Fresh Air - Anthony Bridgerton

The Earl Of Oxferd

The grand ballroom of Lady Somerset's manor was an enchanting sight, bathed in a golden glow from the myriad of candles and chandeliers that hung overhead. The guests, adorned in their finest attire, moved gracefully across the polished marble floor, creating a symphony of rustling silk and murmured conversations. Scarlett White, the Diamond of the Season and now a potential Queen, stood at the heart of it all, feeling the weight of every gaze upon her.

She wore a gown of a beautiful baby blue, the color enhancing her striking features and setting her apart from the sea of pastel-colored dresses. Her auburn hair was styled elegantly, with a few tendrils framing her face. Scarlett's heart fluttered as she scanned the room, knowing that tonight was pivotal. She would meet Henry Louis, the Earl of Oxford, a man whose reputation preceded him. And she would continue to be courted by Anthony Bridgerton, whose proposal still echoed in her mind.

The string quartet began to play a waltz, and Scarlett felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning, she found herself face-to-face with Henry Louis, the Earl of Oxford. He was a tall, handsome man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. His presence exuded confidence and charm.

"Miss White," he said, bowing gracefully. "May I have the honor of this dance?"

Scarlett nodded, offering her hand. "Of course, Lord Louis."

As they moved onto the dance floor, Henry's strong hand guided her effortlessly. He smiled down at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You seem surprised to see me, Miss White."

"Not surprised, my lord, merely... intrigued," Scarlett replied, meeting his gaze. "Your reputation as a skilled dancer is well known."

"And I hope to live up to it," Henry said with a chuckle. "But I must confess, dancing is not the only reason I sought you out tonight."

"Oh?" Scarlett's curiosity was piqued.

Henry's expression grew serious. "Scarlett, may I call you Scarlett?"

She nodded, allowing the informality.

"Scarlett, I am aware of the Queen's proposition," he continued. "And I know you must be feeling overwhelmed by the sudden attention and expectations."

Scarlett's heart skipped a beat. "It has been quite the whirlwind, yes."

Henry's grip on her hand tightened slightly, reassuringly. "I want you to know that I am here to support you, whatever your decision may be. I believe we could make a formidable match, both in strength and in intellect."

Scarlett studied him, sensing the sincerity in his words. "That is kind of you to say, Henry."

Before she could say more, the music ended, and the dancers applauded. As Scarlett and Henry stepped back, she noticed Anthony Bridgerton approaching. His intense gaze was fixed on her and Henry.

"May I cut in?" Anthony asked, his voice polite but firm.

Henry smiled, relinquishing Scarlett's hand. "Of course, Viscount. Scarlett, I hope we can continue our conversation later."

As Henry walked away, Anthony took Scarlett's hand, leading her into another dance. His touch was familiar, yet there was a new intensity in his eyes.

"You seem to have made an impression on the Earl of Oxford," Anthony remarked, his tone carefully neutral.

"He is quite charming," Scarlett replied, searching Anthony's face. "But I suspect you did not come here to discuss Lord Oxford."

Anthony's eyes softened, and he pulled her slightly closer. "Scarlett, you must know that my feelings for you are genuine. I meant every word I said this morning. The prospect of you becoming Queen only strengthens my resolve to be by your side."

Scarlett felt a surge of emotion. "Anthony, this decision is not one I can make lightly. The responsibilities are immense, and the choice of a consort is critical. Forgive my astonishment, but when did the depths of your affection for me surface? For as far back as memory serves, your declarations remained confined solely to parchment, yet tonight, your sentiments ring clearer, resonating with newfound sincerity."

"I understand and I am deeply sorry for not writing you in the past," Anthony said, his voice low. "But know that I am willing to stand with you, to face whatever challenges come our way."

The dance ended, and Scarlett found herself swiftly leaving the ballroom to the garden. The cool night air enveloped her as she stepped outside, the scent of blooming flowers mingling with the soft rustle of leaves. Moonlight bathed the garden in a silvery glow, casting ethereal shadows across the pathway.

With each step, Scarlett's mind raced with thoughts of the evening's encounters. Henry Louis's charm had left an indelible mark, while Anthony Bridgerton's steadfast devotion stirred something deep within her heart. Lost in contemplation, she wandered further into the garden, seeking solace amidst the beauty of nature.

As Scarlett rounded a bend in the path, she stumbled upon a secluded alcove adorned with trailing ivy and fragrant roses. The sound of a piano drifted through the air, its melancholic melody weaving a hauntingly beautiful serenade. Intrigued, Scarlett approached, her footsteps barely audible on the soft grass.

There, seated at the piano, was Henry, his fingers moving across the keys with effortless grace. He looked up as Scarlett approached, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

"Scarlett," he said, his voice soft and inviting. "I hoped you would find me here."

Scarlett's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. There was an undeniable magnetism about Henry, a pull that drew her closer despite her reservations.

"I couldn't resist the allure of your music," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Henry rose from the piano bench, his eyes never leaving hers. "Nor could I resist the chance to steal you away from the chaos of the ballroom, if only for a moment."

In the moonlit garden, amidst the fragrance of roses and the haunting strains of music, Scarlett felt herself surrendering to the magic of the moment. With Henry by her side, she allowed herself to forget the weight of her responsibilities, if only for a fleeting instant.

As they stood facing each other, a charged silence filled the air, pulsating with unspoken desires and hidden emotions. And then, as if guided by an unseen force, Henry closed the distance between them, his hand reaching out to cup Scarlett's cheek.

Their eyes locked, the intensity of their gaze igniting a fire that burned brighter than the stars above. And in that timeless moment, with the strains of music fading into the background, Scarlett felt the world fall away until there was only Henry, his touch searing her soul with a passion she had never known.

And then, in a rush of emotion too powerful to deny, Henry leaned in but Scarlett put her hand on his chest. "I should not be here unchaperoned, I shall see you later." And with that she made her way back to the ballroom.