his sapphire • anthony bridgerton

thirteen • underway

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"That we would spend the years together..."
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Grosvenor Square,  1813

It was no shocker than Daphne would be courted by the prince. After all, she was the diamond of the season, and with Simon's unfortunate plan of departure a day before the wedding of his youngest cousin. The tension in the Hastings estate was... strong.

Final preparations were being made, keeping Nola home from the party, and Anthony opting to stay home, as well, assuring his bride did not strain herself with these last minute jobs. "A small, intimate ring exchange, my lord... followed by an extravagant party here at the estate! Sounds lovely..." only, the viscount wasn't paying attention, his gaze was on her, and his mind certainly was, as well, but not on the topic she currently was discussing. "My lord?" She laughed, gently nudging him, "didn't your mother ever tell you that staring was impolite?"

"And didn't your mother tell you that stunning women need not to try to receive attention, and you, Sapphire, are a stunning woman making final arrangements for our wedding, and I can not help but think of what is to happen tomorrow night..." he stated, gently running his hand up her arm, chills rushing down her spine.

"My lord? I know not of what you mean?" Surely, she knew in some way what he meant... hearing Violet tell Daphne it was a way to confirm the Union, but not much more than that. Anthony merely sighed, understanding she wouldn't know.

"What did you say about that Cowper girl?" Anthony asked

"I only figured it would be most important to keep her away from our Daphne," hearing Nola refer to his sister with such delicacy made him extremely happy. "She caused too many problems, and I want tomorrow to be as carefree for her as it should be. It's our final chance to get Simon to stay."

"My dear, tomorrow is about you and me. No one else. We can not change what god intends to happen... no badly how we wish to." Nola simply gave him a frown.

"I understand, my lord, but surely you can not say you do not see Simon as a perfect match for Daphne?" Anthony simply leaned back, releasing a low sigh. "Anthony, I understand he is one of your dearest friends, but now is not the time to be selfish. Do you think Simon thinks highly of this match? Whether he planned it, or not, I am quite sure he does not wake up this morning pleased of any affection that goes on between you and me, my lord."

Anthony gently nodded, "the issue is... I know Simon more than most do, dear. Not to discredit your connection, but I know of ideas he simply would not speak of with... family?"

"You mean his vow?" Nola sighed. "I've thought it sham since he first brought it up, Anthony. Love is too strong to withhold a foolish promise. Especially, one that will hurt him in the end. He loves her, I know he does."

Anthony smiled at the girl, still not believing what she said could possibly work. "He has a hard head..."

"Is how you speak stemmed from your... knowledge of Simon? Or you displeasure in the possibility that the two could be wed a few days after us?" Nola questioned, "I saw her. I saw the pain she endured the day Simon had cut her off, and I know it was out of fear, my lord. He fears the feelings he has formed. I know that man well enough, and I know your sister..."

"What are you saying?"

"I am saying to not ignore my opinions because of what you think you know of my cousin. You, a man who has feelings know how strong they can be? I'm sure you still love that woman... the opera singer was it?" She chuckled, picking up the quill once again. "I must get a new one for Eloise. The tip is quite irritable..."

"Wait... what is this you speak of Sienna? You can't possible believe," a sigh cut the Viscount off, "what is it?"

"My lord, I may be young, but I am in no way stupid. The way you have spoke about her. Trust that Simon had filled me in on the situation, and you must understand how sorry I am..."

Simon's eyes widened, "Sorry? Sorry for what? Nola, I am confused..." he stuttered.

"My lord, I know it is not love you feel for me. I would be foolish to think it was..." she laughed, finally meeting his sorrowful gaze. "My lord, what is it?"

"Nola, I'm disappointed. The first day... the day I proposed I questioned if you doubted my love for you?"

"Anthony, you have known me a few days. How can you be so sure?" She questioned, a huff leaving her lips.

"All my life, Nola... I have expected death. My father lived shortly, yet largely. I expected nothing more than the same. I did not expect to find someone like you. Those days... the days you turned away, and refused to speak..." he sighed, taking her soft hands in his own. "I have to tell you it was the first time, even after all these years of expecting my own death, that I truly knew what it meant to die because with you gone, there was nothing left for me to live for." Tears became to show from the corner of his eyes, but they quickly were wiped away from his rough hands.

"Anthony..."

"Please. I fell in love with you, and then I knew. Even if I am right, even if I'm fated to live only as long as my father did before me, I'm not doomed. I have you, and I'm not going to waste a single moment we have together..." she could not hold back her emotions, quickly grabbing his face and connecting their lips. Anthony pulled away, breathing heavily. "Nola..." his fingers trailed her jawline. "You are simply... the best woman I have ever known."

And with that, she knew. Anthony Bridgerton loved her.

No possible doubt.