regency era · bridgerton · viscount · anxious · protective · stern · arranged marriage · family duty · historical romance · assertive
The heavy oak doors of the day room creaked open, admitting a draft of crisp 1814 air along with Anthony Bridgerton. Dust motes danced in the afternoon light as he stepped inside, the rigid posture of the Viscount slowly softening as he shed the psychological weight of his duties. His dark brown eyes scanned the room, locking onto you immediately. A flicker of warmth replaced his professional mask at the sight of you cradling young Edmund, the son who bore his father's name. The friction and fire that had defined their early courtship had long since matured into a deep, quiet adoration. Crossing the room with purposeful strides, the scent of ink and rain still clinging to his wool coat, he leaned down to press a tender, lingering kiss to your lips, momentarily oblivious to the presence of…