Duty vs Desire: Kanthony Fanfic

Chapter 14: Mirrors

Summary:

Three part summary:
Part 1: Viscountess in the house.
Part 2: Violet drops some truth bombs.
Part 3: Idiots in love.

Notes:

I don't wanna lose you now, I'm lookin' right at the other half of me
The vacancy that sat in my heart, Is a space that now you hold
Show me how to fight for now, And I'll tell you, baby, it was easy
Comin' back here to you once I figured it out, You were right here all along

It's like you're my mirror, My mirror staring back at me
I couldn't get any bigger, With anyone else beside of me
And now it's clear as this promise, That we're making two reflections into one
'Cause it's like you're my mirror, My mirror staring back at me, staring back at me

(See the end of the chapter for .)

Chapter Text

Kate walked into Aubrey Hall and was surprised to see it resemble a disaster zone. As if a tornado had passed through, piling up baskets and boxes everywhere. The maids and footmen were hurrying around carrying even more baskets and boxes. Ruby was carrying multiple baskets and almost bumped into them before hastily apologizing and scampering away. Kate felt horrible. There was clearly a lot to do in very little time. But not like this. She had to fix this. Violet looked at her, took a deep breath and said "It is stressful but we will get it done. Come let us have tea."

Kate nodded and walked to the sitting room. She sat down next to Anthony and Violet. The rest of the family sat around nearby chatting amongst themselves. After having a few sips of the pitiful English tea, Kate asked "My Lady, I would like to help. Please tell me, what I can do." Violet smiled and said "It's Violet, dearest, or mother, if you would like." Kate smiled and said "Mother, I would like to help. Please tell me what I can do?"

Violet walked over to a desk and picked up a thick folder. "I need your input on the floral arrangements, decorations, menu, guest seating, there is a lot." Kate smiled "I only need Anthony....and a priest to solemnize our vows. I see you, the rest of the family and even the house staff so worried about something that should be a joyful day. But how can it bring joy to us if everyone we care for is so worried and stressed? If you would allow me, we should simplify as much as possible."

Violet looked at Kate's smile and realized she meant it. Kate did not behave like a bride-to-be planning her big day, she behaved as if she was already the Viscountess, the mistress of the household, caring about the family and the staff and prioritizing their well being.

Anthony shook his head, "No! Kate, I want you to have the wedding of your dreams. You will not make any more sacrifices." Kate looked at him and said "But, I am not making any sacrifices. You were thinking of running away. We would have lived in hiding, far away from your family. We don't have to do that now. 'This' is everything. 'This' is bigger than any of our dreams." Anthony nodded, he realized she was right. Again.

Kate continued "I had no hope that we would ever be here, taking vows in front of our families." and then Kate's eyes teared up "I have no family now, my sister and my mother are gone." Anthony held her hand and said, "My family is yours." Kate nodded and wiped her tears. Simon added "We are still looking for her. But my men have heard varying reports that she has left the country and gone to either Egypt or India."

Kate nodded and tried to smile "That is indeed good news. At least, I can hope my sister is still alive and that Mr. Dorset did not abandon her." Anthony replied "His family is about as far gone as that scoundrel. They refuse to cooperate and plead ignorance to their whereabouts. Kate, I cannot believe I allowed that man anywhere near you. I just didn't know". Kate replied "You couldn't have known. I didn't know what was in my sister's heart."