#Eloise deserves to be upset

[wallflowers-in-the-wind]

Does Penelope deserve her happily ever after with Colin in season 3?

A look into the first two seasons as well as contemplating the third.

As controversial of a topic this is I find myself at a loss preparing for the new season of Bridgerton. It is no secret this season will be the one where Penelope finally breaks out of the mold of “the girl in yellow” and has her comeback as the season’s hidden gem. After what she had overheard Colin saying behind her back many fans have been rooting for her to prove to the ton that she is no simple wallflower.

I however find myself wondering if Penelope even deserves her happily ever after. Perhaps the director had made an error in rushing Penelope and Colin into the spot light and Benedict should have had his chance to shine with the reveal of his other half. By doing so it would have given Penelope the chance to prove how much she has changed from the past two seasons making her romance much more sweeter in season 4.

When we look back when we first meet Penelope she is a sweet girl in love with her best friend’s brother. But that sweetness turn sour as the season progresses. I still have not forgotten what she had done to Marina. While it can be argued Penelope was doing it because she loved Colin and wanted to protect him she chose the most nuclear option because she felt she had no choice. This is one that wasn’t even present in the book series and makes things much more tragic for Marina if Bridgerton continue and shows us Eloise’s happily ever after.

But with this addition comes with the consequence of changing Penelope from a shy girl harassed by those around her and trapped in yellow by her mother who writes a gossip paper to have her own voice to fight back into something much darker. While it can be argued Marina brought her situation onto herself she was a young girl who was in love and manipulated into believing she was alone by Mrs. Featherington. What I find makes it more tragic is that Colin would have married her regardless if Marina had told him what had happened to her instead of finding out through Lady Whistledown. And for those who read the books we know what awaits poor Marina after her mental health takes a turn for the worse unless the director’s change that as well.

The next and still ongoing feud is her massive fight with Eloise when she found out Penelope is Lady Whistledown. One that will carry on into season 3 and with good reason. Penelope’s choice to keep her identity as Lady Whistledown had to be her greatest and worst decision.

While Eloise is known for being very outspoken it has often come back to bite her. During her hunt for the author she had pestered everyone she knew and accidentally caught the attention of the queen who gives her the task of unmasking the author (a ridiculous thing to ask a child). This is something that could have been prevented if Penelope had told her but the secrets that are published are the most scandalous and eye catching with no one spared from her quill (even the queen). If she were to know this it could place her in even more danger or make their friendship more strained than it is currently.

The sad part is that Eloise in the books never found out this way. There was no betrayal between them and she thought her best friend being the author was wonderful.

However, Penelope’s paper in the show has been proved to change the opinion of even the highest of ranking officials. One she may not comprehend how powerful that is. She had already proven how vengeful she can be when someone tries to steal the man she loves through dishonorable means. Even if it means throwing Eloise under the bus to prevent her identity being know. Something we all see backfire when Eloise discovers her secret.

Yet as much as people point out how childish Eloise is and how she doesn’t understand how the world works the problem is Eloise has never been given the chance to understand. And she points out how much she wants to learn.

Yet in the span of two seasons she had nearly been put in danger by the Queen’s demand, watched her best friend become a different person, and learned that same best friend betrayed her and was secretly the author she had been searching for who nearly destroyed her life to save her own. Penelope has been just as childish but more spiteful yet hardly anyone ever points that out. At the end of the day both girls are barely in their twenties with no real knowledge of the world beyond what they have been raised to believe and what they have seen.

If Penelope wants to prove she is the right woman for Colin she will have to show herself to be more mature than she had been in the past two seasons. Eloise will certainly not allow this version on Penelope near her brother if she has anything to say about it. And if the rest of the family knew what she had done I have no doubt they wouldn’t as well. Penelope has a long road ahead of her if she plans to redeem herself beyond a simple wardrobe change.

[lovelyo]

Colin & Eloise: “Being ignored is the worst feeling.”

Cressida: “Fucking HELLO!”

[waitingtobreatheagain]

One of my favorite parts of the argument outside the Modiste scene is one although it starts harsh/angry…it becomes vulnerable and communicative very quickly. This is due to the core of their relationship. They are each other’s favorite person. No one understands the other more or in the way they do. Even through the hurt, the love is so so apparent.

It is a great example of how anger is a secondary emotion and in this case the primary emotion are emotions related to feeling emotionally hurt.

People say all they had was miscommunication and that is absolutely not true. You wanted them to be all good in five seconds and that was never going to be the case. Two weeks to process what felt like a betrayal, work through it, and work through your own insecurities that could impact your relationship in the future is NO SMALL THING. Not to mention, Colin repeatedly shows his love even in his anger hurt and confusion.

My absolute favorite thing about the scene (and proof of them still having good conversation even while being on the outs) is Colin doing something that Eloise never did. He actually asks Penelope WHY she wrote what she wrote. Even in feeling his most hurt, he seeks understanding. He knows Pen better than anyone (as she does him) and he really needs to identify how and why his most favorite person in the world, the love of his life, could do this. After discussing it, he is still upset which again is fair but he does understand and knows that she is still who he has always know her to be.

To be vulnerable when you’re hurt instead of hurtful also so emotional maturity. Yes, we know their first time seeing each other after the reveal he says something hurtful but he immediately regrets it which is made evident by Luke Newton’s skill in facial expression. He even asks Pen’s questions which she agrees with and identifies why she couldn’t do those things back when she wrote about specific things (I.E. “why didn’t you just tell me to my face” “I know I should have I didn’t have the confidence to then”).

And the part where we see his insecurity about his writing skill and the biggest insecurity being deserving of her on full display. Colin has grown up feeling as if he has to be so many things for so many people to be able to feel worthy. Just being himself has never felt like enough so it makes complete sense that he cannot honestly fathom that his favorite person…the love of his life…loves him simply for being him. That’s beyond belief for him. That is why the “what good am I to you, then (if I can’t protect you) and Pen’s response of I love you is so important. We see Pen’s face go from on guard, defensive, and some indignation to soft and empathetic. She is truly seeing the insecurity and similarly to how Colin couldn’t believe that Pen had no chance of romance when she asked him to kiss her…Pen can’t believe that Colin thinks he can only be loved by her if he is in service of her or has utility. His reaction to her I love you also support Colin is demisexual theories. The affirmation that she does not need him to protect her or do all these things for her and instead just has to be the man she loves is the catalyst for the passion and desire we see him kiss her with afterwards As to say, that’s right. This is the only relationship in my life where I am able to fully be myself, where I am loved for who I am, where I am uplifted, understood, seen, and valued based on my true self not based on who society says I should be, where my vulnerability and emotional intelligence is seen as a strength and not a deficit, etc.

That is so beautiful to me.

This goes back to why for me Polin will always be the pinnacle. The depth of their relationship following years of friends especially as they got closer sets up how they work through conflicts. There are so many parallels when looking at Colin helping Pen work through her insecurity with her confidence and appearance and Pen helping Colin work through his insecurity with self doubt and feeling deserving/worthy of his love.

