The Viscount Who Loved Me | Anthony Bridgerton

Chapter Six

1803

Several months had passed since Anthony Bridgerton had distanced himself from Katherine, leaving her heartbroken and confused. Despite her efforts to reach out to him, he remained silent, and the absence of any communication from the Bridgerton family left Katherine feeling abandoned and alone.

In the Arlington household, the atmosphere was heavy with tension as Earl Edward Arlington paced back and forth in his study, deep in thought. He had watched his daughter's heartache grow with each passing day, and he couldn't bear to see her suffer any longer.

Finally, he made a decision that he believed was for the best. He would arrange a betrothal for Katherine to the Duke of Kent, a wealthy and respected match that would secure her future and protect her from further heartbreak. Earl Arlington saw Anthony's absence as a clear indication that he was no longer interested in marrying Katherine, and he was determined to spare her any further humiliation.

The atmosphere in the Arlington household was tense as Katherine and her mother, Eleanor, confronted Earl Edward Arlington about the arranged betrothal to the Duke of Kent. Their anger and frustration were palpable as they demanded answers.

"Father, how could you do this to me?" Katherine exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "You know I love Anthony, and yet you would throw me into the arms of another man without a second thought."

Edward sighed heavily, his brow furrowed with worry. "Katherine, my dear, I understand your feelings, but I cannot go back on my word. I have given my word to the Duke, and as a gentleman and a man of honor, I must uphold it."

Eleanor's eyes flashed with fury as she stepped forward to stand beside her daughter. "Edward, this is madness! How can you sacrifice Katherine's happiness for the sake of your honor? You know as well as I do that Anthony loves her, and she loves him. You cannot tear them apart like this."

Edward's expression softened as he looked at his wife and daughter, his heart heavy with regret. "I know, Eleanor, but I cannot see any other way. Unless Anthony himself gives his word to marry Katherine, there is nothing I can do."

Katherine's eyes filled with tears as she pleaded with her father. "Please, Father, give us a chance. Let me talk to Anthony. I know he still loves me. I can convince him to marry me."

Edward hesitated, torn between his sense of duty and his love for his daughter. Finally, he relented, his voice heavy with resignation. "Very well, Katherine. You have three weeks to get Anthony's promise in writing. If he agrees to marry you, then I will call off the engagement with the Duke. But if not, then you will honor your commitment to him."

Katherine and Eleanor embraced each other tightly, grateful for the small glimmer of hope that Edward had given them. They knew they had a difficult task ahead of them, but they were determined to fight for Katherine's happiness.

The tension in the Arlington household only grew as the deadline set by Earl Arlington approached. Katherine's mother, Eleanor, frantically tried to get in contact with Violet Bridgerton, the Viscountess, hoping that she could intercede on Katherine's behalf. But all her attempts were in vain, as Violet remained unreachable, still consumed by her grief.

Desperate and running out of options, Eleanor sought out Anthony Bridgerton, hoping that he would be willing to help Katherine. She found him in the library of the Bridgerton estate, his brow furrowed in concentration as he sorted through piles of paperwork.

"Anthony," Eleanor said, her voice trembling with urgency as she entered the room. "I need to speak with you."

Anthony looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes as he recognized Katherine's mother. "Lady Arlington, what brings you here?"