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Anthony entered his quiet home at late hours of the night. His entire family was sound asleep and he should be heading to bed as well, but despite the exhaustion in his eyes, his mind was running faster than the horses at the race.

It had been a successful day and he should be content on soon acquiring his goal. His duty would be fulfilled and never once would he be responsible for someone's heartbreak or even feeling it himself. Everything would go according to plan. Just what he's been wanting for the longest.

And yet, he can't help from being the most distressed he's ever been.

He should be leaping with joy, excited over getting to court the diamond, but nothing is filling the gaping hole in his heart. For whatever reason, he couldn't help thinking about Elizabeth. Something about her intrigued him and kept him from focusing on his mission. She was always there in his head, digging deeper and deeper, and latching onto himself like a bee's sting.

Thinking about her made him feel ridiculous. He didn't even tolerate the woman, so why should he waste his thoughts on someone as unbearable as her?

Anthony shook his head in grievance and poured himself a glass of whiskey. Maybe the alcohol would put his thoughts on pause. Maybe it would allow him to sleep and never once wake in the middle of the night like always. He poured himself one glass after the other, swallowing the bitter contents in one gulp, but not even through his hazy state did his thoughts on her subside.

If anything, it only intensified them.

He paced around his study and every now and then would gaze at the stars. He loved the quietness of the night and how still the town became. It was the time where he could think freely and not worry about having to maintain his perfect image as the viscount. The sound of the rustling leaves and the burning fireplace brought him serenity, allowing him to ponder of the most important things, but now, the night was his torture.

The silence was agonizing and made him long for the day. It sounded absurd, but he believed once the sun's blaze reflected onto his face, it would refocus his priorities. He needed to prioritize this courtship and the way marriage would resolve everything. Marrying Edwina would be ideal as she was set on her ideals and was the most agreeable. She was even tempered and easy to like. Something Elizabeth wasn't.

Elizabeth?

And there he was again thinking of her. Even when trying to focus on Edwina, the presence of her memory lingered like a ghost. She was haunting him, imprinting herself into his being, and slowly building a home in his head. Elizabeth Windsor was becoming an intruder and if he was being honest, deep down he had no intentions of evicting her.

Anthony sighed and ran a hand through his messy hair. He downed the remnants of his drink and rested on his chair. Heading to his bedroom would be proper, but it was useless heading upstairs when all he would do was pace around or toss and turn all night. His resting chambers would be his study and hopefully by working on his duties as a viscount, it would grant him the fortune of forgetting the image of her.

__________________

After a long and agonizing night, Anthony felt the most grateful for getting to blow off some steam by fencing with his brothers. Maybe beating them would make him feel better for having spent all night thinking of her. Perhaps his win would provide him a bump on the head and readjust his focus back to Edwina – the ideal woman.

He wanted nothing more than to forget Elizabeth, but complaining about her was all he seemed to care for, "She is pompous and arrogant and believes herself to be the only knowledgeable one. She's not even Miss Edwina's sister and keeps getting involved in her matters."

Colin exchanged a look with Benedict, not understanding why his brother kept talking of someone he supposedly disliked, "She sounds like a terrible nuisance."

Benedict chuckled and stood with his arms folded, "Sounds just like you since you also believe to be the only knowledgeable one as well."

Anthony grunted and glared at his brother with a heavy stare. He took a deep breath and resumed his fencing with Colin. It seemed ranting about Elizabeth and being compared to her irritated him much more, allowing him to place all his energy into defeating his brother. When Colin's sword fell to the ground, he smirked in satisfaction when seeing his expression deflate.

"You speak ill of her, but yesterday at the race both of you seemed to be getting along," Colin pointed out, confused on his change of attitude after what he'd witnessed.

Anthony clenched his jaw and internally scolded himself for forgetting about their agreement. He was supposed to pretend to start having a change of mind about her, and all he seemed to do was express his complaints about her character. He could only wonder if she was having the same trouble as him, but knowing her, she's probably speaking worse about him than he is of her.

