Blood Brothers

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden William had arrived to the gentleman's club early, taking a seat by an empty table and ordering himself a glass of brandy to start off the night. It was his first drink, surprisingly, having just left dinner at the Slade household. He calmly excused himself from the family drawing room, taking his leave and wishing to find his friends later on that evening. Elizabeth Davenport was on his mind that evening, especially after their last encounter. He knew that they could never court, especially considering that Marianne Talbot was to be his future fiancé. It was not set, yet it was known and sensed by those in their tight-knit society. Nevertheless, he could still think about the marquess' daughter -- not act upon it -- but think. He'd completely ignored the fact that his brandy arrived, heavily focused on his thoughts instead. Perhaps he needed to find himself a courtesan to rid of himself of such thoughts. They'd make an appearance sooner or later that evening. Anthony Bridgerton

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: William Slade

i am a viscount

IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

This social season was far more stressful than any other he had participated in. Not for himself or the pressures to find a wife . . . but rather, because his first and eldest sister was not out in society. Attending events now had an entirely different level of stress. He had to ensure that no man that was unsuitable would be in his sister's company. Anthony after all, had incredibly high standards. While he was well connected, he made it a point to know of each gentleman's business, lest someone unworthy tried to gain his sister's attentions and affections. So yes. The daunting task of finding a husband for her was taking it's toll on the Viscount . . . though, much like anything else, he kept these stresses well concealed and suppressed.

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He found himself at the gentleman's club, needing to get out of the Bridgerton household for a bit, and have a drink or two. He could not even seek out Siena considering how they had left things . . . and that was an entirely different emotional path that Anthony did not wish to dwell on. The only outlet really, was a drink. Entering the area, he nodded in greeting to the men who noticed him, but the viscount did not feel like being in their company right now. Instead, his eyes set on someone that he was far more keen on conversing with: the Duke of Wellington. The pair had met during their Oxford years and had formed a strong bond. To see a friend in sight, was a comfort indeed. Though the man seemed lost in thought, his drink untouched and Anthony's approaching presence unnoticed.

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Standing next to the table, close to the vacant chair across from him, Anthony spoke to alter William to his company. "Are you waiting for someone to drink that for you?" Anthony asked, clear teasing in his voice. "It is good to see you, Wellington," he added on with a smile, genuine sentiment in his voice. The man was a duke, but Anthony felt that their friendship was strong enough that there was no need for formalities. Not here anyway. "Would you care for some company?" He asked, not yet sitting for he did not wish to impose himself on William. Especially if the man was waiting for someone else, or if he would prefer to be left alone with his seemingly deep thoughts.

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden His attention was stolen by a familiar voice asking if someone was going to imbibe his drink for him. William looked up for a moment, slightly confused, only to realise that it was none other than Anthony Bridgerton who had approached him. "Bridgerton!" He grinned from ear to ear, rising from his seat and embracing his best friend in a tight hug before releasing him. "You need not ask, brother," William invited Anthony to take the seat beside him, returning to his own and picking up the brandy that he'd abandoned not so long ago. "I'm afraid I was lost in my thoughts. Forgot I was even present in the club," The duke sighed, relaxing back in his seat. He disliked the fact that it was about a dreaded woman that had called him out for his behaviour. It was entirely unexpected, not believing that he was in the wrong at all, yet somehow she had him thinking that he was. "Have you witnessed the pleasure of meeting Lady Elizabeth Davenport?" Anthony Bridgerton

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: William Slade

i am a viscount

IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

Anthony returned the smile, his arms wrapping around the Duke in an embrace, amicably patting him on the back a few times when easing out of the embrace. His smile remained as he took a seat on the chair across from him, motioning for the waiter to bring him another drink. "And yet you are still sober," he stated, knowing that that meant that there was indeed something troubling him or at least causing him to be lost in thought.

