The Reluctant Fall

Eight.

Anthony didn't see Penelope the rest of the night.

He ended up in bed that night... extremely frustrated and confused.

He had nearly kissed her.

But what he couldn't get over was the scariest fact of all, was that he wanted to kiss her.

More than just once.

When he woke the following morning, he pulled on the usual 'Bridgerton' matching Christmas pyjamas and headed downstairs. He said Merry Christmas to all his siblings, including his mother, grabbed his usual coffee and sauntered off to his chair in the corner of the room. Observing was Anthony's 'role' at Christmas. His mother as usual had everything perfectly organised, from the breakfast buffet (everything you could ever dream of) and then piles of presents displayed in order and name.

The family was all gathered around the sofas. Anthony had his usual seat where Hyacinth placed herself down at his feet. She leaned into his leg, "Merry Christmas brother," she looked up and smiled. He brushed his hands over her hair and kissed the top of her head, "Merry Christmas my angel."

Anthony soon took notice that Penelope had enter from the side door with Michael. They were in deep conversation, and he couldn't help but see she looked a little distracted. She was also in the matching pyjamas... and fuck did she look good in blue.

But then Anthony was starting to realise he'd like her in any colour.

He was brought quickly from his 'distraction' as his mother done her regular 'Merry Christmas, I love you all' speech. She truly got far too emotional over the holidays. But then the fun began, wrapping paper flying through the air, excitable laughter, many smiles, many hugs and emotional 'thank yous'. Anthony loved to see them all so happy. He would tell his siblings every year not to buy him (explicitly in a strongly worded email or text), but they never did listen.

This was especially the case from young Hyacinth and Gregory. He had been their father figure their whole lives, and Anthony took the role and responsibility extremely serious. Because in fact, he loved them, he truly loved them just like they were in fact his own. He always felt shame and guilt over the face that they would never know their actual father, as he was the most amazing man Anthony had ever known. Nevertheless, Anthony had tried to make sure they never wanted or needed for a thing. The two youngest Bridgerton's held a special place in his heart, but if he was honest, all his siblings did.

After presents were done, and everyone was settled. His mother set up the cinema room for their usual 'Christmas morning movie'. Eloise would normally moan and winge at the fact they were made to watch the same movie every year, but since she wasn't here... Benedict took that role. "Can we not try something different? We all know what happens," Benedict said exhaustively while slouching on the very comfortable sofas. Violet quickly turned around with her hands firmly on her hips, "No."

Anthony laughed.

His mother's word was always final.

So that morning, as always, he lost himself in It's a Wonderful Life. Although he couldn't keep himself from sneaking a glance every so often in her direction. She truly looked wonderful this morning, and not to mention how well she fit into the family. There was something about her that just slotted into the mould of a Bridgerton. The only annoyance that niggled him was the fact that Penelope had not acknowledged him apart from a quick 'Merry Christmas' this morning at breakfast.

Was she avoiding him?

Penelope was currently snuggled up with Hyacinth on the sofa, which was normally his role, and he noticed how young Hyacinth clung on to her tightly. He caught Penelope comforting her, playing with Hyacinth's hair and he smiled.