May 13, 2024
Kate and Anthony Week 2024
Day One: Your Hand in Mine
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Kate and Anthony Week 2024
Day One: Your Hand in Mine
everything is new and everything is you
https://archiveofourown.org/works/38910057
His forehead scrunched. “Something is different.”
“What?”
“There is something different about you. New. I don’t know what, but something’s not the same.”
“I assure you, my lord, nothing has changed.”
“It’s your scent,” Anthony said resolutely. Kate’s mouth parted as his face ghosted nearer, sniffing the air surrounding her. “It’s different.”
-
written for Kate and Anthony week, inspired by day 2 prompt: lilies.
Kate and Anthony Week - Day 1.
Prompt: "Jealousy and all it's cousins"
19th September, 1817.
It was supposed to be a gift for her husband.
Kate herself had never been particularly interested in the opera - it was all theatrics and arias. Kate had always been a great lover of music, but frankly if she wanted to sit in a darkened room for three hours and listen to somebody squalling, she had two perfectly noisy infants waiting for her at home.
No, operas were more Anthony's sort of thing. And it being his birthday, she couldn't very well deny his request to take in the latest production of Così fan tutte on Drury Lane, especially as it was a particular favourite of his.
Why, they hadn't been out since before Miles was born, he had said. He wanted to spend time with his wife, he had said.
Ha. Wife. It was almost funny.
Riding back to Bridgerton House in their carriage, Kate made sure to sit as far away from her husband as was physically possible. He wouldn't look at her, his face turned to the window, but she could still see his reflection the glass and it was clear he was trying, and failing, to smother a grin.
Anger flared in her, and it flushed her skin.
"What, pray tell, is so funny?" she asked, calmly.
That just about broke him. The damnable man keeled forward in his seat, letting out a bellowing laugh that shook the entire carriage. Kate folded her arms across her chest; and damn it, she knew it probably made her look petulant and her breasts were still swollen and too sore to be crushed like this, but she couldn't help it. Uncrossing her arms would leave her too vulnerable, and as a woman still trying to get used to her post-pregnancy body, she already felt vulnerable enough.
"Oh, god, Kate!" He wheezed, "I'm so sorry! You must admit, it's-..." he guffawed again, barely able to get the words out, "... oh god, it is rather funny. I thought you were going to kill her."
Funny?
"Kill her? No. Although I might still kill you." Her iciness only seemed to spur him on. It was like he couldn't stop himself. He was laughing so hard, she genuinely thought he might make himself sick.
Ordinarily, she loved arguing with Anthony. She loved the passion and the fury of it all. But this felt different.
It wasn’t bad enough that their evening had started out with a heavy spattering of rain, but halfway through the first intermission of Cosi fan tutte, (somewhere between Alfonso gloating and the sisters crying), Anthony had left her alone in their box to retrieve a glass of claret. He had taken rather longer than usual, and when she popped her head out of the door, she caught him in the hallway, chatting amiably to the most beautiful-looking, brightly-adorned woman she had ever seen. A lady of the night.
And this woman - this ladybird - had looked up at Kate's husband like he was the most fascinating man in the world. She had smiled at him. And worse, this woman had the sort of waistline that Kate had never been able to aspire to, even before birthing two children.
Kate had not been mollified to learn that this woman - this Donna Bianca - had been an old acquaintance of her husband's; a souvenir from his rakish youth.
"I just can't believe you're jealous. Oh Kate, you have no idea. This is rich. I haven't laughed this hard in years."
"Yes," she said dryly, "I'd gathered."
"Oh, don't be like that." he sidled up close to her, his mouth dangerously close to her ear. "After all this time, I can't believe you get jealous. You certainly know how to boost a man's self esteem." He pressed the lightest of kisses to the side of her neck. "My Kate. My wife. As if there could ever be anyone else."
"Don't." she leaned out of his reach. She was embarrassed to realise that she was perilously close to tears. "You can save your kisses for Donna Bianca."
"You can't seriously think..." she heard, rather than saw, him pause for a moment. His hand touched her face. "Kate, look at me."
"I can't."
His voice was deadly seriously now, all trace of amusement gone. "Look at me, Kate."
He turned her head, his silk gloves feeling cool against her overheated face. He searched her eyes. "Oh god, Kate. Please don't cry. Don't cry, my love."
He placed soft kisses on her face, his thumb stroking her cheek. Wiping away a tear, she realised.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have teased you." another kiss. He is mouth travelled down her face, closer and closer to her lips. "The idea that I could ever be with anyone else, you don't see how absurd it is, do you? You're everything to me. You know you're everything to me."
