Work Text:
His mother had renamed the family's annual ball Butterflies and Flowers in honor of her future daughter-in-law. Violet Bridgerton was making a statement to the Ton. One that said the Bridgertons fully embraced their union with the Featheringtons. Anthony was going to announce his engagement to Penelope during the ball. He even had a speech rehearsed for the occasion. He wanted to impress Lady Whistledown, his amazing little scribe...
"You look happy."
"I am happy, Ben."
"Good. You deserve to be happy."
Benedict gave him a side hug and kissed his temple affectionately. He looked very elegant in a black attire, the ends of his silk stock were tied in an elaborate knot, and his silver waistcoat had a bold floral pattern. Anthony had chosen a different color palette. His double breasted coat was dark blue, as were his knee length breeches, the waistcoat was light blue with golden embroidered butterflies. His tailor had widened his eyes in surprise when he requested the whimsical detail. Which was understandable. He wasn't known for his eccentric fashion choices. Quite the opposite. His clothes were always somber, dark, and unembellished.
"I love your butterflies, Ant!"
Hyacinth ran to him and jumped. He caught her mid-air with the ease of an elder brother who has done it countless times.
"And I love yours."
His little sister was wearing a pale blue gown with silver butterflies embroidered on the hem, and on the sleeves. She also had a blue butterfly made of silk on her hair. When their mother had suggested that Hyacinth's gown should have flowers, she had insisted on the butterfly theme. In her own words, it was a visual demonstration of the love she felt for her future sister-in-law.
"Where is Penelope? I cannot wait to see her gown."
"Pacience, Hy. Half of the guests are still upstairs."
"Good evening, brother."
"Good evening, Duchess."
"You look... different."
"Different in a good way, I hope."
"In a wonderful way."
Daphne kissed his cheek tenderly, then she hugged Hyacinth and Benedict. She was wearing a lavender gown with pink and white roses embroidered on the sleeves. His sister had arrived that morning without Simon. Her husband had wrote Anthony a letter apologizing for not attending the ball. The Duke of Hastings couldn't leave Clyvedon Castle because he was still getting his affairs in order, the account books needed to be sorted out after years of neglect.
"I missed you, Daphne."
"Really? I thought you found me as aggravating as Ben."
"You are as aggravating as him..."
Benedict pouted at that. Anthony and Daphne ignored him.
"...but I love both of you anyway."
His siblings nodded at each other, in silent communication, and then they hugged him and kissed him, their love surrounding him. The power of their connection was as strong as when they were children.
"May I join in?"
Eloise was looking at them with fondness. She was wearing a silver gown with pale blue butterflies embroidered on the sleeves. Her dark hair was braided and pinned up with pearls. She was Penelope's best friend, so she had also chosen the butterfly theme.
"Come here, El."
They made room for her and she hugged him too. And then Hyacinth nudged herself in.
"Where is Gregory?"
"I am here!"
He jumped in like an overexcited puppy and Anthony laughed, the sound bubbling out of him, his heart so full of love for his sisters and for his brothers it might burst.
"What a lovely sight. If only Francesca and Colin were here..."
Violet Bridgerton was looking at them with motherly pride. She was wearing a cerulean blue gown with golden roses embroidered on the hem and one single golden butterfly embroidered on her left shoulder.
"They will return in time for the wedding."
"Colin's last letter was sent from Vienna."
"Do not worry, mama. Your favorite son will be here in a week."
Eloise was jesting but their mother took it seriously, a frown on her face.
"There are no favorites in this family. I love all my children equally."
"Ignore her, mother. We all do."
Benedict threw a look at Eloise to let her know he didn't mean any of it. He was just trying to lighten the mood. Anthony smiled at the display of comradery between the two.
"So pretty! Penelope looks like a princess!"
Hyacinth was literally bouncing up and down with excitement after spotting her. He turned around and his jaw hit the floor when he saw his betrothed coming down the grand stairs. His sister was wrong. Penelope didn't look like a princess... She looked like a goddess. Her gown was in a shade of blue so dark it was almost black, her luscious curves perfectly wrapped in silk. She was wearing the jewelry he had gifted her when he proposed. Her fiery red hair was pulled back in a chignon and the sapphire and diamond tiara sat perfectly on her head. The matching earrings, necklace, brooch, and bracelet had a floral motif that replicated forget-me-nots. The blue of the sapphires was almost as beautiful as the blue of her eyes.
"Close your mouth, Ant. You are starting to drool..."
He elbowed Benedict in the stomach, not too hard, and then walked up to Penelope. She was flanked by her sisters on her left side and by her parents on her right side. Lord Featherington looked uncomfortable. After the conversation they had that afternoon the Baron had trouble looking him in the eye. Anthony had advised him to stop gambling before he besmirched the good name of his family. The man wasn't a bad person, he was just an irresponsible fool. Anthony would have to be watchful for Penelope's sake. Lady Featherington was smiling from ear to ear, completely unaware of her husband's folly. His future sisters-in-law and their tasteless, tactless mother were wearing gowns in different shades of puce with golden butterflies embroidered literally everywhere. He greeted them with what he hoped was a charming smile, and then turned to his betrothed.
