A New Light

[Elizabeth Davenport]

There were seldom few things that excited Elizabeth these days. She was often caught up in her own thoughts or trying to avoid the incessant nagging from her new step-mother. But at the news that the Davenport and Bridgerton family would resume their annual get together before the start of the next season, Elizabeth found herself feeling elated. The families had always been incredibly close due to Elizabeth's father, Charles and the Bridgerton monarch, Edmund, being old friends. Elizabeth enjoyed spending time with nearly all of the Bridgertons but always felt herself closest with Benedict. The youngest of the Bridgerton clan were less known to Elizabeth, especially given all that had happened over the past years but it wasn't as if she had never met them. Still, with not seeing the family in a year, she found herself eager to see and catch up with every single one of them.

She sat in the window that faced Aubrey Hall, peering and squinting her eyes for any indication that the Bridgerton family had left their home for the Davenport Estate. She wondered who would be coming, as she had not heard anything about certain family members going elsewhere. The only person she knew was unlikely to attend was Daphne, as she was off being a Duchess and enjoying her marriage to the Duke. She thought there might be a chance Anthony did not come, as he was busy being a Viscount and according to Whistledown, busy doing quite a many other things. It had been a while since Elizabeth had thought of Anthony Bridgerton, though she used to do it often. Her childhood affections for the eldest Bridgerton had been quite strong but nothing had ever come of them. It had been a pointless endeavor and knowing that he was quite the Rake made her all the more glad for avoiding that future. 

Her maid fetched her, saying that the family was going to await the Bridgerton's on the front steps before moving into the drawing room. Her father was already outside, with Helen standing next to him. Hannah must have been down for a nap, as she was not in her mother's arms. Then stood her second eldest brother, William. Elizabeth took her place next to him with her younger sister, Emily, at her other side. Thomas, who was a year older than dear Gregory Bridgerton, scurried along at the last moment.  Her eldest brother, Alexander, was busy tending to his duties as an Earl and tending to his own growing family. He'd wanted to join them for their annual get together but had been unable to make it due to some issues. 

Elizabeth was barely able to contain her excitement, unable to stand still as she watched the carriages approach the Estate. Helen shot her a stare, causing Elizabeth to tuck herself slightly behind William so Helen couldn't see her. "You are a child," William pointed out, clearly unimpressed with the way she was acting. Elizabeth sent him a glare before turning her attention back to the carriage as it prepared to come to a stop. "And you are a miserable old man," Elizabeth quipped. She heard Emily giggle next to her and William pursed his lips in anger. The lot of them could still be children at hearts.

The carriage doors were opened and Elizabeth watched as the Bridgerton clan climbed out and they all begun their greetings. She took note of anyone that might be missing and could really only spot Daphne not in attendance, which had been expected. She was quite surprised to see Anthony among the bunch, although not entirely disappointed. He was still handsome as ever but no doubt, he was quite aware of it. Elizabeth turned her attention away from the Viscount and towards his favorable brother, Benedict. Elizabeth grinned at him and wanted nothing more than to give him an improper hug and ask him all about his artwork. 

---

Tag: Anthony Bridgerton

credit to Laura of Adox

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Elizabeth Davenport
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

The upcoming season upon them would bring about a change for the Viscount: he was looking for a wife. Actually searching for one. Heartbreak with Siena had reinforced his stance that he could not -- and would not -- marry for love. This of course rooted from his acceptance of death at an early age. And that age was approaching. The age of his father's death, of his uncle's . . . and the Viscount would be among yet another to meet this fate. Which was why, he needed to find a wife. A suitable wife. Anthony Bridgerton certainly would not settle for just anyone. There had to be standards met, but at the same time . . . he was not overly fussed about falling in love. In fact, he did not want to. An invitation to the Davenport estate did have him thinking however. About a certain eligible young woman among the family: Elizabeth.

