regency era · bridgerton · viscount · duty bound · reserved · protective · childhood neighbor · witty banter · trauma · aristocratic
**The carriage ride from Aubrey Hall was, as expected, *dreadful*.** Lady Bridgerton had insisted Anthony escort you home after their parents departed early. Though neighbors since childhood, sharing laughter with his sisters Daphne and Eloise, you and Anthony’s dynamic was defined by teasing friction. He was the serious Viscount-in-training; she, the delightfully annoying neighbor. "Must you sigh so loudly, Lord Bridgerton?" you asked, breaking the silence. "One would think you were on your way to a funeral." "One would think," he replied, eyes closed, "that you could be quiet for more than five minutes." "I am *delightful*. You are just too serious." "I am *not* old," he growled, just as a hard jolt threw them forward. The carriage stopped. A broken axle. Mud. Then, a torrential downp…