Parliamentary Outbursts

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Anthony Bridgerton

Lewis was not exactly a stranger to finding himself rather... unwelcome in places. From his poor dancing at balls to his taciturn nature at the gentlemen's clubs, Lewis was not the sort of man who often found himself very well-liked. In terms of social situations, that had never bothered him — he was not inclined to enjoy them in the first place, and if his demeanour caused people to give him a bit of a wide berth, that suited him just fine. Lewis, in general, did not care a whit for the world's opinion of him. 

There were times, however, when there was a bit more at stake than just the loss of an invitation to the next ball or a scathing writeup in Lady Whistledown's columns. When it came to the matter of professional concerns, Lewis' nature served him little better. At his best, he was passionate, dedicated, and a damned good operator; at his worst, he was abrasive, loud, and downright aggressive with his opinions. Among the profession itself, that was not so odd — indeed, he was far from the most tempestuous surgeon that London had seen in the past few years, let alone in the past few decades. Medical society was more of a nest of vipers than most people outside the profession might have guessed. He might not be popular with all of his peers, but given how many men had petty feuds with one another, one more brash voice hardly caused much upset. 

The issue came when he attempted to bring his more controversial opinions outside of the medical circles and into the general public. He had never quite managed to grasp the fact that most people had no wish to discuss these medical matters, and that distaste extended, unfortunately, to the officials who made the laws. He had attempted to stay perfectly polite when he first approached the House of Parliament, pamphlets in hand — but half an hour later, when he found himself escorted out the front door and told in no uncertain terms that Parliament would not be considering any proposals for an anatomy act this season, he had thoroughly lost all patience and all sense of decorum. Absolutely fuming, without the least care for who on the street might see the spectacle, he shouted at the closed door, "Well, devil fucking take the lot of you, then! The next time you require a surgeon, I hope you have no one to turn to but untrained, useless idiots!" 

OWL

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Lewis Anwyl
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony had been in the area to meet a friend and once their time together had ended . . . he decided to walk about before heading back to his family's estate. The weather was most agreeable and it was nice to clear one's head once in wh--"Well, devil fucking take the lot of you, then! The next time you require a surgeon, I hope you have no one to turn to but untrained, useless idiots!" Anthony couldn't right claim that he would have seen Lewis had the man not been . . . yelling.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

The Viscount was across the street yet the familiar voice had drawn him -- as it had many others -- to the scene. A rather, loud and boisterous scene indeed. One with raised curses and . . . and the Parliament building. Anthony knew he had a couple of choices here. He could simply walk away, and not engage in this . . . disagreeable behaviour. Not associating himself with it. Or, he could intervene and save Lewis from further public humiliation and whispers.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

In the end, it was not really a choice. It was clear which one was the right thing to do. Had it been a stranger, perhaps Anthony would have chosen the former route. But because it was Lewis Anwyl. . . well, he did feel bad for the man. And if there was one thing Anthony was, it was loyal to a friend. Well, so long as that friend did nothing to compromise one of his sisters or brothers . . . and Lewis clearly, was not of the sort.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

Perhaps the only reason that Anthony had even paused in his inaction, was due to the surprise to see Lewis in such a manner which had numbed him. But the Viscount quickly regained himself, and crossed the street to where Lewis had been shouting at the now closed doors. "Mr. Anwyl," he greeted, stepping in front of Lewis so that the man was forced to look at him.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

"Would you care to accompany me for a walk?" Anthony continued, his eyes scanning the people on the street who had all paused to witness the scene. Anthony's gaze returned to Lewis as the Bridgerton heir shifted closer to Anwyl and lowered his voice. "And in the process, resist further expression of grievances you may have at present." A bit of . . . warning to the man. That people were watching and that it be best he be removed from this current position.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Anthony Bridgerton

Once Lewis had gotten himself riled up, it was generally not easy to compose himself again. That was especially the case when the situation in question involved his work. This, again, was not so odd for a surgeon — some medical men had been known to fight duels over opposing scientific opinions, and the very father of modern surgery, John Hunter, was not exactly known for his calm or tact. Left to his own devices, Lewis might have gone on yelling at the closed door, accomplishing absolutely nothing except his own further embarrassment. 

The sudden sound of his name, however, was enough to draw his attention. Before he could turn around to snarl out a dismissal, Anthony Bridgerton situated himself squarely in the surgeon's view; the sheer surprise of that was enough to shut Lewis up, at least for now. 

As the surprise faded, the real world began to settle back in around Lewis. He could feel the stares on his back and hear the disapproving mutters buzzing around him, and it set in, quite suddenly, that he had just made quite the scene in the middle of a busy London street. With any luck, the majority of these people would simply go on about their day and forget about the strange, shouting Welshman within a week or two, but Anthony... 