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Her father and his own had been quite close friends, the families remaining as such despite Edmund's death. After all, they too had their own share of loss. And so, Anthony could not help but think of how it would have pleased his own father to solidify this into a union of marriage. Surely, that would make the most logical sense. While Anthony did not know Elizabeth as well as perhaps his brother Benedict, he knew enough. She was beautiful, intelligent, kind . . . yes. She would indeed make a suitable wife. Of course these intentions were not yet known. And he also knew he could not just immediately set forth a proposal. Women after all enjoyed being courted, wooed. A formality Anthony would not frivolously engage in. He also had to determine what her own thoughts about this may very well be for Anthony was not going to cause any strain or tension among the bonds of friendship between the Bridgertons and Davenports.

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As they exited the carriage and conversation filled the air, Anthony watched Benedict move towards Elizabeth and the Viscount knew he would have to speak to her before the two of them grew comfortable in each other's company. "Lady Elizabeth," he greeted politely. "May I have a word?" He asked. Aware of the implications an unmarried man and woman alone could raise, he continued. "With a chaperone of your choosing of course. Or in a public area of comfort." Whether she prefer to speak in a public enough area, or have a chaperone directly present . . . he would abide by her preference.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Before she could even begin conversation with Benedict, it appeared  his older brother, Anthony, intended to steal Elizabeth away for conversation. It was quite odd and she found herself exchanging a glance with Benedict. It was one that said they would be discussing this later, no doubt about it. Elizabeth kept nothing from Benedict and this conversation with his brother would fall under those same rules. "Yes, of course, Viscount Bridgerton," Elizabeth agreed. Her mind searched for a reason as to why Anthony would want to speak with her. The two had always gotten along fair enough but since the death of his father she'd found him less agreeable to conversation and childish antics that they had previously indulged themselves in while away from the eyes of the Ton. 

She looked behind her to where some of the house maids were standing on the stairs to also greet the Bridgerton family. She nodded towards Maggie and the older woman climbed from the stairs to chaperone their time together. "Shall we talk a walk through the garden? It's quite lovely," Elizabeth suggested. The house workers had done their very best to keep it going after the death of Elizabeth's mother and they'd done an excellent job. It had taken a while before she'd been able to walk through it without crying at the loss of her mother but now it brought her a sense of calmness. 

Elizabeth began walking towards the garden and looked over at Anthony, curiosity evident on her features. 

---

Tag: Anthony Bridgerton

credit to Laura of Adox

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Elizabeth Davenport
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony gave a small nod when she suggested the garden, before motioning to one of her maids to join them. Clasping his hands behind his back, he positioned himself alongside Elizabeth before they started their walk into the gardens. Anthony was not one to waste time, for she most certainly knew that there was a purpose for this conversation and he had no intention to needlessly prolong revealing it. After a few moments of silence, Anthony began.

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"As you well know, our fathers were dear friends." The subject of his father was a difficult one to discuss but in this instance, a necessary one for he had his own father in mind when making this proposal. "It is also clear that they wanted our families to remain close, as we have been fortunate to do so." The passing of his father or her mother did not change the bond among them -- though of course hers was stronger with other siblings of his, not him. "That being said, I have considered what it could mean to further solidify this union . . . " He paused for a moment, turning to look at her so that he could see her reaction to his next words. "Through marriage."

[Elizabeth Davenport]

She had to keep from making an amusing comment about how she had no idea their fathers had been dear friends. Comical quips were meant for Benedict or perhaps another Bridgerton sibling, but not Anthony. Instead, she kept silent and listened to what he had to say. The more he spoke the more she became acutely aware of where this might be going. She told herself it was silly and that he would not suggest such a thing to her like this. Surely even Anthony Bridgerton knew how to properly court a woman, right?

The word marriage left his mouth and Elizabeth was unable to keep herself composed. A muffled sound escaped her lips and she attempted to cover it up with a slight cough and a hand touching her lips. "Pardon me," Elizabeth said. "My Lord, am I to assume you hold affections towards me?" She asked. "Or at the very least, do you consider me a friend given our history?" Elizabeth did not wait for an answer to either question before she continued. "And yet here you stand, doing me the dishonor of not properly attempting to court me by suggesting a marriage that might make our fathers proud." Elizabeth couldn't decide if she was angry or just outright amused by Anthony's proposition. "I cannot begin to understand where this is coming from other than you believe it to be an efficient match. Our families are close and you'd like to find someone within your station that perhaps you can stand to see from time to time. Someone that is accomplished and well-educated. But a marriage without affection? I'd think as my friend, even you'd want that for me." She looked at him with soft features and tried to get a read on what his reaction might be to her small rant.

