Ode to a Carriage Ride

[L]

once upon a corset chafing...
tag Anthony Bridgerton

Daphne did not particularly enjoy balls. Strike that, Daphne did not particularly enjoy arriving at balls. Sitting in the carriage, feeling it rattle underneath, always served to exacerbate her already frayed nerves. But tonight, tonight was particularly painful. Tonight, her corset was just a touch too tight, and with each bounce of the wheels, she felt it rub just a little more against the raw, red spot on her back. It would not do. She twisted, trying to slide the contraption ever so slightly. But it refused, obstinately staying in the exact wrong spot. It was such a shame that this would be her sole focus for the night. This, and not the bevy of potential suitors she surely would face when they arrived. If only the ride could end now, she might just be able to put the nuisance from her mind.

She huffed loudly, feeling the scratch on her back as the breath left her lungs, and pushed herself back ever so slightly to lean against the carriage wall. She knew she was acting like an insolent child and not as - what was it the Queen had called her? - the season's incomparable. So be it.

At least the dress was well enough. It was a beautiful affair of light blue silks with tiny navy embroideries. In fact, if she were higher in the instep, she would go so far as to say that she looked beautiful. But she was not, so complimenting the dress would have to do. She looked across the carriage at her brother, Anthony, tonight's chaperone. He was in no such discomfort over the particular offending article of clothing. Why would he be? He was a man, and no man had ever been forced to wear such a highly uncomfortable thing as a corset. At least, she could not remember such an occasion from any of her history lessons or any such gossip from Lady Whistledown. Surely she would know if one had occurred.

A dip in the road caused the carriage wheel to bounce unexpectedly, bringing with it a new wave of discomfort. This would not do. Barring a swift exit, and Daphne refused to be brought low by a mere garment, she would need a distraction. Perhaps Anthony would provide one.

"Brother, dearest, might you have something to say?"

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: L
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it is my duty

I AM PROTECTING YOU

Anthony knew that this ball, and many that would follow this season would be different. While he was quite proud of Daphne and the way she had captured the queen's attentions, he also knew what it would mean: a flock of men vying for her attentions. She was named Incomparable and with that, would undoubtedly bring a flock of suitors. But Anthony would not let it be so easy. He refused to let any of them take advantage of his sister for they would need to earn her company. Finding a husband for her would be no easy task, and Anthony made it his business to know anything he could about why they would not be good enough for her. Would anyone though, truly?

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So yes. This ball would be quite different from the others. No longer would those be approaching him merely to exchange pleasantries. And nor would they be so close to Daphne if he had anything to do about it. Her voice broke him out of his thoughts, realizing that the carriage ride thus far had been silent. He could speak for himself as to why he was not talking, but noticing that Daphne hadn't either . . . made him wonder if she was alright, and prepared for what the evening would hold.

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"Nothing of note," he said, though his voice was clearly teasing for her knew that Daphne asked . . . because she wanted to talk. He knew his sister well enough. He smiled, indication that he was just teasing and did not intend to remain silent if she desired otherwise. "What thoughts fill your mind Daff?" He asked, opening the conversation to address anything that may be troubling her, or whatever else brought her too to silence for that interval of time.

[L]

Daphne was a gently reared noblewoman. And like all gently reared noblewomen, she had been taught from an early age to watch her words, lest she be mistaken for a bawd or blasphemer. But damn Anthony. Damn him and his teasing tone. Frankly at this moment, only two thoughts occupied her mind. Firstly, she would have loved nothing more than to throttle the good Viscount. Secondly, she was very quickly losing the battle against her corset. But to say either aloud would be impertinent, if not improper. So, instead, she gritted her teeth and flashed what she hoped was the decent semblance of a smile.

"I do so hope there are men of interest here tonight. Nothing tires the spirit more than a night full of repetitive, boring conversation with repetitive, boring people." She looked at him, and then decided he required a small amount of punishment as penance for his crime.

"Perhaps the might even be a young lady worthy of your time, brother. Or, at least, worthy of your arm." She would pay for the remark, she was sure of it. No matter. If he spluttered or growled or, indeed, showed any form of great emotion, it would provide her with entertainment great enough to distract her from her present situation. It only needed to last until the reached their destination. The excitement of another ball would take over from there.

tag Anthony Bridgerton

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: L
Note: Better layout coming soon!

it is my duty

I AM PROTECTING YOU

Anthony smiled at her response, of course understanding the teasing insult there. "Come now sister," he said a bit playfully. "I was only teasing," he added on. "Perhaps if there is no one of note, you may very well miss the usual company you find yourself among," he said with the same teasing tone . . . referring to her brothers of course.

