She was walking towards the field outside the beautiful grand house. She saw Newton playing with two young children while a few other people were on the field playing games. She then noticed she was holding a black mallet in her hand as she waited for her turn. Suddenly she heard a low voice whispering in her ears that made her feel things in her heart—things that were both annoying and exciting. "I hope you are enjoying my mallet of death."
She turned and saw Lord Bridgerton staring at her with his intense gaze. "I will enjoy my Mallet of Death even more after winning these games." He huffed as he crossed his arms. "This is my Mallet of Death, Miss Sharma, and I need to remind you that you are only borrowing it for this game, a game that you will certainly lose as I am going to win it." Kathani, however, laughed as she held her black mallet closer. "We will see my Lord."
Suddenly the dream changed, and once again Kathani found herself on the same field holding the same mallet, but somehow something was different; her clothes were different from different times, she felt different, and yet everything seemed the same. She looked around, but all those previous players seemed to disappear, but now instead, Amma and Appa were there, sitting under the shade with Newton by their sides. She was smiling at such a sweet sight when suddenly someone wrapped her arms around her as she heard the same whispering voice in her ear. "Ready to lose Lady Bridgerton." Kathani turned and scrunched her nose at her husband as Anthony gave her a challenging smile. "How many life times will it take for you to admit defeat?" He gave her a longing look as he confessed. "As long as you keep coming back to me to win," And when he said it like this, Kathani could not help but kiss her husband reverently, as she promised. "I will always return to you." The promise was eternal as they sealed their lips and the ringing sound of temple bells reached their ears.
Kathani opened her eyes and watched the sun shine brightly through the windows. Anthony was still sleeping peacefully beside her, and she was lost in her dreams once again, wondering what they meant and why Anthony was there with her each time.
The gala was beautifully decorated with flowers and crystal chandeliers. The press was busy taking pictures of guests as they posed for them. Suddenly a sleek blue Audi arrived, and none other than London's most famous Viscount Anthony Bridgerton stepped out. He rushed to the other side and opened the door, and everyone was shocked because, for the first time in memory, Viscount Bridgerton was spotted with a girl, and it was certain that she was not an ordinary girl. "Is that award-winning photographer, Kathani Iyer?!
The photographs went crazy as they wildly took pictures of the most stunning-looking couple at the event. Viscount Bridgerton looked dashing in white, while Kathani Iyer was sparkling in her shimmery silver dress. They posed for a few minutes before waving at the crowd as they headed inside the party.
Once inside, Kathani took a breath of relief as Anthony pulled her closer. "Are you alright, darling?" "I am now; I did not know you had never brought any girl to these types of events before." "That's because you have not arrived in my life yet." Anthony just shrugged as he led her towards their host.
Kathani was happy to see her old friend, who even remarked how surprised she was to see her with Anthony. "Are you two truly together?" Before anyone could say anything, a reply came from Sophia, who had just joined them. "They are as much together as two peas in one pod." Kathani laughed and held her friend close. "And one day you will find your own Mr. Pea." Sophia pouted as she spoke. "I wish. Hey Anthony, why don't you introduce me to your hot friends? It's the least you can do after stealing my best friend's heart."
Anthony smiled as he offered instead. "How about first I get you ladies a drink?" With that, he left with a kiss on Kathani's cheek, and Sophia sighed dreamily at this sweet, affectionate moment. "I swear your man is one of a kind, designed specifically for you. Its a shame his brothers live in a crazy town; otherwise, I will definitely hook up with one of them."
"The older two were definitely handsome, but it's a shame they are part of Mayfair craziness; it's amazing that Anthony is nothing like those people." Sophia nodded her head, and then she realised something. "Hey, I just forgot to tell you about?" She was about to tell her when suddenly a man appeared, and he stared at both of them with his dark black eyes.
Both girls suddenly shivered as they felt cold as that handsome stranger stared at them, and Kathani was struck because he was the man of one of her old dreams. "You?" "You must be Miss Kathani Iyer? Anthony recently told me about you." "You know Anthony?" Kathani inquires, and the man smiles as he says. "I have been his friend for a long time, Miss Iyer." At first glance, friend Sophia's eyes shone as she stepped forward to greet this hot, mysterious-looking man. "Friend, you say? I was just telling Anthony to introduce us with his few friends, given we are new in London."
Kathani shook her head at her friend's blunt flirting, and it seems Anthony's friend found her amusing as he reached out to kiss her hand. "In that case, I am glad to meet you, my lovely lady." Sophia swooned at his gentlemanly behaviour and was about to suggest a private corner to get thoroughly acquainted when a sharp voice startled them. "What are you doing here?"
Kathani was shocked because she never saw Anthony like this; his eyes were flaring as he protectively stepped between that man and her and Sophia. The man, however, seemed unbothered by Anthony's demeanour as he gave him a him a friendly pat on the arms. "Great to see you, my grumpy old friend. Tell me, Miss Iyer, does his constant brooding bother you?" Sophia looked confused while Kathani defended her boyfriend. "I find his company quite pleasant. I do not know who you are speaking about, but my Anthony is neither grumpy nor brooding."