"You look stunning, Miss Featherington."
"Thank you, Lord Bridgerton. And you look very handsome."
The way she held his gaze, her eyes dark and hungry, made his heart race like a prized horse. The Featheringtons had arrived at Aubrey Hall that morning. However, he had not found an opportunity to be alone with Penelope. Both their families had made it impossible. Not to mention the guests. He wanted nothing more than to have her in his arms...
"Will you save me the waltz?"
"Just the waltz?"
"Benedict and Gregory want to dance with you."
"I see... You want to make sure the waltz is yours."
"The waltz is mine and only mine."
His eyes borrowed into hers letting her see what his words truly meant, and she blushed prettily.
"Lord Featherington, Lady Featherington, if you do not mind I am going to steal your daughter away."
"We do not mind, Lord Bridgerton. We know she is in safe hands."
Penelope's pink blush turned red after hearing her mother say that. His betrothed was as safe as she could be in the hands of a rake. Fortunately, he was her rake. He offered his arm and she slid her hand through the crook of his elbow, her eyes shining with warmth and trust. He lead her to a corner of the room where they could have some privacy despite having all eyes on them.
"In one week, we will finally be married. It seems like a dream."
"I cannot wait to be your husband so that I can touch you and kiss you whenever I want."
"You have already touched me and kissed me several times."
"There are many other kinds of touches..."
He cupped her cheek and she closed her eyes, a sigh leaving her lips.
"...and many other kinds of kisses."
"Please, kiss me."
"In front of everyone? How scandalous, my wanton goddess..."
She opened her eyes and the fire in them called to him, her desire was pure and unadulterated.
"When you helped me climb down the carriage steps this morning, I had to fight the urge to kiss you. Your lips are very tempting."
"They are?"
He tried to suppress the smile of male pride that was tugging at the corners of his lips.
"I think about them constantly. I think about you constantly. I ache for you. But it is a pleasant kind of ache. I do not understand how that is possible..."
To know she wanted him that strongly despite her innocence was intoxicating.
"I will find a way to kiss you before the night is over."
"Promise?"
He still had his hand on her cheek, so he caressed her bottom lip with his thumb. When she licked it, he smiled darkly, the wretched rascal in him imagining her licking a certain part of his body that was throbbing in his breeches...
"I promise."
His voice was raspy and low. He lowered his head, lust clouding his mind, his eyes locked on her lips. He would have kissed Penelope there and then, but fortunately his younger sister barged in.
"I love your gown, sister. May I call you sister? Or do I have to wait till the wedding?"
"Thank you. I also love your gown, little sister."
Hyacinth beamed at Penelope. Seeing how his family loved and accepted her never failed to make him smile.
"Are those forget-me-nots?"
Daphne had joined them too, her eyes shrewd but kind. The question was directed at Penelope, however, she was staring at him.
"Yes, they are."
"Do you know their meaning?"
"I never learned the language of flowers. The first and only gentleman who ever gave me a bouquet was your brother."
"May I ask what flowers did he give you?"
"Pink lilies and pink sweet peas. White roses and white sweet peas. Blue hydrangeas. Red peonies. Purple delphiniums and purple bellflowers."
"Ant, you have impeccable taste."
Anthony didn't like the way Daphne was looking at him. He knew that look. It was her I-know-something-you-don't-but-I-will-only-share-it-with-you-when-it's-too-late look.
"He really has. The bouquets were very beautiful."
"I am surprised you remember every single one."
"Unlike you, I have an excellent memory."
"You are ten years younger, of course your memory is better than mine."
Penelope grinned at him, her eyes shining with mirth. He grinned back, his eyes incredibly fond. They lost themselves in each other's eyes until Daphne cleared her throat.
"I can see it. Benedict was right."
"He was right about what?"
"She is perfect for you..."
His sister clearly had more to say but for some reason she decided not to. She took Hyacinth with her and left him and Penelope alone.
"You would have kissed me in front of everyone if Hyacinth had not interrupted."
"I am sorry. I was a little inebriated."
"Inebriated? But there is only lemonade..."
"Lust can do that to a person."
"Oh..."
Penelope didn't add anything to that, she just bit her bottom lip, eyes wide in utter confusion. Devil take him, but her innocence drove him crazy...
"Son, you should spend time with the guests too. They traveled many hours to attend your engagement ball."
Violet Bridgerton looked between the two of them, a knowing smile gracing her features. Sometimes he wished his mother was not so observant.
"Lady Bridgerton is right, Anthony. We should take a walk around the room."
He nodded and offered Penelope his arm. He knew his mother was right but that didn't mean he wasn't annoyed by the interruption. However, he soon overcame his annoyance because Viscounts did not pout...
"Are you pouting?"
...or maybe they did.