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The Difference a Wife Makes

Summary:

Following the death of both parents, Lord Anthony Bridgerton must take a wife to help him raise his siblings.

The difference made to one family and their friends following the marriage of one man and one woman in 1807.

OR

Anthony marries Kate in 1807 and together they raise the rest of the Bridgerton siblings and the ways this changes things.

Notes:

This fic is something that has been rattling around in my head for some time. I have been spending far too much time lately lurking on this site reading Bridgerton fics. My characterisations are a mix of book-canon and show-canon along with how I think people would have interacted with each other in the Regency era.

My Anthony is based partly on how I felt after finishing the epic A Thousand Cuts by the amazing wall_e_nelson; I hope that my characterisation is as original as I can make it within this universe that is living in my brain.

Thank you for taking the time to read my nonsense :)

Chapter 1: Prologue - Part One

Chapter Text

1805

Anthony stood in the corridor outside the Viscount’s chambers at Bridgerton House, his chambers in name but not practicality, as the doctors tended to his mother. Violet Bridgerton had never fully recovered from Hyacinth’s birth two years prior, the complicated and drawn-out labour occurring as soon as it did after the death of her husband and had spent the last two years alternating between spending long periods of time in her bed and emerging to try and hold sway over her children who over the last two years had both grown used to her absences and in the case of the youngest two Bridgertons, outright forgotten who she was. 

 

“My Lord,” the doctor said, emerging from the chamber, his head bowed, “I am sorry My Lord but I am afraid we have been unable to stop the progress of the fever, your mother has passed.”

 

Anthony closed his eyes and leaned on the wall heavily, “Thank you for your efforts,” he said faintly as the man filed out of the house.

 

“Anth?” Benedict asked as he watched the doctor leave, “What have they said?”

 

“She’s gone,” Anthony replied, “They couldn’t do anything this time ... I need to speak to someone about getting her back to Aubrey Hall.”

 

“Shit,” Benedict breathed as he sagged against the wall for a moment before straightening and looking directly at Anthony, “What do you need me to do?”

 

“Send letters to the Rokesbys and Aunt Winnie,” Anthony replied, “By express messenger, tell them to meet us at Aubrey Hall. I’ll contact the undertakers and the solicitors,” he continued, “Then we need to tell the children.”

 

Benedict nodded before stepping forward and embracing his brother, the two men silent for a moment in their grief.

 


Two days later Anthony dropped into a chair next to his friend, Simon Bassett, at their usual table in Whites. Simon had already obtained a carafe of whisky and two glasses, “Bridgerton,” Simon greeted as the other man sat, nodding as Anthony drained his glass quickly.

 

“I’m leaving,” Simon announced as Anthony poured another glass, “I’ve bought passage on a boat to the Indies and I’m sailing on Wednesday. There’s room, you could come too.”

 

“My mother died two days ago,” Anthony replied blankly, “I can’t do anything ever again. I’ve got seven children to raise now.”

 

Simon stared at his oldest friend in shock, he remembered the terrified look on Anthony's face when his father had died the summer before they took up at Oxford and the frantic man that finally arrived during their second term but this Anthony, this man, looked broken. 

 

“So what’s your plan?” he asked quietly.

 

“Get Mother back to Aubrey Hall and buried,” Anthony replied, his tone still flat, “Then pay out my degree early, get Ben back to his, Colin back to Eton and sort out the rest of them somehow. I suppose at some point I’ll also find a wife,” Anthony knocked back his second whisky and stared blankly at the table before pouring a third. 

 

“Do you remember those last few weeks at Eton?” he asked with a hollow laugh, “When we planned our world tour? I’m never going to do that,” he continued, “Never going to see the world; my life is over now.”

 

Simon looked at Anthony, “I’ll keep in touch,” he said quietly, “But you know I can’t stay. Don’t let yourself drown Ant, and invite me to the wedding when you find your wife.”

 

1807

 

Anthony stood at the edge of the ballroom watching the festivities; this was his second season since the family had emerged from their mourning period and he was determined to make this the season that he procured a wife. He was the only Bridgerton present, the children were too young to attend any events and Benedict had decided to stay with them in the country for a few more weeks following his return from Oxford at the start of the season. 

