A/N : I am so late in posting these few chapters, I don't even know what to say. Anyway, here is what Anthony found when he went to investigate the source of the clatter he heard previously.

CHAPTER - 11 - IN THE AIR

Kate's blood was boiling. She had come outside for some respite and to clear her thoughts. Instead what she overheard left her compelled to worry for her sister's safety and place in the society. It had not even been long since she had stepped out from the conservatory, but the blatant sexism she heard towards her gender from the ignorant rakes of the ton left no room to think anything else. And at the center of that very conversation was Anthony Bridgerton.

As she sat on a bench by the shrub, she could hear the unmistakable voice of The Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, who was dancing with her sister mere moments ago, now bemoaning over how the ladies of the ton were lackluster. If only he could have looked in a mirror. At least now she could be sure that her decision to stand guard over her sister as she selected a husband from her suitors was not uncalled for. She needed to leave, and she needed to be better prepared. Maybe she needed to consult with Lady Danbury over how they could better choose good, and well meaning gentlemen for her sister.

Kate took a breath of disbelief and moved towards the door of the conservatory, but unfortunately, the hem of her dress pulled on something heavy and she heard a clatter. Kate looked around to find a head pan carrying gardening tools. It was a dead give away of her location, if any of the men were still standing by the terrace.

" Is someone there?" came the voice of none other than the viscount.

Kate took a deep breath and pulled her hem free. Thankfully it did not make any more noise. But the battle was right ahead, she knew. There was no way she would be able to hold her tongue now, if he decided to give her a piece of his mind.

"I can hear yo-", he began, his hasty footsteps bringing forward the man himself, who stooped so low in her eyes, so soon. But the expression on his face changed rapidly as he looked at her in recognition. "You." he said.

Of course he would recognize her. Part of her had hoped he would not, so she could pretend she never met him.

"Pardon me, My Lord", she said.

"I never got your name," he said intriguingly, coming to a halt a few feet from her. "I was wondering if we'd meet again".

"So you might discern if my wit is acceptable, my manners genteel?"

The expression on his face took a stark turn. "What - You were eavesdropping?", he questioned aghast.

"It was hardly an effort," she laughed in ridicule, "seeing as you were proclaiming your many requirements for a wife, loud enough for the entire party to hear".

"You take issue with my requirements?"

"I take issue with any man who views women merely as chattel and breeding stock", she argued. What is wrong is wrong. No amount of apology would make it right.

"None of that was meant for y-"

"-Viscount Bridgerton, yes? When you manage to find this paragon of virtue, whatever makes you think that she will accept your suit?" she laid. There is no way Edwina would want to marry him after knowing of these shenanigans. "Are the young ladies of London so easily won by a pleasing smile and absolutely nothing more?"

Kate thought that the momentary pause he took was for self-reflection. Oh how wrong she was, for he brought on a crooked grin only to ask an utterly rakish question. "So you find my smile pleasing?"

"I find your opinion of yourself entirely too high. Your character, is as deficient as your horsemanship. I shall bid you goodnight", she dished one last time and left him standing as he tried to register what she had said.

.

.

.

.

Upon entering the conservatory, all she had to do was find Edwina, and her mama and let Lady Danbury know that they are woefully underprepared for this. There would be no way she was keeping this from the matriarch herself, who could almost promise that gentlemen of London held good manners themself. For a moment, Kate wondered how this revelation would hit her.

Soon she could set her eyes on the trio standing beside the wisteria creeper.

"Kate, my dear, there you are", spoke Mary happily. "Edwina and I were just looking for you. She seems to have made acquaintance with a certain wise gentleman she would like for you to meet."

Maybe the haste can wait. "Oh. Tell me everything," Kate smiled.

"Yes, Didi. Why don't you meet him yourself. He is right behind you", Edwina pointed.

But surprise never struck Kate so swiftly, for she saw none other than Anthony Bridgerton approaching their group. This was the worst this night could get.

.

.

.

.

A/N : I did think it was a good idea to keep Edwina excited about her evening, but still not be head over heels for anthony right away. Keeps close to the source material of the series, don't you think? Let me know in the comments.