The Viscount Who Loved Me | Anthony Bridgerton

Chapter Fourteen

1800
The sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the expansive lawns of Aubrey Hall. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and the rustling of leaves as a gentle breeze swept through the estate. Young Anthony Bridgerton, fifteen years old and full of energy, was busy setting up the field for a game of pall mall. Beside him, Katherine, his spirited thirteen-year-old friend, was helping to arrange the mallets and balls.

"Anthony, are you sure this is the right spot?" Katherine asked, her brow furrowing in concentration as she adjusted one of the wooden arches.

"Of course, Katherine," Anthony replied with a grin. "I've played this game more times than I can count. Trust me, this is perfect."

Katherine rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. "You always think you're right."

"That's because I usually am," Anthony retorted, playfully nudging her shoulder. "Now, remember our bet. If I win, you have to do whatever I say for a whole week."

Katherine scoffed, folding her arms. "And if I win, you have to help me with my chores for a whole week. Fair enough?"

"Fair enough," Anthony agreed. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he added, "But there's something else I want if I win."

Katherine raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Anthony's expression turned serious, his voice lowering to a more earnest tone. "If I win, Katherine, I'm going to marry you when I'm older."

Katherine stared at him, stunned into silence for a moment. The weight of his words hung in the air, heavy and unexpected. But then, a slow smile spread across her face, and she laughed, the sound light and carefree.

"Marry you? Anthony Bridgerton, you are quite the dreamer," she teased. "I cannot marry someone who can't even catch me in a race."

Before Anthony could respond, Katherine took off, sprinting across the lawn. Her laughter echoed through the air, and Anthony, momentarily taken aback, quickly gave chase.

"Katherine, you cannot outrun me forever!" he shouted, his longer strides closing the gap between them.

"Watch me!" she called back, her hair streaming behind her like a banner.

The two friends raced across the field, weaving between the trees and dodging the neatly trimmed hedges. Anthony's brothers, Benedict and Colin, were nearby, setting up the rest of the game and watching the chase with amused expressions.

"Looks like Anthony is serious about winning this time," Benedict remarked, leaning on his mallet.

Colin chuckled. "He always is when Katherine is involved. It's quite endearing, really."

Their father, Edmund Bridgerton, approached, his presence commanding yet warm. "What are you boys up to?"

"Anthony and Katherine are having one of their races, Father," Benedict explained. "I believe there's a bet involved."

Edmund smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ah, young love. Let them be. They'll be back soon enough for the game."

Sure enough, Anthony finally caught up with Katherine near the edge of the garden. He reached out, grabbed her hand, and pulled her to a stop. They were both breathless, their faces flushed from the exertion.

"I win," Anthony declared triumphantly.

Katherine shook her head, still smiling. "You may have caught me, but the game isn't over yet."