kissing him?" She saw how her face changed as she bit her lips in worry. "That's the problem." "Problem?" Genevieve frowned as she pressed on. "What problem? Was he a bad kisser?" "Oh No! He was good, like absolutely best! Maybe a little inexperience like me but even that was endearing for that means I am his first kiss too. Oh Gen, the feeling of his lips on mine was euphoric. Like one time on ship when we shared an entire bottle of gin. It was like I was foxed because of his kiss." "If it was that good kiss then what's the problem?" Genevieve asks, feeling confused by her friend. "I think, I did something to him." She replied in a small voice laced with worry. "Kathani please tell me what happened?" She could see Kathani was both nervous and scared as she confessed. "While we were kissing each other, there was a moment when he was holding me close and I..." She was unable to say. "Kathani? Don't be scared, tell me what happened?" "I don't know but as we kissed more I felt something hard poking me on my stomach like wood or rod and when I moved away I saw something like that sticking out between his..." She was unable to complete her sentence and it seemed Genevieve understood her. "Oh." She gasped and stared at her with wide eyes. "Genevieve? Do you know what happened to him? Did I cause that? He was gasping for breath and looked horrified but still trying to comfort me." Kathani looked on the verge of tears not understanding how something wonderful could hurt her Anthony. Once the shock of Kathani's words were gone, Genevieve quickly embraced her young, clueless friend. "Shh, it's not your fault my dear." "That's what Anthony said but..." Genevieve quickly assured her. "No Kathani! Just listen to me. What you felt and saw was a prove of how much he enjoyed kissing you." Kathani's eyes widened in shock as she tried to digest her friend's words. "That thing appeared between his legs because he enjoyed our kissing?" Genevieve tried to contain her laughter at this innocent yet funny question. "Yes Kathani. That happens when men get excited or aroused while thinking or touching the woman they are attracted to. Like how sometimes you felt moist ache between your legs. Its same for them but more visible." Kathani thinks hard how liquid pool between her legs, especially during practice sessions with Anthony. Even now she squirms uncomfortably because she can also feel that ache, that arousal Genevieve is talking about. "Genevieve, why do we feel like this? I always thought kissing someone you love makes you feel exhilarated and while I do feel that, at the same time I also feel something unexplainable." Genevieve tried not to feel uncomfortable with this question. Truth is these things were not explained to girls before their wedding night and her aunt only explained things once she and Karan got engaged and she mentioned how they both enjoy kissing each other and exploring each other. It was then her aunt explained these feelings and also warned her about the consequences if they get carried away with their desires before marriage. "Kathani listens to me carefully. I know you love your Viscount and I know he is a decent and caring gentlemen who I am sure loves you as much as you love him but still you need to know these things before you go further into this relationship." "What things Genevieve." Kathani asked feeling both curious and afraid. Taking a deep breath she began to explain. "Man and woman, like all other creatures, are also carnal beings and when a man is attracted to a woman sometimes they do more then kiss to show each other affection." Kathani felt warmth pooling inside her belly as she remembered how she felt when Anthony's strong hands held her tightly. "Is he going to touch me in other places of my body?" "He can either touch or kiss or do both while showing his affection to you and you can do the same. Kathani love is a wonderful feeling in which your senses are heighten while showing affection. The way you look each other in love, the way you hear love declaration, the way you touch each other bodies while exploring the person you love , the way your scent make you dizzy and especially when you kiss each other you get chance to taste your lovers essences.That taste is divine Kathani and you want to run your lips on each other skin to show wordlessly how much you love each other." Kathani stared at her friend in new light and she couldn't help but ask. "Did you and my brother...?" She stopped herself but Genevieve understood her question as she smiled. "Your Brother is so affectionate, the way he used to hold me, the way he kissed me with passion and reverence and the way he makes love to me every time I ask was something I cannot describe in simple words." While Genevieve was remembering what if felt like to be with Karan, his sister's curious voice brought her back. "What do you mean by making love? Is that what people do for having children?" She gasped when a thought came to her mind. "Are you having a baby?" At this Genevieve couldn't help but laugh. "No silly, there are ways to prevent that and your Appa told that to your brother but first you need to know what making love means. It was then Genevieve explains entire process in detail with as much care as her aunt did. After she was done explaining Kathani was blushing hard, her eyes wide as saucers. "How will he fit inside there?" She wordlessly gestured and Genevieve smiled. "He will and if your Viscount is as affectionate as my Karan then he will be considerate to your needs and comfort but when that time comes you both need to be cautious so that he will not get you accidentally with child." "Genevieve we just kiss you don't need to tell me everything now." "Kathani, Mary is oceans away and even then she would not be explaining this deeply and as your friend and sister in law it's my responsibility next to teach you everything so you become aware that you can be with Lord Bridgerton but you have to act carefully." Genevieve waited while Kathani thought hard. "Alright tell me everything you want to tell me." With that, Genevieve started informing her ways to prevent any unwanted pregnancy and answer any questions Kathani had. By the time she left for university Genevieve felt drained but pleased that she was able to help her friend out.