Well, Anthony was another matter. Of all the acquaintances — friends, if he could call Anthony that — who could possibly have happened on Lewis in such an undignified state, a Bridgerton brother was among the worst. He had hoped that a connection with them might sway certain social situations in his favour, but if the Viscount thought of him as a swearing madman, that would dampen matters. The flush of anger on Lewis' cheeks had now converted thoroughly to a flush of mortification. "... Viscount." He fixed his gaze squarely on the pavement. "A walk. I— Yes." 

OWL

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Lewis Anwyl
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony gave a very short, brief smile . . . mostly to remain polite rather than an expression of joviality. He gave a quick nod, relieved that Lewis had agreed and that whatever . . . anger had prompted him to yell and curse, subsided enough for the man to remove himself from this situation. "Very good," Anthony added as he motioned for Lewis to turn and step forward, falling in step next to the surgeon.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

Either Anthony's company would assist Lewis in this matter to help wane any rumours or words to harm the man, considering the fact that he himself was a Viscount. Being in his presence could certainly help Lewis' situation. Or, it could go the other way, and Anthony could be a part of the whispers. Never the less, this situation was not dire enough to not be quickly deflated. Of that much, Anthony was certain. His confidence remained as did his poise and composure. "There is a park not far," he continued to tell him.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

"I find such sights of greenery to be quite, calming." Another indication that Lewis certainly needed something to help relax him; help put him at ease. It would also help create some more space between him and others. For right now, the street was far too narrow to be able to accomplish that. And while the Viscount knew he should not ask nor pry . . . he could not help but feel, strangely curious as to what could have possibly set off Lewis in such a manner. A manner that Anthony would not have believed had he not witnessed it himself.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Anthony Bridgerton

There was little for Lewis to do but trail along beside Anthony, keeping his head down and his hands clasped tightly behind his back. Perhaps it was all a mere figment of his imagination, but he fancied he could feel the disapproving glares following at his heels; imagination or not, it made his skin crawl. Even if these people forgot about the spectacle in a few day's time, the memory was sure to linger in Lewis' own mind for quite a bit longer. 

He berated himself for the lapse of control, as he walked along in the viscount's wake. As much as he might have thought himself justified for the outburst — and, to some extent, he still did — he knew it would not do anything to help his cause. He may very well have ruined any future credibility he might have in parliament. Coming today had been a foolish, brash move, to say the least. 

He scarcely heard Anthony's gentle assurance of greenery and calming atmosphere. What he wanted was to march back into parliament and ensure that not a single member was allowed to leave without understanding everything he'd outlined in the pamphlets he still clutched, half-crumpled, in his hand. Grudgingly, however, he had to recognise that Anthony likely had a point. He tipped his head back, shoved his free hand through his unruly hair, and drew in a long, slow breath. "I... apologise." The words came out robotically and heavily accented. "That was unbecoming."

OWL

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Lewis Anwyl
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony continued to walk alongside Lewis, offering polite nods and smiles to passerbys who acknowledged their presence. No one would say anything to him upfront -- neither of them -- and without a scene to witness, the crowd started to dissipate. Besides, they would not remain in their line of gaze for long. Hence, the short journey to the park. He did not have to look at Lewis to know that the man was now faced with the . . . realization of his actions.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

Previous curiosity and intrigue of seeing the man in such a state of uncontrolled rage continued to force back any questions that may trigger the man once more. Anthony's desire to help outweighed his curious nature -- for the time being. But when Lewis apologized, Anthony briefly glanced at him, before turning back to the path ahead. The Viscount was even biting back a smile of amusement . . . though he knew he should not be amused. Perhaps it was just, the unexpectedness. "Well, I will say that I am quite relieved that I was not on the other side of those doors." And thus, on the receiving end of Anwyl's anger.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

Ah yes. Withholding a smile was growing increasingly difficult indeed. "It will soon be forgotten," he assured Lewis. "At least by spectators." An added comment as he looked to the surgeon, trying to receive any indication that this was something troubling enough to linger with the man. He also appeared to still be clutching onto something but still attempting to avoid direct questions that may lead to another outburst . . . Anthony held his tongue and withdrew his glance from the surgeon.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Anthony Bridgerton

Anthony was fortunate, for his own sake, that Lewis was so focused on keeping his eyes downcast that he entirely failed to notice his companion's mirth. Had he possessed even the slightest inkling that Anthony might be laughing at him, he certainly would have flown right off the handle again and thoroughly ruined whatever relationship he'd built up with the viscount. It was a small blessing, therefore, that he remained so wrapped up in his own thoughts that even the hint of amusement in Anthony's tone failed to register. 

