The Arrangement

[Kathani Bridgerton]

Kate sat in the garden and worked on her watercolors. She was painting a tulip setting. Normally she was quite good, but she didn't have the focus today to think on what she was doing. It ended up a runny mess. Sighing in frustration, she pushed away from her easel and turned just as her maid came to inform her that Lord Anthony was here. She didn't like the idea of being 'given' away before she had spoken her first word. Yet it appeared she had no choice in the matter.

In a walk that was quick and clipped, almost a march, she walked toward the drawing room to inform Lord Anthony that she was no pleased with this arrangement. As she had no power to cry off, he should. Pushing open the drawing room door, Kate paused. Having not met Lord Anthony but a few times she knew him more by reputation then appearance. He certainly . . . filled out . . . nicely from the boy-man she had met last. "Lord Bridgerton," She greeted with a bow just low enough and long enough to count as polite, before standing.

Stepping forward she left the door open as to make everything proper. Between that and her maid they were well champeroned. Besides, her father cared not since he assumed them to wed. "Might I interest you in another bride?" It was direct. To the point. And every inch Kate Sharma.

^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony had not known when the time would come that he would marry, but when the opportunity presented itself . . . such a time was made clear. It was not because he had met someone and had fallen madly in love. Nor was it because he was searching for a bride and found the most suitable match. No. This union had every thing to do with honoring his father's wishes, for he had been told that Edmund and his dear friend -- who happened to have a daughter -- longed for their children to be wed. To become family through marriage. And with Edmund no longer with them, Anthony accepted the wish, and set forth is proposal.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

One that was met with practically no hesitation nor uncertainty. At least, not from her father. Kate on the other hand, Anthony had yet to get to know. And, that was what today was about. They were to be wed and he should very much like to properly meet Kate and spend some time alone with her -- with the proper supervision of course. He was after all, a gentleman and would not compromise her own honor. When he arrived at her family's home, he was well greeted and informed that she was in the drawing room. Being escorted there he entered and lowered his head in a bit of a bow to return her own formal greeting.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

"Lady Sharma," he stated. What she said next, was completely unexpected. For, he had been expecting pleasantries. The predictable exchanges of how good of you to come, would you like some refreshments . . . but no. She plainly asked him to seek out another bride; or offer one to him. Had Anthony not spent the last decade guarding his emotions, and being as stoic as he was . . . he would have surely made this, unexpected remark known. But as it was, the flicker of slight unpredictability may have flashed across his features before quickly regaining himself. "This union is the wish of your father, and mine." Surely, she would understand that. "I have no interest in another bride." Just as plainly as she asked him, he responded in kind.

[Kathani Bridgerton]

That was . . . unfortunate. Kate pressed her lips and took a deep breath to re-think her plan. His idea? She knew better. His father had wanted this, and the son was now trying to honor that. Honor. Men used that in ways that made her angry sometimes. His honor would make him marry someone he wasn't in love with? How was that honorable? To be miserable? Maybe she was simple minded and did understand little--because while she understood honoring someone, she didn't understand why she had to do it!

She tried to imagine if her father asked this of her, and then died. Yet as she had not lost anyone of importance in her life she had no understanding. Surely he wanted a younger, more mildly behaved and simple minded girl? Someone who would turn a blind eye to his raking? Someone who would not demand her fat dog be carted everywhere they went in the country? -- No offense to dear sweet Newton!

"Lord Bridgerton," she began, pausing for a moment to choose her words with care. "Do you not hold care that there is a great chance I will make you miserable?" She knew what she was like, and had no intention of changing. Her father would not let her cry off. She would end up married to this man sooner--rather then later--if he didn't. While she knew there was little chance of changing his mind--she would of course try to change it. Kate Sharma was not going down without a fight. Or at least . . . not going down alone.

^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Well she was rather . . . upfront. It did not seem that she wished to dance around any subject where their future would be concerned. First, she wished to persuade him to take another, and now . . . she presented the possibility that she may make him miserable. "What makes you so certain that you will make me miserable?" He asked, unsure why she had such a thought set in her mind.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

Though, he supposed he could make a guess and perhaps . . . he too should be upfront and question it right here and now. "Is there another that holds your affections?" He asked. Is that why she didn't want to marry him? Is that why she believe she would make him miserable? Because her heart belonged to another. Because she wished to marry another. If that were the case he was uncertain as to what he would do. For he, did not want to make her life miserable either. But if that were not the case . . . then why so set on ensuring this union does not happen?

[Kathani Bridgerton]

He asked why she was certain she'd make him miserable and Kate almost laughed. However just as the emotion was about to shift her face, she realized he wasn't joking. Really? "No, there is no other that holds my heart." Ok, Kate wanted there to be someone, but there hadn't been anyone who she enjoyed talking too. Someone who didn't get annoyed by her outspokenness or opinions. Someone who didn't make her feel inferior. Romance was nice, but she hadn't found someone. She had even begin to suspect that she wouldn't. She was already a little older then men liked.

