If you were to ask anyone in the ton about the Lady with a Fan, even an errand boy could give you an answer. That's the name Anastasia Bridgerton had built for herself to protect her family after their father's passing. As the oldest sister and twin...
Chapter 10: A spill of feelings Episode 3: An Affair of Honour
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Tick Tock...
Anthony glanced at the wall clock with odd eyes. Every tick that echoed from its movements seemed to remind him more and more of the time he had wasted standing nervously before his twin sister's door. You cannot blame the man, for this was the first time Anastasia had ever acted so out of character, especially for such a long period of time.
Although he would never admit it aloud, Anthony had always looked up to the girl, who seemed to solve every problem with a mere flick of her wrist. Anastasia was like a fortress that protected their family time and time again. He had always wanted to be of some help, but every time he tried, the situation seemed to worsen, putting more pressure on his sister instead. Despite this, she would still encourage him to make his own decisions and learn from his mistakes, saying she would be there to solve the issues for as long as he needed.
Anastasia did not lie. She sacrificed her own marriage and bore the title of a spinster to help deal with the onslaught of problems the Bridgertons had faced over the years. Never once did she complain, or bargain for a better life. Every move she made was strategic and she seemed perfectly content with the life she had built.
At least until recently.
The sister he had known to always be so decisive and confident seemed to be burdened by something far greater than any issue they had ever faced. He had watched her stumble around all week with distant eyes and silent sighs, making careless mistakes in her paperwork and tripping ceramic vases with her feet.
Having never seen the girl so lost in the 26 years he had known her, Anthony made the nerve-wracking decision to finally have a conversation today.
But, clearly, his hesitance grew the more he waited outside.
Tick Tock...
Anthony glowered at the clock that seemed to taunt him with every tick.
"Whatever did that clock do to you, Brother?".
The voice startled the boy, as he turned to find his second brother float towards him with his signature smile.
"Benedict", Anthony narrowed his eyes, "What are you doing here?".
"I could ask you the same question", Benedict grinned, "Though I have a feeling it's for the same reason you are here".
Anthony huffed at his words, "Go back to bed. I will speak to-".
"But we just got here", a voice interrupted. The boys turned together to find their sisters walking towards them with a smile.
Eloise and Daphne had met on the way before deciding to arrive together for best results.
"A party without me?", Colin chuckled joining the crowd smoothly.
Anthony gazed at his siblings who all wore the exact same smile on their faces in defeat.
