As the ship staff and Anthony's footman carefully loaded Kate's trunks onto the carriage, Anthony finally noticed something missing. "Kate, where is your maid? You wrote to me that your most loyal ladies maid was travelling with you."
It was then that his fiancé sniffled as she tearfully informed him. "Unfortunately, my maid could not endure this long journey."
Anthony's heart broke as he understood her distress. "I am so sorry, but may I ask what happened because your letter a month ago did not mention anything about your maid's sickness?"
Kate wiped her tears away, and Anthony quickly offered her his handkerchief, which she accepted with a teary smile. "Thank you."
She wiped her tears away and then took deep breaths as she continued to share her tragic tale. "I did not mention anything because, at first, we both thought it was a common cold. Despite my objection, she insisted that we continue begin on our last set of journeys because you were waiting for us and she did not want this wedding to be delayed."
Anthony squeezed his fiancé's hand, who was unable to keep sadness out of her voice. "So we boarded the ship, and as days passed, her condition started getting worse. The ship doctor concluded she was suffering from Scarlet fever, and three days later my maid took her last breath as the sun set on the horizon. She was not the only one as few other passengers also get same fever. So to stop fever from spreading the ship captain decided to throw all deceased bodies into the sea."
This time when she began to cry, Anthony did not stop her, and after a few minutes, when he was sure she was calming down, he decided to give this poor woman a respite. "Look, I know we were to get married as soon as you reached London, but if you want time to mourn the last living person from your past life, I can completely understand that, and I will delay our wedding until you are ready."
He barely managed to finish when he noticed Kate start shaking her head. "No, no, we will proceed as we planned; it was her last wish to see this wedding, and I will honour her wish. Besides, after enduring so much bad luck in my life, I do not want to tempt my fate anymore by delaying our wedding."
Anthony stared at her long and hard and found a strange kind of strength in the way she was handling her grief.
"Alright, if this is your wish, then we will leave for London now."
With that decision, Anthony played handsomely to the ship staff and ordered his driver to begin their journey back home.
While they were travelling towards his home, Anthony decided to take care of a few matters before they got married.
Kate was looking outside the carriage window, and Anthony wondered what she was thinking. Is she excited about her new life, or is she sad about all she lost in her past life?
Clearing his voice, he tried to gain her attention, which worked as she turned to stare at him. "Kate, there are some details we need to discuss before our wedding."
It seems he has her full attention as she inquires. "What details are left? I thought everything was decided between you and..."
"No, no, you are taking me wrong. I just want to discuss a few things face-to-face so that there is no misunderstanding between us."
She did not say anything, but Anthony can see she was feeling uneasy with the way this conversation was going.
Feeling nervous himself, he decided to do the first thing. "First thing, I want to inform you that your money is now safely in my bank account. The bank in Alexandria you used was quite efficient in transferring those funds. It was truly remarkable how I received the entire sum in just four months of our engagement."
He watched Kate smile in relief. "Good. I am pleased to know that those funds reached where they were meant to be."
Anthony found something off about how she expressed her happiness, but he let it go as he shared one important deal. "Kate, I understand you sold everything to use that money as your dowry, but as an heir of a wealthy state, I do not need money to marry you; in fact, I found this tradition quite disturbing, but as the brother of four sisters, I cannot do much about it, but I can refuse to take your money from you."
Whatever reaction he was imagining, he was not imagining Kate's panic as she quickly grabbed his hand. "No! You cannot refuse that dowry! That money was meant for you, and you have to accept it! You must, please!" She implored.
Stunned, he tried to reason with her. "But Kate, I do not need that money; I can put it aside for your special use."
This seems to make her even more distressed, as she vehemently opposed his suggestion. "No! Absolutely not! You will do no such thing! It was not decided, and you agreed to take this money months ago. If you do not want this money, then add it to your sister's dowries or your brother's funds; if not, then donate it to charity; but promise me, you will not give me a penny from those funds that were promised to you."
He was baffled by this strange request, and before he could try to reason with her more, she started pleading with him. "Promise me you will respect my wishes! Anthony please!"
As soon as she used his name, Anthony was powerless to refuse his future bride. "Alright, if this is your wish, then, as a gentleman, I give you my word; I will honour your wishes."
He watched her body slump as soon as he gave in to her demands. He will set aside that money for the future, in case she changes her mind.
"Thank you. Is there anything else you need to discuss with me?"
Anthony shifts nervously as he inquires. "After our wedding, I was thinking of living separately from my family in my private lodges. As Viscount, I owe Bridgerton House, but my family resides there, and I live a few houses away. So if you want, we can live in my private lodgings or we can move to the main house. It's entirely your decision."