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"What weighs heavy on your mind?" He asked, hoping his friend would be able to share the burden if only to not be coping with it on his own. Even if Anthony could do nothing to fix the issue, the least he could offer was a listening ear. But then the Duke asked a question that alluded to what could be causing William's . . . distracted mind. "The pleasure?" Anthony repeated both in statement and question, his voice holding a teasing tone towards his brother of heart. When Anthony's drink came he poured some in a small glass before leaning back comfortably in his chair. "Our families have known each other for many years." Having started with his own father before his passing and Charles. "Why do you ask?" Because Anthony knew that an explanation would be coming so merely offered the prompt to facilitate in William's addressing of it.

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden 'The pleasure?' William instantly glanced up from the twirling liquor in his hand, meeting eyes with his best friend. "Are you not fond of her?" He instantly found himself asking, genuinely curious as to how Anthony felt about her. The night he'd met the lady, she'd left him desiring more, even though he seemed to have appeared disinterested at first. Oh, how foolish he was for denying her a second dance. How could he have not seen that she was interested in him? Instead, he'd focus on the Duke's daughter, Marianne Talbot, who was just as handsome and captured his attentions, yet in a very diverse manner. She matched his touchstones for a proper wife, while Elizabeth left him utterly confused without an explanation behind her reaction. "Nothing, she just..." Oh, come out with it, man. He was hardly ashamed before Anthony. They'd known each other since they were children, forming a bond that was entirely unbreakable. "She challenged me at the Earl Guilford's ball," The utter embarrassment of it all, really. "Termed me a man who cared little for women's sentiments, discarding them without a second thought if they did not meet my standards," William ranted, gripping his glass tightly. "Who on earth does she think she is to tell me so? Is she not mistaken?" Anthony Bridgerton

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: William Slade

i am a viscount

IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

Anthony listened as William asked him whether he was fond of Elizabeth, wondering what answer he hoped to hear. Anthony could only offer the truth. "I am not that well acquainted with her," he told him honestly. Anthony knew the men in the Davenport family far better than the women in it. He had often been with his father when he met with Charles and thus, the sons would be around each other more frequently. Anthony withheld asking the same question for William seemed to want to say something, though the Viscount could see his dear friend's struggle. Had he been more hesitant, Anthony would have encouraged him and assured him that he could surely tell him anything. Without judgement. Without consequence.

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Anthony listened intently, though remained in a relaxed position as William went to to say that she had challenged him at the ball; criticizing him as a man who did not care for women's sentiments and such. Anthony refrained from rolling his eyes . . . not because of William, but hearing what women often felt at such ease doing: criticizing. "Women are far too sensitive," Anthony began to say, a bit of a tease in his voice though . . . it held truth. With his experience practically raising four sisters, keeping the company of noblewomen, and the many mistresses he has had . . . he knew that such was the case.

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"They all desire the same. To be given numerous compliments and praised endlessly. Anything short of that and we are quickly painted the villain." Especially as some women mistook politeness for affection, which could have occurred in this case. But Anthony did not know exactly what was said or done between the pair; he could only make such a conclusion based on his own experiences.

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"You are a duke, and in your position comes a required level of formality and discernment." And he knew his friend well. He knew he took his responsibilities seriously, and that he would not be outwardly rude . . . for such behavior was not well received from a Duke. Though Anthony was not at such an elevated rank, even his role as a Viscount held many responsibilities. Dukedom was the the same in such regard: great responsibilities. Any anyone outside of these roles, could not understand the role nor responsibilities that came with it. Especially women.

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As much as Anthony cared for Siena, she never did understand his responsibility to his family and duties as Viscount. Women wished to be the only one in a man's line of sight. "Others outside your position do not comprehend the responsibilities that accompany that," he continued, summarizing his thoughts. "I have never known you to be of odious character," he told him with a bit of a tease, though meant his words genuinely. Willian was indeed a good man; an honorable one for as long as Anthony had known him. "Now whether you believe her or not, raises an entirely different matter." Did he truly believe a woman who had made such quick judgements about him?