His kisses were soft and despite herself, Kate felt herself relax into his embrace. He kissed her properly then, his fingers in her hair, his mouth moving gently, almost as if he was scared he would startle her.
After a moment, she felt herself being pulled into his lap. He stopped kissing her then, burying his face into her hair.
He sighed, his words were little more than warm breath against her neck.
"From the moment I was dunked in the Serpentine, there was never anyone else." he whispered, "I thought you knew that. I am yours, completely."
🌷 A Kate and Anthony relationship timeline🌷
A gift for all of us by @iris_bee_ !! Go check out what she's been doing for 🐝 Kate and Anthony Week 🐝 over there!!
Today's poll is very close, so make sure to vote for your favourite Kathony make out spot!! 🥰
Make Me...
As Anthony carried his pregnant wife up the stairs to their chambers, he paused to speak to a rather bemused looking member of their staff, informing them that they would like a cold dinner this eve, and it was to be brought to their rooms. He also asked that the nurse be informed that save for an emergency neither couple was to be disturbed and they would come for their children later on when ready.
Kate tried not to laugh at the look on the maids face, the poor girl could have been no more than 20 maybe 21 when she realised what Lord Bridgerton was meaning.
The entire Ton knew of Anthony’s devotion to his wife, but only their staff and their family really knew how much he loved his wife... and as the maid walked away, she knew they were in for a loud night...
She wanted Anthony's eyes to light up when she entered the room. She wanted him to scan a crowd until he saw her face. She didn't need him to love her - or at least that's what she was telling herself - but she desperately wanted to be first in his affections, first in his desires.
- The Viscount Who Loved Me
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Prompt: Day 1, Jealousy and all its cousins @katexanthonyweek
Kate Bridgerton was definitely not jealous.
(She was.)
rating: mature!
---
Kate tried really not to dislike people.
That did not mean she was always successful but she truly did try to give people the benefit of the doubt.
It became an exceedingly hard task when certain people made it incredibly difficult for Kate to like them. Especially before she knew them.
For example, the woman across the room who was standing far too close to her husband, openly flirting with him.
That was hard to like.
Kate was not a fool, she noticed how women behaved around Anthony. She could accept women would always be attracted to Anthony. He had been a notorious rake for a reason, after all. It made no difference to their marriage, Anthony was hers. Whenever he was in a room, the female gaze naturally drew to him.
She could not blame them. Her charming husband, who would kill her if he ever heard her say this, was beautiful.
He was incredibly handsome but there was so much more. There was no better feeling than being wrapped up in his broad shoulders and muscular arms. He had long, dark eyelashes every woman dreamed of. He had a strong jawline that she loved to kiss and trace with her fingertips when they lay in bed. He had a head full of dark hair that she loved to run her fingers through, unlike some men his age who were already bald.
Kate herself could barely keep her eyes off of him and she got to see him everyday, especially when no one else did. She got to see him when he first woke up in the morning, completely content with his tousled hair and half awake eyes. She had the privilege of seeing him with his shirt slightly unbuttoned, his cravat loose and best of all-with nothing on at all.
It was a challenge sometimes in public not to touch him, especially at balls and parties when he was dressed so well. She usually kept her hands occupied with a drink or an appetizer.
Anthony usually subtly touched her anyway, always improperly, to tease her or just because he wanted to.
(Even when she blushes and scolds him for it, they both know she loves it.)
However, she could not accept women who stepped a bit too far. From across the room, a woman was talking to Anthony. She was leaning towards him, taking subtle steps towards him and creating an improper distance between them. The woman was petite, blonde and her skin glowed in the dimmed lighting of the ballroom. She was beautiful.
She also had her hand on Anthony’s forearm.
Kate did not like this feeling. This bitter, bubbling anger in the pit of her chest as she watched Anthony across the room.
She was not jealous.
(She was.)
Technically, that was also Kate’s forearm. She had married that forearm just under a year ago.
They would be celebrating their one year anniversary, hosting their first ball as Viscount and Viscountess Bridgerton in Aubrey Hall next week. The ball would mark the end of the season, and Anthony and Kate were staying in Aubrey Hall for the rest of the summer before returning to London.
Kate was incredibly nervous.
She still felt at odds with her role as Viscountess. Her broken leg had put a stop to her social calendar after only a month of marriage, and she had not been able to carry out many of her roles as Viscountess.
It had taken a few months for her leg to heal. Kate could finally walk again, without the need for her stick or Anthony’s arm. Anthony had objected to their vigorous social calendar since the season had started but Kate was determined to attend as many balls as they could. Anthony, of course, was always by her side.
She was trying to do exactly as Violet Bridgerton would. Her days were now filled with parties, balls and social calls. Her first ball as Viscountess would be perfect.
