Chapter 4, An Agreement
"We have ourselves a deal."

Dearest reader,

It has been said that competition is an opportunity for us to rise and stand ready before our greatest of challenges. Well, if what this author hears this morning is true, then a great challenge concerning this season's diamond had been set forth, indeed. Any suitor wishing to gain an audience with Miss Edwina Sharma must first tame the rather prickly spinster of a beast otherwise known as her sister. While Viscount Bridgerton made his interest in the diamond known, this author wonders if a rose without thorns is what he seeks. For we all saw the ordeal surrounding him and Miss Elizabeth Windsor at last night's festivities. Of course, the only competition that compels my attention is the game of courtship. So best of luck to this year's players. Do not try to stumble on the starting line.

Lady Whistledown, 1814

England awoke with the soft hum of a bird's song. Blue skies and warm breeze represented a day full of good fortune and diversion. With the habitual tendency of forecasted rain and cool draft, a difference painted a scene full of opportunities, as if the vibrant colors influenced fate and linked paths to one another.

There was something special about a sunny day, like a lone star shining in an empty night and blessing the grounds with its luminescence. The season was flourishing with its flowers finding their keeper and acquiring their needed water, as if finally having reached the promised land.

It was strange how a change of weather could affect the hopes of the people. If it was dark and gloomy, somberness was expected, but if the mornings were vibrant and warm, it represented a day full of a future promise.

Some believed this as if it were childhood fables. A legend of some kind. Like all stories, there were followers and it just so happened that a connection between the weather and mood was thoroughly believed in.

But it didn't reach many.

Elizabeth Windsor remained cheery in the sun, the night, the winter, the summer, and the spring. She adored storms, actually. It reminded her of home and home was what the heart yearned for. But matters of the heart had shifted. They no longer revolved around nostalgia or the longings for passion, but instead for responsibility.

Oh, how much that simple word weighed.

Like the previous years of duty, Elizabeth had taken the feigned likings of financial transactions into a small but assured success. No matter the weather, she remained firm against the piles of paper and signings of paid debts. It could be passing midnight and she would still be awake handling accords.

But last night, there was finally respite.

There was only one more debt left to pay, but it was the greatest one. She would often stress about deadlines, but she received word from the bank that she had been granted an extension. It came as a surprise, because Elizabeth truly considered that debt collectors would refuse her pleas and shorten her time for the sake of money.

It wasn't the case now.

There was still time.

And her mission to accept someone eligible was still set.

"Whistledown just arrived!" the excited voice of her sister, Adelaide, announced from downstairs.

Sporting a delicate baby blue dress, Elizabeth finished the final details on her hair before walking down to the breakfast area. The bank's news brought a cheery mood that naturally, she was beyond delighted for what the rest of the day had entailed. Not even her sore feet after last night's dance mattered, because she was happy. She was overjoyed with the extra time that absolutely nothing could worsen her mood.

"She wrote about you," Adelaide looked up from the newspaper, handing it to her.

Elizabeth didn't think much of it, "Was last night truly such a bore that she resorted to mentioning me?"

Adelaide only shrugged in response.

The newspaper was placed into her hands. Her eyes briefly skimmed over the words, but it wasn't until finding her name when a cloud took its place over her head. Written in the scandalous lines, the columnist had thrown assumptions about her and the most unexpected person of all – Anthony Bridgerton.

"While Viscount Bridgerton made his interest in the diamond known, this author wonders if a rose without thorns is what he seeks. For we all saw the ordeal surrounding him and Miss Elizabeth Windsor at last night's festivities."

It was then when her good spirits vanished.

This assumption was so unfathomable and torturous to imagine that she only thought of ripping the paper. The shattered pieces landed on the table, scattering across the delicate cloth and piquing the interest of the rest.

"What did that woman say this time?" Victoria gathered the pieces and combined them as if they were a puzzle. "She truly gave you attention, alright."

Adelaide gave a short laugh.

Elizabeth held her arms together, as if attempting to give herself comfort. She paced slowly as the blood gathered in her face into an irritated flush. "Everyone will start assuming things and it could affect my season. Dear God, why is this happening? And why did she choose to include me in her column?"

Aurora dropped her book to gape at her sister. She exchanged a mischievous look with Adelaide as they couldn't help but wonder if there was more to this supposed rivalry. "Come on, sister. You have to admit the viscount is extremely dashing. I'd be more upset if it had been with any other gentleman."