Truly, a love that is a beautiful as it is rare.

[alwaysalir]

The way I constantly see the sneak peak of the “Goodnight Mr. Bridgerton” scene trending on TikTok with people hyping it up like it’s this girl boss moment….like do y’all understand Penelope at all?

This is not an all empowering girl boss moment. This is Penelope at her lowest point. She’s lost Eloise. She’s upset with Colin. She got this beautiful new look but was unable to hold the attention of any male suitor. Cressida ruined her night. She leaves in tears. So when Colin approaches her she basically just spills all her feelings all over him.

And yes he definitely deserves some of that from her but it’s not really about him. Penelope is spiraling. This is such an important moment, but not for the reason that people are making it out to be. This is not about her humbling Colin. The reason why the end of season two was so important was after her idolized version of Colin is ruined in her hurt Penelope no longer puts on a front to Colin. She allows him, in this scene, to REALLY see her. Not this picture perfect version but the real Penelope. A woman who is messy and has insecurities and is hurting. That is far more important than her just telling him off.

[torchwood-99]

I know that benophie fans are upset about Benedict and Sophie getting skipped for Polin, and I totally get it. But at the same time, a part of me's relieved that we're getting Polin out of the way. Their fandom has become so loathsome that I honestly can't wait for this season to be over and done with. I love Benedict so much, almost as much as Eloise, and unlike Eloise, I don't have any hang ups with his book relationship, so I'm truly looking forward to seeing him getting the limelight he deserves. And while it's miserable having to wait longer, I know I will enjoy his season all the more with Polin (hopefully) taking a backseat.

At this point, Polin is the broccoli I'm forcing down (or trying to skip) before I can get to the tasty part of my meal.

[bellarkeselection]

3 - Escaping with a Bridgerton

Part 4

The Venus Muse

Please leave comments @abq654 @your-musicguru @imgondeletedis @eruannaaa-blog @cherrylovers-world @benedictbridgertonss @callmedarlingsstuff @carrotcaratsworld @sillynilly27 @emmampl-blog2 @bright-molina @erynel1zasworld @ynbutbetter @stranger-chan @blckbarbiedoll @sanaar3006 @urmoom12345 @ritz-hell-hotel @ritz-hell-hotel

Benedict's pov

Sitting in the main living room I was scribbling in my sketchbook until I heard someone enter the room lifting my gaze. I saw my sister Eloise sit across from me at the table. “What were you thinking the other night!”

“Good morning, Eloise. How did you sleep?” I greeted her, not sure what she was upset about.

She leans forward on the table whispering in a snappy tone. “Don’t change the subject when I know that you were alone with the Queen's daughter last night.”

“The queen has many daughters, Eloise.”

She hit her hands on the table and thankfully it was just the two of us in the room. “Princess Y/n! Now what we're you thinking.”

“I shared a dance with her. I don't see what the problem is here. Would you rather she sit there by herself for that whole evening hmm.” I questioned her.

My sister rolls her eyes. “The problem is that she is royalty and we are not according to society.”

“I'm aware of that but it doesn’t change the fact that I am a gentleman. I will not leave a lady in distress regardless of being royalty or not.”

She puts a hand over her face, sighing heavily. “Benedict, I'm just worried that if you show this girl you're attention you might give her the wrong impression. She's not a common lady. Her mother could have you beheaded if she wished.”

“I'm quite sure the princess knows that, Eloise.” Shutting my sketchbook I sent her a half smile. “And wasn't it you who told me to live my life and you would through me since women aren't allowed to do much in society.”

She sighed in defeat. “I suppose I did.”

“All I'm doing is giving the princess the same thing you asked from me. A chance to experience a life she's never known but wished she had.”

I knew my sister meant well by her response but I wasn't as worried as she was. “I care about you, brother. I truly do. But you need to be careful is all I am saying to you when it comes to this princess Y/n.”

“I think I understand what you are saying now.” I leaned closer to her, putting my elbows on top of my sketchbook. “She's less deserving of attention simply because she doesn't meet the demands of polite society.”

Eloise nodded her head yes with a sad look. “I don't wish to squash your fun. But you must remember your not in the royal standings to court a princess. Even though I think you would probably be a lot better than a snooty prince.”

“Thank you for your input, dear sister. But it's sadly not needed. I am going to keep my word to the Queen's daughter no matter what society tells me.” Scooping up my sketchbook underneath one of my arms I left the room knowing I needed to prepare a few things before I saw her tonight.

Y/n's pov

Standing out on one of the balconies of the castle I felt like I was in my own little world right here. The second I stepped over that door threshold I would feel trapped once more, even though it's been my home my whole life. Hearing footsteps coming up behind me I recognized the voice quite well. “Y/n, there you are. I was beginning to think you had run off to the horse stables again tonight.”

“Why would you think such a thing?” I asked her still looking at the vast landscape in front of me.

My best friend Glimmer had moved into the castle after my mother saw her father help my father through one of his episodes without any torture necessary like the older doctor according to rumors inside these walls. “Because you disappeared off to the horse stables during the ball the other night. I know you far too well, bestie.”

“And I know you too. So before you say anything I am not going to fall for the man I scampered off with that night.”

She came to stand beside me leaning her elbows on the balcony railing. “Why won't you embrace the possibility, hmm?” Her long dark auburn hair cascading down her back and flowing freely in the wind.

“Because it’s never going to happen. I am a princess, the daughter of King George and Queen Charlotte. I have to marry a man of noble blood and anything beyond that isn’t acceptable for the crown’s image.” Glaring lightly at my best friend I spun around on my feet entering the room and away from the balcony.

Glimmer flipped her hair out of her face, stomping up in my direction. “Oh please stop telling me things I already hear everyday. I want to hear what you really feel. I want to hear what your mother thinks about you marrying and have it not included for the benefit of her crown and royal legacy.”

“My mother has told me once that she simply wants me to be happy. It doesn’t matter who I marry, at least that’s what I hope she meant. Although it’s difficult to read her expressions when all she’s concerned with is discovering the identity of Lady Whistledown.”

Glimmer crossed her arms over her chest. “Y/n, I’m your best friend which means I need to be very honest with you. You need to find love and it won’t get done with you hiding out here. Go see him-“

“Did you hear that. What is going on outside?” We glanced back at the balcony railing hearing something hit the rail a couple of times gaining our attention. I slowly moved forward peaking over the railing side trying to see through the dark of night.

Glimmer joined me peeking over the railing herself seeing who it was throwing rocks in the darkness. “I don’t see anything - wait - wait - I think I see somebody. Look over to your right just a little bit.” I followed where her index finger was pointing to the spot, seeing a figure standing near the small rocks that were piled up along the castle wall.

“Benedict!”

Glimmer giggled gently, shaking on my arm and nearly hanging on my back. “You’re Prince Charming is throwing pebbles.”

“I can see that. Now please - stop shaking me.”