As soon as Anthony returned he was glad to see Simon alone in their room. "Bassett! Thank God you are here?!" Simon, who was exhausted and trying to sleep stared at his friend with scowl but soon he felt concern when his eyes fell on his childhood friend who looked mixture of someone who just lived best and worst time of his life. "Bridgerton is everything alright?" Anthony groans as he falls on his bed. "Yes! No. I don't know?" "Huh?" Simon stared at his friend confused by his answers and then it clicked. "You were with Ms Sharma? Did something happen between you." "Yes we kissed! I am not ashamed to admit this but it was my first kiss and I think it was hers too." Simon knew his friend was green but the fact that Anthony had never kissed anyone before comes as a surprise. "How come you haven't kissed anyone yet? Was girls in Kent were not attracted to you?" Anthony looked offended as he explained himself. "Its not that opportunity never presented itself but I never felt attracted to those girls before and father always used to say that as future Viscount these girls came under my protection like my sisters, so you can understand why I never feel tempted by their advances." Simon does understand his friend after all, he never dallies with Clevedon girls. "Well you got your first kiss now and especially from the girl of your dreams, then why are you whining about it? Was the kiss that bad? You probably get better over time." "No! The kiss was best in fact it was even better than my dreams and fantasy." "Then what's the problem?" Simon asked impatiently and he could see his friend was embarrassed as his ears turned red. Viscount Anthony Bridgerton looked completely mortified as he confessed. "Kathani felt my arousal while we were kissing each other." "What?" At Simon's surprise expression Anthony quickly explains. "Remember when I told you how constantly aroused I felt around her?" His friend nodded his head and Anthony sighed as he admits. "Well think of it as thousands time over. My hands were holding her body so close to mine and I lost control and forgot that I am a gentlemen and like an animal I started rutting against her stomach." Anthony couldn't help but groan in frustration. "She must think me as scoundrel! Kathani saw the evidence of my desire for her and she was so scared and would have ran away from me if I had not pleaded her to stop." "And does she stop?" Simon couldn't help but ask." "Of course she stopped. She even listened to me as I apologized and she asked me to meet her tomorrow." Simon couldn't help but smile as he assured his friend. "There you go, she is not scared of you. She must probably be confused about what happened between you both and next time you meet her you can explain your reaction to her." "But, What if I am unable to control my reaction next time?" Anthony asks, feeling afraid he will scare his Kathani again. "Look Bridgerton you have strong feelings for Ms Sharma something I have not experienced myself but I know you will never harm her even in moment of passion." "Of course I would never harm her but Kathani is innocent and I feel like cad for exposing her to my desires." Simon sighed as he tried to explain to his friend. "Bridgerton, have you considered that the desires you are feeling for her well she must be feeling for you too." Anthony couldn't help but feel hopeful as he ask. "You mean she gets aroused by the thought of me?" Simon knew it wasn't his place but fathers in their society only speak to their son's about their desires. "She is human isn't she? Bridgerton women also feel desires like we men do. It's just foolish society rules that bound them and make them fear of expressing their desires before marriage and sometimes these innocent girls didn't even know what to expect before their wedding night." What Bassett was saying makes completely sense. "So next time I meet her?" "Tell her you desire her and ask her at each step what she wants. Bridgerton you have found something so special with Ms Sharma and it's your responsibility to guide her in right direction without exploiting her innocence. Do not let fear of society diminish your feelings but put her need above everything else." The way his friend eyes lit up with joy and hope Simon knew he had given the best advice of his life and by looks of it he is going to keep advising his friend in future.