"Less talking. More fencing, brother," he chose to say instead, hoping his curious brothers won't continue questioning him about his private matters.

Benedict took over Colin's spot and raised his sword. He moved forward in full determination to beat him, but something about the sparkle in Anthony's eyes told him this wouldn't be easy.

"Might I suggest one thing," Benedict said and Anthony only huffed in response. "Instead of spending time complaining about Miss Windsor, how about you focus on getting along with Miss Edwina's family? You are still thinking of courting her, right?"

"Of course I am," he answered with haste, making them furrow their brows at his rushed tone. "I have duties to fulfill. I have my mind set on my responsibilities and what my purposes are and how to obtain them." He took advantage of Benedict's distraction and aimed his sword at him, "Which I will do when I make Miss Edwina my viscountess."

Colin chuckled at his brother's words since he was being extremely obvious on his lack of interest in getting to know the diamond, and was instead using her to fulfill his role as a viscount. "Couldn't you have chosen someone who... I don't know. Maybe challenge you?"

Benedict nodded at him, "Agree."

"Miss Edwina and I are well-suited. She is a lovely young lady," Anthony tried convincing his brothers, but in reality he was trying to convince himself of the perfect match they'd be. "She wishes for children. She'll make a perfectly agreeable wife."

"What he means to say," Benedict corrects, making him roll his eyes, "Is that he has already dismissed every other young lady in town."

"You take too much upon yourself, brother," Colin commented from the nearby benches. "Your life might be easier if you pursued someone with a less disagreeable friend."

That was enough to infuriate Anthony to a greater extent. He refused to let Elizabeth win and now that they reached a mutual agreement to help each other, he wasn't about to lose sight of the greater picture.

"I will not admit defeat," Anthony blared, his expression hardening and frustration worsening. "Regardless of which young lady I have chosen to pursue, there would've always been an obstinate father or meddlesome aunt in the picture. Besides, my luck with Miss Edwina will change. You will see that very soon."

Benedict looked back at Colin, both of them exchanging equally confused looks, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Anthony raised his sword again and addressed it to him, "It means that I will not have to worry about some friend planting the seed of doubt into Miss Edwina's sister. I guarantee you that before the season ends, a wedding shall occur."

Benedict winced when feeling the sting of the sword and backed away, prompting Colin to point out, "Is this still a friendly match, or do we need to find some armor?"

Anthony helped his brother up and took a deep breath of triumph, "Thank you, gentlemen for the bracing exertion. Now it is time for me to secure my final victory for the day. Wish me luck."

Walking away with his head held high, he was certain today would be when everything changes for the better. The plan would begin and nothing would be able to stop him from winning his viscountess over.

__________________

Elizabeth was sitting in the drawing room playing a soft melody on the piano. The song came to her last night after having been unable to sleep. Whenever this happens, she would practice her skills and place her energy into perfecting whatever keys come to mind.

Usually, she would have been grateful for the long night, but yesterday had been the exception. Despite her attempts, she couldn't stop thinking about Anthony Bridgerton. The way he smiled, the way he spoke, the way he walked, and even the way he said her name were plaguing her thoughts all night.

She was infuriated to say the least, because in what universe should she be thinking of someone as insufferable as him? He was too arrogant, too conceited, and far too much to handle. Everything he did drove her crazy and made her blood boil, so having lost sleep thanks to him made her the most insufferable than ever.

Now as she's playing her heart's content, her thoughts on Anthony wouldn't subside. Her fingers danced against the keys, but suddenly started performing a harsh choreography that formed an angering sound instead of a gentle harmony.

"Can you take it easy with the piano?" Aurora brought her book down, shaking her head disapprovingly at her sister.

"I play what I feel," Elizabeth remarked and smashed on the keys even more to the point it sounded like an ominous song meant for a scary novel. "Just go back to reading your book and let me be."

Aurora rolled her eyes, "I would if you would let me concentrate."

"The garden is perfect for a nice reading, so why don't you head out there?"