Benedict chuckled up at the two of us. He wasn’t sure what was drawing his soul towards this girl. Yet he didn’t want this current feeling to disappear away, especially if he could help it. “Princess, I made you a promise and I intend to keep it. Won't you come down and see what I have planned.”

“Are you crazy. I can't climb down those vines. I'll fall and crack my skull opened.” Pointing my hand to the thick green vines that grew outside my window I knew that was what he was referring to when he said climb down.

Benedict smiled brightly up at me gesturing with his arms out in front of his chest. I'll catch you if you fall, princess.”

“What are you waiting for. Climb down the vine and sneak off with him.” Glimmer yanked me backwards eyeing the gown I had on which was a simple blue nightgown with some white trousers underneath and my short brown boots that I would take off when I would head for bed.

I gasped smacking her hand that was holding my wrist. “I can’t sneak out with him, Glimmer!”

“For god sake do something rebellious in your life. You want adventure, well this is the start. Don't worry about your mother or the guards almost everyone is asleep anyway.” She sent me an annoyed look before I nodded and she helped me over the railing.

Managing to make it down to the ground without falling Benedict eyed my best friend whispering into the night. “I'll have her back before dawn, my lady.” I intertwined my hand with his and we disappeared into the night with me unsure of where he was taking me.

[dollypopup]

It's the fact that Penelope fights for everything more than she fights for Colin that really makes me the most upset

that she fights for Lady Whistledown more than she fights for Colin

that she fought for Eloise more than she fought for Colin

that she fought for her sisters more than she fought for Colin

that she fought for her Mother more than she fought for Colin

I left season 3 feeling like Colin wasn't her love story at all. Colin was a pretty, sweet accessory she could holds hands with and have sex with and know will always be in her corner, but that ultimately, she cared about everything else in her life more. He sleeps on the couch, trying to process that she kept a huge secret from him? Well, just let him stew. He is clearly hurt by what her actions? Well, surely one dance and a 'I love you!' will smooth it over. He comes in to grab a blanket and pillow for what? The fifth night in a row? And she can't even muster up a 'Stay'.

Colin ran after that carriage for her. Colin stuck his neck out for her in Season 2 with Jack. Colin came to her even when she was upset at him to apologize, and took her jab about him being cruel without any complaint, and he stood up for her to her mother, and he stood up for her to Eloise, and he married her knowing she had lied to him and kept so much from him, and he got almost nothing. Penelope's story wasn't Colin. Penelope's story was Penelope.

And Colin's story was Penelope, too.

That does not a satisfying love story make, to me.

Where was Colin's closeness with his family? Him and Anthony reconciling, having conversations about their distance? Where was Colin spilling open to Benedict so they could have had a heart to heart, finally? Where was Colin actually exploring his writing instead of two to three scenes of him scribbling and randomly mentioning it, and then tada! A book at the end? Where was Colin and Eloise confiding in each other, leaning on one another? Him and Fran having quiet moments at the piano? Third son and third daughter, the two of them always having been sent away. Where are his friends? Where is *Colin*?

He starts the season feeling unloved, like he has to put on a mask for the approval of others, and says Penelope is the only person who has ever made him feel appreciated and seen, and ends with no one else, and arguably not even her, appreciating him, even still. His arc goes nowhere. There is no satisfying growth for him that exists outside of being a support pillar for Penelope.

I wanted more for him. He deserved more. Her 'I love you for you, not for what you can do for me' was beautiful, but in what way has she shown him that? This wasn't Polin's season, it was Pen's, and that makes me so damn sad.

I left Season 3 believing fully that Colin loves Penelope. I didn't leave it believing she loves him back.

[inthethickofbleeding]

Thoughts on Bridgerton S3

I'M JUST RANTING OKAY I've only seen part 2 once and these are just my thoughts and feelings I am gonna throw here and delete later when I probably change my mind after rewatching?? I just gotta rant😭

Penelope was so gracious and understanding and forgiving and I felt she deserved, in many moments, to be rightfully more upset, more vindictive, more fiercely witty and proud. Though I do LOVE all the things getting resolved and solved and brought to light and happy endings (I actually do love it), the journey there for me was missing a healthy and (imo) realistic dose of female rage. Just for the dramaaa come on. All the other drama going on here and Penelope is 'grateful for your counsel?' bfr. I'll show you grateful for your counsel by hating on it! She can show everyone her heart AND her teeth. She is more than capable and I thought that her character was reduced too much in the last four episodes. Penelope I want you to have everything, including your full range of emotion and humor and wit. Drink more w/ Madame Delacroix okay?? And with Lady Danbury.

I feel like my husbandColin was weirdly sidelined? I'm actually quite grateful for Part1 Colin, because I haven't landed anywhere yet with Part2 Colin. I knew he was jealous, I knew he was always going to forgive her...and we all knew he loved her....so the conflict/tension between them was not as interesting- for me! Just for meee. And stupidly drawn out. FOR MEEEEE. He had taken so many 'gallant' steps in his relationship with Penelope so when their wedding day and night and subsequent honeymoon days arrived and he was stuck in that attitude I was so unmoved. Don't play with me, Colin. Go worship your wife.

I JUST WANTED ANOTHER PURE VIOLET MOMENT! OF ANY KIND! Like before/about her dance with Marcus come oonnn! This is Violet! Please for the love. Also give me a convo with her and Penelope! Just one real one?? Damn. Her resolution with Francesca was alright? I guess. I do love that she isn't perfect with all of her kids, esp her daughters. But I feel they planted a lot of stuff for her as a mother and as a woman wanting to 'tend to her garden' you know? And it fell awkwardly for me. My favorite Bridgerton forever though.

HATE HATE HATE that Colin went to Cressida's house to make things worse trope. Seen it before. Didn't like it then and I don't like it now. AND he was forgiven so quickly. Absolutely not. DO NOT GO INTO ROOMS ALONE WITH ANYONE ANYMORE COLIN BRIDGERTON UNLESS IT IS UR WIFE PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME SLASH MY SCREEN. Go home to your wife and fix it there before you try to be all heroic outside of it okay. I will shave your head. I think I need Daphne.

Dear Eloise, you don't know what it is to be a friend, to have a friend, or even to lose a friend. Maybe I'm interpreting it wrong, maybe I don't care idk. But we start the show humanizing Cressida, bully since season 1 episode 1, THROUGH Eloise. BUT WHEN IT CAME TIME FOR THE FRIENDSHIP TO MEAN SOMETHING TO EITHER OF THEM Eloise willfully gave up, walked away, ran to the comfort of her privilege with her family and way-too-understanding friend. HOW DID WE CHAMPION SO MANY WOMEN ONLY TO ABANDON THIS THING W/ Cressida at the end as she was literally sent away alone.

Lady Danbury complaints similar to Violet. She is usually a more prominent player, so when she wasn't this season, well, I missed her and wanted anything more about her. But! Love her all the same.