As celebration of winning Autumn tournament the students were given respite from today's classes. Sharma has left soon after Breakfast stating that he will earn extra shillings for working early hours in Lumber Yard. He waited one hour after Sharma's departure before climbing on his horse as he rode towards the village. He stopped by the florist to grab a bouquet of tulips before heading over to the tailor shop. Genevieve was working on a dress when the door opened and none other then Viscount Bridgerton appeared with flowers in his hands. "Lord Bridgerton" Genevieve curtsied. "Ms. Delacroix. Please you are fiancé of my friend, there is no need for you to curtsied me. Tell me how you are faring today?" "I am fine My Lord. Do you have more damage suits for us to mend?" Anthony smiled embarrassingly as he said. "Actually I was hoping to see Kathani." Genevieve contained her excitement as she informed him. "Well my Lord Kathani is not here is at home. A tradesman is coming today and my papa asked her to stay home and receive the fabrics on our behalf." Anthony quickly excuses himself in hopes of meeting her but before he could leave Genevieve stopped him by the door. "Please be patient with her My Lord. Kathani is young and really taken with you and I sincerely hope you take care of her and not betray her trust in you." "You can trust me about my intentions. I will treasure Kathani more then my life." With that assuring promise, Anthony left to meet the woman he loves.
Kathani knew Anthony would come to meet her today. That's why she left university earlier and when Genevieve's father ask for someone to stay at house she volunteered her name. She knew Gen will send Anthony here but so far he hadn't arrived yet and by each passing second she is feeling afraid that he will not come because the way she reacted yesterday. She sighed wistfully as she spoke out loud. "Oh Anthony. I wish I wasn't ignorant to your desires for I feel them to." "Really?" Kathani gasped and stood up and saw Anthony standing at the entrance with a bouquet of tulips in his hand. He steppe closer and held out the flowers to her. "For you my sweet Kathani." Kathani feels touched as she accepts the bouquet. "Thank you Anthony. This is the first time someone gave me flowers." Anthony frowned as he asked. "Were men in India blind? because I wanted to shower you with flowers and gifts the moment I laid eyes on you." Kathani could feel that moist ache Genevieve was speaking about. She held her flower close as she admits. "I guess before you no one paid attention to me. I lived with the most beautiful princesses in India and people who visited there give them flowers." "Well then I count myself lucky because it was I who had given my beloved her first flowers." As soon Anthon said these words, Kathani gasped in shock. "Beloved?!" Mustering up all his courage he gently held her hand as he stepped closer. "I love you Kathani Sharma. I loved you from the moment we met and my love only grew more with each passing second between us. I yearn for you when we are apart and I am happiest when we are together. When my father passed away a part of me closed when I saw my mother suffering but my dear you burst that door open with just one smile and now I understand the depth of true love my parents shared and if you will have me I want to share the same love with you." Kathani was crying but they were tears of joy as her heart felt full of love for this man in front of her. "Oh Anthony! I don't know what to say." "You don't have to say anything." He tried to assure her but Kathani shook her head as she beamed. "The only thing I can say is that you are not in this feeling alone because I love you too." Anthony too has tears of joy as he pulls her into his arms and embraces her. For a while they stood there holding on to each other processing not only declaring their love but also receiving it. He gently cupped her face as he asked. "Can I kiss you my love?" "Yes!" She breathed and before he knew it she pulled his face towards her and kissed him passionately. To him it seems something has changed because Kathani seems sure about what she wants as she deepens the kiss. Once again he could feel his treacherous tongue trying to reach out and taste her but he firmly closed his lips as he kissed her back with as much passion as he convey. Kathani can feel his growing desire and she can tell he was moving away to create some distance. "Please do not move away. Genevieve explained to me what had happened and I am sorry I ran away from you like that." He kissed her nose and touched their foreheads. "Do not apologize darling and trust me I will never take advantage of you." She caressed his face gently and felt him leaning into her touch. "I trust you Anthony." With that they gave each other one more kiss before going back to embracing each other. For a few minutes they both stayed in each others arms while trying to calm their racing hearts. Finally he pulled away and kissed her with both hands as he told her. "I am going to speak with Sharma tonight after all it's his blessing I need before I could propose her sister. I am going to invite you all to my country seat Aubrey Hall for the Christmas holidays and there I will proposed to you." Kathani gasped and pulled away and Anthony frowned as she averted her eyes. "My love is there something wrong." "Anthony, there is something I need to tell you." He could see it was something really important she was going to say but then suddenly they were disturbed by a knock on the door and they saw a man holding a stack of fabrics. " Fabrics Delivery for Mr Delacroix." "Oh yes." Kathani looked flustered and Anthony knew she had to do her work. Kissing her hand he winked at her. "I will see you tomorrow. I believe my coat will get badly torn tomorrow." Kathani burst out into laughter while the man holding fabrics stared at him strangely as he walked passed him. Anthony was smiling all the way back to university and now he cannot wait for Sharma to return so he could ask for his sister's hand.