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A jilted groom. A broken-hearted bride-to-be. A royal wedding in shambles. Sensational? Quite. But true? This author may traffic in chatter and speculation, dear reader, but misinformation? Never. A wrong name absconded Miss Edwina from the altar, but explanations of why the Duke of Edinburgh abided by Miss Elizabeth's side may be greater in number than anyone could possibly fathom. But we must not forget, it was Her Majesty the Queen who placed the young diamond on that special stage so that she could make her grand exit. Allow this author to hope for Her Majesty's sake, as well as the Windsors, Sharmas, and Bridgertons, that an official explanation emerges swiftly, lest the ton are run away by their tawdry imaginings.

Lady Whistledown, 1814

Wandering into the outskirts of town was a mistake. Elizabeth was aware of it. She couldn't risk being seen late at night without giving off the wrong impression, but her name was already in the ton's mouths, so it wasn't like another scandal could damage her much more.

After overhearing one of the maids discussing a hidden tavern, she couldn't resist discovering the location and choosing to visit the venue. According to her mother, it wasn't lady-like to attend those types of places, so with precaution, Elizabeth snuck out of her chambers and rode her horse to the pub.

With her dark cloak and the most rustic dress she owned, she hopped off her horse and stood for a brief moment outside. The moonlight cast a shadow upon the desolate place, allowing only for the tavern's door to be seen. Whoever had chosen to build it by the forest had been a genius as it meant no one would be able to find it without some guidance.

Upon entering, the sound of the small bell ringing caught the attention of a few. Expecting to receive a few curious looks, she was relieved when no one batted an eye. However, after a momentary moment of respite, she then realized nearly every person there worked for the most illustrious families. From the Cowpers, the Bridgertons, the Wingraves, the Cranes, and even a few of Lady Danbury's staff, it was a tavern filled with working class people.

A small smile crossed her face. She felt safe and comfortable, allowing her to acquire a drink with much more ease. As a singing performance played in the background, Elizabeth sat close to the stage. The stool was strangely comfortable and what she loved most was that people gave each other their space.

Elizabeth took a sip of her drink, tapping her finger against her leg to the rhythm of the music. It was unlike anything she ever heard. From always being forced to endure opera music or instrumentals, it was refreshing acquiring a taste of something new. This group was more folk, their instruments being guitars, fiddles, accordions, and the lead singer's velvety voice.

She wondered how it felt to be so free, to be able to play without a care and not worry about what the ton would say. It must be incredible living a life without pressure. It was something out of dreams and as much as she desired it, she knew such a fortune could never become a part of her.

A sudden song filled with energy brought the entire tavern to life. Their dancing was different and their footsteps were carefree yet also wary. There were bootstomps, spinning without a worry, and laughter. Unlike all the balls she's attended, this was the first time she didn't feel like not taking to the floor.

Her feet guided her to the center where she followed the flow of the song and spun around like a happy child. Her hair moved in a perfect circle, falling down her shoulders like a cascade. The ends of her cream colored dress followed along, its soft texture melting into her skin and embracing her into its warmth.

Elizabeth's life might be a complete wreckage beyond these doors, but here, nothing mattered. Here, she was free.

However, about thirty minutes before sneaking out of her home, Anthony Bridgerton had received the same memo. Unlike Elizabeth, who overheard it from the staff, he knew of this location due to his rakish years. After all the scandals and shame, he decided on visiting the place again after so long.

Days had passed ever since his failed wedding. He hadn't seen or exchanged letters with Elizabeth. It was destroying him being this distant from her, especially after having kissed after desiring so for the longest time.

How could he pretend his dream didn't come true? How could he find a way to move on?

It was impossible, truly unfathomable.

As he entered the tavern, a few of the workers recognized him and greeted him like an old friend. A drink was set into his hand upon sitting and he hastily took a sip, nodding along to the music and the upbeat melody he missed.

His gaze wandered around, admiring the townsfolk's carefree nature. The lighting was dim, but when he reached the center of the floor, he saw her. A warmth gathered in his heart and a smile immediately appeared. She was twirling so gracefully and laughing that beautiful laugh he loved. Her straight hair that had a few waves moved with elegance as her synchronized yet unpredictable steps linked themselves to the harmony.

Time became a forgotten concept as Anthony admired her. He had never seen true beauty till this night and his previous plans of abandoning the city to head back to Aubrey Hall were now fading. Heaven was here where his Elizabeth was. Any place without her was hell on earth and after having acquired a taste of home, he couldn't bear staying apart.

As if she were a sorcerer, her presence enchanted him in her direction. The magnetism between them became stronger that she as well couldn't resist. In a matter of seconds, their gazes linked to the other intimately, granting them their needed liberation and euphoria.