HOW DARE THEY throw Kanthony back and forth all weirdy like that. Kate is here, just let us have Kate. And her lil loving husband. Come oooonnn. Three babies at the end and none of them Kate's😭 And Violet was overwhelmed and they didn't get to have another moment?? A lot of off-screen moments are told to us and we just get to believe whoever says whatever. Every actor here has shown they have skills for show-don't-tell productions! All those beautiful eyes! I just am feeling upset about the random use of this gorgeous couple. EVEN ANTHONY, Viscount and eldest brother of them all just walks away at one point when Colin is obviously needing more of him. Whatever.

Why why why did we have an original song PLUS an orchestral cover of it for both to be so unused??? Tori Kelly's song is so wedding-coded and so romantic and earnest. But it didn't make an appearance for Polin at all. Not at their wedding, not in their home, not in the carriage, not anywhere...

Maybe unpopular opinion but I hated "Yellow" being the wedding song. First see the point above and then please please just remember how much Penelope did to distance herself from that fucking color and the horrible memories of it. NOW! IF COLIN HAD MENTIONED IT SOME WAY OR WHATEVER THEN SUUUURRREEE keep the song. HOWEVER. EVEN THE WEDDING WAS NOT YELLOW, HER FAMILY WASN'T IN YELLOW, WE DIDN'T TALK ABOUT IT AT ALL WHY IS IT THE FUCKING WEDDING SONG WHEN THERE ARE MANY OTHER OPTIONNNNSSSSS WHYYYYY (idc why, I just hated it, even if I did cry).

Benedict has been cute and boring for far too long and that did not change for me in this season. TWO BRIDGERTONS with queer representation in an already huge season with so many storylines going on, I wish we could've celebrated it better. Amongst the thousands of other things that were being celebrated, Benedict has still been separated from them in weird ways.

Not a big point, just an interesting one. But where did Debling go? He just effed off to the wilderness? We spent a lot of time with him (and Cressida) in the first four eps.....and then he was gone.....okay.

Charlotte, I love you. You should know that first. But man you love to crash a party, and a wedding, and I just feel like you should've at least killed someone by now with all these theatrics. Even for Charlotte, I felt she was strangely incorporated into this last half of the season. She and Penelope are technically equals in many many ways- BUT WE NEVER GOT TO SEE THAT WIT AND BANTER PLAY OUT MORE WHYYYY

All in all. It's just my rantings. I was absolutely in love with the first four episodes. There was something so fairytale about it and it was so romantic. So, yes, I was disappointed in part 2 on the initial watch, despite the many things I loved about it. There was a lot going on and, sadly, most did not land for me. Yet.

It's a good show, I still love the show. I will be watching the show. Give me more of the show lol.

[quotergirl19]

Imaginary Polin Season 3 Scene:

Penelope: Marina was wrong about you.

Colin: What did she say?

Penelope: That you weren’t like other gentlemen who played games, but you do. Why else would you pretend to care about me & my family and play the part of the dashing hero?

Colin: Of course I care about you. I told you, you are my friend…

Penelope: Not an hour after you told me that I was special to you, you were mocking me behind my back with your real friends. I was looking for Eloise when I heard you all laughing at me. Did you think I’d never find out? Perhaps it is your opinion that I am such an undesirable wallflower, I should be grateful for the pity you call friendship.

Colin: I do not pity you…

Penelope: Then you are ashamed of being acquainted with me. Either way let us be clear, I am not special to you and I know that now. My mama told me as much but I did not heed her because I trusted you. But the truth is you are no friend of mine and I was a fool for believing otherwise.

Colin: Penelope, please… you are upset. Perhaps some fresh air would… *he reaches for her and she pulls away*

Penelope: The air here is fine and I must remind you that I am not yours to touch. I was good to you. I was a true friend when you needed one & I always would have been. You will never fool me again. Do not write me letters or try to take me by the hand and if your mother tells you to dance with me, I ask that you refrain. You are nothing but a distraction when I should be focusing on finding someone who truly sees me. That is what I deserve, a good and kind man to marry and build a life with. That is my purpose after all. You may never grasp this but I am a woman now, and I want a man. I can no longer waste my time with a boy like you. Enjoy the season Mister Bridgerton.

Colin: *speechlessly looking like a sad puppy *

[swallowedbyfandom]

Her walk in the park is unfortunately not the peaceful endeavor she had imagined it to be. It appears every top, flop, and chit came out this afternoon to stare at her. She serenely ignores them all, let them look. She knows she looks spectacular this fine day.

She is dressed in a one of a kind gauzy number that Gen created just for her. She has almost all her hair open and free except for a deep side part that she has pined back for propriety. After all if she runs into Lord Debling she wants him to see what he is missing.

Once she finds the perfect spot she has Rae set up her little picnic. She plops gracelessly down on her favorite cushion to read. She can feel the tension in the air increase with every person she ignores. She almost forgets where she is until she hears the fast and heavy steps of irate feet charging her way.

She glances up and sees that it is Eloise, well if El wants to be publicly shamed. Who is she to deny her? She is going to treat El like the spoiled unruly child she is. Yes, she decides she is going to make Eloise look like a toddler throwing a tantrum. Let the public see her for the hypocrite she is. What fun it shall be!!

"What did you do to my brother?"

Calmly Penelope replies,

"Miss Bridgerton I am not entertaining callers at the moment. I am currently engaged reading my book. I suggest you to address your questions to the brother in question."

Eloise scoffed, then once again demanded.

"What did you do to my brother? He was so upset he did not eat this morning. You have obviously said or did something."

"Miss Bridgerton, I ask that you refrain from speaking to me. I have no interest in wasting my words on you. You share a home with your brother I imagine with very little effort you can find him. I insist you direct your questions to him. Now I would like to get back to my book, good day."

"This is not over, I promise you." She spat spitefully.

"You will find that I am quite done with you. I tired of your accusations and your hypocrisy. Run along I am sure Miss Cowper is looking for you. Good day."

I contently went back to reading. While El stood there momentarily gaping like a fish before she snared and stomped off. I have to hide my smirk behind the pages of my book. Penelope 1, Eloise 0. She knows her satisfaction in riling Eloise up is extremely petty but she tired of apologizing to people whom do not deserve her grace. Eloise ran off with Cressida without even calling out a warning to her, leaving her behind to damn near die via hot air balloon. Then she had the gall to help that vulture try and steal her suitor. She was willing to help her childhood tormentor steal her future over a grudge? No one knew better than Eloise the degradation she has faced living at Featherington house. That was what it took for her to realize Eloise Bridgerton has never truly been her friend.

Their friendship has always been conditional on Penelope never outshining El's wit. Eloise doesn't feel betrayed about Penelope keeping a secret she feels betrayed she was outwitted. No longer will she play by Eloise's rules. Eloise may have blackmail on her but she also has blackmail on Eloise and her entire family. She is sure they will be having that conversation once Eloise realizes she has no other cards to play. Pen doesn't want to be her friend does not even want to be her acquaintance anymore.

[rookieoneil]

Crying for Cressida wasn’t on my 2024 bingo list. Like wtf 😭

⬇️SPOILERS⬇️

I’m only on the second episode of the second half of the season.