"Any other person would have been better," Elizabeth complained as she slumped herself into the velvet sofa. "I do not understand why anyone would think someone's interested in the other if they're just arguing all the time. It does not make any sense!"

Adelaide shrugged and whacked the back of her head on the way to the other seat, "You do spend an awful lot of time trying to argue with him. If you truly detested him, you wouldn't bother trying to speak with him and would avoid him instead."

Elizabeth cursed under her breath, running her hands through her hair irritatedly, "It goes both ways. He ruined my dance with the Duke and tried to blame it on me. It's only fair that I ruin things for him as well."

"Here's a suggestion," Aurora jabbed a finger in her direction, "You could just ignore him."

Victoria nodded, "She's right, Lizzie. Attention like this could cost your season and from the looks of it, it has already started."

It was then when Elizabeth realized that no callers had arrived. The previous days, gentlemen were already waiting for their turn for a conversation, but today, there was no one. It was as if she no longer existed or had been exiled.

"If you want to avoid any more assumptions, I suggest you steer clear of him or simply be cordial," Victoria advised, gently pinching her daughter's cheek. "Unless there's truth in Whistledown's words."

Elizabeth scoffed, offended, "She called me a rose with thorns and insinuated that I could be what he needs. Of course there is no truth in them."

"Some people enjoy being romantic while others prefer arguing as if they were in a duel," Victoria stared ahead, her rambles beginning with no means of ending. "Everyone is different, but temptation is hardly avoided, dear."

"Temptation?"

Victoria held her forearm and took her to the side, lowering her voice so only she could hear. "I know we haven't discussed what happens between a man and a woman..."

Elizabeth's eyes widened.

"But you are a woman of five and twenty, so a part of me believes you already know."

Elizabeth gave a faint nod, "I read about it in a book."

Her mother gave her a proud smile, "Good. Then I take it you know how important it is to control your temptations. If a fire begins emerging, you should quickly extinguish it. Unless you wish to share your life with that person."

"Why are you speaking about this?" Elizabeth asked in a disturbed hush. "You are blowing this way out of proportion."

She raised her hands in surrender, "Pardon me for advising my daughter about the risks of falling into urges."

"There are no urges, mama."

Victoria hummed, amused, "Not according to Whistledown."

"Whistledown knows nothing," she insisted, face flushing with irritation and hands crossing over her chest. "This is just senseless gossip that was only written out of the writer's desire to be noticed. Nothing more and nothing less."

A beat of silence filled the room.

Then, Aurora's squeal broke through the invisible barrier.

As if a rush of energy had consumed the youngest Windsor, Aurora leapt toward her sister and reached for both of her hands. "Today's the race, Lizzie! Can we please go?"

"Oh, we're going. No scandal sheet will prevent me from having a day of fun," Elizabeth ruffled her sister's hair, gently squeezing her cheek and giving her a smile. "It shall be a day for just us Windsor women."

"That reminds me," Victoria suddenly said. "It seems you truly captivated Lord Kingston last night, Lizzie. He requested to be your partner at today's races."

Adelaide raised her brows, appalled, "Is he not the one with a child?"

Victoria nodded, "That's the one."

Elizabeth hadn't thought about motherhood in years. She was fully devoted to raising her sisters that her dream had been tucked under the floorboards of the past. It was a quiet longing, something that was only whispered at late hours and under the covers. She wanted to be a mother, but not too soon.

"So... if you and Lord Kingston get married, then he would be your son," Aurora thought aloud, speaking the words slowly as if trying to make sense of them. "And our nephew and mama's grandson."

Adelaide watched her with a deadpan expression, "Wow. It seems we have a genius on our hands."

Aurora stuck her tongue at her, to which Adelaide returned.

"We must get ready for the races, so I expect you to be on your best behavior," Victoria looked toward her youngests, but then turned to Elizabeth as if she were the one at risk. "That means you as well, Lizzie. Remember to be cordial or simply ignore Lord Bridgerton."

"Won't that be easy?" Adelaide asked. "Is he not courting Edwina?"

Elizabeth gave a short laugh, more out of sarcasm than anything. "I would love to see him try."

Everyone turned to her, confused.