The man seemed happy as he stared at them. "Then I should thank you, Miss Iyer, for bringing happiness into my friends lives." Kathani felt Anthony was still tense for some reason as he once again asked his friend. "You still haven't told me why you are here. And just like in her dream, the man replied in an exact manner. "Do not worry, mate. I am here on the job, but since I have some time, I thought to introduce myself to your beautiful girlfriend and her gorgeous friend." "It's Sophia; my name is Sophia Bennett."
The man smiled at her as he spoke. "Sophia, what a beautiful name you have, Miss Bennett, and like your name, you seem full of life." Sophia blushed as she boldly stepped forward. "Then maybe you should ask me for a dance?"
Anthony seems quite dissatisfied as he held Kathani even closer, and when she silently stared at him, he managed to smile for her sake and shake his head. Apparently his displeasure was noticed by his friend, who sighed as he gave Sophia an Sophia an apologetic look. "I am sorry, my lady, but duty calls, but I hope you find your perfect partner soon."
He bowed in farewell when Sophia desperately stopped him. "Wait! Will I see you again? The man tilted his head in amusement as he assured her. "You will indeed, my beautiful lady." "You haven't told us your name, and Anthony seems to not be in the mood for introductions."
The man laughed, and Sophia Anthony's eyes widen as he stares back at him. Sophia watched as he leaned closer to kiss her cheek, and she was stunned by his cold lips as he spoke. "My name is Lord Morrison, but you can call me Mors."
Sophia was clutching her cheeks as the man gave them one last smile before turning around and disappearing into the crowd.
After that strange encounter, Kathani thought their night was certainly ruined, but to her surprise, as soon as his so-called friend disappeared, Anthony's irritable mood also disappeared with him as he led her and Sophia to the dance floor. He even tried to indulge them as he tried to dance to a fast song, and Kathani and Sophia was laughing as Anthony awkwardly tried to match their moves but failed miserably. 'I really cannot dance to this terrible noise."
Soon afterwards, a different music began to play, and this time Anthony pulled both girls into his arms as he twirled them in one moment. "Now that's more like it." He says that as they danced together, they were more merry-tuned, where partners were exchanging when beats changed with each other, and Sophia was also enjoying herself as she did not feel left out. Kathani twirled in circles, and Anthony, in one last twirl, stole a kiss from her, making her gasp, but luckily the song ended at the same time, and as everyone was applauding the musicians, Anthony and Kathani stood side by side, stealing a loving glance.
Afterwards, they decided to take a break, and Anthony left once again to get them a drink. "Now tell me, Sophia, what was the thing you earlier wanted to tell me?" Sophia quickly turned around excitedly as she informed her friend. "I just got a call from the Duke of Hastings secretary, and it seems he could be returning earlier than expected, so I think in the next few days we could be officially free from here and return home."
Kathani was relieved by this news, but something seemed unsettling to her. "I am sad to back out on a contract for the first time in my professional career." "Hey, it's hardly our fault that our assignment turned into a crazy Regency town where they do not report crimes." Sophia reminds her friend, but Kathani shakes her head. "Still, I managed to capture a few pictures on my previous visit. What if I returned to Mayfair one more time? I am sure an entire day will be enough to gather enough material to make Duke happy."
Sophia gasped, horrified, as she spoke loud enough for everyone to stare. "Are you nuts?! Tell me you are not thinking seriously about returning to that place." "I." She never got a chance to finish her sentence as Anthony finally returned, holding two glasses in his hand. "Here you go, drinks for my lovely lady and her lovely friend." Both girls took their drinks as Anthony settled down beside Kathani. "Darling, I have some urgent matters that I need to discuss with you."
"What's the matter?" Kathani inquired worriedly, and Anthony smiled as he assured her. "It's not that worrisome, my love, but there is a situation in my country seat that I have to deal with personally, and that's why it's important that we leave tomorrow first thing in the morning." As soon as he said this, Kathani noticed something as she asked. "You said we?" "Of course, my love, I am not leaving without you, and this way you and Sophia can visit my country." I am sure you both will love the fresh air of the country side, and Aubrey Hall is extremely beautiful and one of the most historic architectural houses in Britain."
Sophia, who was dreading Kathani's earlier plans, leapt up to this chance as she begged her friend. "Please, Kathani, I am tired of my hotel room and constantly watching Netflix! I need to get out of the city and enjoy country sites, and you can take pictures of this Aubrey Hall for your portfolio." "Please, my love, it's only for a few days; please don't make me go without you."
And as they both pleaded with her, Kathani dropped her return to the Mayfair idea while making a fast decision on the spot, as she finally announced. "Alright! Alright! let's go to Aubrey Hall."