"You're here," Anthony internally scolded himself for the most obvious observation. He wanted to say more, but she made him so nervous that it was nearly impossible to properly socialize.

Chuckling softly, she nodded at the apparent, "I'm here. Just like you are."

"Your hair," he reached for her chestnut locks and softly twirled a strand. "I have not seen it down since that day at the lake."

"Yes, well, society requires all ladies to wear it up or have some intricate style to it," she glanced down at his fingers, admiring the flex of his hand that allowed his veins to become noticeable. "I can let it loose here and not worry about anyone's judgment."

"It suits you," he blurted out and started feeling his face warming up, making him pray the dim lighting wouldn't reveal his fluster. "I have to say, I did not expect to find you here."

Elizabeth faintly nodded, "I would say the same thing about you, but I am guessing your previous reputation precedes you."

Anthony opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn't find anything to argue with. She was right. This tavern held memories of his youth and even though at the time he was enjoying it, he now wished to knock some sense into his previous self for having wasted so much time. He could have met her sooner if he had accompanied Colin on his travels. Paris had been a city his brother visited, and instead of having fooled around, perhaps by traveling with him, it would have led him to her.

"While I am not proud of it, it gets me endless drinks," he admitted. "For me and for my guest."

She raised her brows at him, "Your guest? Might I mention I arrived here first and how in this place, your illustrious name is the furthest thing anyone cares for."

He scoffed and shook his head, "Oh, please. If everyone knew who I was, everyone would fall to my feet."

Elizabeth took this as a challenge. While she hoped her soon-to-be actions would be successful, a pang of doubt couldn't be avoided. Still, it didn't prevent her from climbing onto the stool to gather everyone's attention.

Anthony stared at her as if she were a strange being. She was the most unpredictable person that he couldn't prevent from worrying what type of scheme she had up her sleeve. "What are you doing?"

"Who here wishes to acquire a moment with Viscount Bridgerton? He is willing to take care of your needs and ensure what you desire comes true," she voiced, causing everyone to exchange a few wondrous looks.

There was silence for a moment until a young woman standing in the far back yelled out, "Who?"

"Who in the bloody hell is the viscount?"

"A Bridgerton, apparently."

Elizabeth pressed her lips together to prevent from laughing. It seemed not everyone knew of him and it brought her immense satisfaction that his pompous ego had been lowered down its pedestal.

Gesturing with her arms to him, she clarified, "The man standing right in front me is Viscount Bridgerton-"

"I thought he was Lord Berbrooke!"

Anthony had never been more offended in his life until now. Being mistaken for the worst man to ever exist maimed him in the worst possible way. He would rather die than be called such an atrocious man's name.

"I am Viscount Bridgerton! Not the man who so cowardly abandoned his responsibilities!" Anthony clenched his jaw, glaring at the man who made such an abominable mistake.

It was comical how no one batted an eye and the music simply resumed, which only made him much more vexed and offended.

Elizabeth climbed down from the stool and grimaced with satisfaction, "You see? Not everyone knows of you."

"Unbelievable," he rolled his eyes and took a giant sip from his drink. "My name has been around for years. Whether it'd be in Lady Whistledown or in people's mouth, it is odd how not everyone knows of me."

Placing her hands on her hips, Elizabeth couldn't prevent from letting out a laugh. She didn't think her little plan would be successful, but perhaps the most questionable ones are the ones meant to be brought to light.

"Do you not feel a sense of freedom?" she asked.

Anthony narrowed his eyes in confusion, "Freedom? How?"

"By not everyone knowing who you are," she clarified as if stating the obvious. "You can be yourself here and not worry about your actions being displayed like a public spectacle."

"You are referring to the latest Lady Whistledown," he connected the dots, now understanding why she was here. "You're escaping."

"And you are not?" Elizabeth turned the question back to him and all sense of enjoyment was now gone. Even if they didn't wish to speak of the outside world, there was no better place to do it than here.

Anthony wondered if she regretted their kiss. It destroyed him to even think about it and while he knew she was still engaged, the smallest bit of hope that she would end things took over. "Do you want to speak about what happened between us?"

Elizabeth noticed he whispered the last part as if it were the gravest of sins. She considered that perhaps he was regretful and wished not to discuss it. He could be an open book sometimes, but when he set his mind to it, he shut his covers and shielded his words.

Still, she wouldn't continue denying their actions. It was the thing that wrecked their relationships and she refused to continue doing so.

"You mean how we kissed at the altar where you were supposed to be married, but could not because you called my name? Yes, I believe we should have a discussion about it," she rushed through her words, not bothering to lower her voice and making his eyes widen as if she had committed the most heinous act.