"Why don't you make me?"

Elizabeth raised a brow in a challenging way, "Oh, really? Is that what you want?"

Adelaide couldn't help from smiling at the bickering between her sisters, "Is there a fight about to unfold? I place my bets on Aurora."

"Aurora?" Elizabeth stared incredulously at her. "She's younger than me, so she's bound to lose."

"But I am quite strong and will be able to beat you," Aurora prided herself with her head held high and tried to refrain from laughing when seeing the annoyance of her sister.

"You know what?" Elizabeth stood from her spot and started heading to her, making Aurora stand up as well with a teasing smirk. "Let's go outside and settle things."

"Yes! A fight!" Adelaide exclaimed and that was enough to bring their mother down in a panic.

Victoria stormed into the room and placed herself in between her daughters, "Stop it you two. Fighting isn't ladylike, so stop this."

"Lizzie started it," Aurora complained.

Elizabeth gaped at her with widened eyes, scoffing in disbelief, "You were the one who challenged me! I was simply minding my own business and you-"

"Is that the viscount?"

Adelaide's question interrupted Elizabeth's sentence, making the four Windsor women head to the window for a better look. Sure enough, Anthony was standing with a brown horse that had a red bow around his neck.

"Am I dreaming or did he actually bring a horse?" Victoria narrowed her eyes, unsure if what she was seeing was right.

"Maybe he brought it as a gift for Lizzie!" Aurora squealed and started jumping up and down in excitement. "You have to go out there and thank him! It's obvious he's interested and wants to court you!"

Elizabeth was perplexed as to why he was here and why he had brought a horse. She doesn't want to assume the beautiful animal is for her, but if it wasn't, he wouldn't have gone through the hassle of coming all the way here with it.

She sighed heavily and headed outside. Her feet stomped all the way there as just seeing him was making her frustrations return. Surely their plan on appearing to get along would go awfully wrong since standing before him was making their deal fade into oblivion.

"Miss Windsor," Anthony greeted with a smile and petted the horse with such delicacy.

"What are you doing here?" she asked abruptly before adding, "With a horse?"

"I brought a gift for you," he said like it was the most obvious thing. "I figured if we want to make our sudden friendship appear genuine, offering you a gift seems the most proper."

Elizabeth raised her brows in astonishment. Don't get her wrong, she loved animals, but she didn't understand why this would make the ton believe they were just friends. If anything, it would make it seem like he's courting her instead.

"My sister thinks you brought this beautiful horse because you want to court me," she bluntly said, her expression serious and grating. "If she believes that, everyone else will, which will make Edwina think you're no longer interested and result in her accepting another gentleman."

Anthony parted his lips to speak, but he became at a loss when realizing she was right. Word would get around that he gifted her with this grand gesture and therefore, ruin his chances with the diamond. The other men would believe Edwina wasn't being pursued and would toss themselves at her feet – something he wasn't about to let happen.

"I did not think of it that way," he reluctantly admitted, feeling like he had just gone through a defeat.

She smiled, more out of sarcasm than anything, "Of course not. How could you?"

He rolled his eyes and sighed irritatedly, "Well, I guess I should return home with it then."

"Might I make a suggestion?" Elizabeth walked forward, but not without making sure her family hadn't come out just yet. "Perhaps you could give the horse to Edwina. I know for a fact she loves them. She used to adore one back home and this one would remind her of it."

Of course, the horse was just a character from a novel about love, but he doesn't need to know that. She figured that having a little fun before their plan begins wouldn't bring any harm, so why not make him believe she would love this gift?

Anthony hummed in thought for a moment, a momentary doubt troubling him, but he considered that this must be her way of helping him win Edwina over. If he brings the horse to her, perhaps Miss Sharma might notice how serious he is in pursuing her sister.

"Hmm, very well then," he stated after a moment of deliberation. "It's just troubling to have to make the travel all the way back."

"Your fault for not thinking logically," Elizabeth remarked and he tensed at her words, making him send her a sharp glare.

