Waking up the next morning, Aurora stretched out her arms to complete her usual pre-morning bodily wake up. Well, she attempted to stretch out her arms, only they were prevented from reaching their full length by a rather large and heavy arm.
Where am I? Thought the girl who was incredibly confused at what could be wrapped so tightly around her as to prevent the simple action of moving one's arms.
Oh God.
It cannot be. Anthony?
Slowly cracking her bleary eyes open, Aurora Bridgerton was welcomed with a sight she did not think she would ever have the fortune of witnessing.
The Viscount Bridgerton was currently lying in a not particularly well button up shirt, cuddling her into his chest. The sight was so shocking that it took Aurora several moments to register the reality of what exactly was going on. She had anticipated for him to build a pillow blockade between the two of them over the course of the night in order to prevent any unnecessary contact. No, she had most certainly not been prepared for this.
And yet, she didn't hate it.
In fact, she found the sensation quite comforting. Despite his cold pretences it would seem that Anthony was in actual fact really very warm. And rather soft too considering his physique. Almost like her own personal pillow.
Alas, Aurora was pulled from this reverie by her pillow's waking up.
My pillow?
She shook the thought from her head and put on her widest grin. For last night she had promised her darling husband that she would make him crack, and boy did she have work to do.
As Anthony crossed the boundaries between the dream world and reality, his grasp on Aurora drew tighter and he - very much unintentionally - lowered his face to cradle it in her neck.
The action cause her to blush furiously.
"Husband? I do believe it is time you awoke," She let out a laugh as she spoke.
Hearing his wife's words, the Bridgerton shot up from his previous state, violently removing himself from the girl, and shoved her off the bed in horror.
Despite the bruised knees that would most likely ensue, Aurora's day was much brightened by the look of absolute fear and discomfort present in his eyes.
It took the poor man some time to speak, but when he did it was suprisingly calm, "what are you doing in my bed? I gave you strict instructions not to-"
Clambering back into the pile of duvets, Aurora could not be bothered to wait for him to finish his rant and instead chose to pause him before he really got going.
"Don't you remember what happened last night?" Came her innocent voice.
No sooner had the words left her mouth than she was shoved back off the bed again.
"Anthony you have really got to stop doing that my pillow, it's..." Her words fell away as she realised the term of ede aren't that had escaped her lips. She made a silent prayer that he might not have heard her from his position on the bed.
He did.
"Your pillow?" Contempt laced each word, "do not refer to me in such terms again, Lady Grey, I do not much appreciate it."
She popped her head back up again as he was reprimand in her - initially with a smile, however, this fell away at his labelling of her.
"Grey?" Came a whisper
Damn you Aurora Bridgerton, do not show the enemy fear!
"I - I did not mean that. You are I suppose technically my wife."
She shook her head at him in disdain and stood up, making her way to one of the wooden bedposts that framed the luxurious blue and gold bed.
How very Bridgerton, she laughed to herself, before remembering that she did, indeed, have a purpose to her mission.
"That would certainly appear to be the case, husband. And, as your wife, I believe it is my right to know what exactly you're getting up to. Especially when it concerns myself."
She was glad to have remained temporarily off the bed for Anthony looked as though he desperately wanted to push her off again. It would appear that he really was not in the best of moods that morning.
"I have already told you, my current work is revolving around a new business venture. That is all you knew to know."
However, that did not gratify Aurora's intrigue.
She pushed him down and lent on his chest as the sheets around them billowed with newfound vigour.
"That is the second - if not third - time you have mentioned this endeavour of yours. Would you possibly be so kind as to elaborate, sir."
Anthony's response was as calculated as ever, "you know I cannot."
Argh!
"Let me rephrase that; you will elaborate, sir. I demand to know what ridiculous affairs are confining you to that blasted study," holding the Viscount’s gaze, Aurora witnessed his resolve slowly breaking down.
After several moments, Anthony Bridgerton sat up from his previous position and gently pulled Aurora off him, placing her instead in amidst the sheets.
"I can see that I am getting nowhere with you, my Lady. Since you are so very inclined to observe my work, I shall grant you this one request. Come to my study at seven forty five and I shall perhaps consider explaining some of the less complex details to you."
The Viscountess leapt to engulf her poor husband in a tight embrace at hearing his news. Nothing made her happier - for he was finally relenting!
"Yes, Anthony, I shall be perfectly angelic, I swear!"
He lifted an eyebrow toward he, "for some reason I doubt it. Leave me, please."
Please? He must be sick? Came her inner voice. Indeed, it seemed quite impossible that he was in full health. For - even prior to his recent behaviour - it was widely regarded across London society that Anthony Bridgerton did not apologise.
Alas, she did not have much time to contemplate the possible slip of his tongue, for the glare that accompanied it told her it was probably best to leave.
But not without a thank you.
Stealthily, the young Viscountess made her way off the bed. However, instead of heading toward the door, as was to be expected, she stalked up to her new husband from behind and lightly tapped him on the shoulder.
At the sudden sensation which Anthony was most certainly not prepared for, he whipped around to face her, his face a mixture of concern and disdain.
Before any comment could be made, Aurora took his gentle face in her hands and smiled. His arms were now positioned I'm what could only he described as something reminiscent of a bird's wings as he tried to calculate her actions.
But, alas, it would seem he was not fast enough to respond. For he remained entirely motionless as she drew his head down to her own and placed a chaste kiss on the corner of his mouth before exiting the room with an almost ethereal grace.
Anthony Bridgerton was left stunned.
*****
Dear readers,
I hope you are having a pleasant week - mine has been horrifically busy with ever so much work.
I had anticipated including the next scene in this chapter however it was already over a thousand words so I thought I'd dedicate a separate chapter to it.
In other news, I have nothing of any interest to say because I'm afraid that my life has settled into a rather dull routine.
Yours
Valentina