smolvenger
smolvenger
“Doth Your mother Know You Weareth Her Drapes?”
4K posts
Carrie! 28 all things for fics and feelings about Star Wars, Marvel and the Marvel cast and their other characters! Tom Hiddleston is my current weakness. Love all his characters EXCEPT W*ll Ransome, Stella deserved better. Prince Hal is baby girl.
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smolvenger · 3 days ago
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Hello @five-miles-over!
They say mom’s always know and reader’s mom definitely had a sense Thomas was safe and she’s right!
They are definitely more comfortable around each other!
Mr. Scroop may be a jerk, but he’s right! It is odd. And I don’t know or think there’s any mention of any other relatives of the Sharpe’s in the movie. I wanted to bring conflict and add some mystery onto Thomas, and have Reader question what we, as people who have seen Crimson Peak already know to add suspense.
Thomas’s curls>>>>>>
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Ooo, I didn’t think of the rain being like the snow in the movie, but I’ll accept it! It makes the cottage seem both more cozy and more romantic!
The Baronet Seeks A Wife Chapter Three
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A Crimson Peak Multi-Part Fanfiction.
Thomas Sharpe x fem! Reader Arranged Marriage AU.
Fic Summary: England in the 1890s. When your spirited sister, Charlotte, defies your family by running away from her arranged engagement to Sir Thomas Sharpe, you are the one who must keep your family from scandal and ruin...by taking her place as the baronet's bride.
Chapter One//Chapter Two
Chapter Summary: You marry the Baronet, with only a few small problems here and there
Word Count: 5992 (I had to research actual menus in the Victorian Era for weddings, so help yourself to some ham and veal pie as you read, because we're gonna be here a while)
Chapter Warnings: Discussions of sex and anxiety around it, general wedding anxiety. Your Dad Tempts fate. Sometimes hints at Period Accurate Gender Roles, especially when it's kind of...hot. Oh and...
Speaking of which, there is smut in this chapter. (P in V sex, loss of virginity). this is NSFW!!!! Only eighteen years plus can reblog this! It starts with Make love with your wife,” you voiced and ends with "Both of you dropped into the bed, panting hard".
A/N:*old Rose voice* it's been 84 years... Hi guys, sorry for my absence. But i am in Grad school, and while I do become busy, I get hit with writer's Block and still have it to some degree (writing the first draft of this was rough, and it took literally months! I had no idea where to go with this story!). Plus, in a life update, I found out I have Bipolar Disorder (it runs on both sides of my family) and went manic in January, and it was terrifying and traumatic, and I almost died, and I had to be hospitalized. It's been almost six months since it happened, and I have been on medication that works for me and I'm doing everything in my power to prevent another episode and be ready for one and take care of my mental health, even though the idea of going manic again terrifies me to my core (from March to April I was having anxiety attacks about it almost every day). It feels like waiting for a bomb to drop every day. So, I thought writing would help with the healing process of such a thing happening to me, a creative outlet, and getting back into hobbies and all that, instead of letting my anxiety over going manic consume me and keep me from things I enjoy or living a fulfilling life. It's been a long time coming, so I thought this would be the right one for me to use to get back into writing fics again, since it's the most requested one. I hope you enjoy it! Also, since the third season of The Gilded Age is coming out as of now, I am now realizing this sort of thing happened in America in history and that Gladys is going through the same thing as in this fic. Though...as of now, I doubt it's going to go in the direction this fic is with Gladys and The Duke. But...we'll see!
If I miss something and you see something in my work that could be triggering that I didn't mention, then it is your responsibility to please please please tell me. I will take full accountability for how I portray marginalized groups and sensitive subject matter and make sure to better my writing and warnings so affected parties are protected.
A03//My Ko-Fi//My Etsy Shop//Masterlist//Wattpad
Taglist: @villainousshakespeare @holdmytesseract @eleniblue @twhxhck @lokisgoodgirl @lovelysizzlingbluebird @raqnarokr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @michelleleewise @wolfsmom1 @cheekyscamp @mochie85 @fandxmslxt69 @skittslackoffilter @mischief2sarawr @asgards-princess-of-mischief @steasstuff @anukulee @kimi01985 @goblingirlsarah @foxherder @giona45-5
@muddyorbsblr (shout out to you, bestie, for your suggestions! They helped!!!) @goddessgirl43
The Baronet Seeks A Wife Taglist: @stainlessciel @mjsthrillernp @thegodofnotknowing @magicalmichelle96 @princessdragon23 @heavyymetalchick @xalphafox (if anyone wants to join a general taglist of my work or just be on this specific one, let me know!)
Wednesdays were the best day to get married, so Betsy told you. 
“Indeed, miss, you are right lucky that it is on Wednesday that it’s taking place!” she would comment as she delivered a tea tray to your room.  All this was said on a Wednesday, only a week until your life would change forever. 
Your mother rushed into your room, right as you were putting your feet up.
“Ah! Y/N! Good, you are here! I have a selection of ribbons you must consider!” she babbled.
You didn’t imagine the day of the wedding would arrive so fast. Yet it did. The storms of the planning- it all made your head swim. You had to remind your mother that it was your wedding, not hers! She wanted details down to the last flower to be shown to you. And to give her opinion on it to boot. The number of times you said “no, mama” was countless- “No, mama, I would like the roses in this shade”-“No, mama, those gloves won’t do.”
This time, you looked at the selection and prepared with a deep sigh.
“No, mama- I would like that one,” you pointed to the ribbon with your favorite color on it.
You could see her lips twitch, ready to give a rebuttal. But you cut in.
“Look at it, it’s lovely. I think it would make me very happy,” you added.
She took a look at the ribbon again. Holding it up to the golden light of the sun pouring into your room.
“Yes…It is lovely after all,” she managed to agree.
All of this back and forth. It seemed you would be on the verge of fighting. And it got close, but mercifully, there was none.
“Now…Y/N…I think we need to talk…” she said. 
The ribbons were put away, and the maid dismissed. She sat down next to you. You knew immediately where this would go.
“Mama…Lottie told me a lot,” you assured her.
“Well…I must warn you that, yes, a husband expects his wife to lie with him. And your husband will be no different. But…a good husband won’t scare his wife. He will be patient. Lead her in. Gentle as a fawn.”
“Mama, I…I have a question. And Lottie isn’t here to answer it,” you began. Your teacup was set down.
“Yes, ask away,” she replied. There was a slight heaviness in the air at the mention of your sister being gone. But it had to be ignored for the business of the marital bed.
“Will-will it hurt?”
She poured her cup of tea, but left it on its saucer.
“It does when it first happens. Sometimes there is a little blood, but easily cleaned up. And sometimes you have a little stomach ache, but it goes away.”
Blood and stomach aches. Delightful. 
You let out an exhale.
“So it is painful for the woman, but pleasurable for the man,” you summarized.
Your mother’s fingers curled into her hands and then released.
“Well, to some extent. But…Thomas seems to be a gentleman of decency. I do not know what he is like in such private matters, and it is not my business,” she said, a slight, shameful look on her brow.
She reached for your hand.
“But…it is good advice for husbands not to scare their wives by being too excited too soon. I hope Thomas does that as much. It might seem…much. But he will not jump onto you the minute you are alone- he cannot, he should not!”
“I know, mama,” you cooed.
“Why, if he tries anything, oh, I’ll box his ears off if he’s lucky!” she threatened.
You let out a laugh. It was the first time you had done so in a while.
“Why, Mama!”
“Yes, I would! But…should you ever need it, we are here, Y/N. Marriage can seem daunting…but I’ve done it for years. I’ll be glad to help you. As will your father.”
Moved, you opened your arms and embraced you. She hugged you back, accepting each other’s warmth and softness. Though you held on. For just a little bit, you could be a child again. One who could run to Mama if anything bad happened. Nothing a little hug and kiss wouldn’t fix. Not even the brink of wedding and bedding a baronet.
“Oh, your tea will get cold! Don’t forget it!” she reminded you.
❀⊱┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄⊰❀
On the eve of the wedding, there was a small party. You, your parents, a few businessmen of your father's, and, of course, Thomas. Ever as smart in his suit.
One businessman looked at Thomas, puffing his thick cigar. The smoke curled into the air and melted. Yet the smell remained, warm and pungent.
“So, Thomas, it is a shame the late Baronet Sharpe is not here to see this!” he said.
Thomas blinked and then bowed his head. You had frozen, your drink untouched in your hand, still as if it were an ice pond.
You recalled his words, “My father- He was…an intimidating man. He wanted me to be like him.” You knew too well that any reminder to Thomas of his past would send him into this state. And of all the times to bring it up, it was now?
You took a step forward, curling your arm into Thomas’s. He, too, had hesitated. But now that you were beside him, he began his polite, dry response.
“Yes, sir, indeed it is most unfortunate.”
“Would he have approved of the choice?” the businessman continued.
You ground your teeth beneath your mouth. And Thomas felt tense. Why, this man didn’t know or suspect a thing. And he was pressing on! Thomas turned to look at you. You looked at him. What sort of question was this? The night before the wedding, too! What did this man think- that a dead man would rise from the grave and stop it? Did he honestly expect Thomas to say “oh, no, not at all, Y/N would be most unsuitable to him” right in front of you?
You squeezed your fiancé’s arm. 
“Why…why yes, yes he would,” Thomas replied. 
But Thomas seemed somewhat pale. Then he exhaled and took another small sip of his champagne. 
You blinked. You were not used to seeing him unsteady. Thomas was calm, cool, and a confident man who made a striking figure in a top hat. Yet now he was faltering.
You turned to him. Your voice was a whisper.
“He didn’t know. But he shouldn’t have asked that,” you said.
“I don’t mind it,” replied the Baronet.
From a distance, your father and mother were laughing at the businessman’s insipid jokes.
“Thomas, you look like your nerves are on edge.”
“You know I…I have difficulty discussing my family. But this won’t be the last of these questions. What is another one?” he asked.
“Thomas…would…would your family have approved of the match? Be honest with me,” you said.
Your stomach clenched, ready for the answer. Yet it took a point you had forgotten.
“They would have approved it based on your family’s status and money.”
You leaned forward.
“And of me? Personally?”
 But Lucille disliked everyone who wasn’t me. Mother would have just wanted me out of the house. Father…Father would not say I was enough of a man for you.”
Both of you walked over to the fireplace. He patted the part of the couch next to him, and you joined him. Grateful to have a more private conversation amid the armies of relatives who would be there. 
Thomas folded his hands and looked at you.
“Y/N, you deserve to know the truth. Everything faltered when my father passed, as did his assets.” 
You were not naive. He agreed to this arrangement for the financial benefits. Your family needed a foothold in society. Yet there was something about Thomas saying it out loud. It stung.
Thomas noted the look on your face.
“Now, I know I am not a man who lives a life as comfortable as you, but…”
He took your hand and then placed his other one over it. It felt warm on your gloves. His hands were the softest you had felt.
“You won’t go hungry. I will do everything I can to make sure of it,” he promised.
“ What will I eat then?” you prodded. In the mood to lighten the mood and tease him.
“Hm, I am not sure…I was never a cook,” he added.
“Neither am I. We are at Mrs. Dalloway’s mercy,” you replied with an assuring smile. 
After the honeymoon, you would move into Thomas’s place. There would be a few servants from your dowry. You both agreed to hire a woman named Mrs Dalloway as a cook. Her constant frown, frazzled hair, and round, red face. Her small eyes disapproved of everything they saw. But she made some fantastic raspberry scones.
 “Do not upset her, Thomas. Or else you’ll get sugar in place of salt!” you added.
The grandfather clock struck the hour of nine o'clock. The appointed hour crept slowly but surely.
“How…how do you feel about tomorrow?” he asked.
You looked down at your hands. You knew the answer to every aunt, fellow debutante, and employee of Father’s was “thrilled. But the solitude allowed you to be earnest.
“I’m…I’m scared,” you confessed.
“Scared?” Thomas asked. Though there remained a small smile on his face. Not in mockery, but in kind assurance.
You nodded.
“My…my life is changing. I’m going to be a wife. And I’m going to be your wife. I’m living somewhere completely different. I…I don’t even know where to begin. It’s all happening so fast that I cannot help but feel overwhelmed.”
And I’m scared about the wedding night. You thought. The words were phantoms floating in the air. About the pain. About the awkwardness. About the blood. About not being ready, and if you…
You fought back the urge to say anything. It would be the least proper conversation to have in such a public space.
“I…I’m frightened too,” he replied. 
“You are?”
Thomas’s eyes lowered.
“What are we getting ourselves into? I know you didn’t wish to be trapped with me. A man who makes somewhat of a living, a man of only so much, marrying you after…I’m a toymaker, Y/N, I’m no great lord.”
You stepped forward. This time it was your free hand that came over his.
“You are great… in your way. And Thomas, one day you’ll see it.”
Thomas smiled.
“Of course.”
It was time for the guests to leave. Including the groom. Thomas put on his top hat and his coat, though he tipped it for you. He wished his goodbyes to your parents. Then, when it came to you, he lowered himself, kissing your hand as if you were royalty.
“Goodnight, my dear.”
Your voice left you for a second.
“Goodnight, Thomas.”
He raised himself.
“The next time I see you, we’ll be at the altar. Ready or not.”
❀⊱┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄⊰❀
The morning arrived. And you missed your sister. Charlotte. Yes…Charlotte. You always imagined Charlotte would be there at your wedding. Part of the party as a maid of honor. How she would complain of the finery, but laugh and indulge in cake. Say little things to make you chuckle to relax. Fuss over your appearance. Perhaps get into trouble. But…she wasn’t. Perhaps you would never see her again.
She should have been here today. On your wedding.
 You knew the wedding served a function.  It was another outing for the debutantes to go out to. Yes, some might envy your position. But they weren’t without hope. Another guest or connection would leave them to their prospective grooms. But that was their future. This was your present.
You got up early. The early morning sunshine filtered through as light as a feather. Looking about, you saw the packed things. Your heart was pounding as the maids went into your room. Some gathered your things and left. Anne was there to make sure your hair was done up. How glamorous it felt to be a bride. It was like preparing for a part in a play, complete with a set and lines to know.
Your hands shook. Your heart pounded as you sat down for a light repast. Your stomach was constantly churning, but you made yourself have some bites of fruit and toast.
Your mother went to the door and walked in. She stood in the corner smiling. Sometimes giving an odd comment to a maid. You couldn’t even speak.
They dressed you out of your nightgown and robe. Then into a fresh shift. Your wedding corset with a special lace for today. Stockings. Anne helped your pads and petticoats. She laced the front of your corset cover
Finally, out of its place in the closet came the dress. An elegant concoction of the usual fashionable style. After all, don’t little girls dream of a wedding day with such a gown? It was ivory with silk taffeta over the bust and puffed-up sleeves. But the puffs of taffeta were more oval than circular. And what was most striking was the little greenery on it for decoration. A sprig of a plant with tiny, white blooms was over your left shoulder. At the bottom of the long skirt was a pattern of small green leaves on the training skirt. Once you put it on, there was a train added at the back of you. A magnificent cape of ivory silk with green leaves around the edges.
Finally, a veil was attached to your head. It was a motley collection of fake white flowers with a ghostly train behind you. When you looked in the mirror, you wondered what you saw: a fairy? A specter? A being benign or wicked? She wasn’t human.
“Oh, how lovely!” Your parents stood up once you descended the stairs.
Taking your father’s arm, you went to the church, your heart pounding in your chest. You were shaking, and your stomach threatened to remove its contents. But you tried hard to remain composed. Your mind kept spinning, reeling after everything that happened, that was happening. You stepped into the carriage and stared out the window. You seemed half in the present moment and half in a dream.
Already, you could hear church bells.
The carriage finally arrived at the church. Its door looked like it would swallow you whole. You got up, making sure your train wasn’t in bad condition or stuck, though it did take some effort to pull it all out. The organ inside playe,d and it was like you could feel its notes in your bones. You got to your place at the end of the line and waited. The bridal party marched out one by one. Music kept swelling from the organ in waves. The,n finally, you were at last walking down the aisle. 
You walked down as the church was decorated with roses. The guests stood up in their pews, and a few hatted heads bowed down a little. In reverence of the sacrificial lamb. You frantically looked about. You didn’t feel your feet touch the ground. Your heart raced like you were running.
You then looked at the figure in a black tuxedo at the altar as it got closer and clearer.
Thomas looked stunning. He already looked stunning in a tuxedo. But this one looked crisp and modern compared to his old-fashioned suits. It was tailored well to his lean, broad form. His dark curls were clean and soft. You wanted to touch them to see how soft they were. He gave you something of a smile. And your racing mind and unsure body seemed to calm down.
Once you were there at the altar, your father handed your arm to be draped over Thomas’s. You then both faced the priest. He was a docile old man with a balding head and spectacles. He spoke with a voice as gentle as a grandfather's.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this Congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy Matrimony,” he began.
He recited the Book of Common Prayer about the importance of marriage’s sanctity. Though you did peek over at Thomas a few times to see him in his tuxedo again. The old priest continued.
“I require and charge you, as you will answer at the dreadful day of judgement, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if anyone knows any impediment, why these two may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, do now confess it. For be well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.”
“I have cause,” came a voice.
You turned around and saw one gentleman standing up. A fellow with grey sideburns and whiskers that stretched around his face like a belt.
“Thomas is engaged to Miss Charlotte Y/L/N. Not her sister. This is a sham! The wedding should have Charlotte at the altar.”
Thomas stepped forward, his arm remained on yours.. “Miss Charlotte has yet to be discovered. We do not know her whereabouts or what she is doing, or even if she is still alive.”
Inspired by him, you gave your response. You didn’t want this gentleman to stop the wedding. Nerves or no.
“She isn’t here, and…she did not wish the union. She left a note saying that was why she ran away. She ended things with Thomas. He became free to marry another,” you confirmed, standing firm.
A scoff came from the objector.
“Perhaps so. And what of the Sharpe family?” he added.
Thomas’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out.
“Are they truly the right family to be united with this virtuous, decent lady? Why, I don’t see any relatives under the name ‘Sharpe’ about this church?” he went on.
Your father stormed forward.
“None of them could make the wedding in time, but all wished him well! You’re overthinking, Mr.Scroop. And I don’t see why anything in Thomas’s personal history renders him unfit to wed. He is alive, he is free, and he is suitable. Now, sit and let us get on with it!”
“The Sharpe family
The ceremony went by in a blur. Thomas got out a ring- a silver band with a large ruby on it. He insisted on that being your wedding ring.
“I, Thomas, take thee, Y/F/N to be my lawfully wedded wife,” he repeated after the priest.
The ring felt snug, but it did fit well. It looked like having a large, jeweled beetle on your finger, always winking up at you. Ready to bite at a minute's notice.
Before you knew it, the priest had a final blessing. He gestured for you both to turn.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” he intoned.
The congregation burst into applause. The organ blared a triumphant procession as you took Thomas’s arm and walked down the aisle.
 Here it was, a new part of your life. A new part of your identity- wife, wife. It didn’t feel real. And if you had to be honest with yourself, the unknown of the future scared you. You felt scared of so many things. Scared of failing, scared of what was new, scared of leaving the old behind, and wishing it would come back.Scared of a disaster beyond the horizon. Scared something horrible would happen- promised without a date when it would strike. You longed for your past. You wanted to be back to before so badly. Back to being carefree. Back to when things were simple. Even back to your childhood.
But you mustered your courage. There had to be a way through this, right? Even as your body and mind felt a disconnect, an uncertainty, there had to be an answer. You could feel Thomas’s arm supporting you and feel the warmth from his body. He appeared cool and composed after the objector's nonsense. 
The bells sang out the nuptial joy. Well-wishers by the dozens threw “congratulations” like flower petals. You kept on until you both walked out of the church doors. The carriage arrived and halted before the church. People waved handkerchiefs. Thomas kept the door open, and you stepped into it. The rollicking taking you right back to your home.
❀⊱┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄⊰❀
Wedding breakfasts were an awaited noontime delight for society. The morning ceremony caused a great deal of rumbling in the stomach. You and Thomas were placed to sit at the center of the table. The guests all smiled and then helped themselves. There were various summer fruits in little bowls. Then servants arrived, white ribbons pinned onto their uniforms. Out came the dishes onto the table. Lobster Salad, Lamb ribs, mayonnaises of fish, Veal, and Ham Pie to up one end. Stuffed shoulder of lamb, Charlotte russe a la vanille, and decorated ham took up the other. Complete with three cakes sitting like porcelain figurines. Charms baked inside each.
Once the guests were distracted by the lamb ribs, you turned to Thomas.
“How…how are you?” you asked shyly.
Thomas gave you a small smile.
“As well as I can be, it’s not every day you get married!” he answered.
“No, it is not…” 
Your attention turned to another guest going up and saying, “My dear Y/N! Congratulations!” And the awkwardness of a nuptial exchange dropped.
But Thomas stood up.
“May I speak, everyone?” he announced.
Heads turned to him.
“My dear friends, I thank you for coming today. And as a token of my gratitude, I have created something.”
He gestured to the corner, and a servant wheeled in a cart with a cloth over it. Thomas walked over and flung it away.
On it was a large mechanical swan. On top of the swan sat a few bottles of champagne. As Thomas turned its wheel, an arm popped open the bottle. Another arm picked up the bottle and poured it into a glass. Applause erupted from the guests. Everyone cooed to receive a glass.
Thomas remained standing, holding his glass.
“I made it for a celebration. And there is much to celebrate, so I would like to propose a toast to my wife,” he declared.
He turned to you, raising his glass.
“To Lady Sharpe.”
“To Lady Sharpe!” the others repeated as they each took a sip.
Soon, people were standing up. Some waddling from their full bellies. Leaving bit by bit into the afternoon. Thomas went away to boast of his creation to a few curious admirers. Then Mr. Scroop approached you.
“A word, please, Lady Sharpe,” he said.
You nodded and approached him. He was placing his top hat on his head.
“Hello, sir, thank you for coming to the wedding,” you began. Ignoring everything that happened during the ceremony.
“Forgive my boldness at the ceremony, but I cannot help but be concerned,” he said.
“Concerned? Do you mean my sister?” you asked.
He shook his head.
“In truth, It is not your sister that concerns me. It is your husband.”
“What do you mean?” you asked. Your wedding dress felt suddenly tight.
“It appears you are unfamiliar with the Sharpe family and their history. That is what concerns me. But the family is not what you would expect,” he warned.
Guests laughed at a quip Thomas made.
“I know that most of Thomas’s family passed away. Including his parents and sister,” you recited.
“Yes, but their circumstances when they were alive appear …interesting, shall we say. Yes, Thomas managed to do well for himself. Almost too well,” Mr. Scroop said.
“He earned it. Thomas is a hard-working, decent gentleman!” you insisted.
Mr. Scroop leaned closer.
“The Sharpe family is many things. They worked hard. But they are what you consider decent. Not even Thomas,” he warned.
“Tell me, what do you mean?” you asked. “Who did what?”
“I can only tell you this on your wedding day…I’d be careful if I was you.”
He then tipped his hat and walked away. You scurried and blocked his path.
“What do you mean, sir? Please, give me specifics!” you begged.
“I will give none today. Unless you want a broken heart,” he said.
“My heart broke when my sister left. I can handle another one!” 
He walked away, leaving you there. Standing awkwardly. Sticking out in your white gown and fiddling with your hands, your ring gives you something to twist around in your nerves.
Who was this gentleman? What did he know? What did he want? Perhaps this was blackmail. You couldn’t deny that people wanted your family’s money. Or making an exaggeration? A con artist who wanted to scare you into writing a check. If he was so concerned about you and this marriage, why didn’t he contact your father or you before it went through? Why now? Maybe his words were an exaggeration of the facts. He wanted to make this a melodrama for his amusement.
You felt an arm. It was Thomas.
“Is everything alright?” he asked.
“I…I had the strangest encounter with one of our guests,” you said.
“Oh, a guest?”
Taking in a breath, you turned to face him. Your supposed indecent husband.
“Yes, he was…he was speaking strangely, and-”
“Why, Miss Y/N! I suppose you aren’t Miss Y/N anymore, but Lady Sharpe! Oh, congratulations, dear, on this happy occasion!” cried out one other lady guest as she bustled in to shake your hand with a fervor.
Taking a moment to recognize the rosy cheeks, pink dress, and tufts of brown hair, you returned the smile.
“Why, Mrs. Browning, thank you so much for coming!” you replied, back to your old hostess self.
By the time the guests left, servants were packing up the carriage. There was going to be a honeymoon in a rented country house some miles from London. And then you would move into Thomas’s place. You changed out of your formal bridal gown into a traveling one.
Walking down in your coat and hat, you met your parents outside the door. Servants who weren't packing lined up to say their goodbyes. Finally, you reached your parents.
You glanced at your mother. The one subject you could not discuss in Father’s presence weighed between you both. Both of you knew exactly what would happen in a few hours. She looked back at you. Knowing the very thought in your head and saying nothing. You hugged her and then your father.
“Travel safe, be sure to write when you arrive there,” your mother insisted.
“I shall.”
