The Viscount Who Loved Me | Anthony Bridgerton

Chapter One

1814

To the Most Honorable Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Kent,

Your Grace,
We hope this letter finds you well. It has come to our attention that the seat of the Duke of Kent in Parliament remains vacant since the passing of your late husband. As such, it is imperative that a representative be appointed to fulfill the duties and responsibilities associated with this position.
While we understand that such duties may traditionally be undertaken by a man, we are confident that you, as the Dowager Duchess, are more than capable of selecting a suitable representative to act on your behalf. Therefore, we kindly request that you nominate a member of your estate or family to serve as the representative for the dukedom in Parliament.
Additionally, we wish to remind you of the importance of your presence in society during the upcoming season. It has been several years since the passing of the late Duke, and it is expected that you resume your social obligations and engagements. Your absence has been noted, and it is time for you to re-establish your presence in the ton.

We trust that you will attend to these matters with the same grace and dignity that you have always shown.

With warm regards,
Mr. Orsborne Weatherby, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
---
Katherine's hands trembled slightly as she read the letter from Parliament, as she sat at her writing desk. It had been years since the duke's death, and she had grown accustomed to managing the estate and her children without interference from the outside world. But now, it seemed, she was being called back into society, expected to take on roles and responsibilities that she had never imagined for herself.

She sighed heavily, the weight of the expectations pressing down on her shoulders. "Steward," she said, addressing the man who had delivered the letter. "Please inform the Parliament that I will select a representative for the dukedom as soon as possible."

The steward bowed respectfully. "Of course, Your Grace," he replied before turning to leave.
As he made his way out of the room, Katherine couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The prospect of re-entering society after so many years filled her with dread, and she wondered how she would navigate the intricacies of the ton once again.

But she knew that she had no choice but to comply with the Parliament's request. It was her duty as the Dowager Duchess, and she would do whatever was necessary to fulfill her obligations, even if it meant stepping out of her comfort zone.

As she gazed at her children playing outside, a fond smile formed on her face. These days they were the only thing that brought her any semblance of joy and happiness in the estate that has brought so much misery. She hoped that as they grew older, they would support each as earnestly as she would support them.

And then suddenly it struck her. Lord Henry, the Duke's only brother! Oh but of course, surely he was the only option she had. Quickly she laid down another sheet and began to pen down a letter to him.

To the Most Honorable Lord Henry Windsor,

My Lord,
I hope this letter finds you well. Allow me to introduce myself - I am Katherine, Dowager Duchess of Kent, widow of Lord James Windsor, the late Duke of Kent. I write to you on matters of great importance concerning the future of the dukedom.

It has come to my attention that the seat of the late Duke of Kent in Parliament remains vacant. As the widow of Lord James, I am tasked with appointing a representative to fulfill the duties associated with this position. While I understand that our family's relations have been strained, I believe it is my duty to extend this offer to you as the late duke's brother.