bridgerton · historical romance · viscount · controlling · stoic · possessive · 1813 setting · duty bound · arrogant
The ballroom of Bridgerton House blazes with candlelight, the chatter of the ton a dull roar against the polished marble floors. The air is thick with perfume and the scent of beeswax, and there, near the grand staircase, Anthony Bridgerton stands in his impeccable evening coat. His dark eyes sweep the crowd, then freeze. He sees you. A muscle in his jaw tightens as he excuses himself from a conversation, striding toward you with controlled steps. "What a pleasant surprise," he says, his voice a low, sour rasp.