The Viscount Who Loved Me | Anthony Bridgerton

Chapter Four

1803

The sun hung low in the sky as Anthony Bridgerton rode through the lush countryside, his thoughts heavy with grief. Just hours ago, he had witnessed the unthinkable – his beloved father, Edmund Bridgerton, had succumbed to a bee sting, leaving Anthony devastated and heartbroken.

As he reached the gates of the Arlington estate, Anthony dismounted his horse and made his way to the front door, his footsteps heavy with sorrow. He knew he needed comfort, someone to reassure him that everything would be alright, even if just for a moment.

Katherine Arlington was in the garden tending to the flowers. She looked up at the sound of footsteps, her heart clenching at the sight of Anthony's grief-stricken face.

"Anthony," she said softly, setting aside her gardening tools and hurrying to his side. "What has happened?"

Anthony's voice caught in his throat as he struggled to find the words. "It's Father," he managed to choke out, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. "He... he's gone, Katherine. He's gone."

Katherine's heart broke for her dear friend, knowing how much Anthony adored his father. She pulled him into her arms, holding him tight as he buried his face in her shoulder, his body shaking with sobs.

"I'm so sorry, Anthony," she whispered, her tears mingling with his. "I'm here for you, whatever you need."

Anthony clung to her, finding solace in her embrace as he mourned the loss of his father. At that moment, Katherine knew that she would do anything to ease his pain, to be the rock he needed in his time of grief.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the garden, Anthony finally pulled away from Katherine, his eyes red and swollen but filled with gratitude.

"Thank you, Katherine," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Katherine smiled softly, brushing a tear from his cheek. "You don't have to thank me, Anthony. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

With a heavy heart, Anthony bid Katherine farewell, knowing that he would carry her kindness and support with him as he faced the difficult days ahead.

Alone in the garden, Katherine watched him go, her heart heavy with sorrow for her dear friend and his family. She resolved to give them the time and space they needed to grieve, silently promising to be there for Anthony whenever he needed her, now and always.

1814

The Bridgerton estate was abuzz with activity as the family prepared for Lady Danbury's ball. The grand house, filled with the rustle of silks and the gleam of polished shoes, felt like a hive of excitement and anticipation. In one of the drawing rooms, the siblings gathered, each occupied with their pre-ball rituals.

Eloise Bridgerton, looking rather exasperated, adjusted her gloves. "I must say, it is quite a relief that the Queen hasn't named a diamond yet. The pressure is intolerable."

Penelope Featherington, a dear friend and confidante, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Eloise. I'd much rather be discussing literature with you and Charlotte than prancing about like a peacock."

Charlotte Arlington, with a twinkle in her eye, added, "Oh, I completely agree. It is far more enjoyable to spend time with friends than to endure the endless gossip and scrutiny."

Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest, stood apart, his brow furrowed in deep thought. He hadn't yet crossed paths with Katherine, and it weighed heavily on his mind.