Gravity || Anthony Bridgerton

Eleven - An Eventful Picnic

Will it be the rubies or the pearls miss?' Asked Daphne's lady maid, I had yet to learn her name.

'The pearls, of course,' interjected Lady Bridgerton. 'And Elizabeth, you must wear the rubies! They would look positively divine on you. I assure the two of you, that not a single gentleman this evening will able to take their eyes off you.' She motioned to Daphne and I proudly.

The prospect of sharing the spotlight with Daphne was thrilling and made me feel less lonely in the wilderness of this social season. The idea even lifted my rather melancholy mood I had been sporting the majority of the day. I felt dejected after having slim to no interaction with Anthony, and I felt as though I was being avoided.

He had arrived home hours before, in a flustered yet determined state, cradling his stomach and locking himself in his study away from everyone... away from me I couldn't help but think.

In the time I had been pondering, Lady Bridgerton had received a written invitation from the Queen to attend a tea at the palace. Upon hearing the news, there was a flurry of excited squeals. 'Forget the pearls, you shall wear the family diamonds,' she told Daphne in a far greater mood.

-

Arriving at the event, I clutched onto Colin's arm that he had offered me. Anthony had disappeared inside with Daphne, and looked entirely bored, a lingering look of resentment etched in his features.

'You look lovely this evening,' Colin whispered in my ear as we passed the great, wooden double doors.

I shyly blushed, turning my head away so that he could not see.

'You're blushing,' he teased, looking straight ahead, not even looking in my direction.

'Don't be mean,' I whined, lightly hitting his arm with my free hand.

'My apologies,' he chuckled, raising his free hand in mock surrender. I merely sighed, beginning to giggle.

Walking inside behind Benedict and his mother, I saw the Duke approach Anthony and Daphne. I could not hear what they were saying but Anthony visibly tensed, his posture stiffening. Followed shortly by the Duke taking Daphne's hand and leading her into the main hall. Turning around, Anthony stared at me, a saddened look in his eyes which changed in an instant upon seeing my close proximity to Colin. He glared at our interlocked arms, his eyes blazing in what I assumed to be jealousy.

'Would you like to dance, Miss Newton?' Colin asked quietly, next to me.

I tore my focus away from Anthony, and looked up at him. Giving him a small smile, I nodded my head. He quickly led me away in the direction the Duke and Daphne had just disappeared to and I could feel Anthony's burning gaze on me as I walked away.

I was soon facing Colin, surrounded by other couples, bowing at one another before the dance could begin.

The dance itself was fast paced and I found myself galloping around the centre ornament with Colin by my side. I snuck a glance at him and was delighted to see he had the biggest smile on his face. Beaming as he too looked at me.

The dance quickly came to an end and I spotted Anthony across the room shoving Benedict in my direction.

'Miss Newton,' he bowed, 'would you be so kind, as to dance with me?'