"Should you think you'd want a wife who will not meekly keep your house, but instead make her opinion known daily--and possibly in places you would wish otherwise." Meaning she would not keep silent when she had something to say, and it would not matter the place nor the topic. This wasn't a prized trait, and she wasn't sure if he would really would know what she meant. "I know our fathers dreamt of this union many years ago, but that was before they knew who'd we be. I feel that we could honor their idea as friends, and need not bind ourselves to strangers for the rest of our lives."

^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony knew that the matter would be further complicated if she had another that claimed her heart, but she confirmed that such was not the case. Well, then he did not understand why she was so opposed to such a union between their families. They were a suitable match, so surely . . . she would not deny the wishes of their fathers. He continued to listen to her explain that she would not be one who meekly maintained the household, nor bit her tongue where opinion was concerned . . . and it was indeed a curious thing. Most women would try to convince one as to why they would be a good wife. And yet, she appeared to be doing the opposite.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

"Is this how you often present yourself in front of a suitor?" He asked, his question only somewhat rhetorical, for he welcomed a response if it helped give further clarification to the matter. His question, voicing earlier thoughts he had of her and her attempt to convince him of the opposite of what she ought to. She then spoke of their fathers. The very thing that had him determined to see this through.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

"Your father sees who you have grown to be," Anthony began to say. Edmund, did not. At least not to an age where Anthony was ready for marriage, but he would not use that as an excuse nor used to guilt her into this union. "And he still believes this to be a suitable match. I trust the judgement he holds and that of which my father would have." This was about honoring both of their wishes. And Anthony was of course, one to exercise honor in . . . well, most all his actions. "Why is it that you so strongly oppose this union?" He asked her plainly, knowing there was no point in wasting time. After all, she seemed to be rather upfront about things. He would simply return the favor.

[Kathani Bridgerton]

Was this how she presented herself to suitors? Goodness, no! She'd be unpopular more then she was now. "Only the unsuitable ones I am given no choice in." She told him, meaning--he was just the lucky one that she was getting to show this side too. Which wasn't meant to say that she wasn't normally a sweet girl. Kate knew her faults, and staying quite and non sarcastic wasn't one of them.

Her father didn't see the world as a woman did. He saw a good match with a noble man, and nothing more. He looked at Lord Bridgerton's wealth and knew that he wouldn't cause her harm and said--marry him. He didn't see that she didn't love him. He didn't see that she would never be loved, or that they had nothing in common to begin a relationship with. He didn't see that he was giving her no choice. He didn't care that . . . "Lord Bridgerton, while I would not dare speak ill of a friend of my fathers . . . . "

"Lady Whistledown speaks very popularly of your fondness for mistresses, and I believe that you've had more of them then I have had birthdays. You are a rake, and very one knows this. I would prefer a husband who has been less shared by the women in the women in the town I intend to call home."

^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony stayed quiet as she went about . . . insulting him. And from what? All based on a column from some anonymous woman who enjoyed exposing the ton's scandals and secrets? Truth was, he could not believe the audacity of this woman's swift judgement upon him . . . calling him out for having mistresses . . . many mistresses. Anthony of course had mistresses, so he would not dispute that he had . . . but hearing someone that he met for the first time condemning him of such things, being so bold and . . . damn insulting, did not sit well with the Viscount. And yet, this was who his father and hers had intended for him to wed.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

"If this is you not daring to speak ill of a friend of your father's, I would hate to see what your compliments are like," he mumbled, though knew that she could hear him. That was after all, the intention. Remaining strong in his position, and composed on his demanour -- despite the inner anger prompted by her insults -- he knew that she cared little for making good first impressions. Well, two could certainly play at this game. Though, he also knew that he had to show some restraints. Out of respect for both her father, and the memories of his.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

"It is quite telling Miss. Sharma, that you would base your entire opinion of someone on the scribblings of an anonymous figure, rather than the judgement of your father." If she was going to insult him, he would return the favour . . . to a certain extent. She was after all, his intended wife. "Perhaps you should speak directly to those in the ton of my character and I daresay, learn something of actual note." Anthony was determined to make this arrangement successful. She spoke of having preferred another husband -- another kind of husband. One apparently not popular in Whistledown's column.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

"It would be interesting indeed, to see what husband you wish to obtain. For the moment I declare my intentions to marry you, you will find the number of suitors upon your door quite scarce." It did not necessarily mean that he was going to do it . . . but she had made the first attack. He was merely, retaliating. Wanting her to know that this was indeed something he could do. And that his reputation extended far beyond simply a Rake, but rather, a Viscount with influence and if he so wished it . . . he would ensure that others would not offer her proposals of marriage.

