🐝 AnthonyWeek, Tuesday 16th
😎 Prompt: Nothing Fucks with My Baby
There were a few things Gareth St Clair recalled with such vivid clarity. Instances of his childhood with his brother keeping him from causing too much trouble, his mother tousling his hair and laughing about how he was never serious, his grandmother Isabella’s stories and his grandmother Agatha’s dressing down of yet another pompous idiot who dared forget she was the right hand of the Crown, and the moment he knew he would do anything to spend his life with his wife. Of course there was another moment that had been engrained in his mind, when he had asked her brother for her hand. Gareth had suspected the Viscount to be entirely mad, so he had taken his threats quite seriously. Not that he ever intended for Hyacinth’s life to be anything other than joy and comfort, but he just so happened to also value his skin.
Anthony had been for the most part, a fine brother-in-law; all the Bridgertons really, but like Hyacinth’s relationship with her mother and the youngest Bridgerton brother, Gareth knew his wife had a special connection and relationship with the Viscount, her eldest brother. What he had not counted on, was that Anthony’s love for his sister would truly extend to him. Of course the Bridgertons were a frighteningly protective bunch, Hyacinth had warned him when he first revealed his parentage to her. But what seemed like simply caring for the spouse of one of their siblings became clear it was much more than that.
They were in London for the season, although none of the girls in the family were on the mart. Belinda still had a year ahead, but Daphne had shared that she did not wish for her debut to be the first time Belinda would experience the splendour of the season. With so many Bridgerton balls, the young lady would have plenty of experience dealing with her uncles and father glaring away any man they found beneath her- which was all men.
It had been a lovely day for a promenade, with no other agenda other than to play hoops with Isabella, who made up for her motor skills still developing with her energy and enthusiasm. George had found some boys his age and they were set for a day of good old foot-racing. Hyacinth was under the tent with their sister-in-law, Kate and niece Charlotte. Anthony had taken his youngest over to the pond to feed the ducks, Kate had threatened that if he fell in, he was not to take their daughter in with him, which led to a discussion about getting another dog that the man simply ran away from.
It had been a near perfect day, at least until her heard a voice, “Well look at this.” Lord St Clair had haunted their lives from the shadows, never quite stepping out since he learnt the biggest betrayal he had suffered was at the hand of his brother. Hyacinth had translated all of his grandmother’s diaries, which showed how unoriginal his father was. The divide he sought to create between Gareth and his late brother George, was one successfully made between Richard and Edward. The heir and the spare who needed to forever be reminded of his place. The man came to their wedding as expected, but Hyacinth had refused for him to join their family when both their children were born and christened. It was why they had gone to Aubrey Hall so they could be surrounded with family they actually wanted near. Lord St Clair took notice. He attended events he was invited to, but knew not to expect more than the perfunctory politeness of the host and the family. With no reason to be in London outside Parliament, his father was rarely seen in social events, though Gareth had the unfortunate knowledge of an affair the man was having with a widow. Perhaps she kept him distracted for this was the first time they would speak outside a ball in years.
“Lord St Clair…” Gareth tried to keep his temper controlled, he was out with his young daughter that he had been protecting from ever engaging with this man. He looked to where he last saw George, the boy fiddly playing with his friends which was good. “To what to I owe the pleasure.” He did not wish for a response, but he needed to keep the man’s eyes focused on him and away from his daughter who was still holding the hoop a few feet from them.
“I simply wished to greet you, and the family you somehow gain despite not deserving them.”
Before Gareth could speak, “I believe we have made it quite clear who the undeserving and unwelcome one is, but perhaps my family needs to make it clearer…” Anthony had appeared beside Gareth. Mary was toddling her way to the tent with Isabella, one had to admire the speed the man arranged his affairs. Gareth watched Hyacinth reach for their daughter, knowing his wife would charge over here and beat his father- a title that did not belong to him- until he found sense, which would likely be at the turn of the century.
It had not mattered, Lord St Clair simply glared at him before departing. Hyacinth huffing about him being too much of a coward to run so quickly. “Not quick enough… he never should have stayed in any of our guest lists. He has done well to keep his distance, but it seems he overestimates his importance.”
“You need not do so on my account,” Gareth tried to brush off the feeling of shame of his relationship with his father. Even after all this time, he wished to have given Hyacinth a modicum of what he had given him in terms of a family. She of course reminded him that his family included Lady Danbury, his grandmother, though he alone was enough.
“Of course we will,” Anthony retorted as though it was the most obvious thing. “The man has been unforgivable unkind and rude to you. You are my brother, and that is a sin I shall not soon forgive. If you wish for us to still be polite and invite him to our homes, it would only be for your benefit. The moment you ask us to cut him, he will cease to exist to us.”
Gareth had always recalled the threat Anthony had given should he not treasure Hyacinth and keep her happy. But it wasn’t until this moment that another part of that conversation came to mind.
“If you marry my sister, you will have all of us.”… “For better or for worse”…
And it seemed that he had kept his word…
(Not my best but I’m sleep deprived and stressed 😩)
🤔 Question: Your favourite soft Anthony moment
Talking to Kate about sharing their news. They were so nervous and open with each other ♥️
🤩 Jonny Appreciation: Favourite Jonny non-Anthony acting moment/scene
Skippy 😍 I just loved Tim Laughlin. That scene where he tellsHawk he was the love of his life and not many people get one of those ♥️
