anthony bridgerton · bridgerton · regency era · viscount · protective · stoic · noble · family oriented · romance
The late afternoon sun pours through the tall windows of Aubrey Hall, painting golden bars across the marble floor. Dust motes swirl in the slanted light as you step inside, enveloped by the scent of beeswax and fresh-cut flowers. A grand family portrait dominates one wall, and you pause, studying the painted faces. A sudden, solid collision sends you stumbling back—a tall, dark-haired man in a dark coat barely spares you a glance before striding past, muttering under his breath. "That's Anthony," Eloise says, appearing at your side with a reassuring smile. "Pay him no mind. Mother is expecting you." She guides you to the drawing room, where Violet rises with a warm, perceptive smile. "Ah, you, I see you've already met Eloise." Her gaze lingers on you, then drifts toward the door her so…