---

Tag: Anthony Bridgerton

credit to Laura of Adox

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Elizabeth Davenport
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

To hear her speak of dishonor and making their father's proud in the same sentence caused his heart to wrench. Dishonor. No. Was he not honoring them by suggesting such a union. Had he not spent the past several years knowing what it was to swallow back emotions, and remain stoic and composed . . . then her words would have most certainly drawn a reaction from him. Instead, he remained silent as she continued to speak. Another fortune, that he was accustomed to high maintenance women such as his sisters. In fact, most women he supposed expected as such: to be wooed, to get presents . . . Elizabeth certainly did not seem like the exception to this, expectation that the general female population seemed to hold.

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When she finished with what she had to said, Anthony let a moment linger before collecting his thoughts, and beginning to express . . . at least some of them. "I do not consider it a dishonor, to state one's intentions clearly." Unlike some men who courted and pursued women without intention of marrying. Besides, Anthony did not do this often for he knew the rumours that would surround it. Therefore, he would much rather be upfront about his intentions and not do as so many men he knew did: lead a woman on. It was perhaps also why he did not allow certain men to speak even a word to his unmarried sisters when they were of age: he knew men all too well.

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"I said nothing about passing over courting and an opportunity to get to know one another under these circumstances. I merely stated my intentions so that you would understand them as I do not wish to waste your time, nor mine." And there was an added sensitivity to this as well, considering the closeness of their families. His tone remained leveled, masking the offense he felt at his actions or words being considered dishonorable. "As you speak highly and honestly of yourself, then perhaps reconsider your words of being in a union with me as being one without affection." For he had after all, found out about affections she held for him. It had been a factor when it came to suggesting this very union of marriage. Yet, one that she clearly denied now.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Elizabeth was not the least bit surprised that Anthony had taken her words and used them to make assumptions. He believed her mention of dishonor was about him simply suggesting a marriage. Perhaps Elizabeth had made assumptions of her own. She'd worked under the assumption that he did not mean to court her or follow any traditions. Truth be told, Elizabeth did not care for most of them. She did not feel the need to promenade around for everyone to see his intentions and she certainly did not expect, or even want, gifts to be dropped at her feet every time he visited. Visits were all she cared for, as Elizabeth thought that spending time with someone you cared for was the most wonderful way to express fondness. "Forgive me, My Lord," Elizabeth said, her voice quieter. "For I made the assumption your intention was to make the suggestion to me and be done with it." No doubt he'd have no trouble gaining her father's permission, but Elizabeth knew this was not her biggest gripe with the suggestion. 

His next set of words made her pause completely. Had she heard him correctly? He spoke of reconsidering her words about a marriage without affection. Elizabeth felt her face warm, whether it was out of embarrassment or anger, she was unable to tell. Had Benedict said something? She was going to kill him where he stood. And to assume she thought so highly of herself was offensive but Elizabeth knew that pointing it out would get her nowhere with Anthony Bridgerton. She was not a woman with her nose in the air but in a situation like this, all she wanted was to be loved or cared about. How could he, or anyone, blame her for wanting such a thing?

"You have answered none of my questions," Elizabeth pointed out. "And beside the point of your information being outdated, perhaps you should not make assumptions, but rather that I was referring to a marriage for myself with unreturned affections." If he wanted to point out the past affections she'd held for him then that was fine, Elizabeth would deal with Benedict later. 

Elizabeth moved and sat on the stone bench amid the flowers in the garden. Her fingers moved across the stone's edge as she avoided eye contact with Anthony. It had turned into a mess and she'd gone and spoken without thinking. The realization that marrying Anthony would not be the worst she could do washed over her. But Elizabeth could not get past the idea of a life with someone that did not return her affections. She might not be fond of him now but she had been at one point and there was no doubt it could grow again. But to have a husband that simply saw her as a duty? Elizabeth was not sure she could survive it. "Both of our parents were love matches," Elizabeth spoke softly. "Do you not wish the same for yourself? I may not know you as I used to, but I know I still wish it for you; to be happy."

