The downfall of Viscount Bridgerton

chapter twenty three - a night to regret

"Now, if at any point you wish to go home just tell me sister. I understand you have had a trying week." William kindly spoke to her as they entered the ballroom at Baylis House.

"Thank you, brother."

Aurora wandered through the crowds of London society and could not help but notice the frequent glances and whispers at her expense.

She was not particularly happy to suddenly be engaged to Viscount Bridgerton and did wish that she might have been allowed to handle news of the affair herself and not have it spread by others.

Immediately following her entrance at the ball Aurora headed over to the buffet table and drank somewhere between four and seven glasses of wine - she could not remember and quite frankly did not care. She wished for nothing more than to forget whatever events may occur that night.

"My Lady, may I have this dance?"

Aurora was surprised and honestly not quite ready to face the Viscount Bridgerton (who was at least as drunk as her, although both of them were doing a rather good job of concealing the fact).

She managed a small smile as he took her hand and led her onto the floor.

They danced for some minutes in silence until Anthony chose to speak.

"So we are officially betrothed. I am sorry, especially after you so explicitly denied my first request." Whispered Anthony as they danced.

He then proceeded to spin her and Aurora was shocked when she landed mere inches from his body. Of course that was exactly how the movement worked, but this felt different to when she had danced with other young men.

Aurora lifted her head so that she caught the Viscount's gaze, she had never been so close to him and this moment made her feel something. Her previous unease grew and she began to feel the alcohol truly taking effect.

She would not lie, she had always been attracted to him, but now - knowing they were to be wed - she felt... anger? Love?

"Marrying a viscount should not be so very bad." She responded, shockingly aware of how close there lips were. She could smell the whiskey on his breath.

Anthony lowered his head so that his breath brushed against Aurora's neck as he breathed out.

"Haven't you heard? I'm a rake. The very worst kind." He chuckled in her ear, surprised at his open flirtation.

"Was it not Lady Whistledown who said that reformed rakes make the very best of husbands?"

"Ah, but I am not reformed"

"Not yet." Her mind was now buzzing and Aurora deeply regretted the amount of wine she had consumed.

"Yet? Will you be the one to reform my, my Lady?"

"Will you let me?"

'Stop it Aurora!' She thought to herself.

"No. I shall try my absolute hardest to stick to my rakish ways." He teased, "in fact, I shall endeavour to be even more rakish."

"You are terrible Anthony Bridgerton"

"Terribly handsome"

"I change my mind! I think I should prefer to be married to Lord Harding."

The vast array of alcohols Anthony had consumed throughout the cause of the day were now mingling in his bloodstream, causing him to behave in a manner he knew he would regret come morning.

"You do not mean that, surely!"

"No. I do not. I want to marry you, Anthony."

"Wait here."

"What?" Aurora (in her rather drunken state) could not help but feel hurt that he had left her after she had opened her heart to him.

'This will be a night to regret, I know it' she chastised herself

Anthony rushed through the room to the stage where the musicians were playing and made them cease their playing and begin playing a softer, romantic piece by Mozart.

The Ton was surprised at the sudden change in music and the entire room turned to face the eldest Bridgerton.

"Ladies, Gentlemen, Lady Whistledown wherever you are, I have an announcement!" Despite the nerves he was feeling, the whiskey made Anthony feel ecstatic. "You may have heard some rumours. Let me put them to rest. Lady Grey!" He jumped from the stage and made his way through the room towards her, the crowd parting for him. "Do me the greatest honour of my life and marry me. I am quite in love with you and I have no idea what I will do without you beside me for the rest of my life. You may have thought me dull and petulant when we first met - my fault entirely - but I have loved you since the moment I met you." He kneeled in front of Aurora smiling the most stupidly drunken smile she had ever seen on anyone. "Please."

The room was silent, not a shoe squeaked. Even the musicians had fallen quiet.

The Ton held its breath in anticipation. Benedict looked at his brother in concern, he had seen enough of Anthony to know when he was horrifically wasted.

Aurora (although ready to cry, laugh and scream at herself) composed herself and managed to utter out a simple "okay".

This was all the response needed for the Ton who quickly responded with clapping. The music returned and Anthony stood, embracing her in a hug before separating from her, taking her gloved hand and placing a delicate kiss upon it.

No sooner had he released it than the two were bombarded with congratulations from the esteemed members of London society.

*****

Well, that was crazy! How do you think Aurora and Anthony will react tomorrow morning when they realise what they said?

Side note, I've begun planning two other books one of them is about Benedict and the other is a complete different novel of my own making so keep an eye out x