[Kathani Bridgerton]

Finally he did something besides stand there and be his father's voice. However it wasn't exactly a win as he told her he would made sure that she had no other suitors. Her lips parted in surprise but Kate wasn't one to stand idle and silent. She would speak her mind and her voice. "My father is a man and cares little for how you choose to spend your extra time. As a wife I would have read these stories daily knowing my husband was embarrassing me before the same ton you claim is singing your praises."

"I have no wish to be in a marriage with a man who can't be loyal to his wife. I'd rather one who loved me." Kate didn't expect a love match, but knew if she found a man who would at least be a friend or they had common ground that she could perhaps grow to love him. However a man she had no choice in--that in truth had no choice in her either--wasn't ideal.

^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony had come here with the intention of honoring their father's wishes. He had come to speak to Kate, to assure her that her family would be well taken care of, that she -- nor them -- would want for anything. That he would do all that he could to care for her, that they would have children, and that he would do nothing to dishonor her. Hell, if he felt like opening up even more . . . perhaps he would even make mention that she only need deal with him for a few more years until he died. But all that he had come prepared to say, remained solely in mind. Unspoken. For her words, questioning his loyalty . . . no. Accusing him of disloyalty, was perhaps the most offensive of all.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

He was loyal to his family, and she would have been a part of that. Embarrassment to her, would bring dishonor on her and the Bridgerton name. Yet . . . instead, she told him that she expected disloyalty from him. "You know nothing of me," he told her simply, working to mask the offense he felt over hearing someone accuse him of such things. "You base opinion on foolish notions of a column without attempting to understand my intentions and dedication I have to my family." It was after all, his dedication to his father that had brought him here to begin with. Though, his tone having suggested that the family he spoke of, would have extended to the one he obtained through marriage. And yet, she continued to assume that he would create scandal that would be exposed; that he would humiliate her in front of the ton.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

"That I would continue to have to my family," he added on. Just in case that part was unclear. "You presume too much." Words bluntly stated, not bothering to soften his tone or beg for understanding. For she already seemed to have her mind made up. Yet . . . there was a but coming. "So I will prove just how loyal I am to my family, thus dismissing your accusations. To the end, that I would see us married and remain loyal to my father's wishes." As well as her own father's. Perhaps, as she stated she would indeed make him miserable . . . but Anthony had never intended to fall in love. He never expected to have a love marriage and thus, was prepared to bring to reality the dream that their father's held for one another.

[Kathani Bridgerton]

ouch well, yes he had made a point there. Kate wasn't a bitch, and knew that she might have pressed too far. "You are of course correct. I do not know you, and it is perhaps unfair to judge you only on the quibbles of a notorious gossip column who has gleefully spoken of your escapades for years." Alright, that apology got lost some where. Again her fault.

"Yet I know me, my lord. I speak my mind boldly, and my temper is known in my family. While they have come to find my sarcasm and wit endearing, I fear you might not." Which was a fair point as everything she had said thus far seemed to set his teeth on edge. "I know that the chances of finding a match better then a rich viscount is unlikely, but . . . " But she wanted it to be her choice, and she knew he'd--as a man--would never understand that. "The choice should be mine."

Her voice had soften as she explained, hoping that he would see and understand--though knowing somehow that he would not. Her father wasn't the who had to wed, bed, and live with him. She didn't mind rebelling against this wish. Though she knew it was different for him. Her father would forgive her.

🌷🏑🐝💕
^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony knew that somewhere in her words, there was an apology. Albeit, not a great one but she had seemed to understand that the topic of family was a rather . . . sensitive one for him. And instead, refocused on what Whistledown wrote of him in her gossip column. She also seemed to think she was not well suited for him but he did not think her words were meant to . . . spare him of such a fate. Surely, she did not consider him so much that she was only thinking of him and his preference.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

She merely wanted the choice. The choice to say yes or no. That, he could certainly understand. He did not wish to force a woman into marriage; to watch as his intended was dragged down the aisle kicking and screaming -- somehow the mental image of her throwing a fuss was rather easy to envision. "Then I have a proposition," he began to tell her. "Allow me two weeks. If after this time, or sooner, we are to find each other's company intolerable, then I will not act further upon this arrangement." While he knew he would never marry for love, forcing a woman into marriage was a whole other matter. "I will not publicize any intentions to propose." So that -- despite what he said earlier -- others were welcome to call on her. He felt it a fair arrangement, but also knew that thus far, he was the one compromising, so had to set some terms.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

"However, you must dismiss any preconceived notions of refusing this union and keep an open mind as well as act genuinely and in earnest." Meaning, she could not purposely do things to repulse him. "Are we in agreement, Miss Sharma?" Anthony knew that if after two weeks, they just simply would not work . . . then he would have to deny the wishes of his father. He had been told by many that his father would be ashamed of him thus far, that he had failed in his responsibilities so he supposed that this would simply add on to how he had done that. And yet, the more dominant part of his thinking was not even considering such a failure. For Anthony Bridgerton was determined to make Katherine Sharma, fall for him.