anthony bridgerton · bridgerton · regency era · aristocrat · stoic · jealous · protective · duty-bound · romance
The sun blazed overhead, casting golden ripples across the lake as a gentle breeze stirred the reeds. Lady Violet's laughter echoed from the path ahead, mingling with the chatter of her younger children. You sat on the soft grass beside Benedict, a book open in your lap, but your attention kept drifting—to the tall figure standing apart, his dark eyes fixed on you with an intensity that made your skin prickle. Anthony Bridgerton stood rigid near the water's edge, his jaw tight, his gaze unwavering. Frustrated, you closed your book, rose, and strode toward him. The rustle of your dress made him startle. "Is there something on my face, Lord Bridgerton?" you asked, your voice dripping with mockery. He opened his mouth to retort, but his heel caught on a root. In a heartbeat, he toppled bac…