Gravity || Anthony Bridgerton

Fourteen - A Prince

'Daphne, have you thought about with whom you would like to dance at tonight's ball?' I asked Daphne, as the entire family and I sat in the drawing room simply enjoying one another's company.

'I have some ideas,' she crossed the room to sit next to me, 'Lord Weaver is a fine dancer.'

'Lord Hardy was asking about you at White's last night,' Antony added, as he folded his paper in his lap, delicately placing his hands on top to not wrinkle the pages.

'Lord Hardy? What about the Duke?' Lady Bridgerton interjected, taking a sip from her teacup.

'The Duke has not proposed, Mama.'

I could hear the pain in Daphne's voice as she spoke and lightly placed a hand on hers, trying to subtly comfort her. Her hand responded immediately and clutched my own.

Looking toward Anthony, I noticed his unsurprised expression, as if he had predicted his friend would not propose.

'I am still considering my best course,' Daphne continued, trying to put her mother's worries and her own at ease.

'Wise girl,' Anthony announced with a wide smile.

'And Lord Hardy is a fine option,' Daphne tried to reason.

'Although, he is rather boastful,' I pointed out, the others all began to laugh; even Daphne let out a quiet giggle.

'Mr dear, why ever do you complicate matters so? You must simply marry the man who feels like your dearest friend,' Lady Bridgerton told.

Out the corner of my eye I could see both Anthony and Colin turn to look at me. I gazed at Anthony and he looked at me longingly, as if there was something he wanted to say but couldn't. I was unable to draw my attention away from him and his eyes bore into mine. Goosebumps erupted over my skin and I began to feel flustered.

Looking away to hide my blush, I turned to Colin who I found was already looking at me. His eyes held an emotion I could not determine, but there was a sense of hopefulness to them upon hearing his mother.

'It really is quite simple,' Lady Bridgerton continued.

At that moment, Colin smiled warmly at me.

-

The string quartet echoed as we arrived. Candles lined the entrance as people flooded into the ball.

Upon entering, the Duke quickly found Daphne and led her into the area designated for dancing.

Following closely behind in pursuit of a refreshment, I was caught by Lady Bridgerton and Lady Danbury.

'Miss Newton, how are you this evening?' Lady Danbury enquired politely.

'Perfectly well, thank you-'

'Elizabeth has yet to receive a proposal, but I have a sneaking suspicion that will all change very soon,' Lady Bridgerton interrupted. 'Sadly, I think my sons are far too protective of her.'

I was caught off guard and found myself at a loss for words. I instead lowered my head shyly, unsure of what I should say.