"I might have turned Kate against him," she nonchalantly explained. "So if he is intent on pursuing her, he will definitely have a challenging season ahead of him."

"And you wonder why Lady Whistledown assumed things," Adelaide pointed out, earning a sharp glare.

"I only did what's right," Elizabeth tried to defend.

"You did what was best for you," Victoria argued. "You dislike him, so you did everything to rid him from your life."

"Not true," Elizabeth insisted, walking away toward the stairs. "I was looking out for Edwina."

"And yourself," Adelaide and Aurora said.

She internally cursed, "If you want to believe that, then fine. I won't waste time arguing with you when I have a race to get ready for."

"Wear the green dress. It makes your features stand out," Victoria advised.

Elizabeth only nodded in response and walked away, but her sisters' laughter began to reverberate throughout the home. She paused and then looked their way, "Now what?"

Still laughing, Adelaide and Aurora bolted out of the room into the garden. They continued glancing back and leaning close to their ears, as if whispering forbidden gossips.

It was obvious nothing good was being discussed, but Elizabeth refused to argue more. She merely accepted defeat and headed up the stairs, knowing her sisterly revenge would come soon.

Oh, how enjoyable, indeed.

__________________

"I have been working for many years to expand my fortune. It has been a great challenge, but I do not surrender to difficulties," Lord Kingston flailed his hands for emphasis as he walked alongside Elizabeth, who hadn't been given the chance to speak in the half hour of being together. "You should know that I expect my son to be raised with the most absolute care and to be given brothers as soon as possible. A daughter would be... tolerated, but I come from a family of only men, so I wish to follow the tradition."

Elizabeth's feigned smile tightened in place.

She was so close to losing her mind.

Lord Kingston continued, "Eight children would be ideal and I already have all the names chosen. My family is very devoted to the passing of names, so they would be honored when learning my children have been named after them."

Her eye was on the verge of twitching.

"I am set on living in the city, so the children could be closer to my business," Lord Kingston walked a few steps ahead, failing to notice she had fallen behind. "They should be introduced to the family business just as soon as they learn to walk. It is what my father did to me and it helped me gain knowledge about my work."

Elizabeth was certain he wouldn't even notice if she left. If she wandered off into the sunset, he would continue his absurd ramblings and perhaps wouldn't care that he was left unattended, because he could attend himself. She was nearly tempted to do so, but he was the only gentleman who still appeared to be interested.

Lady Whistledown's assumption made the rest of her potential suitors scurry away as if she were the plague. She would notice their shameful looks and their whispers whenever she walked by. It was appalling how a simple column could bring this much scandal, because if anything, this assumption should have brought more attention.

Men loved competition and competing for a woman was definitely their strong suit. Without it, the marriage mart would have ceased to exist.

"What do you think of that, Miss Windsor?" Lord Kingston came to a halt, glancing back at her.

Elizabeth slowly approached him. She was uncertain of what to say after having tuned out of the conversation, so now she wondered how to continue. "It sounds... good."

"Interesting," he furrowed his brows. "Not many ladies find my suggestion good."

"Well, I am not them," she nervously said.

"Indeed you are not," Lord Kingston took a step closer, his gaze setting on her too intensely. "I admire your willingness to bring another woman into our marriage. Anything to keep the flame alive."

It was then when Elizabeth couldn't control her expression any longer.

"You wish to bring a mistress to bed in spite of being married?" Elizabeth felt her heart drop. She couldn't believe men like this existed and how open he was in expressing his adultery. "Well, if you wish that, then it should only be right that a man is brought in as well. Like you said, anything to keep the flame alive."

"That is absurd," Lord Kingston's face filled with disgust. "It is a blatant offense."

"Like bringing a woman into your wife's bed."

"Many marriages continue to function because of it," he defended. "Men get tired of the same thing, so it is expected to find other resources to keep the marriage alive."

Elizabeth always knew when to stay silent. She was taught to respect other's opinions and to keep hers quiet, but Lord Kingston was making her lessons challenging to follow. She wished to express her beliefs, but she wasn't in the position to tarnish her image more than the columnist already did.

Arguing with the senseless would be considered the gravest of sins, so it was with a heavy heart that she swallowed her pride and accepted the silence.

"Do you disagree?" he asked again, as if to ensure her quality.

She gave a small smile, one so feigned and shameful, "If that is what you wish, then it must be followed."