Thomas arrived in his lighter coat and top hat. He made well wishes to his in-laws and then helped you into the carriage. He took his place across from you, and soon the carriage moved towards your wedding night.
❀⊱┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄⊰❀
It was raining by the time you entered the cottage. Servants bustled in to get the luggage. But as the carriage door opened, your hat could not protect you from the pelts.
“Allow me,” Thomas suggested, already outside. 
He ran forward and opened his coat wide enough that you could bend beneath it like a chick beneath a hen’s wing. You both hurried forward to the door, rain and mud getting on the ends of your skirts, and opened the door.
The cottage was comfortable. A bit plain compared to the house in London, but perfect. The servants got the luggage out and then carried on their business.
“I…I’m going to change out of my wet things,” you said.
“Of course… we both should,” Thomas agreed.
You went to your shared room. There was a screen to hide behind and change clothes. You dressed down in a shift and a tea robe. 
Walking out, you saw Thomas in just a white shirt and black overalls. He was just adjusting the straps.  But he was beautiful. It was low-cut, showing some of his chest. His curls looked soft and freed rather than patted down with a comb. He looked natural, even raw. And he was every bit as beautiful in this as in his suit. It made your blood warm.
His eyes turned up to notice you. 
“How are you?” he asked.
“I am well.”
It seemed like the tenth time you exchanged this pleasantry today. There was a pause. You were both by the fireplace. A roaring ember cracked, and the rain pelted the roof above. 
Thomas’s jaw tightened. A slight blush entered his cheeks and his voice darkened.
“Do you…have you been told about…”
“Yes,” you answered.
“Yes? By whom?”
“Lottie would tell me about it. She learned everything from her friends, and she would then tell me. Then Mama gave me a few talks.”
“Well…I am glad. I…I don’t want to push you to…to anything…nothing has to happen,” he assured you.
But he looked so beautiful. He looked so soft. His body had been hidden beneath all of those layers. And you didn’t want to go to a cold bed without a touch from him. Only one touch. No one was here. No one watched. No one interrupted. And you were married. 
“How about a kiss?” you requested, boldness overtaking you.
“A kiss?”
“On the lips.”
He leaned forward and kissed you. He then reached his hand and cupped your cheek, keeping you close. Warmth spread through your body, and the fire had nothing to do with it. He smelled of musk and the rain. And his lips had the light hint of champagne. Your pulse began to speed up. The warmth in your body flushed down. By the time he released his lips, disappointment settled in your chest. It felt…early. Outside, there was a bit of thunder. The rain pelted on.
“How was that?” you asked.
“How do you think it was?” Thomas replied with a smirk.
You raised a hand and put it over his heart. You could hear his heart thumping in a quick rhythm.
“Your heart is racing. Mine is the same…here…” You offered.
You took up his hand and placed it over yours. Keeping close to one another. His hand was close to your chest. Deliciously close. You realized you wanted him to touch you there. To not keep those large, beautiful hands to himself. To touch you in every forbidden area.
“Well then…could you give your husband another kiss?” he asked.
You leaned forward and kissed him on the lips again. Something inside you melted, let down. He wrapped his arms around your waist, and you felt yourself sway into him. His arm went around your back, supporting you. You could have fallen into his arms, and he would have caught you. 
He released the kiss.
“Y/N, I…I could let you have this room for tonight, if-”
“Thomas…” you whispered. 
Inside you, you didn’t want this to stop. You liked touching him, feeling how warm and soft he felt. And your inner warmth couldn’t stop. You felt if he turned and left you, you would scream. 
“Yes?” he asked.
You cupped his face and kept him close.
“Stay. Stay and make love to me. Make love with your wife,” you voiced.
In answer, he leaned forward and kissed you with passion. His hands found their way to your back. You pulled him close. Closing your eyes and feeling his soft lips, his warm breath, his body pressing against you. His erection brushing against your body. 
“Go to the bed,” he requested, keeping the dark husk in his voice.
Per your marriage vows, you removed your tea robe and obeyed.
He unbuttoned his shirt and let it slide off. You stared in awe at his bare chest. You placed a hand on it, felt his heartbeat.
“Will…will it hurt?” you asked.
“It might be a little…if you need me to stop…” he offered.
“No, keep going!” you insisted.
“Then…I’ll ready my bride. You’ll be ripe as a peach and ready soon,” he whispered.
 He kissed your neck, one arm around you. Then you felt it go up. You felt one of his hands go to your shift and loosen one sleeve down. to show your shoulder. He pressed a kiss into it. He then slid both sleeves off and revealed your chest to him.
He put a hand over one, his finger grazing the nipple.
“Beautiful,” he said.
He leaned down to kiss it, and you let out a sigh. He began to kiss all over your body, a trail exploring every bit of you. His hands took off your shift until you were naked beneath him. You felt blood rush at seeing him look at your naked body. He started with your breasts and traveled down to your stomach. You shook with anticipation, feeling his soft lips. 
“Yes…yes, please- Thomas,” you moaned, arching your back.
He then finally removed his trousers. You looked at him again in awe. It was so large, thick, and dripping already. You swallowed, wondering how it was going to fit. But…you wanted him. You wanted it inside you so badly, you felt as if you would burst. Your desire overcame your fear of the pain.
He then kissed you again and prepared your legs. He grabbed one and kissed the inner thigh. Your voice came out of you. “Thomas…oh, Thomas…” it melted into another moan.
He positioned himself between you, the tip brushing your entrance. You looked up at him and he at you.
“Do you want this?” he asked.
“Please…please take me,” you begged breathlessly.
He then began to insert himself. And there was pain; you let out a small cry at first. Then…it was over. It felt…good. Right. You belonged there. You adjusted. 
“Yes…that’s my good wife,” he rasped.
He began to move slowly. Grunting as he did. You were breathing out, clinging onto him, nails digging lightly into his skin.
“God-oh, God-have mercy-Thomas-please-I-I-yes-”
He reached a hand down and found a spot in you, he strummed it around. A fresh wave of pleasure struck you. 
“Thomas!”
“There, my dear?” 
“There!”
He moved your legs up to his shoulders. He thrust a deeper spot and you let out a cry. His pace increased. He panted and groaned with each one. Every sinful thrust taking you over, and his long fingers stroking that spot inside you. It was spinning up, and the pace increased, of his hips slamming into yours and the curl of his finger. It kept up, up.
“God-oh-oh God-I-I’m going to die-oh-oh God-Thomas-”
“You’re-you’re close-and you-your heat-it’s going-it’s going to make me- my dear-go-go on-just come, come-come, damn it-come-,” he whispered.
Something in you shattered, and you let out a cry from the impact of it. The pleasure exploded inside you. It came down in shivers all across your body and made your head spin. Nothing else mattered in the world. Except for what you felt.  After a few more thrusts, Thomas followed suit and released as well. His cum shot inside you, hot and spurting. Once he emptied, he pulled out.
Both of you dropped into the bed, panting hard. He pulled up the blankets. He touched your face.
“Lady Sharpe…how are you?” he asked.
“Never better,” you replied with a grin, kissing his nose.
Settling into the blankets, you wrapped your arms around him. His curls loosened. And his shoulders relaxed. You held each other as the fire crackled. Both of you were giddy by the time dinner arrived in a tray. You ate dressed in nightclothes and then went to bed. You wrapped your arms around Thomas, discussing only little things here and there. What you should do or not do while out in the country. Soon, he was fast asleep. 
Though in your head, after the haze of pleasure faded, Mr. Scroops words returned. You couldn’t help but wonder…who was this man you married and made love to?
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🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹I didn’t think of that scene when writing it, but thank you!
The Baronet Seeks A Wife Chapter Three
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A Crimson Peak Multi-Part Fanfiction.
Thomas Sharpe x fem! Reader Arranged Marriage AU.
Fic Summary: England in the 1890s. When your spirited sister, Charlotte, defies your family by running away from her arranged engagement to Sir Thomas Sharpe, you are the one who must keep your family from scandal and ruin...by taking her place as the baronet's bride.
Chapter One//Chapter Two
Chapter Summary: You marry the Baronet, with only a few small problems here and there
Word Count: 5992 (I had to research actual menus in the Victorian Era for weddings, so help yourself to some ham and veal pie as you read, because we're gonna be here a while)
Chapter Warnings: Discussions of sex and anxiety around it, general wedding anxiety. Your Dad Tempts fate. Sometimes hints at Period Accurate Gender Roles, especially when it's kind of...hot. Oh and...
Speaking of which, there is smut in this chapter. (P in V sex, loss of virginity). this is NSFW!!!! Only eighteen years plus can reblog this! It starts with Make love with your wife,” you voiced and ends with "Both of you dropped into the bed, panting hard".
A/N:*old Rose voice* it's been 84 years... Hi guys, sorry for my absence. But i am in Grad school, and while I do become busy, I get hit with writer's Block and still have it to some degree (writing the first draft of this was rough, and it took literally months! I had no idea where to go with this story!). Plus, in a life update, I found out I have Bipolar Disorder (it runs on both sides of my family) and went manic in January, and it was terrifying and traumatic, and I almost died, and I had to be hospitalized. It's been almost six months since it happened, and I have been on medication that works for me and I'm doing everything in my power to prevent another episode and be ready for one and take care of my mental health, even though the idea of going manic again terrifies me to my core (from March to April I was having anxiety attacks about it almost every day). It feels like waiting for a bomb to drop every day. So, I thought writing would help with the healing process of such a thing happening to me, a creative outlet, and getting back into hobbies and all that, instead of letting my anxiety over going manic consume me and keep me from things I enjoy or living a fulfilling life. It's been a long time coming, so I thought this would be the right one for me to use to get back into writing fics again, since it's the most requested one. I hope you enjoy it! Also, since the third season of The Gilded Age is coming out as of now, I am now realizing this sort of thing happened in America in history and that Gladys is going through the same thing as in this fic. Though...as of now, I doubt it's going to go in the direction this fic is with Gladys and The Duke. But...we'll see!
If I miss something and you see something in my work that could be triggering that I didn't mention, then it is your responsibility to please please please tell me. I will take full accountability for how I portray marginalized groups and sensitive subject matter and make sure to better my writing and warnings so affected parties are protected.
A03//My Ko-Fi//My Etsy Shop//Masterlist//Wattpad
Taglist: @villainousshakespeare @holdmytesseract @eleniblue @twhxhck @lokisgoodgirl @lovelysizzlingbluebird @raqnarokr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @michelleleewise @wolfsmom1 @cheekyscamp @mochie85 @fandxmslxt69 @skittslackoffilter @mischief2sarawr @asgards-princess-of-mischief @steasstuff @anukulee @kimi01985 @goblingirlsarah @foxherder @giona45-5
@muddyorbsblr (shout out to you, bestie, for your suggestions! They helped!!!) @goddessgirl43
The Baronet Seeks A Wife Taglist: @stainlessciel @mjsthrillernp @thegodofnotknowing @magicalmichelle96 @princessdragon23 @heavyymetalchick @xalphafox (if anyone wants to join a general taglist of my work or just be on this specific one, let me know!)
Wednesdays were the best day to get married, so Betsy told you. 
“Indeed, miss, you are right lucky that it is on Wednesday that it’s taking place!” she would comment as she delivered a tea tray to your room.  All this was said on a Wednesday, only a week until your life would change forever. 
Your mother rushed into your room, right as you were putting your feet up.
“Ah! Y/N! Good, you are here! I have a selection of ribbons you must consider!” she babbled.
You didn’t imagine the day of the wedding would arrive so fast. Yet it did. The storms of the planning- it all made your head swim. You had to remind your mother that it was your wedding, not hers! She wanted details down to the last flower to be shown to you. And to give her opinion on it to boot. The number of times you said “no, mama” was countless- “No, mama, I would like the roses in this shade”-“No, mama, those gloves won’t do.”
This time, you looked at the selection and prepared with a deep sigh.
“No, mama- I would like that one,” you pointed to the ribbon with your favorite color on it.
You could see her lips twitch, ready to give a rebuttal. But you cut in.
“Look at it, it’s lovely. I think it would make me very happy,” you added.
She took a look at the ribbon again. Holding it up to the golden light of the sun pouring into your room.
“Yes…It is lovely after all,” she managed to agree.
All of this back and forth. It seemed you would be on the verge of fighting. And it got close, but mercifully, there was none.
“Now…Y/N…I think we need to talk…” she said. 
The ribbons were put away, and the maid dismissed. She sat down next to you. You knew immediately where this would go.
“Mama…Lottie told me a lot,” you assured her.
“Well…I must warn you that, yes, a husband expects his wife to lie with him. And your husband will be no different. But…a good husband won’t scare his wife. He will be patient. Lead her in. Gentle as a fawn.”
“Mama, I…I have a question. And Lottie isn’t here to answer it,” you began. Your teacup was set down.
“Yes, ask away,” she replied. There was a slight heaviness in the air at the mention of your sister being gone. But it had to be ignored for the business of the marital bed.
“Will-will it hurt?”
She poured her cup of tea, but left it on its saucer.
“It does when it first happens. Sometimes there is a little blood, but easily cleaned up. And sometimes you have a little stomach ache, but it goes away.”
Blood and stomach aches. Delightful. 
You let out an exhale.
“So it is painful for the woman, but pleasurable for the man,” you summarized.
Your mother’s fingers curled into her hands and then released.
“Well, to some extent. But…Thomas seems to be a gentleman of decency. I do not know what he is like in such private matters, and it is not my business,” she said, a slight, shameful look on her brow.
She reached for your hand.
“But…it is good advice for husbands not to scare their wives by being too excited too soon. I hope Thomas does that as much. It might seem…much. But he will not jump onto you the minute you are alone- he cannot, he should not!”
“I know, mama,” you cooed.
“Why, if he tries anything, oh, I’ll box his ears off if he’s lucky!” she threatened.
You let out a laugh. It was the first time you had done so in a while.
“Why, Mama!”
“Yes, I would! But…should you ever need it, we are here, Y/N. Marriage can seem daunting…but I’ve done it for years. I’ll be glad to help you. As will your father.”
Moved, you opened your arms and embraced you. She hugged you back, accepting each other’s warmth and softness. Though you held on. For just a little bit, you could be a child again. One who could run to Mama if anything bad happened. Nothing a little hug and kiss wouldn’t fix. Not even the brink of wedding and bedding a baronet.
“Oh, your tea will get cold! Don’t forget it!” she reminded you.
❀⊱┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄⊰❀
On the eve of the wedding, there was a small party. You, your parents, a few businessmen of your father's, and, of course, Thomas. Ever as smart in his suit.
One businessman looked at Thomas, puffing his thick cigar. The smoke curled into the air and melted. Yet the smell remained, warm and pungent.
“So, Thomas, it is a shame the late Baronet Sharpe is not here to see this!” he said.
Thomas blinked and then bowed his head. You had frozen, your drink untouched in your hand, still as if it were an ice pond.
You recalled his words, “My father- He was…an intimidating man. He wanted me to be like him.” You knew too well that any reminder to Thomas of his past would send him into this state. And of all the times to bring it up, it was now?
You took a step forward, curling your arm into Thomas’s. He, too, had hesitated. But now that you were beside him, he began his polite, dry response.
“Yes, sir, indeed it is most unfortunate.”
“Would he have approved of the choice?” the businessman continued.
You ground your teeth beneath your mouth. And Thomas felt tense. Why, this man didn’t know or suspect a thing. And he was pressing on! Thomas turned to look at you. You looked at him. What sort of question was this? The night before the wedding, too! What did this man think- that a dead man would rise from the grave and stop it? Did he honestly expect Thomas to say “oh, no, not at all, Y/N would be most unsuitable to him” right in front of you?
You squeezed your fiancé’s arm. 
“Why…why yes, yes he would,” Thomas replied. 
But Thomas seemed somewhat pale. Then he exhaled and took another small sip of his champagne. 
You blinked. You were not used to seeing him unsteady. Thomas was calm, cool, and a confident man who made a striking figure in a top hat. Yet now he was faltering.
You turned to him. Your voice was a whisper.
“He didn’t know. But he shouldn’t have asked that,” you said.
“I don’t mind it,” replied the Baronet.
From a distance, your father and mother were laughing at the businessman’s insipid jokes.
“Thomas, you look like your nerves are on edge.”
“You know I…I have difficulty discussing my family. But this won’t be the last of these questions. What is another one?” he asked.
“Thomas…would…would your family have approved of the match? Be honest with me,” you said.
Your stomach clenched, ready for the answer. Yet it took a point you had forgotten.
“They would have approved it based on your family’s status and money.”
You leaned forward.
“And of me? Personally?”
 But Lucille disliked everyone who wasn’t me. Mother would have just wanted me out of the house. Father…Father would not say I was enough of a man for you.”
Both of you walked over to the fireplace. He patted the part of the couch next to him, and you joined him. Grateful to have a more private conversation amid the armies of relatives who would be there. 
Thomas folded his hands and looked at you.
“Y/N, you deserve to know the truth. Everything faltered when my father passed, as did his assets.” 
You were not naive. He agreed to this arrangement for the financial benefits. Your family needed a foothold in society. Yet there was something about Thomas saying it out loud. It stung.
Thomas noted the look on your face.
“Now, I know I am not a man who lives a life as comfortable as you, but…”
He took your hand and then placed his other one over it. It felt warm on your gloves. His hands were the softest you had felt.
“You won’t go hungry. I will do everything I can to make sure of it,” he promised.
“ What will I eat then?” you prodded. In the mood to lighten the mood and tease him.
“Hm, I am not sure…I was never a cook,” he added.
“Neither am I. We are at Mrs. Dalloway’s mercy,” you replied with an assuring smile. 
After the honeymoon, you would move into Thomas’s place. There would be a few servants from your dowry. You both agreed to hire a woman named Mrs Dalloway as a cook. Her constant frown, frazzled hair, and round, red face. Her small eyes disapproved of everything they saw. But she made some fantastic raspberry scones.
 “Do not upset her, Thomas. Or else you’ll get sugar in place of salt!” you added.
The grandfather clock struck the hour of nine o'clock. The appointed hour crept slowly but surely.
“How…how do you feel about tomorrow?” he asked.
You looked down at your hands. You knew the answer to every aunt, fellow debutante, and employee of Father’s was “thrilled. But the solitude allowed you to be earnest.
“I’m…I’m scared,” you confessed.
“Scared?” Thomas asked. Though there remained a small smile on his face. Not in mockery, but in kind assurance.
You nodded.
“My…my life is changing. I’m going to be a wife. And I’m going to be your wife. I’m living somewhere completely different. I…I don’t even know where to begin. It’s all happening so fast that I cannot help but feel overwhelmed.”
And I’m scared about the wedding night. You thought. The words were phantoms floating in the air. About the pain. About the awkwardness. About the blood. About not being ready, and if you…
You fought back the urge to say anything. It would be the least proper conversation to have in such a public space.
“I…I’m frightened too,” he replied. 
“You are?”
Thomas’s eyes lowered.
“What are we getting ourselves into? I know you didn’t wish to be trapped with me. A man who makes somewhat of a living, a man of only so much, marrying you after…I’m a toymaker, Y/N, I’m no great lord.”
You stepped forward. This time it was your free hand that came over his.
“You are great… in your way. And Thomas, one day you’ll see it.”
Thomas smiled.
“Of course.”
It was time for the guests to leave. Including the groom. Thomas put on his top hat and his coat, though he tipped it for you. He wished his goodbyes to your parents. Then, when it came to you, he lowered himself, kissing your hand as if you were royalty.
“Goodnight, my dear.”
Your voice left you for a second.
“Goodnight, Thomas.”
He raised himself.
“The next time I see you, we’ll be at the altar. Ready or not.”
❀⊱┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄⊰❀
The morning arrived. And you missed your sister. Charlotte. Yes…Charlotte. You always imagined Charlotte would be there at your wedding. Part of the party as a maid of honor. How she would complain of the finery, but laugh and indulge in cake. Say little things to make you chuckle to relax. Fuss over your appearance. Perhaps get into trouble. But…she wasn’t. Perhaps you would never see her again.
She should have been here today. On your wedding.
 You knew the wedding served a function.  It was another outing for the debutantes to go out to. Yes, some might envy your position. But they weren’t without hope. Another guest or connection would leave them to their prospective grooms. But that was their future. This was your present.
You got up early. The early morning sunshine filtered through as light as a feather. Looking about, you saw the packed things. Your heart was pounding as the maids went into your room. Some gathered your things and left. Anne was there to make sure your hair was done up. How glamorous it felt to be a bride. It was like preparing for a part in a play, complete with a set and lines to know.
Your hands shook. Your heart pounded as you sat down for a light repast. Your stomach was constantly churning, but you made yourself have some bites of fruit and toast.
Your mother went to the door and walked in. She stood in the corner smiling. Sometimes giving an odd comment to a maid. You couldn’t even speak.
They dressed you out of your nightgown and robe. Then into a fresh shift. Your wedding corset with a special lace for today. Stockings. Anne helped your pads and petticoats. She laced the front of your corset cover
Finally, out of its place in the closet came the dress. An elegant concoction of the usual fashionable style. After all, don’t little girls dream of a wedding day with such a gown? It was ivory with silk taffeta over the bust and puffed-up sleeves. But the puffs of taffeta were more oval than circular. And what was most striking was the little greenery on it for decoration. A sprig of a plant with tiny, white blooms was over your left shoulder. At the bottom of the long skirt was a pattern of small green leaves on the training skirt. Once you put it on, there was a train added at the back of you. A magnificent cape of ivory silk with green leaves around the edges.
Finally, a veil was attached to your head. It was a motley collection of fake white flowers with a ghostly train behind you. When you looked in the mirror, you wondered what you saw: a fairy? A specter? A being benign or wicked? She wasn’t human.
“Oh, how lovely!” Your parents stood up once you descended the stairs.
Taking your father’s arm, you went to the church, your heart pounding in your chest. You were shaking, and your stomach threatened to remove its contents. But you tried hard to remain composed. Your mind kept spinning, reeling after everything that happened, that was happening. You stepped into the carriage and stared out the window. You seemed half in the present moment and half in a dream.
Already, you could hear church bells.
The carriage finally arrived at the church. Its door looked like it would swallow you whole. You got up, making sure your train wasn’t in bad condition or stuck, though it did take some effort to pull it all out. The organ inside playe,d and it was like you could feel its notes in your bones. You got to your place at the end of the line and waited. The bridal party marched out one by one. Music kept swelling from the organ in waves. The,n finally, you were at last walking down the aisle. 
You walked down as the church was decorated with roses. The guests stood up in their pews, and a few hatted heads bowed down a little. In reverence of the sacrificial lamb. You frantically looked about. You didn’t feel your feet touch the ground. Your heart raced like you were running.
You then looked at the figure in a black tuxedo at the altar as it got closer and clearer.
Thomas looked stunning. He already looked stunning in a tuxedo. But this one looked crisp and modern compared to his old-fashioned suits. It was tailored well to his lean, broad form. His dark curls were clean and soft. You wanted to touch them to see how soft they were. He gave you something of a smile. And your racing mind and unsure body seemed to calm down.
Once you were there at the altar, your father handed your arm to be draped over Thomas’s. You then both faced the priest. He was a docile old man with a balding head and spectacles. He spoke with a voice as gentle as a grandfather's.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this Congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy Matrimony,” he began.
He recited the Book of Common Prayer about the importance of marriage’s sanctity. Though you did peek over at Thomas a few times to see him in his tuxedo again. The old priest continued.
“I require and charge you, as you will answer at the dreadful day of judgement, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if anyone knows any impediment, why these two may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, do now confess it. For be well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.”
“I have cause,” came a voice.
You turned around and saw one gentleman standing up. A fellow with grey sideburns and whiskers that stretched around his face like a belt.
“Thomas is engaged to Miss Charlotte Y/L/N. Not her sister. This is a sham! The wedding should have Charlotte at the altar.”
Thomas stepped forward, his arm remained on yours.. “Miss Charlotte has yet to be discovered. We do not know her whereabouts or what she is doing, or even if she is still alive.”
Inspired by him, you gave your response. You didn’t want this gentleman to stop the wedding. Nerves or no.
“She isn’t here, and…she did not wish the union. She left a note saying that was why she ran away. She ended things with Thomas. He became free to marry another,” you confirmed, standing firm.
A scoff came from the objector.
“Perhaps so. And what of the Sharpe family?” he added.
Thomas’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out.
“Are they truly the right family to be united with this virtuous, decent lady? Why, I don’t see any relatives under the name ‘Sharpe’ about this church?” he went on.
Your father stormed forward.
“None of them could make the wedding in time, but all wished him well! You’re overthinking, Mr.Scroop. And I don’t see why anything in Thomas’s personal history renders him unfit to wed. He is alive, he is free, and he is suitable. Now, sit and let us get on with it!”
“The Sharpe family
The ceremony went by in a blur. Thomas got out a ring- a silver band with a large ruby on it. He insisted on that being your wedding ring.
“I, Thomas, take thee, Y/F/N to be my lawfully wedded wife,” he repeated after the priest.
The ring felt snug, but it did fit well. It looked like having a large, jeweled beetle on your finger, always winking up at you. Ready to bite at a minute's notice.
