The viscount and viscountess were met on the steps of Bridgerton House by a very excited gaggle of younger Bridgertons.
Aurora was promptly dragged into the blue reception room by Hyacinth who was desperate to show her a book about old tables that she had been reading.
"Hyacinth do not trouble Aurora," chastised Violet, "I'm sure she doesn't wish to listen to all your stories."
'Oh the contrary,' thought Aurora, 'I think she'll make an excellent addition to our society when she's old enough. And I should very much like to hear all her stories.'
But, of course, she did not say this out loud - for Aurora would never insult someone as lovely as Mrs. Bridgerton.
"You look quite radiant this morning," remarked Daphne who had also joined the bunch.
"You should have seen her when she woke up," muttered Anthony is response, "hair everywhere, she looked rather like she'd been dragged through a hedge."
Aurora stood on his foot in response, eliciting a restrained 'ouch.'
"Thank you Daphne. If only your brother had such lovely manners," she jested.
"Stop it!" He demanded, although his voice lacked any authority and the wide grin on his face did not serve to further his cause.
Aurora simply placed a gentle kiss on his cheek and left him stood in the centre of the room as she went to find out more about Hyacinth's stories.
"Do you think he's ill?" Whispered Colin to Benedict as they stared at their brother.
"I think he must be. I can't remember the last time Anthony smiled."
The viscount turned to them with a glare, "I can hear you, you know."
The two brothers only smirked at him.
"Smitten," remarked Benedict with a faux cough, causing a strangled laugh to emerge form Colin which was promptly halted by a glare from Violet.
"Since we're on the subject," began Anthony, "perhaps you'd like to explain what's going on between yourself and Miss Hayward?"
A deep blush coloured Benedict's cheeks at the question.
"And don't think I haven't heard about your burgeoning romance with Miss Montagu, Colin."
The third Bridgerton boy, who's smirk had returned at Anthony's previous comment, suddenly turned a ghostly shade of white.
"I hear everything, so don't even consider calling me smitten again or I'll tell mother all about your feelings," the viscount wanted them.
"Don't listen, boys" Chuckled Aurora as she wandered over to them and wrapped her arms around Anthony's waist. "He heard it all from me anyway so the information supply line could be cut off at any point - although it will be costly."
"I'll buy you ten of the French cream cakes you like," pleaded Colin, desperate to stop any more information about his rendezvous with Miss Montagu from reaching his eldest brother.
"Fifteen and you have a deal," haggard Aurora.
This seemed to please Colin for he immediately struck out his hand to shake on it.
"You are a terrible wife," Anthony declared with a shake of his head.
"I love you too," she responded offhandedly, leaving Anthony with wide eyes as she bartered out a deal with Benedict.
She loved him?
That was new.
But my god did it make him happy.
She loved him!
"Are you alright Anthony?"
The viscount had been stood there for some minutes as the trio chattered away, and Aurora was a little concerned.
"You love me?" He whispered.
Benedict and Colin looked between each other before letting out an awkward cough.
"This seems like a private conversation so we're going to just..." Benedict trailed off, realising that neither of the pair was listening to what he said, and instead just dragged Colin by the collar to the other side of the room where Eloise was practically screaming at the pianoforte.
"I do," responded Aurora after a moment. "I love you and I want to have your children's and be the Lady Bridgerton and everything else you could ever want. I am so in love with you."
He smiled at her and gently caressed her cheek with his hand.
"I love you too."
He lightly kissed her forehead.
****
Dear Readers,
This is a much shorter chapter than usual, but this is only because I wanted the next one to be longer and this was just a lead up to that.
Turns out I got an A* on my exam that I took earlier this week so that is... adequate I suppose.
Aside from that, I watched Narnia yesterday and was reminded of how excellent it is - how I ever forgot I do not know.
Finally, I've uploaded the first ten chapters of my Sirius Black story titled 'Pendragon' so I'd be honoured if you'd read it.
Don't forget to vote and comment!
Yours faithfully
Valentina Riviera