It had to be.
She could not bear to think of the possibility of disappointing Violet and Anthony. There was a nagging feeling deep inside her, that society had been right to question why Anthony Bridgerton had chosen Kate Sharma to be his viscountess. The whispers that she was not fit for the role.
She was determined for those whispers not to be right.
Kate knew how lucky she was to have Anthony. Her marriage was wonderful, something she never would have dreamed of for herself. They loved each other to the point it was almost nauseating, as Eloise and Colin enjoyed to remind them, but they were also friends.
Anthony was her best friend.
Oh, she truly was nauseating.
The woman currently talking to her husband was making it exceedingly hard for Kate to concentrate on anything but them. Anthony had been talking to this mystery woman for just over three dances, when Kate had left him to dance with Benedict. This woman was now laughing at something Anthony said, her blonde curls bouncing in the air as her head tilted back.
What was so funny?
Kate loved her husband to death but he was not that funny.
“You cannot keep dancing with me to avoid dancing with other eligible ladies,” Kate teased Benedict, deciding to focus on her brother in law who was waltzing with her for the third time that evening.
“Can I not enjoy the company of my sister and not have any ulterior motives?” Benedict’s grin was wide across his face as he spun Kate around, narrowly avoiding her clumsy feet. She was a challenged dancer on her best days but when she was distracted by her husband across the room, it was every dancer for themself.
She glanced across the room again and now Anthony was laughing. Why was he laughing? She hoped it was a pitiful laugh.
“I thought I was doing you a favor by asking you to dance for a second and third time,” Benedict said, “I was distracting you from glancing over at my dear brother every few seconds.”
“I was not glancing. I was simply observing the room,” Kate said, but even Kate did not believe herself. She was blatantly staring at her husband. “Besides, we both know you are dancing with me to avoid dancing with one of the eligible ladies your mother is trying to marry you off to.”
“I believe three dances is all we have, so in a few moments I will have to venture back into the wild and attempt to avoid my mother for the rest of the evening,” He said, “However, I have been waiting for you to ask me who he is conversing with since the last dance. I thought you would give in five minutes ago”
“The thought had not crossed my mind.” Anthony had told her previously what a terrible liar she was. She previously thought it was because he knew her so well that she was incapable of lying to him, but she really was quite dreadful at it.
“Your face says otherwise.” Benedict glanced down at their feet before his teasing gaze returned to Kate’s face. “You have stepped on my feet at least four times while staring over there.”
A pang of guilt hit her. She was being rather rude. It was Benedict, so she knew he was not actually offended. Kate had gotten to know him quite well since her marriage. He joined them for dinner quite often, and spent a lot of time with Anthony at Whites or at their home. “You know, this is precisely why Gregory and Colin are my favourite brothers. They would never point out my flaws.”
Benedict chuckled. “Oh, how you wound me.”
Kate could not help herself. She had to know. “Who is that woman?”
Thankfully, Benedict chose not to tease and indulged her curiosity. “Her name is Eleanor Trent, previously Falmouth. My father and her, the Earl of Falmouth, attended Oxford together. They were friends until his death.”
Kate’s face fell. “She was a family friend?”
“Yes. She has brothers around the same age as Colin, Anthony and I. I know there were discussions of a betrothal, between Anthony and Eleanor. Nothing came of it, father died and Anthony would not discuss it further. He focused on the family and Oxford.” Benedict was not shy with the details, which Kate was equally grateful and upset about.
Kate’s stomach suddenly felt nauseous. Had something happened between them when they were young? Had Anthony courted her before his father’s death? Eleanor was the perfect candidate for a Viscountess. The daughter of an Earl, a family friend, a regular part of London society. “I imagine your mother was displeased.”
Kate loved her mother in law. Violet Bridgerton had been nothing but kind to Kate from the moment they met. She had been even kinder before their wedding, despite the circumstances that caused their nuptials.
They shared a lot in common, their love for gardening for one and met for tea multiple times a week, but Kate had always feared she was not the wife she had envisioned for her son. The same fear that had made itself known to Kate before her wedding remained inside of her: she feared Violet believed Kate had trapped her son.
The woman had witnessed her son’s face in Kate’s bosom, for heaven’s sake.
Benedict did not deny it. “Mother was furious when Anthony still refused three years later after he finished his studies. Eleanor later got married that season to a Baron and that was that. It took our mother a long time to learn that Anthony only does what Anthony wants to do.”
The music ceased and the dance ended, all the participants clapping before departing the dance floor. Benedict and Kate moved to the edge of the dancefloor, weaving through the crowds towards the refreshments table. Kate had been dancing for quite some time and she was quite thirsty. She wanted to find Anthony, but when she turned to look for him he had disappeared.