Lord Kingston seemed satisfied upon her response. He walked an inch closer to her, enough to feel the intense heat he emanated. "Shall we go to our seats, Miss Windsor?"

Elizabeth would rather duel someone than endure another second. Like she always did whenever trouble was arising, she searched amidst the crowd for her sisters. But her sisters weren't the eyes she found.

It was another's.

Standing alongside his brothers, Anthony had his attention placed upon her. He gazed at her with challenge, like he was seeking a storm to emerge on this bright day. His brown eyes were darker than accustomed, as if the sunlight hadn't filtered their way in and blessed them with the delicacy of a grand splendor.

Her jaw was subtly clenched. She felt her stomach twist into a knot as her face flushed with a shade of vexation. He stood so firmly, as if setting dominance over the field and every existence soaring through. She would be lying if she didn't say how surprising it was that he greeted her with a subtle bow, but somehow in spite of being advised to offer cordiality, she only looked away toward her partner.

"Lizzie!" the soft spoken voice of Edwina called out to her. The youngest Sharma stood in front wearing a delicate pink gown, her hair was intricately held upwards and adorned with white flowers, and a golden necklace was placed around her neck that brought out the splendor in her eyes.

Next to her was Kate, who was accompanied by a gentleman, to which Elizabeth recognized as Mr. Dorset. Their arms were linked with a gentle yet strong hold, as if they were truly enjoying each other's company.

Kate gave her a soft smile, relieved and thankful, "I'm so glad you made it."

Elizabeth returned the smile, but it didn't take much for Kate to realize there was a hidden message in her expression. Since they were young girls, they learned each other's mannerisms and understood the secrets held. If one was in need of help, the other would intervene and put an end to the unfortunate circumstances.

"I've been meaning to discuss something with you," Kate subtly released herself from Mr. Dorset's grip and reached for Elizabeth's hand instead.

"If you could please excuse me," Elizabeth so swiftly parted from Lord Kingston's side. She sighed in relief once they were further from the pair, who had chosen to take their seats to wait for the race to start. "I cannot thank you enough. I owe you my life."

"You truly seem to attract the most atrocious of men."

She groaned, rolling her eyes, "He intends to bring a mistress into bed. Apparently to keep the flame alive."

Kate's eyes widened, appalled, "He openly admitted to that?"

She nodded, "I suggested that a man should be brought in as well. It's only right for the woman to receive the same privileges."

"And he opposed it."

"Yes!"

"That objectifying imbecile!"

"I know!" Elizabeth then sighed heavily, a sense of defeat starting to emerge. "Tell me, Kate. I haven't received as many callers as I used to. You do not think the latest Whistledown could have possibly influenced it?"

She turned silent, as if contemplating saying anything.

Elizabeth noticed.

"It's worse than I thought then," she fiddled with her thumbs, now much more afraid at her lack of choices she'd have.

"The writer assumed something, so naturally with her column's popularity, people will believe it," Kate tried addressing the situation as gently as possible, but not even her soothing voice could rid the harsh verity of her words. The ton believed gossip as if it were their religion, so it was safe to assume their beliefs wouldn't easily be changed.

"If my only choice is marrying Lord Kingston, I will definitely find a way to part from this world much quicker-"

"Do not say that," Kate reprimanded as she slapped her shoulder. "Suitable gentlemen will come. Perhaps the Duke you danced with at Lady Danbury's ball."

"He has not come to visit me yet," she pouted.

"I overheard Lady Danbury say that he had an emergency to attend to, but he will be back for the rest of the season," Kate assured her, both of them now heading back to their partners. "Just endure a little more and you shall be set."

Not that Elizabeth was certain of it, but it was something she needed to accept. Anything to prevent her season from being wrecked.

"Miss Windsor," Lord Kingston stood from his seat, gesturing toward the empty space beside him.

The only comfort was that she would be next to Edwina, so at least there'd be someone to share a meaningful conversation with.

"It seems Kate has become interested in someone," Edwina whispered to her with a smile once she sat down.

Elizabeth glanced toward her, noticing how easy her conversation with Mr. Dorset had resumed. Her heart fluttered in delight as she truly hoped something good would come out of this. "Hopefully things go well. Perhaps two weddings could occur before the season ends."

