Anthony and Kate had been happily married for a couple of months now. Kate was feeling much more comfortable in her role as the wife of nobility, and Anthony was proud of how self-assured and, dare he say it, happy his wife seemed.
The two had fallen into a comfortable routine as husband and wife when out in society. Anthony would offer the standard greetings before leaving to chat with the men of the ton about politics or racing or wherever the general topic of conversation was that evening. Kate would flutter around the party, offering compliments to the host and enquiring about people's children and house renovations and all these small details about acquaintances that she never seemed to forget. Anthony always marvelled at her ability to make anyone feel comfortable around her. He glowed in admiration at how popular she now was as Viscountess Bridgerton, and could never resist rejoining her a few times at each ball to take a turn with her around the floor.
Although Kate was wildly popular, even amongst the men of the ton, who found her to be an invigorating and refreshing conversationalist, Anthony had never found reason to be jealous. No matter how many men Kate may dance with in an evening, the two of them would spend the carriage ride home together with her explaining all the gory details of the ton's private lives Kate had somehow encouraged them to let slip, and the couple always enjoyed laughing about the men's antics. And besides, at the end of the party it was his carriage she climbed into, his house she was mistress of, and his bed she fell asleep in each night.
It was one evening in late September that the two of them once again stepped out of the Bridgerton carriage, ready for an evening of socialising and festivities. The number of parties being held was much fewer now that the season was over, but Daphne still enjoyed a good soiree and anyone who valued their social status had made the effort to be back in the capital to attend tonight's. Kate was excited- unlike some society gatherings, Daphne's guest lists were always tightly controlled and so Kate knew she was unlikely to come across anyone she really despised. Also, a Bridgerton ball meant full Bridgerton attendance, and Kate always enjoyed spending time with Anthony's siblings.
"She always manages to outdo herself," Kate whispered to Anthony in awe, as they walked through the front door and gazed at the menagerie of flowers and lights that adorned the entrance hall of Hastings House.
"You know Daph," Anthony replied, as he helped her to remove her shawl and handed it to a waiting footman. "She always likes to make it memorable, and mother mentioned they're heading back to Clyvedon soon."
"Well it certainly is beautiful," Kate smiled, looking around for her sister-in-law.
"You are certainly beautiful," Anthony smiled, raising her hand to kiss her knuckles gently.
Kate rolled her eyes, blushing, and was just about to utter some witty remark when the Duke of Hastings called out to them.
"Bridgerton!" he called, strolling confidently over to the couple. "And Kate, how lovely to see you both. You look radiant, Lady Bridgerton."
"Oh, Simon," Kate chuckled. "Why the formalities? You act as if we weren't here for supper just 48 hours ago."
Simon let out a laugh. "Fair point, Kate. I believe Daphne is just inside the ballroom, if you would like to go and greet her."
"Thank you, Hastings," Anthony replied, beginning to lead Kate towards said ballroom. "And I must say, are you sure you won't be needing Daph's dowry? The flowers on the bannisters alone must have cost half of its value."
"You know your sister, Bridgerton," Simon rolled his eyes affectionately. "Once she has a vision, no man or funds will stop her."
The Duke turned to greet some more guests, and Anthony and Kate moved forwards to join the queue of people waiting to be welcomed by the Duchess of Hastings.
"Anthony!" Daphne greeted enthusiastically. "I was wondering when the two of you would arrive. I'm afraid to say even Benedict beat you here this evening."
Anthony hugged his eldest sister, before moving to the side so Kate could hug her too.
"Ah, well. I imagine that is merely because Colin would have insisted on the two arriving together, and he likes to be here early for the best chances at whatever culinary treats you have decided upon serving this evening."
"Very logical reasoning," Daphne admitted. "I'm so glad you're here, Kate. I have some people I'd like to introduce you to. But in the meantime, Mother, Francesca and Eloise are around somewhere, Colin will be by the refreshments, and it wouldn't surprise me if Benedict has already retreated to the private sitting room. But, in any case, enjoy yourselves and I will catch up with you later."
Kate and Anthony smiled at their hostess before moving into the ballroom and observing the scene. An orchestra was playing some lovely background music, as Daphne and Simon had not yet opened the dancing and so no couples were yet on the floor. Colin, as suspected, was standing chatting to a few young men in the vicinity of the refreshments table.
"Why don't you go and greet your brother, dear?" Kate instructed Anthony. She had just spotted Eloise and Penelope standing somewhat to the side of the action, looking as if they were having a far more animated conversation than anyone else in attendance. "I shall catch up with you later, after I have seen your sisters."
"Save me a dance?" Anthony smirked.
"Of course, my Lord," Kate whispered, smiling, before the two parted ways.
A couple of hours later, Kate was enjoying herself immensely. Her sister, Edwina, had attended the evening as well, and the two were giggling about some gossip Edwina had been privy to. Kate had danced with her husband, caught up with her family, and had a few glasses of champagne, and she couldn't imagine a more perfect evening.
