The Viscount Who Loved Me | Anthony Bridgerton

Chapter Two

1803

The grand ballroom of the Arlington estate was a spectacle of elegance and opulence, filled with the cream of London society. Katherine Arlington stood at the threshold, her heart racing with excitement and anticipation. She was finally making her debut, stepping into the world of high society as a young woman of grace and beauty.

As she scanned the room, her eyes landed on Anthony Bridgerton, who stood tall and proud, his gaze fixed on her with unwavering intensity. Katherine's pulse quickened at the sight of him, her cheeks flushing with warmth as she remembered the promise they had made to each other years ago.

Anthony had vowed to marry her once when they were children, and now, on the eve of her debut, he had all but declared to the entire ton that they were courting each other. Katherine's heart soared at the thought, her love for him burning brighter than ever before.

"Miss Katherine Arlington," announced the butler, his voice echoing through the grand hall, "Daughter of the Earl and Countess Arlington, making her debut into society."

Katherine descended the staircase, her movements graceful and poised, adhering to the strict etiquette expected of a debutante. She wore a gown of the finest silk, her hair styled in intricate curls, and her jewelry shimmered under the glow of the chandeliers.

As she reached the bottom of the staircase, Anthony stepped forward to greet her, his eyes filled with adoration. "Katherine," he murmured, his voice soft yet commanding. "You look absolutely radiant."

"Thank you, Anthony," Katherine replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But what are you doing?"

Anthony grinned, his confidence unwavering. "I'm doing what I should have done long ago, Katherine. I'm making it known to everyone that you are the only woman I have eyes for."

Katherine's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, knowing the scandal that could arise from such bold declarations. But she couldn't deny the warmth that spread through her heart at Anthony's words.

"Anthony, you shouldn't..." she began, but he silenced her with a gentle finger pressed against her lips.

"I don't care what anyone else thinks," he declared, his voice filled with determination. "You are the woman I love, Katherine. And I will shout it from the rooftops if I have to."

Their intimate moment was interrupted by the arrival of their mothers, Eleanor Arlington and Violet Bridgerton, who beamed with pride as they watched their children together.

"Violet, did you hear what Anthony just said?" Eleanor exclaimed, her eyes shining with tears of joy.

Violet nodded, her smile radiant as she embraced her old friend. "I did, Eleanor. And I couldn't be happier for them."

As the night continued, Katherine and Anthony danced together, their hearts soaring with the promise of a future filled with love and happiness. As they twirled across the ballroom floor, surrounded by the warmth and support of their families and friends, they knew that their love would conquer all obstacles that stood in their way.

——

1814

Lady Whistledown's Society Papers
Volume IV, Issue 7
The Return of the Dowager Duchess

Dearest readers,
It seems the London season has taken a most intriguing turn with the unexpected return of the Dowager Duchess of Kent, Katherine Windsor, after four years of seclusion following the untimely demise of her husband, the late Duke of Kent.