 

Anthony sighed, he felt older than his 23 years and when talking with his old Eton and Oxford friends, he felt even older; he had the responsibilities of the estate, the title and his younger siblings to contend with; he would need a wife who could help him with all of them, not a silly chit just out of the schoolroom who would only add to his load.

 

“Lord Bridgerton,” Lady Danbury greeted from his side, “All alone tonight, I thought there was another one of you old enough to attend these events.”

 

“Lady Danbury,” Anthony returned with a small bow, “Yes, my brother Benedict but he is back in the country with the children for a few more weeks.”

 

“And you are continuing your hunt for the Viscountess,” Lady Danbury concluded, “Any prospects so far?”

 

“None that I can imagine putting up with my siblings,” Anthony replied, honestly, “Plenty that would like the title and prestige but I can’t abandon my responsibilities.”

 

“Of course not,” Lady Danbury agreed, “I am not sure if you are aware but I am helping a dear friend this season. Her step-daughter is in town and I am sponsoring her debut. She is older than most debutantes and will understand some of your responsibilities.”

 

“And it would help your dear friend if this girl was married off to a Viscount?” Anthony asked, looking over at his mother’s old friend with a wry smile.

 

Lady Danbury tapped the floor with her cane, “I always said you were bright Lord Bridgerton!” she laughed, “Here she comes now, Lord Bridgerton, may I introduce Miss Katherine Sheffield; my ward for the season.”

 

Anthony bowed slightly, “Miss Sheffield,” he murmured, “How are you finding London?”

 

“Well so far, my Lord,” Kate replied, “But I must confess I am missing my younger sister.”

 

“Is she not yet out?” Anthony asked as they took a turn around the ballroom, “I have several younger sisters that are still in the country.”

 

“Edwina is eleven,” Kate replied, “So she has time yet. How old are your sisters, my Lord?”

 

“Daphne is fifteen,” he replied, “Eloise is also eleven, Francesca is ten and Hyacinth is four.”

 

Kate’s eyes widened slightly, “Several sisters indeed,” she murmured, “I dare not ask but do you have any brothers?”

 

Anthony grinned, “You mean you have not been told of us?” he teased, “I have three brothers, Benedict is twenty-one; he should be here but has decided to stay in the country for a few weeks. Colin is sixteen and Gregory is six.”

 

“My goodness,” Kate gasped, “Lady Danbury did mention that you were the head of your family but she didn’t tell me the extent of it! It is simply myself, Edwina and our mother at home.”

 

“Can I call on you in the morning?” Anthony asked as he deposited Kate back with Lady Danbury. The older woman looked over their interaction with a smug half-smile on her lips and a knowing glint in her eye.

 

Kate smiled, “Of course,” she replied, blushing slightly, “I look forward to it.”


It was soon accepted around the Ton that Viscount Bridgerton had found his wife; he was regularly seen calling on Miss Kate Sheffield and escorting her around various Mayfair ballrooms. Six weeks before the end of the season, Anthony arrived at Lady Danbury’s house with the family betrothal ring safely tucked in his pocket. He emerged an hour later with a fiancee and strict instructions from the formidable Lady Danbury to have the marriage licence sorted and the church booked before the end of the season. 

 

“My siblings are all coming up to town for the wedding,” Anthony said when they were promenading around Hyde Park, “I would like for you to meet them, they can be a little much altogether but I do want you to meet them.”

 

“I would love to,” Kate smiled, “I feel like I know them already, with all your stories. My mother and sister are coming to town in the next few days as well, maybe we could all meet then?”

 

“That sounds perfect,” Anthony replied, “I’m sure Lady Danbury will arrange something.”

 

Just as they rounded onto Grosvenor Square, one of the two Bridgerton carriages slowed to a halt outside of Bridgerton House. A footman helped Daphne from the carriage and then reached in to lower the two youngest Bridgertons to the floor.

 

“Anthony!” Hyacinth shouted as she saw him, “Anthony!” Hyacinth took off at a run towards her oldest brother. Anthony smiled at Kate and mouthed an apology as he squatted down onto his haunches and gathered the small girl into his arms as she squealed in delight. 

