The cold night wind gave me chills as it touched my skin.

I was at a ball, like always and was currently sitting outside on the water fountain edge. I was wearing a blue dress with white lace on the collar and sleeves. It also had a white ribbon tied into a bow around my waist.

I was looking out into the field, balls have never been my thing. I have to attend them though because of my father. He is a respected man and I have to make sure I do not ruin his reputation. My brothers however, love going to balls. They love to dance and chat with everybody.

I saw a figure sit beside me on the fountain. I looked at the figure and it was Anthony Bridgerton.

We have a thing going on. A wonderful thing. When I introduced him to my father, father did not approve of Anthony. He said that I may never see him again. But what he doesn't know will not hurt him. Me and Anthony still see each other.

"Hello Alice." He said as he reached for my hand. I let him take it and he held it while his hand rested on his thigh.

"Hello Anthony." I replied smiling lightly at the man.

"How are you? I know you do not like these Balls." He said. I shrugged, "I am alright for the moment. I saw my brother talking to your sister earlier. It's funny because he knows that she is married to Simon. He still try's to get with her though." I told him.

Anthony chuckled lightly. "Was it Teddy? He always try's to find women to court. He is very good at courting them too."

"Yes it was. James is married, he doesn't talk to any other girls other than me and his wife." I replied.

James is my oldest brother. He is 28 years old and he is Married to Florence Luaska.

Teddy is my older brother but the younger one. He is 24 years old and he is trying to find a wife. He is handsome, I am surprised that no woman has married him yet.

I am the youngest. I am 20 years old and am in a secret relationship with Anthony. Well, everyone knows but my father. Everyone keeps it a secret from my father too. Me and Anthony are ten years apart but we don't mind the age difference.

"do you want to go find something to eat? I'm sure they have food sitting out." Anthony said.

I nodded and we stood up. He held out his arm for me and I took it in mine. I put my hand on my other.

We walked into the ballroom and moved past the people on the side on the room and made our way into the dining room. There were a few people in there.

Me and Anthony sat at a little round table beside each other. There were a few pastry's and baked goods sitting on a tray.

Anthony held my hand and we ate a few things while chatting about random things that came to mind.

When we finished we walked around the garden together.

"How is Colin?" I asked.

Colin is Anthony's brother and he had gotten injured in a dueling accident.

"He's getting better. I can take you to see him tomorrow if you'd like." He told me. I nodded and looked out into the field again. Anthony saw a little stone bench and sat on it. He guided me to sit on it as well.

He put his right arm around me and his other holding my left hand. I laid my head on his shoulder and inhaled his cologne.

"Do you want to spend the night with me tonight?" He asked me in a low voice. "Yes, I know Teddy will most likely go home with one of his friends tonight. And I don't want to be alone with father." I replied.

He nodded and kissed my head.

"Has he done anything since that day? Anything else like that?" Anthony asked me as he laid his head on top of mine.

"Not yet. I think he is waiting until I am alone with him, or until Teddy stops keeping a close eye on him."

My father and me were alone in the lounge room when he tried to take advantage of me. He touched me and almost took off my corset. He had unbuttoned my dress halfway. Luckily, Teddy came in right before father went to far. Teddy pushed father off of me and lead me out of the room.

James was there as well and he went into the lounge room to yell at father. I was crying and trying to get my dress fixed on myself. Teddy came and helped me button it and hugged me. It was horrible and I am scared to be in the house with father at all. Even if my brothers are both there.

"I'm sorry he has you feeling like this." He said as he squeezed my hand.

I squeezed back and sniffed a little. It was getting cold and I was in a short sleeve dress.

I sat up and rubbed my arms trying to get my body warm.

"Are you cold?" Anthony asked me. I nodded and he took off his coat and held it out for me. I put my arms through it and wrapped it around my body.

Anthony smiled at me and wrapped his arm around me again. He rubbed my shoulder with one hand and held both of my hands with his other.

He kissed my temple and rested his chin on my head.

