chapter fifty nine - Anthony joins the club

Following their morning visit to Bridgerton House, the viscount and viscountess returned to their home on Grosvenor Street to prepare for the society's meeting.

Anthony, although he was trying his absolute hardest to hide the fact, was really rather nervous.

He had seen just how passionate Aurora was about her endeavour and feared he may not fit in among the other members. After all, they were all unmarried ladies and he was... a particularly stubborn man.

The viscount was also a little hesitant about the prospect of being forced to spend time with Lord Harding. It was no secret that he did not like the man - and rightly so in his opinion, for he was certain that the lord held some degree of affection for his wife that surpassed mere friendship. But regardless, he was determined to keep a cool countenance. No matter what.

"It shouldn't be too long before they arrive," began Aurora. As if by magic, the moment she finished her sentence a carriage arrived outside the house, it was followed by several others.

From each one sprang a series of young ladies, all clutching at their books and eager to begin the days lessons.

Moments later they burst into the room like a river breaking through a dam. As they did so, the schoolroom filled with noise and general chatter.

Many of the ladies hugged Aurora and one even brought a bottle of whiskey that they had stolen from the kitchens.

Anthony chuckled quietly when he saw this.

Most of the men he knew would probably faint with shock if they saw what he was presently witnessing.

Even Anthony, despite his acceptance of the idea, had to steadily himself by leaning against a desk.

He may have thought Eloise to be a little wild when it came to these sorts of things, but she was nothing in comparison to some of the ladies present.

The women promptly settled down once Reginald arrived, and Anthony ground his teeth subconsciously at the command he held.

The session progressed relatively smoothly until they took a short break half way through.

Anthony was skimming over the next few pages of the mathematics book he was currently reading when a large figure made its way toward him.

"Can I help you, Lord Harding?" Asked the viscount cooly.

"Yes, actually. I wanted to apologise for the other day. I hope you didn't think I meant anything... unholy."

"Not at all," replied Anthony although he still wasn't convinced.

There was a pause before Reginald continued.

"We got off on the wrong footing, I'm afraid. But I would like us to get along. In fact, I think you may find it to be beneficial. I am considering investing in trade and I am reliably informed that you are in a similar position. Perhaps we might come to some sort of an agreement?"

Anthony mulled over the proposition. The man did not seem all bad, and besides, the closer they were the more easily he would be able to keep vigil over the lord's attentions towards his wife.

"That sounds like an excellent idea. I am free tomorrow morning if you'd like to pay us a call? Or perhaps we might promenade together - only I have heard Aurora mention that she wishes to speak with Eleanor."

"A promenade sounds just the thing," confirmed Reginald before he sent him a sharp nod and wandered off over to his cousin to relay the news.

Not long after Harding left him, a pair of hands snuck up behind him and covered his eyes.

The viscount could not help the small grin that spread across his features.

"What do you say," whispered Aurora into Anthony's ear, "at the thought of Julius and Arabella Archer?"

Anthony's gaze briefly flickered over the mousy haired girl.

"Aren't they already acquainted? I was under the impression that you had been childhood friends?"

"Exactly. If she's put up with him for this long, surely she's a safe bet."

Her reasoning did seem well founded.

"And what do you think he would say to such a suggestion?"

Aurora struggled to suppress a grin at the viscount's question. Anthony immediately knew that he would not be impressed.

"I believe I recall him once saying that he would 'rather marry the Queen's dogs than have someone as ridiculously perfect as her for a wife'"

A snort came from Anthony at her words which caused Eloise to glance at them, disturbed.

"In that case," began the viscount, "she sounds like an excellent suitor for him."

She grinned at his words and placed a kiss on the side of his mouth, "you're perfect, you know that? Absolutely perfect."

He chuckled and pulled her into his embrace before kissing her lips with a grin.

Their touching moment was, rather unfortunately, brought to a close as soon as it began, as Eloise threw a ball of paper at them.

"Stop it you disgusting man!"

The rest of the room fell into silence as they watched in anticipation at the playful fight about to break out between the Bridgerton siblings.

Penelope Featherington was most interested in the budding relationship between the viscount and his viscountess, and made certain to observe their interactions. Most notably, the persistent radiance that had currently shrouded Aurora Bridgerton.

"Eloise!" Anthony chastised her.

"You're ruining our studies. It's not fair! How are we ever supposed to get an education if you're constantly stealing away our tutor!"

Suppressing a giggle at her rudeness, Aurora stood up and made her way over to the younger Bridgerton. Whilst she was certain that Eloise was - to some extent - annoyed at not being able to study, she had an inkling that there was perhaps a little jealousy at Anthony's 'stealing her away'.

She aided Eloise in her English studies for the next hour until the session was over and the young ladies departed to return to their needlework and pianoforte lessons. Or their promenading. Whatever it was that young ladies did with their free time.

However, Aurora made certain to catch Miss Archer before she was able to escape their clutches.

"Arabella?" She called out.

The dark hair girl turned around with a questioning look.

"Is everything alright, my lady?" Came her even voice. Arabella really was the epitome of everything a Regency lady should be. Only she was perhaps a little smarter than one might initially perceive. "I am not falling behind, am I?"

"No, no not at all," assured Aurora. "Actually quite the opposite. I was wondering if you would like to join us for dinner this evening? My brother is due to be joining us and you are, after all, old friends are you not?"

Arabella gave her a delicate smile at the proposal.

"I would be delighted to see your brother again, I trust he is well?"

"You can ask him yourself for he is due any moment," spoke Aurora as she looped her arm through Miss Archer's, sending a knowing glance back to her husband.

This evening was going to be most interesting indeed.

***

Dearest readers,

Some fortunate souls will be delighted to hear that I have now published the first ten chapters of my Sirius Black story titled 'Pendragon.' If you're a fan then do feel free to go check it out! I'd be greatly honoured.

Also, I watched the last Narnia film yesterday and literally sat for an hour bawling my eyes out afterwards. Honestly that series makes me so emotional and I can't even explain why.

My warmest regards &c.

Valentina