 

“Ben said you are getting married,” Hyacinth said as Anthony stood, “Are you getting married?”

 

“I am,” Anthony replied, “To Miss Sheffield,” he turned Hyacinth slightly so she could see Kate, “Run back to Ben and I’ll be back when I’ve taken Miss Sheffield home.”

 

Hyacinth nodded and clambered down before running back towards Benedict, her hair ribbons flying out behind her, “So that was Hyacinth,” Anthony smiled as he took Kate’s arm and they continued towards Lady Danbury’s house. 

 

“She seems sweet,” Kate smiled, “And she clearly loves you. I can’t wait to get to know them all properly, I think my Mama wants to promenade tomorrow, maybe we could have a picnic?”

 

“I’m sure I’ll be able to get them all into the park,” Anthony confirmed, kissing her hand as he left her at the bottom of the steps of Danbury House, “I shall see you tomorrow.”


A few hours later Anthony sat in the nursery at Bridgerton House with Hyacinth on his lap and Gregory sitting on his feet, Eloise and Francesca had stopped their complaints at being too old for the nursery and were sitting quietly on one of the day beds, “So will she be like a new Mama?” Gregory asked as he looked at Anthony.

 

“No she won’t!” Eloise protested, “We don’t need a new Mama!”

 

“El,” Anthony sighed, before looking at Gregory, “She won’t be a new Mama,” he answered softly, “But she will be my wife and she will help to look after you all; do the kinds of things that I sometimes forget.”

 

Hyacinth frowned and tried to burrow her way further into Anthony’s chest, “So she won’t be like another sister?” she asked, “Would she be like El and Frannie’s governess?”

 

“No,” Anthony answered, “It’s hard to explain,” he sighed, and looked at his other younger sisters, “She won’t be replacing anyone,” he stressed, “She won’t be trying to be a new Mama for you all but she will help me, help you all. Do you remember when Daphne moved out of the nursery?” he asked, seizing on something that the girls had experienced a few years earlier, “And you all thought that she was really sick?”

 

Eloise and Francesca nodded, remembering the terror they had felt seeing the blood on Daphne’s night clothes and bedding, “Well, Kate will be able to help you all with things like that,” Anthony continued, “Things that I don’t know about; and Greg,” he smiled thinking of his own conversations with their mother as he went off to school, “She’ll be able to help you when you go off to school in a few years.”

 

The four youngest children all sat quietly, Eloise and Francesca with mutinous expressions. Anthony sighed, “I will still be here,” he promised, “I do believe that this will be a good thing; she isn’t replacing anyone and she isn’t stealing me either.”

 

Eloise and Francesca looked at each other and frowned, having one of their silent conversations, “We reserve judgement until we have met her,” Eloise stated, “But, we concede that you having a wife might be a good thing for us.”

 

Anthony smiled, “Thank you,” he replied, matching the serious tone in which Eloise had made her announcement, “She will be coming for dinner tomorrow evening with her mother so you will meet her then. Now go on, run downstairs and see what the cook has made, I’ll be down soon.”

 

The two girls ran out of the nursery and Anthony could hear them chatting as they ran down the staircase. He moved Hyacinth slightly and pulled Gregory onto his other knee, “Do you two understand now?” he said softly, “I’m still going to be around and I’ll still be here for you both.”

 

Gregory nodded, “I want to meet her first like El and Frannie,” he declared, “But if you think she is nice, I think she will be nice too.” With his statement made, Gregory jumped from Anthony’s lap and moved over to his toy soldiers.

 

“Hy,” Anthony said softly, running his hand through his sister's curls, “Are you OK?”

 

“You’re not leaving us too?” she eventually whispered, “Do you promise?”

 

“I promise,” Anthony said, “I promise that I will not be leaving you.”

 

Hyacinth nodded and reached up to whisper in Anthony’s ear, “I would like a Mama,” she said softly, “I love you Anthony.”

 

“Love you too,” Anthony said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, “Now I’m going downstairs but if you need me, tell Nanny to come get me.”