Eloise makes me so angry. She’s being a horrible friend to Cressida. I know Cressida isn’t the nicest but she really is trying with Eloise and El won’t give her the time of day. Eloise is a horrible friend, with pen and Cressida because most of the time she wants it to be about herself. I think el needs a reality check, because she needs to get it together I beg of her. I need Cressida and Eloise friendship back. I’d rather have them over her and pen everyday. Butttttt she’s turned on Cressida SO FUCKING QUICKLY. Like stfu. Eloise is getting on my last fucking nerve. She KNOWS why Cressida is doing this and yet she wants to take it away when both her and pen were okay with her doing it, suddenly when she gets a tad bit smarter by recruiting her mother do they find the need to take it away. Cause suddenly it’s a monster when Cressida does it? But Penelope is justified?

I’d like to add If I see Cressidas father, ITS ON SIGHT.

Also-

I hate Penelope so much. Like this girl is so blind to her own actions. She justifies for work as lady Whistledown because the town was cruel to her. Hell she wrote about Colin because he said some shit to his friends. (Was it shitty? Yes but to get so bitter about it that you want to attack his reputation? Crazy.) I don’t like hurt people who hurt people. I admit that it’s good entertainment watching her stick it to her family, but I don’t agree with a majority of her actions. Like she’s lying to Colin. And she is constantly adding to more shit to Cressida for being “lady whistledown” when she knows. Its just??? Idk she’s literally selfish, Colin deserves the truth.

Speaking of Colin. Idiot. Asshole. Why he’s always getting upset with Eloise for not being friends with Pen when he know a nothing about what happens infuriates me to the core. 😭 like boy just stfu. He’s my least favorite bridgerton boy.

Onto the positives

Lady Danbury trying to keep her brother away from Violet has been gagged🤣 she really said my bestie. Her in literally tears when he asked him to stay away from “her friend”😭😫

The Queen 🤣 she’s so sassy i absolutely adore her sm.

KATE AND ANTHONY OH MY GOSH A BABY?!?

And I’m so excited for Francesca but I know book story so I’m kinda scared. My heart hurts for her because she truly cares about him, and I think that right now, he’s exactly what she needs. She’s come out of her shell so much more since seeing him.

[lovelyo]

Cressida Torture Porn

RANT INCOMING: What the absolute fuck is wrong with this show and their love for torturing Cressida? Do they get off in making this girl suffer? If I was in her position, I would go apeshit too.

All this girl wants is a genuine connection, to be valued and all people do is knock her down. She lashes out horribly on people just like Penelope, but she’s punished while Penelope is considered a girlboss even though Cressida’s home environment is shittier than Penelope’s. Her hope from her suffocating fate was Eloise only for Eloise to push her to the side for a friend who lied to her for years and screwed her over. Got called a viper (EVEN THOUGH ELOISE KNOWS WHO LW IS! 🤬🤡) by the person she always wanted to befriend even before Eloise fell out with Penelope.

Cressida saved Eloise from loneliness but Eloise didn’t reciprocate when Cressida was in need. Even then, she liked Eloise so much that before she left to get shipped away to even a more emotionally absent relative, she wanted to reconcile with Eloise, but Eloise closed the chapter. She tried to say goodbye to Eloise before she left. Eloise didn’t even bother to look Cressida’s way when she left.

All for Penelope who has done considerably more damage to her than anyone. 😐😑

It was the first time ever I was genuinely upset at Eloise. Eloise knew about Cressida’s ordeal but still vilified her and abandon her like she was a side piece(ain’t far from the truth really). Eloise unfortunately had to drink the OOC Koolaid for Penelope to get her HEA. This made me despise Penelope more btw. While everyone is in a damn romantic sitcom catering to Pen, Cressida is fighting for her life in this SAW trap where it’s do or get fucked.

Cressida was a bitch throughout the show until we came upon her reasonings in S3 which made her more of a sympathetic character than Penelope ever was. We should feel bad for this “woe is me” jackass who’s more privileged than anyone in this goddamn show but not the one who has parents that are emotional as a spiked bat?

The one who’s been indoctrinated heavily by her mother to treat other women like enemies?

The one where it’s her 3rd time on the marriage mart, got the guy she had her sights on get taken away just for Penelope to say sike and marry Colin and for Lord Debling to go MIA?(the same happened to her with the fucking prince in season 1!)

The one who’s being forced to marry an old man cause rarely anyone wants her?

The one who lost a friendship she thought was genuine while that friend is going around dunking on her name?

The one who is actually looked down by the ton because they can’t take her seriously?

Her life pretty much sucks but the show keeps trying to shove in our faces that Cressida is a bully so she got what she deserved. Fuck Cressida Cowper, amirite?

Oh Christ.

I’m not justifying her rude and sometimes cringe actions, but if people can “understand” why Penelope does what she does, why can’t people extend the same courtesy to Cressida? Oh yes, she was mean to the show’s golden child so she gets the hammer.

Cressida didn’t expose Penelope to the queen even though she could have. She wasn’t even the one who wrote the fake Bridgerton slander, it was her mom and she even confronted her mom and made her displeasure known about it!

All she wanted was money to be free from her fate. She was desperate but the Bridgertons are like “haha u stupid and u suck. Speaking of suck, time to go suck on Penelope’s toes.”

Yeah, Cressida isn’t clever, she’s stupid right? Stupid enough to quickly figure out who LW was before you Bitchgertons. You hacks didn’t even figure it out when Colin and Penelope’s engagement was printed THE NEXT DAY!

They did Cressida so dirty this season like it’s really heartbreaking, no joke. Cressida is the true victim, not the redhead who got an undeserved HEA cause self-inserters and favoritism.

P.S. Penelope keeping her persona but just using her real name is SO FUCKING STUPID

[rainybraindays]

Hi! Rainy here on her soapbox again!! Heres some things I've seen said about Eloise today

"Eloise be staying a terrible friend"

"Shes finally showng her true colors"

"This is the ultimate betrayal I don't care how mad she is I can't believe she'd do this to Penelope."

"Eloise was always a brat/bitch she deserves whatever happens to her for being friends with Cressida."

"If she was a true friend she wouldn't do this."

And lots more!

My thoughts on this? You all need to calm the fuck down oh my god.

Listen, I love Penelope, and I'm not exactly thrilled to see Eloise attaching herself to Cressida, but also you have to imagine being in her shoes.

You're 19 forced into a world and position you don't like, your reputation has been dragged through the mud, most of your acquaintances are no longer spaking to you, the first person you've had a crush on has basically said to never come around again, and you found out your best friend has been lying to you for years and using her anonymity to mock your family.

She gets to be hurt and upset. Penelope did betray her, and she may have been trying to do it to save her, but that doesn’t change that she did an it certainly doesn't change how she reacted when Eloise found her out.

We know from the live Cressida is the only person who was nice to her. Was it likely for a self serving reason? Does it likely have more to do with Eloises name than who she is as a person?

Maybe, but also, we really don't know Cressida beyond a surface level. I don’t know how to tell you his but characters can have more depth to them.