---

Tag: Anthony Bridgerton

credit to Laura of Adox

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Elizabeth Davenport
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

He felt the annoyance at the word -- dishonor -- start to wane when she apologized, giving a small nod in her direction of acceptance and forgiveness as she asked. When she pointed out that he had not answered her questions . . . such was indeed true. But her latter words distracted him from recalling them to provide answer. "And what makes you so certain that such affections will not be returned?" What made her so sure that it be unrequited.

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"Affection is developed over time and can not be cast after a single glance." Love at first sight, or in this case . . . immediate affection, was always a notion that Anthony never understood nor believed in really. Any draw towards a woman and male to such intensity, was often attraction and lust. At least, in his case. "My aim of stating such intentions is that we get to know each other under this new possible future." He paused for a moment, remaining standing as she sat, not wishing to make himself too comfortable. "Developing such affections as the one you speak of is not immediate." Though a thought did occur to him as to why she perhaps was speaking of unrequited affections.

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"Unless of course there is another that you hold such strong affections for in which case, I would of course not entrap you in such a position." Of courting her if her heart -- unbeknownst to anyone -- belonged to another. It was one thing to marry someone who he would inevitably leave widowed in less than a decade. An entirely different matter to wed someone who was either in love with or wanted to be with someone else.

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Though she spoke of happiness, grating himself full happiness was far too selfish a thought considering his future. He could be content . . . and perhaps as close to happiness as he would allow himself to be. "If you truly and confidently believe that you can see no future of happiness with me, nor can reignite any affection, then I will not pursue this." But to his point in his mind, it was certainly far too early on to make such presumptions -- as evidenced by his earlier statement.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

His question of how she could be so certain that affections would not be returned made her raise her eyebrows and look at him with uncertainty. His mood seemed to be on edge and Elizabeth knew she had to watch what she said. This was not a conversation she was having with Benedict where she could say as she wished and did not have to worry about repercussions. She did not have that sort of relationship with Anthony and it seemed as if their childhood friendship or fondness for one another had disappeared, at least on his part. "Do you believe you could ever hold affections towards me?" Elizabeth asked.  "I am the same girl you have always known. It is not within my knowledge whether or not you think you could ever see me in that light." 

Even though she was loathe to admit it, she knew that Anthony was right. True affection could not be developed over a single glance. Those were the ones that were based on other sorts of desires and often did not last. Though Elizabeth knew her parents said they had known at once they were going to fall in love with the other after meeting just twice. Elizabeth could not be certain if they were simply making it sound lovelier than it was, or if it had been true. But she'd never been a silly girl to believe in love at first sight or think that's what she wanted. All she truly wanted was for someone to love her and to be important to someone else.

His words about wanting to get to know one another seemed to be what she wanted to hear. Elizabeth had been so quick to judge his initial statement that she'd believed Anthony Bridgerton had intended to ask her about if she thought they should get married and have that be the end of it. It wouldn't be a complete surprise, as she did not take Anthony to be a romantic type. But still, it made her feel better knowing that he was not wishing to marry her simply to satisfy their families wishes and that he was considering whether or not they would be a good match. 

Anthony mentioned her holding affections towards someone else and her gaze snapped up to look at his, her nose scrunching up in an, what she could assume, was an unattractive way. "Of course not," she replied. "If there were someone else I would have said as much the moment the word marriage left your lips." Now Elizabeth felt a little offended but had to remind herself that wasn't how he meant it. Taking a small moment, she composed herself and looked back at him. "But I do appreciate you trying to clarify the situation at hand." No doubt there were some gentlemen that would simply not care if the woman they wanted held affections towards another. 

He was not willing to pursue this if she truly did not think she could be happy with him. Elizabeth did not know if she could be happy with Anthony, but she knew she could be happy with the life she would have with him. She would get to remain close to not only her family, but his. Her life wouldn't change nearly as much as she dreaded, which was all she had really wanted more than anything. Of course she wanted a husband that loved her but if that was not in the cards, then this was the golden opportunity she knew she had been looking for. "It is not my happiness that concerns me," Elizabeth finally spoke. "I have concerns but, none that would make me walk away from this idea in this moment. Childhood affections can return as quickly as they disappeared if two people can have wonderful conversation with one another. My concern has never been my happiness, but yours."

