sixwordstories | (no subject)

Best to be very clear about which is which before you start.

Well, yes. That is obvious.

[pause]

Unless one isn't sure.

I've never been unsure of it.

Are you some trouble with a girl?

Not anymore.

I beg your pardon, sir. Anthony Bridgerton.

[He doesn't go round begging pardons because, among other reasons, he wasn't raised to courtly manners.] Thomas Shelby.

Bridgerton. That must make you a lord or somesuch.

[That much is obvious, of course. But Anthony has been drinking, and frankly, in this moment, he doesn't care. So.]

Mr. Shelby. A viscount, actually. [For surely Mr. Shelby has heard of the Bridgertons. Everyone in London has...?]

[Given his line of work and his family's investments, he has a tendency to encounter his social betters at their low points — in drinking establishments or casinos.

There are barriers between class which no amount of money or power will ever allow him to cross. He knows better than to seek acceptance where he'll find none. He comports himself as the ruler of his own kingdom, with little to fear from London's peerage.]

In that case, I expect it's alliances and security for you, over love or sex.

[Well, now that's an idea. Anthony will watch Mr. Shelby a bit more closely.]

Are you suggesting something, Mr. Shelby?

[Only observing that a man in Lord Bridgerton's position has more to consider than the point of difference mentioned in the first place. Mr. Shelby shrugs, retrieving his cigarette and matches from a pocket.]

As the head of your family, such considerations must weigh on your mind.

[Now it's wholly up to interpretation whether he has heard of the Bridgertons, or if he's just very quick reading strangers.]

Thank you, Captain Obvious!

Actually, it took me years to figure it out.

Ah, may I? [Anthony gestures to the cigarettes] Many things weigh on my mind. [Because of course everyone knows the Bridgertons.]

I am ... not a captain. Nor is my name Obvious. [obviously. She is pretty, though.]

Anthony Bridgerton. [said with a small bow]

Yeah. [Thomas extends an entire cigarette case toward Anthony in offer, then strikes a match.]

Well, I'm the head of my family too. Most of my siblings are married, or they've been married already. Just my youngest brother still to go.

[He wouldn't presume to dispense unasked advice, but Bridgerton's certainly not alone in having to manage family matters.]

[After accepting the light, Anthony inhales gratefully, eyes closing for a moment.]

Are you married, then, sir?

Been married twice.

[He wasn't when he first started matchmaking on his family's behalf — by now though, he knows what he's getting people into. He doesn't elaborate, instead taking a drag from his own smoke.]

It's an expres...never mind.

Bridgerton? I have heard the name from a mutual acquaintance? Devil Cynster, the Duke of St. Ives, is an old family friend.

My name is Alexa.

Miss ... Alexa. [no surname, for better or worth in Anthony's world, means no title.]

I cannot say I am familiar with the Duke ... that is, I must say, an interesting name.

...Twice.

[Anthony doesn't know whether to be impressed or appalled, and it shows.]

Once for love. The second time because it was right. A suitable match, as your people would say.

And you? Not yet, eh?

You are not currently with either? [All he does is shake his head. Love, no. And he hasn't yet found the proper match. But he will.

[He scoffs at the assumption in the question, not offended.]

Oh, I am.

[It's all perfectly respectable: he was widowed and then, after a period of mourning, remarried.]

Twice is enough.

Ah.

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Ah. <small[at the second comment, Anthony smiles.]</small> I can only imagine. Women are... a great deal to deal with.