Forgive me if you've already covered this in your drabble series and I missed it or forgot, but what is your head canon for how the night in the gazebo ended? All we know for sure is that Kate was still there-- awake or asleep-- when Anthony fell asleep and that Kate didn't get to Danbury House until the morning.
Oooh, good question. I have never written about the gazebo scene. I actually don't write much canon-compliant stuff because, frankly, I don't know a lot about regency and I don't want to mess up any of the details egregiously and take people out of the story. 😂
I don't have a SUPER strong headcanon about that night, but here's the rough idea of what I imagine:
Anthony finishes too (either by his own hand or grinding up against Kate). He gives Kate another round of pleasure with his mouth or his hand, until she's tired and sated.
He falls asleep holding her, sleeping deeply for the first time in years. Kate stays up, watching him sleep and trying not to think of what it means, just being in the moment. She doesn't intend to stay, but can't help falling asleep in his arms.
She wakes up first and starts to panic. She's been out all night and if anyone found out, they would have to marry. She thinks of the pain it would cause Edwina and the painful fate of marrying a man she loves who (she thinks) does not love her. So she runs to protect them both.
Would love to hear other people's headcanons for that night! Honestly, even more than that scene, I've always wondered what happens after their kiss at the church. Does Kate run away? Does someone interrupt them and they rush apart? I've always been curious!