"You are making it hard for me to pretend to like you," he retorted in a low voice that resembled a whisper.

"Funny, because I was thinking the exact thing about you," she smiled at him in more of a condescending way, the same way that got on his nerves and tempted him to return the gesture of pushing her into the lake. She tilted her head slightly before turning around, leaving him standing with a vexed expression and pout. "By the way, I guess I'll see you at Lady Danbury's soiree this evening."

Anthony stared at her like she had something out of this world. This would be the first that he's heard about this event and something told him this was all Miss Sharma's doing thanks to her. He tried pretending like he knew, but she seemed to know him much better than expected.

"Seems your invitation got lost then," Elizabeth couldn't keep the taunting in her voice hidden seeing as his expression always humored her and brightened her. "But do not worry, my lord. I will do my best to make sure Kate invites you."

"No need," he snapped, his gaze hardening within a second. "I already got my invitation."

Here's the thing, Elizabeth knew the invitations weren't sent out just yet. After having breakfast with the Sharmas and Lady Danbury, she heard their plans of offering a soiree. With Kate's suggestion, only the most eligible and suited gentlemen would be invited. Since Elizabeth had tarnished Anthony's reputation to her, she was certain he wouldn't get one.

Now, she thought it'd be entertaining to make him believe the invitations were sent out just to see his reaction to being excluded. Seems her plan went accordingly.

"I know you're lying," she pointed out and he scoffed like she had said something ridiculous.

With his hands behind his back, he shook his head in an attempt to convince her, "I do not lie, Miss Windsor."

"Oh, please," Elizabeth argued. "All men lie and the reason I know you are is because the invitations have not been sent just yet. I made the whole thing up just to see your reaction that I'm sure you will perform when it actually happens later today."

Anthony couldn't believe her. He was out here trying his hardest to be the picture of amiability and she was adamant on getting on his last nerve. It was making him want to take back their agreement that clearly she's not following through.

"Are you quite serious?"

Elizabeth nonchalantly nodded, enjoying every bit of this, "Don't be upset, my lord. This is a good thing. It gives me a chance to convince Kate to invite you and that way, you can spend more time with Edwina."

"Why do I have a feeling you're deceiving me?"

She was, but would she let him know? Of course not.

"I would never, but if you want to start getting on her good side, go and give the horse to Edwina," she gestured him to leave and his bewilderment continued growing as her gesture made him feel like he was being demanded to abandon the premises like he was some kind of intruder. "She will love it."

Anthony grabbed a hold of the horse and started heading away. He could sense her stare on his back and in a strange way, he couldn't help but enjoy it. It made him feel honored to have her attention and yes, she despised him, but it's incredibly satisfying inflicting this type of emotion on a woman – especially to her.

__________________

It was quite humorous seeing tons of men performing acts in order to impress Edwina. Women usually are the ones being forced into doing such things, so it was satisfying witnessing this firsthand.

Dancing, magic and musical acts, and dramatic readings were the cherry on top and from the looks of it, Edwina was clearly impressed. There was laughter and a few impressed applauds from the crowd, making the gentlemen more eager in performing their little stunts.

As a young man danced incredibly offbeat, Elizabeth wasn't able to contain her laughter. She was fairly grateful for having been invited to this soiree as she surely can't imagine what she'd be doing. Staying at home would have been a grand mistake and besides, tonight would be when the plan sets into action.

Not that there's many options, but hey, she's not in the position to be judgmental of her choices. If she's set on marrying by the end of the season, allowing herself to open up to a few possible suitors would have to make do.

"Thank you for inviting me," she whispered to Kate, who was laughing at the scene. "It's quite refreshing watching men act like fools for once."

"Couldn't agree more," Kate said through a wide smile.

"Was this your idea?" Eloise Bridgerton suddenly joined the conversation, finding this fascinating from it being a rare sight.

"I wish I could take credit, but no," Kate admitted. "Lady Danbury encouraged a poetry reading."

