The downfall of Viscount Bridgerton

chapter forty two - the same bed

For the briefest of moments, an inexplicable emotion passed across Anthony’s features.

‘Ahah! I have broken him,’ Aurora proclaimed to herself.

But alas, whatever this emotion was it was quickly concealed and his stony expression returned with new vigour.

“Indeed, I think I will have to if you do not calm down and stop this ridiculous behaviour.”

‘My ridiculous behaviour?’ She thought. ‘Oh my behaviour pales in significance to your own stupidness!’ She was about to say as much when a thought came over her. What if she were to remain calm? Surely that would unsettle him more?

“You are quite right, my love.” She purred, unaware of her effect of the Viscount. “I have been most rude to you, sir. Forgive me.” A beaming smile crept onto her face as Anthony frowned. “I think I shall take my leave now.”

And with that she graciously stood from her seat and made her way to the other end of the table where he was seated. As she steadily moved closer, the Viscount became more and more uncomfortable.

This made her laugh inside. His façade was weakening.

Upon reaching his chair, she sat down on the edge of the table beside him and slowly took his hand that had been clutching at the knife used previously to cut his boiled beef.

Probably best if I remove this from his grasp.

Painstakingly slowly, Aurora was able to pry the item from him and placed it down on his plate. She had to admit that she had not expected him to let her get so close. Indeed, she anticipated being shouted at at any moment.

But, despite what she was prepared for, Anthony Bridgerton remained absolutely still and silent. She took this to mean she could continue.

Taking his hand in both of hers she began to rub small circles onto it. At first, there appeared to be no response. However, on closer inspection, the young Viscountess noticed his breathing had become more laboured and his other hand was now tightly balled into a first. Aurora took this to mean that whatever she was doing was correct.

Next, she lifted his hand to her mouth and placed a gentle kiss on his knuckle. There was a blue and brown bruise cross it that she had not noticed before. It’s presence made her stomach churn in sadness for him. She hated it. Despite all his rudeness and insolence she still cared for him. It was ridiculous!

“Aurora,” his voice was croaky.

“Mmmn?” She mused, kissing his knuckle again.

“Aurora stop it. Please.”

The desperation in his voice forced her to listen to him. She began to feel guilty. If he did not wish to engage in - whatever it was that married couples did - then perhaps she should respect him and his wishes.

“I - I’m sorry Anthony. That was -“ she stumbled.

Suddenly the Viscount’s gaze turned soft as he witnessed his usually eloquent wife rendered speechless at his words.

“No. Please do not be sorry. I understand you frustration.”

“Then why are you being so cold? Why not accept my as your wife?” Aurora knew her tone bordered on pleading, but she had not experienced such a display of emotion from him in some time.

“I cannot explain my actions, but know this; I am doing it for you. Everything is for you.” Came his gruff response.

Aurora sighed loudly and jumped up from her seat on the table, “I give up! Tell me what you want, at this point I cannot continue you interpret your convoluted metaphors. Speak in a language that I might find comprehensible!”

Silence.

“Alright then you prick. Until you explain to me what is causing you to act in such a bizarre fashion I shall continue making your life a misery! In fact, I’m going to annoy you so much that you finally crack!”

Having completed her speech, Aurora glared at him childishly and stomped out of the room.

‘What an infuriating man!’ Her conscience declared.

And for once she agreed.

Continuing with her streak of petulance, the young Viscountess noisily stomped up the stairs to the library where she collected seven romance novels and piled them up into a miniature tower.

‘I may not be able to experience true love for myself but I can read about it in books and that’s pretty much the same thing,’ she declared to herself.

After reading for several hours and still not finding comfort, Aurora finally relented and made her way to bed. Considering how long her day had been she anticipated falling asleep immediately, however this was not the case.

She tossed and turned in bed for what felt like an eternity, flipping her pillow every six minutes and twenty three seconds in order to maintain its coolness.

But this did nothing to ease her suffering. And she knew exactly why.

Because of that stupid man sat in the other end of the house who was probably sound asleep by now. That was just the sort of prick he was.

Despite what his wife may have imagined, Anthony Bridgerton was, indeed, most certainly not sound asleep. Having been unable to succumb to the dream world, the Viscount had quickly found a better use of his time. Reading the papers he had so fervently attempted to avoid earlier.

He had not gotten three pages in - though in all fairness the document was horrifically tedious - when the door to his bed chamber was slammed open.

Stood in the doorway was Aurora Bridgerton, dressed in her nightdress and holding two pillows.

“Aurora? What are you doing here? I told you not to come here? This is not your chamber.”

“I do not care.”

“Do not chastise me, please. And do not force me to leave. Just let me do this.” And with that she fell asleep, her arms wrapped tightly around his chest.

Anthony had no idea what to do, he stared down at her uncomfortably. This was precisely what he had not wanted to happen.

He was determined to take her back to her room, he could not possibly allow her to stay the night. If she were to do so it would end up becoming a daily occurrence. And that - that would not be in anyone’s best interests. 

But looking down at his new wife weakened his resolve, for how could he move her when she was so content.

“This is not going to happen again, my Dolos. I mean it.”

Aurora chuckled to herself at his words.

No he doesn’t, she thought.

****

My dearest readers,

An interesting development I think. Next chapter we will discover more about Anthony’s new role within the EIC as they spend their last few days together on their rather tumultuous honeymoon.

For those who do not know, Dolos is the Greek deity of cunning, deception, and trickery.

Yours,

Valentina