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Upon her next words . . . he was unsure whether she was still teasing him or if there was truth to them. Perhaps a bit of both. The topic of the Viscount marrying was not an unusual nor infrequent one. But he made it clear that he had no interest in courting a woman this season. He had rather . . . personal reasons for this decision. "The focus tonight is you Daphne. I shall not busy nor distract myself with such things. I shall be by your side the entire night." Something that may irritate her but it was to protect her. He knew how men thought, and he knew what was going to happen now that his sister had been named Incomparable of the season. His family was his focus, his responsibility. He would not stray from that at such events.

[L]

This again.

"You say, brother, that the focus is on me. And yet, I cannot imagine for a moment that the focus will not be on you. For I can prance and dance," she winced at the rhyme, but pressed on with her point, "but it is you to whom the men feel they must behave in a most obsequious fashion. You mistake brotherly love for wrapping me in a shroud."

There, she had said it. It was enough that he had pointed out flaws in the male guests at the Danbury Ball, and worse that he had obstinately refused to leave her side even for a moment's breath when callers had arrived that first glorious morning of the season. But now, with the rattle of the wheels and the chafing of her corset whittling away at her nerves, his reiteration of his intentions to stick to her like a burr were enough to put her over the edge. She would not spend more than one season unmarried, and she would not, could not become a spinsters, forever flitting on the edges of a ballroom like a sad sap. She refused.

"Do not take this out of disrespect, Anthony. I do know that you care. But it is one thing to shepherd, and another to hinder. I am not a sheep, but you are a rock, and if you do not stop, I fear that I will be the only woman left standing on the dance floor by her lonesome. Or, Heaven forbid, standing alone with her chaperone, clearly unwanted by any man."

With that, she intended to let the issue rest, unwilling to dig the knife any further. He would see what was needed, or she would make him see. How had this conversation gone so far from the gentle path? She had only desired a small distraction so that she did not scream with impatience. Or rip herself out of her dress.

tag Anthony Bridgerton

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: L
Note: Better layout coming soon!

it is my duty

I AM PROTECTING YOU

Daphne's words did not overly surprise him; they sounded similar to that of their's mother. But that did not mean he would offer apology for protected her. As the eldest son, he had a duty to his siblings. A responsibility. One that he took quite seriously . . . perhaps a little too seriously. "You do know the minds of men," he told her. His words did not hold a tone of insult, they were spoken nonchalantly; a nonjudgmental fact. She was innocent and presented to the ton without the knowledge of potential suitors that Anthony had.

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"I will not leave you with men who may seek to take advantage of you." Whether for her wealth, her innocence, beauty, or anything of the like. "You deserve no one but the best and I will ensure you have a perfectly good suitor. One worthy of your attention." And that, was precisely why he would accompany her. To weed out those who were unworthy. Those who would just waste time, had debt, were dishonorable . . . and the list went on and on. "It is best to have standards dear sister. High standards." And not allow just any man to come and claim her attention. No. Anthony certainly would not allow that.

[L]

Daphne blushed at her brother’s words, pointedly staring out of the window as she felt her cheeks grow hot. No, she did not know the minds of men. But she knew what he was insinuating. Far too often she had heard intimations of actions carried out in corners, or even the Dark Walk. Light skirts, it was said. She was certain that she never wanted to be counted among that group of infamous women.

“Thank you, brother.”

She forced the words past gritted teeth, more of a mumble than a true spoken sentence. Perhaps he would not hear her; that would be okay. She knew her duty, knew that she needed to marry well to afford herself opportunity and station. She would provide surety for the honor and status of her sisters, who would each wed in turn. But, more importantly, she would build herself a life. A family. So, yes, she had high standards. Anthony did not need to remind her of what was at stake.

A thought struck her suddenly, like a pin at a dress fitting.

"Anthony, might I make a proposition?" She held her breath, waiting for his reply. There might be a way to bridge their two sides, assuaging Anthony's decidedly overbearing instincts while ensuring that he could still protect her honor.

tag Anthony Bridgerton

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: L
Note: Better layout coming soon!

it is my duty

I AM PROTECTING YOU

He more than recognized the . . . bitterness in which she thanked him. Though he brought no attention to it. He was quite used to his siblings disagreeing with him, but he remained stubborn in his mindset. Believing, that he was doing what he could to best protect them. And that, was certainly not something he would apologize for. As they grew older now, the subject of marriage and finding a spouse would create a new set of challenges and disagreements.

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Nothing could prepare Anthony for this but he supposed he would learn as he went along. What else could one do? He knew that each of his Bridgerton siblings were . . . strong minded. Each having their own level of stubbornness. And none of them meek nor timid. Upon her suggestion of a proposition, Anthony turned his gaze from the carriage window, back to his sister. "What is it?" He asked, holding back any feelings of needing to brace himself. But, he loved his sister and of course was willing to listen and consider what she may propose.

