The morning after their wedding, the couple prepared to set off on their honeymoon. They left later than anticipated, first because Anthony insisted that he had to prove to Kate that the previous night had not been spectacular just because it was the first time, and then because their family had all stayed at Aubrey Hall, and insisted on giving their individual felicitations once more.

Eventually, Kate and Anthony made it to their honeymoon destination. On Colin's suggestion, they had decided to travel to a small island off Greece. Anthony had only left England for short stints in his youth, never able to gallivant like his younger brothers due to the responsibilities

placed on him as head of the family. He was still unsure about leaving the family accounts for so long, but Kate had pleaded with him to delegate his duties so they could have a proper honeymoon, and Anthony found himself unable to deny her. He also quite fancied having some time off- having been in charge since the age of 19, he had not had respite in many years.

It was decided that Violet would oversee any household arrangement, Benedict was in charge of the estate, and Simon would assist in any legal or political issues that arose. Even though Anthony had left strict instructions and detailed notes for all three, he was still nervous for the first few days of the honeymoon. He was visibly anxious, and kept wondering out loud if Benedict had remembered to collect the dues from the tenants and if Violet had found a new gardener for Bridgerton House or how Simon was faring with the issues surrounding the newest Act that was being pushed through parliament. It was only once Kate, tired of sharing her husband's attentions with fictional catastrophes happening in Anthony's presence, declared that her honeymoon was over until Anthony decided to let himself enjoy their time in Greece, and had stormed out of the room.

Anthony found his wife not long after, apologising for how distracted he had been, and proving to her, in more way than one, how ecstatic he was to be with her.

For Kate, Greece was heaven. She had never left the country before, and she adored the warm sun and the slower pace of life. Here they didn't have to be members of the ton. Anthony wasn't a viscount, he was just her husband, and she loved how little pressure there was.

They were staying in a beautiful Grecian villa, all white stone and ocean views. There was a small staff to help with things like cooking and cleaning, but otherwise it was just the two of them. They had fallen into a blissful and leisurely routine. They would wake and make love, listening to the sounds of the waves on the beach below, and feeling the slight breeze through the open window. Afterwards, they would dress and eat breakfast. They were served the most incredible range of fruits and breads, and Kate was grateful she was using so much energy in the bedroom, or she was convinced she would no longer fit into her dresses.

During the day, they would do different activities or sometimes simply nothing. After Kate had confided in Anthony that she loved history and Greek mythology, Anthony had taken it upon himself to become a sort of tour guide. He had read all the books available to him on such topics, and spoke to locals to ask about their suggestions. He took her to visit all the ancient sites and monuments, and revelled in how her eyes lit up with curiosity.

Other times, they would simply wander around the nearby town, visiting the market and trying the local delicacies. They had trekked up one of the nearby hills to see the view, stretching far out into the ocean. A couple of times, Anthony had rented a boat and they had sailed out into the waves, Kate amazed at how gorgeous the island looked from afar.

The rules regarding what she, as a gently bred woman, may do, were far more relaxed here, and Kate loved the freedom. Many afternoons, they would go down to the beach by their villa and swim and play, and often make love in the sand. Other times, Anthony would simply hoist her over his shoulder unexpectedly and carry her back to their chambers, where they could happily waste a whole afternoon. After they had eaten dinner each evening, they would walk along the beach, admiring the sunset and talking about their pasts and their dreams, their likes and dislikes, anything that came to mind. Each day would be concluded by yet more love making, something Kate did not find particularly problematic.

Before they both knew it, four weeks had passed, and they found themselves preparing to sail back to England. As hard as it would be to leave their slice of paradise, both admitted it was time to head home. They missed their families, and Anthony would have to get back to work at some point.

They arrived in London late afternoon, immediately heading back to Anthony's lodgings, sending notes to their families to announce their safe arrivals, but that they would take this evening to recover from their long journey.

The next day, Anthony woke before Kate and slowly placed a kiss on her head before climbing out of bed and readying himself for the day. His first stop was his study in Bridgerton House. Given the early hour, he was not surprised that neither his mother or any of his younger siblings were around. He sat down at his desk and started to rifle through the various documents piled up around him.

Thankfully, Benedict appeared not long after, having received his elder brother's summons. The two stood and hugged.