She bit the inside of her cheek for a moment before deciding to continue. "I have loathed the idea of marriage for quite a long time. Mostly because I quite like my life and my family, and do not wish to see it change too much. I know they are silly notions but my family is the most important thing to me. I simply cannot bear the thought of a man using marriage to me as a transactional thing because that is what is meant to happen." She rubbed at her forehead with her ungloved hand for a moment before standing from the stone bench. "If you truly wish to get to know me to see if you can even stand having a conversation with me, then I do not see why we cannot get to know one another. It would be far better to do so under the eyes of our families in the countryside than the prying eyes of the Ton." 

---

Tag: Anthony Bridgerton

credit to Laura of Adox

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Elizabeth Davenport
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Her question of whether he believed he could ever hold affections towards her was . . . was very typical of a woman he supposed. The desire to hear words of affirmation. Words that would make them feel flattered, desired. Wanted. He had enough sisters -- and had had enough mistresses -- to know that this should be considered quite typical and expected. "I would not have proposed this otherwise," he assured her. "I do not intend to have a wife with whom I am not affectionate with." Despite his vow to not fall in love . . . affection was something entirely different.

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"But if this question was so easily answered, whether you could hold affection towards me or I you, then we would not need a period of time to get to know each other." As per his earlier statement of affection being something developed. "Where that time, may make such answers more clear." And as expected, every woman wished to be courted. But he would not do so without clear intentions of his actions. The courting was merely formality . . . of course with the exception for those who were caught in a compromising position. When she told him that she would have mentioned if there was another, he gave a nod of acknowledgement, glad that they could cross this off as a potential obstacle. "I wish only to be clear in these matters," he stated, wanting her to know that he had no intention of playing games . . . and hoped for the same expectation from her.

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When she said that it was his happiness that concerned her, he was not quite sure he understood. "How do you mean?" He asked. For he knew himself, that his happiness was irrelevant. He would be dead at a predetermined age. So long as he could give his future widowed wife stability, along with any children they may have . . . then his expectations and duties would have been fulfilled. He listened to her attentively as she spoke of what decent conversations could result in and more importantly, her thoughts about marriage.

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If nothing else, it would work in Anthony's favor to convince her that this was a good union. The closeness of their families was after all the reason that he had set forth this possible proposal. "It is not a silly notion," he assured her. "I too share the same sentiment where family is of the utmost importance." His family was his everything. For whom he lived and breathed for.

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"It would seem then, that this could be indeed a good match with such things considered. For I have no desire to withdraw you from you family. With the closeness of both our families, it may very well seem impossible to do so." A bit of a joke, but it held truth. "In fact, if nothing else, it is as I said earlier. This will bring our families even closer together." Rather than draw them apart, or part her from her own which as she indicated, was not something she desired.

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When she rose from her seated position, he did the same thing, joining her to a stand. "As you desire," he told her, knowing he was indifferent as to whether they did this in the country or the city. For Anthony, he had nothing to hide. But if it would bring her further ease and comfort, then it was a rather easy request to accommodate. "I will speak to your father about this as well to ensure he is of agreeance." And that he would not oppose the Viscount courting his daughter.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Elizabeth's greatest fear was that someone would marry her simply for her father's title or to marry someone because they had to. She wanted it to be about her and who she was as a person and despite her words, she had an inkling that Anthony was falling into one of those categories. He needed a wife and it was time that he found one. What was better than a close family friend with a title not far from his own? Elizabeth felt like it didn't matter who she was. Anthony found her agreeable and that's all that mattered. Elizabeth struggled with how else she could get her point across, but found that it would fall on deaf ears at this point. All she wanted was for Anthony to like her and to like spending time with her. Instead of arguing with his comment, she simply offered a small smile and nodded her head. 

