The Bridgerton Who Loved Me; An Anthony Bridgerton Love Story

An Unthinkable Fate

Y/n's POV

"The frenzy of competition. The thrilling delight of hazarding your all. I am referring not to the lure of London's luxurious gaming halls but to a gamble with far higher stakes. Matrimony. For once that particular wager is placed, it cannot easily be undone. A fact which, I am sure, is met with both regret and sheer relief."

"Ugh," I groan and set down the pamphlet. "I'm getting rather tired of reading this gossip. Perhaps I shall find something else to entertain me."

"You're tired of reading about the Viscount, you mean," Henry corrected. "What's Lady Whistledown got to say about him today?"

"Nothing," I reply. "She did not mention him by name. She is discussing marriage. And if I have to hear one more thing about that or courting or relationships I will-"

"Y/n, dear," my mother interrupted and entered the dining room. "Ah, good. You are dressed. You are to meet with Colin Bridgerton within the hour for tea."

"What was it you were saying about courting?" Henry teased.

I shot him a glare. "Shut up. But mama, Henry and I had plans to take a walk around the ton."

"Those plans can wait. This is important," my mother insisted.

"Will you at least tell me then that tea will be held here?" I beg.

My mother shook her head. "I'm sorry, dear, but Violet insisted on hosting you. And I, for one, am happy to visit their home. It is quite lovely. It will be a good place for you to live your life."

"Have fun," Henry wished me before snagging a biscuit and exiting the room.

.........................................................

"Morning, Colin," I greet and curtsy slightly to the man in front of me.

"Good morning, Y/n," Colin returned and glanced towards my mother. "Lady L/n. My mother and I have arranged for us to have tea in the sitting room with the rest of the family this morning. I hope that is not a bother."

"Oh, it's not a bother at all," my mother reassured him. "Your family is quite the delight. And your mother and I have things to discuss."

"Ah, good morning Y/n. How are you?" Violet asked as we entered the sitting room.

"I'm doing great, thank you. And yourself?" I quiz.

"I'm doing quite wonderful," Violet answered. "I have a table set up for you and Colin over here. Please, do not mind the rest of us."

"Lady Bridgerton, your family is of no bother to me. Really," I persist as Hyacinth ran past me with Gregory chasing after her. "Hyacinth, Gregory, I caught word that my chef is making his famous homemade cookies this weekend. Perhaps you two would like to come over and taste them? Just to make sure they are up to par."

"Will there be chocolate chip?" Gregory questioned.

"And lemon?" Hyacinth butt in.

"I can see to it that both of those are prepared, yes," I respond. "As long as it is okay with your mother? In fact, I would love it if all of you were in attendance."

"Thank you for the invitation, dear. It is most appreciated. We will be there," Violet declared.

"So," Colin started as the two of us took our seats. "How have you been since returning from Aubrey Hall? I have not seen you as much as I usually do."

"I have been very busy," I claim and take a sip of tea. "My mother is berrating me with talk of you and the other Bridgertons. Oh, and she keeps insisting we make trips to the modiste to get me new gowns that will impress you."