Chapter Text
The steady clip-clop of hooves echoed against the cobbled road, punctuated by the occasional creak of the carriage as it rolled steadily towards Dover. Outside, the gray winter sky stretched endlessly, but inside, the small space was warm and golden with the soft glow of afternoon light filtering through the curtains.
Kate leaned against the carriage window, her forehead lightly pressed to the cold glass as the frost-kissed landscape rolled by. Newton, curled stubbornly between her and Anthony, let out a tiny, self-satisfied sigh in his sleep.
“I knew we shouldn’t have let him think the carriage seat was his throne,” Anthony said, voice laced with mock disapproval as he tried—and failed—to nudge the corgi out of his lap with one knee.
Kate turned away from the window, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “He’s a Bridgerton now, Anthony. Entitlement comes with the name, does it not?”
Anthony smirked. “Yes, well, Newton acted like this long before he adopted the title.”
At the sound of his name, Newton’s ears twitched, but he refused to move.
Kate laughed softly, settling back into the seat and letting her head fall gently against Anthony’s shoulder. “You’d miss him terribly if he weren’t here.”
Anthony huffed, but his arm automatically came up to wrap around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “I wouldn’t go that far. I would have enjoyed at least some time alone with my wife before we see your family.”
Kate laughed again, her voice soft and melodic in the intimate confines of the carriage. They fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by the gentle sway of the carriage and the rhythmic sound of hooves striking stone.
After a few minutes, Anthony spoke again, his voice quieter, more thoughtful. “I wrote to Arnold and Helene.”
Kate lifted her head slightly to look at him, her brows rising with interest. “You did?”
He nodded. “They invited us to stay with them when we pass through their town.”
Kate’s face lit up with excitement, her smile wide and unguarded. “Oh, Anthony, that’s wonderful! I adored them both when we met them last summer.”
Anthony smiled down at her, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek. “I thought you’d be pleased. They’re eager to see us again, especially you.”
Kate nestled closer into his side, her gloved hand resting over his chest. “How long will we stay?”
Anthony hesitated for a moment before replying. “Only a day or two.”
Kate frowned slightly and tilted her head to look at him. “You sound hesitant.”
Anthony let out a low sigh, his thumb absentmindedly stroking her shoulder. “I almost declined their invitation.”
“Why?” Kate asked softly, her brows knitting together.
Anthony’s gaze met hers, earnest and unguarded. “Because this is our last chance, Kate. Just the two of us, alone. Once we reach Berlin, we’ll be with your family, and then Mary will be traveling back to London with us. After that, our lives will be filled with dinners, balls, responsibilities. I—I wanted to keep you to myself a little longer.”
Kate’s expression softened, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “Oh, Anthony.”
Her fingers brushed his jaw, and he turned his face slightly to press a kiss into her palm. “I know it’s selfish,” he murmured against her hand.
“It isn’t selfish at all,” she replied. “It’s…it’s lovely. And honest. But I’m glad you accepted their invitation. I think a visit with friends will be good for us both.”
Anthony nodded, though his lips pressed into a slight line of resignation. “You’re right, of course. You always are.”
Kate grinned, pressing a kiss to his cheek before resting her head on his shoulder once more. “I’ll remind you of that the next time you doubt me.”
Anthony chuckled softly, his arm tightening around her. “You always do.”
The carriage rolled on, the peaceful silence returning. Outside, the wintry countryside stretched wide and still under the pale light of the February sky. Inside, wrapped in each other’s warmth, Kate and Anthony let the world fall away for a while longer.