[L]

"Suppose, dear brother, that a man walks to me and requests a dance." She would have to be quite circumspect about this in order to reach her goal. "That is to say, suppose a man should want to dance with me. For I would not ever put such an assumption upon myself, nor would I ever want to appear so high in the instep as to make the assumption." Easy, Daphne. Coyness was one thing, blathering like an idiot in front of her brother was entirely different. She was no fool, and she was loath to play one now.

"Were I to be standing next to you when he approaches, he would be honor bound to acknowledge you first. And you would feel... obliged to tell me what you knew of him, good or bad. Particularly knowledge of the bad sort." It was bold of her to say, but then again, she had been making bold statements to him throughout the conversation. She kept her tone even, trying only to voice the statements as fact rather than accusation. It would do no good to get Anthony any further riled than she might already have. "On the other hand, were I to be standing even a mere three feet away, you would easily be able to see me, with even the most conservative Mamas unable to voice concerns for the state of my chaperonage, whilst I formed my own opinion of the man."

The was one final sweetener she was willing to add, a peace offering to assuage whatever concerns he might have if he acquiesced to her request.

"Should you agree, and I were to find myself dancing with a man you deemed to be wholly unsuitable -- and I mean entirely and utterly, not simply slight disapproval -- you would have my permission to interrupt and take his place. Any dance at all." It was a fine plan, if she did say so herself. With any luck, he would as well. They were near enough to the ball that should he have any quals, she would be unable to mount another attack and would, instead, be subjected to yet another onslaught of snipes about her potential suitors.

tag Anthony Bridgerton

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: L
Note: Better layout coming soon!

it is my duty

I AM PROTECTING YOU

Anthony listened to Daphne's . . . proposition. Would that it be so easy to just allow any man to dance with her. As Anthony had touched on before, not many -- if any -- were worthy of her company. Previous events have proved as such where some had the audacity to ask her for a dance when they were in debt, or where their past deeds were less than honorable, or where they sought a wealthy family for their own elevation. Or, plain and simple, they were a rake. No. Anthony would not allow anyone but the best for his dear sister, or any Bridgerton. Now that she was named as the incomparable, all eyes were set to her. Not the mention that he hadn't failed to notice the extra efforts put forth by others to greet him or offer him invitation to their homes, sporting events, and the like.

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That was perhaps, before they realized the difficulty posed in trying to get through Anthony to Daphne. He was not one so easily moved. Particularly when it came to his family and their well being. "Why would you wish to dance with someone who would be otherwise deemed as dishonorable?" He questioned. Why, would she risk such a thing? But . . . alas. Anthony knew that there was a need for compromise. One dance, did not mean she would marry the man. And if it meant she would be less . . . opposed to his interference, then perhaps it was for the best. Contrary to what one may believe, he did not enjoy quarrelling with his sister -- and mother -- about such matters. "Very well," he finally said in agreement.

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"I agree to your terms." He would simply have to keep a very watchful eye on her. "I will attempt to be more lenient in my judgement, but there are many that conceal their true nature and misdeeds. Should I see you with any of them, even if they appear a perfect gentleman, I will intervene." Because most men appeared the 'perfect' gentleman. Which was why Anthony had made it a point to know of their business and any relevant detail about them. Well, most of them. He could not account for everyone in the ton.

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"I do not enjoy being at odds with you or mother about such matters," he told her, wanting her to understand that he did this not because he wanted the conflict. But because, of how deeply he cared for her. "But I take this responsibility with the utmost seriousness. It is about your future Daff, and I want nothing but the best for you." She would -- presumably -- be the first to marry and there was a great deal of pressures that came for that. Including, her needing to set the standard and path for all future unions for the rest of the Bridgertons, mainly their sisters.

[L]

She heard music from some invisible source. There must have been frogs pouring from the Thames or Moses had just convinced Pharaoh to relent. For Anthony Bridgerton had actually agreed to her terms. She could not have been more astonished if someone had told her that she was to marry that very day. True, his promise was tempered by the sheer fact that he would surely feel the need to intervene loudly and often. Still, though, he had relented. She tried to keep the teasing humor from her face, but could not help merriment from reaching her eyes.

“Thank you, Anthony. Truly.” Reaching out, she touched his hand to ensure that he understood the sincerity of her statement. “I know that we do not see on a level for this issue, but I, too, take my responsibility seriously. You have my word.”

He would make a fine father to his own brood one day, she realized. She had spent nearly half her life with him as her protector, the young man thrust into the viscountcy far earlier than anyone deserved. But he had always been her brother: first as a distant figure off at Oxford and then returned, only to remove himself to bachelor lodgings. In the time since the Season had begun, he had shown himself to be quite adept at the overbearing attitude of a dissatisfied parent — an attitude that she had strongly objected to. And here, tonight, she had seen another side. A softer, more reasonable, more compromising side. She wondered if, perhaps, she would not be the only one to find a match.

