Gravity || Anthony Bridgerton

Four - A Gentleman Calls

The next morning I wore one of my finest daytime dresses, it was a pale lime coloured dress that traveled to the floor, and I had Lily assist me with my hair. Today was crucial. It was my chance to impress any suitors that called upon the house desiring to make my acquaintance.

I sat in the drawing room alongside Daphne, Eloise and Lady Bridgerton, when Anthony strode through the double doors. We all shared equally baffled glances at one another.

This had been the first time I had seen Anthony so early in the day - in the entire time I had been staying with the Bridgertons. Anthony enjoyed sleeping in before attending to his duties as a viscount.

'Anthony! I did not expect to see you here this morning.' Daphne looked at Anthony in astonishment.

'It is terribly early for you, dearest,' Lady Bridgerton told her son. I stifled a laugh.

Hearing me, Anthony turned around to face me, I look of mock hurt on his face. 'I could not sleep for some reason. All the excitement, I presume.' He said before eating a grape from the selection of snacks prepared.

'Am I the first gentleman to arrive?' He paced toward the sofa where I was sat, taking a seat next to me. 'How wonderful!' He smiled brightly, turning to face me with a look of mischief.

Daphne sat down defeated on the opposite sofa as she shared a look of disappointment with her mother.

-

As Anthony rose from his seat to discuss something with one of the gentleman that had arrived, a different gentleman advanced toward me, sitting down.

I looked across the room to see if Anthony had noticed. Daphne certainly had, as she sat opposite me on the other sofa, a seat spare next to her.

'I believe we have not yet been acquainted,' the gentleman stated. I took that moment to look at him. His eyes were a dark brown and he had a distinctive moustache.

'Elizabeth Newton,' I introduced myself hesitantly.

'Newton...?' he paused. 'Are you by any chance-' He began.

'At the fear of interrupting you, I must tell you I am not related to Sir Isaac Newton, before you ask.' I was fairly used to the assumptions people made when they heard my last name. Perhaps I should introduce myself as 'Elizabeth Newton, no relation to Isaac. Pleasure to meet you...' From now onward, I thought to myself.

The gentleman smiled, when suddenly a shadow was cast over him. Turning to shift his attention, he caught Anthony's hard stare. I innocently looked up to at Anthony who was stood sternly in front of the man.

'Is there a problem, Lord Bridgerton?' The gentleman - who I did not yet know his name - asked nervously.

'I should think so. You are in my seat.' Anthony glared.

I looked passed Anthony, to see the seat beside Daphne still unoccupied. Why did he not just sit next to his sister?

Before Anthony could say another word, the gentleman sat next to me scurried away.

'Much better,' Anthony whispered, taking a relaxed seat beside me. He had sat much closer this time and I could feel his body heat against my bare arm.