"Oh, there's Miss Walton," Edwina said, eyeing her friend over her sister's shoulder. "You don't mind if I go and say hello, do you, Didi?"
"Of course not," Kate smiled. "I'll catch up with you later."
Edwina squeezed Kate's hand before disappearing into the crowd, and Kate decided to go and find a glass of lemonade for refreshment. She had barely taken two steps, however, when she bumped into a tall figure, almost causing her to fall over in surprise.
"I'm so sorry," the figure said hurriedly, grabbing Kate's arms to hold her steady. "I should have been looking where I was going."
"Oh, no, it's fine." Kate rambled, straightening her dress out. "The fault is- James?"
Kate stopped mid-sentence, amazed at what she saw in front of her. James had been a boy who lived next door to them during her childhood in Wiltshire. Their families were good friends, and as children, the two of them, plus Edwina, had spent many a summer afternoon playing in the fields and woods nearby. James was a few years older than her, though younger than Anthony, and the last time she had seen him, he was going off to join the navy. She had been but fourteen when he left.
The navy had clearly been kind to him. Kate had always found his face to be attractive, in that kind sort of way. But now his face had a slightly bronzed colour, and his hair was thicker and slightly unkempt, giving him a rugged sailor look. His eyes and lips were still just as Kate remembered them, but his body had seen the most change. Kate still recalled hugging him goodbye, weeping on his shoulder as she did so. He had been a couple of inches taller than her then, but weedy and unsure of himself. Now, he must have been even taller than Benedict, and was strong and lean, his toned arms and shoulders evident through the cut of his suit. He also held himself well, confident and admonishing, leaving Kate slightly in awe.
"Kate?" he said in amazement, equally caught off-guard by the unexpected reunion. The woman in front of him was not the young girl he left back in Wiltshire.
Kate laughed with glee, throwing her arms around his neck and embracing him happily, not caring about what others may think. "What are you doing here? It's been so long! How is the navy? How is your family? Are you living in London?"
James laughed affectionately. "Still the same old curiosity as before, I see. Would you care for some refreshment? Then we might retire to the garden and have a proper catch up."
"That sounds perfect," Kate beamed, delighted to have been reunited with an old friend.
Kate and James took two cups of lemonade and retreated out onto the patio. This too was lavishly decorated with lights and flowers, and they ducked around a few parties of chattering party-goers before finding a bench and sitting themselves down.
"So," Kate beamed. "Tell me everything."
James chuckled at her eagerness before launching into his tales of the past few years. He had indeed joined the navy and spent more than five years at sea, regaling Kate with tales of the hardships and foreign lands and his crewmates. She was an excellent audience, James thought, gasping and laughing and looking concerned in all the right places. Although they hadn't seen each other in years, it was easy to recall the memories from their part when Kate's face was shining in the eager way it always had done when James was speaking. As much as he hated to admit the fact, James' stomach did a slight flip every time he saw her smile.
They had both been young when he had left, but Kate had always been familiar, a kind soul, and undoubtedly pretty. Aging had done her no damage either. She must have done well for herself, he noted, as he took in her diamond tiara and sparkling jewels, as well as the highly-fashionable dress which undoubtedly did not come cheap. But the streaks of colour in her hair, and the glimmer in her eyes, and the dimples on her cheeks, were exactly the same as on the girl he had once known.
Urging himself to stay focused, he continued his story. He explained that after a few years serving, he had grown tired of naval life. However, a battle at sea (the concerned look on Kate's face at these words was nothing short of adorable) had left him with a leg injury. Although minor, it was enough to mean he was honourably discharged. After this, he returned home to his family in Wiltshire for a short time before moving to London.
On arrival, he managed to secure a position with a wealthy merchant as a sort of assistant. The merchant happened to be old school friends with the Duke, which is how James found himself feeling rather out of place in the ballroom at Hastings House.
"Well," Kate said, trying to absorb all the information, "I, for one, am very glad you're here this evening. It's so comforting to see an old face in all this London madness."
"And what brings you to all this London madness, may I ask?" James enquired.
Kate opened her mouth to reply when she was suddenly interrupted by a rather irritated-looking Anthony coming to stand right in front of them.
Anthony wandered back into the ballroom, scanning the crowd for his wife's face. He had admitted defeat and retreated to the private sitting room upstairs to find Benedict, the two chatting about how, though lovely, the party was a little crowded. After a while he had decided to act the viscount and go and socialise.
As he walked down the stairs he realised the band were playing the opening notes of a waltz. Smiling at the thought of his wife waiting for him to ask her to dance (it was her favourite) he gently pushed his way through the crowd, smiling and offering polite greetings to anyone attempting to distract him from his mission.
After pushing through half the crowd, he started to wonder whether Kate was even here. He had seen Eloise and Penelope starting just off from his mother and Daphne, and she wasn't with any of them. Confused, he made his way to Colin.
"Have you seen Kate anywhere?"
"I'm well, brother, how are you?", Colin snarkily replied, greeting Anthony with a slap on the back.
Anthony gave him a withering look, before his eyes returned to scanning the crowd.