"Let me guess, the men with their competition and pompous spirits assembled this charade on their own?" Elizabeth questioned, unable to prevent an appalled gaze being directed to the front.

"You said it perfectly," Kate agreed.

Eloise scoffed, not at all surprised at this, "Of course they would."

"You are the viscount's sister, right?" Elizabeth asked.

"One of them," Eloise nodded with a soft smile. "But do not hold it against me."

"Me? Hold it against you?" she placed a hand against her heart to pretend like she was offended. "I would never, Miss Bridgerton. The fact that you're his sister is making me change my mind about him."

"We should certainly not give him too much credit, now, should we?" Eloise softly laughed, but her laughter faltered into a frown when witnessing a gentleman showcase his talent with a silly old toy.

Lady Danbury seemed to have had enough and cut his act short, "How about a pause?"

"Please," Elizabeth grumbled, earning an agreeing nod from both Kate and Eloise.

Just as the applause faded, each of them dispersed into separate areas of the room. She parted from Kate's side and wondered if Anthony was coming or not. It took a lot to convince Kate to invite him, but like he said, speaking highly of him earned him points. Only now, Elizabeth was starting to regret it since his lack of punctuality was giving off the wrong sign. It sure doesn't help seeing Edwina glancing at the door in hopes of seeing him barge in.

"Looking for someone, Lizzie?" Victoria asked when noticing her daughter staring at the doorway with anticipation. "Is it the viscount, perhaps?"

"What? No," she responded with haste, her rushed tone and voice getting a few octaves higher revealing the lie behind her words. "I am simply walking around, enjoying the few minutes where I don't have to endure this farce."

"Hmm, are you sure about that?" Victoria narrowed her eyes in suspicion as she could see a strange sparkle in her eyes.

"I am, mama," Elizabeth argued despite knowing it was of no use since it was obvious her mind was already made up. "And you know, instead of staying here listening to you accuse me, I think I shall head out for fresh air."

She started heading out to the front as she couldn't remain listening to wrongful assumptions. She's merely looking for him due to their agreement and considering she's putting in a good word for him to the Sharmas, the least he could do is show up on time.

"That's what I get for helping him," she muttered under her breath and leaned her head back to take up the warm breeze. The stars were shining brighter than ever and the moon adorned the sky like a perfect masterpiece. Everything would be perfect if she were at the lake enjoying the quietness of the night and the solitude she's desperately craving for.

"You deceived me."

Elizabeth's nerves tensed when hearing that unbearable voice a couple feet from her. She gnawed at the inside of her cheek and reluctantly turned to face him. Despite wanting to find something to criticize him with, she was left at a loss of words when seeing how incredibly handsome he looked in that well-fitted blazer. The moonlight casted a shadow on his face, accentuating his features in a way someone as dashing as him deserved. Up to the way his eyes sparkled, the way his cheekbones are burning with a shade of red, and those lips-

Lips?

She trembled at such a thought. How could she be thinking of him this way? He was nothing more than someone intolerable, conceited, objectifying, and entitled. Just thinking about this made her tempted to seek medical help as she surely must be losing her mind.

"Miss Windsor? Is anyone home?" Anthony protested and waved his hand in her face to acquire her attention.

Elizabeth snapped out of her thoughts and adjusted her focus back to reality, "It is about time you appeared. You know, for someone who criticized me over having a lack of punctuality, you sure are a perfect representation of that."

"I was preparing my poem for Miss Edwina," he defended and brought out the piece of paper from his pocket, showcasing it like some kind of artwork worthy of being admired. "But enough about that. You deceived me earlier. You told me Miss Edwina had a horse back home, but she didn't. She didn't like my gift, so I was forced to take the animal back."

Raising her hands in surrender, she pretended to be offended and scoffed, "I did no such thing. I never told you she had a horse back home. I simply said she admired one-"

"What you failed to tell me is that it was a character from a novel," Anthony's voice was low, but incredibly tense. His face was turning a beet red and his eyes were filled with the fire's blaze, "You made me look like a complete fool in front of her."

