Anthony had firmly shut himself off from love and marriage after his father's death. It became his responsibility to care for his siblings, his mother, the tenants, the finances, and everything else that fell under a Viscount's duties. His goal was to ensure that his sisters married well and to keep his younger brothers on the right path. However, his reluctance to marry sometimes raised doubts among his siblings. Deep down, Anthony knew he had to wed—after all, as the eldest son, he needed an heir to whom he could pass everything on.

For a year, his mother, Lady Violet Bridgerton, had been trying to persuade him to find a wife, and this season, he finally relented—albeit skeptically, doubting he would find a suitable woman who would make the perfect Viscountess, manage the Bridgerton household, and help arrange his sisters' marriages. Yet, he made little effort to find a bride himself, prompting Lady Violet to take matters into her own hands. At the very first ball of the season—the Danbury Ball—she boldly declared, “This year, the Viscount intends to marry.”

Immediately, they were besieged by young debutantes and their ambitious mothers. Many sought entry into the Bridgerton family, not only for their wealth but also for their influence and extensive connections. For Anthony, every ball, promenade, and social visit became a living nightmare. None of the young ladies met his standards, and Lady Violet began to worry for her son. No matter how often she insisted that Anthony should seek love, he remained adamant. He did not want a love match—because deep inside, he feared meeting an early death like his father and leaving behind a heartbroken wife. To spare anyone such anguish, he avoided love altogether.

Yet, there was one person even more impatient about marriage than Lady Violet Bridgerton—none other than England’s beloved monarch, Queen Charlotte. Lady Danbury’s announcement that the Viscount was searching for a wife caught the Queen’s attention. Deciding to personally intervene, as she had done in previous seasons, she resolved to find the perfect match for Viscount Bridgerton. After all, the Bridgertons were among her favorites—there was always excitement, passion, and scandal surrounding them, especially considering Daphne Bridgerton’s whirlwind romance and wedding last year.

Thus, Queen Charlotte extended a special invitation to London—to the daughter of a dear acquaintance, a young lady who had yet to marry. She invited the young woman to her grand annual ball, intending to introduce her to Anthony Bridgerton. ---- “Oh, and I must introduce you to Miss Eleanor Lanis,” Lady Violet announced excitedly on the evening of the ball. Everyone was ready to depart, and the widowed Viscountess was already planning whom to introduce to Anthony as potential brides. The Viscount merely sighed in exhaustion, resigned to his mother’s plans, and stepped into the carriage.

Upon their arrival at the palace, many young ladies turned their gazes toward them, eager for an introduction. However, before anyone could approach, Lady Violet began steering her children toward the Queen—after all, it was only proper to greet their host first.

The Queen sat on her throne at the edge of the ballroom, overseeing the event with a keen eye. Beside her sat a young woman—the Queen’s guest, the one she wished to introduce to Anthony Bridgerton. The young lady observed the dancing and mingling guests with a gentle smile. Her posture was elegant, poised—undoubtedly beautiful, refined, and, most importantly, unmarried. She was the perfect candidate for Viscount Bridgerton’s wife.

As the Bridgerton family approached, the Queen smiled in satisfaction.

“Lord Bridgerton, allow me to introduce you to my guest,” she announced, gesturing toward the young lady, who greeted Anthony with a warm smile.

The moment Anthony laid eyes on her, his heart skipped a beat. Her beauty and grace captivated him so completely that he nearly forgot to bow.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss,” the Viscount spoke, his voice slightly hoarse. He could not take his eyes off her, a fact both the Queen and Lady Violet immediately noticed.

“If you would allow me, Miss, may I have this dance?” he asked, extending his hand toward her.

For a reason he could not quite explain, his heart pounded so fiercely in his chest that he feared it might burst from its place.