Or perhaps she would. His earlier objections had been quite strong, after all.

tag Anthony Bridgerton

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: L
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it is my duty

I AM PROTECTING YOU

Her smile was truly everything. It was so much easier to bare, having his heart swell with emotion and a paternal pride almost, from seeing her smile, knowing that his words held the power to draw such emotion. Compared to -- what he felt more frequently occurred as of late -- the sadness and discontent that caused his heart to ache. He knew that his attempts to be the head of the family would never truly be matched to Edmund's. There was no comparison.

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But, what moments he could create . . . what happiness he could elicit within his family, he would truly cherish it. He longed to see them happy and well taken care of, in what few years of his own life he had left to witness it, to live. He gave a small smile though it certainly did not lack in sincerity. He moved his gloved hand to rest on top of hers that she had reached out for. A warm, comforting gesture indeed. "I know," he said in a quiet voice, though genuine in his belief that she would -- that she did -- take her responsibility seriously.

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Though, he would never admit it . . . the pressures he felt when it came to finding suitable matches for his siblings weighted him down like nothing ever had. Seeing them each reaching this age to marry was terrifying. "I do trust you Daphne," he assured her, aware -- though once again not to be admitted -- that sometimes his actions and words may suggest otherwise. "It is the men of the ton whom I do not trust." When it came to his sister anyway. His words were said a bit more lightly, a touch of amusement in his smile and eyes so not to darken the mood of understanding and compromise that they had reached.

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"So that I am further prepared, are there any gentlemen of interest to you?" That question hurt to ask, and had he not spent a lifetime of suppressing his emotions . . . it would have shown. But as it was, he managed to get out the question smoothly, effortlessly, almost . . . casually. Internally, he was practically choking on every word. It was best he was not surprised should someone who Daphne had previously spoken to, approach her. He needed to be mentally prepared for all of this. Though it felt as if it was something that he would never adequately be able to accomplish.

[L]

Daphne knew in her heart of hearts that Anthony had not intended to slight her. He could be an ass, stubborn and overbearing and far too protective for her liking, but all such efforts were intended for her benefit. And yet, she could not help but feel embarrassed by the question he posed. She looked out the window, unable to contain her emotions as she felt a blush creep across her cheeks.

“There is no one, brother.”

She forced the words out in a half-mumble. In fact, there was someone. There was a very big, handsome, warm someone. But Anthony had put his foot down so very solidly and she was as-yet unwilling to admit just how very much she liked his friend. For heaven’s sake, she had barely known the man and she was already feeling butterflies at just thinking his name. The Duke of Hastings. That was the man who posed such an interest. Mustering her courage, she spoke again, managing to keep her tone even.

“Though I dare say, I should develop an interest in one or two within the bounds of our new agreement.”

tag Anthony Bridgerton

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: L
Note: Better layout coming soon!

it is my duty

I AM PROTECTING YOU

Anthony wasn't sure if he felt relieved or disappointed when she told him that there was no one. Relieved, because it meant that he did not yet have to drill the man nor proclaim his shortcomings and thus, reveal why he was not good enough for her. Disappointed, because it meant he could not prepare himself to drill nor proclaim the man's shortcomings and thus, reveal why he was not good enough for her.

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Really, both outcomes were the same despite the conflicting reaction. She added on that perhaps after tonight, she would develop an interest in one -- or two -- men and Anthony knew of course that was a possibility. "Well then, let us hope you will not be disappointed." If this was what she wanted . . . well, all Anthony ever wanted was for his brothers and sisters to be happy. To find happiness, even if his actions did not suggest as much. He felt it within his heart, the longing for his family to be nothing less than happy.

[L]

Disappointed. Yes, she had been disappointed. Disappointed in herself, disappointed in her brother. The discussion they had engaged in on this otherwise uncomfortable carriage ride had done some work to assuage the emotions she felt. No amount of peaceful words between them would fully tamp down the nerves she felt at the prospect of missing out on a match. Good heavens, it was only just the beginning of the Season, and already she was dreading the potential of another year spent unpaired, prancing like a pretty show-pony for the ton.

Tonight. Tonight would be her first real chance to do away with any such potential. No matter how uncomfortable she was, it was key that she put on her best face, the better to catch the eye of a suitor. Now that she had secured Anthony’s word to all her some liberty, she would at least be able to relax into true conversation on the dance floor. All she had to do was hope that he kept his promise.

The carriage rattled to a halt, and she felt the warmth and flicker of torchlight stream over her as the door opened. She straightened as best she could, ignoring the chafing of all that she wore. This was it. This was her chance. Now, it was time to get to work. She watched Anthony alight from his seat, willing her hands to stay steady. Then, a hand was proferred to her, and she stepped out into the night, ready for the ball at last.

tag Anthony Bridgerton
C'est finis!