"Oh, that would be incredible," Edwina's brown eyes beamed with delight, her hands nearly applauding in excitement. "But you must also include yourself. Three weddings could be occurring."

She hummed in thought for a moment, "At the rate I'm in, it would seem improbable."

"Do not say that," Edwina lowered her voice much further, speaking below a whisper. "Lord Kingston might surprise you."

She shook her head, purposely not saying more to avoid him from overhearing.

"Lord Bridgerton," Lord Lumley suddenly stood up and adjusted the collar of his blazer, a cordial smile rising from the corners of his lips.

Elizabeth cursed under her breath.

Anthony noticed the subtle change in her expression. He was more than pleased at her response that a genuine smile appeared, "Miss Windsor. Miss Edwina. Miss Sharma. Lumley."

Edwina's face turned a rosy tint in his presence, "How delightful to see you, my lord."

Elizabeth stared ahead past his figure, focusing intently on the track instead. If she couldn't avoid him, then she definitely could pretend he didn't exist. There weren't many options to choose from, so she resorted to the worst kind, which was forcing a conversation with her boorish partner.

"Lord Kingston, I-"

"Lord Bridgerton, allow me to introduce myself," Mr. Dorset interrupted, standing up and bowing his head in a formal greeting. "Mr. Thomas Dorset."

"It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Lord Bridgerton," Lord Kingston proceeded to follow, appearing much more eager at this new introduction. "Lord Kingston."

Elizabeth wondered if there was anyone in this town who didn't delight in his presence.

Maybe she was the only one.

Anthony formally returned the greeting, but found himself wondering why he was being ignored. He had expected a comment or a simple reaction of disdain, but Elizabeth was pretending he didn't exist. She was dismissing him without a thought and after everything she did, he found this much more insulting than anything.

Kate narrowed her eyes, noticing where his attention was placed. "Did you need something, my lord?"

Anthony blinked, nodding gently before looking toward Edwina. "I did. Miss Edwina, I was hoping to call on you this morning..."

Kate cut him off, "My sister is well aware of everything-"

"But I promised my family to join them for breakfast," Anthony kept insisting, and proceeded to gesture to his family sitting on the other side. "We are exceptionally close. Break our fasts regularly. There they all are now."

Everyone glanced at the family, who were each sharing conversations and laughing amongst each other.

"Your point?" Elizabeth finally spoke up and for just a moment, he was relieved to hear her voice. "So many families are united. Take mine and the Sharmas for example. It does not change anything."

Edwina discreetly elbowed her, "Come on, Lizzie. One can tell a great deal about a man from his family, I rather think."

She shrugged, not sparing her a glance all in attempts to avoid arguing back, "Sure. Let's go with that."

"None of the families are quite as inviting as the Bridgertons," Lord Lumley spoke in his defense, making Anthony extend his arms like a point was just proven. "My mother's been wanting to enjoy another tea at Bridgerton house for some time."

"Well, we must gratify your wish, Lumley," Anthony promised, but it was then when he noticed the tight space between the diamond and Elizabeth. He couldn't accept defeat by heading to another seat when there was a slight chance he could fit between them. Anything to ensure his future intended wouldn't be taken by another. "Speaking of refreshments, I could not help but notice the ladies are without."

It was now when Elizabeth was grateful for his presence. This was her chance to flee the scene and claim she couldn't arrive back due to the race having started. She knew it was frowned upon to abandon her partner midway into a stroll, but she was certain Lord Kingston wouldn't even care. Perhaps he might find another to entertain himself with.

"How observant," she offered a tight lipped smile. "But it seems you are right, so if you could please excuse me, I shall head over for refreshments."

Anthony stiffened.

His eyes widened as he watched her stand from her seat to begin making her way to the table. He didn't intend to make her leave since he assumed that her obstinate self would refuse to give up her spot. If anything, he expected the other gentlemen to offer to acquire drinks and grant him the opportunity to spend time with his future viscountess.

Lord Kingston stood to accompany her.

But Anthony couldn't allow it.

"I shall accompany you," he blurted out, making her glare at him in astonishment. He knew how troubling this appeared, especially after their arguments and assumptions made in Lady Whistledown's paper. "I will be back with your lemonade, Miss Edwina."

"That would be most agreeable," Edwina thanked him with a smile. "Thank you, my lord."

