Dearest gentle readers,.
It seems this season has taken the most unexpected twist that was never witnessed before, nor does this author think it will ever be witnessed again. The game of courtship is old, where young ladies and gentlemen often take part with enthusiasm to find their best match, and once it was found, the official courtship began.
Yet our very own Viscount Bridgerton, who earlier this season announced his intention to find his bride, seemed very choosy to choose one, and after a while, like everyone else, this author also thought that he had given up on marriage, that is, until last night, when he proved everyone wrong by shocking this ton with his grand return at Lady Trowbridge ball . Here he enthusiastically danced many dances, but his choice remains three partners.
The first one that this author is still trying to understand only concludes that her friendship with Viscount's sister had done her favour. Miss Penelope Featherington, whom he danced previously at Danbury Ball, was seen dancing with Viscount once at Country Music, and then they had another separate dance. While many people were shocked by this turn of events, Lady Featherington was beaming with pride because soon afterwards more gentlemen began to dance with her daughter, including Colin Bridgerton, Lord Debling, and Lord Fife. It seems Featherington's fortune has turned in their favour.
Speaking of good fortune, Viscount Bridgerton's second dance partner also thanked her lucky stars because her own flesh and blood made sure to destroy all her prospects, but then our very own Viscount Bridgerton danced with Miss Bennett, and it was like all the viscous lies the Cowper family spread disappeared just like that very family. Its pity that they did not see Miss Bennett triumph as she danced one more dance with Viscount, Lord Cavendish, and Lord Lumley.
The only person who did not get any benefit from these dances was Miss Kate Sharma, which is surprising because her sister is Diamond, who was courting Prince Frederic.
Then again, many gentlemen are still scared of Miss Sharma's blunt nature and sharp wit—well, everyone but our Lord Bridgerton, who seems to match Miss Sharma with his own bluntness and wits.
This author also noticed how potential suitors must have seen the dangerous look Viscount gave whenever they even thought about approaching Miss Sharma, and Miss Sharma finds Viscount's antics amusing, to say the least, as her eyes shine and smiles brighten. This author never witnessed Viscount smiling at these balls, but he did around Miss Sharma as they danced one more waltz.
So ladies and gentlemen, let's see which of these three ladies will became Viscount bride; only time will tell, and I will be there to inform you first.
Yours truly, Lady Whistledown.
Benedict was hungover, but this news has completely sober him up as he shakes his head in bafflement. "I missed one ball! One! And this happened!"
Colin stabbed his eggs in anger, making Benedict flinch as he turned to their mother, who seemed to be dealing with headaches of her own. "How could you let this happen, mother?!"
Violet's eyes widened as she stared at Colin. "Me, what should I be supposed to do? Tell Anthony not to dance when I have been pestering him to do so for so many years.
"But why would he dance with Pen like that?"
Eloise rolled her eyes as she snapped at her brother. "Anthony danced with Kate and Sophie too, but you are not complaining about them, and beside, he was not the only one who danced with Pen, Lord Debling, and Lord Fife; even you danced with her too, twice like Anthony."
"That's because he started it and now those men are hovering around Pen like hungry bees!" Colin complained, and Eloise frowned because the ball did become interesting after that first dance.
Benedict, on the other hand, was still trying to understand what was going on as he asked his mother. "Where is my brother anyway?"
At this, everyone looked at each other until Hyacinth informed everyone. "Anthony was asking Humboldt to arrange three bouquets before leaving earlier this morning."
"He did what?" Colin screeched, but it soon died down as the door opened, and Anthony walked in while humming a merry tune. "Good morning, Bridgerton. What a lovely weather we have today."
Everyone looked stunned as he hummed and messed Gregory's hair as he inquired about his siblings. "How about we all went for a picnic today or a horse ride at the park?"
"Anthony dear? Are you not busy today?" Violet inquired, perplexed by his jovial mood, but Anthony waved his hand as he assured her. "I have taken care of all matters, and my steward will take care of the rest as we depart for Aubrey Hall this week. Oh, that's reminding me I have to send letters to Hastings and Daphne so they could join us. I am sure Daphne would love to help you organise our country week and ball."
Grabbing biscuits from a plate Anthony began to leave the room when Violet tried to stop him. "Anthony."
He stopped, as if he had just realised something. "Oh mother, please inform the staff of Aubrey Hall to prepare a special room for our special guests who will be arriving before rest of the ton to spend time with us."
"Guests? What special guests are you speaking about?!" Violet inquired, and her son smiled as he informed them. "Lady Danbury, along with my three lovely suitors."
A tea cup spilled on the table as Colin's face turned white, while everyone looked too stunned to say anything as Anthony walked away, humming the same merry tune.
Benedict blinked before standing up and rushing after his brother, and once he was called inside his study, he did not waste any time to ask the most important question.
"Three lovely suitors!? Have you lost your mind?"