Before you knew it, the priest had a final blessing. He gestured for you both to turn.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” he intoned.
The congregation burst into applause. The organ blared a triumphant procession as you took Thomas’s arm and walked down the aisle.
 Here it was, a new part of your life. A new part of your identity- wife, wife. It didn’t feel real. And if you had to be honest with yourself, the unknown of the future scared you. You felt scared of so many things. Scared of failing, scared of what was new, scared of leaving the old behind, and wishing it would come back.Scared of a disaster beyond the horizon. Scared something horrible would happen- promised without a date when it would strike. You longed for your past. You wanted to be back to before so badly. Back to being carefree. Back to when things were simple. Even back to your childhood.
But you mustered your courage. There had to be a way through this, right? Even as your body and mind felt a disconnect, an uncertainty, there had to be an answer. You could feel Thomas’s arm supporting you and feel the warmth from his body. He appeared cool and composed after the objector's nonsense. 
The bells sang out the nuptial joy. Well-wishers by the dozens threw “congratulations” like flower petals. You kept on until you both walked out of the church doors. The carriage arrived and halted before the church. People waved handkerchiefs. Thomas kept the door open, and you stepped into it. The rollicking taking you right back to your home.
❀⊱┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄⊰❀
Wedding breakfasts were an awaited noontime delight for society. The morning ceremony caused a great deal of rumbling in the stomach. You and Thomas were placed to sit at the center of the table. The guests all smiled and then helped themselves. There were various summer fruits in little bowls. Then servants arrived, white ribbons pinned onto their uniforms. Out came the dishes onto the table. Lobster Salad, Lamb ribs, mayonnaises of fish, Veal, and Ham Pie to up one end. Stuffed shoulder of lamb, Charlotte russe a la vanille, and decorated ham took up the other. Complete with three cakes sitting like porcelain figurines. Charms baked inside each.
Once the guests were distracted by the lamb ribs, you turned to Thomas.
“How…how are you?” you asked shyly.
Thomas gave you a small smile.
“As well as I can be, it’s not every day you get married!” he answered.
“No, it is not…” 
Your attention turned to another guest going up and saying, “My dear Y/N! Congratulations!” And the awkwardness of a nuptial exchange dropped.
But Thomas stood up.
“May I speak, everyone?” he announced.
Heads turned to him.
“My dear friends, I thank you for coming today. And as a token of my gratitude, I have created something.”
He gestured to the corner, and a servant wheeled in a cart with a cloth over it. Thomas walked over and flung it away.
On it was a large mechanical swan. On top of the swan sat a few bottles of champagne. As Thomas turned its wheel, an arm popped open the bottle. Another arm picked up the bottle and poured it into a glass. Applause erupted from the guests. Everyone cooed to receive a glass.
Thomas remained standing, holding his glass.
“I made it for a celebration. And there is much to celebrate, so I would like to propose a toast to my wife,” he declared.
He turned to you, raising his glass.
“To Lady Sharpe.”
“To Lady Sharpe!” the others repeated as they each took a sip.
Soon, people were standing up. Some waddling from their full bellies. Leaving bit by bit into the afternoon. Thomas went away to boast of his creation to a few curious admirers. Then Mr. Scroop approached you.
“A word, please, Lady Sharpe,” he said.
You nodded and approached him. He was placing his top hat on his head.
“Hello, sir, thank you for coming to the wedding,” you began. Ignoring everything that happened during the ceremony.
“Forgive my boldness at the ceremony, but I cannot help but be concerned,” he said.
“Concerned? Do you mean my sister?” you asked.
He shook his head.
“In truth, It is not your sister that concerns me. It is your husband.”
“What do you mean?” you asked. Your wedding dress felt suddenly tight.
“It appears you are unfamiliar with the Sharpe family and their history. That is what concerns me. But the family is not what you would expect,” he warned.
Guests laughed at a quip Thomas made.
“I know that most of Thomas’s family passed away. Including his parents and sister,” you recited.
“Yes, but their circumstances when they were alive appear …interesting, shall we say. Yes, Thomas managed to do well for himself. Almost too well,” Mr. Scroop said.
“He earned it. Thomas is a hard-working, decent gentleman!” you insisted.
Mr. Scroop leaned closer.
“The Sharpe family is many things. They worked hard. But they are what you consider decent. Not even Thomas,” he warned.
“Tell me, what do you mean?” you asked. “Who did what?”
“I can only tell you this on your wedding day…I’d be careful if I was you.”
He then tipped his hat and walked away. You scurried and blocked his path.
“What do you mean, sir? Please, give me specifics!” you begged.
“I will give none today. Unless you want a broken heart,” he said.
“My heart broke when my sister left. I can handle another one!” 
He walked away, leaving you there. Standing awkwardly. Sticking out in your white gown and fiddling with your hands, your ring gives you something to twist around in your nerves.
Who was this gentleman? What did he know? What did he want? Perhaps this was blackmail. You couldn’t deny that people wanted your family’s money. Or making an exaggeration? A con artist who wanted to scare you into writing a check. If he was so concerned about you and this marriage, why didn’t he contact your father or you before it went through? Why now? Maybe his words were an exaggeration of the facts. He wanted to make this a melodrama for his amusement.
You felt an arm. It was Thomas.
“Is everything alright?” he asked.
“I…I had the strangest encounter with one of our guests,” you said.
“Oh, a guest?”
Taking in a breath, you turned to face him. Your supposed indecent husband.
“Yes, he was…he was speaking strangely, and-”
“Why, Miss Y/N! I suppose you aren’t Miss Y/N anymore, but Lady Sharpe! Oh, congratulations, dear, on this happy occasion!” cried out one other lady guest as she bustled in to shake your hand with a fervor.
Taking a moment to recognize the rosy cheeks, pink dress, and tufts of brown hair, you returned the smile.
“Why, Mrs. Browning, thank you so much for coming!” you replied, back to your old hostess self.
By the time the guests left, servants were packing up the carriage. There was going to be a honeymoon in a rented country house some miles from London. And then you would move into Thomas’s place. You changed out of your formal bridal gown into a traveling one.
Walking down in your coat and hat, you met your parents outside the door. Servants who weren't packing lined up to say their goodbyes. Finally, you reached your parents.
You glanced at your mother. The one subject you could not discuss in Father’s presence weighed between you both. Both of you knew exactly what would happen in a few hours. She looked back at you. Knowing the very thought in your head and saying nothing. You hugged her and then your father.
“Travel safe, be sure to write when you arrive there,” your mother insisted.
“I shall.”
Thomas arrived in his lighter coat and top hat. He made well wishes to his in-laws and then helped you into the carriage. He took his place across from you, and soon the carriage moved towards your wedding night.
❀⊱┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄⊰❀
It was raining by the time you entered the cottage. Servants bustled in to get the luggage. But as the carriage door opened, your hat could not protect you from the pelts.
“Allow me,” Thomas suggested, already outside. 
He ran forward and opened his coat wide enough that you could bend beneath it like a chick beneath a hen’s wing. You both hurried forward to the door, rain and mud getting on the ends of your skirts, and opened the door.
The cottage was comfortable. A bit plain compared to the house in London, but perfect. The servants got the luggage out and then carried on their business.
“I…I’m going to change out of my wet things,” you said.
“Of course… we both should,” Thomas agreed.
You went to your shared room. There was a screen to hide behind and change clothes. You dressed down in a shift and a tea robe. 
Walking out, you saw Thomas in just a white shirt and black overalls. He was just adjusting the straps.  But he was beautiful. It was low-cut, showing some of his chest. His curls looked soft and freed rather than patted down with a comb. He looked natural, even raw. And he was every bit as beautiful in this as in his suit. It made your blood warm.
His eyes turned up to notice you. 
“How are you?” he asked.
“I am well.”
It seemed like the tenth time you exchanged this pleasantry today. There was a pause. You were both by the fireplace. A roaring ember cracked, and the rain pelted the roof above. 
Thomas’s jaw tightened. A slight blush entered his cheeks and his voice darkened.
“Do you…have you been told about…”
“Yes,” you answered.
“Yes? By whom?”
“Lottie would tell me about it. She learned everything from her friends, and she would then tell me. Then Mama gave me a few talks.”
“Well…I am glad. I…I don’t want to push you to…to anything…nothing has to happen,” he assured you.
But he looked so beautiful. He looked so soft. His body had been hidden beneath all of those layers. And you didn’t want to go to a cold bed without a touch from him. Only one touch. No one was here. No one watched. No one interrupted. And you were married. 
“How about a kiss?” you requested, boldness overtaking you.
“A kiss?”
“On the lips.”
He leaned forward and kissed you. He then reached his hand and cupped your cheek, keeping you close. Warmth spread through your body, and the fire had nothing to do with it. He smelled of musk and the rain. And his lips had the light hint of champagne. Your pulse began to speed up. The warmth in your body flushed down. By the time he released his lips, disappointment settled in your chest. It felt…early. Outside, there was a bit of thunder. The rain pelted on.
“How was that?” you asked.
“How do you think it was?” Thomas replied with a smirk.
You raised a hand and put it over his heart. You could hear his heart thumping in a quick rhythm.
“Your heart is racing. Mine is the same…here…” You offered.
You took up his hand and placed it over yours. Keeping close to one another. His hand was close to your chest. Deliciously close. You realized you wanted him to touch you there. To not keep those large, beautiful hands to himself. To touch you in every forbidden area.
“Well then…could you give your husband another kiss?” he asked.
You leaned forward and kissed him on the lips again. Something inside you melted, let down. He wrapped his arms around your waist, and you felt yourself sway into him. His arm went around your back, supporting you. You could have fallen into his arms, and he would have caught you. 
He released the kiss.
“Y/N, I…I could let you have this room for tonight, if-”
“Thomas…” you whispered. 
Inside you, you didn’t want this to stop. You liked touching him, feeling how warm and soft he felt. And your inner warmth couldn’t stop. You felt if he turned and left you, you would scream. 
“Yes?” he asked.
You cupped his face and kept him close.
“Stay. Stay and make love to me. Make love with your wife,” you voiced.
In answer, he leaned forward and kissed you with passion. His hands found their way to your back. You pulled him close. Closing your eyes and feeling his soft lips, his warm breath, his body pressing against you. His erection brushing against your body. 
“Go to the bed,” he requested, keeping the dark husk in his voice.
Per your marriage vows, you removed your tea robe and obeyed.
He unbuttoned his shirt and let it slide off. You stared in awe at his bare chest. You placed a hand on it, felt his heartbeat.
“Will…will it hurt?” you asked.
“It might be a little…if you need me to stop…” he offered.
“No, keep going!” you insisted.
“Then…I’ll ready my bride. You’ll be ripe as a peach and ready soon,” he whispered.
 He kissed your neck, one arm around you. Then you felt it go up. You felt one of his hands go to your shift and loosen one sleeve down. to show your shoulder. He pressed a kiss into it. He then slid both sleeves off and revealed your chest to him.
He put a hand over one, his finger grazing the nipple.
“Beautiful,” he said.
He leaned down to kiss it, and you let out a sigh. He began to kiss all over your body, a trail exploring every bit of you. His hands took off your shift until you were naked beneath him. You felt blood rush at seeing him look at your naked body. He started with your breasts and traveled down to your stomach. You shook with anticipation, feeling his soft lips. 
“Yes…yes, please- Thomas,” you moaned, arching your back.
He then finally removed his trousers. You looked at him again in awe. It was so large, thick, and dripping already. You swallowed, wondering how it was going to fit. But…you wanted him. You wanted it inside you so badly, you felt as if you would burst. Your desire overcame your fear of the pain.
He then kissed you again and prepared your legs. He grabbed one and kissed the inner thigh. Your voice came out of you. “Thomas…oh, Thomas…” it melted into another moan.
He positioned himself between you, the tip brushing your entrance. You looked up at him and he at you.
“Do you want this?” he asked.
“Please…please take me,” you begged breathlessly.
He then began to insert himself. And there was pain; you let out a small cry at first. Then…it was over. It felt…good. Right. You belonged there. You adjusted. 
“Yes…that’s my good wife,” he rasped.
He began to move slowly. Grunting as he did. You were breathing out, clinging onto him, nails digging lightly into his skin.
“God-oh, God-have mercy-Thomas-please-I-I-yes-”
He reached a hand down and found a spot in you, he strummed it around. A fresh wave of pleasure struck you. 
“Thomas!”
“There, my dear?” 
“There!”
He moved your legs up to his shoulders. He thrust a deeper spot and you let out a cry. His pace increased. He panted and groaned with each one. Every sinful thrust taking you over, and his long fingers stroking that spot inside you. It was spinning up, and the pace increased, of his hips slamming into yours and the curl of his finger. It kept up, up.
“God-oh-oh God-I-I’m going to die-oh-oh God-Thomas-”
“You’re-you’re close-and you-your heat-it’s going-it’s going to make me- my dear-go-go on-just come, come-come, damn it-come-,” he whispered.
Something in you shattered, and you let out a cry from the impact of it. The pleasure exploded inside you. It came down in shivers all across your body and made your head spin. Nothing else mattered in the world. Except for what you felt.  After a few more thrusts, Thomas followed suit and released as well. His cum shot inside you, hot and spurting. Once he emptied, he pulled out.
Both of you dropped into the bed, panting hard. He pulled up the blankets. He touched your face.
“Lady Sharpe…how are you?” he asked.
“Never better,” you replied with a grin, kissing his nose.
Settling into the blankets, you wrapped your arms around him. His curls loosened. And his shoulders relaxed. You held each other as the fire crackled. Both of you were giddy by the time dinner arrived in a tray. You ate dressed in nightclothes and then went to bed. You wrapped your arms around Thomas, discussing only little things here and there. What you should do or not do while out in the country. Soon, he was fast asleep. 
Though in your head, after the haze of pleasure faded, Mr. Scroops words returned. You couldn’t help but wonder…who was this man you married and made love to?
96 notes · View notes
smolvenger · 5 days ago
Text
Hiiii @five-miles-over!
Tom’s voice is certainly dreamy, isn’t it?🫠😮‍💨and Reader is learning more for herself.
A “better version of Bridgerton”? That’s very high praise! I’m so honored!🥹🥹🥹
Planning a wedding is always stressful! No matter what time period!
Of course he would present something! He had to use his talents somehow!🤧
And considering that a certain sister is no longer in the picture, I’m sure we don’t have to be worried about any tea and porridge👀
The Baronet Seeks A Wife, Chapter Two
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A Crimson Peak Multi-Part Fanfiction.
Thomas Sharpe x fem! Reader Arranged Marriage AU.
Summary: England in the 1890s. When your spirited sister, Charlotte, defies your family by running away from her arranged engagement to Sir Thomas Sharpe, you are the one who must keep your family from scandal and ruin...by taking her place as the baronet's bride.
Word Count: 6441 (have your tea and biscuits ready)
Chapter warnings: Grammer and spelling mistakes that missed my radar. Hints of past child abuse and a brief mention of sex, but nothing explicitly discussed, my performing arts side rears its head. I do my best to portray the period as accurately as I can and Thomas as accurately as I can. Some angst and something of a small anxiety attack/meltdown if you can call it. But fluff! Lots of fluff!
If I miss something and you see something in my work that could be triggering that I didn't mention, then it is your responsibility to please please please tell me. I will take full accountability for how I portray marginalized groups and sensitive subject matter and make sure to better my writing and warnings so affected parties are protected.
A/N: Missed it? It's back, baby! I had some BAD writer's block with this miniseries, but I figured it out. Thanks to your help!Without it, part 2 wouldn't see the light of day. So enjoy!
A03//My Ko-Fi//My Etsy Shop//Masterlist//Wattpad
Taglist: @villainousshakespeare @holdmytesseract @eleniblue @twhxhck @lokisgoodgirl @lovelysizzlingbluebird @raqnarokr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @michelleleewise @wolfsmom1 @cheekyscamp @mochie85 @fandxmslxt69 @skittslackoffilter @mischief2sarawr @asgards-princess-of-mischief @steasstuff @anukulee @kimi01985 @goblingirlsarah @foxherder @giona45-5
@muddyorbsblr @goddessgirl43
The Baronet Seeks A Wife Taglist: @stainlessciel @mjsthrillernp @thegodofnotknowing @magicalmichelle96 @princessdragon23 @heavyymetalchick @xalphafox (if anyone wants to join a general taglist of my work or just be on this specific one, let me know!)
The sun beat down on you for the opening day of Ascot and your little lace parasol and hat could only shield so much. You were in light-colored laces and full trim. Your dress was a light pink. You needed a lighter color to not attract heat  
Plenty of other ladies would be in lighter fabrics for the June weather. But their eyes would flicker to you and whisper. You held up your open parasol and hid beneath it. Wishing it would block more than the sun. You scurried behind your mother.
The men, that is, papa and Sir Sharpe were with one servant picking a spot for the picnic before the horses could be released.
 It would be your first outing as the betrothed of Lady Sharpe in the public eye. Your schedule had already been booked for a one breakfast party, a reception, and a ballet next week. The last one you were particularly excited for as they were doing Tchikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and scrambled to get tickets. But ballet or horses or breakfasts could not hide the fact that you would be a figure of attention, weather you wanted it or not.
You closed your parasol and set it on the ground. Walking with it like a cane. 
The stretch of grass continued like the sea beneath you. How big the Ascot grounds were! And people were crowding everywhere all over the grass. Plenty of picnic blankets were already stretched out, a healthy distance away from the stands and the dusty tracks. There were people all around, standing and chatting. 
Eventually, you noticed two men. Two familiar voices, though one a little less familiar than the other.
“Here, let’s put the marmalade right here- and I think we’re ready,” you heard Sir Sharpe advise a servant. He nodded as the fellow got out jars from a picnic basket and put it on the red blanket.
His voice. There was something about it that made you falter. It was a rich, creamy baritone that made something inside you shiver. And all he did was talk about food!
Yet, even as attractive as he was, the Baronet was a stranger. You knew very little about him and you were about to enter his title, his house, and his bed-
No, now was not the time to dwell on such matters.
Taking a deep breath, you walked forward, meeting your mother’s brisk pace to greet the men.
Your father perked up as did Thomas, in their typical dark suits and their top hats. Sir Sharpe even lowered his hat and smiled at you in greeting.
“Why, ladies, it is good you both made it in time,” he wished. 
All of you sat down, obediently sitting next to your fiancee. Nibbling on sandwiches and fish and fruit. Waving away flies that dared disrupt finery. For that was the true purpose of the race,  far more than the horses- to be part of a walking parade of who was the most elegant in London.
“Now, Thomas, how has the clay mining been coming along?” your father asked.
You were sat down next to him. He grinned at your father, his posture relaxing.
“Very excellent, sir. The warmer seasons meant the mining has been smoother,” he reported.
“Hmph, well- that is all good. But, speaking of seasons, where the devil is old Mr and Mrs. Barnes? They never miss as Ascot and I’ve yet to see them!” your father teased.
Turning around, you noticed people turning their heads to watch you. They would pause. Then turn to their neighbor and whisper something in their ear. Men and women, the young and the old. Studying you. Looking at every last speck of marmalade you spread on bread and every crumb you ate. 
Suddenly, your stomach was too turned to have cake.
Thomas looked over at you.
“Miss Y/L/N?” he asked.
You leaned closer to him, your shoulders hunching up. You got closer to his ears.
“Everyone- they’re looking at us. Talking about us,” you hissed.
He followed your eyes, scanning and seeing the invisible court displaying their silent judgment. He turned to you.
“I notice them too,” he whispered.
“I’m glad. I’m not going mad and seeing things.” you confided.
“Then, let’s give them something to talk about,” he replied.
He offered his hand outstretched. You accepted it, your bare hand meeting his as he helped you up. He pulled you up as easily as you were air. He then positioned your arm to be wrapped around his.
“I would like to walk with my fiancee, if you don’t mind,” Thomas announced.
“Oh, of course!” your mother replied.
 With his top hat on, you retrieved your parasol and opened it for shade. Then you walked on. 
Faces turned and a few heads bowed, you returned the gesture. 
But you noticed Thomas. His head was high and his chest up. He smiled with a pride not even the most wily gossip could deter. Thomas would look at you and smile, and you would smile back.
He was happy with you, or at least acting like it. And you could not resist a smile with him. And anyone who came up to Thomas, he introduced you as “my charming fiancee, Miss Y/L/N.”
The message was then received. No figure of pity was Miss Y/F/N.
Let them look. Let them see. You would not let the murmurings of strangers make you fret. Thomas seemed perfectly fine and happy with you and you would appear perfectly fine and happy with him. Strolling with him on the grass beneath a sunny day felt natural. Something any ordinary couple would do.
Reaching near the stands, it seemed as people were less interested in the two of you. Crowds more intrigued as to who would win and watching for jockeys and steeds than scandal.
You had to learn more about him. A little by little. You turned over to Sir Sharpe.
“I never hear about your own family. You know everything about mine, but I know nothing of yours. What were they like? Your mother and father?” You asked.
Thomas kept walking forward, you passed the stand for lemonade but you brought no cash to pay for some. Thomas kept his eyes forward as you strolled on past everything.
“My father- his name was James and his wife was Beatrice. He was…an intimidating man. He He wanted me to be like him- taking me with him to work or on hunting trips. He ran a clay mining buisness, but he lost it in an accident. There was…a disaster occured, costing him the mining lives and much of his fortune. We lived over in the countryside, near a small town. I grew up in a large manor house with my sister.”
“What was her name?”
He hesitated.
“Lucille. Lucille Sharpe,” he answered.
“Was she older or younger?”
“Older. We…we lost both of my parents. First my father, and then my mother when I was young. I was sent to boarding school and then reunited with my sister. She fell ill. And never got better. So since then, I have no close family and only distant relations.”
“Oh, Thomas, I am so sorry!” you cired.
His face turned a little white when you turned to face him. He looked down. “I think of them. Lucille, especially. She in many ways was an astounding woman. Intelligent, careful, brave, hard-working...she cared for me. She loved me, in some way, and did so much to help me. And she suffered quite a lot. Especially in her sickness. I could at least make sure her passing was peaceful.”
“Would she have liked me?” you asked.
He paused in his steeps. It was so abrupt, you felt a small jolt.
“No, she wouldn’t have.”
You tilted your head.
“Why?”
He again hesitated.
“She was more…cynical of the world. Life had been hard for her. And for mother. And for me.”
You blinked. He kept his eyes lowered, and began to blink rapidly. At one point, he just squeezed them shut. Part of you felt guilty for pressing it.
“I…I do not wish to discuss it now. Please,” he replied.
You took a step back, releasing from his arm.
“I’m so sorry, Sir Sharpe. I didn’t know it would be-”
“Don’t be,” he replied
His eyes were back open. A small, cold shiver ran down you despite the heat. Then you closed the gap, placing a hesitant hand on his arm in comfort.
“A sibling is like having your closest friend always with you. I was inseparable from Charlotte. And then when she ran away out of nowhere, with no warning…it was like she died. I grieve her still. I cannot imagine what it is like for you.”
He looked up at you. It was as if the crowds never mattered and it was only you both alone around the tracks.
“We have something in common, then. We have both lost sisters,” he pointed.
“We’ll grieve them. But we don’t have to greive them alone. Not anymore,” you assured him.
There was a sudden excitement among people as they scurried over to their seats. You had jumped. How much time had passed?
‘I think it’s best we get our seats, the race is about to begin.” he advised. 
It wasn’t long before you found your parents and joined your seats for the races. 
But your mind was elsewhere.
You remembered Sir Sharpe’s words. You knew a little bit more about him. He seemed less a stranger and more an acquaintance now. Yet- what happened to make him turn so pale? To not wish to speak? If that made him act like that, then whatever happened with his family…it wasn’t good. At least Lucille seemed interesting…but whatever made her so cynical? To where she would have hated you if you met her alive?
Part of you knew the answer. And it made your heart break for him- he was hurt as a child. His parents were cruel to him and his sister. But he didn’t want to discuss it in such a public area.
You settled into your seats from your tickets with your family. You passed around small opera glasses. Watching and watching for the stampede to pass by. For the hooves and horses and rush of wind to bring you to the present, and not the past of a sad little boy in a big manor frightened of his father.
❀⊱┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄⊰❀
It seemed the week swirled by. Now as an engaged woman, there was less pity and gossip.
At least, negative gossip.
 Sir Sharpe played the role of a good fiancee in public. Appearing to help escort you around gallatnly and smile at you warmly. Though he was a quiet man, observing everything. Sometimes a loud noise made him seem to want to shrink his tall frame. 
You still put in your mind the bits and pieces about him. That he lost parents, the father mistreated him. He even lost a sister he was close to. That he ran a mining business harvesting clay. He was always polite at least and charming at most. You did feel your stomach flutter when he would smile at you.
But at the breakfast and garden parties women flocked to you like puppies. They bombarded you with questions about the wedding. What you would pack. Where you would hold it. If you have picked a dress yet. You had always replied with a demure “Well, I don’t know,” yet. Sometimes you threw in “I am only grateful that Sir Sharpe is a good man,” for good measure. That seemed to please them for now. They would offer their congratulations and hopes for an invitation for the marriage where you would become a lady.