As they rounded the corner into the park, Lewis' shoulders relaxed marginally. There were still a fair amount of people milling around nearby — it was, after all, a fine day — but at least the park was less bustling than the street they had just vacated. They were far enough from parliament, too, that no one here was likely to have heard Lewis' undignified outburst, which was an added blessing. 

Letting out a sigh, he lifted his bag, fumbled with the clasp for a moment, then finally opened it wide enough to shove the crumpled pamphlets inside. He had considered simply tossing them at the door of parliament, but they had been rather costly to print, and leaving them there would likely relegate them to kindling for some rich man's fireplace. Better to save them and distribute them another day. "Well," he said, snapping the bag shut once more and returning it to his side, "I hope you're right. They will certainly have something to talk about at their dinner tables this evening." 

OWL

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Lewis Anwyl
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Without turning his head to stare, through his peripheral he could see Lewis irritably stuff the papers into his bag and Anthony knew perhaps it was not best to specifically ask what they were. Or, directly ask what happened. He would need to choose his words with more care so not to trigger the man. Not because Anthony feared the repercussions for himself . . . but rather, to prevent Lewis from further compromising himself in a public space. To trigger him into another outburst while around an area a bit further than the source of his initial anger.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

"I am sure Whistledown will find something scandalous to capture their interests," he encouraged. He held not interest in Lady Whistledown but her words were held onto like gospel. No one seemed to believe she lied, nor exaggerated. And the ton was holding onto her every word. Hopefully, she would come up with something that would quickly take over the talks and gossips . . . she always did.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

Keeping his voice nonchalant, but there was a seriousness to it as well, Anthony continued. "Is there anything that I need know about?" He asked. He of course had business with parliament and should Lewis's . . . visit there spread, Anthony may very well hear about it. So he would much rather hear it from Lewis firsthand, than rely on hearsay or exaggerated truths.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Anthony Bridgerton

Lewis kept his teeth clenched together and drew in a sequence of long, slow breaths through his nose. He had never exactly been good at regulating his emotions — anger, particularly — but careful breathing, he found, generally helped. It was a trick that Dr. Barthélemy had taught him, after a near-outburst some years ago. Inhale, hold the breath for several seconds, exhale, and repeat. 

It was not a perfect remedy, but the further they walked on and the more that Lewis concentrated resolutely on his breathing, the more he began to compose himself. The sense of embarrassment, too, helped matters; as much as he was inclined to stay angry, the mortification brought on by his earlier scene had put enough good sense into him that he managed to keep himself in check. He could find an outlet for that anger later, perhaps in the form of a strongly-worded and long-winded letter to some MP or another (who would, more than likely, put it right into the fire without reading it). 

In spite of his waning anger, he was very tempted to answer Anthony's question by remarking that what the Viscount ought to know was that this country was run by empty-headed, useless idiots who would not know sense if it danced naked in front of them. He had even gone so far as to take a sharp breath in to say just that before he caught himself. Grinding his teeth together hard, he grated out, "No, my lord. I have said nothing today that has not been said before by a dozen surgeons and anatomists for decades. I rather think parliament has a duty to listen to the people of London, but evidently, they do not agree. As they have told me in no uncertain terms that they will not be bringing the matter up for debate, I have nothing more to say." 

OWL

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Lewis Anwyl
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony may not know the man well, but he knew him well enough to see that he was still combating whatever anger had prompted the outburst to begin with. Understandable of course. Anything that was strong enough to cause a man to lose his composure so . . . publicly, surely had to be a severe situation. But Lewis gave no detail and instead, spoke of how it had been said by many in the medical profession for quite some time . . . words that he seemed to imply fell upon deaf ears for parliament failed to listen.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

Anthony would not pretend to have the slightest notion of what the surgeon was referring to but if nothing else, he could at least listen. Should he wish to continue to unburden the anger he felt. The Viscount also knew that asking specific questions may further provoke the other which would only be counterproductive to Anthony's intentions of helping Lewis calm down.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

"Whatever took place inside, I can see it was very upsetting for you." Validation came at no expense; certainly it could not make matters worse. "Though it causes me to wonder, if we should have perhaps gone for a drink rather than a walk in the park." The words were almost a tease, but they also held some truth. Perhaps the surgeon needed a drink to help calm him down . . . if that was indeed was effective for him in such a state.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Anthony Bridgerton

In Lewis' current mood, everything was apt to irk him further. What Anthony had meant as words of validation, therefore, rang as rather condescending in Lewis' ears. Whatever took place inside, I can see it was very upsetting for you — it sounded like the words of a governess trying to placate a child who had just thrown a tantrum, not the words of an adult supporting his fellow man. If he had paused to evaluate the situation in which Anthony had found him, perhaps Lewis might have recognised that he was acting rather like a child throwing a tantrum, but his current state was not exactly conducive to self-reflection. 

