From Young Man to Viscount: An Anthony Bridgerton Story

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A/N: Hi everyone! I thought I would do this chapter a little differently than the others, while you would typically get short flashbacks threaded into the story, I thought "Why not do a prequel chapter?". So here it is, hope you guys enjoy 🌻

1802 (Y/N's POV)

"Morning you guys, today is beautiful," I said as I laid out a blanket in front of the tombstone that has my brother-in-law, my sister, and my niece's name etched in with the inscription "A family reunited once more." But it didn't feel like it was a great thing, while they may be reunited in Heaven, the ones still here on Earth are reeling from the pain and heartbreak the days they departed.

"So good news, Mama is expecting again , though she's terrified out of her mind. Papa's no better, he keeps pacing back and forth in his study, muttering to himself under his breath that I couldn't decipher what was being said," I whispered the last part as I reach over to lay the flowers I grew in front of the stone, "I bet you would be over the moon for another sibling Azalea, hope they are as amazing as you were."

"May I join you?" I hear someone ask from behind me and I turned my head to see Anthony standing there with his hands behind his back.

"What are you doing here? I thought you had plans with your family," I asked as Anthony shrugged and respond, "Well, I know it's the anniversary of Azalea's & Iris' passing so I knew you'd be here, and I also didn't want you to be alone."

I scooted over to make room for Anthony to sit by me and motioned my hand towards the basket I brought with me to let him know to help himself with the snacks inside.

"I can't believe it's been so long ago that everyone was excited for Azalea to bring Iris into the world," I said before sighing, "But now, we have to mourn them in memories."

Anthony took a bite of a sandwich before saying with his mouth full, "Well, now there's a new member joining your family soon right?"

"Gross, finish your food before you talk! And yes, there is to be a new baby, but Mama is scared out of her mind that she's going to be in the same exact position Azalea was in. This baby is causing a lot of anguish as well as fear and they're not even born yet!" I yell as I lean myself backwards to lay down on the blanket.

"How do you feel about having a new sibling?" Anthony asked as he too leaned back to lay right beside me.

"I don't know, excitement for the fact I get to be a big sister and instill the lessons Azalea taught me onto them. But I'm also nervous that I won't be great at that title," I said as Anthony scoffs in disbelief, "What? It's a rational fear!"

"You are going to be the best big sister, have you seen the way you treat my siblings? You care for them, you help my parents with them, and you even take the time out of your days to make sure they're okay and having fun. This baby is lucky they get to have another figure to help them grow and strive in today's society," Anthony responds as I feel a tear run down my cheek.

"Anthony, that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me," I said as I look over at him to see him staring back at me and reach his hand forward to wipe away the tear, "Thank you for staying with me and making me feel better."

"Y/N, you're my best friend, I will always be there for you no matter what," Anthony whispered as he places his hand in mine and squeezed it in comfort, "Even if an huge spat were to occur between us and I become stubborn to realize I was actually in the wrong."

I shoved at his shoulder and laugh with my whole chest, prompting Anthony to join in.

1803