"I have an excellent father, his strength is making me stronger
God smiles on my little brother, inside and out, he's better than I am
I grew up in a pretty house and I had space to run
And I had the best day with you"
"Best Day" by Taylor Swift
1831
Kate was delighted to meet her nephew's future wife. They truly were very much alike — both independent, intelligent, and confident women. Every word Agatha spoke filled Kate with admiration and satisfaction. Anthony, on the other hand, seemed somewhat wary, perhaps even a little frightened. The similarity and confidence they shared with Kate reminded him of how unpredictable his own life had become since her arrival. But Kate relished in his discomposure.
"Edmund is lucky to find someone so similar to Agatha," Kate remarked with a fond smile, addressing Anthony.
"Do you mean someone like you? So that the two of you can terrorize us together?" Anthony asked with a grin, though his eyes betrayed his unease.
"Is something bothering you, dear?" Kate raised an eyebrow, her tone playful yet assured.
"Oh yes, and you know perfectly well what it is," he muttered, averting his gaze.
It had only been a few days since they had learned about Eloise's affair with Phillip and that Emma was, in fact, his daughter. Anthony had been overcome with a surge of anger and had wanted to tell his brothers immediately so they could track down Phillip together. But Kate persuaded him not to rush. She reminded him that Phillip was Penelope's husband, and like Eloise, Penelope was now with child. Though reluctant, Anthony grudgingly accepted her reasoning.
"That scoundrel dishonored both of my younger sisters!" he had growled, his voice trembling with fury.
Kate understood his pain and rage, and she, too, had felt the desire to see Phillip punished for his actions. But her concern for Eloise's health and the potential consequences for the family weighed more heavily on her mind.
"So, you believe our reputation hasn't been tarnished yet?" she asked him, her voice steady.
"No, not yet. As long as no one knows, our reputation remains intact," Kate replied, her gaze growing firmer.
"And what do you suggest? Just sit idly by?" Anthony clenched his fists, struggling against the urge to take immediate action.
"As if you could sit idly by," Kate quipped with a slight smile. "Start by finding Theo and figuring out if he knows what's going on."
Anthony froze, suddenly realizing the complexity of the situation. He barely managed to contain his emotions as he attempted to devise a plan.
"Oh, dear God! There's Theo too! This is a disaster," he groaned, closing his eyes and rubbing his temples.
Eloise had no memory of her feverish ramblings, and Daphne had insisted Anthony keep quiet about it, not wanting to cause her unnecessary distress.
"Perhaps I should leave entirely? Am I still head of this family or not?" Anthony muttered, realizing that in this matter, his sister had been right.
Eloise sensed the growing tension within the family, but she could never have imagined that it was all because of her. As it turned out, there was even more to be concerned about.
When Kate invited Agatha to Aubrey Hall, she hadn't expected Colin to join them. He had planned to leave before the season's end, but apparently, he had changed his mind.
YOU ARE READING
Reflections of the choices
Fanfic״I fell in love with him at first sight. From the very first day. And I continued to love him always, even when he didn't pay me any attention. I waited and hoped that he would choose me when we grew older. But he chose not me, but my cousin. And my...
