The Viscount Who Loved Me | Anthony Bridgerton

Chapter Seven

1814

The next morning dawned bright and clear, the promise of a beautiful day ahead. Katherine stood at the window, gazing out over the lush gardens of the Windsor estate. A gentle knock at the door drew her attention.

"Enter," she called out, her voice betraying a hint of trepidation.

The door opened to reveal Henry, looking every inch the gentleman in his tailored jacket and cravat. Though his expression was warm, there was a tightness around his eyes that hinted at his discomfort.

"Good morning, Katherine. Are you ready for our promenade in Hyde Park?" His tone was solicitous, but Katherine detected the undercurrent of reluctance.

She managed a shaky smile. "As ready as one can be, I suppose." She smoothed the layers of her pale yellow muslin gown with trembling hands.

Henry's brow furrowed with concern as he took in her pallor and nervous movements. "Katherine? What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," she lied, waving a dismissive hand. "Just the usual nerves about rejoining society."

But Henry knew her too well. He stepped closer, his voice lowered. "This is about more than that, isn't it? You're worried we might encounter the Bridgertons again."

Katherine swallowed hard, giving a tight nod. The thought of potentially seeing Anthony again today was enough to set her heart racing with dread and long-buried feelings she could scarcely contain.

"I'll be alright," she insisted, more for her benefit than Henry's. "The children are waiting. We shouldn't keep them."

Soon, the Windsor family's carriages were making their way through the streets of London towards the verdant expanse of Hyde Park. Katherine sat beside Henry, her fingers clutching the fabric of her skirts in a white-knuckled grip as she struggled to maintain her composure.

Across from them, Margaret whispered excitedly to Charlotte, William bounced energetically, and little Eleanor clutched her favorite doll, oblivious to their mother's inner turmoil.

As they entered the park, the scene was a veritable sea of colorful silks and pastel walking dresses as the ton gathered for their daily promenade. Laughter and chatter filled the air, mingling with the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages.

The Windsor party attracted more than a few curious glances as they made their way along the path. Katherine held her head high, though her heart thundered in her chest as she strained to keep her breathing steady. Henry leaned in, his voice a low murmur.

"Are you sure you're alright? We can leave if this becomes too much."

Before Katherine could respond, a familiar voice rang out, sending ice flooding her veins.

"Katherine! Lord Henry! What a delightful surprise."

Katherine felt the blood drain from her face as Lady Violet Bridgerton approached, smiling warmly. The rest of the Bridgerton family fanned out behind her - Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, and her husband Lord Simon, Duke of Hastings, Eloise with Penelope Featherington, and the younger siblings.

Henry stiffened beside her, his expression hardening as he regarded the group before them with thinly veiled dislike. Katherine forced a tremulous smile as she curtsied stiffly.

"Lady Bridgerton, Lord Bridgerton, Hastings," she managed in a strained tone. "What an...unexpected pleasure."

Anthony stepped forward, his piercing gaze locking with Katherine's. She felt her breath hitch in her chest as a wave of panic threatened to overwhelm her senses. Not now, she pleaded inwardly. Not in front of everyone.