For a while, it seems Kate was seriously giving great thought to his request, and while he initially thought Kate would want to move into the main house, somehow he seems to be wrong.
"I think for at least the first few months we should live in your private lodgings so we could know each other better without getting pressurised under your family's watchful eyes."
At that point, Anthony had to agree with his future wife's thinking. "Well said, so it's decided that we will live separately for the first year of our marriage."
Kate gave him a pleasing smile before leaning her head back as she soon fell into deep sleep.
Anthony watched Kate's beautiful face for a few moments before dropping his own eyes to dream of his happy future.
Anthony watched his entire family gather outside as soon as he opened the carriage door.
Turning around, he decides to warn Kate of the welcome she is going to receive. "I apologise in advance, but my family was eagerly awaiting your arrival, and they could be quite affectionate in their greetings."
To his surprise, Kate chuckled as she told him. "The way you always mentioned in your letters about each member of your family in detail, I feel like I already know them by heart."
He stepped out first and held out his hand so she could step out.
He heard a gasp of surprise, and Anthony was sure they were stunned by how beautiful his bride looked.
They walked towards them, and Kate curtsied his mother and Daphne. "Lady Bridgerton, Your Grace."
His mother was still beaming as she grabbed Kate's hand. "Welcome to your home, Ms. Ronald. My son spoke so much about you, but he forgot to mention how beautiful you are."
"Thank you, Lady Bridgerton, but please do not blame Lord Bridgerton because I kept this detail from him for my own reasons."
"Still, I can already see what a pretty bride you are going to be." Daphne said as she led Kate inside. "Come, let us get you dressed for your wedding, and Benedict, Colin, make sure our dear brother gets ready too."
Anthony watched his mother and sister take Kate away, who, for some reason, looked back at him and smiled.
He did not realise he was smiling until he heard his brother's voice. "It looks like you are pleased with your bride." Colin inquired, and Benedict stared after Kate. "I must say, brother, you are quite lucky because your bride is a vision, and here you found her without even searching for her."
At that point, Anthon has to agree that he was indeed lucky.
The ceremony takes place in a small chapel with only family in attendance.
Anthony waited nervously with Simon and Benedict by his side.
The music begins, and his bride arrives, looking angelic in her white wedding gown.
Anthony could not take his eyes off her during the entire ceremony, and when they exchanged rings, he felt those sparks again when their skin touched again.
Since the wedding was a family affair, his mother and sister planned a huge luncheon for the wedding celebrations, and they invited the entire ton, especially the Queen of England.
Anthony and Kate bowed as she touched Kate's face. "I must say, Lord Bridgerton, you have brought a rare gem into our lands. If New Lady Bridgerton had attended this season, then you would have faced plenty of competition."
Anthony grimaced because that assessment was completely true, but once again, Kate surprised him. "Even if I had taken part in the season, I must confess that only Lord Bridgerton will be a contender to keep up with my expectations."
The queen let out a delightful laugh as she told his mother. "Dowager, make sure you bring your new daughter-in-law for tea after their honeymoon because it feels like we are finally having someone as intelligent as Lady Danbury."
"In that case, you allowed me to attend this tea too because I am also intrigued by our new lady, Bridgerton."
"It will be my honour to be among such remarkable ladies."
Anthony smirked as Simon looked impressed with his wife. "I never saw my godmother impressed by someone else. Your bride is really something."
"That she is."
They cut their cake and had their first dance. Now, before this moment, Anthony never enjoyed dancing much, and last season left some sore memories along with sore toes, but to his delight, dancing with his wife seems like he was born to dance with her.
He never imagined a graceful dance partner, but Kate is both grace and beauty. "I thought you could not dance well."
Kate's eyes were flattered before a smile graced her lips. "I guess I never found the right partner to guide me; maybe you are the perfect man I found at last."
Something flared in his heart as he held her closer, making her gasp in shock.
They dance hypnotically as if only they existed for each other, and before he could help himself, he leans down and captures his wife's lips for a passionate kiss.
The crowd gasped and cheered at the bride and groom's sudden display of affection.
Anthony moans against her lips as she rakes her fingers at his hair.
A loud cough forced them to pull apart, and Anthony saw Simon and Daphne give him a knowing look. "Thank goodness you both are married; otherwise, this display would lead you straight to the altar."
Anthony glared while Daphne pulled Kate away. "Come let me introduce you to the rest of our guests."
After that, his family made sure Kate was kept away from him, but Anthony could feel something was distressing his bride as more guests were introduced to her.
Finally, Anthony decided they had enough of this celebration. "Come, darling, it's time to head home."