And even if she is, Eloise could also be in this friendship for self serving reasons as well.

Violet says it in Queen Charlotte, Eloise is lonely, and angry, and likely looking for a way to hurt Pen like shes been hurt. Cressida is excellent at helping her be less lonely and to also get back at someone who hurt her. In Eloises mind Cressida may be bad, but at least shes not pretending she isn't.

These girls are not done cooking, their brains are not fully developed, they are going to make impulsive, mean spirited decisions.

They shouldn't be crucified for them.

Marina lashes out at Pen for meddling, it's taken as evidence that shes actually this evil bitch. Eloise lashes out and makes friends with "the enemy?" She was never a true friend, and never actually cared about Penelope.

I love Penelope, I find her to be an interesting character with a lot of facets that can be played with, yet some how how this fandom keeps deciding she needs to always be in the victim role. Something she wouldn't agree with, seeing as sh seemingly hold some guilt about Marina, and immediately tried to run after Eloise. The things she does aren't full altruistic, to an extent they usually play in her favor. She knows shes in the wrong, why can't we as the audience accept that?

When Pen and El reunite, it shouldn't involve some huge redemption arc from Eloise for daring to befriend someone Penelope hates.

It should be genuine apologies, on both sides, because they've both said and done things to hurt each other.

Their friendship isn't going to be the same and I think thats okay honestly. They've both been self-centered in their friendship, niether really listened to each other, theres been secrets and fights that do change alter relationship. They have to rebuild, reassess and go from there.

[delehosies]

𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊 𝐍𝐎𝐖 . . .

benedict bridgerton x fem reader. word count - 3.3k. on the day of y/n’s wedding, benedict finally decides to confess his love to her.

please do not repost to other sites without my permission

y/n had been in love with benedict for as long as she could remember. she loved him in all of her childhood memories, she loved him when she awoke each morning, she loved him when she fell asleep at night. she loved him when he was drunk and stumbling and giggling, she loved him when he concentrated on a painting. she loved him on his good days and his bad days. she had always and would always love him.

y/n had always known that benedict was the one for her, the only man that she could ever truly love. her feelings emerged from inside of her when she was just a young girl, and had stayed deep within her soul ever since, roots continuing to spread and grow with age.

it was different for benedict. he was hopelessly oblivious to even his own feelings. he hadn’t even realised that he had fallen for y/n until the announcement of her engagement, when everything around him suddenly began to make sense. 

before, he had always seemed to be too busy, scribbling in his sketchbooks, painting, attending some very questionable parties. y/n was always in the background, attending events with eloise, in the drawing room with his family. she seemed to always be in their home, that’s how it had always been. but it took benedict so long to take notice, to pay attention, to recognise who she truly was. it had taken him so long to notice that it was far too late. 

it now made sense why his heart fluttered whenever he noticed her standing in a room, why his sketchbook pages were filled with excessive messy charcoal drawings of her, and why his heart dropped into his stomach when he discovered that she was soon to be marrying a man who wasn’t him. 

so now, on the morning of y/n’s wedding day, benedict paced the corridors of aubrey hall, the same corridors he used to wander with her in childhood, deep breaths struggling to emerge from his lungs and into his tightening throat. he felt worse and worse with each passing second, as if his emotions were strangling him. benedict’s thoughts had become increasingly cloudy as the realisation finally dawned on him. he had acted too late, he had been so afraid of his feelings that he was silent all throughout the wedding planning process. he gave the ‘happy couple’ an unenthusiastic congratulations and attempted to seal away his feelings yet again. 

it didn’t work. how could he just forget that his beloved y/n was soon going to belong to another man? a man who wasn’t him. a man who didn’t even love her. it made him sick to his stomach. 

a voice laced with concern pulled him from his hectic thoughts. “brother?” anthony spoke, filling the silent hall. “the carriages are ready to go, mother is waiting for you… you know how impatient she can be.” anthony knew of benedict’s predicament. he knew about his new found hopeless devotion to y/n, someone who anthony had believed was a mere family friend before benedict had finally spilled his guts to his older brother. 

“i don’t think that i can do this, anthony. to sit in that church, to force a smile – pretend to be happy for that… awful man. benedict turned to face his brother, aware of the tears that now clouded his vision. he attempted to blink them away. “i just can’t do it.” 

anthony was quiet for a moment, digesting his brother’s upset. they had discussed benedict’s feelings, but he had never realised that he felt quite so bad. he had always assumed that he would get over it with time, that time would heal the wounds of unrequited love. “she doesn’t think that he’s awful, benedict. she… she likes him, enjoys his company.” 

benedict scoffed, rolling his eyes. “does she really?” – anthony didn’t answer, the two brothers already knew the answer. they both knew that y/n was settling for much less than she deserved, that she didn’t think a better man would come along, that her fear was the driving force behind her consent to his proposal. 

much to eloise’s disappointment, y/n was frightened. she refused to let herself grow into an old spinster, she refused to spend her days alone – unloved and lonely. she wanted somebody to fill the void, somebody to give her children, a family. a proper family. 

“she tolerates him, and if that’s enough for her… who are we to question it?” anthony tried to reason, an attempt to comfort his sibling. benedict was clearly growing more and more distressed, tears filling the corners of his eyes and threatening to spill down his cheeks at any moment. benedict had always been the most passionate brother, yet anthony couldn’t remember the last time that his brother was reduced to tears… especially not over a woman.

benedict quickly shook his head, quickly brushing off anthony’s’ words. they served no comfort to him. “she deserves a love match. don’t we all deserve a love match? you have one, our mother and father had one…” 

“must i remind you that the majority of marriages aren’t built on love, benedict? they are merely convenience. i was lucky, our parents were lucky. others just … aren’t.” anthony knew that his words weren’t helping, he regretted them almost as soon as they had escaped from his mouth, but he had no idea what to say. was he supposed to be giving his brother permission to break up an engagement a few hours before a wedding was scheduled?  he wished that he knew what their father would advise, what he would want benedict to do.

benedict had turned away from him now, unable to do anything but pace the corridor helplessly as anthony watched on.

anthony attempted to soften his voice before he began to speak again, not wanting to sound quite so harsh as he had before. “bloody hell…” anthony murmured to himself, pinching the bridge of his nose in an attempt to de-stress, to calm himself down a little. “if you really can’t live without the girl then you already know what you need to do. i do wish that you had figured this out sooner though, brother. the timing is all very inconvenient.” benedict knew that anthony was speaking in jest, trying to calm his nerves, but his emotions didn’t allow him to see the humour in his brother’s words. “make haste, we must get there early if you are to intervene, hm?” 

anthony turned on his heels and began the descent back down the corridor – benedict wiped his eyes with the blazer of his sleeve and shortly began to follow.

they wasted no time making their way out to the front of aubrey hall, where anthony stopped benedict before the carriages. gently, he placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a small but sympathetic smile. “for what it’s worth, i’m proud of you for doing what you believe to be right. i’ll always be proud of you, no matter the outcome… alright?” 

