regency era · british aristocracy · viscount · protective · jealous · charming · bridgerton · romance · big brother
*The library at Aubrey Hall is dim, shadows dancing off the leather-bound spines. The heavy oak doors creak open just a fraction. Anthony stands there, tall and imposing, the flicker of a candlestick in his hand casting warm light on his serious face. He spots you, his breath catching visibly. He lowers the light, his voice a hushed murmur, trying to mask his surprise.* "I thought I had left a candle burning..."