A n e w p l a n
"Straight into the fire, a favorite pastime of mine. Now, remember, it was a mutual understanding about a private matter between Miss Edwina and the Viscount. That is all we are to say on the subject" Lady Danbury reminds us as we walk down the path.
After everything that happened, both families met and thought over what they should do or say so that the ton is not suspicious. They announced the end of Anthony and Edwinas engagement a few days ago, with the reasoning, that they did not share common interests and after some time, decided they would be better breaking off the engagement. Although they were still on very good terms.
The ton has been making snide remarks to us since, although a broken engagement is not unheard of, it is rare, and most of the times, it is always the lady's fault, maybe she was ruined, maybe something was wrong with her, etcetera Thus they decided that a promenade around the park was a great idea to put those rumors to rest.
"Is this truly our plan? Simply to pretend nothing has happened?" Edwina remarks
"We are not pretending nothing has happened, we are choosing to deal with it in private, in our own time. Scandals may cast aspersions, but they do not obligate us to answer to anyone." Mama answers
"Besides, the ton has a remarkably short memory, with any luck, by this time next week, there will be a bigger story for them to sink their rapacious teeth into. We may find you a husband still, this season, Miss Edwina" Lady Danbury assures
"Miss Y/n" the Duke of Fairfield approaches us, greeting the rest after.
"Miss Edwina, I was sorry to hear about your broken engagement with the Viscount, you both made a beautiful couple" Louis says apologetic
"Yes, well, I am not too sure about that" Edwina gave him a tight-lipped smile, Louis hummed.
"May I promenade with you all?" He questions
"Of course, your grace, you are most welcomed" Lady Danbury accepted
Louis smiled and walked by my side. "Lovely day, is it not?"
"I suppose it is" I answer smiling
"I do not really get the people of the ton, someone breaks an engagement and suddenly, it is the worst thing they could have done and they should not talk to those people" Louis scoffs
"I am afraid that is the people of the ton" Kate mused
I sighed and looked around, I stopped once I saw the Bridgertons a few feet away from us, already staring at us. Anthonys stare switched between Louis and I before his jaw clenched. I ignored him and looked away.
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"After everything that happened with his scullery maid last season, and Lord Cho cuts me?" Lady Danbury exclaims pacing around the drawing room before sitting down. We are all seated, Lady Bridgerton, Anthony, mama, my sisters and I.
"We know what we are to deal with, at least" Lady Bridgerton mused
"We shall not remove ourselves from this fight. All will be lost if we run now" I can see Edwina stare at Anthony and I.
"I should like to remove myself from this room." Edwina stood up to get more tea as I sighed choosing to look out the window, ignoring their talk.
"Every day that goes by without our altering the ton, shared sentiment will harden it"
"Perhaps we need another story as to why things ended" Mama suggested, giving us a look
"We have already started to tell one. We cannot change course now"
"Well, if we cannot speak about the reasons, might we at least act as though they are of no consequence to us?"
"A ball"
"Yes, together. We prove to the ton that our story is true. It was indeed a mutual decision between all interested parties, and there is no scandal or ill will between our families at all" Edwina huffed
"A ball would give Edwina another chance to find a suitor" i turn back to the conversation
"Another ball?" I questioned "So that the ton might inspect this wreckage with an even closer eye?"
"Yes, I think the same thing" Anthony agreed quickly, I looked at him with raised eyebrows, he only stared back at me.
"A ball may very well work" Edwina cuts in, breaking our stare "After all the Viscount and my sister have been so good at hiding their true feelings from everyone in public this far. It should not trouble them to do the same a little longer"
"Edwina-" I start to say but Newton entering the room cuts me off
"Kate," I call out as Newton makes his way to Anthony, putting his paws on Anthonys knees "Newton, off!, Kate, your dog!" I stand up
"Newton, out!" I say and shooed Newton away, Anthony also standing up
After Newton was out of the room, I looked back at Anthony who was already staring at me. I stare back before I looked away, feeling awkward with everyone in the room staring at us.
"Was I truly that blind?" Edwina said shocked "Were they always this obvious?"
"If this plan is to work.." Lady Bridgerton starts,
"I suggest the two of you stay on opposite sides of the room at all times" Lady Danbury separates us with her walking stick.
"I assure you, that will not be a problem, Lady Danbury" I assure them, I give Anthony one last lingering stare before going to sit next to Kate instead.
"All we need would be for someone to witness something untoward-"
"I beg your pardon, Lady Danbury" Anthony cuts her off "I do not know what you mean to say"
"What she means to say, Anthony, is that those of us in this room at present are the only ones who know the full truth of the matter, and we would prefer to keep it that way" Lady Bridgerton explains
"If there is so much as a passing look between the two of you, then this plan of ours will be for nothing. Are we all in agreement?" We nod
"Quite, Lady Danbury" Anthony says before he walks away, Lady Bridgerton following soon.
We stay silent, no one daring to talk first "What will you do after, sister?" I look at Edwina confused "After the scandal dies down, will you marry the Viscount or did you just break off our engagement for the fun of it" I look at her in disbelief
"Edwina, why would you say such thing?" Kate says
"I am only asking, so tell me sister, what is it?" Edwina huffs
"You know I did not break your engagement nor did I do anything to sabotage it" I murmured
"Then? Because you said you did not plan to start anything with Lord Bridgerton, so then what did you accomplish with this?"
"Edwina, stop it" mama pleads
"Edwina, I know you are hurt, but that is no excuse for you to act the way you do" I snapped, angry tears brimming my eyes "I did not ask for any of this! And for you to even insinuate it, is just plain cruel"
"You know I have done nothing but want the best for you, all I wanted was for you to be happy, and I did everything so you could be it, even if it meant watching you almost marry the man I had grown to love, so do not. Do not, accuse me of sabotaging your engagement because I did no such thing!" I scoff "You said you have forgiven me and only needed time, I have given you what you asked for, space and time. Thank you so much for being so understanding and forgiving, sister" I march away angrily
YOU ARE READING
Tales of a Heart ▪︎ Anthony Bridgerton
Fanfiction•It was originally posted on tumblr, my tumblr is @alewritesfics▪︎ ♡Anthony Bridgerton x reader♡ Anthony Bridgerton has declared he's looking for a wife, his future viscountess. With every debutante competing to capture his attention, although ther...