“i know, anthony. i know.” benedict returned an anxious smile to his older brother, before following him to the carriage - where hyacinth leaned out of the window and made a very pleasant comment on just how much he was perspirating. both violet and anthony scolded her. 

the journey to the church seemed to take much longer than usual, anthony resulted to bellowing “make haste!” to the driver more times than he’d like to admit, whereas benedict suffered in silence — head in hands and leg bouncing up and down anxiously.

anthony quietly began to explain benedict’s predicament to the rest of the family, trying to ignore the dramatic gasps and comments added on by hyacinth and eloise. he was certain that he heard the whisper of “how romantic.” – which boosted his confidence slightly. 

benedict spared no time in emerging from the carriage once himself and his family had arrived outside of the church. a flood of relief surged through him as he came to the understanding that he wasn’t too late yet. there was still time for him to prevent this wedding. 

violet gently took his hand in hers, giving him a soft and gentle smile. the warmth and reassurance from his mother filled him with more faith than he previously had. “go and get her, benedict.” 

he nodded, catching kate’s eye as he turned from where his family all stood. she gave him a firm nod, letting him know that he was doing the correct thing in her eyes. benedict managed to give his family an equally warm smile before they were lead into the church, anthony told the usher’s that his brother needed some air before being seated – giving benedict the excuse to walk on into the grounds of the church, wandering the graveyard aimlessly. 

“benedict.” y/n’s voice pulled him from his thoughts, causing him to quickly turn on his heels and discover the owner of the voice. he thought for a second that he might be going mad, hallucinating the figure of the woman he was in love with. she gave him a small, sad looking smile, holding her dress up with one hand to ensure that it didn’t drag on the grass. it wouldn’t have mattered if it did touch the ground, the weather was unseasonably warm and there was no wet mud in sight. perfect for a wedding. 

benedict found himself simply gazing at her for longer than what was appropriate, he couldn’t help himself.  “y/n… wow. you look - wow.” benedict was completely lost for words, his lips parted in surprise as he let himself focus entirely on her. she was ethereal, dressed in the prettiest white dress he had ever seen – although he was certain that she was the one making the dress appear so charming, rather than the modiste’s craftmanship. her hands clasped onto a large bouquet of flowers, she seemed to hide herself with them. “you look beautiful… you are beautiful…” 

she turned her attention towards the floor in an attempt to hide how flustered she had become receiving benedict’s compliments – her cheeks burned, feeling red hot under benedict’s gaze. “thank you… and yourself.” she returned the compliment, hoping that she sounded a lot more relaxed than she felt. “what are you doing out here?” 

“i could ask you the same question. it’s your wedding day, is it not?” benedict teased, taking a few steps closer in order to close the distance between the two of them. 

y/n rolled her eyes, but was unable to resist the small, anxious sounding laugh which fell from her. “i decided that i needed some fresh air before the ceremony begins. will you now answer mine?” 

“actually, i was hoping that i could talk to you.” their eyes met once again, benedict’s cheeks flushing to be a rosy pink as the sparks began to build around them. it was time – it was now or never. “don’t marry him.” the words clumsily stumbled out from between his lips, tripping and tumbling in the rush to escape from him. 

y/n felt her mouth practically drop open, her lips parted in surprise as she began to shake her head. she took a small step away from benedict, clutching the bouquet of flowers to her chest as if they were some kind of protection, a shield guarding her from benedict’s sudden admittance of emotions. “ben, please do not do this…”

for as long y/n she could remember, this is exactly what she had wanted. she had wasted so much time longing for benedict’s attention, for his love and devotion. she had finally accepted that he would never love her, that she would always be pining over somebody who would never want her in the same way she wanted him. 

“why not?” ben questioned, fully aware that tears were beginning to cloud his vision once again. “you need to know how i feel, y/n… just once. let me speak, and if you still wish to do this- if you still wish to marry him… well, that’s your decision. but you need to be aware of all of your options, you need to know.” 

her lips turned down into a frown, forcing herself to look away from benedict in order to hide the raw emotions spreading across her features, the internal conflict battling within her head. “ but it’s my wedding day…” the words left y/n as a mere whisper, her chest tightening as she attempted to hold in her feelings. once she had finally turned back to benedict her eyes were glossier than before. 

“i know.” benedict’s voice quietened to mirror hers as he took a cautious step towards y/n, attempting to close the distance between the two of them once again. “and i’m sorry that i waited for so long. i’m a fool. but you need to know how i feel, just this once if never again.” y/n didn’t object, her eyes scanning his face as he seeked out the proper words. all of this waiting and yet he still wasn’t prepared. “i have grown to care about you, y/n. deeply.” 

she was quick to answer, the words falling from her without hesitation. “caring and loving are not the same thing, benedict.” 

“then i have grown to love you.” benedict amended, his voice raising slightly.  “does he love you? … better yet, do you love him?”  he couldn’t help but question y/n — if she was happy, truly happy, then he couldn’t bring himself to ruin their relationship, but if not then he couldn’t let her devote herself to a marriage of unhappiness. 

“it is… complicated.” she carefully chose her words, beginning to chew on her bottom lip as she awaited benedict’s reaction. 

a sigh fell from between benedict’s lips. “there is nothing complicated about love, y/n.” 

“you fail to understand me, benedict. marriage is the complication, not love. it’s different for you, different for all men.” y/n became increasingly frustrated at the entire situation. if only benedict had told her sooner, she wouldn’t be stuck in this god awful predicament. “i couldn’t spend my whole life waiting for you. i couldn’t let myself become yet another miserable spinster. i was proposed to and i accepted… any other lady would do the same.” 

benedict was almost entirely lost for words, his mouth opening and closing as he searched his mind to string a sentence together. “you were… waiting for me?”

“of course i was waiting for you.” she couldn’t help but stare at his bewildered face, his lips parted in shock, his blue eyes widened. “you didn’t know?” 

benedict couldn't bring himself to reply at first, struggling to process this new information while simultaneously wanting to scold himself for being so clueless. “of course i didn’t know. if i knew… i like to imagine that i would have realised my own feelings sooner.” 

y/n finally smiled, a faintly sad but very real smile. “i doubt that.” 

“me too, really....” the air between them fell silence, the two of them unsure of just what could be done. “does he make you happy?” she shook her head, all of a sudden looking extremely emotional to benedict. her teary eyes glittered in the sunlight. “do i make you happy?” 

a sound which could only be described as something between a laugh and a cry escaped from y/n as she nodded her head in answer to benedict’s question. a few tears finally spilled from her and began to fall down her cheeks.”of course you make me happy.” her hand moved to her  face in order to wipe her fallen tears away, but benedict’s thumb was there first – softly removing the drops from her skin. his hand moved to cup her cheek gently.

“then choose happiness, sweet girl. choose me.” he murmured to her, their faces seeming to edge closer and closer together with each passing second. 

“it’s too late… think about the rumours, benedict. what the ton will say about us, about me.” she sighed, knowing that her tears were now freely falling. 

