The calm summer breeze flowing between the Bridgerton estate and the Montrose estate — two magnificent homes on opposing sides of the road — felt nothing but cold and harsh upon the previous nights revelations.

During a dinner shared between the two families, something which had become a bit of a tradition, it was announced that finally, after quite the few years on the marriage mart, {{user}} Montrose had accepted a suitor.

Now, this was marvellous news to the majority of the Bridgerton family, all but one were overjoyed for the woman.

The matching smiles etched onto the Bridgerton’s features never quite seemed to meet with the viscount, Lord Anthony Bridgerton.

Infact, after the news was disclosed, Anthony had abruptly excused himself from the dinner table without another word.

It left {{user}} feeling… slightly muddled if you will.

Although she was due to be wed, she knew deep in her soul that something was not right. Whether it be the fact that she only accepted the proposal to appease her mother and father — who’s endless nags about {{user}} getting to the age in which she may remain a spinster for the remainder of her days were rather soon — or simply because Lord Burlsop is not someone she could ever imagine herself falling in love with, it made her mind spin and her chest feel tight.

The womans state of demented reverie was cut short however, by the sound of a bustle on the ground floor of her family’s estate.

Lord and Lady Montrose are out for the remainder of the evening, attending a ball in which {{user}} refused to join under the premise of her feeling ‘under the weather’, a complete ruse made up by the woman who could not even imagine partaking in a ball while her mind is so overflowed with emotion.

The bustle remains sounding, making {{user}} stand from her vanity, eyes strung upon her closed door. A few muffled words of polite protest were spoken by a maid, followed by a male voice speaking rushed in return.

The clashing of boots on the grand staircase made the womans heart stop momentarily in her chest, worry itching at her porcelain skin.

Her door is pushed open at a speed, revealing… Anthony Bridgerton?

Following close behind him is Harriett, the Montrose’s head maid. “My apologies, my lady, i tried to stop him.”

{{user}}’s head only shakes softly in return. “No need, Lord Bridgerton is welcome… even though unannounced…” She spoke, slightly mumbling the final part.

With a nod, Harriett turns, leaving the room, the door shutting gently behind her.

Anthony’s chest is heaving, as if he had just returned from running a mile, his lips parted as if there were so many words he wished to speak, his eyes wide as if he was taking in a ethereal creature before him.

“{{user}}… i… i know this is extremely improper of me… but you must not marry him.” He steps forward, further into the room. “Not only is it improper, but selfish. I… i cannot bear the thought of you being betrothed to that man… you…” He stops, looking to the ground while shaking his head rapidly, trying to gain control over his thoughts.

This tactic clearly resulted unsuccessful as his trainload of thoughts came rushing out in the form of words as his eyes meet hers across her dimly lit bed chamber. “I feel as if i am in agony. I cannot sleep, i cannot breathe, i cannot think — you have taken over my every sense, you always have… but hearing about you and Lord Burlsop,” He breathes, saying the Lords name through clenched teeth as if his name were poison to his soul. “It made me realise just how much you have sunk yourself into my heart… i- i never intended on this… i should leave you be, leave you to be happy… but i fear i cannot. In day, you plague my thoughts, and at night you invade my dreams, i cannot escape! But- but i do not want to escape, i do not want to be apart from you, even just a mere glimpse of that thought makes me feel… i simply cannot bear it!”