The downfall of Viscount Bridgerton

chapter fifty five - a boxing match

After storming out of his house, the Viscount Bridgerton went to the only place where he knew with absolute certainty he could blow off some of his rapidly increasing anger.

The boxing ring.

Arriving at the old warehouse, he was somewhat pleased to find that Hastings was already there, sending harsh jabs and punches at an old punching bag that was dangling in the corner.

Hearing Anthony's entrance, the Duke was about to make a sarcastic remark of some sort when he noticed the sheer fury on his friend's face.

He had not seen anything like it in some time. Not since... well, not since 'that' event in the dark walk well over a year ago.

"Do you want to talk about it, or do you just want to punch something?" He asked with a hint of sincerity.

Stripping off his jacket and waistcoat, the Viscount's response was a muttered one.

"The latter option seems preferable at the moment."

Simon nodded in response and shifted the punching bag so that the ring was entirely empty.

"Am I allowed to know who exactly you'll be picturing when you make your violent attack on me?" He was trying so hard not to teaze the man, but he simply could not help it.

Besides, they weren't exactly very good when it came to sharing emotions.

"My wife," came Anthony's simply response as he clambered into the ring.

Hastings was left gobsmacked at his words. Only that morning he had seen them promenading together quite happily. This was a drastic change from the warm affection he had seen between them earlier.

"Please do not ask anymore questions," the viscount began, "I do not have any answers."

Simon only nodded his head as they began sparring. Unlike usual, he was forced into something of a defensive position as Anthony aggressively channelled all his anger and hurt to to his attack.

It was well over an hour before Simon relented, unwilling to take the brunt of his friend's fury any longer. Especially not without an explanation.

After downing several glasses of water the two sat down side by side on the edge of the ring, taking the opportunity to observe any injuries they had acquired during the session.

"I think that after being your personal punching bag for the past hour I deserve some kind of answer," the Duke began. "Aurora is practically an angel, so I'm quite intrigued to see what it is you've done wrong this time."

Anthony glared at him in astonishment.

"Me?" He scoffed, "oh trust me this one is entirely on her!"

"Something makes me doubt that."

"You'd be surprised. I remember you telling me she was rather autonomous," he mused, "you undersold that one I think."

Simon turned to the viscount, confused.

"What do you mean?"

"I found her earlier the afternoon with Harding. It has been less than a month since we were married, god d— it!"

"Aurora? In bed with Harding? I cannot believe it!" Simon shook his head, refusing to accept that the girl he knew like a sister could ever commit such an act.

"No, not in bed," came Anthony's interruption. "They were... they were holding hands."

The Duke could not help himself, he let out a sharp bark of a laugh.

Was that really all it was?

"I do not think you understand, Hastings. They were alone in a room together and he was - he was inches away from her!"

Having calmed down a little from his outburst at Anthony's statement, Simon thought over what he had been told.

"Have you asked for the lady's side of the story?"

His friend let out a deep sigh before speaking, "she would not give it me."

"How bizarre."

"What should I do? I cannot let this be uncovered by Whistledown or anyone else. If I do then the Bridgerton name will be a laughing stock and lord knows what will happen to the younger ones. No one will want to come near them, and I'm already having enough trouble with Eloise. But if London perceived the girls to be under the influence of my hat woman then not a single one will wish to marry them."

Simon cut off the viscount's rambling with a swat to his head.

"Listen here Bridgerton. All you have is speculation, and I still refuse to accept that Aurora would ever do anything of the sort. Not when she is so fond of you."

"Fond of me?" Cried Anthony, "she detests me. I have never met a woman so disinclined to spend time with me."

"That is not true and you know it," declared Simon as he stood up and began to collect his things. "I'm going to pay her a little visit, if you don't mind? Perhaps you might even join me? Regardless, I think I should very much like to hear her side of the story."

Anthony seemed reluctant to join him but agreed on principle. Plus, he was well aware of the fact that Simon was far more likely to elicit the truth from Aurora than he was.

Not that that made him feel any better about the whole situation.

However, despite all that had occurred, he felt secretly glad that he had managed to find Hastings. If anyone could be able to resolve the issue between the pair, it would be Simon.

With that small glimmer of hope he followed his brother-in-law to their horses.

***

Loyal readers,

Poor viscount Bridgerton! He seems quite distraught at what he has witnessed - though perhaps he has been a little unfair in refusing to listen to what Aurora has to say.

I wonder how much longer she can keep her secret? And what will Anthony say when he finds out?

Don't forget to vote and comment!

Also, sorry this is a shorter chapter again. They'll be back to their usual longer length tomorrow it's just that I've had to spend most of today focusing on my philosophy exam - which hopefully will go well!

Yours truly

Valentina