 

Anthony entered his study after his four youngest siblings were all safely in the nursery. He hoped that he was doing the right thing in marrying Kate and that his siblings were not all totally set against the idea. A soft knock on the door brought him out of his musings and after calling for whomever was there to come in, he was not surprised to see Colin and Daphne’s heads peeking around the door.

 

“Come in you two,” he smiled, “I’m guessing you have some questions?”

 

“Only a few,” Colin nodded, “We understand why you would want to take a wife, brother, but we want to know what it means for us.”

 

Daphne nodded from her position next to Colin, “Will we be sent to live somewhere else?” she asked, “And if we are, what can we keep?”

 

“And,” Colin added before Anthony could reply, “Will your marriage impact our prospects? Not mine, but the girls, will the girls all still be fine?”

 

“Stop!” Anthony exclaimed, “You will continue to live here or at Aubrey Hall as you have always done,” Anthony looked them both in the eyes, “Nothing about your residence, your possessions or your prospects will change. For any of you.”

 

“And she will be kind to us?” Daphne pressed, “She won’t lock us away and favour your own children?”

 

“Heavens Daphne!” Anthony exclaimed, “What have you been reading? Miss Sheffield will be my wife, she is not looking to take Mama’s place in your lives. She will be able to help you with ... more female issues, than I have been able to but it is my hope that you become friends.”

 

“But what if we don’t,” Daphne pressed, “What happens if she is horrid?”

 

“She won’t be,” Colin said suddenly, “Daph, can you imagine Anthony with someone horrid?”

 

Daphne frowned but then shook her head, “Is she truly very nice?” she asked softly.

 

“She is,” Anthony assured them both, “I know you both don’t like to be treated like you are still in leading strings but I will make you the same promise I made the babies, I promise that I will still be around for you, that I will still be here for you and that I will not be leaving you. No one is being replaced and no one is stealing anyone or anything from anyone else.” 

 

Daphne burst into tears and rushed around the desk to Anthony, “I know things will change regardless and those changes won’t necessarily be bad ones,” she said between her sobs, “But I just miss them both so much.”

 

Anthony brought her into his arms, “I know,” he replied, “I do too,” he reached out his arm and Colin stepped into the embrace.

 

“Love you Ant,” Daphne said softly, pressing a kiss to his cheek, “Congratulations on your marriage brother.”

 

Anthony kissed Daphne’s forehead softly, “Miss Sheffield will be here tomorrow for dinner to meet you,” he replied, “Now, go on up. I’ll be here all evening so if you need me, come back down.”

 

Colin stepped away at the same time as Daphne but let his sister leave the room before turning to Anthony, “I trust you, and I know that you need to do this and you need a wife” he said quietly, “But if this goes wrong and the girls are damaged by this, I will blame you forever.” Colin nodded and left the room, leaving Anthony to his thoughts.


Benedict was the next visitor, he appeared at the study door with a grin and a bottle of brandy, “Thought you might need a drink,” he grinned, “Are they all alright?”

 

“I think so,” Anthony sighed as he accepted a glass, “Remind me to check what the hell Daphne has been reading, she had some fantastical ideas of what would happen now I am getting married.”

 

“They’ve talked of nothing else all season,” Benedict stated, “They have been worried that your new wife would banish them to some outlying estate and make you forget about them.”

 

“And you?” Anthony asked, “Are you concerned?”

 

“Not in the slightest,” Benedict grinned, “I have my own money, I can easily get lodgings in town and I can make my own career if necessary. I’m not in the same position as the children,” Benedict paused, taking a drink, “And I understand that you need to do this, I can see what the last few years have done to you and I know that you need someone to help take some of your load.”

 

Anthony nodded, “I think El and Frannie will be the worst,” he said, thinking about their reactions, “Colin and Daphne seem willing to give it a chance at least.”

 

“They are,” Benedict replied, “Daphne was concerned that she would have to leave for some neglected cottage but understands why you need a wife, that it is right for you to be looking for a wife at least,” he paused, “I suppose now you have reassured her she will be better about things. What about the babies?”

 

“They seem fine,” Anthony replied, “But I’m not sure if they understand fully.”

