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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 4, 2022 18:00:45 GMT
[ ✪ ] our muses are stuck in locked room together.
@cressidacowper |
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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Tag me @anthony
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 4, 2022 18:00:09 GMT
a moment of weakness
@edwina |
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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Tag me @anthony
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 4, 2022 17:59:22 GMT
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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euphoria
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Tag me @anthony
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 4, 2022 17:58:51 GMT
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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euphoria
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Tag me @anthony
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 3, 2022 23:11:46 GMT
 Tag: @edith i am a viscount IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY Anthony half expected her to rebuttle, to make another bold statement. But instead, he saw the sting of tears in her eyes, heard the stammer in her voice that held apology and then, her verbal apology that followed. Anthony let out a quiet sight, knowing that he should not be making young women cry. It was not exactly something a gentlemen should hold any pride in. Even if they were workers in the house, they were still people. He was raised by his parents being taught to treat everyone with kindness and honor -- and that was something that the Viscount prided himself in. He rose from his chair and walked over to her, pulling out a chair so that she may sit.
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"Have a seat," he politely urged. "And collect yourself before you return to your duties." While close to her, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, passing it to her so that she may dry her eyes. Once having handed it to her, he leaned against his desk, not yet sitting back to resume his work. He now felt . . . guilty over his short tone with the woman so decided it was best to distract from what happened so that she may leave with ease. "Is Hyacinth studying from the book you selected?" He asked. The question was not without total interest; he in fact, took a very active interest in his brothers and sister tutelage. He wished to know the progress of their studies as well as what their areas of both strengths and weaknesses were.
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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Tag me @anthony
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 3, 2022 23:01:09 GMT
 Tag: @eloisebridgerton i am a viscount IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY Anthony ordinarily could easily handle the criticism. The anger directed towards him from his sibling -- any one of them. But the mention of Kate and all that had happened -- the fact that she may not even live, maybe him react more vehemently than usual. His eyes locked onto Eloise look more intently at her, feeling the anger surface as his chest heaved. He had spent the last decade learning how to suppress his emotions. So many times anger threatened to unleash itself, aware that it was unaddressed sadness and pain. So surely, he would be able to keep it together for the sake of this conversation. For the time being. Until she left . . . just until she left.
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"It is not my affairs that brought our family to shame," he bluntly stated. "The only justification is that you are still young, and still too naïve to understand the repercussions this has caused. To understand the jeopardy you have placed our family under. But it is your lack or remorse or understanding that is most concerning, Eloise." He knew she didn't deserve the bluntly stated words. He did not even truly believe them himself. But his emotions were getting the better of him. He would let his family continue to hate him and even through it all . . . kept thinking that Kate could die, because of him. He would be responsible for the death of someone else he loved. He barley survived Edmund's death. How would he ever survive Kate's?
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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Tag me @anthony
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 3, 2022 17:46:20 GMT
Tag: @edith i am a viscount IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY Those within the Bridgerton household -- be it family or hired help -- knew better than to disturb the Viscount when he was in the study. He often worked within it well into the late hours of the night. Today however, he simply had a great deal of work. With his sisters coming out into society one by one -- practically one after another -- his affairs were growing more busy. As was socializing. After all, many wished to invite the Viscount out so that they may make a good impression and thus, believe they some advantage to court his sisters. Of course, little did they know that Anthony was not so easily swayed.
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When he heard footsteps enter without so much a knock, Anthony raised his head to see who had disrupted him. Edith Norton. He made it a point to know exactly who was hired and know their faces and the name that went along with it. He silently watched her, as she said nothing but rather, just went about her business to take what she needed. How incredibly bold of her. As if that was not bold enough, she then spoke of how nothing was that important, and Anthony just looked at her, concealing his surprise at her statement. Instead, he locked eyes on the woman with a stoic expression.
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Ordinarily he may not entertain her remark. Occasionally, he may dispute it but explaining all that he had to do. In this case however . . . he was not going to let her go so easily with a bold act and bold statement to match. "What do you have there?" He asked, referring to the parchment in hand as he set his quill down. "Surely, it is that important for you to enter without knocking or permission to do so." His words were echoing her own, questioning what boldness or foolishness caused her to say such a bold thing.