Nevertheless, he continued to hold his tongue. He was at least sensible enough now that he could think things properly through before he said them; as much as instinct urged him to lash out at Anthony to remind the man that he was not a child, the rational side of him knew that the viscount had only meant to be polite. There was no sense in berating him over that, no matter how Lewis had taken the remark. 

He took another long, slow breath and considered Anthony's little proposal. Whether he had meant it in jest or not, the idea of a drink did sound tempting, and Lewis found his head bobbing in a nod before he had even consciously made up his mind to agree. "Yes, I think I would... quite like a drink. A very stiff one."

OWL

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Lewis Anwyl
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony was not entirely certain whether Lewis was of a mind to drink, or whether he would prefer to find a place outside the wandering eyes of others. But his almost immediate agreement determined the heir's answer. He wanted a drink. The Viscount only hoped that this would not further fuel Lewis's . . . emotional state. The man seemed to have calmed down some, but one could never be too careful.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

"Very well," he agreed with a nod, still feeling a sense of obligation to keep in the company of the man. "Do you have a place of preference?" He asked, allowing him to take the lead on where he would like to drink. And whether he had a place in mind where he felt comfortable and at ease. While Anthony had directed him away from the building and watchful eyes, best let Lewis make the decision on the next destination. Lest Anthony suggest the wrong place cause further, discomfort to the man.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Anthony Bridgerton

For a man so inclined towards anger and frustration under normal circumstances, it was perhaps a little odd that Lewis belonged to the class of men made more agreeable by a drink or two. He was not the sort to become giddy, as some were, but a bit of alcohol generally served to at least put him in a calmer mood. Given his current state, a bit of mellowing was precisely what he needed. Even if a drink would not take away the source of his indignation, it would make him less disposed to lapse into another outburst. 

With an impatient wave of his hand, Lewis replied, "Anyplace will do. You know this part of London better than I do." He was hardly picky when it came to pubs or alehouses; as long as the place served something with a decent alcohol content, that was more than enough for him. Thinking abruptly of the man he was with, however, he hastily added, "As long as it is not one of those clubs, I pray you." He could stomach those sorts of places when he was in a better humour, but today, he was not at all pleased at the thought of having to sit around stuffy rich men and rakes for the rest of the day.

OWL

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Lewis Anwyl
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony simply gave a nod when Lewis waved his hand, spoke of going anywhere and . . . made the exception of a club. It of course made sense that he wished to avoid that environment, yet also based on his mannerisms in his state of annoyance, as well as his lacking desire to be among the sort of gentlemen who frequented that club . . . Anthony supposed that he himself fell into such category. "There is a bar just around the corner," he informed him, aware that perhaps asking him or stating anything else would only continue to aggravate the man.

❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖ 

Anthony had after all, done what he intended to do which was to offer any support he could do the man, and steer him from public eye. One goal perhaps a little more successful than the other. But now that they arrived at the bar, Anthony knew that the crowd inside would be far less, judgmental than that of high society. "Should you require any company, let me know," he stated as they stood outside the door. "And if not, I shall make my leave, with the hope that the rest of your day fares better than the first part of it." He would not force his company upon Lewis which, it seemed he may have already been doing.

[Lewis Anwyl]

THE   CAUSE   YOU   ARE   SUPPORTING IS  NOT  OUR  CAUSE,  BUT  YOURS tagged Anthony Bridgerton

Lewis had not even paused to consider the fact that his callous dismissal of the gentlemen's clubs might have offended Anthony. That had not been his intention, certainly — as much as he disliked the general atmosphere of the clubs and the majority of the men who frequented them, Anthony was a definite exception. The whole Bridgerton family was, really. There were few nobles, or rich men in general, that Lewis could claim to like, but Anthony and Benedict had enough kindness and good nature to outweigh the usual defects of their class. Were he more adept at reading these sorts of social situations, Lewis might have realised his error and hastened to specify that he had meant no offence, but social observation was not his strong suit. If Anthony had taken the remark the wrong way, he did not appear to notice.

Anthony's remark at the door of the pub gave him pause. With one foot already up on the first stair leading up to the interior, he turned his head back to regard Anthony in silence for a moment, evidently mulling the matter over. As much as it seemed tempting to drink in solitude, he knew himself well enough to know that he was always a little too apt to argue once he was already in a state of annoyance. One wrong word from some poor fellow inside was likely to set him off again, and that was likely to... well, he did not need a repeat of the little January incident of 1811. Better to have some company to keep himself occupied. "You might as well come in, if you're willing," he replied, jerking his head towards the door. "You have saved me a good deal of embarrassment; the least I can do is repay you with a round or two." 

OWL