So had the woman.
Her heart sank in her chest.
“Brother, I believe that is enough dancing with my wife for one evening.”
Kate turned around to see her husband standing in front of her. She had regained her ability to breathe and realized how silly she was being. He smiled at her and she felt her insides melt.
It was ridiculous really, how this man’s smile always made her giddy.
She wanted to fall against his chest and bury her face in his neck, but instead she moved to his side and wrapped her arm around his. That was as affectionate as society would allow. Anthony covered his hand with hers, squeezing it briefly. It was a promise for later.
“Thank you,” She said, smiling as she took the glass in his hand and took a long sip, the dryness of her mouth disappearing. Her husband had developed a sense of always knowing what Kate needed. He had rarely left her side during her bed ridden months with her broken leg and they had spent a lot of time together.
Kate wondered if they could leave soon. She wanted the privacy to ask Anthony about that woman earlier, she could not remember him ever mentioning an Eleanor when recounting his childhood tales.
“Jealous, brother?” Benedict teased, grinning at Anthony as he took a sip of his wine. “I was always the better dancer. Kate simply wanted a better partner.”
Kate let out a long sigh, her eyes flicking between the two brothers. “Now, boys-”
“Kate took pity on you and indulged your attempts at hiding from our mother’s matchmaking endeavours.” Anthony narrowed his eyes at his brother, his competitive edge seeping out. Her dear husband did enjoy being the best at everything and disputed anyone who thought otherwise. “My waltz trounces your waltz any day.”
At the mention of his mother, Benedict scanned the room around them before visibly relaxing, his shoulders dropping. “It is a nuisance. Mother had cornered me at every ball so far this season, introducing me to potential marriage candidates. Colin had his wits about him to travel as far as Greece to get away from her.”
“You should consider looking for a wife,” Anthony said, scanning the crowded room for their mother. “I presume mother is hassling Eloise.”
“Not you too,” Benedict replied, glaring at his brother. “I am perfectly capable of finding my own wife, thank you. She simply is not here.”
Anthony, now bored of his brother, turned to his wife with a teasing smile. “How many times did you step on his toes?”
It was Kate’s turn to glare at her husband. “None, thank you very much.”
Benedict decided to join in on his brother’s teasing, glad for the change in topic. “Lying is a sin, Kate.”
“Oh, Violet!” Kate said, looking over Benedict’s shoulder.
Benedict jumped and darted to the side, causing Anthony and Kate to burst out laughing, muffling their laughter into their sleeves once other party goers began to stare.
Benedict glared at the pair of them once he realized his mother was nowhere to be seen. “Very funny. Your ball at Aubrey Hall is only next week. Maybe I shall take a page out of your book and compromise some young lady in the garden?”
That wiped the smug smirk right off Anthony’s face.
Kate had to disguise her snort with a cough into her glove.
Before he could retort, Anthony’s eyes froze at something across the room. “Who is that man Eloise is speaking to? Alone?”
Kate and Benedict’s heads turned in the direction Anthony was glaring in. The man’s head was all they could see, Eloise hands waving in the air as she spoke passionately about something.
“I will be right back,” Anthony squeezed her hand before he charged in the direction of his young sister.
“Benedict!” The distinct voice of Violet Bridgerton came from an unknown direction, but it was enough for Benedict to say a quick apology to Kate before disappearing into the crowd.
Kate found herself alone at the refreshment’s table.
“Lady Bridgerton?”
Kate finished swallowing the biscuit she had put in her mouth, trying not to choke before she turned around to see who had addressed her. Kate held in her gasp, eyes widening as she looked at the woman in front of her.
It was her.
She bowed, and Kate did the same. “It is such a pleasure to meet you, I hoped we would be introduced sooner. I have heard so much about you.”
Kate felt herself blush. This woman was assuming she knew who she was. “Apologies, I do not believe we have met.”
“Oh! Forgive me,” She said, shaking her head and laughing to herself. “I would have thought Anthony would have mentioned me. I have known Anthony and the Bridgertons my entire life. I am Lady Eleanor Trent. It is such a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Apparently, she was on a first name basis with her husband.
Kate smiled pleasantly, feeling slightly uncomfortable. “How lovely to meet you, Lady Trent.”
“I am very much looking forward to your ball in Aubrey Hall.”
Kate did not know she was invited. Violet had handled the guest list. “I am very happy to hear that.”
“I have not been there in quite some time. We used to visit Aubrey Hall a few times a year throughout my childhood. It was like a second home. I adore it. Have you been yet?”
