Men Of Honor

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Derrick Kenworthy
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Ordinarly, a man would find comfort and excitement in the knowledge that his sister was marrying his best friend. But in this circumstance, such was not the case. Not entirely anyway. Anthony felt he knew Simon far too well to believe he was ever good enough for Daphne. And while that had not changed -- for he doubted any man was good enough for his beloved sister -- he knew that they must reach a mutual understanding. There was an underlying, strong friendship between Simon and he. And now, the man was going to be a part of his family.

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Yet, the fact that he was a friend and Duke had not deterred Anthony from challenging him to a duel. Nor the need to have a serious conversation with him about the future happiness of Daphne. Simon had said as such, in refusal of the dowry but Anthony wanted to make it quite clear. As if he hadn't already. So that was what brought them to the club that Anthony was currently situated at; sitting on a comfortable chair, a vacant one across from him and a small table in the middle. It would be a matter of mere days until friend became brother. As Simon entered, Anthony watched him approach, standing up to be polite. Polite. Ironic . . . considering what had taken place between them. "Hastings," he greeted before returning to sit on his seat.

[Derrick Kenworthy]

Simon was coming very close to hating his life. Life had been simple before he had come to care for his friend's sister. Before he had come to want her for his wife, knowing he couldn't have her. Before he had trapped her into this marriage and a life that would never be what she wanted for herself. He knew that by following her into that garden, he had sealed their fates. He had been ready to die (thus keeping his vow to his father) rather then marry her and leave her in a marriage she didn't want and with no children--something she did want. Instead, he was now marrying her. And he wanted to marry her. He wanted her in his life. but in doing so, he knew she would come to resent him, and it would break her heart when she never had a child of her own.

Another reason he was displeased with his life was his once friend turned . . . He wasn't sure how Anthony saw him now. Anthony had actually shot at him. While Simon had known Anthony was angry (and rightfully so) he hadn't really been ready to know that Anthony wanted him dead. "Bbridgerton" Simon greeted with a nod, ignoring the almost stammer that came out, and grateful it was small enough to be mistaken for a slow beginning to the name. How different this meeting was then the one where he first met him here after arriving in town. It was on the tip of his lips to ask 'how is your sister?' but wasn't sure if he was asking because he really wanted to know, or to see how Anthony would react. In the end, he said nothing, letting Anthony take the lead and set the tone for the conversation, while giving Simon a moment to control his voice.

^{TAG: Anthony Bridgerton You will always protect me? Thank you!}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Derrick Kenworthy

Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony remained silent following Hasting's greeting. How he hated the uncomfortable air between them yet he did not know fully how to rectify it. This man would be his brother in law; Anthony was trusting him with his sister although . . . perhaps trust was too bold a word. The entire arrangement was being done because of . . . Anthony wasn't even entirely certain. There was pressure to make things right after what Anthony had witnessed in the gardens. He had little control of this marital situation and for that, he was quite frustrated by it all.

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Still. The conversation at the church gave him hope. Hastings telling him that he would have thought him dishonorable had Anthony not done what he had. He was unsure how long the silence had held between them, but eventually, Anthony did speak, knowing there was no need for feigned pleasantries. "In a matter of days, you will marry one of the people I love most in this world." His sister. One, because the others were the rest of his family. His heart held a piece of each Bridgerton. "And you never would have been my first choice." There was no harshness in his words nor should it come as a surprise. It was mere fact.

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"But what is done, is done." Anthony knew he had to accept it. "So I must ask you Hastings, what can you say to assure my mind that this union is not a mistake?" Beyond marriage, obviously. The man was a rake. Anthony knew it all too well. A rake who had previously held no interest in marrying.

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Would he remain faithful to Daphne? He knew Simon was a good man, a dear friend which Anthony would not have made had Simon been poor in character. But his love for his family trumped all other friendships and relationships in this world . . . and so he had to ask. His question, more indicating for Hastings to come clean about what made him willing to marry Daphne. What made him go after her the way he had. What would come after Daphne became his wife. He wanted an open, honest conversation and hope that they could do so as gentlemen.