Anthony smiled because apparently he did lost his mind last night.
(Flashback)
Anthony has just arrived at Trowbridge Ball after finding out that none of his brothers are attending as they went to Mondrich Club.
If someone asked Anthony, he would prefer spending time in gentleman clubs rather than these boring balls, but now everything has changed because Kate is inside, and Anthony will get a chance to dance with her today.
Straightening his coat, he walked inside and greeted the host. He was about to enter the ballroom when a hand grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the deserted corridor.
"Thank God you are here!" Kate exclaimed as she sighed before looking behind him. "Where are your brother's? I need all three of you to help us tonight and get rid of that evil witch once and for all."
Anthony stared at Kate, perplexed, as he cautiously asked. "Darling? Who is this evil witch you are speaking about?"
"Miss Cowper! She and her family are spreading lies about Sophie; on top of that, she dared to insult Penelope and myself when we defended Sophie."
"She did what! I will speak with Lord Cowper." Anthony began angrily, ready to tell that man off, but Kate pulled him back. "You will do no such thing because this matter is between us ladies, but you and your brothers could help us win the challenge against her if you dance with us right now."
Anthony's eyes widened in surprise because this was not how he imagined his first dance to happen, and apparently Kate was too busy to notice his reaction as she kept looking behind him. "Well, where are your brothers?"
"They are not attending this ball today." He said.
"What?" Kate screeched as Anthony tried to explain. "They went to Mondrich Club today instead of coming here; they could make an appearance, but I don't think it will be so soon."
For a while, they stared at each other as Kate began to pace in front of him while muttering things under her breath. "Kate, Darling. Shall we go inside? At least we can dance together."
'But that is not enough! Your brothers are bloody imbecilic because now I have no one who will dance with Sophie and Penelope! Poor girls already felt insecure, and now Cressida will taunt them even more for the rest of their lives."
Anthony rubbed his face because he truly feels helpless in this situation as he spoke gently to her. "I am sorry my brothers are not here, but it is not our fault that we were not aware of this challenge. So can we forget about this and have our dance?"
But apparently Kate was not ready to see reason. "But what about Penelope and Sophie!?"
"What about them?!" Anthony snapped impatiently as he rubbed his hair. "I want to help you, but it's not like I can dance with all three of you because that will make everyone assume I am looking for courtship."
He stopped talking as Kate's eyes began to shine with mischief. "What if you do just that? You danced with them twice, and the gentlemen here will think that Viscount Bridgerton is interested in them, and then they will try to compete for them."
"It does not work like that? I cannot ask two girls at once."
"Why not? It worked for your sister Daphne; remember, you told me how many men courted her when Duke danced with her?"
Anthony huffs because Kate is still not understanding how marriage mart works. "My sister has many suitors, yes, but gentlemen can only show serious interest in one woman and can only move on to another if the girl shows disinterest."
"Well, that's all great, but you have to remember that you are the most eligible bachelor of this season, and if you dance with them tonight, everyone will take your intention seriously, and that will make other gentlemen compete harder for Sophie and Penelope's affection."
Anthony stutters as Kate cups his head and pleads with him with her beautiful eyes. "Please, Anthony, for me, can you not help my friends out? You only have to pretend and show your interest; it's not like I am asking you to propose any of them."
Anthony stared at her, and he knew in his heart that Kate would not give up unless he agreed with her plans, but this gave him a brilliant idea that could work in his favour too.
"All right, darling, you win. I will dance with Miss Bennett and Miss Featherington and pretend to unofficially court them so that other gentlemen can take notice, but I will only be doing this on one condition."
At that, Kate frowned as she asked. "Condition? What conditions are you speaking about?"
"My one and only condition is that you will let me court you." Anthony says this as Kate shakes her head. "But you can't! I do not want that, and beside, what will people think?"
"Only what they think if I dance with two ladies, so why not three? It does not matter because I will not be doing this unless you agree to give me a chance to court you."
Kate huffed in frustration, so Anthony smirked as he reminded her. "Like you said, it's just courtship, not a proposal, although that can be changed if you are agreeable."
Kate glared at him as Anthony laughed before offering his arms. "What say you, my lady, ready to wipe the smirk off that evil witch?"
And Anthony knew he won because, if anything, Kate could not resist a good challenge. She looped her arms with his as she spoke in a determined voice. Let's do this, My Lord; this season, my friends will triumph, and Cressida Cowper will learn to never challenge me again."
Anthony laughed as he and Kate walked inside, and when he danced with his three ladies, Cressida left the joy in Kate's eyes, and his heart was worth all the trouble he would surely face in the coming days.
(End of Flashback)
Benedict was gaping at his brother with his mouth hung open as he tried to understand everything he told him about this maddening situation. "So it's mine and Colin's fault that now everyone thinks you have set your sights on not one but three ladies?"