Kate blinked slowly at her odd question. “Have I been to my home? Yes.
For some reason, Lady Trent was not phased by Kate’s blunt response whatsoever. “I have been more times than I could count. I have known the Bridgertons my entire life, as I am sure you know. That is quite funny, I have known your husband longer than you.”
Kate tried to unclench her jaw, breathing steadily through her nose. “I did not, actually.”
“Oh, how odd.” Her laugh was almost a shriek. “I was practically a Bridgerton until my marriage.”
Kate was not being dramatic, that was a peculiar thing to say. Benedict had not conveyed it that way at all.
Lady Trent continued to speak. Kate wished she wouldn't. “Was your father an Earl? A Duke? A Viscount?”
What did that have to do with anything? Kate's heart sped up at the mention of her father. “No. My father was a gentlemen. What does that have to do with anything?"
“Oh.” Lady Trent was not subtle with her disdain. “How interesting. Forgive my curiosity. One would think that must have made the transition quite difficult.”
Kate blinked. “Pardon?”
Lady Eleanor took a small sip of her wine, nodding sympathetically. “It must be difficult coming into such an important role as a Viscountess at such a young age. Especially when one is marrying a man like Anthony.”
This woman had no clue what type of man her husband was.
“I know this from experience, of course. I would be terrified if I came into the role of Viscountess with no experience,” Eleanor smiled sweetly at Kate, her voice dripping with everything but kindness. Her not so subtle dig made Kate’s blood boil.
“Oh!” She let out a cheerful laugh. “I am sure you are doing a fine job, Lady Bridgerton.”
Kate was nearly positive she had been insulted at least twice in this bizarre conversation.
If one thing was certain, it was that Kate did not like this woman at all.
She particularly did not like how she had been looking at her husband but her personality was just as unpleasant.
Kate was debating how significant the consequences would be if she launched her wine at Eleanor’s pink evening dress. She could stumble, blame it on her healed leg. It would be worth the earful she would get from Anthony, who still believed her leg had not fully healed and Kate should still be bedridden.
Kate didn’t cause scenes intentionally, she had been in the background for most of her life.
It definitely was not something a Viscountess would do, to cause such a scene, so she resisted.
Instead, she finished her glass in a few gulps. Kate replaced it with a glass from one of the server’s trays quite quickly as she composed herself.
“Thank you so much for your concern.” Kate matched the falseness of her tone, her smile stretched far too wide across her face to be genuine. “It has been a splendid year. I suppose, experience or not, some people are just born for certain roles.”
Eleanor appeared as if she was at a loss for words. She simply nodded, her smile wrinkling the skin on her forehead. “I could not agree more, Lady Bridgerton.”
“I must go find my husband. It was such a pleasure to meet you, Lady Trent. I look forward to seeing you at our ball next week.” Kate certainly was not. “Good evening, Lady Trent.”
Kate found Anthony in the crowd, he had also been searching for her. He took her arm in his, squeezing it softly. That was their signal it was time to go home. They kissed and bid their family goodnight, making their way towards the front of the house to get their carriage.
Anthony nodded at the valet and opened their carriage door, making way for Kate to step in before closing it behind them.
“I am exhausted,” She said, pulling a few pins out of her hair that had been digging into her scalp all evening. Relief flooded her head as she gently massaged her sensitive scalp. She couldn’t wait to take off her corset and go to bed.
Kate knew she would not be able to sleep until she spoke to Anthony about both of their conversations with Lady Trent. Her interaction with Lady Trent had left Kate feeling uneasy.
“Come here.” Anthony pulled her on top of him, her back resting on the carriage wall and her feet resting on the cushioned seat.
“There is a seat right beside you.” Kate laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck and lightly running her fingers through his hair.
“I prefer you on top of me.” Anthony moved his hands down to lightly squeeze her buttocks.
“I thought you liked being on top?” If he wanted to tease, Kate could tease him right back.
Anthony laughed, nuzzling her neck and leaving a trail of kisses from her collarbone all the way to her lips. “Right as always, Lady Bridgerton.”
“Did you have a good evening? I did not see you much,” She murmured against his lips. She could tell, with his fingers already creeping up her thigh, that talking was the last thing on her husband’s mind.
She would have to be quick if she wished to find out anything. The carriage ride home to Bridgeton House was less than fifteen minutes and he would not waste one of them before they had to stop.
They would not get caught in a carriage.
Again.
Once they arrived home, they wouldn’t do any talking once they got to their bed chamber.
She had enough willpower to focus on the task at hand and not let her husband completely distract her.
Right?
She needed to find out about his conversation with Eleanor.
