There's still time in this happy ending

A brotherly meeting

"Well, what's so urgent?"

It was been Benedict who asked, sitting in a chair in front of the Viscount's desk.

But his older brother took his time replying. Instead, he slowly opened a drawer and made a show of pulling out an elegant wood box. Kate had ordered it done just for him. Just because. He had never received unexpected presents, never outside of his birthday or Christmas. To say he had been delighted was an understatement.

Colin, who was sitting just by Benedict's side, occupying the nearest chair, exchanged a look with him.

Anthony opened the box and proceded to give a cigar to each of his siblings. Even if they still wanted to know what was going on, they didn't protest.

When all three cigarettes were lit, Anthony exhaled some smoke and finally talked.

"Kate is pregnant".

He took enormous pleasure in the look of surprise first, and delight later, on his brothers' faces.

"Anthony! But that is marvellous!"

The three of them were on their feet now, having Benedict and Colin moved to his side to embrace him and congratulate him.

"Are you hoping that is a boy?"

It was Colin who asked and Benedict looked at him attentively, biting his lips.

"I don't care. I only care that Kate and the baby are all right".

"Well, so I'm going to be an uncle again". Benedict reflected. Then he sat down, took a deep draw of his cigar and said, "Daff and you are truly making me feel old".

Colin resumed his place in the chair as well and clapped Benedict's back.

"Seems like you're next, dear brother".

The speed at what Benedict turned his head to him would have been enough to cause him some dizziness.

"Who says so?"

"Our mother, for instance".

"Don't you even dare mention it". He faked a scared shiver and his brothers laughed.

"It's not that bad", Anthony said. "I promise".

Colin smiled mischievously but Benedict couldn't help himself.

"Oh yes, we know. But no, thanks. Walking around all day with that silly expression on my face, and that – I don't even know what to call it".

He turned to Colin for help.

"A very embarrassing smile".

"Yes, that, a very embarrassing smile whenever someone mentions my wife's name. No, thank you".

"I don't go around like that", Anthony tried to protest. But the truth is, he knew he was. And many people in the ton talked about it. 

He couldn't care less.

"Oh, well. What's wrong with being madly in love with your wife?"

"Please". Colin rolled his eyes to the back of his head and Benedict sported one of his trademark smiles. Such a boyish and sweet but naughty smile, while he was looking from Colin to Anthony.

"Oh, the day will come for you two. Mark my words" the Viscount pointed to each one of them, cigar in hand. "The day will come and I'll be there to remind you of this conversation".

"I doubt it, it's the same ladies in every ball over and over again. It's boring. There is no spark, no surprise anymore".

"I agree", Colin sided with Benedict. "You've been lucky, Anthony, but please, let's not forget that I met someone new last season and how did that turn out? I made a fool of myself. I doubt I can trust any woman easily again".

"Now I understand mother so well", he feigned a sigh and being upset about their words, and the three Bridgerton brothers burst out laughing.

It was a while later, when the cigarettes were long gone and they were just enjoining some drinks and time together, that Kate entered the room.

"Am I allowed to join this party?", she asked, a big grin on her face.

Anthony was immediately on his feet, walking to her and kissing her hand. She looked at him with heart eyes before turning back to Benedict and Colin, who were as well on his feet, waiting to greet her.

"Dear sister", Benedict hugged her briefly and Colin did the same. "Anthony just shared the big news".

"Congratulations, Kate. I'm sure you're going to be a great mama", Colin said, sincerely. "Just don't let my brother anywhere near the baby, though", he couldn't help to add.

Kate suppressed a laugh and looked at her husband, who had a very ofended expression on his face. All in good humor, of course.

"Thank you. We are so happy", she replied.

"As it should be", Benedict exposed, smiling with his mouth forming a happy line.

"How did your visit go?"

It was Anthony who asked. She had gone to visit Mary to give her the good news. Edwina, - Mrs Bingel in fact, as since last week, - was in her country house and she would send her a letter.

Kate was radiant. "Mery was so happy. She asked me to extend her congratulations and best wishes to you".

Anthony made a brief curtsy to indicate that he accepted them.

"Mother is going to be over the moon", Colin said.

And he wasn't wrong. The next day, a carriage brought Lady Violet Bridgerton to the Viscount and Viscountess house. Unaware of what was going on – Benedict and Colin had sworn to secrecy the day before – she received the good news among laughter and happy tears that she dabbed with her handkerchief.