[William Slade]

this sceptred isle this earth of majesty, this seat of mars, this other eden "To say the least." The Duke responded to Anthony's comment about ladies and their sensitivities. William did not fully understand the opposite gender, no matter how much he tried. He had two sisters and when he was in their company, they often bickered because he could not bring himself to relate to them in any sort of way. It was not like he couldn't communicate with ladies, he could, but he simply could not comprehend their behaviour, particularly Elizabeth Davenport. William was a Duke, and since he was merely a toddler, he'd been taught that Dukes were of high standing and were required to show nothing but utter grace in public if they wished to be respected. Nodding in agreement with his close friend's words, he continued to listen as he spoke of William's honour, before questioning if he believed his Elizabeth's words. "No, no absolutely not," He frowned slightly, shaking his head. "She was acting delicate, as women usually are, like you mentioned." Maybe it had been her time of the month. "Ah, it does not matter. Elizabeth and I shall never speak again, anyway," William concluding, slowly twirling the liquor in the cup. "Perhaps I should seek a courtesan tonight. It will take my mind off of it." Though he doubted it would. Anthony Bridgerton

credit to nat of adoxography.

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: William Slade

i am a viscount

IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

Anthony took a sip of his drink as William confirmed that he did not in fact believe her, that she was acting delicately . . . and that he would never speak to her again. "Then set your mind at ease," he encouraged in a reassuring tone rather than any sort of command or force. "For women often tend to stir quite the opposite in the minds of us men," he further teased. He was referring to of course, the ability women had to consume their thoughts, and bring them unrest. Unease. Speaking from experience of course, Anthony first hand knew it was not so easy to simply put them out of sight and out of mind.

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"Is that what you truly wish for?" He questioned when William stated that he would never speak to her again. Clearly, he had brought her name up for a reason; it was on his mind and Anthony did truly wish for his friend to find that peace of mind, unaffected by the hostile and judgmental words of a woman. When the Duke brought up seeking the company of a courtesan, Anthony took another sip of his drink. "An effective distraction indeed. They should be making an entrance soon." Much to the Viscount's dismay. He only hoped that Siena would not be among them. He did not want to see her seeking the company of another man. As she would, despite him . . . or rather, because of him.

[William Slade]

tagged Anthony Bridgerton words not a clue! notes cuteness

"Yes, it is what I wish for." He admitted. Was failing to speak to Elizabeth again what he wished for? No, but he was destined to marry Marianne Talbot, another lady he was certainly fond of. Twirling the liquor in his glass, he tried to think of a distraction, one of them being Anthony as well as the dozen of women that had just entered the parlour, a particular redhead catching his eye. Two of them, unsurprisingly, approached the duo and William was quick to rise to his feet, even for ladies of their stature. He would never disrespect a woman in his life. Those were forever his values. Offering them a small bow, he gave them space to sit by them. "Are you the room's incomparable tonight?" He asked her, only for her to grin and flash her feather at him.

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[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: William Slade

i am a viscount

IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

Anthony gave a nod, hearing William confirm that it is what he wished for. That he would prefer not to speak to her and that, was well and good. With the man's match, it was perhaps for the best after all. Anthony took another sip of his drink as he watched the women start to filter into the club, met with sounds of approval from the men. A couple of them made their way over, prompting Anthony to rise to a stand, watching until the last girl entered and finding relief that none of them, were Siena.

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Turning his attention to the other woman, Anthony gave a nod of greeting and sat back down, clear disinterest in his demeanour. There was a time where he would go through so many mistresses; sometimes having two at one time as well. But now . . . he was not currently interested in being with another. Perhaps in time he would, but the wound was still too fresh. So instead, he did not pay attention to the other woman who seemed to get the hint as he did not acknowledge her after he sat back down. Anthony watched his friend and the other, a slight smile upon the Viscount's lips. "I shall not take offense if you prefer to be alone," he told him, a clear tease in his voice but it also . . . held truth. For William was indeed, in need for distraction.