His lips brushed hers before he spoke. “It was fine. A ball is a ball. I would have much preferred to stay home with you or at least sneak off to the gardens. Why did we not do that?”
Kate let out a laugh, her fingers tightening around his strands of hair as his lips moved down across her jaw. “How many gardens do you wish to compromise me in?”
“All of them,” Anthony said, his lips tickling the skin of her jaw as his laughter vibrated against her.
“Did you speak to anyone interesting?”
“Mm?” His teeth tugged at the top of her bodice, his tongue dipping behind the satin fabric.
“Anthony.” Her voice shook slightly as she spoke, his tongue was eliciting tingles throughout her chest and between her legs. “I said, did you speak to anyone interesting? Anyone you have not seen in a while?”
She would power through. “I met someone new, actually. Lady Eleanor.”
Anthony hummed in agreement against her skin, “Oh. Yes.”
“Benedict mentioned you have known her since you were children.”
“Indeed.” His face remained expressionless. He wasn’t listening to her. He was far too interested in pulling her dress down, which he did promptly.
Kate had lost the battle, and Anthony had won the war. He palmed her breasts in his hands, squeezing them softly as he pulled her in for a deep kiss. She could feel him hard against her thigh, and she reached down to palm him through the fabric of his breeches. His groan filled her ears and made her limbs weak.
“Oh,” She whispered, her lips parting as Anthony began to kiss his way down her neck, down her chest until his tongue grazed her nipple. He teased her momentarily before taking her fully in his mouth.
The carriage came to a halt and Kate hastily pulled up her dress, smoothening her dress and hair to fix her disheveled appearance. This was not their first indecent carriage ride. Anthony helped Kate out of the carriage, not letting go of her hand as they raced up the steps and entered the foyer, wasting no time running up the stairs.
If she did not keep up with Anthony, he would carry her up the flights of stairs to their bedroom.
Anthony dismissed her maid, fully intending on undressing his wife himself.
There wasn’t any talking for the rest of the night.
Kate’s morning had started off pleasant.
The following morning, Kate and Newton had joined Eloise and Penelope for a walk in the park. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and the cool breeze was refreshing. They joined Kate at Bridgerton House afterwards for some lemonade, before leaving to return home.
She had called on Daphne for the remainder of the afternoon and on her way home, her carriage had stopped at Madame Delacroix’s modiste for one last fitting before the ball.
“Lady Bridgerton!”
Kate had finished her fittings and was waiting on one of her gown’s to be packaged. The last person she had wanted to see had walked into the modiste. “Lady Trent. How lovely to see you.”
She smiled widely at Kate, it was unnerving. “How are the ball preparations going?”
“Very well, thank you.” Kate had always found small talk with strangers quite uncomfortable. Kate could not find the words to describe how she was feeling in this current situation. She had not found the opportunity to discuss the evening with Anthony last night and he had left early this morning for Parliament. She would not see him until she arrived home.
“How nice,” She replied, nodding her head slowly. It reminded Kate of one of Hyacinth’s frightening dolls. “I always found the menu planning quite tedious.”
Kate nodded. “Indeed. A pleasant task, nonetheless.”
“Have you finalized your menu?” Lady Trent asked, examining the different materials in the display case.
Kate nodded. “For the ballroom, yes. We will have traditional English pastries, desserts. I would not want anyone to go hungry.”
Lady Trent continued to nod slowly, her lips in a flat line. “It is always a good idea to keep things simple. However, I do remember Anthony having a more adventurous palate.”
Kate would hardly call pastries, sandwiches, desserts and food displays she had planned simple. Kate had known this woman for a day and she had already had enough. “Why would my husband’s palate be any concern of yours, Lady Trent?”
That shut her up.
Kate squeezed the ribbons between her fingers, trying to stop her shaking hand. This woman was a beast.
“Have you ever been outside of England, Lady Bridgerton?” She asked, circling the ribbon’s display with disinterest.
“I have not,” Kate said through gritted teeth.
“What a pity.” She tutted, her curls bouncing in the air as she shook her head. “I suppose my traveling has given me a new outlook on life. It has opened me to a whole new world of cuisine and flavour. Traveling really exemplifies how dull the English customs and cuisine we are all accustomed to are.”
“I am sure it will be lovely. I must be on my way. Good day, Lady Bridgerton.” She bowed her head before turning around, swiftly exiting the modiste.
Kate was furious.
She sat incredibly still, not uttering a word during the carriage ride home until she reached Bridgerton House. She made her way towards the drawing room, not checking to see if Anthony was home in his office.
She stood in the middle of their drawing room, pacing in the same spot before she screamed.
There’s the slamming of a door and Anthony appears, Newton barking at his feet, looking incredibly alarmed. “Kate! Kate. Are you alright?”
