The Viscount Who Loved Me | Anthony Bridgerton

Chapter Ten

Anthony Bridgerton arrived at the Bridgerton house in a somber mood. He had achieved his goal of forging a new friendship with Katherine, but it did not feel like the victory he had hoped for. He dismounted his horse and handed the reins to a waiting stable hand, his thoughts consumed by the meeting that had just taken place in Hyde Park. He made his way into the house, the familiar comfort of home doing little to lift his spirits.

"Anthony," Lady Violet Bridgerton greeted him warmly as he entered the drawing room. "How did your meeting go?"

"Mother," Anthony responded, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "It went as well as could be expected."

Violet studied her eldest son's face, noting the tension in his jaw and the sadness in his eyes. "Sit with me," she said gently, patting the seat beside her.

Anthony sighed and complied, sinking into the chair with a heavy heart. "We agreed to start anew, as friends. But it is... difficult."

Benedict Bridgerton, who had been quietly sketching in the corner, looked up. "Difficult? That doesn't sound like the confident, decisive Anthony we all know."

Anthony's gaze was distant, lost in memories. "It's more complicated than that. Katherine... she is the love I lost, the love I want to gain back. Seeing her again, talking to her, it brought everything back."

Violet exchanged a look with Benedict, who set his sketchpad aside and moved to sit across from Anthony. "Tell us," Benedict urged. "What's on your mind?"

Anthony took a deep breath, struggling to put his feelings into words. "I feel I've wasted so many years. Years she could have been mine. She has children now, children who could have been ours. I could have given her a far happier life than she had with the Duke."

Violet's expression softened with sympathy. "Oh, Anthony. You cannot blame yourself for what has passed. You made the choices you thought were best at the time."

"But they were not the best, were they?" Anthony's voice was filled with regret. "I thought I was protecting her, sparing her from pain. Instead, I caused her immeasurable pain. I cannot help but think how different things could have been."

Benedict leaned forward, his voice calm and reassuring. "You're not the only one who has made mistakes, brother. We all have. What matters now is what you do next. You have a chance to rebuild something with Katherine. Even if it starts with friendship, it could lead to more."

Anthony shook his head, frustration evident in his every movement. "She has every right to hate me. And yet, she agreed to start anew. I just... I cannot imagine my life without her. No other woman can compare to her."

Violet placed a comforting hand on Anthony's arm. "If Katherine is the one you truly love, then you must show her. Show her that you are sincere, that you have changed. It will take time, but if your love is genuine, it will endure."

Anthony looked at his mother, gratitude, and determination mixing in his eyes. "You are right, Mother. I must show her that I am sincere. That I am not the same man who broke her heart."

Benedict smiled encouragingly. "And you will. We have faith in you, Anthony."

Anthony nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Thank you, both of you. Your support means more than you know."

Violet squeezed his hand gently. "We are family, Anthony. We will always be here for you."

As the afternoon turned into evening, Anthony remained deep in thought, planning his next steps. He would not let fear or regret hold him back any longer. He was determined to win back Katherine's trust and, perhaps one day, her heart.