The next day Reginald Harding received a personal invitation to join Aurora Grey and her aunt for afternoon tea.
Of course, he was not the only member of the Ton to have received such an intimation, but Aurora's aunt carefully reminded her of the importance of his presence.
It seemed to Aurora that her aunt was already favouring a match between the two and, although she was growing to enjoy his company, it was safe the day that Aurora most certainly did not share her aunt's sentiments.
But regardless, she was happy to entertain him among her other guests for the afternoon.
The sitting rooms were buzzing with several members of London society, including Eloise and Violet - the former of whom would not have attended were it not for Aurora.
Their kitchen maids had produced an impressive assortment of cakes and sweets, which Aurora had already thanked them for, and it was not long after she had performed on the pianoforte that Reginald began to engage in conversation.
They had retreated to a couch beside the unlit fireplace and were presently discussing Elizabethan poetry when Anthony Bridgerton first noticed them.
He had not intended on attending the afternoon tea (despite being formally invited) because of the work he had to complete. However, by some kind of luck - though he would not admit it himself - he had completed his work early and so chose to venture down to spend what was left of the afternoon with his mother and sister, perhaps engaging in a conversation or two with the Lady Grey.
He had not been at the party long and was part way through a conversation with his mother when he spotted the two. At seeing them so happy in each other's company he felt a sharp pain.
Violet noticed and halted her chastisement of his untidy hair.
"Perhaps you might speak to the girl instead of staring at her longingly from afar?"
Anthony scowled at his mother's suggestion.
"I am not staring at her longingly mother."
"Yes you are" Eloise chimed in with her usual smirk.
"Don't you have suitors to be scaring off, Eloise?" Anthony bickered with her.
Eloise merely stuck her tongue out in response.
"Well, if you won't speak to her I will." The girl said, rising from her chair.
"Eloise you will do no such thing" their mother interjected, preventing another sibling argument "Anthony, go and speak to the girl. Now."
The Viscount sighed "she does not want me mother!" He looked over at the pair, "she clearly much prefers Lord Harding." He did not attempt to hide his contempt of the man.
"Anthony you are behaving foolishly. Surely you will not let the only woman you might actually have a chance with fall through your grasp?"
"Very well. I will speak to her. But she has already refused my proposal so do not expect me to make another."
With that the young Lord Bridgerton left heading straight in the direction of Aurora.
"Lord Harding I do not think Donne's poetry should be in circulation. If my aunt found out I had read it she would most likely pass out." Aurora chuckled. Upon getting to know Reginald better she had to admit that he was a lovely young man, but he wasn't right for her.
"I'm sure my mother would too if she discovered any of my sisters reading such works."
Aurora turned, surprised, to see a Anthony Bridgerton stood in front of her, a genteel smile upon his face.
"Viscount Bridgerton, I did not see you come in."
"I have only just arrived" responded Anthony formally, suddenly feeling embarrassed at his actions from a few days before. "Lord Harding, you look well."
"Thank you Viscount. I shall leave you Aurora, I must visit my sister." With that Reginald left, leaving Anthony and Aurora most uncomfortable.
"Do you mind if I?" Anthony gestures to the seat.
"No not at all." Responded Aurora hastily.
Anthony sat down and suddenly felt awkward about their intimacy.
"About-"
"How is-" they spoke at the same time.
Aurora blushed and nodded at Anthony, signalling him to speak.
"About that night-" Anthony began.
"Please, do not mention it. A temporary lack of judgement I am sure." Aurora knew that Anthony's feelings for her were, in reality, nonexistent and she did not want to spend any time thinking about what might have happened had she accepted.
Indeed, Aurora was starting to feel more and more attracted towards the young Viscount, despite what she had declared.
"Exactly. Although-" Anthony stopped himself before he said something foolish. "You look very nice today, that colour suits you well."
Aurora smiled, a true smile, and the Bridgerton couldn't help but smile back.
"Thank you" she whispered.
"Lord Harding seems quite taken with you" observed Anthony.
"I hope not for his sake" Aurora caught the Viscount's gaze, "he is lovely but I do not think I would ever marry him."
Anthony struggled to keep his lips even, he wanted so desperately to smile at the news.
"Oh. Well that is a shame for him."
"Indeed."
***
Who is everyone's favourite character? I'm quite intrigued!
I think perhaps mine must be Eloise as we are very similar although I do rather like Benedict.
V x