A Loveless Marriage: A Bridgerton Story

Chapter 6

Kathryn felt awful the next morning. It was evident to her that she looked as awful as she felt when Anne soon walked in.

"Did you not sleep well, my lady?" Anne asked.

"I slept absolutely horribly," Kathryn commented.

"Your eyes are quite puffy," Anne said, "Have you been crying?"

"Yes. Lord Bridgerton and I got into a fight last night," Kathryn said.

"I am so sorry my lady," Anne commented.

"That's not why I was crying though," Kathryn assured.

"What made you so upset?" Anne asked.

Kathryn took a deep breath. She knew now that her father was sick that she was going to get questioned about it a lot. It seemed like her mother and sister kept it secret for a while but if he was not getting better people would find out.

Kathryn also trusted Anne with anything. She was the only person to keep her company for the past six months at Aubrey Hall. If it were not for Anne, Kathryn might have gone mad there all alone.

"My father is sick," Kathryn said.

She looked up at Anne in the mirror and she could see the instant sadness fall onto her ladies maid's face.

"I am so sorry," Anne said, "What is wrong with him?"

"The doctors are not sure," Kathryn said, "He has been sick for a while. My mother decided that it would be best to keep it from me because they thought he would get better. And now..."

Kathryn could feel her eyes start to burn as tears brimmed.

"And now my lady?" Anne asked.

"He is not getting any better," Kathryn said blinking away the tears. She did not want to cry today.

"I am so deeply sorry," Anne said.

"It is all right. I am just glad I am here now," Kathryn said, "Shall we get me ready for the day?"

"Yes. I do believe the cook is preparing breakfast as we speak," Anne smiled.

"Lovely. I am starved," Kathryn said.

After Anne helped her get ready for the day Kathryn made her way to the drawing room. She entered to see most of the Bridgerton family, all except for Anthony and Violet.

"Good morning," Kathryn smiled

"Good morning!" Daphne beamed before going back to playing the piano.

Kathryn walked over to the fruit that was laid out on the table to make herself a plate. After filling her plate she walked over and sat on the small couch. Benedict walked over and sat next to her giving the girl a smile which she returned.

"How are you this morning?" Benedict asked quietly so that no one else could hear.

"I have seen better days," Kathryn admitted.

"Did you get some rest last night?" Benedict asked.

"Unfortunately no. My mind would not shut off," Kathryn said.

"Well if you ever find yourself in that situation again do not be afraid to stop by my room. We could paint together," Benedict offered, "I find myself lying awake many nights in thought."

"Thank you," Kathryn said giving the boy a genuine smile.

"Anything for one of my sisters," Benedict smiled.

This statement made Kathryn extremely happy. Sure she had a sibling but she had never had an older sibling. She loved being the oldest but sometimes it was awful not having someone to go to for advice on things she was going through. It sort of made her closed off in a way growing up...maybe that is why Anthony is the way he is.

Kathryn's attention was drawn to the door as Anthony entered the room. Her body tensed as she saw him. She glanced over at Benedict who did not seem to notice, or at least he did not let on that he noticed.

"Good morning brother," Benedict smiled widely.

Anthony looked at Benedict before his eyes met Kathryn's for a split second before he looked back at his brother.

"Morning," Anthony replied before walking over and grabbing some fruit and a pastry.

"Here brother," Benedict said standing up, "Why don't you sit next to your lovely wife."

"You are already sitting there," Anthony said, "You do not have to get up."

"I insist," Benedict smiled sitting across from the girl, "She is your wife after all."

"Thank you," Anthony nodded before taking a seat next to Kathryn.

"Morning," Anthony said looking over at Kathryn.

The girl did not reply. Instead, she stuck another piece of fruit in her mouth ignoring the oldest Bridgerton. Benedict could not help but chuckle to himself at the interaction. Anthony huffed before turning back toward his own plate and taking a bite out of his pastry.

Violet Bridgerton walked into the drawing room smiling at all of her children.

"Good morning, my dears," Violet smiled.

"Good morning, Mother," the Bridgerton siblings replied.

"Kathryn dear, we missed you at dinner last night," Violet smiled.

"Yes, I am very sorry for missing," Kathryn apologized.

"No need to apologize, dear," Violet said, "You have not seen your family in a while. I am sure you missed them."

"I have," Kathryn replied.

"How is your mother?" Violet asked.

"She is quite well," Kathryn smiled.

"And your father?" Violet asked as she placed the fruit on her plate.

Kathryn glanced over at Benedict, sadness in her eyes. The boy smiled at her, giving her an encouraging look.

"My father has actually fallen ill," Kathryn said.

The room became deafening silent as all of the chatter and piano playing that filled the background stopped. Kathryn could feel Anthony's eye on her but she did not dare meet his. She did not know why he would care anyway. He did not love her, and he had said so himself last night.

"I am sorry," Violet said, "I..I would not have said anything..."

"It is all right," Kathryn said.

"Well if you ever need anything or anyone at all to talk to I am here," Violet smiled.

"That is very kind," Kathryn smiled.

Violet smiled at the young girl. Kathryn was grateful that none of the other Bridgerton siblings said anything to her. If she talked about it any longer she knew that she would cry in front of everyone.

She was also grateful that she had some people to talk to. Benedict and Violet had both been generous to let her know that she could come to either of them. It really made her wonder how the Viscount came from the same family. Everyone seemed to be kind and generous, the complete opposite of him.

"I am actually going to head to my parents," Kathryn said standing up, "I should be back later. I will make sure to make it for dinner tonight."

Hey y'all! Here is the update that I promised even though it is a little shorter than usual.

Also, please bear with me on updates for a while. I am going to have a lot more free time but I am still trying to decide what exactly to do with this story. If you have any suggestions or anything you would like to see drop them in the comments below!

~A