"I love you Alice." He told me.

"I love you too Anthony." I smiled at him.

He smiled and kissed me deeply.

When we pulled apart we noticed people leaving the ball.

"I guess it's over." I told him. He nodded and I took my arm in his and we walked to his carriage.

Benedict was waiting beside it.

"Hello Alice!" He said cheerfully.

"Hello Benedict." I replied smiling at him. He opened the carriage door and I carefully stepped into it. I sat on the left side near the wall so Anthony could sit next to me.

Anthony stepped into the carriage next and sat close beside me. He rested his hand on my knee and smiled at me. I still had his coat on and I went to take it off but he stopped me.

"No, no, you can keep it on until we make it home. It gets cold in the carriages sometimes." He explained. I smiled at him and wrapped the coat around my body again.

Then Simon and Daphne stepped into the carriage and sat on the other side of me and Anthony.

"Hello Daphne, how was the ball for you two?" I asked Daphne.

"It was well, Simon danced a lot tonight for once." Daphne chuckled.

The three of us chuckled and sat in silence for a few moments until Benedict stepped into the carriage.

He sat beside Anthony and he closed the door. Then we started moving.

The five of us sat in a comfortable silence. Occasionally the boys would engage in a small conversation.

I felt myself getting tired but I didn't want to fall asleep.

I laid my head on Anthony's shoulder and felt my eyes close. Then I fell asleep.

__________________

"Be careful with her head." I heard Anthony say.

I was being carried I knew that.

"I'm trying. Simon help me." I heard Benedict answer.

I then felt another pair of hands on my waist and I could feel the wind of the night. They had gotten me out of the carriage.

"Okay give her to me." Anthony said.

I was then handed over to Anthony and we started walking. I knew we were at the house. I heard the other three talking ahead of me and Anthony.

I opened my eyes slowly and looked around.

"Hello Alice." Anthony smiled down at me.

I smiled at him and wrapped my arm around his neck and buried my head into his shoulder.

"Don't go back to sleep, we are almost to the doors. Colin may be awake, you could see him." Anthony told me.

I nodded and then saw that we were at the doors.

Anthony gently set me on my feet and grabbed my hand. We went inside and closed the door.

It was silent inside, most of the Bridgertons were in their rooms getting ready for bed.

"Do you think he's awake?" I asked Anthony.

"Maybe, we can go see."

With that Anthony lead me up the stairs and we walked down the hallway a little ways until we found Colin's room.

Anthony knocked on the door and pressed his ear against it.

"Come in." Colin said in a quiet raspy voice.

Anthony opened the door and the two of us walked in.

"Hello Colin, How are you feeling?" I asked him in a soft voice. I moved to sit on the edge of his bed, taking his hand in mine.

"I've been better. The doctor said I should be healed fully in a week." Coin told me. I gave him a sad smile and moved some hair out of his face.

Me and Colin have been close since we were kids. He is three years older than me but I am like his sister. He says that Daphne doesn't understand him like I do.

Anthony was standing beside me with his hands behind his back.

"How was the ball tonight?" Colin asked the two of us.

"It was okay, I didn't really stay for much of it. I was outside most of the time." I replied.

Colin chuckled but winced. "Are you okay?" I asked him as I scanned his body for any blood.

"Yes, it is just my stitches. They hurt when I laugh." He responded.

We sat in silence for a few minutes, with me running my fingers through Colin's hair.

Anthony yawned and I smiled at him, "we are going to go to sleep Colin. Have a good night." I told Colin as I stood up and adjusted his sheets.

I gave him a kiss on his cheek and left the room, closing the door behind me.

Me and Anthony walked to his room and started to get ready for bed.

I have a few dresses and nightgowns at the Bridgerton house because of how many times I stay here a week.

I changed into it and Anthony changed into his night clothes and we climbed into bed.

I let out a deep breath and cuddled into Anthony's side. He smiled and kissed the top of my head. Then we fell asleep for the night.