His bride's eyes widened as she looked at their guests. "We cannot leave yet; what if some more guests arrive to congratulate us after we leave?"
Anthony smiled at her thoughtfulness as he assured her. "Do not worry, my darling; you have met everyone of our family, friends, and acquaintances from the ton. Now shall we leave for our home?"
A strange look appeared on her face as Kate looked around the room one last time. "Alright, I think I am ready to leave with you."
So with her permission, Anthony and Kate departed from Bridgerton House towards their home.
Anthony and his wife arrived at his lodgings by the time the sun set completely.
His staff here was quite small, but sufficient for two of them.
As soon as the introductions were made, he instructed his butler to hire a lady maid for his wife. "Ask Mrs. Wilson to interview them personally, and until then, send someone to tend Lady Bridgerton."
Before someone could volunteer, his wife spoke up. "Can you send someone tomorrow? I think tonight I will manage alone."
Anthony gaped at her as she gently looped her hand around his arms. "Besides, I think you would like to take care of my needs yourself dear husband."
A rush of arousal spread over his body as he quickly dismissed his staff.
They both walked towards his house, and Anthony showed her around. "This is my study, but I mostly use one at Bridgerton House, so if you want, you can use it for yourself."
He showed her all the rooms as they walked towards his chambers. "Since we have been staying in this house for a year, if you want, you can change its decor to your liking, or you could start decorating rooms in Bridgerton House to your preference."
"I will give it consideration." She says gently as Anthony stopped in the hallway, where they were facing two doors.
"This door leads to Viscountess chambers, and this one is mine. Now traditionally, husband and wife kept separate rooms, but my parents never slept apart, and I was hoping to carry that tradition into my marriage."
He watched as his wife blushed. "I must admit, I was prepared for my separate chambers, but ever since I saw you at port, part of me was hoping to share your chambers."
Anthony's smile widens, and he opens his chamber door.
He then turned and picked up his bride in his arms, who squealed in delighted shock as he carried her inside.
Once the door was closed, Anthony gently put his wife down and stared at her lovely face. "I cannot explain how much you enthralled me. Your face, your scent, and your very being are making me thank my lucky stars because now I can call you my wife."
She blushed and lowered her gaze before placing her hand on his chest. "If we are making a confession, then I must make mine, and hopefully you will not think any less of me."
"You can tell me anything." Anthony insists, and when she lifts her eyes, he sees a deep desire in them.
"At port, I saw you from my ship while I was descending down. Since you never sent me your miniature, for a few moments when I first saw you, I really hoped it was you I was here for. I admit I hid amongst the crowd, praying it's me you were searching for, and when you finally sat tiredly on the bench, it was then that I decided to find out if you were looking for me or someone else."
Anthony could not tell, but somehow her confession about being attracted to him did wonders for his ego. "If I were not that man, then what would you have done?"
"I would have searched for my fiancé regardless of my attraction for you, but my heart would always remember that handsome man on port."
Perhaps it was her confession or perhaps that he would have felt the same made him do this, but Anthony was saying things he never ever imagined. "I am pleased to know there is attraction between both of us, but Kate marriage is not only about attraction but also about respect, and despite what is expected from both of us tonight, I say let's start this marriage the way we wanted."
She seems suddenly confused. "I do not understand. Can you please explain what you are trying to say?"
Sighing, he held his wife's hand close to his heart. "Kate, my darling wife, I understand your journey was not pleasant one as you suffered both hardships and personal losses, and if you want, we can wait to consummate this marriage. I never thought this before, but now that you are here and in this short time I have known you, you, my darling, have become quite precocious to me. I want to earn your trust, and I cannot impose my martial rights just because I can. I think you deserve to be wooed, and if you want, we will wait until you want to consummate this marriage."
He watched her eyes fill with tears as she sprang into his embrace. "You are the best man in the entire world."
Anthony let out a chuckle as he held his wife close. "You cannot be so sure."
"But I am." She says it stubbornly. 'All my life and in all my travels, I have not seen a man like you. Well, I have met one, but it's been a long time since I lost him, and I never thought I would ever be fortunate to meet a man like him again until I met you."
Anthony thought she must be remembering her long-lost fiancé. "I am sorry for your loss, but I promise I will never break your faith in me."
His wife pulled away and kissed his hands. "Thank you for your kindness, my lord."
"Please call me Anthony, my Kate."
At that, she held his face in her soft hands and kissed him sweetly as she sighed against his lips. "My Anthony."
So later at night, as his wife slept peacefully in his arms, Anthony felt proud of his decision, and he vows that he will patiently wait for that day when his wife feels ready to make love with him because he is going to love her as passionately and immensely as he felt for her the moment he laid eyes on his Kate at the port.