Lord Kingston reluctantly sat back down, "Very well. I guess I will wait right here, Miss Windsor."

Elizabeth had no intentions of returning. She was intent on watching the races on the opposite side and claim that her absence was linked to not wanting to disrupt anyone's line of sight. It seemed like an understandable reason, so it was with eagerness that she fled the scene toward the refreshments table.

But to her dismay, she wasn't alone.

"Lovely weather we're having," Anthony reached for the same glass of lemonade, accidentally brushing his fingers against her gloved hand. Their warmth radiated onto each other like an electric jolt, but instead of the shock making them draw their hands back, they remained frozen in their little bubble.

Slowly, he looked into her eyes and found himself admiring their rich brown color that reminded him of a cozy winter day while holding a nice cup of hot chocolate. Something comforting, solidifying, and embracing. They were unlike anything he had ever witnessed and it was tempting to continue admiring them like the masterpiece they were.

But his admiration was momentary.

It was Elizabeth moving her hand back that returned him to his senses. She staggered away as if he were poisonous, like the smallest contact was the gravest of sins. He said nothing more of the sort, because that meant bringing unwarranted attention to the meaningless.

She acquired her glass of lemonade and took a sip, subtly maneuvering her way around him.

"So... Lord Kingston," Anthony walked at an unhurried pace toward her, tucking his hands back and staring at the race track a couple feet from them. "Interesting choice in companionship."

Elizabeth halted, "Now you're the one involving yourself in my matters."

"It was only right," he nonchalantly said. "I do admit, it is surprising you would accept a man who flaunts his mistresses. After your explicit beliefs, I did not take you as someone with a clouded constitution."

"Well, he asked for me and I accepted."

He hummed, amused.

She tilted her head at him, "Is there something you wish to say?"

"I thought you did not care for my beliefs," Anthony reminded her, to which she responded with a scoff.

"I do not, but the races have not begun, so I wish to be entertained by your foolishness," Elizabeth said, placing the empty glass of lemonade on the nearest table.

His eyes widened in feigned offense, "I shouldn't be surprised that you cannot hold a civilized conversation."

"No one is civilized, my lord," she carelessly said, not batting an eye to his attempt at vexation. "Everyone just likes to pretend."

"Just like you seem to be pretending with him," Anthony looked toward the race track, speaking without a care in the world.

She scoffed, rolling her eyes, "You know nothing, Lord Bridgerton."

He raised a curious brow at her, "Is that so?"

She nodded.

"If you truly were interested in Lord Kingston, you wouldn't have offered to bring refreshments with the intention of abandoning your partner," he nearly smiled upon seeing the defeat in her eyes.

Her lips curved into a frown; one so subtle but noticeable to the attentive. "What you say is a lie."

"There is a difference between lying and being observant," he continued, now offering a victorious smirk. "If you were fond of your partner, you would not be wasting your time sharing a conversation with me."

Elizabeth now prayed for a horse to run her over.

"How observant," she then said, her voice falling to an alluring tone so low that only he could hear. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were captivated."

Anthony bit back on a laugh, "Keep dreaming, Miss Windsor."

Elizabeth was nearly about to offer a remark, but it was then when an announcement that the race was about to begin was made. From what it seemed, her plan on straying from Lord Kingston would be successful, but to her misfortune, she would have to endure this victory with the aggravating presence of the viscount.

"Ahh, the race is about to begin," Anthony announced as he pointed toward the track.

She glared at him with a deadpan look, "I have ears, you wanker."

He slowly turned to her, wondering if what he heard had actually been right. "Did you just call me a wanker?"

"Of course I did," she said without hesitation.

He gnawed at the inside of his cheek, evidently offended. "It takes one to know one."

Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh at his obvious attempt at vexing her. She had to admit that his obstinance was impressive. If he had been any other gentlemen, he would have fled and shared word about this to the rest of his so-called friends.

But he remained, so it was certainly intriguing.

She then turned to him, surprised that he was already doing the same. "You seem like someone who would make a strategic bet."

He nodded, "Indeed I did. I chose Nectar. Well-bred, highly trained, and well-favored."

"You simply chose him because everyone else did. I would not call that strategic," Elizabeth commented as she reached for another two glasses of lemonade and handed one to him. "You need to assess the situation, truly get to know the horse you're betting on, and then take it from there."

