The Viscount Who Loved Me ¦ A Bridgerton Fanfic

Chapter 12

TW for later on in the chapter.

Carina's POV

It was 2pm, Anthony would be arriving shortly and I had to get dressed.

I tied my hair into an updo before stabbing pins into it. Stripping out of my morning dress, I put on a chemisette and lavender walking dress. On top of that, I put on a darker lavender pelisse made out of silk with a collar and silver satin appliques. I accessorised with silver and amethyst jewellery. I grabbed a pair of gloves and my bonnet when I heard a knock at the door.

"M'lady, the viscount is here." Belle said through the door.

I left my room and thanked Belle before descending to the foyer. There I saw Anthony with his hat between his arms talking to Mama.

When the Viscount saw me, he offered me his arm. I took it graciously and we began our walk to the park.

Anthony's POV

I was breathless. Carina looked stunning in her outfit. The colour of the dress compliment that of her hair perfectly, enhancing her features.

We walked around Hyde Park talking and watching the scenery. I stared at Carina with loving eyes ashamed that I could not propose until after Mother's Hearts and Flowers Ball held at our country estate.

I loved Carina. Something I vowed never to do alas God had a different plan for me.

Carina was talking about her hopes for the future: how she would love to have a big family; how she wanted to marry for love and how she sees the world.

The lady in front of me was compassionate, delicate and beautiful. She shines brighter than the stars.

We were walking on the bridge when she tripped. I was lucky to have caught her before she hit the floor.

"This is the second time I have saved you this week Lady Grey." I joked.

She laughed sweetly, "My Viscount in shining armour."

I helped the young lady back onto her feet. "Are you alright my lady?" I asked.

"I am in perfect health my lord." She reassured.

I checked my pocket watch and saw that it was almost 5pm. Mother's Musicale would be starting soon.

I hailed a carriage for Carina and her stepmother and assisted them into the carriage.

Carina poked her head out of the window." Will I see you tonight Lord Bridgerton?" She asked with a smile.

"You will my lady." I answered.

I kissed her hand and bid them farewell before returning to my bachelor lodgings to prepare for Mother's Musicale. Eloise was surprisingly good at singing. Francesca would be playing the pianoforte.

Carina's POV

Mama and I arrived home. Blush was still on my cheeks from when the Viscount kissed my hand. I went upstairs and began preparing for Lady Bridgerton's Musicale.

I donned a navy blue dress with silver embroidery. I matched this with silver sapphire jewellery and black shawl. Tying my hair into a half bun half down style, I put on a silver sapphire diadem. After slipping on my navy blue shoes, I put on a pair of black gloves and made my way downstairs.

I could hear an argument upstairs in Charles office, I do not know what it is about nor do I want to know. Mama and Charlie had been arguing a lot since Papa died. It hurt. It hurt to see them fight.

They both came down with a composed look, pretending the dispute never happened. We got into the carriage and set off across the street to Bridgerton House.

When we got there, I realised that I had matched Lady Bridgerton's decor. Navy banners hung in the house tied with silver chords. I laughed to myself about the irony.

We entered the ballroom and saw masses of chairs set out. All of them were full, minus the ones at the front row.

We took our seats and began to wait for the Musicale to begin. Eloise stepped out nervously dressed in a light blue dress paired with diamonds. Francesca, who was not out yet, was wearing a light pink dress that reached her ankles. She sat at the pianoforte and began playing.

Within seconds the ballroom of Bridgerton House came alive with music, Eloise's angelic voice accompanied by Francesca's playing filled the halls. After every song, Eloise was met with an ovation, one of her many talents revealed to the ton. I watched as my friends confidence grew. Unbeknownst to me, Anthony was sat beside me.

During the interval, Charles approached me. He led me to the side of the room to tell me something.

"It is done sister." He said.

"What is done?" I asked, completely confused.

"You are engaged." He said, nonchalantly.

"Pardon!?" I questioned in disbelief.

"You are engaged to the Baron Aston. He asked me for your hand the other day. The Baron is a clean slate: no debts, never seen entering a brothel. Plus his barony set back hundreds of years." Charles explained.

"You betrothed me to HIM?" I asked in utter confusion.

"There is no problem with the man." Charlie added.

"The problem is, brother, that I do not love him." I told him.

"You can learn to love him." He said.

I looked at him, tears starting to form in my eyes. "This is what you and Mama were arguing about isn't it?" I questioned. He said nothing. "I cannot believe you."

I ran off into the garden, heading into the enclosed hedgerow. Sitting on a marble bench, the tears streamed out of my eyes until I heard footsteps approach me. I quickly wiped my eyes and stood up, seeing a smiling baron in front of me.

"I see you have heard of our nuptials." Sebastian sneered.

"Go away Sebastian." I cried.

"Using my Christian name already are we?" He asked getting closer to me.

I took a step back but he grabbed my arm. "What are you doing? Get away from me!" I screamed.

"I am claiming what is mine." He growled.

"No..." I screamed. "Stop it!"

He covered my mouth with one hand and grabbed my neck with the other. Tears were streaming down my face and I couldn't breathe.

Suddenly I heard a punch, the grip on me released. I took a deep breath and saw Baron Aston knocked flat out. To the side of me I saw Anthony, anger filling his eyes. I was still crying and he turned his head to me.

"Are you ok Carina?" He asked worry filling his head.

I just nodded my head, unable to form words.

"Thank God. I was worried something worse would happen." He sighed in relief.

The reality of my situation finally dawned on me. I was alone in a dark garden with two men.

"I-i need to leave." I mustered.

I ran back into the house, eventually finding Mama.

"Darling what is the matter?" She asked with concern.

"Can we go home please?" I asked her.

"Of course, but why?" Mama asked.

I didn't say anything. Mama called for our carriage and we returned home early. I immediately called for a bath in my chambers. The second it was filled I asked for privacy.

I sat in the tub and cried. Scrubbing my skin with a sponge, I tried to get rid of the feeling where he grabbed me. I scrubbed as hard as I could but it didn't go away.

After changing into a nightdress, I curled up into a ball eventually falling asleep.