"It's good to see you, Ben," Anthony said, slapping his brother on the back jovially. "How have things been?"

"I knew it would be all about business," Benedict smirked. "Are you not going to tell me about your honeymoon? How is married life?"

Benedict knew his brother well, and did not miss the soft smile that came over his face as Anthony reminisced about his time with Kate.

"It was wonderful," he said almost reverently. "It is wonderful. The place we stayed was incredible, and we ate good food and saw the sights and swam."

"And your wife?" Benedict enquired. As the two brothers were not far off in age, they had always been each other's closest confidants. The first time Anthony had laid with a woman, Benedict had been all ears, desperate for any sort of information. Now, Anthony had moved on to another chapter in his life, and yet Benedict still felt the same closeness with his brother.

"Kate is…incredible," Anthony smiled. "I am so happy, Ben. Every single day, I would wake and look at her and thank God that He allowed me to marry her. She makes simple tasks fun. I have told her things in the past few weeks that I have never said aloud before. I love her more than I ever thought was possible."

Benedict smiled. It was clear his brother was besotted, and he was genuinely elated for him. He could only hope to one day feel the same.

"And how is it?" he couldn't help asking.

"What?" asked Anthony, slightly dazed.

"The marital relations," Benedict said. "Doing it with the same woman multiple times, her being a virgin and whatnot."

Anthony knew Benedict meant no harm and would never disrespect his new bride by passing on anything said between the two of them.

"It is so much better," Anthony's eyes were now glazed, his mind clearly elsewhere. "You'd think it would be less exciting, that the novelty would wear off. But somehow, each time is even better than the last. I have been able to show her things, and she has shown me how it feels to not care about just your own pleasure. It is different, Ben, when you love her. And infinitesimally better."

"Well, I am delighted that you have met your match and are allowing yourself to be happy."

The two brothers smiled at each other, a rare moment of silence as they appreciated the good Kate had brought to Anthony's life.

"Anyway," said Anthony, clearing his throat. "Back to the books. What do I need to be aware of?"

Benedict chuckled before filling him in on all the news from the past few weeks.

—-

Kate had woken later that morning to find the other side of the bed cold. She sat up, stretching her sore muscles, and picked up the note that Anthony had left on his pillow for her.

Good morning Lady Bridgerton,

I hope you slept well. I have gone to meet Benedict at Bridgerton House to go over what I have missed. I will arrange for my mother to come and see you later in the day, as I believe the two of you will have much to discuss.

Have a good day.

All my love,

Anthony

Kate sighed. It was the first time she had woken up alone since being married. But, she admitted, it wasn't like they could act as they did on their honeymoon forever.

She dressed and ate, and was just about to send word to her mother asking what time would suit for a visit, when the butler announced the arrival of the dowager Lady Bridgerton. Kate still found herself surprised to think that she was now the viscountess.

"Kate!", exclaimed Violet, bustling into the room and hugging her new daughter-in-law tightly. "How are you? You look very well. Tell me all about the honeymoon!"

Kate laughed. "It's nice to see you," she smiled. She ordered for some tea to be brought before making herself comfortable on the nearby chair. "Although I must admit that I miss Greece."

"You miss Greece, or having Anthony to yourself?" Violet smiled mischievously.

Kate tried, and failed, not to blush. "We had a wonderful time together, but I always knew he must return to his duties eventually."

"I think you will make an excellent viscountess," Violet announced. "Look how diplomatically you answered then!"

Kate laughed. Somehow the older woman always knew what to say to make someone relax in her presence. "To be honest, Violet, I've been trying not to think too much about my new responsibilities. I have never even had to run a household before."

"Oh, don't worry, dear," Violet reassured her, patting her comfortingly on the hand. "No one is a perfect wife from the off. And you have me and Daphne and Anthony, we will all help you to adjust. We take things one step at a time and I can talk you through everything and soon enough you will be the greatest viscountess in Bridgerton history."

"I think that would be difficult to achieve," Kate said, finding herself feeling strangely emotional. "I think you already have that title hands down. I so appreciate your help."

"Oh, Kate," replied Violet, looking too as if she were about to cry. "You are a Bridgerton now. And we always help family."

Kate felt a soothing rush of belonging wash over her, and spent the next few hours listening closely to everything the matriarch had to say on servants, hosting and navigating the treacherous waters of London society.