The downfall of Viscount Bridgerton

chapter eight - uncertain feelings

"I have never met such an insolent young woman. I tell you Benedict I have quite changed my mind. I will never marry her."

The three eldest Bridgerton's were now sat together on one of the couches in the Bridgerton sitting room. Anthony had taken to pacing the room three times and then sitting down before standing up and repeating the process.

Benedict shook his head before responding.

"Why, because she is the only woman to not be falling over themselves to marry you?"

"That must be ever so hard for you" taunted Colin.

Anthony shook off his brothers comment and made his way to the fireplace, leaning both hands on the mantelpiece as he stared into the flames.

"I do not understand it. The girl is impossible. She behaves terribly, shows me no manners - something which she does not struggle to provide for everyone else - and has the nerve to speak ill of those she has not even met! And yet!" Here he paused. "And yet I cannot rid her from my mind."

"I dare say Colin, I think our brother is in love" remarked Benedict.

"Do not be silly" responded Anthony coldly. He couldn't possibly be in love. He would not allow it.

"You'd make a fine couple."

"You don't really believe that do you?" Anthony appeared astonished at the notion of he and the Grey girl making a genuine couple.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I do. And mother says so too."

"Oh, well if mother says so then it must be true!" Snapped Anthony, halting his pacing.

"Look, brother." Benedict boldly began, "nearly a year ago you vowed that you would find yourself a wife and settle down so that this family might have some safety in its future. This is a vow you have repeatedly promised to uphold and yet, now that a worthy woman has finally appear, you still refuse to even consider her. She is perfect. You could not do better, and if you fail to see this then I am most sorry indeed."

Here, Benedict paused to allow his words to take effect before continuing.

"Until you marry we cannot. And I do not know of Colin's intentions - no that I a lie I am quite aware of Colin's intentions - but I do not wish to remain unmarried for eternity. So please, get over yourself and start considering her."

At some point during his speech Benedict had risen from his seat and was now stood in a shockingly authoritarian stance.

Anthony, on the other hand, had lost his former posture and was now stood with his gaze held firmly on the edges of his boots.

"Perhaps you are right" he whispered.

"Pardon?" Colin asked, sparing a glance at Ben.

"Perhaps you are right" Anthony spoke more loudly, "I have been foolish in my behaviour thus far. And I suppose she is quite pretty."

"I should think there's a great deal more to her than that, brother" Benedict started but Colin was quick to stop him.

"One speech from you this evening was quite enough, Benedict. Do not make us listen to another one."

Benedict reached across the sofa and pulled Colin into a playful headlock in retaliation to his comment. Their play fighting soon escalated into a full blown brawl and, after several minutes of concerned glances, Anthony left.

After Anthony left the room the two remaining Bridgertons ceased their nonsense and slowly turned to each other with a knowing look. It was Colin who spoke first.

"I give it two weeks before he proposes" He declared with a smirk.

"Two weeks!" Exclaimed Ben, "I give it until next Wednesday."

"Surely not so soon, brother?"

Benedict thought for a moment then downed his whiskey before replying "no, I am quite certain he will propose within the week. In fact, I'd be willing to place ten pounds on it."

"You're both wrong!" Came a voice from outside the door.

Not moments later, Daphne and Eloise tumbled into the room in a most unladylike fashion.

"Anthony's far too stubborn to propose to someone like Aurora." Finished Eloise once she had regained her composure.

Daphne made her way to the couch before she spoke.

"No, indeed, I think Benedict may be right."

"Really?" Benedict snapped his head to look at her in surprise.

"Yes. Actually, I think he rather likes her."

"He certainly can't stop talking about the girl." Agreed Colin.

There was a pregnant pause.

"Of course she'll never say yes." Laughed Daphne.

At this the siblings broke into a pile of laughter, for this could indeed be agreed upon.