"You did that yourself," she retorted, shrugging carelessly.

He strided a couple steps forward, shaking his head in disbelief at her character, "You are not living up to your side of the agreement, Miss Windsor. You tricked me instead of helping me, so how do you expect me to follow through with my end of the deal?"

"Come on, my lord," Elizabeth complained and formed a wry smile. "I helped you secure an invitation and Edwina's clearly waiting for you. Instead of arguing with me, head inside and win her over."

Anthony huffed in annoyance and as much as he desired to remain here with her, he had to focus on his mission. He wouldn't get anywhere if he remained with Elizabeth, so hesitantly, he chose to cave to her orders and followed her in.

It seemed they arrived at the right moment since Lady Danbury was about to dismiss everyone, but with the viscount's arrival, the moment couldn't end just yet.

"Pardon me, Lady Danbury?" Anthony called out and maneuvered his way through the crowd to the front.

"Lord Bridgerton, I did not expect you to come."

Elizabeth discreetly entered the room and made sure no one knew she had come in with him. If her mother and sister were to see her, she would never hear the end of it. She took a deep breath and stood next to Kate, who was delighted when seeing her return.

"I apologize for the late arrival, but I wanted my words to be perfect for Miss Edwina," he rushed through his words, ignoring the admiring smile Edwina was sending him. "Though you'd never deny a young man you've known for 29 years the pleasure of your company?" When seeing the hesitation in Lady Danbury, he'd thought it'd be best to address the diamond instead. "Surely Miss Edwina has time for one more. I spent all evening crafting something. An original. Would you like to hear it?"

Edwina eagerly nodded and turned to Lady Danbury for approval.

"Would everyone like to hear it?" he addressed the crowd, which made Elizabeth roll her eyes.

"Just read it," she loudly said and he turned to her with a vexed look that didn't go unnoticed by her family.

Anthony walked to the front and carefully unfolded the paper. His fingers were shaking and for some strange reason, he couldn't prevent himself from glancing at Elizabeth. She was standing with an elegant poise and head held high. Her presence was invigorating and her charisma brought splendor to the room, if not, the entire world. She radiated confidence, and there he was, the complete opposite of her character.

He couldn't comprehend why he cared to impress her when it was Edwina he was pursuing. He even went as far as plagiarizing someone else's words for her, so why was he worried about what Elizabeth would think?

It was ridiculous and truly something worthy of being ridiculed. He had the opportunity to court the diamond and fulfill his duty, so trembling at another woman's presence was unspeakable and meant to be shamed.

Anthony cleared his throat and read over the blurred words, "What is it... truly to admire a woman? To look at her and feel inspiration. To delight in her beauty. So much that all your defenses crumble, that you would willingly take on any pain, any burden for her. To honor..." he trailed off and like a magnet pulling him in, his gaze landed on hers again. "To hon..."

Elizabeth waited patiently and even urged him to continue. She never took him as a person who got nervous at these types of showcases, so seeing him this vulnerable, this nervous, this affected, filled her with a sense of concern.

She nodded encouragingly and even offered a smile, which surprised her when noticing it had been a genuine one for the first time in a while. All she knew was that she couldn't bear seeing him struggle and even if they're not on the best terms, she would never wish for his demise.

Anthony took a shaky breath and crumbled the paper, soon tossing it into the fireplace behind him. The promise of these words – when they weren't even his in the first place – felt wrong. If he wanted to pursue Edwina, he could not start this courtship with a lie. He wanted her to know his true intentions and then, she would have a choice on whether or not she wishes to continue.

A part of him – one he wasn't aware of – prayed she wouldn't accept him. That the love match she desired would redirect her senses and prohibit him from pursuing her. Something about that resolution would offer him satisfaction, especially when having her in the same room.

"My apologies. I cannot do this," he rubbed his forehead in frustration and placed his hands on his hips. "I cannot claim these words as my own. They are someone else's entirely," he explained, but his explanation seemed to be addressed not to Edwina, but to Elizabeth instead. "Truth be told, I'm not- I'm not a man of poetry. Words of flattery are beautiful and sweet, but they are also hollow unless accompanied by action."

