The Viscount and The Traveler|| Anthony Bridgerton

9

Anthony

After dinner with my family, I went to read Gregory a story as Eloise read one to Hyacinth. I often rotate between the two, since they love the voices I make when imitating characters. By the time I reached the end of the story in the children's book, he was fast asleep. I tucked him further into his bed and quietly left. 

When I got back down the stairs, I noticed my mother having a cup of tea. I would have sat with her, but I have business to attend to. 

"Anthony dear" My mother called out

"Mother" I greeted standing by the door

"Join me" She smiled gesturing to the set up of tea in the front of her

"I was just headed out" I state

"Well, come and sit for a brief moment" She said and I did as told 

"Go on then, spit it out... I know you have something to say mother" I smiled at her 

"W-We" she tried "Cressida Cowper?" She asked frowning 

"What about her mother?" I questioned 

"I can tell you have no interest in her son" She said softly. 

"It's not about interest, it's about who's most suitable for the role as Viscountess" I shrugged 

"So you would rather marry someone who is a suitable Viscountess over someone you love?" She frowned 

"Mother it's my duty" I sighed 

"It is not your duty to marry Cressida Cowper ANTHONY... I raised you better than that" She stated firmly "What happened with Miss Riverdale today at the races?" She asked now bringing her voice back normal 

"Between her and Miss Cowper?" I asked as she shook her head no 

"Between her and you" She says now sipping her tea

"Nothing" I mumbled 

"Is that what you call nothing? The intensity between you two is enough to bring about a whole scandal" She pointed 

"What do you mean mother?" I ask 

"I mean, I do in fact watch what is going on at the social events especially with my children, and if anyone else besides Lady Danbury and I notice-" She went to explain before I cut her off

"So you and Lady Danbury are scheming again? Daphne and Simon weren't enough mother?" I asked now standing up

"Do not raise your voice at me, you might be the head of this household, but I am indeed still your mother. Now as I was saying before you rudely interrupted me, going for Cressida Cowper will not bring happiness to you, especially since you cannot keep your eyes to yourself" She said continuing to drink her tea

"Mother, what do you mean by keeping my eyes to myself?"

"You were just headed out, were you not?" She asked as I nodded " Off you go then" She smiled

Just as I neared the door she called after me "Anthony" 

"Mother"

"I love you son, with everything in me" She said as I turned to face her 

"I love you too mama" I said referring to what I called her when I was a child 

"Off you go then" she smiled wiping her eyes

I quickly left with a smile on my face. Sometimes my mother can get a bit too emotional for me. It's not that I mind, I just try not to visit certain feelings.