"Affection is not required for a marriage," Elizabeth pointed out. Was he trying to avoid having to get to know her? His comment made her think as much but Elizabeth found herself unwilling to argue with him further. The whole conversation felt like it was making her more tired and she didn't know what to think. Was she making things more complicated than they needed to be? Was she being an absolute girl about it all? "I believe you are missing my point but it does not matter," she muttered, not caring how impolite it was for her to mumble.

She sighed, not surprised by his confusion. "I've known you my entire life, Anthony. I'm an observant person as you might come to learn, and I've always known one thing to be true about you; you put your family first. Which, in itself is not a bad thing, but you put everyone before yourself. Your happiness seems to come last and for once, I think it would be nice if you prioritize it a little." It wasn't speaking entirely out of turn, given their long history, but Elizabeth didn't care. "I know you won't," she said, rolling her eyes. "Because you believe your duty comes first but it's okay to be selfish, even just a tad." She held her thumb and pointer finger an inch apart to show him the small amount she was referring it.

It was nice to hear that Anthony had no desire to whisk Elizabeth away somewhere she could no longer see her family. The Bridgerton and Davenport families spent enough time together even now, so she imagined that would not change in the future. A small chuckle left her lips when he said it might be impossible for them to separate the families, for she had to agree. The idea of not having these people in her life was unfathomable. "It appears you have an excellent point," she confessed. She was loathe to admit it, but it was true. 

His agreement to do so while they remained in the country was a bit of a relief, but it caused Elizabeth to raise an eyebrow at him in question. "Would you prefer to do so with the Ton watching and while it is being written about by Lady Whistledown?" She asked, a slight tease to her tone. Anthony announcing that he was going to talk to her father about it only made it feel that more real. This was happening and it put a pit in her stomach. What if it was a mistake? She supposed she wouldn't know until it happened. No doubt her father would be delighted by the news, likely going off about how he and Edmund had always hoped for their families to unite like this. Likely, exactly what Anthony would want to hear. "Very well," she agreed.

---

Tag: Anthony Bridgerton

credit to Laura of Adox

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Elizabeth Davenport
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Bloody hell. He knew that some women relished in argument; disputing a point and when the other agreed to it, suddenly changing their mind . . . yet this was rather confusing. No, technically affection was not required for a marriage, but did they just not spend the past several minutes discussing the importance of affection? Did he not assure her that it was important? Did he not agree with her? And yet, despite it all . . . she seemed to be claiming that he did not understand her point. Perhaps an attempt to make him feel foolish, mumbling the words which, rather disappointed Anthony. He had tried -- and stated -- to be as clear be it his intentions or what it would entail. Yet now, she was mumbling words of him missing her point when he internally tried to understand what it was that he had not agreed with.

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This conversation was meant to be a far easier one. One where he stated his intentions to see if she would agree or deny them. And yet, they were already having trouble with communicating. It was most concerning and Anthony now knew he would have to watch his words carefully. Guard what he said. Which, was not entirely uncommon for him but deep down . . . how he longed for a wife that he could just be at ease with. But all these inner workings of his mind stayed inside, and outwardly, was the perfectly composed Viscount that he always appeared to be. That he had to be. "There is no need to mumble, Miss Davenport," he told her calmly, not appreciating the words nor the tone. But nor was he impolite to argue, so he would leave it at that. An opening that should she wish to speak more clearly to rectify the misunderstanding, he would gladly take part.

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She then began to speak of his prioritizing his family. Yes. If there was one thing everyone in the ton knew of him it was his fierce protectiveness he felt for his family. His willingness to do anything and everything for them. And even then, the extent was not even common knowledge. The dual, being a perfect example. He listened as she continued and then . . . rolled her eyes. At him? At the subject? Was it an indication of, judgement? For one to say that he should prioritize his happiness was quite easy to say. Yet when he had, with Siena, he was told by his mother to start acting like the head of the household; like a Viscount.

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So no. It was not so easily done. "Anyone who is not in my current position--" One in which they were Viscount at the age of 18, where they took care of seven siblings, helping raise a few of them even, and who now had the responsibility of ensuring each one found a suitable spouse and were well taken care of -- "Can not understand what it fully entails." Anyone. Inclusive of his siblings. Yes; they opposed him, criticized his decisions, judged his actions . . . yet they did not understand the full extent of his role and the expectations that any head of household had to meet. And he would not allow any selfishness to interfere with that. After all, his time in this life was temporary. Any chance for happiness was limited. Which was why he knew it was important to marry, and soon.