"Apologies for my lack of manners, but I am looking for my wife. Is she around here?"
"Ah, more than five minutes of separation and you're already a nervous wreck. I can't wait to be married."
Anthony rolled his eyes. "I'm not a nervous wreck," he sighed, turning his full attention to his brother. "Merely curious."
"Oh good," Colin replied. "So it won't bother you if I mention that she left to go outside with a young and dashingly handsome gentleman around, ooh, maybe half an hour ago."
"Seriously?" Anthony asked between gritted teeth.
Colin just nodded, seeming slightly concerned now about his brother's reaction, but before he had time to say anything further, Anthony was already making a beeline for the patio door.
Anthony entered the outdoor space of Hastings House, eyes searching quickly for the one face he was seeking. And there she was, sat on a bench off to the side with a complete stranger. But they were laughing. And she looked happy. And he looked a little too interested in what she was saying for Anthony's liking.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, before he pushed his shoulders back and strode over to the pair.
"Anthony!" Kate looked surprised at her husband suddenly bearing over them. "I'm so glad you're here."
She stood up, wrapping a hand around his arm. This was good, Anthony surmised. Surely if the new man was an object of her affection, she wouldn't be treating Anthony so.
"This is James," she smiled whilst making the introduction. "We grew up together before he left to join the navy, but he's working in London now. James, this is my husband Anthony."
"Viscount Bridgerton," Anthony added, nodding his head slightly at James whilst sizing him up. He was tall and strong, and definitely attractive. Anthony was not happy about this. He was also not happy about the fact they had grown up together. How many stories and hobbies had they shared whilst growing up which Anthony would never be a part of?
"Viscount Bridgerton," James greeted, looking slightly nervous. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Your sister throws an excellent party."
"Thank you," Anthony acknowledged courteously. "I would love to stay and chat but unfortunately my wife and I have to leave now."
"We do?" Kate asked, confused.
"Yes," Anthony replied, "my mother is not feeling well and I have offered that we see her home."
"Oh," Kate replied anxiously, turning to James. "I'm sorry for the abrupt departure, but you should stop by sometime soon. I live at Bridgerton House by the main square. I would be honoured if you would pay me a visit so we can have a real catch up."
"Of course, Kate," James smiled. "It was so lovely to see you again. Goodnight, Lord Bridgerton."
With that, James disappeared into the crowd, Anthony not missing the glance he threw back at Kate as he left.
Anthony grabbed his wife's hand, pushing through the crowd effortlessly, pausing only briefly to grab their coats before ushering her into their waiting carriage.
"But where's your mother?" Kate questioned.
"My mother is well, she is still at the party."
"Then why are we leaving so suddenly?"
"Needed more time with your friend, did you?"
Kate stared at Anthony, the pieces falling into place. She scoffed, before clambering out of the carriage which had just pulled up outside their home.
"Kate!" Anthony called after her. But she did not stop, storming all the way up to her bedroom and slamming the door.
"We are not to be disturbed," Anthony ordered a nearby terrified-looking maid, before following her into the room.
"Kate," he repeated slightly more calmly this time.
"How dare you?" Kate screeched. "I see someone I haven't spoken to in years and you drag me away from a lovely party because you're too insecure for me to speak to any male who isn't you?"
"Kate, it's not like that-"
"Then what is it like? He is a friend, Anthony, he only ever was and I was just excited to see him again and you have to ruin it!"
"I'm sorry Kate, but the way it looked he wanted more than friendship."
"What?" she scoffed.
"I know men," Anthony explained, "I know how a man looks when he desires a woman and how he was looking at you, he was clearly not just wanting a catch up."
"You're ridiculous." She turned her back on him, and angrily started removing her gloves.
"I'm not," Anthony argued. "The way you were laughing and smiling at him - I want to be the only one who does that."
"Anthony," Kate sighed. "I love you. You are my husband. You are my best friend. You are the funniest person I know." Anthony's heart warmed at her words, and he reached for her. "But your actions tonight were not ok. Can you imagine if I threw a hissy fit every time you spoke to one of your previous flings? I trust that you would never do anything to hurt me. Why can't you trust me?"
Anthony lowered his head in regret, not knowing how to react.
"I think I will sleep in here tonight," Kate told me, her back still turned.
"What?" Anthony panicked. Ever since their wedding, there had not been a single night where she had not come to his bed. Often they would make love, but some nights they just talked or cuddled. But Anthony had become so accustomed to falling asleep with her in his arms, he wasn't sure he would be able to settle without her.
"Please Kate, come to our bed. I'm sorry for overreacting, I do trust you. I just panicked that's all. Please, love."
"I'm sorry, Anthony," Kate whispered. "But I'd like to be alone tonight."
She walked away from him to open the door back to the hallway, and Anthony felt his heart break.
As he walked past her, he leant in to kiss her, but she turned her face so his lips brushed over her cheek. Another crack formed on his heart.
"I'm sorry," he breathed against her skin. "I love you."
Kate offered him a small smile before closing the door behind him. Anthony slid to the floor, putting his head in his hands.