Lady. You would be a capital L Lady. Steps below earls and viscounts, but still among them. You would outrank some of these very women. No wonder they flocked to you- it was good to be an ally to a baronet’s bride, not a foe.
Tonight was finally the ballet. No one would run to you to congratulate you or pepper you with questions you couldn’t answer yet. Not for long. Instead of socializing, you could sit back and watch something long for once.
You were dressed in a lovely gown. It was satin, a deeper, more womanly color of rich, dark blue than the fluff at Ascot. You had long matching gloves and the sleeves were small but showed off your shoulders. You had a train cut into scallops. A soft flounce of tulle extended to your shoulder. Jewels across your bodice tinkling as you moved, the satin touching the floor. None needed to doubt that soon you were going to be a baronet’s wife. You had to look the part one way or another. By far, it was the most expensive of your wardrobe this season and the most beautiful. Now was the time to unleash it.
Your father praised you as a vision as you descended the stairs. “Won’t your baronet be beside himself! Now, go enjoy, my dears,” he wished your mother and you.
You headed to the carriage. London was lovely at this dark hour. There were lights on to contrast with the night’s shadow. The opera house appeared like a temple above any house on the street.
Though there was a crowd of audience members, who should be out on the steps but Thomas Sharpe. He had an opera coat and his classic top hat. He was standing watching other go by.
The carriage stopped and the door on your side was opened.
 Sir Sharpe paused and took you in. The coachmen helped you down  and your mother after. You felt a little exposed in all this. Self conscious it was too much.
Sir Sharpe then went up to your hand.
“How are you?” you asked.
“I hardly know. I only know that you are radiance itself,” he replied. He took your hand and wrapped it around your arm.
You got warm all over from his voice saying that. Oh, blast him! Blast how he could make you feel so giddy and fighting the urge to giggle like a girl!
You walked up the stairs into the lobby of the theatre. Your shoes touched red carpet and you passed the creamy insides- all marble with vases of flowers and paintings and electric light. Some stared at the Baronet and his Lady, and you let them. Giving them a show as good as any dancer could.
You had your tickets approved and were escorted to your seats. You had a certain box where the three of you had some privacy to sit amongst each other. As you sat on red velvet plush, you rested your gloved hands on the high railing and looked at Thomas. In his tuxedo, his dark curls combed back, he still seemed like every bit of a ladies’ dream.
“Have you ever been to a ballet by Tchaikovsky?” you asked him.
“Oh, no I haven’t. Only concerts of his music,” he replied. But then he smiled. “They’re such lovely pieces, though.”
“Then you’re in for a treat. When there are dancers added to tell the story, it becomes something very special. I saw The Nutcracker two Christmases ago and adored it. Lottie only liked it when the little girl in the ballet hurled a shoe at the mouse king,” you reported.
He let out a light chuckle
“I’m not surprised,” he said.
You sat down with the pamphlet, re-reading the title and the cast list. Your mother was using her opera glass to watch the audience below. You returned to your fiancee. 
“The Sleeping Beauty- did you ever like fairy tales when you were little?” you had to ask questions, know a bit more of him.
“Oh, yes, I did,” he replied. “I enjoyed many of them. But I don’t remember them too vividly.”
“What kind of stories did you hear?” you asked.
Thomas leaned forward. His voice quiet.
“Well…ghost stories.” he explained.
You squinted, surprised at his reply.
“Ghost stories!? Isn’t that much for a little child?” you asked.
“Perhaps it was. But that was what was told,” he answered.
 One could hear the orchestra warming up. You put a gloved hand on his arm. Thomas didn’t say a peep and the crowd could only mutter. Besides, that always felt a little rude to you. When people lounged about during performances like it was a party and chatted loudly, unappreciative of the artists at work before them!
The conductor arrived to applause and bowed. Then he turned around, lifted his baton, and began the ballet as he lowered it like a magic wand. A spirited introduction blasted, almost making you jump. 
The stage curtains parted and dancers entered as the music slowed down with a harp and sweet flutes as the king and queen entered, holding a bundle in their arms.
For those three hours, you were not an adult. You were a child again who could believe in such things. A child who believed fairy tales was what life was like. Complete with pink ribbons, lace, and magic, fairy’s wings, and princess’s crowns. Where flutes and strings surrounded you. Where dancers smiled as they stood up on their toes and leaped like it was as simple as sleeping. 
You glanced at Sir Sharpe once when the Lilac Fairy entered. He didn’t whisper to you. You only met his eyes to see he was already looking at you. Something warm crawled up you. You didn’t know if you wanted to touch him or to not be touched by him. Then hearing the sound of feet hit the ground on a leap, you turned back to the stage, hypnotized by what you saw.
It was a world where the politics of society didn’t matter. Scandals were trifles, and sisters didn’t disappear. Where fairies could be met at parties. Where magic would prevent a couple from losing their daughter. A princess may be smiling and full of life- but even when she pricked her finger, she would not have had her life cut short because of forces beyond her control. It was where a cursed princess would be kept safe in a deep slumber. Soft and cozy on her beautiful bed. A world where a prince and a fairy could overcome evil. 
When the prince awoke the princess, they knew they were meant for each other. That the one person they waited their entire lives for was right before them. They could marry and not be afraid the choice was wrong. The wedding would be blessed and celebrated with everyone smiling and dancing to sumptuous music. 
As it got close to the end, no one wondered if the prince and princess would be miserable in their union or if another wicked fairy would arrive to hurt them or their families or their people. Everyone would be alive, safe, and happy.
If only things were that simple in real life.
You had to remember yourself after the applause. Blinking rapidly, you then squinted your eyes as the house lights came on. You re-emerged from the darkness like Orpheus returning from the Underworld, transformed by what you saw and returned. You then rose to your feet and applauded. You were watching with a heavy heart as the curtains closed and people left their seats. You had to remember that you were you and this was the real world. No magic. No fairies. No princes. Just baronets.
“Here, let me walk you to the carriage.” Thomas offered, giving you his arm. 
You held onto him, leaning tight. How easily he was able to pull you through! Despite his leanness, he did have strength! 
As you walked down the hall, you clung to your program, making sure you would always have a reminder of tonight.
“What did you think?” your mother asked as she scurried up to you.
“It was…it was incredible,” you replied, your voice suddenly breathy from wonder.
“Well, I was fighting the urge to sleep!” your mother replied. 
She stopped both of you in your tracks before you could proceed a step.
“Now, my dear Y/N, we have a wedding to discuss and plan. So I hope you sleep well, ready for some discussion the next morning, won’t you?” she asked.
“I shall.”
But when you went to bed, your mind was torn. Imagining yourself in stories was a way to help you go to sleep, you found. As music from the ballet kept playing in your head, you found yourself split into two characters.
One was a stoic, obedient bride of a wedding out of convenience who would not cause one toe to step in the wrong place or else ruin everything. The other a fairy tale princess protected by fairies who would survive her curse and find true love. 
But only one of those was real.
❀⊱┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄⊰❀
The next morning, as soon as you woke up and went down for breakfast, your mother stormed you with books. They were journals and catalogues, listing courses and decorations, and options of churches.
All of your parents wanted you all of the time. 
“I like these colors,” you pointed out, seeing samples of cloth.
“But no! It’s not in fashion!” your mother cried.
There were invitations to pick. And then trying to decide who to send them to. You had to include family members, sure, as well as the few people Thomas was related to. But there were also father’s business partners, with whom he wanted to share cigars and brandy and business. Then you had to pick who to invite and if they would gossip or appreciate the triumph. But you had to think of Miss So and So or Mrs. So and So who was rumored to do this and that and wouldn’t it be unbecoming if she so much as turned up on the steps of the church and-
A heaviness grew on you. How much did you actually sleep last night?
But then deciding on family members meant your mother got out her boxes of photographs. She had a hobby of familial history and photographs and would lovingly tell you all about them. For one hour. Then two. You were itching to get up, do something productive, but stuck with your mother in her distracted cycle.
The next days passed and you had to select wedding cakes. You wished for a certain cake, but you felt ashamed choosing it since you knew it might not be what everyone wanted. Aunt Jacqueline coudln’t eat it because of her indigestion. That would be rude. But Mr. Linnet, Papa’s buisness partner, had a particular hatred of almond cake. Any and every flavor was wrong. You had to plan a wedding they would not scoff at or think otherwise.
You were running between shops, spending more on ribbon samples than actual ribbons and there was no color everyone was happy with.
As for the wedding gowns, you had visited one boutique and you had tried on so many dresses that it seemed you were going to hallucinate looking at so much white. And no one would all agree on what gown would be the best one. One wasn’t even decided on and you all ate lunch in sour moods.
And that was on top of callers and people coming in and out from the season and trying to keep up with events.
The week was going by in a flurry. Your business tripled. You were certain at every meal and when you sat down, your mother brought out photographs because the  invitations made her sentimental and by the second week, you were certain you were hearing her recall the same stories over and over again until you could even predict the cadence of her voice.
The gatherings only tripled. Your parents were always asking you to change this or that, or what do you think of this flower or this color or this ribbon or this food, or here is a picture of this great aunt you barely remember but you must care about, and oh- you have to select what flowers you want for the bouquet and which ones on the reception table and to please start planning your trousseau, Y/N, because you must decide which things you wish to take with you when you move into Sir Sharpe’s home, you must consider what to bring, you really ought to-
The few hours you had to yourself, you wanted to relax. Sew something or read a book or anything…but your mind would not focus, would not settle. And those were the hours when no one called for your presence, word, or help. You felt exhausted, and yet at night sometimes you struggled to go to sleep from how wound up you were.
Your head was spinning one afternoon a week later. At luncheon all everyone would talk about was the wedding as they flittered around with vases of flower examples and ribbons and pictures of cakes and dresses from advertisements. As your mother got out her photograph box. But you could only sit there, drained and silent, and feeling like you were staring into nothing.
You were trying so hard to be everything to them. The good daughter. The virtuous bride. The one who could make everyone happy. One who could have her entire life change at once and endure it with only a stoic smile.The one so glad to help and listen and who knew everything. 
As your mother got out a second pile of photographs and began to tell you for the fourth time all about your great grandfather Kenneth and his wife, Bertha, going on a camping trip in nature and getting lost, you had a sudden urge to scream “I’ve already heard this stupid story enough! I don’t care about them!” and rip up the photos before you.
But you swallowed it down, your face hot. Your chest was tight. Ashamed you would even consider wrecking something that made your mother happy? Priceless momentums of your history destroyed in a flash of weakness? Of losing your temper in front of everyone? 
Everything got tight, tight and you were getting warmer and warmer. People began to crowd around you. Their chatter swirling around you like the sea and you could not breathe for air.
“Miss Y/L/N-”
‘St. Joseph is a lovely church-”
“What about blue for the-”
“There should be duck with wine sauce and-”
At once you pushed away your seat from everyone. The lump in your throat growing. A dull, heavy ache all over your body.  A weight in your head and your mind about to break.
“I-I-I..” you began as they gaped.
You tried to calm yourself. To put the feelings in a box and push it away for a little bit. But still it rumbled on.
“I need a moment!” you claimed. You then turned around, starting to make a brisk walk out of the door.
In walked one maid.
“Oh, we have a visitor!” she announced.
You made no reply and went past her, down the hall, hurrying for your room. Once inside, you locked the door.
Legs trembling, you tried to make it to the bed. 
Instead, you collapsed in a heap on the floor. 
Finally, alone, you did not have to pretend. Crumpling up into a near fetal position despite your dress, the long-suppressed tears coming out. There was no dignity, no strength. Just the washing of your tears as it ebbed and flowed out of you.
 It didn’t make sense. You had a wedding to look forward to, and so much you took for granted. Your future was secured. Your family’s reputation was revived. You had no reason to curl up and sob. Someone would look at you and say you were acting immature, that you were too old for your age to be lying down and crying. 
‘That’s what I am. An immature, ungrateful fool,’ you thought.
It made no rational sense. Emotions never made any rational sense. 
Despite all this, here you were sobbing. Crying out the exhaustion, the overwhelm. Hot tears sprang out and went to the floor. At this rate, you’d ruin the carpet. Your throat scratchy and your body shaking as each new cry heaved out.
There were footsteps. Then three knocks.
Your mind spun on in its cycle of misery. ‘I even ran away when we had callers. I am the worst. I waste my time. I’m foolish and wasteful. I don’t deserve anything good, I’m so miserable and scared and I hate myself and I don’t know what’s going to happen to me and I hate who I am and I wish I could change that, but I can’t and I-’
The knocks returned. 
But you got up and turned. You reminded yourself of how hard it felt. To be back in your body, and not in your head. You turned around.
“Come in,” you croaked out.
Outside was Anne. Your lady’s maid curtsied.
“Sir Sharpe is here. And he wishes to speak to you in private in the parlor and your father consented.”
She reached a hand and helped you up. You wiped off any remaining tears from your eyes.
“Tell him I shall join him soon,” you replied.
Anne nodded and hurried out. You made sure to fix yourself. Your eyes looked a little tired and you dried off any tracks of tears from your cheeks. After checking that your appearance was decent, you followed out to the parlor. 
Your parlor had green and white patterned wallpaper and portraits watched your every move as you got inside. Thomas stood. Dressed in his usual black coat, his hat to his side. He looked odd amongst hte ostentatious furniture of red velvet couches. But he bowed to you nonetheless.
No chaperone. No eyes. Only the two of you. One of the blessings of being an engaged couple.
“Would you like me to ring for some tea?” you asked, eyeing the long chord from the ceiling on one corner of the room.
Thomas stepped closer. 
“Miss Y/L/N…you’re distraught,” he observed.
Your lips parted but did not make a sound. Then a small string of them came out.
“I…I…I shall be fine, sir-” 
“Miss, you do not speak as a content woman. Tell me- what is it?” he asked.
He gestured to the couch to sit next to him. You joined next to him, your hands folded and nervously fidgeting. You noticed you were close to him. His warmth from the dark colors and the smell of his light cologne. You felt your chest heave a little, the words so heavy on your tongue. Eager to come out.
“I’m so sorry…it’s just..everything is changing…” you began.
You looked down at your hands. How close his thighs were next to your skirt. Then you looked up at him. There was a…a gentleness in his face, in his eyes. A softness. He was not judgemental. And if he was, he wasn’t saying anything.
“It’s changing so fast. My sister is gone. I’m going to live in a different house and not see my parents. I’m going to be Lady Sharpe and I don’t know what's going to happen to me after we’re married. I- I want to be married, I always have. Now it’s finally happening.”
Your breath was shallower. The emotions burst up. But Thomas made no change in his gentle expression.
“But it means I have to plan a wedding in a month. And all of the time that I have is taken up on this wedding. No one can agree on anything. I can’t find the right decorations, food, or dress. And everyone asks for me and needs me. They need me to listen to them babble on. And I’m trying so hard to be good, to make everyone happy, and get everything done but I…I…”
The lump in your throat returned. Your eyes felt heavy with tears again. They began to well up in your eyes despite yourself. Right when you thought you were done, that there would be no more, they came again.
“I am just…I… there’s so much to do, I don’t even know where to start. And I…I want to shut it all off, but I can’t. And I’m scared. I’m scared I’ve already ruined everything. Or I’m about to…” you babbled on.
He offered his handkerchief. It was a plain cream with lining.
“Thank you, Sir Sharpe,” you said.
“Thomas, please.” he insisted.
You took it in your hand.
“Thank you, Thomas,” you said.
His lips curled up as he heard your name. 
“You can say it. I’m making a big fuss of nothing. That I’m a fool,” you replied.
Thomas shook his head.
“ I’ve met foolish people. You are not one of them,” he answered. 
He leaned closer.
“And have you considered that it takes months to plan a wedding? And you are doing it in one. That is Herculean, don’t you think?”
His voice was a whisper.
“If there are any fools, it is your parents,” he teased.
You wiped your face with the handkerchief again. A small smile grew on your face.
“I…I…I suppose”
He offered you his hand and you took it. It was comforting- warm and large and beautiful. You liked it when he offered his hand, you liked touching it, touching him. Something about it always comforted you.
“We will have a wedding. I don’t think it should matter if it is a spectacle or not. What does matter is…is that…”
He began to hesitate. Then he looked up.
“I know you don’t know who I am. Or much about me. Or if you can trust me- but what does matter, Y/N. I will do my best to make sure you are provided for. That you are safe. Content, if not happy. We will make sure our wedding is a fine day. And if it is not, then It will only be one day and then it will be over.”
You felt his thumb trace over your hand. A small little back-and-forth movement, just grazing your skin.
“The wedding- how will I plan it?” you questioned. 
“You will choose what you want. And forget them all. You are the bride. You should have a final say. And if anyone disagrees- you can bring them to your husband.”
Swallowing, you lowered your eyes briefly. Timidity overcoming you from all of this for a moment.
“We’re not married yet,” you reminded him.
A light laugh got out of Thomas in an exhale. 
“Well…no…”
You looked back up at him.
“Thomas, will you- will you help me with all of this? Speak to them, perhaps? Reason with them? Try to- to help?” you asked.
“Oh, of course.”
You felt yourself breathe out a sigh of relief.
“I’m glad…and yet…Thomas, I confess, I’m scared.”
“I am too.”
He paused. You looked into him and saw fear in his eyes as well. It struck you that of course, he would be feeling the same as you regarding this. Marrying someone he knew partially out of convenience. 
“Y/N…you…you do not hate me, do you? Because that is what I fear,” he asked.
You placed another hand over him, leaning closer.
“Oh no! Thomas, you have been nothing but a gentleman. I don’t hate you at all.”
He smiled.
“There. That’s better than a quarter of the marriages here already,” he replied.
Part of you laughed lightly. To think both tears and laughter could be shared in so short of a time with him. That you could release your sorrows and then have cause for sudden bursts of joy.
“ But…we will adjust to it. Everything won’t be horrible. We’ll just become acquainted with each other. Bit by bit. We could be friends,” you replied.
He took your hand and leaned down, pressing another kiss to it gallantly. He then released the hold and reached into his inner coat pocket.
“I have a gift for you. It was going to be a wedding gift, but I was wondering how you were feeling amidst all of this and  thought it might cheer you up.”
Perhaps it was something sweet. Or a tiny book? What could be a small, but tasteful and not too expensive gift he could give? 
Out came a small box- that is, if “box” could apply. It was a small circular item. Like a lady's powder or dusty blush container. But there was a knob on its side.
“Turn it,” Thomas instructed.
It struck you- it was a music box.
You turned the knob with a small “krrk” sound. The lid opened to reveal tiny, mechanical ballerina spinning on pointe. The chimes crinkled out a tune in three-quarter-time time. It was the Sleeping Beauty waltz.
You gasped. He placed it in your hand to cup it as the ballerina twirled to the music. You saw a crown on her head and a smile on her face, just like the prima from when you saw it.
“Do you like it?” he asked shyly. Something of a blush on his cheeks.
“Thomas! It’s exquisite! Where did you find this?” you asked.
“I made it,” he explained.
You turned around, careful not to drop it.
“You made this?” you asked.
“I did,” he confirmed.
Looking closely, it was so lovingly detailed and crafted, it had to be the work of a person. Not a common souvenir from the theatre.
“You…you make things?” you asked.
“Yes. I have since I was a child. And now I made a machine that harvests clay from all of the times I fiddled with gears. I find lately now I can come up with toys as well, Isn’t it silly?”
“No, not at all! It’s more business! And…you made the machine from the business! It’s- it’s incredible…” you rattled in your excitement. 
His hand returned to yours, joining it as the lid of the music box closed.
“Y/N, I know there are concerns, and I may not have the affluence of your family, I promise, you won't be marrying a pauper.”
You looked
“With something like this, I may as well be the richest woman in all of England,” you said.
His smile returned, his posture relaxing.
“I’m glad of it. Should we return to them now?” he asked.
You nodded your head. You got up by his side. You were not afraid of the hordes of things to do and people to meet, not overwhelmed.
“Yes...I’m ready, Thomas.”
135 notes · View notes
smolvenger · 5 days ago
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Hello there @five-miles-over !!
Reader’s back must hurt from having to carry her whole family!
Charlotte was originally not going to be as sympathetic, but the more I wrote and talked about it with others, the more likable I ended up making her! My whole idea was to make her the stereotypical female lead of a period drama/historic fiction piece whose acts super modern for the period to explore what consequences those actions would actually have at the time. But we love Charlotte and wish her the best!
Didn’t think about that with the dad, oops, made him a crappy dad.
Thank you! Reader has to figure out a way through it since that’s the heart of the fic! And I suppose a lot of women back then had to figure out ways to get through their situations.
Oh yes…Thomas😮‍💨😮‍💨
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Can confirm that was on his mind, hehehe.
And wow! I wasn’t intending beauty and the beast vibes, but I welcome the comparison!
The Baronet Seeks A Wife, Chapter One.
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A Crimson Peak Multi-Part Fanfiction.
Thomas Sharpe x fem! Reader Arranged Marriage AU.
Summary: England in the 1890s. When your spirited sister, Charlotte, defies your family by running away from her arranged engagement to Sir Thomas Sharpe, you are the one who must keep your family from scandal and ruin...by taking her place as the baronet's bride.
Word Count: >7K words. You may want tea and scones as a repast as you read this.
Warnings: Angst, some hurt/comfort, and fluff at the end. I attempt to convey the period as accurately as I can bc if you don't like it or find it interesting why write it. Period accurate attitudes of gender and social class. Mentions and discussions of sex, but no smut (yet...let me just say...after Bridgerton season 3 episode four...I have *ideas* heheheheh). Brief mention of childbirth. The fear of domestic violence is mentioned, but not portrayed. Grammar and spelling mistakes. If I miss something and you see something that could be triggering that I didn't mention, then it is your responsibility to please please please tell me. I will take full accountability for how I portray marginalized groups and sensitive subject matter and make sure to better my writing and make sure affected parties are protected.
A03//My Ko-Fi//My Etsy Shop//Masterlist//Wattpad
Taglist: @asgards-princess-of-mischief @jennyggggrrr @five-miles-over @fictive-sl0th @ladycamillewrites @villainousshakespeare @holdmytesseract @eleniblue @twhxhck @lokisgoodgirl @lovelysizzlingbluebird @raqnarokr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @michelleleewise @wolfsmom1 @cheekyscamp @mochie85 @fandxmslxt69 @skittslackoffilter @mischief2sarawr @jijilaufeyson @steasstuff @anukulee @kimi01985 @goblingirlsarah @foxherder @giona45-5 @goddessgirl43
London, 1898.
“I won’t marry him!” your sister cried.
You have seen this scene plenty of times. You could recount it like a play production you had seen too much. You were sitting in the parlor, trying to read a book and rest your feet. But your mother and your older sister, Lottie, were on each other’s last nerves.
‘Lottie, you have to!” your mother insisted.
You found you couldn’t focus on the words. You only sat there in stillness, watching in silence. A maid walked by the door, her eyes flicking over to the scene, but then she kept walking down the hallway.
Your mother pressed a hand to her forehead and sighed as if in pain. 
Your older sister, Charlotte, was curling her fists on her side. The red dress, the new one father ordered for her at the shop, only made her seem angrier. She was literally burning with the fire of fury.
Mama let out a huff. Then she glared at Charlotte, her arms akimbo.
“Listen to me. Right. Now.” your mother began.
You felt bad for your mother. There was a lot on her mind. To have both daughters out in society at one time. They agreed it wasn’t fair for one daughter to go about having fun when the other couldn’t. Charlotte was older, so she was more experienced in being out in society. She made her debut it seemed ages ago. You recalled your own debut. You had your turn to wear white and curtsy before the queen before she dismissed you for the next girl. You were already beaming with excitement. Ready to enter the glittering, grown-up world of the London social season. Prepared to dine and dance in pretty dresses every April until August.
But every year, it seemed the bags under Charlotte’s eyes increased. Now years had passed since then. And mam still had two daughters who were still out. And unmarried.
Charlotte dreaded going from your country home to London for the warmer months.She hated the constant balls, parties, meals, picnics. She at least liked riding her horse in Hyde Park but loathed she couldn’t go faster. She would sneak out to smoke cigars. Bugs and reptiles fascinated her more than gossip. She scribbled down notes. She turned prickly if any man asked for a dance. She spoke boldly and even swore. She enjoyed the horse races and polo games and sports, but the art of feminine flirting was beyond her.
But your parents had plenty of money and two daughters. But only so much money could support so many seasons. And as the eldest, the pressure was on Charlotte. There was the occasional brave soul who proposed marriage to her. Only to face the inevitable, flat rejection.
So Mama and Papa took matters into their own hands.
Mama met enough people who networked her to cross paths with a single baronet. They porposed a marriage between him and Charlotte, to which he agreed. Your sister was engaged after a mere three meetings with the fellow. Not that you had a chance to meet him either. So no rejection. No proposal. A ring on Lottie’s finger forcibly placed on her like a child force-fed turnips to her mouth.
