First Impressions // A Bridgerton Story

" The country house party is a very dangerous event. Married persons often find themselves enjoying the company of one other than one's spouse, and unmarried persons often return to town as rather hastily engaged persons.

Indeed, the most surprising betrothals are announced on the heels of these spells of rustication."

LADY WHISTLEDOWN'S SOCIETY PAPERS, 6 MAY 1814

The morning was pleasant. It was the only time when Amelia would have to herself. The guests for the house party would be arriving in the afternoon and then she would not be able to get a moment alone.

She couldn't quite believe what happened.

Viscount Bridgerton, refusing to propose to her. Isn't that what she wanted all along? For him to stop courting her? Because she did not like him.

Then why did she feel so... disappointed.

Perhaps because subconsciously she realized that he would have been her solution to everything. Him proposing would mean she would have had to accept in the company that she was in, and she would have been able to stay in England with her family, and she would not even be that badly off. The Viscount was more than rich, and he had a good reputation. She would not be losing anything, except for her freedom perhaps but she had made peace with that.

If he had proposed she would not have to marry Ferdinand. He was not such a bad man, but there was no... there was no spark.

Not to say that she thought she could be content with the Viscount. She knew she would not be. He was a Rake. She was sure that as soon as she provided him with an heir, he would stop visiting her bed. After all, why else did he have to? He chose to court her because she was a prize to be won.

Perhaps it was a good thing she didn't propose.

But then again, she would be a prize to show off in any marriage she was in, including the one to Ferdinand. But at least he didn't treat her like a prize. He treated her honourably.

Perhaps that is why she barely slept during the night, and why she got up early to enjoy a ride on her new horse, Rose, to hopefully clear her head.

If Viscount Bridgerton was not going to propose, she only had one more serious suitor. King Ferdinand of Spain was a perfectly agreeable choice.

Only Amelia did not plan to stumble upon Anthony on her way outside.

"Oh!", Amelia exclaimed when she almost rushed into him.

Lord Bridgerton was well dressed for the day, in rider clothes. But in his hands, he held a little bird. Amelia's eyes furrowed. What was he doing with that bird?

"What are you doing here?", Amelia asked. She realized a moment later that it was a stupid question.

"I live here", Anthony replied. It was clear he was not in a happy mood, but rather the opposite. His usual grumpy mood then.

"Why do you have a bird in your hands?", Amelia asked, confused.

"Why so many questions so early in the morning?", Anthony bit back. Amelia was surprised by his harsh language.

She opened her mouth to reply but nothing came out. Instead, Anthony softened and clenched his jaw for a moment.

"He was in the castle, and couldn't find his way out", Anthony explained, softly.

"I know that feeling", Amelia replied. Then she looked up at him, surprised by her own words.

Their eyes met and neither looked away. They didn't know how long they looked at each other, it could have been minutes, hours, days, or years. Finally, Anthony willed his mouth to talk.