"Must you say it so loudly?" Anthony retorted, glancing around to make sure no one was listening.

She followed his line of sight and now stared at him with vexation, "No one cares for us here, so stop worrying anyone would listen to our dull conversation."

"Dull conversation?" Anthony took offense, refusing to believe she was calling their interaction insipid. "Is that what you are calling us now?"

Elizabeth stared at him incredulously, "Oh, please. You know what I meant. Besides, it is not like we could ever be dull. Our lives are surely filled with chaos."

"Tell me about it," he grumbled and grabbed another drink. "If you had not tossed me into the lake upon first meeting, we would not have been involved in this predicament."

She paused to reconsider what he was saying. He was blaming her for this entire mess when it was not just her, but the both of them at fault. How dare he put the weight on her?

"Might I remind you how it was you that pursued me for your agreement," she defended herself, but he only took more sips from his glass.

"My agreement?"

"Yes, yours. You were the one that suggested it and I, so foolishly, accepted it," Elizabeth was losing her patience when seeing his lack of reaction. She wanted him to get angry, to reciprocate her energy, but he seemed to know just where to strike her.

"Because you were desperate," he nonchalantly said.

"Desperate?" Elizabeth couldn't believe him. He was daring to throw her need to her face when it was his fault as to why she became desperate like he claimed. "Because you told every gentleman to steer clear of me because I was intolerable."

"And insubordinate," he teased, a smirk appearing on his face.

Her mouth was now slightly agape, "It is truly a blessing Edwina managed to escape you. I cannot even imagine marrying a pompous rake, who believes the world revolves around him."

Anthony's eyes widened, "You know, I truly pity the Duke for all the years he will have to endure you. It is no wonder no gentleman wanted your hand."

"And I truly pity the woman who will have to sacrifice everything to keep an arrogant womanizer satisfied," she loudly said, their distance shortening bit by bit without either realizing it.

"Well I should be grateful," Anthony pointed an accusing finger at her, causing her to lean back just an inch. "Out of all the prissy, know it all damsels, at least I won't be stuck with you."

She clenched her jaw and got close to his face, "How dare you speak to me like that?"

Anthony extended his arms as if priding himself, "Because I am Viscount Bridgerton, like you made sure everyone knew."

Elizabeth couldn't prevent laughing at his arrogance, "Oh, really? The viscount?" She took notice of a jug filled with the drink he kept savoring. It might be a mistake, but she couldn't care less as all she wanted was to show him his place.

Like expected, Anthony didn't perceive her next move until it was too late. Before he could attempt to dodge or scurry away, he felt the cold beverage be thrown to his face. The bitter alcohol left him completely drenched and frozen in disbelief as he reconsidered if this was actually happening.

Unlike him, Elizabeth knew exactly what his next move would be. She noticed his eyes landing on his glass that she was able to dodge his attempt at getting her back. The liquid spilled to the ground, leaving her entirely dry and causing him to become much more annoyed.

"Missed!" Elizabeth prided herself, leaning closer to mock him of his loss.

Anthony remained perfectly still. Even through his vexation and her win, she was the most desirable woman to have ever graced this earth. He loved how she wasn't afraid of arguing back and how she gave him a taste of his own medicine. It thrilled him beyond measure and through the dim lighting, he wanted to take her in his arms right about now.

"You truly are the most vexing woman," he said in a low voice, his face getting much closer to hers.

She looked up at him, her eyes tracing down to his lips and back up. "And you are the most insufferable man I have ever met."

He nodded, impressed. "It seems we're agreeing on something then."

Elizabeth tensed when he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. The softness of his skin against hers brought intense exhilaration, making the blood rush through her veins and her heart race faster than the speed of light.

"To our misfortune, it seems we are," she whispered to him.

"How tragic," Anthony shortened the distance between them even more, but even in this tavern, she knew breaking the barriers between them was a treacherous act. She was an engaged woman and in two days, she would become a wife and the future duchess of Edinburgh.

"I should go now," Elizabeth moved away despite wanting to remain with him. It was for the better to abandon this place as she didn't want to betray William more than she already did. It was time to move on and what better time to start than tonight?

"So soon, Miss Windsor? The moon is still out," Anthony refrained from offering his hand. He was already missing her touch and it tormented him knowing a moment like this could never happen again.

From the door, she placed her cloak back on and offered a small smile, "Have a good night, Lord Bridgerton. It was a pleasure seeing you one last time."

Despite the music filling the tavern, everything around them became muffled. Today would be the last time an encounter like this could occur. Only in their dreams would they be able to find each other, but even then, the past needed to be placed aside, and no amount of prayers would change the truth.

Elizabeth Windsor would be married in two days.

Author's Note

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