"Yes, Kate was angry at you both at first, but after observing Colin's reaction last night, she thinks this will make our brother finally open his eyes and see how truly he feels for Miss Featherington.
Benedict shakes his head as he slumps into his chair, his hangover returning in full force. "And you are hoping this courtship will change Miss Sharma's mind?"
"A man can only hope, brother, but rest assured, once Kate sees Aubrey Hall and the life we can have together, she has to agree to my proposal, so yes, now there is real hope in my heart."
And in that moment, Benedict knew there was more than hope in his brother's heart, whether he realised it or not.
A few days later, Simon and Daphne, along with their baby Auggie, were travelling towards Aubrey Hall after getting a letter from Anthony and one from Colin that explicitly said, "Come and end this madness."
Daphne was reading Lady Whistledown when her husband finally got awake from his nap and yawned loudly as he asked. "Are we there yet?"
"Almost my love." She assured him as Simon smiled before he leaned closer to see a sleeping baby in her arms. "You should wake him up."
'In a moment, first let me finish this latest column."
Simon huffed as he slumped back in annoyance. "I thought we were past this gossip nonsense, but no, your brother has to attract all attention."
"Well, he is the most eligible bachelor of this season, but I agree it's so unlike Anthony to attract attention; in fact, I thought he wanted to court Lady Danbury's ward, Miss Sharma, or at least what I gather from Mama's letter, but Colin's letters are telling me a different tale."
"Well, there is only one way to find it out." Simon said as carriages arrived at Aubrey Hall, and he stepped out before helping his wife and son out, who beamed at her childhood home. "It is great to be back."
Hand in hand, they walked inside and found the entire family in the drawing room as they stood up to greet them, especially their son, who was now wide awake, staring at his grandmother and uncles and aunties.
Once the excitement went down, Daphne set aside Anthony, as she did not waste any time. "Now tell me all about the strange courtship everyone is talking about."
"There is nothing strange about my courtship sister; I am intended to have my Viscountess this season, and I need all your help to convince my suite."
"Please tell her which girl you are speaking about." Colin snapped irritably, but Anthony only smirked as he spoke. "You will know it when I will propose that girl by end of this gathering."
That made him stop as Simon watched his friend strangely, as he says. 'You seem quite determined, mate?"
Anthony smirked as Daphne jumped with joy. "Oh Anthony, I cannot wait to meet this lady who stole your heart."
Simon noticed how quickly his friend's expression changed, but before they could dwell on it, Humboldt walked inside as he informed them that a carriage is arriving.
Anthony quickly rushed outside as everyone followed him. By the time the carriage stopped, the entire family was ready to greet their guests.
Lady Danbury was the first to step out, as she happily embraced her Godson and her grandson. "Only to see you all, I agree to this long journey.
Benedict was stepping down, but his feet were flattered as the most beautiful girl stepped out of the carriage dressed in a pink dress, and for Benedict, it seemed he had finally found his muse.
As he walked with Francesca, hoping to get an introduction, they did not notice how Colin dragged Eloise to greet Penelope.
While everyone was greeting their guests, Anthony was still standing on the stairs as he watched Kate step outside.
Her beautiful eyes were filled with awe and wonder as she admired his house, and Anthony felt a strange burst of emotions inside his heart because he was hoping she loved his beloved home. Just like he wished...
Kate finally noticed him as he walked towards her with that knowing smile on his face. "Is there something you like?"
"I was admiring the view that you are now blocking."
"Well, admire away after all this home, and its Lord is yours to admire."
Kate scrunched her nose, and all Anthony wanted to do was kiss her right there, but before he could do this, a growl interrupted him. "
Sighing, he looked down and stared at his menace. "I cannot believe you brought it with you."
"You cannot expect me to leave my baby all alone." Kate gasped, horrified at that thought, and Anthony sighed as he forced himself to smile at the dog. "Fine, welcome to Aubrey Hall."
Newton barked, and Kate laughed, which brought a smile to Anthony's face.
Daphne and Simon were watching this greeting from afar as Simon asked in a surprising voice. "Did your brother just greet that lady's dog to please her?"
Daphne nodded her head as she walked towards them. "So you must be Miss Sharma, my brother's suitor?"
Kate curtsied her as she nervously laughed. "You flattered me, Your Grace, but I am not the only one he is courting this season."
With that, Kate called Sophie and Penelope to join her side, and while Daphne looked confused, Simon could not help but notice the forceful smile Anthony managed to give the other ladies as he finally acknowledged them. "Welcome ladies, welcome to Aubrey Hall."
One by one, they all began to head inside, but Simon stopped his oldest friend as he finally inquired. "What are you playing at Bridgerton?"
"Without even wanting to, I am playing with my heart to please the woman I fell in love with. Just pray for me, Simon, because Kate has the power to break my heart, and I do not think I can endure losing the person I love again."
With that, Anthony heads inside his home towards his love, towards Kate.