Anthony understood where she was coming from, but he would rather face a million duels than grant her the satisfaction. "Nectar is a prize steed."

"So is High Flyer," she emphasized. "Your betting horse is more accustomed to cooler weather and as we can see, it is an extremely warm day, which means that High Flyer will soar past him with ease toward victory."

He carefully listened as he assessed her every word. She sounded like a truly knowledgeable woman and someone who thought about the smallest detail to make a decision. He found this extremely charming, mainly since he also went through the same circumstances.

But now, he didn't.

Today he had fallen to his pride, believing his hubris would be enough to grant him triumph amongst everything and everyone.

Would he let her know?

Of course not.

Instead, he said, "You think too much about something simple."

She raised her chin ever so slightly, "If it were simple, you would have bet on the winning horse instead."

He said nothing more and forcefully took a sip of his lemonade.

It was then when the bell tolled and the race began.

The race track became an epitome of pure chaos and excitement. Everyone stood from their seats and cheered loudly for their horse of choice. A few just watched, assessing the situation in silence while others were too submerged with the array of treats and beverages to care.

But nothing could compare to Elizabeth and Anthony.

Her gaze remained watchful on High Flyer as she leapt up and down like a mad woman. She no longer cared for the lemonade at hand or the fact that it spilled all over her dress. She was purely overjoyed with the thrill of such a moment that all care for remaining proper was tossed out the window.

And Anthony mirrored her to the exactitude.

With his hands raised and applauding, he cheered alongside her even if they were rooting for different horses. He hollered Nectar's name while she hollered High Flyer's, and just when victory was reaching him, he wasted no time in laughing directly at her face.

But his celebration had been too early.

As if High Flyer had acquired a surge of power, he accelerated with such grace and soared past the rest of the horses with ease. His feet appeared invisible as he made a sharp turn straight toward the finish line.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Elizabeth pumped her fists into the air and spun in a celebratory manner. Her heart pumped with exhilaration and her face was flushed with bliss that she didn't even notice having laid her hands on Anthony's shoulders to shake with excitement. "Victory is in my hands now! I told you!"

He playfully rolled his eyes, "You bested me one time only. Do not let it get to your head."

"I am afraid it is too late," Elizabeth taunted, raising her brows up and down in a challenging way. "My head seems to be fully inflated."

"Ahh, well, no surprise there," Anthony gave a heartened smile as he continued walking alongside her. He hadn't even been aware that he had also fallen victim to a splashed lemonade against his blazer. All he was attentive of was the sudden conversation that began unfolding so easily between them.

"I believe you shall make better choices the next time," Elizabeth figured, still celebrating her triumph.

"I was thinking that perhaps I shall come to you for advice," he told her. "You seem to have a better knowledge about matters of luck."

She nodded at the obvious having been stated, "Only if I get the credit."

He rested his palm against his heart to pledge his honor, "I give you my word, Miss Windsor. All credit shall be granted."

She raised a brow, "That is it? You will grant it that easily?"

"Would you prefer we share a duel?"

"Perhaps."

"Perhaps?"

She nodded, "It seems this loss has made you soft. Now that is surprising coming from you, my lord."

Anthony gazed at her, so softly yet firmly. He felt thoroughly delighted, as if he had been meant to have shared this day with her. It was strange, because this was not supposed to happen. He was meant to be with the diamond, but instead had chosen the company of a woman who he found intriguing.

Who would have believed this was the most he enjoyed himself?

But then, he remembered what he did.

And how satisfied it once made him.

"Miss Windsor," Anthony called out, sudden regret emerging. He waited until she looked back at him, but her attention only made this harder, "I am a gentleman, so I know when I have made a mistake and when to apologize..."

She listened.

"I know you haven't received as many suitors, and that is... my fault," he confessed in a low voice, as if being in the presence of a holy divinity.

Her heart dropped and every cell of her body ran cold.

"What did you do?" she said the words slowly, stepping closer with clenched hands.

Naturally, he took various steps back as his gaze continuously switched between her fists and eyes. "I was angry with you for tossing me into the lake and for the words exchanged at the ball that I told others not to go near you since you were insubordinate and quite intolerable."

"You arrogant piece of-"

"I can remedy my mistake," Anthony assured her, continuing to step back. "It was wrong of me to speak ill of you, so I offer a solution that will benefit us both."

