Forever and Always||Anthony Bridgerton

Chapter 14: London

The trip to London was long and hard. Amelia was struggling to breathe, eat, and drink. But she was most upset that she had to leave Miss Andrews and Catherine in Cyprus. Luckily neither of them injured, just a few small burns. Thomas was nowhere to be found, he left the night Amelia called off their engagement, but Anthony hadn't had time to think much about it.

He never left Amelia's side the whole trip, but Amelia was worried about him. He barely slept because he was scared that if he slept Amelia wouldn't make it through the night. He wasn't going to leave her, not after they had found each other again.

As soon as the boat stopped men rushed in and picked Amelia up. She couldn't walk because it was too strenuous for her damaged lungs. They ran her over to a carriage followed by Anthony who hopped in with her. They had created a crowd because of the commotion they created. They raced over to the hospital passing others quickly. This caused them to be thrown hard to either side. Anthony looks Amelia's hand in his and kissed it trying to comfort her. She had her eyes closed and every time she breathed now an awful sound was created. "My parents," she struggled.

"Shh, I'll call for them," Anthony whispered. Amelia struggled for a second before pulling the tulip necklace off her neck and placing it into Anthony's hand. He looked down at it holding back tears. He knew that it was Amelia's way of saying if she didn't make it.

When they got to the hospital Amelia was taken immediately to meet the doctor. Anthony couldn't go in. The hospital was small since most of the doctors did home visits. Anthony sent one of the men to Mostlyn House and one to Bridgerton House so his mother would know he arrived home early and safe.

He stood outside the hospital for what felt like ages before a carriage arrived and Lord and Lady Mostlyn jumped out. They were distressed and confused. They stopped Anthony and ran over, "what's going on?" Lady Mostlyn asked her voice almost gone.

"Amelia's in there," Anthony said pointing to the hospital "there was a fire at the school in Cyprus and she was inside sleeping. The smoke caused server lung damage and the Doctor in Cyprus didn't have the medical knowledge to treat her. I haven't received any news since we arrived," Anthony tried to explain everything trying to calm both Lady Mostlyn and himself, but he was scared to death.

A nurse came outside gesturing Lady and Lord Mostlyn inside leaving Anthony outside. It was getting dark and while he didn't want to leave without news the Mostlyn never came back out leaving Anthony somewhat calm.

He slowly walked back to his house passing by the Mostlyn house; looking up at the second floor he saw Amelia's siblings. It was almost midnight and all of them were awake. He was reminded of the day his father, his siblings didn't want to separate from each other. He knew they were feeling the same way.

Anthony walked into his house and was greeted by his mother in the main hall. "Oh, Anthony," his mother said. He walked quickly to her throwing his arms around her and broke down. He had been holding in his emotions for too long. Violet just held him in her arms, she had already heard about Amelia's return and condition, the Ton loved to talk sometimes too much. "

"I don't know if she's going to make it," Anthony said between sniffles.

"Shh, you can't think like that," she knew too well what it was like to lose the person you love.

——

Amelia woke up in a room that she recognized. "I didn't know you hated me that much," someone said with a laugh. She already knew it was Anthony, but she looked up and saw him looking at the art she did with his letters.

"I...I," she spoke. Her throat still hurt a little, but she could now breathe and speak with almost no pain. "I was angry,"

"I can see that. We must get it framed it actually quite lovely," Anthony smiled as Amelia rolled her eyes.

Anthony walked over to her bedside. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," she yawned "I'm quite hungry though,"

"They're bringing food don't you worry,"

The doctor had cleared out Amelia's lungs which were extremely dangerous, but her life was at risk.

"I can't believe my parents let you in here," Amelia laughed as she took a bite of her muffin.

"I snuck in," Anthony said blankly looking at the open window. Amelia's eyes widened, "I'm joking, but your brother did put up quite a fight," Anthony swiped some food off Amelia's plate while she was distracted by his statement. Amelia failed to block his hand, but almost knocked over the whole tray, but Anthony caught it before it fell off the girl's lap. "You must stop being so clumsy, my dear,"

"It was your fault," Amelia pointed at him giving him a face.

"Oh, was it now," Anthony inches closer her face.

"Miss, your siblings are asking to come in," the butler interrupted. Anthony stood up and straightened his clothes quickly.

"Send them, in one moment," Amelia "laughed looking at a startled Anthony before She pulled him down and kissed him passionately. "Maybe you can sneak in another time,"

"Of course," Anthony kissed her again pushing her against the headboard and once on top of the head before leaving and her siblings ran in.

This was the first time she had seen them in about 4 years. They all were grown now and it made her emotional. She had missed her younger siblings growing up. Louisa jumped on her bed and hugged her tightly. "I've missed you so much," Louisa said.

"I did you," Amelia whispered looking at all her siblings. Cecilia sat on the edge of her bed with James as Daniel pulled over a chair.

"Amelia, Ceca made you something," Louisa shouted still hugging Amelia. Amelia looked over to Cecilia who shyly took out a handkerchief from her pocket. It had flowers lining one of the corners.

"Cecilia this is lovely thank you," Amelia said.

"That's not even the best she can do. Her cross-stitching is better than yours," James added resulting in him receiving a hit from Cecilia. The four of them laughed as James rubbed his arm.

"I'll have to show me sometime," Amelia said mid-laugh. Cecilia nodded as their mother walked into the room.

"Why isn't it lovely to have all my children in one place again," her mother said kissing both Amelia's head and Louisa's.

"Where's, father?" Daniel asked rolling his eyes. It seemed he already knew the answer.

"He's off doing business," their mother said gripping onto Daniel's shoulder faking a smile. "Why don't we request dinner up here?" Her mother changed the topic quickly.

"That's rather improper don't you think," Daniel said crossing his arms. Amelia was glad Daniel hadn't changed that much when she was gone.

"We have to make expectations sometimes, son," her mother said walking over and ringing the bell to summon the butler.