Elizabeth wondered where he was going with this. He had the opportunity to woo Edwina and impress her sister, and yes, he might have done wrong in stealing someone's words, but if he was so adamant on his mission, why did he admit to his dishonesty?

She noticed the way he was looking at Edwina and felt a spark of fury prick at her skin. He spoke to her gently and viewed her as the most remarkable jewel, and deep down, she desired for someone to look at her the same.

"Miss Edwina, I could stand here and pretend to be someone I am not," Anthony's words were rushed, but the sternness in his voice showcased how important this was for him. "I could pretend to want the very same things as you, but I'd be lying. I may not be able to..." he paused and for what seemed like the millionth time this evening, he glanced at Elizabeth again, igniting a strange jolt of electricity to affect her heart without realizing, "... offer the display of passion that you truly deserve. But I assure you that when it comes to action and duty, I shall never be found lacking, and I hope that is what will speak louder than any pretty words ever can."

Elizabeth's breath became caught in her throat as every part of her had tensed throughout his speech. There was sincerity in them and despite trying to find any insufficiency, she couldn't help admiring how open he was in expressing his true intentions. He was honest and gave Edwina a choice, which made her realize that there was honor in him after all.

Without intending to, she looked over at Edwina, and felt vexed at how impressed she was. His words had won her over and she should be ecstatic for them, but some deep part of her never wanted to see this courtship happen.

How awful of a person can she be to feel this way?

Anthony bowed his head and left his spot, leaving Edwina stricken and ready to go after him. Only it seemed Kate wasn't convinced just yet and stopped her sister from continuing, "Did you hear that, Bon? He cannot give you the love you deserve."

"Does that make him a bad man or an honest one?" Edwina argued, refusing to let her sister's dislike impact her choice of companionship. "It is the mark of a true gentleman, just as Appa used to say."

"Edwina-"

"If Lizzie was able to make amends with him, why can't you?"

And with that, the youngest Sharma took off in the direction of the viscount.

Kate scoffed at the sight and turned to Elizabeth, "Are you certain he is as honorable as you told me earlier, Lizzie? I am still unsure if he is right for my sister."

She swallowed harshly and despite her mind yelling at her to ruin this courtship for him, she couldn't bring herself to. Edwina was entranced by him and he would offer many opportunities to her and her family, so how could she ruin this for them?

"I am certain," Elizabeth said, avoiding staring directly into her eyes. "He was honest in his intentions despite knowing it would risk everything, but he still did it. Believe me, Kate, Edwina couldn't do better."

Kate sighed heavily and shook her head before parting away, "Well, let's hope he continues being honest like tonight."

Elizabeth only nodded and soon became focused on watching Anthony and Edwina conversing. He was delighted at her presence and even offered her that charming smile of his. She should feel content the plan was running smoothly, but she found herself upset when seeing them in close proximity. Something about the way he laughed, smiled, and even stared at her made her veins boil, and that was enough to terrify her.

As if he had sensed her stare, Anthony lost focus on Edwina and shifted his attention onto her. His heart started pounding against his chest when finding those alluring amber eyes on him already. He was tempted to excuse himself to have a conversation with her instead, but just as quickly as the idea flooded his mind, he shook it away when remembering his mission.

He wanted to look away, but she kept luring him like a siren's song. Her beautiful features were infuriating as all he wanted was to have an easy season, but there she was making it impossible to enjoy this victory. He started urging her to look away, but deep down, he pleaded to the heavens not to cut this glorious moment short.

Elizabeth clenched her jaw as she felt her breathing getting heavier. She hated this feeling, she hated being overwhelmed by this, and most of all, she hated him for bringing this onto her.

Abruptly, she turned away and started dashing out the room, refusing to be near his presence and allowing him to continue ruining her evening, not knowing that Anthony never once looked away from her.

Author's Note

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