“Lottie, do you know how much that dress costs? The very one on your back? Every season, your father and I make sure you and your sister have new gowns so you may be presentable in public. That is what they demand- that eligible ladies always dress in fresh new clothes. So any gentleman will not scoff at you wearing yesterday’s rag. You may not like it- but this is for your future. For your family’s future.  May I remind you- You are the eldest. You must make a good match not only for your sake- but your sister’s future. If you marry well-then she will be set up to succeed. There are plenty of decent men with more than enough money to make you comfortable here. Every year, they ask to dance with you. Every year, at least one proposes. And every year, you say no. ”
Charlotte huffed, folding her arms.
‘I didn’t want to marry them. Any of them. I wouldn’t make them happy and they wound’t make me happy at all.”
Your mother glared down.
“You have had more than enough chances to secure yourself forever. Do you want to live at the mercy of your father’s charity all of your days? If he cut you off this minute and threw you out of the house, you would have nowhere to go, and no way to survive. Lottie, do you realize how many seasons you have had? Do you realize how much we must pay more and more for you both to be presentable when you are out? Do you realize how much this is costing us and yourself?” she scolded.
She caught her breath. Charlotte was breathing hard, and you could see glimmers of tears in her eyes. Mama stepped closer.
“Charlotte…you’re no figure of pity. Not yet. You have had plenty of chances- they still call you the Wild Rose of London. Your face won over dukes, earls-so many girls would have loved to be in your shoes!” she said softly.
Mama was right. Charlotte was considered the beauty of the family. When she made her debut, heads turned to look at her. Everyone, you included, thought she would make a match easily. After all, your father was in charge of a great business that made a lot of money. You were now part of the upper crust. So a pretty face, a decent family reptutation and a sizable dowry with her bold, vivacious character would have won someone’s heart. And in a way they did. The first man who proposed to Charlotte you thought was going to be like shooting a sitting duck.
Even though “spinsterhood” did nothing to dampen  your sister’s face,you were all proven wrong. Very, very wrong. 
Lottie slouched as much as she could in her gown and frowned. A habit she never abandoned as a child.
“Your father had to take action. You will be a part of the esteemed Sharpe baronacy and he will reap the monetary benefits. He is a nice man, pleasant, charming, and he will take care of-”
“So am I nothing more than a thing you auction off at a bazaar? Not a person with a heart? With feelings?” Lottie combated.
“We were going to be driven at this rate to ill repute, and financial ruin all because you wouldn’t marry!” your mother argued.
“Then why not let me wear an old dress?” Lottie shot back. “Or have me not do a season! Let me remain a spinster and paddle my own canoe!” 
“Sir Sharpe will take care of you. He promised it!” Mama assured.
“Being stuffy old Lady Sharpe and wasting my life in balls and parties is going to drive me to insanity! An arranged marriage- mama, it’s practically medieval!” Lottie shouted.
Your mother folded her hands.
“Your father has set it in stone. There is no point in this conversation. You are going to marry Sir Thomas Sharpe, and that is final!”
Your sister jumped up. She stormed off, slamming the door shut childishly as she huffed off to her room.
Your mother turned to you. You sat in your own blue tea gown, not expecting company. For a night of no events in the London season was a special treat. All of the picnics, lunch parties, park trips, operas, theatre, and balls were fun- but back to back, it was exhausting. But hearing your mother and sister yell at each other was ten times worse than the exhaustion. 
You stood up.
“Am I….a bad mother?” she asked. You saw tears in her eyes too.
You put a hand on her shoulder, a fine, matronly gown of dark green brocade. You offered her a handkerchief. 
“I only think you are a desperate mother put into a difficult situation.”
“She won’t listen to me. Much less your father…she only listens to you anymore. I hate we must do this…and I hate myself,” she sniffled. 
You patted her shoulder.
“Mama, let me speak with her. Let me help patch things up. Make her happy,” you offered.
She nodded. You exited the library, walking up the stairs to Lottie’s bedroom. The odd servant paused in their dusting to curtsy at you. You wold give them a nod and a smile, before you continued. Walking past vases of daffodils and over velvet rugs, you found the door locked shut. Crying coming from inside.
You knocked on the door.
“Go away, papa!” she fussed.
“Lottie, it’s not papa, it’s me!” you assured her.
Your sister went over and opened the door, letting you in and shutting it after you entered. With it’s wine red wallpaper, the place seemed to be dark as the sun was dipping outside. Her desk empty of any papers and her hat set on top. Her colllections of newspapers piled on one chair near her parasol. The drawer where she hid her cigars was kept with a lock and a key she dared not tell even you.
“Lottie…I’m so sorry you have to do this, and how miserable it makes you…it sounds like a nightmare,” you admitted.
You could see tears streaming down her face.
“Do you remember when I was eleven and asked mama and papa for a pet snake? They know how much I love snakes- they’d give me little toy snakes. I wanted a real one. I’d call her Cleopatra for the irony of it. But they said no. Every year I asked and they kept saying no.would always say no. They try….but they can’t love me, or understand me. And I keep trying to please them…and I keep failing and now…they’re throwing…”
She sat on the bed and began to cry. And you hugged her.
“Here….here…” you said. “My poor girl, my poor Lottie!” you cooed. 
“I want to go places. Have adventures and jolly, capital times.  I want to run, and explore and see things! Not be stuffy old Lady Sharpe in some stupid house having babies until I’m killed from it!” she mourned.
She shoved aside her journal and laid down on her bed. Tears streaming her face.
“It’s what you deserve…Lottie. A life like that! But now,  we need to think of what we can do and not what we can’t do,” you suggested.
You paused, thinking for a second. You leaned closer as she turned away. A gentle hand on her side.
“Sir Sharpe…you’ve met him, haven’t you? What is he like?” you asked.
“He talks about his stupid inventions all day,” she muttered from her side. “And he won’t answer anything about what his dead sister was like or what was in that old mansion.”
There were only three things you knew about Sir Sharpe as of this morning. He was a baronet. He grew up in a mansion called Allerdale Hall. He lost an older sister. But that was it. Now thanks to Lottie, the sum rallied up to four.
You leaned closer, more mischief in your voice. You hushed to a whisper.
“What does he even look like? Perhaps he’s at least handsome! Maybe at least…on your wedding night…” 
Lottie turned over, wrinkling her nose. 
“I’m sorry, YN, but he’s ugly! He has a big forehead, and big ears, and a big old nose!” she cried. Her voice far too loud for the question you asked.
She grabbed her pillow and hugged it around her.
“Don’t get me started on my marital duties. I could retch at the thought of it. If Sir Sharpe even thinks of going to bed with me, I’ll box his big ears off!” she decalred.
Part of you couldn’t help but laugh a little. Even Lottie’s own pretty, pink mouth was curved up in a small smile at her own words.
“Practice on that pillow!” you dared.
She hit the pillow again and again.
“This I’ll give Sir Sharpe and -this! I’ll give Sir Sharpe!”
She reached over and got her parasol and gave it a few more good whacks. Feathers were starting to burst out from it and litter the floor.
“Heavens, at this rate you’d have killed him!” you commented. 
“He would have earned it!” she replied.
‘“Then you’ll be a criminal and I’d have to bail you out of prison!” you replied.
“Oh no! Then I guess we must be outlaws and run off and live like Robin Hood and the rest! Better than listening to Mrs. Mean drone on about governesses!”
Both of you burst into laughter. The Means lived up to their name and every reception they found a new group of people to complain about. You both heard it all and had to silently look at each other to promise to only laugh at them when it was done.
You both laughed, smilng bright. How you missed the easy days of your younger years. You could play about and get in and out of trouble. You and your sister knew where to strike to hurt each other, but couldn’t live without the other. You fought as intensely as you played. You did everything side by side. You took her hand and hugged her again, even though she was still sniffling.
Lottie sagged her shoulders. Her hold on the pillow loosening.
“But…I’m unhappy. I wake up every day with this and I’m miserable. Like I can’t get out.” she sighed.
“Think of this….” you reasoned. “I hear husbands are easier to manage and persuade then fathers! Once you have money and you’re not under their thumb, you can go about as you want and do what you want! Idon’t think Sir Sharpe would stop you….”
You paused. A horrified shiver ran through you.
“Not that I…know much about him. Do you think he….did he ever…ever…hurt you?” you asked.
She shook her head.
“No, he hasn’t been less than gentlemanly. And he wouldn’t hurt me in any way after we’re married, I’m sure.” she replied.
You both sat on the bed and held hands.
“Then don’t be afraid, Lottie…maybe marriage isn’t a prison, but your key to freedom! Once you’re a married woman, you can do whatever you want and Sir Sharpe won’t stop you. And if he does anything, tell me. And I’ll box his ears!” you replied.
Lottie’s tears were drying in trails down her cheeks. Yet she smiled in spite of herself. Then you hugged one last time.
“I should ring for some cakes and mint tea from Anne! That will cheer you up!” you said.
As you rang the bell for them. Anne, one of your maids, hurried up. She took the order and promptly left. She returned with a tray in only ten minutes. You both relaxed on chairs as the tray balanced on a mahogany table.
Turning, you saw Lottie write about in her journal.
“Oh, croissants! My favorites,” Lottie cooed. She picked up one and began to dig in.
“I’m just glad you have thing that make you happy…I just want you to be happy, Lottie,” you said.
The pastry returned to her plate.
“And…YN…”
Her mouth opened as if to speak. Then she stopped. She reached over and held your cheek. Studying you carefully, as if you were a piece of art. A work she could only admire in person once before she had to leave. Something she had to commit to memory. There was a sad smile on her face.
There was a sad smile on her face.
“I want you to be happy too…”
She kissed your forehead and you smiled. As she helped herself to a big slice of strawberry cake. Her eyes were tired, crinkly.
“I think Lady Charlotte Sharpe has a ring to it. Like the heroine of a book!” you said.
Charlotte turned to face the window. The sun melting down and the sky promising night.
“But this isn’t a book, this is reality…” she responded.
She looked at you and then at the ring on her finger. The engagement ring already commissioned. Costly and pretty, but useless and ominous on Lottie’s hand.
“I think you would have liked him...” she said.
“Sir Sharpe will be nice to have as a brother,” you replied.
She looked at you. But said nothing as she nibbled on her croissant. As the tray was partially emptied, you excused yourself. But Lottie caught your arm. You saw her lip quiver. She leaned closer, her voice quiet. And Lottie was not a person who liked to be quiet. 
“I’ll always remember that your words. That we must do what we can and not dwell on what we can’t. Thank you, Y/N. Thank you for the tea, too.”
By dinner time, she was quiet. She dressed nicely and ate modestly. Then went to bed without a word to you.  As you went back up to change for bed. How unlike her! Your sister was chattiest at night! But you but shrugged it off. She was probably just exhausted. London’s balls lasted from night until six in the morning and you would be lying if you said they didn’t take a toll on you too. And you would need some rest if there were to be callers, a garden party, and maybe a horse ride in the park  the next day.
❁ ≖≖✿❁ ≖≖✿❁ ≖≖✿❁ ≖≖ ❁
When you awoke the next morning, the sunlight streamed like melten butter into your room. Outside, it was another lovely day in May. People were already tittering about the Ascot opening later this month.
Your maid helped you into your day outfit of a white lace skirt and a blue skirt with flowers patterned with silk. You only hoped Lottie had improved. Before breakfast, you would check.
You knocked on her door.
“Lottie! Good morning!”
No reply.
“The chef is making us bacon! It’s going to be delicious!”
No response. 
You beat your fists against the door.
Nothing. And she was a light sleeper.
“Lottie?” you called out louder.
You realized the door was unlocked and opened easily.
She was gone. Servants followed you inside. Her bed wasn’t made, there was no sign of her.
“Is she in the garden? Is she riding in Hyde park this early? ” you asked Anne. But the maid shook her head.
Then, to your shock, you saw there was a piece of paper on it. And a ring. Coming closer, you saw it was her engagement ring.
You felt the world pause as you read her handwriting.
“Hello everyone,
You need not fear, for I am not hurt or seduced by some scoundrel.
I cannot be Sir Sharpe’s wife.
I love all of you. But I cannot do this. This is not what I want for my life.
I shall be safe, do not worry.
But do not try to reach me for some time.
All of my love.
Charlotte Y/L/N.”
Breath knocked out of you. You stood frozen. You hardly heard your parents rushing in. You didn’t feel your father snatching the letter from your hands. Looking down, they were still in the air and shaking.
Your mother began to sob.
All of your plans were canceled. A private detective was hired and Charlotte’s lady’s maid was fired for permitting this. Though the sobbing maid insisted she didn’t know where Charlotte went. All day long, people scurried about in a panic. 
You felt tears well up in your own eyes. Alone in your room, it was your turn to burst into crying.  It was already as if your dear sister was already dead.
You recalled the letter said she was unharmed. She wasn’t about to be left pregnant with some scoundrel’s bastard. She hadn’t…taken her own life and for her to return only as a corpse. As far as you knew, no news meant she was alive and safe. That would have destroyed you. Taking hope in that, you went back to put on a brave face to your family.
There was the odd caller in the afternoon. But their noses were upturned. Knowing they would report anything and everything. The slight smiles on their faces as they looked about made you want to scream.
Why didn’t Charlotte think about this? The next day, your grief boiled to a silent rage. By running off and vanishing, it meant there was a scandal. And now society would all turn their faces away from you. They would frown and whisper and gossip. The unvirtuous daughter who ran off. And no one would want to go to your parties or dinners. No one would want to see you or associate with you. And no man would ever want to marry you, knowing you were the sister of the runaway spinster of a disgraced family.
That last part pained you. Not that you knew from Charlotte there was shame in being a spinster. But…you hoped to fall in love. Not just to marry a man of stability, to meet a wonderful, nice man who made your heart patter fast. To be kissed and receive valentines and dance and have him drop to his knees, begging for you. Just like in the fictional books you loved. 
But the days dragged by. The detective returned after a week and shook his head. And the hope for anything good in your future seemed more and more like a fiction itself.
❁ ≖≖✿❁ ≖≖✿❁ ≖≖✿❁ ≖≖ ❁
You paced about in the gardens one afternoon. It was better to do something with your anxious energy. Two weeks and no sign where Lottie vanished. You sat by, hoping the coolness of the breeze drifting through flowers would calm you. But not even the loveliness of an English June could distract you.
Anne stepped forward and curtsied.
“Pardon me, Miss. But your father wants to have a word with you in private,” she announced.
She led you up, taking you to Papa’s study. It was a room in dark green, his favorite color. A few books lined up the walls and his desk was placed behind the window. Your father was staring outside when he turned around as you were brought in.
“Ah, sit down, my dear,” he requested.
You obeyed. Sitting on the wooden chair before his desk. Your father brought out a decanter of brandy and poured himself some in a little glass. You noticed it was a generous amount. Not that you would blame him.
He poured himself a second glass and offered it to you.
“I have some news with you, Y/N…” he began.
“Have they found her?” you asked with hope.
“No. And that is exactly why I have to tell you this…”
If there was no update, then what could it be? You wondered. You took the cup and held it in your hands. A little hesitant to drink it yet since it was still so bright in the day.  It didn’t feel right to drink such a spirit so early to you. Something was brewing- you just had to let him say it. 
“The engagement between your sister and Sir Sharpe it was…it is still and shall be beneficial. To us and to the Baronet. We must be respected by all sorts of society through connection to the baronacy. He needed the money- his own little toys wouldn’t be enough to sustain a gentleman’s life. And with Charlotte’s disappearance- you understand why we don’t have as many visitors as we do?”
“It’s a scandal, papa, I know.” you replied.
“But…we must return to society. We cannot show up defeated. We cannot let them beat us. We cannot become a laughingstock or a figure of pity.”
Where was he going with this? You held your tongue and folded your hands. The drink carefully balanced over your lap. He was only repeating everything you already knew.
“There is one way out that solves all our problems. Especially if at this point, Charlotte isn’t to be found…”
“We can’t give up on finding her, on making sure she is safe!” you insisted.
“We have more immediate matters..” he continued.
You raised the glass to your lips, taking only a sip. It burned down your throat onto your churning stomach. Your father looked directly into your eyes.
“ I have one daughter left who is out. But YN, I don’t think there are many gentleman who will want to associate with a ruined family. No gentleman will consider you marriage…But…”
“But?” you prompted.
“But there is one gentleman who doesn’t think so…” he continued.
“Who?” you asked. You put both hands over your cup.
Papa looked directly into your eyes.
“Sir Sharpe.”
Your throat tightened. Part of your vision went dizzy. You began to piece together where this was leading. Nausea gripped your insides as your hold on the glass turned into a grip.
“He knows he needs our money and to be back into society. We still need the respect of his title…and we have a daughter left who must be taken care of…”
You found yourself hyperventilating. Words choked out of you.
“Am I…am I…”
“YN, you are going to marry Sir Sharpe in your sister’s place this coming month.” he announced flatly.
A sound came out of you. You put a hand over your mouth. You now knew what Lottie felt. Your whole body went tight. You had to catch your breath. How glad you were to be sitting, for your legs were already shaking bad and your vision was spinning. You looked down at the floor, trying to pull yourself together. Your father kept talking.
“Now, I know this isn’t pleasant. Especially for a romantic such as yourself. I know you have yet to be formally introduced to him. But, Y/N, my dear- we have to be practical about these matters. There is no respectable solution to this problem at this point, if Charlotte is to not return.”
He was right. As twisted as this was, was there another option? 
Who would want to associate with a family who couldn’t keep an eye on their eldest? Who would want to invite a family who let their daughter run away to their breakfast party? Who would want to court the sister of the woman who ran off from her own marriage? Who would want to marry the daughter of disgraced family? 
The more you thought about it, the more you realized there were few options. You were now too socially stained to marry anyone. Your days would be spent alone. Sitting in your house as others lived their lives happy and free, laughing at you behind closed doors.
Your family had no other options out. 
A marriage to a man who belonged to a knighted family would earn you respect. It would be telling society that at least one man from a respectable house saw worth in you. You would still go to events not as a figure of pity and ridicule, but as one of them- even ranking above them.
You didn’t want to be a figure of ridicule. Someone who everyone would smugly turn. Whispering to each other “how glad I am that I’m not her!”
You had to marry. And marry well.
You would never be proposed to at this point. There would be no courtship. No dances. No poetry. No marriage proposals. No valentines. No love letters. No Passion. No balls. No laughter.
But there was never going to be a proposal like this.
No future. No safety. Nothing if you denied your father or refused him or rebelled as Lottie did.
You would just be tied and tethered to a ruined family all of your days. But becoming Lady Sharpe would free you from that. You could start anew. Spring again like a wild tiger breaking out of its cage to bear her claws.
And this was your only chance.
“Yes, papa. It will be an honor.” you replied. You would do your duty, as all daughters must.
Father walked out from behind, abandoning his drink. He put a hand on your shoulder and then pulled you for a hug.
“There’s my brave girl,” he said.
He released the hug.
“Alright, Sir Sharpe is going to visit at dinner tomorrow. And my associates at work will be there too, to celebrate. That way, you will have a formal introdution and you won’t be walking down the aisle to a complete stranger.”
You felt your fists grab your skirt. With your free hand, you grabbed your cup of brandy and downed it in one gulp. The burning ran through your body, and you prayed it would calm your racing mind.
“Do I need to wear my nicest dress?” you asked. You at least didn’t want Sir Sharpe to think he was settling from the society beauty. Downgraded from the Wild Rose to her frump sister.
“Considering he has already said yes to this arrangement, I doubt wearing your ugliest dress will do anything to about the matter,” replied your father.
❁ ≖≖✿❁ ≖≖✿❁ ≖≖✿❁ ≖≖ ❁
Anne dressed you in a cream dinner dress of country silk and velvet. Your sleeves puffed like clouds. there was lace as a “belt” around your waist. The bottom showed an underskirt that was a color between light brown and pink. Anne had hair like yours, and knew how to style it as you liked. Your dress almost white in the light. Already you were going to meet Thomas looking like a bride.
The grandfather clock in the hall chimed seven o clock. You thought you would sweat through your dress. Part of you was tempted to lock the door and not step a foot out the whole night. But you knew you could not delay the meeting anymore. At this rate, you would just meet him on your wedding day. You just had to get it over with.
Besides, you were going to spend the rest of your life with him until only death or divorce did you part. You were just holding back the inevitable. 
“You look beautiful, miss,” she gushed as she looked at you.
“I wish I was as pretty as Lottie, sometimes. Or as brave as her…” you lamented quietly.
“Don’t compare yourself to her, miss. You know she has her own sufferings. And it will only make you more unhappy.” Anne advised, giving you a pearl necklace. She attached it to you from behind. 
 Both of you looked at your reflection in the mirror. Anne leaned in closer with an encouraging smile. “Just think of all this like armor to a battle, Miss Y/N. You can’t give up the fight, yet.”
I can be brave, like Lottie. I can fight, like she can. You thought. How could you be as stupid as to forget your own advice to her not long ago? You would do your best to find the way to make it a good situation. Manipulate your position and standing to your favor, even. For that was what women always did. For being the “weaker sex”, they always found a way through to survive. So what made you think you would just cry and pity yourself all of your days?
You reminded yourself of this. Still you felt heart racing hard as if the gallows was what awaited you next month and not the altar. Holding your head high, like a queen in her palace, you walked out of your room and downstairs.
A few women had shown up in the foyer. They eyed you greedily but you would not give them a figure to be pitied. You kept a stoic face as they offered a few tepid congratulations. But you felt so buzzed with anxiety, you only half heard.
“We’re so happy you found a husband,” said one.
Husband- husband! A husband! A fiancee! How was it that it happened already? And with no romantic proposal in a moonlit garden away from a ball. Just in an office that smelled of whiskey with your father relaying that you were now engaged. And your husband- no, you weren’t married yet, no need to panic now. Though you saw no men around, you knew that your fiancee was under this roof. 
You didn’t feel ready. You felt like you were just an adolescent playing dress up and not a grown adult. 
“Ah! There you are, YN!” your father greeted as he walked over, dressed in his evening tuxedo. He offered his arm.
“He’s in the library, sharing a drink with the other men. I think it’s time I introduce you both,” he announced.
Swallowing, you took his arm. The one thing keeping you afloat in the ocean of turmoil raging inside you.
Papa walked you over to the library. Your heart picked up as if you were running. In just a few short seconds, you would see the man you were bound to for the rest of your life. Your mind was itself running at a hundred miles a second and you felt yourself shaking like a leaf.
Father turned to the door and your fears screamed inside of you.
You dreaded what your sister said. Her voice ringing in your ears bemoaning Thomas’s apparent ugliness.
“He has a big forehead and big ears and a big old nose!”
He was ugly. You had to settle for that. But what made you were frightened was that perhaps he was a bad person. Perhaps he would hurt you, betray you, break you even.
Wait…didn’t Lottie say herself he wouldn’t treat her in that way? But…you weren’t Lottie! He could act completely differently…
No…you were forming an entire judgement on someone you hadn’t even met!
But, even if he wasn’t handsome…perhaps he would be a nice man. Men didn’t have to be handsome to be good. They could be kind, respectful, patient, gentle, genuinely kind husbands.
So which one was he? A kind, pure soul? Or an irredeemale monster?
Both? In between? Neither? There was only one way to find out. And the answer was standing with the other men beyond that wall.
You took in a deep breath, your father opened the door.
The dark green, musty library already smelled of cigars. Lottie would have loved it. There was a bit of laughter, as their smoke floated to the air. Cups of whiskey was passed and there was talk of this and that issue in Parliment. So many men in black suits like a horde clamored around, as if each one was copied from the other.
Your father cleared his throat.
“Gentlemen, may I introduce to you my daughter, Miss Y/L/N.”
Once, it was Lottie who was “Miss Y/L/N” and you just went by Miss and your first name after. But now that she was gone, you were promoted up. You were Miss Y/L/N and the family’s fortune and future were already on you like a yoke you had to drag across the field.
“It appears that for one of you, you are about to be a very lucky man next month…” your father continued.
One by ones, heads turned to see you. Some in curiosity. Some in boredom. Some in hunger seeing your neckline. You were already making guesses as to who your fiancee was with each passing face. Already one man had a curled mustache. Another had grey hair with busy sideburns. Another round spectacles and short brown hair with a mousy face. Most of them were wrinkled, lined with grey, with a gruffness to their demenaer.
“Sir Sharpe,” your father announced, turning his head.
Your eyes followed at once. That is him- you thought. That  is him! That is him, that is him, thatishimthatishimthatishim-
An old man patted a hand on the shoulder of another. The younger had hair had longer, dark curls He was so deep in conversation with someone that he almost forgot. The grandfather nudged him. The younger figure paused.
“Thomas! I believe your lady is here.”
Then he turned around. 
Thomas Sharpe was the handsomest man you had ever seen. 
The breath you had was knocked out again as you took him in. What on earth was Lottie thinking? Looking at him, you began to question her taste and strength of vision.
Thomas was a tall man with a hair full of raven curls. Slender, but not thin for he had a broad chest. Soft blue eyes that only contrasted with his dark hair and a face the color of porcelain. You now understood the fairy tale of Snow White and why she was the fairest in all the land. For the male equivalent was here before you. He had high cheekbones and large hands. He looked like the hero of a Bronte novel, but one if the author confirmed his handsomeness rather than his ugliness. 