Anthony charges towards her, holds her shoulders, scanning her entire body to assess any damage. “
“No. Yes, but no. It...it is that….that woman,” Kate spat out her words.
“What woman?” Anthony asked, frantically looking around the room.
“That woman. That, that-what was that word you taught me the other night?” Kate’s
“Bitch?” Anthony supplied, looking incredibly concerned for his wife.
“Yes!” Kate waved her arm in victory. “That bitch.”
Kate had sobbed in front of her husband before, from their declarations of love to the agony of her broken leg, but she had never expressed such fury before.
Anthony had not the slightest clue what was going on. “Kate, what the bloody hell are you talking about?”
Kate was pacing the room again. “Lady Eleanor Trent, of course. Firstly, she was standing far too close to you. Then she touched your forearm. That is highly improper-
“At the ball?” Anthony furrowed his eyebrows as he thought about it. “Wait.”
Anthony stared at her as if she had grown another head. “Kate Bridgerton. Is this all because you are jealous?”
Her husband looked positively gleeful.
“Anthony!” Kate nearly threw a pillow at him.
“I am sorry, I am sorry,” He pleaded, biting his lower lip to restrain his smile as he walked towards her with open arms. “Tell me what else happened.”
“She introduced herself and the conversation was strange. She was incredibly rude last night and this morning. She insulted me, my father, my
Anthony’s face darkened. “She insulted you? She insulted your father? That is unacceptable. I will make sure she is not welcome in London again. I will call on her and tell her exactly what I think of her-
Kate shook her head rapidly. “The last thing I want is you going near her. She has some strange infatuation with you. She referred to herself as practically a Bridgerton until she was married. Did you court her?”
“I barely knew her, Kate,” He said, looking bewildered at Kate’s words. “I had not seen her for nine years until last night. Our parents were mainly friends. Her family usually visited when I was at Eton. I most certainly did not court her, no.”
Kate did not reply, although she was relieved to hear Lady Trent’s words had been based on delusion. Kate felt incredibly overwhelmed, as if every emotion and fear she had been bottling up was crashing into her at once.
“Kate,” He stepped towards her cautiously, wary of the readily available pillows within her grasp. He sat on the couch, extending his hand towards her. “Come here, darling.”
She broke, practically falling into her husband’s arms who wrapped himself around her, pulling her onto his lap. Their foreheads and noses were touching as he spoke to her.
His lips brushed her cheek as he spoke softly. “Can you tell me what else is wrong? Is there something else going on?”
She can’t meet his eyes, instead she stares down at her hands in her lap. “I am terrified I am letting you down.”
“Kate, you could never let me down,” He says, affection flooding his voice as he tilts her chin up softly with his index finger to look at her face.
Kate took a deep breath. “You have had so much on your shoulders for so long. Since your father died. Between your family and your duties, you have always worked so hard. I want to do whatever I can to help you. I want to do this right. I want to make your life easier however I can and I want to be a good Viscountess. I am really trying. I just feel like I am failing. What if she was right? What if my lack of experience means I am not right for this role? I-I want you to be proud of me.”
He leans down to kiss her firmly and it’s the type of kiss that makes her toes curl. “Kate,” He murmured, drawing back but staying as close as possible. “You are the perfect Viscountess because you are my Viscountess. Everyone adores you. I was merely existing before I met you. After you, I began to live. You brought this light into my life that I didn’t think was possible. Everything I do is for you and everything I am is because of you. I am so proud of you. I am in awe of you. You are everything, Kate. Everything.”
“I love you,” She says, because that is all there is to say. She loved him, and he loved her, even when she acted slightly insane in their drawing room. That was all she needed. Anthony was all she needed.
She could do anything with Anthony by her side.
“I love you,” She whispered,
“Anthony,” She whispered a few minutes later, feeling a lot calmer. “I was jealous, you know.”
Anthony tried his best to not look too pleased, but he was slightly smug. “Jealousy is a difficult emotion to deal with.”
“Not all of us can shove people out of the way, you know.” If Anthony saw a man try to speak to Kate, he simply shoved them out of his way to his wife.
Anthony shrugged. “It is quite an effective method.”
“I did not like how she behaves around you,” Kate said, nibbling on her bottom lip. “When I saw her touching you and standing so close to you-I did not like how it made me feel.”
A panic stricken look flashes across his face.“Kate, I would never encourage it-”
“Sweetheart, I know,” She murmurs, cupping his cheeks in her hands as she kissed him softly. The thought had never crossed her mind and she immediately went to comfort him. “I know. I know you would never stray.”
She felt his sigh of relief. “You would kill me.”