Her brown eyes darkened the more she listened to his absurdity. "You truly are the most despicable man to exist. Do you realize what you could cost me?"

"If you could listen to my suggestion, we could work something out," he insisted, but ensured to keep his voice low to prevent any lurkers from intruding.

She scoffed disbelievingly, "Anything that comes from you should not be trusted, so do not expect me to believe you suddenly had a change of heart."

Anthony breathed heavily as he let her continue.

"Your cordiality is as deceitful as your sudden intentions to help, so pardon me for doubting your so-called civilized manner," Elizabeth spoke with no means of ending. Even if she was aware that this could possibly bring more terrible attention, she was beyond infuriated that he was at fault for her unsuccessful start of the season.

And now he had the audacity to feign regret.

"I no longer wish to argue with you, Miss Windsor," Anthony declared, taking her by surprise. "The season is quite long and with all the challenges that come with it, I figured we could help each other."

She expected many things, but definitely not this. "After what you did, you expect me to trust you?"

"This is not a matter of trusting, but a matter of using the other for our advantage," Anthony took a sharp breath and discreetly looked around one more time to ensure no one was listening. He then walked closer and continued in a soft voice, "We could pretend to form a friendship. After our recent exchange, everyone would believe we settled our differences."

An odd beat of silence.

She considered she was growing mad and that perhaps she was hallucinating this entire exchange.

"I would speak well of you to suitable gentlemen and you would persuade Miss Sharma to allow me to court her sister," he continued to explain. "Our newfound friendship would make our word more believable, so this would be presumed well."

Elizabeth couldn't deny that this offer was intriguing. She needed the help and considering that the Bridgertons were the most respected family, there would be no doubt that Anthony's word would be taken with the most high regard.

But she couldn't accept.

"Edwina seeks a love match and you made it clear that you wish for none of it, so if I were to accept, it would be a betrayal to her," Elizabeth began to walk away, but he so smoothly managed to prevent her departure. "I cannot agree to this. I want what's best for her and you cannot offer her what she's looking for."

Anthony understood her more than anyone. He always put his family's wellbeing before his and even if she and the Sharmas were not related by blood, it was evident that she loved them beyond anything. A familial love was sacred and a strong bond tethered by the heart were matters that could never be corrupted.

Of course he understood.

"If she and I were to marry, I can assure you that she will always have everything," he promised, as if making an oath at an altar. "She will be happy and will never worry about life's hardships. You have my word."

It was then when Elizabeth remembered the exchange at the ball.

"But Edwina desires a love match."

"With the special circumstances, there is no time for such matters."

The special circumstances were a hidden indication that this courtship was not meant to just find love, but for more instead. If her suspicions were true, she couldn't risk ruining a good match between him and Edwina.

Love may come in marriage.

Many times it did.

But there was still one concern.

"And you presume Whistledown will believe-"

"I presume our friendship would be taken with a grain of salt once she sees our courtships," Anthony spoke with confidence, like he was certain his plan would lead to better outcomes than without aid. "I will be courting the diamond and you shall be courted by a respectable gentleman. Everything shall run in our favor."

It was both an absurd and brilliant plan. Not only would they benefit from this agreement, but the Sharmas as well. If she were to marry soon, her family's debt would be paid and their future would be set.

"You will appear more desirable and I would have found my viscountess," Anthony continued to persuade. "It is a win for both of us."

"This is a perilous plan," she admitted, taking a shaky breath. "Anything could go wrong. We could get caught and my involvement in your pursuit of Edwina could be taken as an act of betrayal."

"No one will know," he reassured her, offering a small smile. "This shall remain between us. A secret taken to the grave."

Silence.

But the more she contemplated, the more she couldn't find any objections to this.

As much as she despised granting him this victory, this was an agreement that was both brilliant and intriguing. Of course, she would have to feign liking him in front of the world, but sacrifices needed to be made if she intended to secure her family's success.

"If I agree to this, it does not mean my opinion of you has changed," Elizabeth reminded him, their brown eyes colliding into a perfect sync. "I will dislike you. A lot."

Anthony softly chuckled, "And I will still dislike you. A lot."

"Very well. We have ourselves a deal."

Author's Note

And so the plot begins...
Cue the score "We Could Form An Attachment" by Kris Bowers for an experience 😏

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