He looked into your eyes and he smiled at you. Butterflies fluttered around your stomach and you could feel your eyes widening.
Your father gestured at him and he walked over.
“Sir Sharpe, this is my daughter.Your fiancee.” your father announced.
“Miss, I am glad to finally be acquainted with you. You look beautiful, tonight,” Sir Sharpe greeted. 
He raised your hand to his lips and looked right into your eyes as kissed your hand. A gasp could not even escape your throat. Something was stirring beneath you when his lips touched your gloved hand. You felt a sensation you dared not name in the most private part of you. 
Finally, steeling yourself back to the earth, you remembered basic etiquette.
“Thank you, Sir Sharpe. I am glad to make your acquaintance as well,” you replied with a curtsy.
Sir Sharpe sat across from you at dinner. You hardly said a word unless someone asked you something. 
You couldn’t believe this. You couldn’t believe him. You somehow found your appetite again and ate. But you felt self conscious with each bite. Thomas was watching you- what was he seeing? Would he judge you? You moved even more carefully and properly as you could.
 Every time your eyes met,  Every time he looked at you, a heat rushed through your whole body and your eyes would return demurely back to your plate or the napkin on your lap. When he smiled at you, you felt as if you could die. You had to remember your feet was touching the ground as you wiggled your toes in your pointed shoes.. 
He spoke poliely when asked to, but mainly listened. There was polite talk about the weather or the Ascot opening race. Thomas would ask you about what you thought and you found your replies were timid. You didn’t want to make a wrong move, you didn’t want him to hate you, you didn’t want-
Then your father stood up, raising a glass.
“Now, everyone,” he declared. “Let us have a toast. To Sir Sharpe, the delightful Baronet who I have the honor to call my son in law not long from now. And to the marriage of my beloved, dutiful daughter-”
You found yourself looking down. Dutiful, dutiful. This was why you were here. Lottie was not dutiful and broke everything. But now here you were to fix it all. For everyone’s sakes, including yours. It would have be you thrown to face the unknown of marriage to this unknown aristocrat. Yes, he was handsome. But he was still a stranger.
“Cheers!” toasted your father.
Everyone replied with cheers as they clinked glasses. Thomas gave you another smile and clinked yours. You felt yourself become timid. His looks, his smiles, and you were acting no better than an loony adolescent.
Thomas delayed going to after-dinner sips of brandy with the other men. He remained in the parlor with the women sipping on coffee and went to you. He led you over to a corner away from nosy mamas. He spoke lowly, for you to hear.
“How are you, Miss Y/L/N?” he asked.
“If I must be entirely honest, I am afraid,” you confessed.
His eyes softened at you. They were the color of a spring sky. You had never seen eyes as blue as his.
“YN, I know this is sudden. And I’m shocked as you are. But…”
He offered his hand and you took it. Your glove over his skin. Then he placed his other over yours, and already you found yourself chilled comparing his large hand to your own. To feeling that one bit of touch. For now you were almost married, and to touch was permitted.
“You don’t have to be afraid of me…I will try to make you happy, with everything I can.” he promised.
“Nothing will happen to me. You won’t hurt me. And you won’t let anyone hurt me, will you?” you asked.
A shadow of sadness passed over his face.
“No. I won’t.”
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smolvenger · 5 days ago
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Yessss, @five-miles-over we love him!
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Please release a long screentime movie about SUPERMAN goofing around and laughing on set 😍😍
This made me feel so warm, dizzy and shaky 😭😭💞💞 MY SUPERMAN!!!
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smolvenger · 6 days ago
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Thanks for the tag @five-miles-over !
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This is me with the family dog, Blitz!
Blitz irl:
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Tagged by Sam @punkgeekcryptid thank you love ❤️
Try out this picrew, its adorable! And post the last song you listened to as well.
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Npt: @karinamay @nonbinairyboi @princessanglophile @vindictivegranny @stitch-away @sizzlingcloudmentality @fridays13th @clubsoft and anyone else that wants to do it! Sorry if you've already done it and I missed it.
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smolvenger · 11 days ago
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#he
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smolvenger · 11 days ago
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Okay, my dream rotation:
- Henry V
- Jonathan Pine
- David Croenswet! Superman
- Geralt of Rivia
- Loki
- Thomas Sharpe
- James Conrad
- Tom Hiddleston! Coriolanus
Honorable mentions should go to Prof! Tom (since it’s just a character we kind of made up!) and the character me and @muddyorbsblr refer to as Fanon! Will Ransome (I know! Gasp! But you see, I am torn because I still find Tom incredibly attractive in the role) but the difference with Fanon! Will is that it’s Fanon! So he is only thirsty for his bb and nobody else!
thx @banshees-martin for the tag!!! ur awesome
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this was so difficult!
i tried to choose someone from each fandom im in….
bi panic for reals
- norman reedus (actor)
- billie eilish (artist)
- arthur morgan (red dead redemption II)
- ellie williams (the last of us II)
- castiel (supernatural)
- rosita espinosa (the walking dead)
- jesse pinkman (breaking bad)
- lana del rey (artist)
blank template below the cut!
@caffeinated-bones @crossbowdaddy69 @holdmytesseract
i really don’t wanna bother anyone, you don’t have to!! :)
(most of my other moots have already done this so i don’t wanna tag em twice)
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smolvenger · 11 days ago
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I wouldn’t have guessed that was Magnus! Good eye @five-miles-over !
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Finished! FINALLY!!!
Little Hiddles Summer Edition
Because each one of us enjoys the beach our personal way
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smolvenger · 12 days ago
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Okay, first off the scene with the high school girl was really sweet! You can tell those were the words she needed to hear in that moment!
Also, the whole bracelet!! And whoo boy, the line "wear the hat, ride the cowboy" line made me chuckle.
But all the horny lines?!? like-
"I want you, Y/N. I wish to wake in my chambers tomorrow morning, holding you in my arms. To know the delectable sound of your voice as you sigh and you scream my name."
and
"I look forward to it, sweet mortal. Along with having your legs on my shoulders again later tonight."
UHM...HELLO!
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This was sweet and sexy and romantic and fun! Suddenly, I want to play in the pool with the Avengers too!
a simple enchantment
See my full list of works here!
Summary: Loki finally makes his intentions for you crystal clear during a very public team outing on the beach
Pairing: Loki x Reader
Word Count: 3.3k
Warning/s: public horny behavior from both Loki and Reader; language (like 2 cuss words); my rusty asf writing [if i missed anything let me know!]
Things to be aware of: This is Summer Slut Loki. That is all. Also idk this might be cringe but we're rolling with it.
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This felt more like an exhibition at an outdoor beach museum than the "team outing" that Rogers told you all it was, with admirers and photographers alike surrounding the perimeter of the area that your team had sequestered for this whole shindig. Women and men, left and right, were audibly swooning and squealing the moment the super soldiers whipped their shirts off and dove straight into the open water. Barton had taken to being a designated "big brother" and "father figure", sharply whistling back and putting any leering catcallers in their place.
Meanwhile, you and some of the other women on the team were having quite the wholesome experience, going to the very edge of the perimeter and trading friendship bracelets with some of the onlookers. Nat and Wanda had the forethought to bring along a small mesh bag to keep their new trinkets in, whereas you and Carol were steadily approaching the point of having "friendship gauntlets" on your left arms.
"It's so cool that you all did this today," one of the girls, who looked like she was still in high school, spoke up. "Is it okay to ask you for a picture? The other kids in my school are like--"
"Pics or it didn't happen, right?" you finished for her, and she answered you with a nod and a nervous little giggle. "Of course it's okay, c'mere." After she snapped a quick selfie with you and the girls, you slipped on one of the bracelets you'd made on her wrist. "Whatever happens in there, I want you to know it gets better. Your best years are waiting for you on the other side. Trust me."
Before you could move for a quick unloading of the bracelets you'd amassed into your beach bag, the girl held on to your hand, misty eyed. "How do you know it gets better?"
You gave her a somber, sympathetic smile. "Because I've been where you are," you said simply. "I know that look in your eyes, holding yourself back for the benefit of others. Pro tip? Whoever you're doing that for is taking that for granted, and they wouldn't do the same for you. Take it from the girl whose 'friends' when I was your age only remembered I existed when they needed me to do something for them. And the girl who didn't have a table at prom and stood with the chaperones because I counted on those very 'friends' to have my back."
"No way, you?"
You shrugged. "Told you. I made myself small for people who didn't give two shits about me. I didn't even know that there was a 'better' waiting for me on the other side of graduation…at least not until those two quite literally yoinked me out of my shell." You jerked your head towards Nat and Wanda. "Trust me, you'll find your people."
"Thank you," the girl told you with just the slightest hint of tears in her eyes. And then in seconds the expression on her face shifted into one that matched that of nearly everyone around her: awe and thirst.
"Lemme guess…six-and-a-half foot Asgardian with long blond hair, muscles on muscles on muscles, and double fisting a hammer and an axe?" She could only nod, followed by a wheezing squeal as she shifted her gaze to what you could assume was somewhere just behind Thor.
When you looked over your shoulder and saw the absolute sluttish behavior that Loki chose to display, a similar sound escaped you. Like the wind was literally choked straight out of your lungs and you were wheezing for breath.
You could tell that he'd put in a considerable amount of thought with all of the flourishes he'd placed on his outfit for this. From the massive forest green hat with the gold-brushed horns sprouting out from above the brim, to the golden alligator draped across his shoulders, and the matching forest green slippers covering his feet that were also sporting his signature golden horns.
But the main focus was the sheer green and gold caftan with a massive hood that made him look like something straight out of a Sports Illustrated Medieval Fantasy Edition. And it perfectly framed what was most likely an intentional focal point of his getup: swimming briefs in the same signature green, with a golden Celtic pattern that might as well have been a blaring neon light pointed straight at his crotch.
He addressed the fawning crowd with a graceful wave of his hand, a cocky smirk gracing his devastatingly handsome features as he scanned the admirers. God, if it wasn't gonna lead to a broken hand, I'd smack that smirk right off his perfect face, you thought to yourself. Or maybe kiss it off…ha, yeah keep dreaming, Y/L/N.
The god stopped his sweeping gaze over the crowd once his eyes found yours, the smirk softening as he held his hand out in your general direction. "There you are, darling."
Your legs seemed to have a mind of their own as you made your way to him, your heart skipping a concerning amount of beats as his smile seemed to get brighter with every step you took. Maybe it was just a trick of the sunlight. It had to be. The women in the crown began to whisper amongst themselves.
"Hmph, I knew there was something going on between them. Fucking lucky."
You couldn't bring yourself to pay them any mind, however, with how Loki gently ran his hand over the bracelets adorning your left forearm.
"I can help you put them away somewhere safe, if you'd like," he offered. Your breath hitched when his thumb grazed the reddening sensitive skin under the bracelets, only managing to mutely nod your answer. At the slightest twitch of his fingers, the bracelets disappeared with a flash of his green seiðr. "You may retrieve them from me when we return to the Compound, little mortal." You fought with all your strength to not shudder at how his long fingers skimmed over the ridges on your skin created by the beads.
He began to murmur something to himself as he traced the indentations on your skin, slowly and steadily making his way down your arm. "What're you doing, Mischief?" you blurted out after a few moments too many passed where you two stood just like that, more and more onlookers directing their attention towards you instead of your other team members who were off sunbathing or rough housing in the water.
Once he made his way down your arm, he took your hand in his, raising it up to his lips. "Healing incantation," he answered you, pressing a kiss to your knuckles, those oceanic eyes twinkling when the indentations disappeared from your skin, good as new. "Much better."
A lump formed in your throat as his gaze practically held you frozen in place, almost seemingly pleading for you not to look away and muting out the world around you. Why was he behaving like this today? Like he turned up the "Prince Tall Dark and Charming" behavior up to 100, daring Disney to start taking notes?
You did your best to at least break the tension that was making it near impossible for you to breathe. "So uhh…what's with the rose-colored glasses?" you asked, jutting your chin at the pink glasses adorning his face.
For some reason, your question caused his smile to get even brighter as he stepped closer to you, running his thumb over your knuckles as he held your hand a touch tighter. "I cast an enchantment over these frames…to hopefully answer a question that has been plaguing my mind for the past few moons."
Before you could ask him for more details, Thor's booming voice pierced the little personal little bubble between you and the raven-haired god. "Brother, even for you, this garb you've chosen for today's excursion is rather…garish," he commented. "You've even chosen to wear golden glasses. You're fortunate that you wear them well--"
"Hang on, what're you talking about, Thunder?" you jumped in, your brows knitted together so tight you were sure it could singlehandedly give you a wrinkle by sunset. "His glasses are pink?"
The blond Asgardian's face lit up so comically it vaguely reminded you of a kid at a candy store. "I knew it!" was all he said before he turned and began to walk away from you both. "I am ecstatic for you, Brother. Truly I am," he called out as he got farther away and approached the crowd to take some pictures with his admirers.
"Whaaaat was that all about?" you murmured, your heartbeat erratic again when Loki tucked a single finger under your chin and drew your attention back to him.
"Don't pay him any mind, darling," he said softly. He was standing close enough that you could faintly feel his breath on your skin as he spoke. Or maybe it was the wind and you were thinking things.
You never really could think straight when he was on the other side of the room, much less standing just over a foot away. Touching you so tenderly you were left hanging by the last thread of your sanity.
"I erm…I made something for you as well." He slipped a band onto your wrist, and you swore you heard the slightest shudder in his breath before he spoke up again. "I'd like you to tell me what letters you see."
"Why? You made me an enchanted bracelet? Like your glasses that are pink but…apparently not pink?"
"Yes," he answered you simply, the smile wavering as his eyes shone with an apprehension that was a far cry from his usual calm and confident composure.
You looked at the bracelet he'd slipped onto your right arm, mostly consisting of beads in his colors, but right smack in the center…
"L. L. M.?" you read the beads out, your breath catching in the back of your throat when you looked back at the god and he had the most heartbreakingly beautiful smile on his face, visibly more relaxed and seeming…relieved, even. "What does LLM stand for, Loki?"
"I will tell you…but I need you to answer one final thing for me, sweet girl." He placed your hand against his, palm to palm, before threading his fingers between yours. "Your formal answer," he clarified, placing his free hand under your chin so he could hold your gaze. "Will you be mine?"
You couldn't be sure if your heart had stopped beating or it started hammering away so fast you couldn't feel it anymore. "What?" was all you'd managed to choke out; your throat felt tight, like it was hard to breathe much less form a coherent response. "Loki, I don't understand--"
"It's truly quite simple, darling." He stepped even closer, your chests ever so slightly brushing against each other if either of you so much as breathed too deeply. "I wish to enter a courtship with you, though I suppose Midgardians would call it a relationship. One where you are mine and exclusively mine, and in return…" He leaned in even closer still, brushing the tip of his nose against yours for the briefest moment. "I am yours."
Where was this coming from? Was he playing at something? Did he enter a bet with one of the other guys from the team to see how quickly he could make you fold, as if he even had to put in any effort? Or maybe this was some cruel hazing ritual for you considering that you were still relatively new?
"Surely my efforts these last few moons to make my intentions known to you have not gone unnoticed," he continued.
Well of course you'd noticed him, how could you not? Every time he sat next to you in the common area or a briefing room, or he would hand you your coffee mug and brush his fingers against yours, your heart threatened to give out.
"I…I thought you were just being a flirt," you blurted out. And now the words couldn't stop spilling out of you. "Not flirting, least of all with me I mean there's so many women in and out of the compound that want nothing more than to bounce on exactly what you're flaunting with your man thong getup, and trust me they're so much prettier than--"
"That's enough, sweet little mortal." He gently pressed his thumb to your lips. "I will not stand for you belittling yourself like this. It seems that I did not make my intentions as clear as I had thought. Allow me to try again." He slipped his hand out of yours, moving to wrap his arm around you and pull you towards him, pressing you against the hard lines of his literally godly physique. "I want you, Y/N. I wish to wake in my chambers tomorrow morning, holding you in my arms. To know the delectable sound of your voice as you sigh and you scream my name."
He pressed the softest kiss to your cheek, smiling against your skin when he felt you shiver under his attention.
"I will ask you once more," he whispered, lips ghosting over your skin as he spoke. "Will you be mine?"
Your answer came out of you in a rushed exhale. You couldn't say it fast enough, and it was all you could do not to shout it to the stratosphere. "Yes."
Loki weaved his fingers through your hair, that brilliant, perfect smile stretched across his face once more. "I'm going to kiss you now," was all he said before he laid his lips on yours.
Neither of you seemed to want to be the one to break the kiss, with him shifting his unrelenting hold on you to coax you into throwing your arms around his neck. Not to mention the way both of you couldn't help but smile into the kiss as your mouths seemed to have naturally fallen into a rhythm, moving together with an almost familiarity. Like somewhere in a previous life you'd done this before.
It was only the cold splash of water hitting the side of your bared stomach that had you pulling away with a shriek, the god already staring daggers at Sam, who was holding a water gun, caught about as red handed as anyone could be. "Eyy yo knock it off, you two!" he bellowed from the water. "We're supposed to be here on a team outing, y'all ain't in a film shoot for The Hub. Go bump uglies in your own time."
You flipped him off, much to the amusement of the crowd. When he tried to shoot the water gun again, Loki threw his hand up, and the stream instead made a U-turn and hit Sam right in the face.
"Come on, babes!" Nat called out to you, a wide grin on her face as she sat perched on top of Bucky's shoulders. "We're playing Chicken! Get over here!"
"And what exactly is this 'Chicken', my darling?" Loki asked you as you both walked toward the water, his hand clasped around yours.
"Well, it's a four player game, more specifically two pairs. Traditionally each pair would be a man and a woman, and the woman sits on the man's shoulders and tries to push the woman of the opposing pair into the water."
"I see…" He stopped a few yards from the water and kicked his slippers off, the horned footwear immediately disappearing in a flash of green. "In that case, you are most definitely not partaking in this game partnered with anyone but me, sweet mortal."
The crowd erupted into cheers and squeals when he shrugged the hooded caftan off his shoulders and the garment also disappeared into his pocket dimension, putting damn near everything on display. Every hard line of his absurdly defined body shone brilliantly in the sun, and your brain all but started to glitch out thinking of how he would look later when he emerged from the water.
When he lifted his hat from his head, you threw your hand up to stop him before it, too, disappeared. "I can hold on to that for you." The smirk that tugged at the corner of his mouth as he watched you place the hat on your own head had you so weak-kneed it was a wonder you were still standing. "How do I look?"
"Nearly perfect," he answered, skimming his fingers along your side. "Just one…final touch." You looked down at your halter cutout swimsuit, your breath hitching when you saw how the navy blue shifted into a deep green. Loki's green. "There…now you look perfect. You look…mine. My little mortal."
The beach rang with your squealing laugh when the god effortlessly hoisted you onto the air and placed you on his shoulders before stepping into the water. When you reached your teammates, you were face to face with Nat, who gave you a knowing smirk while raising an eyebrow. "So I take it you're Loki's now, huh?"
Her words made something click in your head. "Ohh my god…" You tapped lightly on his hand that was wrapped around your thigh. "LLM? Loki's Little Mortal? That's what the bracelet stands for, isn't it?"
Loki let out a chuckle from under you, pressing a kiss to the side of your knee. "It is, my darling."
"Whoa hey, be careful up there, doll!" Bucky called out, tightening his hold on Nat's leg when she lurched forward and reached for your bracelet. "Honestly you two, it's about damn time. If we caught this one making googly eyes at you one more time, Y/N? Steve and I already made a pact with his brother that we were working together to lock him in your room so you two could talk it out."
"Talking's overrated," you and Loki both said at the same time, making the god once again break out into a chuckle and start rubbing his thumb in circles on your skin.
"God help us, they're horn dogs in sync, Babe," Nat groaned as she inspected the beads around your wrist. "So Laufeyson here made you an enchanted friendship bracelet…sounds like a man in love."
Before you could swat her away and tell her to keep her mouth shut for fear of scaring him away before your relationship even had a chance to start, Loki spoke up to answer her. "The only part of that where you would be mistaken, Agent Romanoff, is that I am no man, I am--"
"A god, we know," Bucky cut off with an uncharacteristic eye roll.
The next few moments of Steve giving everyone a rundown of the rules became a blur, your pulse hammering away in a dull thud in your ears. The only part where she's wrong? By that logic, that would mean that Nat was right on the "in love" part.
"Okay, you all ready?" Rogers' called out with a loud clap of his hands. "Y/L/N, Romanoff, join hands."
The two of you clasped your hands together, and Nat let slip another question. "So does that mean since you're wearing his hat you're gonna…?"
"Ohh I intend to, babes, wild horses couldn't drag me away."
"I don't quite follow, darling?" Loki spoke from below you.
"Mostly a saying when it comes to cowboys," you answered him. "But modifying it for our case…there's this standing rule that if you wear the hat, you ride the man. In my case…god."
Your hold on Nat's hands faltered when he let out a decidedly darker chuckle, and turned his head to press a kiss somewhere borderline inappropriately high on your inner thigh. "I look forward to it, sweet mortal. Along with having your legs on my shoulders again later tonight."
"Okay that's enough of that, keep it in your pants, you two," Wilson called out again, cocking his water gun and aiming it at your head.
"Players at the ready," Rogers spoke. Then he clapped his hands loudly again. "Go!"
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A/N: *peeks out from the bushes* ohai there…been a minute 🫣 I took a bit of an impromptu break the last couple of months to hopefully lock in on some other hobbies that I've let fall to the wayside and…I have next to nothing to show for it, I gotta be honest 🤣 BUT…I have however been doing a good amount of planning for some upcoming stories so hopefully those are gonna be out…soonish? I'm prepping for Kinktober so we'll see what happens I guess
'everything' taglist: @simplyholl @loopsisloops @imalovernotahater @coldnique @loz-3 @huntress-artemiss @salempoe @athalialaufeyson @lokiprompts @kats72 @kikster606 @asgards-princess-of-mischief @lokixryss @thomase1 @mischief2sarawr @lovingchoices14 @lunarnights95 @goblingirlsarah @iamlokisgloriouspurpose @creationsbyme @maple-seed @mjsthrillernp @ladyofthestayingpower @sititran @glitterylokislut @ozymdias @fictive-sl0th  @lokidbadguy @mochie85 @silverfire475 @joyful-enchantress @elizabethmidnight2017 @holdmytesseract @smolvenger @gigglingtiggerv2 @lokidokieokie @superficialdomina @kmc1989 @november-rayne @buttercupcookies-blog @peaky-marvel @lokiified @dryyoursaltyoceantears @herdetectivetheorist @alexakeyloveloki @lulubelle814 @jaidenhawke @km-ffluv @huntedmusicgardenn @steaa90-blog
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smolvenger · 13 days ago
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THIS IS SO CUTE OMG I WANT A CHUCK FOR MYSELF!
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Charles “Chuck” Krantz Catch-Up -  Multiple Headcanons
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A/N: Hi everyone, this is just a list of headcanons for Charles "Chuck" Krantz from "The Life of Chuck" based on some of the headcanons I've written for TWH's other characters. Hope you'll enjoy it!
Stuff in this listicle
Disney song that represents him
Signature dessert
Signature breakfast
What he's like when he has a crush (on you)
First date headcanons
How he'd propose
What he's like when he's drunk
Disney song that represents him: “You’re Welcome” from Moana
Dessert that would represent him: Banana split sundae with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and hot fudge. Because just like life, it has to be enjoyed while it’s present. Or so Chuck might say as he’s sharing this sundae, whether it’s a homemade version or at an ice cream shop. 
And also because just like the combination of hot fudge and ice cream, everyone melts around Chuck. 
What he’d eat for breakfast: Waffles or pancakes made from a boxed mix (or attempted from scratch if he’s trying to show off his culinary skills for someone) , topped with syrup and butter. Served alongside a glass of orange juice and a cup of coffee, two creams and two sugars
How he’d act when he has a crush: Chuck having a crush on you would include him getting really flustered every time you’re around, wiping his sweaty palms and his glasses. He’d take any chance to be chivalrous -  opening the door for you, offering to help you carry your stuff, holding up his umbrella for you if there’s rain. Despite his nerves, he would try to make small talk, starting with mundane things like the weather or the status of the neighborhood. Then he would let you steer the conversation, and gladly follow whichever direction you chose. He would ask follow-up questions and actively listen to anything you say. Essentially, he’d try to be your friend first before moving forward, especially if you and him got along well during your first encounters.
Then, after about a month or two of chatting as friends, maybe something would come up, like a concert or a movie showing. A chance for the two of you to do something different together. And if you were still single at the time, Chuck would ask if you’d like to make that event your first official date. 
First date: A free jazz concert in the park
A date with Chuck would begin with him picking you up at a common location, about a block away from your home, and then him driving you to the venue. There, he’d surprise you with a picnic basket full of homemade sandwiches, cups of pasta salad, and fresh fruit for the two of you to enjoy along with the music. Plus a bottle of sparkling cider. He would proudly spread out the blanket, trying not to brag so much about how he made everything from scratch, and invite you to make yourself comfortable. The program would consist of of local musicians performing covers of popular jazz hits, from those by Fats Waller to Ella Fitzgerald to the Glenn Miller Orchestra. 