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 3, 2022 17:46:05 GMT
Tag: @edith i am a viscount IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY The protective instinct in Anthony was ignited the moment Edmund died. Since then, he had taken it upon himself to protect his family, no matter what the cost. So as soon as the fire started, he knew what he had to do. He had to get them all out to safety. Along the way, he of course ushered out whomever else was in there. He was not heartless after all, and ensured the servants too were pushed out to safety. But each and every time, Anthony went back in . . . needing to make sure no one else was in the house. He had come across one of their maids, Edith Norton, who had been in here far too long. Taking hold of her, he continued to make his way through the smoke and flames, trying to find anyone else who may be left behind.
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"Iad do not know," he responded, voice raised so that she could hear him among all this chaos. "Did you see anyone else?" He asked, wondering if she had come back in to look for someone, or if she had never managed to get out in the first place. "We must leave now," he added, wanting her to know that he intended to get her out of here. And would go back for anyone else. Looking over at her and seeing that she was using her hand to cover her mouth, he knew that would need it to help navigate herself out of here since the smoke was thick. They needed to reach out to ensure there was nothing in front of them. Lowering his arm from his own mouth, he reached for the bottom of his shirt and tore a piece from it. Folding it to increase the thickness, Anthony turned to face her for a moment, tying it around her mouth and knotting it around the back of her head. "Do not let go of me," he instructed, resuming his former position. He stretched out one arm to feel what was around him, spatial skills and memorization of the estate helpful in such dire circumstances.
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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Tag me @anthony
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 3, 2022 17:45:53 GMT
Tag: @cressidacowper i am a viscount IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY Anthony gave a polite smile at her response, returning the flattering statement by calling him handsome. "Thank you," he responded and with sincerity. Once she was ready he extended his arm so that she may -- if she was so inclined -- loop her own through it. Despite this being a force arrangement, the Viscount could not help but think that Cressida did often play the part quite well. The part of who was in society. Knowing what to say, how to say it, the actions, gestures . . . perhaps this arrangement was not a complete waste of time after all.
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Had this been simply a causal promenade prior to Anthony's stating his intentions to marry, then he would have merely stuck to pleasantries to squander the time. But now that his intentions had shifted, and he was looking for a wife -- a Viscountess -- he had to be far more direct in his conversation. Though, avoiding crossing that line of being rude. "What are your greatest skills, Miss Cowper?" He needed to find a wife who would fit the role of Viscountess. She had to be intelligent, and well put together. While upon appearance Cressida fit the latter criteria -- at least physically, he was uncertain about the first.
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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Tag me @anthony
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 3, 2022 17:45:38 GMT
Tag: @eloisebridgerton i am a viscount IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY How had it come to this? One moment he was happily hunting with his father . . . the next, he felt as if his entire world had crumbled before him. His father was dead. Just like that, just from a bee sting . . . the strongest man he knew, was dead. Anthony was not even sure he had fully accepted this fact, but nor did he have time to fully comprehend what this meant. He had been bombarded with business affairs as he was now the Viscount . . . a title that he could not just, simply accept. But before Viscount, he was a brother and a son. Thus, needed to take care of family. Their mother was in no state as she grieved, so Anthony had taken it upon himself to care for his siblings. He needed to be strong, for them. He needed to keep his emotions locked away so that they would not see him destroyed by this, by the death of their father. He needed to be their pillar so that they would get through this. So that they would all get through this.
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Looking down at Eloise, Anthony's expression was soft, though ensured there were no tears. He had to lock them away in the vault of his heart . . . never to surface. There was no easy way to answer her question, and euphemisms would not help. To say that he was asleep would only beg the question of when he would wake up. To say he was up above watching them would only beg the question of when would he return. There had to be a finality to the answer so that Eloise could mourn, and eventually . . . move on. Or at least, cope with the pain. For did one truly ever move on from losing a loved one? Especially, one's father. Anthony lowered himself so that he was crouched down in front of Eloise, at her eye level.