 

“So we just need to make sure El and Frannie don’t say anything to make them worried about everything,” Benedict concluded, “Are you bringing her to meet them all before the wedding?”

 

“She is coming for dinner tomorrow with her mother,” Anthony replied, “And then we thought we would have a picnic in the park, she has a sister who is Eloise’s age and we thought it would be nice for them all to meet.”


Kate took a deep breath as she walked up the steps to Bridgerton House with Mary; she knew it was silly but she was a little scared about meeting Anthony’s younger siblings and what that meeting could do for her and Anthony’s marriage.

 

“It will all be fine,” Mary reassured her, squeezing her hand lightly, “Oh Kate, I’m so proud of you. A Viscountess! He seems like a fine man too; he will look after you, that is clear.”

 

Kate smiled, “I know,” she replied, just as the door opened and Anthony stood there with a big smile on his face.

 

Soon the two Sheffield women were swept into the loving chaos of Bridgerton House. Benedict was sat on one of the sofas in the drawing room with Eloise and Francesca piled on top of him, reading to him from their books. Colin was on the opposite sofa with Daphne, both entertaining the youngest siblings who were excited to be in the room so late in the day. 

 

Benedict was the first to notice the new arrivals and pushed Eloise and Francesca off his lap and stood to greet the women, his action getting the attention of the other children. 

 

“Which one is she?” Eloise half-whispered to Daphne, “I don’t think any of them will be like Mama.”

 

“Shh,” Colin hissed. 

 

Anthony turned to Kate and smiled, mouthing an apology before he turned to the siblings, “This is Miss Katherine Sheffield,” he introduced, “The lady who has agreed to be my wife.”

 

“You’re so pretty,” Daphne smiled, “I love your dress.”

 

“No Daphne,” Eloise cried, “We’re not going to like her, remember!” 

 

“Eloise!” Benedict snapped, “We spoke about this!”

 

“Thank you,” Kate smiled at Daphne as Eloise and Benedict conducted a whispered conversation in the back of the room, “I like your dress too; that colour is very nice on you.”

 

Daphne smiled and preened slightly under the attention, something Kate noticed and quickly drew the girl into a conversation about fabrics and colours. “I never get to speak about things like this with Anthony,” Daphne said softly, “Boys just simply don’t understand!”

 

Kate smiled, “I know,” she agreed, “Maybe, we could go to the modiste together?”

 

Daphne smiled brighter and Kate realised that the eldest Bridgerton girl had been left to flounder slightly without their mother and therefore, may be the easiest of the girls to win over. Suddenly a small hand hit her skirts, “Hi!” Hyacinth chirped from her side.

 

“Hello,” Kate smiled, reaching down for the small girl, “You must be Miss Hyacinth. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”

 

Hyacinth grinned and started to play with the bracelet Kate wore on her wrist, “What about me!” Gregory demanded as he moved over to the group, “Did  you want to meet me too?”

 

“Greg!” Anthony sighed, “Manners!”

 

Kate laughed, “I did indeed,” she agreed, “It is very nice to meet you. And you,” she smiled at Francesca who had slipped into the seat next to Daphne without a word.

 

Francesca smiled and leaned back into Anthony who moved her slightly so that he could join the group, “I’m sorry about Eloise,” he said softly, “I’ll talk to her again. How was your music lesson today Frannie?”

 

“Quite well,” Francesca smiled, her whole face lighting up, “I learned a whole new piece.”

 

Anthony smiled down at her, “You’ll have to play it for me tomorrow,” he said, tugging on her curls softly, “Now go on up, and take the babies with you. I’ll be up in a little while.”

 

Francesca smiled and kissed Anthony’s cheek before holding her hands out for Hyacinth and Gregory; leading them out of the room.

 

“So,” Anthony smiled after they had finished dinner, “Have they scared you off?”

 

“Not at all,” Kate smiled in reply, “They are all delightful.”

 

Anthony snorted in laughter, “No they aren’t,” he grinned, “But thank you for lying about it. Shall we try for a picnic tomorrow? Maybe you could bring your sister, then the children could all get to know each other?”

 

“I would like that,” Kate smiled, “I will see you tomorrow.”