During the date, Chuck would keep his talking for intervals between songs. But he’d still glance at you sporadically during the concert, gauging your reactions to each song. And he’d commit to memory which songs that you enjoyed the most, the way you smiled or nodded your head when you enjoyed yourself, and the songs that made you tap your feet and curl your fingers in. Like you were holding back the urge to move.
And that’s exactly when Chuck would tap you on the shoulder, lean in and whisper with his hand out. “Let’s dance?”
How he’d propose: 
“Do you remember this place?” Chuck offered you a bouquet of colorful flowers, and led you by the hand towards the gazebo within the community park on a spring evening after work. He didn’t give much of a pretext when he texted you earlier if you were free. But with Chuck, you didn’t need one. You knew that whatever he had in mind, you’d be able to deal with it because Chuck never made you worry. He never hid things from you, or gave mixed signals, and that was one of the many things you loved about him.
You looked around at the setting sun amidst the few people in the park. “It was where we had our first date. That jazz concert where we…we danced to Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”. And then to George Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm”. And then back-to-back with two songs by the Glen Miller Orchestra. “In the Mood” and “Moonlight Serenade”. We almost did “Dream a Little Dream of Me” but…I accidentally knocked over the bottle of cider with my foot, and it spilled into the grass. I thought you would end the date right then and there.” 
“Over a bottle of cider? No. If it were scotch, maybe.” Chuck attempted to joke. Color rushed to his cheeks while he rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t believe you remember every song from that night.” Chuck ascended the steps of the gazebo with you, leading to the interior. Then, he would take your hand in both of his, uttering your name like it’s a prayer. He would fall to one knee. “In fact…there are many things I can’t believe. I can’t believe that someone as beautiful and smart and funny as you would agree to go out with me. I can’t believe that the same sun rises every morning, and the same moon rises every night.” He searches for his next words, “I…I can’t believe…the same blanket of stars we see here every night, is the same set of stars that people across the ocean see.” 
You laughed, and it warmed him, giving a nudge of encouragement for him to continue. He cleared his throat. “But I do believe that in all the time I’ve known you, I have never met anyone who has made me happier than you. You make me happy just by being you. Even on the days when you don’t like yourself. And if you let me…, I’d like to be there for you on those days, love you on those days. And every day for the rest of our lives.” Chuck reached into the front pocket of his blazer and opened a small black velvet box contaning a rose gold band and a small rose-shaped diamond. “Will you marry me?” 
What he’s like when he’s drunk: Mr. Game-for-Anything, also known as the Yes-man
You would think that Chuck’s the type of person who would be dancing non-stop when he’s drunk. No, that’s just Chuck after one or two drinks. After three or more drinks, one would be able to get Chuck to do literally anything, from playing a game of truth or dare, texting someone, taking a selfie with Instagram filters, or confessing his unpopular opinions. 
Just keep him away from anyone who might take advantage of Chuck’s inebriated willingness to say yes to anything. And his phone. Or he might wake up the next morning to find some very interesting voicemails that he left for his boss. Don’t worry, they might not necessarily be inappropriate in terms of not being safe for work, but complaints about a certain co-worker that always takes his stapler. Or the fact that the office microwave is always dirty, and that the boss might be showing favoritism to the employee that happens to be his nephew. 
Keep an eye on him, and pray that he falls asleep quickly before he can do anything major. Tag list: @thatdummy-girl @icytrickster17  @mischievoushiddleston,@lokischambermaid , @lady-rose-moon , @lokisgoodgirl  , @eleniblue @lokisninerealms @jennyggggrrr  ,, @tom-hiddleston-imagines  , @lokiismineforever  , @smolvenger  @winterfrostlovetriangle  , @the-haven-of-fiction , @turniptitaness   @cakesandtom  ,@sallymagnoliaposts  @leahs-reading-nook  @holdmytesseract  @muddyorbsblr @evelyn-kingsley@anukulee @acidcasualties @lotsoflokilove23 @caffiend-queen @real-sharena-h @asgards-princess-of-mischief
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smolvenger · 15 days ago
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Thank you @five-miles-over! Here is mine from the next part of Court of Mischief and Purpose
Robert’s hands shook as he took out a cigarette and lit it.
That's twelve words, so I tag twelve people! (I know they've been tagged before)
@muddyorbsblr @muddyorbs @holdmytesseract @lokischambermaid @lokisgoodgirl @mari-malgamore @michelleleewise @eleniblue @lokischambermaid @gigglingtiggerv2 @ijuststareatstuffhereok89 @villainousshakespeare
Last Sentence Tag Game
RULES: post the last sentence you wrote (fanfic / original / anything) and tag as many people as there are words in the sentence
Thank you to @lowkeyed1 and @aurorawest for the tag.
Let's see...
Loki played translator, which was…tedious.
That's 6 words, so I shall tag...........
@nostalgia-tblr @adrift-in-thyme @nildespirandum @clawedandcute @cenobitic-anchorite and @villainousshakespeare
And there are plenty of people I almost tagged, but I wasn't sure if they are currently writing.
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smolvenger · 16 days ago
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How I feel reading smut while being scared of intimacy in real life
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smolvenger · 18 days ago
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https://youtube.com/shorts/OG-BS05HWZw?si=tnZ1KyM_-Mkb8dmy
Greetings bestie! Sending you some chortles courtesy of my YTShorts feed this find Wednesday mornight 🤭
This guy really did just cha cha slide backwards across the water like Jesus at a party!
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thanks for the giggle, bestie
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smolvenger · 18 days ago
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Hello @five-miles-over!!! Thanks so much!
I had to use a metaphor that seemed apt to the shock of the reader's realization.
And you can hear him saying that? Hooray! I always try to think of what the character would realistically say and how they would say it. And I wanted to include that because it's something I found out doing research on the world. And marriages in this medieval period, especially in the upper ranks, were for both alliances and heirs, and I thought Witchers being sterile would be an important detail to include.
Proud to be the supplier of ACOTAR flashbacks. Tee hee.
The Witcher's Bride (Geralt of Rivia x fem! Reader series), Chapter One
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Summary: Witchers are monsters, abominations, killing machines, or so you have been told. And now you are forced to marry one
Fandom: The Witcher in all it's iterations.
Word Count: 2446
Taglist: @ijuststareatstuffhereok89 @five-miles-over (if you ever want to be tagged, let me know!) @muddyorbsblr (thanks for the support and advice!)
Chapter Content Warnings: discussions of violence, sexual assault and the fear of it, blood, and death. Anxiety attacks.
A/N: *takes out my drink, gets out the straw, takes a long sip, and then sets it down* so yeah...this is different then what I've done before. To quote the Netflix show, don't judge me. I was playing on character ai and I came across this one chat where your father puts you in an arranged marriage with Geralt and you have to travel to Kaer Morhen together. And I was captivated by it and inspired by it. I had to turn it into a fanfic- I've yet to find how to contact the original maker of the bot and character ai won't let me message them. So if that's you, please forgive me, I just had the bug to write this! I usually write for Tom Hiddleston characters, and although I debated using a medieval AU of James Conrad for this fic, he just didn't suit the of the groom as well as curmudgeonny, I don't care but I actually do Geralt and especially the tension and discrimination witchers face in this world. Plus I loved the image of a medieval couple on a horse, riding together through a dark forest with their warm cloaks over them. Also, I am a Witcher newbie fan. I so far have only watched some of the show and watched some of a playthrough of the games.. I haven't played the actual games (I lack the consoles to do so) and I haven't read the books. But I plan to read and watch playthroughs, especially to get Geralt and the world just right (I'm just gonna have to wing how wedding ceremonies work in this world, stay tuned). So if I get a detail wrong (especially Geralt as he's been adapted in multiple formats, so of course things about him change!), mea culpa, I am a witcher newbie, and there's a lot of information to take in.
He terrified you.
Geralt of Rivia had a reputation that preceded him. Already, they called him The Butcher of Blaviken due to the men he killed there. The White Wolf due to his hair.
From a distance, you overheard one of the older, gruffer male servants shout with half laughter. “A witcher’s here! Hide your women!” It made your stomach drop. And you knew he had arrived.
Then you saw him approach from outside the gate with his horse. He terrified you even more. 
Here he was in the flesh, walking with his horse into your courtyard. And he was an intimidating man. Tall, broad, and incredibly strong. Long white hair and sharp, yellow eyes, like those of an animal. He kept his sword at his back and his cloak kept over his shoulders. A predator ready to strike any moment. Sharp cheekbones and jaw. His eyes glared over everything. His cloak was still over his shoulders. The walls of the castle looked like they could not keep him out if they wanted to. His hands looked large enough to rip out the stones of the gate.
And he was here in your courtyard. He walked along the stone pathways, his horse’s hooves clicking against the ground. Every servant’s head turned to him. The sky was grey and overcast. The air held an autumnal chill with the promise of winter. The servants all paused their bustling, milking, and laundering to stare at him. They were already murmuring. You heard “freak” and “bastard” here and there. The eyes seemed to look in scorn and fear. In the same way, one looked at the wolf that devoured their sheep.
Geralt was caught attacking and killing some of your father’s men. Now he had to answer to your father. You wondered if he unsheathed that sword if there would be dried blood. Some guards stood a few feet away to watch him. Not that you thought they could do much. Witchers were genetically made for strength and durability more than human men. There was no protection from him.
You and your family stood outside to make a greeting party. Your Father, a duke of Redania, was going to discuss his crimes with him and try to find a suitable deal. Or punishment. 
You couldn’t believe your father’s buoyancy when he walked up to greet Geralt. 
“Ah, Geralt! How good to see you! Even if you are a dirty murderer,” he said with a smile on his face. He opened his arms wide and then brought them together in a clap, rubbing his hands together.
Geralt did not return the smile.
“Your grace,” he said. It was cold and polite, his voice gruff, low, and a little raspy. His serious face did not drop.
“I hope you enjoy your stay while you are here! If you need anything- food, ale, we’ll be glad to supply it! You see, we treat even our criminals with hospitality,” Your father babbled on.
 Something in Geralt’s face was that of a permanent annoyance. Didn’t Father know better than to upset a witcher? Didn’t he know better than to upset an armed witcher?
 Geralt glanced over the small party consisting of your family. His yellow eyes only passed you. He remained stiff in his body language. 
Did he ever feel anything? Did he feel joy, grief, pity, contentment, love, fear, anxiety, or tenderness? No, you reasoned. It seemed as if the only thing he ever felt was anger and, if the rumors were true, lust. A witcher had no heart, so you heard.
How many monsters did he kill in his many years? How many people? Your father’s guards weren’t the first. Blaviken could attest. There were whispers that the Witchers themselves were abominations. There was nothing in their mind except violence; such was their mutation. But it’s not as if people could get rid of witchers altogether. No- they had a practical purpose. The world was full of monsters too strong for the average man to kill, and someone had to take care of them. The witchers themselves had the ability. But they were also apparently brutes. More ogre at heart than man. Barbarians. Fiends. Monsters. With nothing inside them but a lust for blood and, for some, a lust for women. If that is so, were there any women that Geralt…You shivered to think of the rest of it.
A servant took the horse to the stables. Father and the Witcher disappeared inside a door to your home.
You made sure to keep your distance. Father’s friendliness was due to a desire for an alliance. A middle ground from this incident.  It was better to have someone like Geralt as an ally than an enemy. But from the look on the witcher’s face, that alliance was already on a thin thread. 
༺═──────────────═༻
You were sewing in the parlor. It was good to have an activity to do with your hands. Then a maid named Gwynivere walked in.
“Lady Y/N, your father requested your presence,” she reported.
You paused mid-stitch.
“But father’s supposed to be speaking with the Witcher, now,” you replied.
“Your father wishes for you to be present during their conversation,” Gwynivere insisted.
“Why me?” you asked.
“I do not know, my lady-just put aside what you’re doing and come along. And don’t look so frightened! Remember your manners!”
You set aside your embroidery and got up. The maid led you to a meeting room in the castle. As she opened the door, you saw it was a stone room with a long table and several chairs. The windows high up provided some light of the day pouring in.
Father was sitting in a chair. So was Geralt across from him. They both looked at you. For a moment, your eyes met Geralt’s yellow ones. 
You still curtsied to him. He was a guest and deserved it as such. Geralt’s face remained in its permanent frown, on the verge of a scowl. 
If I’m lucky, he must think of me as no different than the mud on his boots, you thought. 
You sat and looked at the men, remaining quiet. Whenever Father led his meetings, you knew better than to interrupt.
Why would Father ask for your presence? This was business with other members of the court, but not with you. Likely, your brothers should be here to learn how to deal with business like this. 
With that in mind, your father began to talk.
“Now, Geralt, you are in quite a bit of trouble. You have racked up many treacheries when you slaughtered my men.”
“Your grace, do you want to know what your men were doing when I found them?” Geralt replied, folding his arms.
“You broke numerous laws.”
“As were they,” was the witcher's response.
“You attacked a group of men minding their business and doing their job.”
Geralt dropped his arms and leaned forward, glaring furiously at your father.
“Is that what you call what they were doing? Their job?”
Your father slammed his fist onto the table, cutting off Geralt’s response. You flinched, but Geralt remained cool.
“We could throw you into prison…And I doubt even you could escape or survive.”
Father wasn’t joking. The prisons here were torturous. The conditions, the torment-it was nothing but a cesspool of misery until execution. 
If the witcher felt any fear for this fate, he didn’t show it. He only glared back at your father, remaining angry yet composed. You had to admire him a little for that. 
“But there is a way out of this…” Father continued.
Your father looked at you. And then him.
The reason why you were brought here dawned on you like a sword piercing your flesh.
No…no he wouldn’t….he must be joking…you thought.
“What I need is a secure alliance with your kind, mutant or not. Geralt, I’ll pardon you of all crimes and misdeeds on one condition.”
Your folded hands on your lap began shaking.
“I don’t like the sound of that…” Geralt commented.
Father grinned and made a gesture to you.
“All your misdeeds shall be pardoned if you marry my daughter,” 
You froze completely. Dizziness struck you, and your breath became shallow. There was no way, no way in a thousand years this would work. No way in a thousand years Geralt would agree to this. This has to be a massive joke; part of you could have laughed at it.
Geralt’s yellow eyes went wide, and his jaw tightened.
“You won’t have any heirs. Witcher’s are infertile,”
You looked at your father. The Duke shrugged.
“My line is more than secure. I have other children, and some with children of their own. I have plenty of heirs. What I do not have is an alliance with the witchers themselves.”
There it was. His reasoning, his need. 
“The life I live is not one for a marriage. Especially one to a duke’s daughter,” Geralt argued. 
“She can come back anytime, and so can you- especially since you are my son-in-law.”
So Father was serious. You looked nervously at Geralt. Your body went tight. He was going to disagree, yes. He was going to throw out his sword, slaughter everyone as he escaped, and ride away on his horse. Or at least he was going to accept a life of misery in prison rather than-
“It’s about to be winter, I plan to go to Kaer Morhen immediately after this. If I wed her, she goes with me there. I cannot do this unless she is a part of that life.”
You were wrong. Your jaw lowered slightly. 
“I am blessed with a daughter who’ll obey me in all ways. You will leave with her as soon as you can and marry her.”
You looked at your father reaching out his hand. Geralt hesitated, but took it to a firm shake. Your entire life, your entire future, changed in a heartbeat. And married off to a monster known for violence, for brutality.
Your heart began to race, and part of you felt dizzy. The room spun around you. You looked down at your hands and saw that you were trembling like a leaf
“P-Please excuse me,” you voiced out. 
The men didn’t chance to speak, and you didn’t have a chance to see their reaction before you dashed out of the room. Picking up your skirts, you passed by every servant until you were outside.
You ran over to the garden. Your heart was racing, and your mind spinning, your thoughts going fast. You went down to the ground ot feel the grass. You were hyperventilating and shaking. Everything seemed to close in. Even the garden you once thought the safest place in the world looked threatening. There were a hundred ways to die in this peaceful garden. If the thorns on the roses scratched you in the right place. If a gardener brought a fatal tool, and Geralt had a rope, and dragged you near the cherry tree. And not to mention how easily Geralt could overpower you. How he could throw you down on the grass, how his strong hands could rip open your skirt and…
Your mind spun with the hundreds of ways Geralt would hurt you. It’s not that you were shocked at it not having a choice of spouse. You knew it was a matter of time before you were married off, and that your father would decide it. But you thought it would be a lord, another duke, even a prince…not a…a
“He’s going to hurt me, he’s going to hurt me, he’s going to hurt me, I’m going to die, I don’t want to die, I’m going to die,” you kept thinking. Your mind was spinning fast as you hyperventilated with a racing heart and tears.
You felt dizzy, your stomach lurched so badly you could have vomited. You lay there for a while, clutching onto the grass. 
What choice did you honestly have? How could you escape this? Take a lover and ruin yourself? You knew no servant who didn’t have a spouse or wasn’t somewhat older or a relative. And would the state of your honor matter to a lustful Witcher? Elope with someone? You would need to find a man your age willing to do so immediately, and you doubted you could find him. Then the Witcher would find you both and kill whoever you married before you. Run away- they would find you and drag you back. Especially with a trained hunter on their side. Rebel, scream, complain, cry out to the gods? Father’s word was always final, no matter how much you complained. You would be dragged down by your hair. You would have to go through with it and live with it.
After kneeling for ages, your heart began to slow down, as did your breathing. Your body stopped shaking. You could feel the leaves of grass beneath your knuckles. The little birdsong of the afternoon and the chill of the breeze. The path your tears made felt cold against your cheeks.
An idea arrived. There was something you could do. Even if you had to go through this ordeal, to take a witcher as your husband…you had to have an advantage over him. Even a small one. It would make you feel safer.
You went to the armory room. The low ceiling and lack of windows making it seem even darker. No one else was inside to check. You passed shields on the wall with the Oxenfurt emblem on it and the large swords from battles of old. You passed a suit of armor and axes in their place.  
There, on the table, were a series of daggers in their sheaths and straps. You picked one up and removed it from its sheath. It had a black handle and seemed sharp enough that a good stab would prove fatal. You put it back into its sheath.
 You then lifted up the long skirt of your dress. You took the strap with the sheathed dagger and wrapped it around your thigh. Once it was tight enough, you let your skirt fall down to hide it. Walking might be somewhat cumbersome, but it would be worth it. 
 Even if the Butcher of Blaviken was bred to be powerful and durable, he wasn’t immortal. You had to have a fighting chance. You would keep that dagger always on you. 
If he raised a hand at you, if he tried to force himself on you, you would be ready.
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smolvenger · 18 days ago
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@holdmytesseract aww thanks so much!
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The Baronet Seeks A Wife Chapter Three
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A Crimson Peak Multi-Part Fanfiction.
Thomas Sharpe x fem! Reader Arranged Marriage AU.
Fic Summary: England in the 1890s. When your spirited sister, Charlotte, defies your family by running away from her arranged engagement to Sir Thomas Sharpe, you are the one who must keep your family from scandal and ruin...by taking her place as the baronet's bride.
Chapter One//Chapter Two
Chapter Summary: You marry the Baronet, with only a few small problems here and there
Word Count: 5992 (I had to research actual menus in the Victorian Era for weddings, so help yourself to some ham and veal pie as you read, because we're gonna be here a while)
Chapter Warnings: Discussions of sex and anxiety around it, general wedding anxiety. Your Dad Tempts fate. Sometimes hints at Period Accurate Gender Roles, especially when it's kind of...hot. Oh and...
Speaking of which, there is smut in this chapter. (P in V sex, loss of virginity). this is NSFW!!!! Only eighteen years plus can reblog this! It starts with Make love with your wife,” you voiced and ends with "Both of you dropped into the bed, panting hard".
A/N:*old Rose voice* it's been 84 years... Hi guys, sorry for my absence. But i am in Grad school, and while I do become busy, I get hit with writer's Block and still have it to some degree (writing the first draft of this was rough, and it took literally months! I had no idea where to go with this story!). Plus, in a life update, I found out I have Bipolar Disorder (it runs on both sides of my family) and went manic in January, and it was terrifying and traumatic, and I almost died, and I had to be hospitalized. It's been almost six months since it happened, and I have been on medication that works for me and I'm doing everything in my power to prevent another episode and be ready for one and take care of my mental health, even though the idea of going manic again terrifies me to my core (from March to April I was having anxiety attacks about it almost every day). It feels like waiting for a bomb to drop every day. So, I thought writing would help with the healing process of such a thing happening to me, a creative outlet, and getting back into hobbies and all that, instead of letting my anxiety over going manic consume me and keep me from things I enjoy or living a fulfilling life. It's been a long time coming, so I thought this would be the right one for me to use to get back into writing fics again, since it's the most requested one. I hope you enjoy it! Also, since the third season of The Gilded Age is coming out as of now, I am now realizing this sort of thing happened in America in history and that Gladys is going through the same thing as in this fic. Though...as of now, I doubt it's going to go in the direction this fic is with Gladys and The Duke. But...we'll see!
If I miss something and you see something in my work that could be triggering that I didn't mention, then it is your responsibility to please please please tell me. I will take full accountability for how I portray marginalized groups and sensitive subject matter and make sure to better my writing and warnings so affected parties are protected.
A03//My Ko-Fi//My Etsy Shop//Masterlist//Wattpad
Taglist: @villainousshakespeare @holdmytesseract @eleniblue @twhxhck @lokisgoodgirl @lovelysizzlingbluebird @raqnarokr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @michelleleewise @wolfsmom1 @cheekyscamp @mochie85 @fandxmslxt69 @skittslackoffilter @mischief2sarawr @asgards-princess-of-mischief @steasstuff @anukulee @kimi01985 @goblingirlsarah @foxherder @giona45-5
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The Baronet Seeks A Wife Taglist: @stainlessciel @mjsthrillernp @thegodofnotknowing @magicalmichelle96 @princessdragon23 @heavyymetalchick @xalphafox (if anyone wants to join a general taglist of my work or just be on this specific one, let me know!)
Wednesdays were the best day to get married, so Betsy told you. 
“Indeed, miss, you are right lucky that it is on Wednesday that it’s taking place!” she would comment as she delivered a tea tray to your room.  All this was said on a Wednesday, only a week until your life would change forever. 
Your mother rushed into your room, right as you were putting your feet up.
“Ah! Y/N! Good, you are here! I have a selection of ribbons you must consider!” she babbled.
You didn’t imagine the day of the wedding would arrive so fast. Yet it did. The storms of the planning- it all made your head swim. You had to remind your mother that it was your wedding, not hers! She wanted details down to the last flower to be shown to you. And to give her opinion on it to boot. The number of times you said “no, mama” was countless- “No, mama, I would like the roses in this shade”-“No, mama, those gloves won’t do.”
This time, you looked at the selection and prepared with a deep sigh.
“No, mama- I would like that one,” you pointed to the ribbon with your favorite color on it.
You could see her lips twitch, ready to give a rebuttal. But you cut in.
“Look at it, it’s lovely. I think it would make me very happy,” you added.
She took a look at the ribbon again. Holding it up to the golden light of the sun pouring into your room.
“Yes…It is lovely after all,” she managed to agree.
All of this back and forth. It seemed you would be on the verge of fighting. And it got close, but mercifully, there was none.
“Now…Y/N…I think we need to talk…” she said. 
The ribbons were put away, and the maid dismissed. She sat down next to you. You knew immediately where this would go.
“Mama…Lottie told me a lot,” you assured her.
“Well…I must warn you that, yes, a husband expects his wife to lie with him. And your husband will be no different. But…a good husband won’t scare his wife. He will be patient. Lead her in. Gentle as a fawn.”
“Mama, I…I have a question. And Lottie isn’t here to answer it,” you began. Your teacup was set down.
“Yes, ask away,” she replied. There was a slight heaviness in the air at the mention of your sister being gone. But it had to be ignored for the business of the marital bed.
“Will-will it hurt?”
She poured her cup of tea, but left it on its saucer.
“It does when it first happens. Sometimes there is a little blood, but easily cleaned up. And sometimes you have a little stomach ache, but it goes away.”
Blood and stomach aches. Delightful. 
You let out an exhale.
“So it is painful for the woman, but pleasurable for the man,” you summarized.
Your mother’s fingers curled into her hands and then released.
“Well, to some extent. But…Thomas seems to be a gentleman of decency. I do not know what he is like in such private matters, and it is not my business,” she said, a slight, shameful look on her brow.
She reached for your hand.
“But…it is good advice for husbands not to scare their wives by being too excited too soon. I hope Thomas does that as much. It might seem…much. But he will not jump onto you the minute you are alone- he cannot, he should not!”
“I know, mama,” you cooed.
“Why, if he tries anything, oh, I’ll box his ears off if he’s lucky!” she threatened.
You let out a laugh. It was the first time you had done so in a while.
“Why, Mama!”