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"My family, will always be my priority," he told her honestly, surely. And he could never be with someone who did not understand nor accept that. His future wife, and any children they may have would also fall into this category. But even after marriage, he would not abandon his family of blood. It was something Siena did not quite fully understand and one of the many reasons their relationship had reached its inevitable end. He wanted to question the cause of her rolling her eyes, yet decided against it. Perhaps the less he said on the matter, the better. As he previously recognized, he would need to choose his words carefully. Fortunately, there was hope when she agreed with his point, and with that, Anthony hoped the conversation would take a more positive direction.

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He detected the tease in her voice, but he did wish her to know one thing about this, proposed arrangement. "My intentions are most honorable," he assured her. Though he loathed the subject of Whistledown. And refused to make any decisions based on whether she may or may not find out. Everyone held the anonymous scribbler in such high regard . . . Anthony merely thought it exhausting, especially having to hear about it in his household.

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"I have nothing to hide from the ton, and I believe it would not be scandalous enough for Whistledown to report on," he added with a slight smile, in attempt to keep the tease of the subject of Whistledown. On the subject of her father . . . he planned to speak to him today but changed his mind, glad he had not said out loud when he would speak to him so not to sound indecisive. "Perhaps tomorrow. That will allow you some additional time to consider things before I speak to him." For he knew it would be more difficult to immediately decline once her father was aware of what was happening.

[Elizabeth Davenport]

Something on his face told Elizabeth that he was not pleased with her words. Could he truly not understand why she was displeased herself? To Elizabeth, it sounded like he was implying that if they could agree that affection could come naturally then they did not need to bother getting to know one another. Perhaps she had misunderstood him and she realized their communication was something dreadful if that were the case. It did not bode well for their future if their communication could not be on the same page. He chastised her for her mumbling and Elizabeth pursed her lips to keep herself from snapping at him. No, this would not do.

"Perhaps it is prudent for us to make an agreement right now, Lord Bridgerton," she began, as it appeared the formalities were back with his previous statement. "To not play games or hide behind formalities if there is something we do not agree with. Honesty and communication are important, do you agree?" She asked. "In which case I will tell you that it came across that you were implying that if we could agree affections were likely in the future, that we need not get to know one another." There, she'd said it. Lizzie found herself being honest with most people in her life but Anthony was another creature entirely. They were not close enough to forgo formalities and what was appropriate, but perhaps they would have to if they were going to figure out if this would work or not. 

Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement. She would never know what it was like to be in his position and she knew it must be difficult. But she supposed the same could be said for herself; that he would never know what it was like to be in her position. He would never have to worry about his entire future coming down to a marriage proposal. "You've done an excellent job in your position," she said, her voice a little softer with the compliment. 

He made note that his family would always be his top priority and Elizabeth offered him a small smile. "Yes, it is perhaps the thing I like the most about you." Because they were the same. Elizabeth's family was important to her, but perhaps she put her happiness a bit above them at times. If she truly put her family first then she would have married in her first season to solidify her family's continued importance in the world. But she wanted to be happy and if her father allowed it, then Elizabeth had continued to live with the dream of marrying someone she could call her dearest friend. 

She chuckled and nodded her head. Of course his intentions were honorable. It was Anthony Bridgerton and he was nothing but, right? Truthfully, she'd never expected anything less from him. He was proposing this marriage because it would honor his father and his family. Elizabeth had wished it was because he was fond of her, but knew that might never truly be the case. "Not scandalous," Elizabeth agreed. "But perhaps people would find it intriguing that the Viscount has decided to find a wife." Elizabeth shrugged lightly. "I'd rather her papers not exist but we'd be remiss to pretend they do not gain favor with the ton." It wasn't something she often read but rather her sister, Emily, was fascinated with them. "Another promise. You shall never find me reading Whistledown in our home should this arrangement come to fruition," Elizabeth added with a genuine grin.

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Tag: Anthony Bridgerton

credit to Laura of Adox