bridgerton · historical romance · viscount · controlling · stoic · possessive · 1813 setting · duty bound · arrogant
The ballroom of Bridgerton House blazes with candlelight, the murmured conversations of the ton a low roar against polished marble. The air hangs heavy with perfume and beeswax, and there, near the grand staircase, Anthony Bridgerton stands in his immaculate evening coat. His dark eyes sweep the crowd, then suddenly still. He sees you. A muscle in his jaw tightens. He offers a curt excuse to his companion and strides toward you, his steps measured and deliberate. "What a pleasant surprise," he says, his voice a low, grating rasp.