“Yes, I would! But…should you ever need it, we are here, Y/N. Marriage can seem daunting…but I’ve done it for years. I’ll be glad to help you. As will your father.”
Moved, you opened your arms and embraced you. She hugged you back, accepting each other’s warmth and softness. Though you held on. For just a little bit, you could be a child again. One who could run to Mama if anything bad happened. Nothing a little hug and kiss wouldn’t fix. Not even the brink of wedding and bedding a baronet.
“Oh, your tea will get cold! Don’t forget it!” she reminded you.
❀⊱┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄⊰❀
On the eve of the wedding, there was a small party. You, your parents, a few businessmen of your father's, and, of course, Thomas. Ever as smart in his suit.
One businessman looked at Thomas, puffing his thick cigar. The smoke curled into the air and melted. Yet the smell remained, warm and pungent.
“So, Thomas, it is a shame the late Baronet Sharpe is not here to see this!” he said.
Thomas blinked and then bowed his head. You had frozen, your drink untouched in your hand, still as if it were an ice pond.
You recalled his words, “My father- He was…an intimidating man. He wanted me to be like him.” You knew too well that any reminder to Thomas of his past would send him into this state. And of all the times to bring it up, it was now?
You took a step forward, curling your arm into Thomas’s. He, too, had hesitated. But now that you were beside him, he began his polite, dry response.
“Yes, sir, indeed it is most unfortunate.”
“Would he have approved of the choice?” the businessman continued.
You ground your teeth beneath your mouth. And Thomas felt tense. Why, this man didn’t know or suspect a thing. And he was pressing on! Thomas turned to look at you. You looked at him. What sort of question was this? The night before the wedding, too! What did this man think- that a dead man would rise from the grave and stop it? Did he honestly expect Thomas to say “oh, no, not at all, Y/N would be most unsuitable to him” right in front of you?
You squeezed your fiancé’s arm. 
“Why…why yes, yes he would,” Thomas replied. 
But Thomas seemed somewhat pale. Then he exhaled and took another small sip of his champagne. 
You blinked. You were not used to seeing him unsteady. Thomas was calm, cool, and a confident man who made a striking figure in a top hat. Yet now he was faltering.
You turned to him. Your voice was a whisper.
“He didn’t know. But he shouldn’t have asked that,” you said.
“I don’t mind it,” replied the Baronet.
From a distance, your father and mother were laughing at the businessman’s insipid jokes.
“Thomas, you look like your nerves are on edge.”
“You know I…I have difficulty discussing my family. But this won’t be the last of these questions. What is another one?” he asked.
“Thomas…would…would your family have approved of the match? Be honest with me,” you said.
Your stomach clenched, ready for the answer. Yet it took a point you had forgotten.
“They would have approved it based on your family’s status and money.”
You leaned forward.
“And of me? Personally?”
 But Lucille disliked everyone who wasn’t me. Mother would have just wanted me out of the house. Father…Father would not say I was enough of a man for you.”
Both of you walked over to the fireplace. He patted the part of the couch next to him, and you joined him. Grateful to have a more private conversation amid the armies of relatives who would be there. 
Thomas folded his hands and looked at you.
“Y/N, you deserve to know the truth. Everything faltered when my father passed, as did his assets.” 
You were not naive. He agreed to this arrangement for the financial benefits. Your family needed a foothold in society. Yet there was something about Thomas saying it out loud. It stung.
Thomas noted the look on your face.
“Now, I know I am not a man who lives a life as comfortable as you, but…”
He took your hand and then placed his other one over it. It felt warm on your gloves. His hands were the softest you had felt.
“You won’t go hungry. I will do everything I can to make sure of it,” he promised.
“ What will I eat then?” you prodded. In the mood to lighten the mood and tease him.
“Hm, I am not sure…I was never a cook,” he added.
“Neither am I. We are at Mrs. Dalloway’s mercy,” you replied with an assuring smile. 
After the honeymoon, you would move into Thomas’s place. There would be a few servants from your dowry. You both agreed to hire a woman named Mrs Dalloway as a cook. Her constant frown, frazzled hair, and round, red face. Her small eyes disapproved of everything they saw. But she made some fantastic raspberry scones.
 “Do not upset her, Thomas. Or else you’ll get sugar in place of salt!” you added.
The grandfather clock struck the hour of nine o'clock. The appointed hour crept slowly but surely.
“How…how do you feel about tomorrow?” he asked.
You looked down at your hands. You knew the answer to every aunt, fellow debutante, and employee of Father’s was “thrilled. But the solitude allowed you to be earnest.
“I’m…I’m scared,” you confessed.
“Scared?” Thomas asked. Though there remained a small smile on his face. Not in mockery, but in kind assurance.
You nodded.
“My…my life is changing. I’m going to be a wife. And I’m going to be your wife. I’m living somewhere completely different. I…I don’t even know where to begin. It’s all happening so fast that I cannot help but feel overwhelmed.”
And I’m scared about the wedding night. You thought. The words were phantoms floating in the air. About the pain. About the awkwardness. About the blood. About not being ready, and if you…
You fought back the urge to say anything. It would be the least proper conversation to have in such a public space.
“I…I’m frightened too,” he replied. 
“You are?”
Thomas’s eyes lowered.
“What are we getting ourselves into? I know you didn’t wish to be trapped with me. A man who makes somewhat of a living, a man of only so much, marrying you after…I’m a toymaker, Y/N, I’m no great lord.”
You stepped forward. This time it was your free hand that came over his.
“You are great… in your way. And Thomas, one day you’ll see it.”
Thomas smiled.
“Of course.”
It was time for the guests to leave. Including the groom. Thomas put on his top hat and his coat, though he tipped it for you. He wished his goodbyes to your parents. Then, when it came to you, he lowered himself, kissing your hand as if you were royalty.
“Goodnight, my dear.”
Your voice left you for a second.
“Goodnight, Thomas.”
He raised himself.
“The next time I see you, we’ll be at the altar. Ready or not.”
❀⊱┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄⊰❀
The morning arrived. And you missed your sister. Charlotte. Yes…Charlotte. You always imagined Charlotte would be there at your wedding. Part of the party as a maid of honor. How she would complain of the finery, but laugh and indulge in cake. Say little things to make you chuckle to relax. Fuss over your appearance. Perhaps get into trouble. But…she wasn’t. Perhaps you would never see her again.
She should have been here today. On your wedding.
 You knew the wedding served a function.  It was another outing for the debutantes to go out to. Yes, some might envy your position. But they weren’t without hope. Another guest or connection would leave them to their prospective grooms. But that was their future. This was your present.
You got up early. The early morning sunshine filtered through as light as a feather. Looking about, you saw the packed things. Your heart was pounding as the maids went into your room. Some gathered your things and left. Anne was there to make sure your hair was done up. How glamorous it felt to be a bride. It was like preparing for a part in a play, complete with a set and lines to know.
Your hands shook. Your heart pounded as you sat down for a light repast. Your stomach was constantly churning, but you made yourself have some bites of fruit and toast.
Your mother went to the door and walked in. She stood in the corner smiling. Sometimes giving an odd comment to a maid. You couldn’t even speak.
They dressed you out of your nightgown and robe. Then into a fresh shift. Your wedding corset with a special lace for today. Stockings. Anne helped your pads and petticoats. She laced the front of your corset cover
Finally, out of its place in the closet came the dress. An elegant concoction of the usual fashionable style. After all, don’t little girls dream of a wedding day with such a gown? It was ivory with silk taffeta over the bust and puffed-up sleeves. But the puffs of taffeta were more oval than circular. And what was most striking was the little greenery on it for decoration. A sprig of a plant with tiny, white blooms was over your left shoulder. At the bottom of the long skirt was a pattern of small green leaves on the training skirt. Once you put it on, there was a train added at the back of you. A magnificent cape of ivory silk with green leaves around the edges.
Finally, a veil was attached to your head. It was a motley collection of fake white flowers with a ghostly train behind you. When you looked in the mirror, you wondered what you saw: a fairy? A specter? A being benign or wicked? She wasn’t human.
“Oh, how lovely!” Your parents stood up once you descended the stairs.
Taking your father’s arm, you went to the church, your heart pounding in your chest. You were shaking, and your stomach threatened to remove its contents. But you tried hard to remain composed. Your mind kept spinning, reeling after everything that happened, that was happening. You stepped into the carriage and stared out the window. You seemed half in the present moment and half in a dream.
Already, you could hear church bells.
The carriage finally arrived at the church. Its door looked like it would swallow you whole. You got up, making sure your train wasn’t in bad condition or stuck, though it did take some effort to pull it all out. The organ inside playe,d and it was like you could feel its notes in your bones. You got to your place at the end of the line and waited. The bridal party marched out one by one. Music kept swelling from the organ in waves. The,n finally, you were at last walking down the aisle. 
You walked down as the church was decorated with roses. The guests stood up in their pews, and a few hatted heads bowed down a little. In reverence of the sacrificial lamb. You frantically looked about. You didn’t feel your feet touch the ground. Your heart raced like you were running.
You then looked at the figure in a black tuxedo at the altar as it got closer and clearer.
Thomas looked stunning. He already looked stunning in a tuxedo. But this one looked crisp and modern compared to his old-fashioned suits. It was tailored well to his lean, broad form. His dark curls were clean and soft. You wanted to touch them to see how soft they were. He gave you something of a smile. And your racing mind and unsure body seemed to calm down.
Once you were there at the altar, your father handed your arm to be draped over Thomas’s. You then both faced the priest. He was a docile old man with a balding head and spectacles. He spoke with a voice as gentle as a grandfather's.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this Congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy Matrimony,” he began.
He recited the Book of Common Prayer about the importance of marriage’s sanctity. Though you did peek over at Thomas a few times to see him in his tuxedo again. The old priest continued.
“I require and charge you, as you will answer at the dreadful day of judgement, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if anyone knows any impediment, why these two may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, do now confess it. For be well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.”
“I have cause,” came a voice.
You turned around and saw one gentleman standing up. A fellow with grey sideburns and whiskers that stretched around his face like a belt.
“Thomas is engaged to Miss Charlotte Y/L/N. Not her sister. This is a sham! The wedding should have Charlotte at the altar.”
Thomas stepped forward, his arm remained on yours.. “Miss Charlotte has yet to be discovered. We do not know her whereabouts or what she is doing, or even if she is still alive.”
Inspired by him, you gave your response. You didn’t want this gentleman to stop the wedding. Nerves or no.
“She isn’t here, and…she did not wish the union. She left a note saying that was why she ran away. She ended things with Thomas. He became free to marry another,” you confirmed, standing firm.
A scoff came from the objector.
“Perhaps so. And what of the Sharpe family?” he added.
Thomas’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out.
“Are they truly the right family to be united with this virtuous, decent lady? Why, I don’t see any relatives under the name ‘Sharpe’ about this church?” he went on.
Your father stormed forward.
“None of them could make the wedding in time, but all wished him well! You’re overthinking, Mr.Scroop. And I don’t see why anything in Thomas’s personal history renders him unfit to wed. He is alive, he is free, and he is suitable. Now, sit and let us get on with it!”
“The Sharpe family
The ceremony went by in a blur. Thomas got out a ring- a silver band with a large ruby on it. He insisted on that being your wedding ring.
“I, Thomas, take thee, Y/F/N to be my lawfully wedded wife,” he repeated after the priest.
The ring felt snug, but it did fit well. It looked like having a large, jeweled beetle on your finger, always winking up at you. Ready to bite at a minute's notice.
Before you knew it, the priest had a final blessing. He gestured for you both to turn.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” he intoned.
The congregation burst into applause. The organ blared a triumphant procession as you took Thomas’s arm and walked down the aisle.
 Here it was, a new part of your life. A new part of your identity- wife, wife. It didn’t feel real. And if you had to be honest with yourself, the unknown of the future scared you. You felt scared of so many things. Scared of failing, scared of what was new, scared of leaving the old behind, and wishing it would come back.Scared of a disaster beyond the horizon. Scared something horrible would happen- promised without a date when it would strike. You longed for your past. You wanted to be back to before so badly. Back to being carefree. Back to when things were simple. Even back to your childhood.
But you mustered your courage. There had to be a way through this, right? Even as your body and mind felt a disconnect, an uncertainty, there had to be an answer. You could feel Thomas’s arm supporting you and feel the warmth from his body. He appeared cool and composed after the objector's nonsense. 
The bells sang out the nuptial joy. Well-wishers by the dozens threw “congratulations” like flower petals. You kept on until you both walked out of the church doors. The carriage arrived and halted before the church. People waved handkerchiefs. Thomas kept the door open, and you stepped into it. The rollicking taking you right back to your home.
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Wedding breakfasts were an awaited noontime delight for society. The morning ceremony caused a great deal of rumbling in the stomach. You and Thomas were placed to sit at the center of the table. The guests all smiled and then helped themselves. There were various summer fruits in little bowls. Then servants arrived, white ribbons pinned onto their uniforms. Out came the dishes onto the table. Lobster Salad, Lamb ribs, mayonnaises of fish, Veal, and Ham Pie to up one end. Stuffed shoulder of lamb, Charlotte russe a la vanille, and decorated ham took up the other. Complete with three cakes sitting like porcelain figurines. Charms baked inside each.
Once the guests were distracted by the lamb ribs, you turned to Thomas.
“How…how are you?” you asked shyly.
Thomas gave you a small smile.
“As well as I can be, it’s not every day you get married!” he answered.
“No, it is not…” 
Your attention turned to another guest going up and saying, “My dear Y/N! Congratulations!” And the awkwardness of a nuptial exchange dropped.
But Thomas stood up.
“May I speak, everyone?” he announced.
Heads turned to him.
“My dear friends, I thank you for coming today. And as a token of my gratitude, I have created something.”
He gestured to the corner, and a servant wheeled in a cart with a cloth over it. Thomas walked over and flung it away.
On it was a large mechanical swan. On top of the swan sat a few bottles of champagne. As Thomas turned its wheel, an arm popped open the bottle. Another arm picked up the bottle and poured it into a glass. Applause erupted from the guests. Everyone cooed to receive a glass.
Thomas remained standing, holding his glass.
“I made it for a celebration. And there is much to celebrate, so I would like to propose a toast to my wife,” he declared.
He turned to you, raising his glass.
“To Lady Sharpe.”
“To Lady Sharpe!” the others repeated as they each took a sip.
Soon, people were standing up. Some waddling from their full bellies. Leaving bit by bit into the afternoon. Thomas went away to boast of his creation to a few curious admirers. Then Mr. Scroop approached you.
“A word, please, Lady Sharpe,” he said.
You nodded and approached him. He was placing his top hat on his head.
“Hello, sir, thank you for coming to the wedding,” you began. Ignoring everything that happened during the ceremony.
“Forgive my boldness at the ceremony, but I cannot help but be concerned,” he said.
“Concerned? Do you mean my sister?” you asked.
He shook his head.
“In truth, It is not your sister that concerns me. It is your husband.”
“What do you mean?” you asked. Your wedding dress felt suddenly tight.
“It appears you are unfamiliar with the Sharpe family and their history. That is what concerns me. But the family is not what you would expect,” he warned.
Guests laughed at a quip Thomas made.
“I know that most of Thomas’s family passed away. Including his parents and sister,” you recited.
“Yes, but their circumstances when they were alive appear …interesting, shall we say. Yes, Thomas managed to do well for himself. Almost too well,” Mr. Scroop said.
“He earned it. Thomas is a hard-working, decent gentleman!” you insisted.
Mr. Scroop leaned closer.
“The Sharpe family is many things. They worked hard. But they are what you consider decent. Not even Thomas,” he warned.
“Tell me, what do you mean?” you asked. “Who did what?”
“I can only tell you this on your wedding day…I’d be careful if I was you.”
He then tipped his hat and walked away. You scurried and blocked his path.
“What do you mean, sir? Please, give me specifics!” you begged.
“I will give none today. Unless you want a broken heart,” he said.
“My heart broke when my sister left. I can handle another one!” 
He walked away, leaving you there. Standing awkwardly. Sticking out in your white gown and fiddling with your hands, your ring gives you something to twist around in your nerves.
Who was this gentleman? What did he know? What did he want? Perhaps this was blackmail. You couldn’t deny that people wanted your family’s money. Or making an exaggeration? A con artist who wanted to scare you into writing a check. If he was so concerned about you and this marriage, why didn’t he contact your father or you before it went through? Why now? Maybe his words were an exaggeration of the facts. He wanted to make this a melodrama for his amusement.
You felt an arm. It was Thomas.
“Is everything alright?” he asked.
“I…I had the strangest encounter with one of our guests,” you said.
“Oh, a guest?”
Taking in a breath, you turned to face him. Your supposed indecent husband.
“Yes, he was…he was speaking strangely, and-”
“Why, Miss Y/N! I suppose you aren’t Miss Y/N anymore, but Lady Sharpe! Oh, congratulations, dear, on this happy occasion!” cried out one other lady guest as she bustled in to shake your hand with a fervor.
Taking a moment to recognize the rosy cheeks, pink dress, and tufts of brown hair, you returned the smile.
“Why, Mrs. Browning, thank you so much for coming!” you replied, back to your old hostess self.
By the time the guests left, servants were packing up the carriage. There was going to be a honeymoon in a rented country house some miles from London. And then you would move into Thomas’s place. You changed out of your formal bridal gown into a traveling one.
Walking down in your coat and hat, you met your parents outside the door. Servants who weren't packing lined up to say their goodbyes. Finally, you reached your parents.
You glanced at your mother. The one subject you could not discuss in Father’s presence weighed between you both. Both of you knew exactly what would happen in a few hours. She looked back at you. Knowing the very thought in your head and saying nothing. You hugged her and then your father.
“Travel safe, be sure to write when you arrive there,” your mother insisted.
“I shall.”
Thomas arrived in his lighter coat and top hat. He made well wishes to his in-laws and then helped you into the carriage. He took his place across from you, and soon the carriage moved towards your wedding night.
❀⊱┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄⊰❀
It was raining by the time you entered the cottage. Servants bustled in to get the luggage. But as the carriage door opened, your hat could not protect you from the pelts.
“Allow me,” Thomas suggested, already outside. 
He ran forward and opened his coat wide enough that you could bend beneath it like a chick beneath a hen’s wing. You both hurried forward to the door, rain and mud getting on the ends of your skirts, and opened the door.
The cottage was comfortable. A bit plain compared to the house in London, but perfect. The servants got the luggage out and then carried on their business.
“I…I’m going to change out of my wet things,” you said.
“Of course… we both should,” Thomas agreed.
You went to your shared room. There was a screen to hide behind and change clothes. You dressed down in a shift and a tea robe. 
Walking out, you saw Thomas in just a white shirt and black overalls. He was just adjusting the straps.  But he was beautiful. It was low-cut, showing some of his chest. His curls looked soft and freed rather than patted down with a comb. He looked natural, even raw. And he was every bit as beautiful in this as in his suit. It made your blood warm.
His eyes turned up to notice you. 
“How are you?” he asked.
“I am well.”
It seemed like the tenth time you exchanged this pleasantry today. There was a pause. You were both by the fireplace. A roaring ember cracked, and the rain pelted the roof above. 
Thomas’s jaw tightened. A slight blush entered his cheeks and his voice darkened.
“Do you…have you been told about…”
“Yes,” you answered.
“Yes? By whom?”
“Lottie would tell me about it. She learned everything from her friends, and she would then tell me. Then Mama gave me a few talks.”
“Well…I am glad. I…I don’t want to push you to…to anything…nothing has to happen,” he assured you.
But he looked so beautiful. He looked so soft. His body had been hidden beneath all of those layers. And you didn’t want to go to a cold bed without a touch from him. Only one touch. No one was here. No one watched. No one interrupted. And you were married. 
“How about a kiss?” you requested, boldness overtaking you.
“A kiss?”
“On the lips.”
He leaned forward and kissed you. He then reached his hand and cupped your cheek, keeping you close. Warmth spread through your body, and the fire had nothing to do with it. He smelled of musk and the rain. And his lips had the light hint of champagne. Your pulse began to speed up. The warmth in your body flushed down. By the time he released his lips, disappointment settled in your chest. It felt…early. Outside, there was a bit of thunder. The rain pelted on.
“How was that?” you asked.
“How do you think it was?” Thomas replied with a smirk.
You raised a hand and put it over his heart. You could hear his heart thumping in a quick rhythm.
“Your heart is racing. Mine is the same…here…” You offered.
You took up his hand and placed it over yours. Keeping close to one another. His hand was close to your chest. Deliciously close. You realized you wanted him to touch you there. To not keep those large, beautiful hands to himself. To touch you in every forbidden area.
“Well then…could you give your husband another kiss?” he asked.
You leaned forward and kissed him on the lips again. Something inside you melted, let down. He wrapped his arms around your waist, and you felt yourself sway into him. His arm went around your back, supporting you. You could have fallen into his arms, and he would have caught you. 
He released the kiss.
“Y/N, I…I could let you have this room for tonight, if-”
“Thomas…” you whispered. 
Inside you, you didn’t want this to stop. You liked touching him, feeling how warm and soft he felt. And your inner warmth couldn’t stop. You felt if he turned and left you, you would scream. 
“Yes?” he asked.
You cupped his face and kept him close.
“Stay. Stay and make love to me. Make love with your wife,” you voiced.
In answer, he leaned forward and kissed you with passion. His hands found their way to your back. You pulled him close. Closing your eyes and feeling his soft lips, his warm breath, his body pressing against you. His erection brushing against your body. 
“Go to the bed,” he requested, keeping the dark husk in his voice.
Per your marriage vows, you removed your tea robe and obeyed.
He unbuttoned his shirt and let it slide off. You stared in awe at his bare chest. You placed a hand on it, felt his heartbeat.
“Will…will it hurt?” you asked.
“It might be a little…if you need me to stop…” he offered.
“No, keep going!” you insisted.
“Then…I’ll ready my bride. You’ll be ripe as a peach and ready soon,” he whispered.
 He kissed your neck, one arm around you. Then you felt it go up. You felt one of his hands go to your shift and loosen one sleeve down. to show your shoulder. He pressed a kiss into it. He then slid both sleeves off and revealed your chest to him.
He put a hand over one, his finger grazing the nipple.
“Beautiful,” he said.
He leaned down to kiss it, and you let out a sigh. He began to kiss all over your body, a trail exploring every bit of you. His hands took off your shift until you were naked beneath him. You felt blood rush at seeing him look at your naked body. He started with your breasts and traveled down to your stomach. You shook with anticipation, feeling his soft lips. 
“Yes…yes, please- Thomas,” you moaned, arching your back.
He then finally removed his trousers. You looked at him again in awe. It was so large, thick, and dripping already. You swallowed, wondering how it was going to fit. But…you wanted him. You wanted it inside you so badly, you felt as if you would burst. Your desire overcame your fear of the pain.
He then kissed you again and prepared your legs. He grabbed one and kissed the inner thigh. Your voice came out of you. “Thomas…oh, Thomas…” it melted into another moan.
He positioned himself between you, the tip brushing your entrance. You looked up at him and he at you.
“Do you want this?” he asked.
“Please…please take me,” you begged breathlessly.
He then began to insert himself. And there was pain; you let out a small cry at first. Then…it was over. It felt…good. Right. You belonged there. You adjusted. 
“Yes…that’s my good wife,” he rasped.
He began to move slowly. Grunting as he did. You were breathing out, clinging onto him, nails digging lightly into his skin.
“God-oh, God-have mercy-Thomas-please-I-I-yes-”
He reached a hand down and found a spot in you, he strummed it around. A fresh wave of pleasure struck you. 
“Thomas!”
“There, my dear?” 
“There!”
He moved your legs up to his shoulders. He thrust a deeper spot and you let out a cry. His pace increased. He panted and groaned with each one. Every sinful thrust taking you over, and his long fingers stroking that spot inside you. It was spinning up, and the pace increased, of his hips slamming into yours and the curl of his finger. It kept up, up.
“God-oh-oh God-I-I’m going to die-oh-oh God-Thomas-”
“You’re-you’re close-and you-your heat-it’s going-it’s going to make me- my dear-go-go on-just come, come-come, damn it-come-,” he whispered.
Something in you shattered, and you let out a cry from the impact of it. The pleasure exploded inside you. It came down in shivers all across your body and made your head spin. Nothing else mattered in the world. Except for what you felt.  After a few more thrusts, Thomas followed suit and released as well. His cum shot inside you, hot and spurting. Once he emptied, he pulled out.
Both of you dropped into the bed, panting hard. He pulled up the blankets. He touched your face.
“Lady Sharpe…how are you?” he asked.
“Never better,” you replied with a grin, kissing his nose.
Settling into the blankets, you wrapped your arms around him. His curls loosened. And his shoulders relaxed. You held each other as the fire crackled. Both of you were giddy by the time dinner arrived in a tray. You ate dressed in nightclothes and then went to bed. You wrapped your arms around Thomas, discussing only little things here and there. What you should do or not do while out in the country. Soon, he was fast asleep. 
Though in your head, after the haze of pleasure faded, Mr. Scroops words returned. You couldn’t help but wonder…who was this man you married and made love to?
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