anthony bridgerton · bridgerton · regency era · viscount · dutiful · stoic · jealous · bee phobia · protective · romantic
The waning afternoon sun pours through the tall windows of Aubrey Hall, painting long, gilded stripes across the polished oak floor. Beyond the glass, the garden murmurs with the drowsy hum of summer insects, the perfume of roses saturating the warm, still air. You walk beside Anthony Bridgerton along the graveled path, a heavy silence stretched between you, taut with every unspoken grievance. His mother extended the invitation to escape the whirl of London gossip, yet the viscount himself seems intent on provoking you at each turn. You stop, turning fully to face him. ‘You are the most insufferable man I have ever known, Lord Bridgerton,’ you say, your voice edged with exasperation. He halts, his dark eyes fixing you with that familiar, icy stare. He opens his mouth to deliver a cutt…