with Elizabeth ( @ofrcgency ).
Anthony had known this day was coming; rather dreaded it, in fact. It had seemed simple enough to ignore when the eldest among his sisters, Daphne, still wore her strawberry-blonde curls long and raced merrily through the halls of their family home with their other siblings, yet the reality that it wouldn't last forever lingered in the back of his mind. Now, the day had arrived — she was to attend her first dance of the season, prepared to be courted by prospective suitors as a favorite of the Queen. Naturally, it wasn't proper for her to attend unaccompanied, which prompted the responsibility of chaperoning her to fall upon him.
Parties of this sort were hardly Anthony's preference, particularly when his mother had left it clear, under no uncertain terms, her hopes that he might meet an eligible lady of his own to reform him. How difficult it was when he felt forced to allow her to believe him flippant towards his duties as Viscount instead of speaking to her plainly! She wished for him a happiness that he harbored no intention of seeking, though his obligation to provide an heir was looming ever closer. To avoid it was impossible, and Anthony must take a wife — eventually.
As he walked amongst the revelers of the festivities they were attending that evening ( Daphne had already moved to the dance floor with her first partner of the night ), his mind was settled on stepping outside into the evening air — until a familiar countenance flitted past his gaze. His breath caught in surprise, though he shouldn't have been so foolish as to fail to anticipate her presence. When her dark eyes suddenly locked with his, Anthony wished he might escape to the garden or anywhere else she was not.
Nevertheless, he found his course veering in her direction, his hands clasped behind his back. To flee would indicate that he had a reason to do so, and he would not fall prey to it. "Miss Bennett." Anthony briefly bowed his head. So beautiful had she become; was she truly unattached? He had heard nothing to the contrary, and he was vexed by his gratification at the thought. The distance he had imposed between them some years ago had served its purpose, he was sure, which left him now to prove to himself that proximity to her was of no consequence. "It has been some time since last I saw you. I hope your family is well." Then, he extended his hand. "May I have the honor of this next dance?"
