The Viscount Who Loved Me | Anthony Bridgerton

Chapter Seventeen

The morning sun bathed the dining room of Aubrey Hall in a warm, golden light. The Bridgerton family and their remaining guests—Lord Edward Arlington, Lady Eleanor Arlington, Lord Henry Windsor, and Katherine—gathered for breakfast. The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and the soft murmur of polite conversation.

Anthony Bridgerton stood beside Katherine, his hand resting gently on the back of her chair. He cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the room.

"Good morning, everyone," he began, his voice steady but laced with a hint of nervousness. "Katherine and I have an announcement to make."

Katherine's eyes shone with a mixture of joy and anticipation. She reached out and took Anthony's hand, their fingers intertwining.

"We are engaged," Anthony said, a broad smile spreading across his face.

The room erupted in a chorus of congratulations. Violet Bridgerton beamed with pride, her eyes glistening with tears of happiness. Lady Eleanor Arlington clapped her hands together, her face lighting up with delight.

"Oh, Katherine, this is wonderful news!" Eleanor exclaimed, rushing over to embrace her daughter.

Katherine returned the hug, her heart swelling with happiness. "Thank you, Mother."

However, not all reactions were as joyful. Lord Edward Arlington, Katherine's father, sat back in his chair, his expression stern and disapproving. He had never been a man of many words, but his silence spoke volumes.

Lord Henry Windsor, Katherine's brother-in-law, also remained seated, his face a mask of concern. As the others continued to celebrate, he rose and made his way towards Anthony.

"Lord Bridgerton," Henry said, his tone cool and formal. "May I have a word with you in private?"

Anthony's smile faltered slightly, but he nodded. "Of course, Lord Windsor."

They stepped out into the hallway, the noise of the breakfast room fading behind them. Anthony turned to face Henry, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Lord Henry, it is a pleasure to meet with you officially. I—" Anthony began.

"It is not," Henry interrupted, his voice sharp.

Anthony blinked, taken aback. "Pardon me?"

"It is not a pleasure to meet you, that is," Henry clarified, his eyes cold.

"Oh," Anthony said, his mind racing to understand the source of Henry's animosity. "I apologize if I have offended you somehow. I don't believe we've ever even spoken before."

Henry's jaw tightened. "No, we have not. But... I don't like you, Lord Bridgerton."

Anthony felt a pang of irritation, but he kept his voice calm. "And may I ask why that is, Lord Windsor?"

"Because you broke her heart," Henry said bluntly. "Look, I'm not particularly the man to tell you or her who or how to love, but quite honestly, you haven't proven to be genuine this time around as far as I am concerned."

Anthony's eyes flashed with a mixture of guilt and determination. "Well, I wasn't trying to prove anything. Especially not to you. Yes, I have made mistakes. I will not disclaim them, but I have always been certain of the love I have for Katherine."

Henry took a step closer, his gaze unyielding. "And that is alright. But I am going to watch you very closely, Lord Bridgerton, because the day you break her heart again will be the last day. I hope I am perfectly clear."

Anthony met Henry's stare, his resolve hardening. "Crystal."

As Anthony and Henry reentered the dining room, the atmosphere was lighter. The Bridgertons and Arlingtons were engaged in animated conversation, the joy of the engagement announcement still fresh in the air. Anthony made his way back to Katherine's side, his expression softening as he looked at her.