Secrets & Scandals •Anthony Bridgerton•

Swish Part I

Swish Part I

Dearest Gentle Reader,

I must send felicitations to the new Duke and Duchess of Hastings. Congratulations and stamina as they embark on the most exhilarating time in a young couple's life. I am, of course, talking of the honeymoon. Is there a more romantic notion? To retreat from society together finally leaving watchful eyes behind.

While this author, along with the rest of the ton, will certainly miss its most-remarked-upon couple back in London, perhaps we might find solace in the promise of the Duke and Duchess returning to us bearing a surprise. However, until the suspenseful news arrives, this author has questions for another Bridgerton. Why was it Anthony Bridgerton is married to the church mouse Sloehigh? With no honeymoon? Is there a secret scandal this author has yet to uncover?

Anthony scrapped the paper--which was better to be compared to a bored woman's internal thoughts--onto the silver tray that his butler originally handed the paper to him on. How was it, just when he thought scandal and talk of his family would flow past them, it was found once again at his feet?

He had planned everything for his own quick wedding but there was nothing he could do to stand against the gossip of one rather annoying lady. Lady Whistledown. Although the article was rubbish, it was enlightening to read your own personal issues if you were on the front page. Anthony found himself (as well as his family) on the cover rather frequently.

It led him to question everything in his life sometimes, for example, a honeymoon.

Should he and Ester go on one? Would there be a way to explain why they didn't have one without being suspicious? Daphne's wedding. That could be a reason. He couldn't leave Benedict to the task of monitoring the family just yet? No, that would be too forced. As well as a lie.

Placing his hands on his head, he was not expecting the day to go like this and so early on. Today was to be a simple day, attend a garden party just before lunch, fix out Ester's problems with his approach with Lord Wimmick, which he still didn't understand her anger about. Then maybe a nap and some financial work. Nope, the world had other plans for his mental string.

Deciding to face the music, Anthony made his way downstairs to find something to do before yet another party. Honestly he would take a honeymoon just to escape endless promenades and events. However he found when he excited his rooms, in the joined living room, his wife sat on a window seat looking as regal as ever.

Anthony, was not blind and nor was he stupid. Despite Ester's past financial status, she was beautiful. He decided it was the shape of her nose with the freckles that dotted it. Framing her face was a mass of the most curly hair he had ever seen. Hair that came from her grandfather if he remembered correctly. 

She was in the most flattering shade of light blue, with an even lighter blue fabric on top of that one. It must have been one of the new dresses she had bought with Daphne, Eloise and his mother as it did not have the stains and holes at the bottom that her other ones did.

Goodness. Anthony thought. I'm spending so much time with women I'm becoming one. He quickly shook his head and decided to approach Ester.

"Good morning." Ester however didn't move a muscle, just continued reading her book at the window seat. Deciding she must not have heard him he said once more in a louder voice "Good morning!" Ester still ignored him.

"Are you going to ignore me all day, like a child?" Anthony spat at her, he wasn't trying to come off as angry but he was rather frustrated. Talking to Ester was the only joy in his days anymore.