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"He is not," Anthony said in a low voice, soft but unwavering. He raised a hand to gently brush the tears from her cheeks. "But he will live on in all of us. We all carry a part of him within us." It was true. He had seen it in each child as they grew. Speaking of Edmund, Anthony knew, would become increasingly harder but for now . . . he knew it was what Eloise needed to hear. "I am sorry Eloise," he said, trying to keep his voice steady as he gently pulled her into his arms to hug her . . . and to let her cry if needed. Anthony had simply watched it happen. He could have done more to stop it, couldn't he have? He was the only one there and . . . this was his fault. Now his siblings and mother would mourn for the greatest man alive and all Anthony could do was fight to keep the family together. Together and strong.
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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euphoria
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Tag me @anthony
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 3, 2022 17:45:21 GMT
Tag: @edwina i am a viscount IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY With the wedding called off, Anthony was not sure what he was feeling. Relief? Disappointment? Perhaps there was not one singular emotion that could sum up the Viscount's current state. There was however, immense guilt. He had never intended for anyone -- least of all Edwina -- to discover the feelings he and Kate shared. Feelings that they had not acted upon because they knew it could never be. Anthony had set his mind to the diamond of the season, and Edwina was for all intents and purposes, the perfect match. They both would play their role in society to perfection, and be content in marriage. Anthony Bridgerton, could not fall in love -- he would not allow it.
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However a stolen moment at the wedding informed his intended and she called off the entire event. Their family was recovering from the ton's shock, but Anthony could not be bothered about it. He felt only the mix of emotions that consumed him . . . his mind daring to hope of a life with Kate. But met with the harsh and cruel reality, that it could never be. Such things plagued his mind as he worked in the office, a faint knock on the door a welcome distraction. The butler informed him that Miss Edwina Sharma was here and Anthony immediately stood up. He had been nothing less than deserving of her anger and so her presence here surprised him. His first immediate thought that came to mind . . . was that if Kate was well. Had something happened to her? Anthony dare not ask as he made his way to the parlor where she had been escorted.
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"Of course," he said, motioning for her to sit as he assumed his position on the chair across from her once she was seated. A suitable distance between them, for of course he would not press his luck. He knew it would be stupid to ask if all was well, considering what he put her family through . . . and this meeting perhaps granted him the opportunity to reiterate his sentiments. "Once again, I wish to apologize to you Miss Sharma. It was never my intention to cause you harm, to hurt you." His voice sincere as his eyes rested upon her. He knew that forgiveness would not come swiftly -- nor should it for what he had done. But nevertheless, he wished to speak the words that he spoke from his heart.
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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Tag me @anthony
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 3, 2022 17:45:06 GMT
Tag: @eloisebridgerton i am a viscount IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY On any other day, Anthony may have been able to handle one of his siblings being upset with him. He, after all, was fairly certain that every one of them despised him. Hated him. And . . . Anthony would need to live with that. He had done what he thought he needed to in order to keep his family together. Perhaps it had caused him to become the villain. The one to blame for every problem, every decision . . . and he would continue to live with that. Even if his decisions were not incorrect -- the truth about Marina being a prime example. But it did not matter. Anthony would become whatever punching bag his family needed, though he knew that most reasons were of his own doing. If there was one thing for certain though . . . his family could not possibly hate him more than he hated himself.
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What he had done to Kate, added to his own self loathing. The possibility that she may never wake up was weighing heavily on him. And so, he was far more emotional than usual. And where the Viscount did not cry nor show sadness, in its place came anger and frustration. Eloise coming to him, upset would merely ignite the flame. He looked at her, composed -- for now -- in his demeanour. His voice came out steadily but stern and strong. "It is my business, because it is our family's business," he began to tell her. "Did you not think of how it would effect us if you were to be caught in such a place?" Whistledown had exposed them and their family was barley recovering from the scandal.
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"Your beloved Whistledown has certainly made certain of that." Did she not once practically worship the author? "And it is because of your recklessness, that our family now stands where it does." Shunned by the ton. He knew that he should not scold her to such an extent. She was still learning of the world, as she had just come out this season. But Anthony had reached his limit when it came to his impulsive siblings. First Colin pulling out funds for some ridiculous investment. And now Eloise, traipsing around Bloomsbury unchaperoned. Yet through it all . . . all Anthony could focus on . . . was Kate.