“No I would not,” She lightly teased, pecking his lips. “That would be merciful. I would physically and mentally destroy you.”
“That will never happen,” Anthony murmured, brushing some loose strands of hair out of her eyes. “There will be no more joking about infidelity.”
Kate took a deep breath before she spoke again. “So you have noticed Eleanor flirting with you?”
Anthony cleared his throat, frowning slightly as his uncomfortableness set in. “I have noticed. She is not exactly subtle.”
“I would never have married her. She was a young girl with a crush, which I cannot fault her for. I am incredibly handsome.” Kate rolled her eyes at her husband’s cheeky smile. “However, she was never kind. These recent events have only re-confirmed that. I remember when I was seventeen, I had come home for Christmas. Her family had come to stay for a week. She was incredibly rude to our servants. She cared more about parties and appearances than family. She was so disinterested in my younger siblings to the point of being cruel. She was not the type of person I could marry.”
“Why would your mother want you to marry her?” Kate asked, resting her forehead against his.
“My mother was grieving.” Anthony shrugged his shoulders, running one of his hands soothingly down her back. “She thought she knew what was best for me. She has always chosen to see the parts of people she wanted to see. Not all the parts that were in front of her.”
“Well, I for one am very glad you did not marry her.” Teasing was always an effective way to snap Anthony out of one of his serious thoughts, and she was successful when he snorted.
“As am I.” His thumb was making small circles on her cheek.
“She insulted my choice of food for the ball.”
Anthony raised an eyebrow at his wife and stared at her. “What?”
“She called it simple English cuisine,” Kate said, still incredibly bitter. “Who in their right mind does not like scones and cucumber and chicken sandwiches?”
“Colin will be there and he will wolf them down, so there is no fear they will not be eaten.” Her brother in law was returning to England the day before their ball, conveniently missing most of the season much to his mother’s dismay.
“As someone who lives in your household, your menu choices have always been exceptional. I have also eaten many of those food choices, including off of you, and they were delicious.”
“Anthony!” She smacked his chest, laughing against his lips as he stole a kiss. He always knew how to make her feel better.
Anthony had always made her feel safe, she had trusted him even when she did not particularly like him. That stormy night in his library had changed everything. It was his nature that made people admire him and trust him. He took care of people. He had been misjudged by society, made out to be a cold hearted rake incapable of true affection.
It angered Kate beyond belief. Anthony had suffered more than most, losing his father and becoming the head of the family at such a young age. He had become a father to his siblings and a Viscount to his tenants and society. In a way, his life had begun and ended when his father died.
He was the first person she opened up to about her fear of storms and the reason she had been brave enough to face her fear.
He had become her anchor, and her his.
“Our ball is going to be wonderful, do you know why?” Anthony asked, grinning at his wife.
“Why?” She responded, smiling right back at him.
“Because it is ours,” He said simply. “It is celebrating one incredible year of marriage and many more to go.”
“Until forever.” Kate rested her forehead against his, feeling completely content.
Anthony nodded in agreement. “Forever it is.”
A week later, the Viscount and Viscountess' ball was a complete success.
The food was devoured.
Laugher could be heard all around the ballroom.
The Viscountess was praised for her efforts throughout the evening.
Lady Trent's absence was not missed.
Anthony had surprised Kate at the end of the evening with a show of fireworks.
It was perfect.
Kate and Anthony had their own private celebration that very night.
Edmund Bridgerton was born nine months later.
Green-Eyed at Almack’s
For Kate and Anthony 2021 Week, Day 1 Prompt: Jealousy and all its cousins
Even a year after her wedding, the new Lady Bridgerton found that her gaze fell almost instinctively on her husband, no matter the time or place.
It was not her fault, Kate reasoned to herself after the umpteenth time she had been caught staring by her husband, his mother, her mother, her sister, or assorted Bridgerton relatives, and then teased mercilessly about it. Surely it was natural for a (not so) newlywed to look, especially when one was married to a man as handsome, kind, loving and warm as Anthony Bridgerton?
Kate sighed dreamily, her gaze drifting once more to her husband even as she danced a set with her brother-in-law, the Duke of Hastings. Despite the crowded rooms at Almack’s, Kate quickly found him, his tall, dark-haired figure easily distinguishable among the rest of his friends and-
Kate frowned.
A woman was speaking with Anthony now- a young, beautiful woman, Kate quickly registered, taking note of her fine features, auburn hair, and full figure that so exactly fit the fashions of the day. She looked closer to Edwina’s age than her own. Kate had no idea who she was, but saw how their heads were bent close to one another in a rather intimate manner- far more intimate than Kate was comfortable with.