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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Tag me @anthony
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 2, 2022 1:45:45 GMT
i am a viscount IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY Who would have thought that he would be sitting here with the Duke of Wellington while he selected a wedding ring . . . and where Anthony was already married. It did not seem that long ago that they were merely discussing the prospect of finding a suitable wife. And here they were, both in love marriages. Anthony could not help but smile at his friend's . . . confusion. If that was even the correct word to use. Perhaps uncertainty was more befitting. Either way, Anthony knew he too would have been in the very same position if he needed to select a ring. But he used the one that was in his family; one passed down from his mother. So all he needed to worry about, was the fitting.
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William on the other hand, had far more stresses when it came to this part of the process. "Do you mean about the ring or about the woman?" Anthony teased with an amused smile as he leaned back comfortably in his chair. He was of course simply teasing and jesting with his dear friend. He knew William had his eyes set on Philomena and Anthony was truly, sincerely happy for him. For Anthony himself, was happy. He never would have thought he would find himself in a love match . . . yet he had, and he -- for the first time since his father's death -- did indeed feel truly happy. He leaned forward a bit to eye the ring that the Duke was referring to. "It is a fine choice," Anthony agreed. "Is she favorable towards purple?" Women were fussy about this sort of thing, were they not?
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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Tag me @anthony
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 2, 2022 0:13:11 GMT
i am a viscount IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY Anthony sometimes felt, that the only way he knew that his heart was not completely broken, was because he felt it ache when he saw his mother like this. She was so distant, so withdrawn from them all. Anthony could not bear it. He could not bear to think or believe that with the loss of a father, came too the loss of a mother. It had been devastating enough to hear such a possibility the night Hyacinth was born. But losing their mother this way . . . it would be slow, painful and tragic. Hearing that Hyacinth had been fed gave Anthony some -- as minimal as it was -- hope that perhaps he could be of assistance after all.
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He approached the crying baby and carefully lifted her into his arms. Smiles were not easy to come by but he forced it upon his lips . . . so that Hyacinth's memory would not be filled of only surrounding sadness and tears. "Hello Hyacinth," he greeted in a low, soothing voice. He moved his pink finger towards her lips, recalling that his father would do this when trying to soothe a crying baby. Anthony had witnessed it enough times and . . . while he knew he could never be Edmund, wished to emulate his father as much as he could. It seemed to work as she began to let his finger settle between her lips, and Anthony further acted from memory by gently rocking her in his arms. Locking eyes with the small baby made him feel a warmth inside of him. A hope, that their family had not completely crumbled. And a determination, to ensure that it never would.
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Turning towards his mother upon hearing her words, Anthony knew that he could not let his own pain be revealed. It would help no one to do so. "You are her mother," he reminded softly as he began to step towards her. "She . . . has done nothing wrong." Another reminder that this innocent child, this baby was born into a world absent a father. She did not deserve to be without a mother either. And, he did not want his mother to forget how much they too loved her. "Will you not even hold her?" He asked, his voice slightly breathless from the agony of it all; an underlying tone of near desperation. The pain of even having to ask that of her; having to ask a mother to hold her baby.
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The Viscount
"I have finally determined
the difficulty . . . love itself."
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euphoria
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Tag me @anthony
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Post by Anthony Bridgerton on Nov 1, 2022 23:47:42 GMT
i am a viscount IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY He was Theo. Anthony looked at him, and while his expression did not shift, his mindset did. More so toward the fact that the very man he was conversing with was the one who had been with his sister unaccompanied. A young man who as with a young woman so far out of his league and reach . . . but then, Anthony thought the same of any one that any of his siblings would wed and Eloise was no exception. There was truly no one good enough for her. But worse yet, the man had not even given thought towards such things. Never mind the obvious impossibility given his rank but also, an honorable man would not compromise a woman nor her reputation by being alone with her.
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The more Anthony thought about such things . . . the more angry he became. It took all within him not to unleash this anger onto the young man before him . . . yet. "My name is Viscount Bridgerton," he introduced, using his formal title and the obvious last name to perhaps give the boy some clarity. Did he even know Eloise's last name? Or was her name not what he was interested in. "And I believe you know my sister." If there was anything that one knew well about the Viscount, it was his over protective nature towards his family. A fact that became more evident when Daphne was out in society. Any intelligent man would not dare to try anything with them. Which left two possibilities: Theo was highly unintelligent, or he did not know this of Anthony. Either way, he was about to receive a very strong lesson on the matter.
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