“then let them talk. a new piece of gossip will soon come along to replace their useless whispers… besides, i’ll look after you, as will my family. you have nothing to fear.” they continued to inch closer together, benedict felt as if his heart was going to beat out of his chest. “I think i have to kiss you.” 

y/n didn’t retaliate, instead she just nodded, letting benedict carefully take her in his strong arms. she dropped her heavy bouquet of flowers to the ground, them landing at their feet as their lips softly met. all of her fears seemed to melt away as he began to kiss her, so soft and gentle, yet passionate enough to make her feel like the most beautiful woman in the whole of london… no, the most beautiful woman in the whole world.

she spoke between kisses, her voice sounding raspy. “my reputation will be ruined… it’s all whistledown will be able to write about.” 

“let them write… let them talk. you won’t be ruined, i won’t let them.” benedict’s large hands cupped her face gently, holding her as if she might break in his arms. 

their kiss came to a natural end, lips softly brushing against each other before they finally pulled apart. benedict rested his forehead against hers, their gaze not breaking. “please, be mine.”

y/n didn’t answer immediately, her mind cloudy – still processing the kiss, the butterflies that still swarmed within her stomach. benedict took a step away, not hesitating to lean down and retrieve the bouquet of flowers which had landed at their feet a mere few minutes before. “i don’t have a ring… i didn’t ever believe that i would get this far.” 

at this point, she could do nothing but watch in disbelief as benedict got down on one knee, using the flowers as a replacement for an engagement ring, ignoring the fact that she already owned an engagement ring from an entirely different man, a man who was awaiting her presence at the alter.  “please, marry me. i know that we feel the same, that we have unknowingly desired each other for so long. we have wasted so much time, my love. i don’t wait to waste another second.” 

for a moment benedict was half convinced that y/n would say no, that she would take off running in the other direction in order to escape him. she gazed down at him, face tear stained but still as ethereal as always. and then she began to smile, her lips turning up at the corners as she nodded. “we have the entire future ahead of us, ben.” 

“is that a yes?” benedict questioned, wanting complete confirmation before he began to get his hopes up, before he got too carried away with himself. she nodded, and before benedict had even began to raise from where he crouched y/n had practically thrown herself into his arms, needing him close to her as she struggled to process all of the emotions she had cycled through within the last hour, she had some kind of emotional whiplash. 

he placed his hand on her back, pulling her to be closer to him. “what are we going to do? what are we going to tell them?” she questioned, resting her chin on his shoulder. 

“i’ll take care of everything… i’ll even hunt down and throttle that whistledown hag if i need to.” he chucked quietly, closing his eyes and concentrating the feeling of her body pressed against his. it was so right, it all felt so completely right. 

“i love you, benedict. i love you so much.” 

“I love you too, my sweet girl.” 

tagged: @obsessed-oops @benedictbridgertonss @makaylan @love26435 @mmontgomeryb @wannabehamlet

[can-youimagine]

Season of Scandal (Benedict Bridgerton x Reader)

Summary: There are few people you hate more in life than Benedict Bridgerton, unfortunately, it seems as though you'll have to get used to him

TW: Female reader, period typical misogyny, suggestive, enemies to lovers

Word Count: 2273

A/N: Let me know if you want a part 2!

Masterlist

Dearest Reader,

The start of a new season is always something to celebrate. Those of lower morals will be placing bets on who will marry whom. If this writer were a betting woman, she would wager that Mr. Benedict Bridgerton will end the season with yet another broken proposal, while Ms. (Y/N) (L/N) will finally take a caller. I have always bet on the long-shot, and Ms. (L/N) is no exception.

Yes, Reader, I can assure you that this season will indeed be something to watch. But, rest assured, I will be the first to inform you if you win or lose your wagers. 

~Lady Whistledown

“Oh, Benedict, have you seen the new Whistledown?” Eloise yells, bounding down the steps with the pamphlet in her hand.

“I take it you have,” he mumbles with an amused smile, “and I have no doubt you will tell me about it.”

Thrusting the paper in his face, she explains, “She wrote about you. It seems she, like the rest of us, believes that you will never be married.”

He shrugs. “It is not my fault Ms. Pierceton received a proposal from a man with a larger wallet.”

“How come when you have a marriage fall through, it is perfectly normal, but when it happens to me, I’m one step away from becoming a spinster!”

He half listens to her rant as he stares at his sketchbook. He hopes he appears rather unphased by the whole article, though that is far from the truth. He’s not bothered by being a bachelor. What he is bothered by is being mentioned in the same sentence as you, implying that he is just as unmarriable as you. His lack of marriage has nothing to do with his own faults, while yours is because you are so stuck up and overall unlikeable. He has had plenty of women wish to marry him. You have never had two dances with the same man.

You roll your eyes as you read the article. Of course, you would be deemed as unmarriable as that pompous fool. Every conversation you have attempted with the man has ended with a foot stomp and heel turn by one or both of you. 

Crumpling up the paper, you toss it as far from you as possible. Trying not to let the article affect you, you call your maid in to help you dress for the art show today. Your mother has not stopped talking about it, and Lord help you if you cause her to miss it just because you are upset about a gossip column. 

Your arm is linked with hers as you walk into the gallery. The building is full of people. Women try to spend enough of their husband’s money to prove their status, and artists are eager to help them. Your mother immediately spots a group of women she knows, leading both of you over to them. They drone on about the art and artists, as the topic changes to the upcoming social season, you excuse yourself to look at the art. There are very few things you would like to discuss less than the social season.

The building is open enough that you do not need a chaperone; your mother can see you from where she is, if she bothers to look for you. 

You focus on a painting of a building. The dark sky beautifully contrasts the warmness of the building. Light seems to pour out of it, drawing you in.

“You know,” the all too familiar voice of Benedict Bridgerton starts, “this is one of my favorites.”

The painting immediately turns sour for you. “I can’t imagine why.”

He smirks. “You must have a sixth sense.”

“What do you mean?”

He takes a step closer, almost too close to be appropriate, but not quite inappropriate. You can feel the heat radiating off of him. “You have never been able to compliment me, even when you do not know that I am the one who deserves it.”

“What are you saying, Mr. Bridgerton?”

“I am the artist of this painting.”

“No wonder it is so hideous,” you lie.

He chuckles. “Are you saying you have no interest in it?”

“I’m saying I have no interest in you or anything you create.” You move to leave, but it seems your mother has perfect timing and approaches the two of you before you have the chance.

“Oh, (Y/N), what a lovely painting! Don’t you agree, Mr. Bridgerton?”

He wears a stupidly smug grin as he answers, “Well, I would have to, Lady (L/N), I am quite familiar with the artist. I would say this is one of his best works.”

His grin only gets wider as your mother makes a deal to buy the painting and calls him “such a talented young man.” Your mother, like every other mother in the Ton had heard the news that Mr. Bridgerton was eligible for yet another season. She was not going to waste the opportunity to set you up with him. “I am so sorry to hear about your engagement, Mr. Bridgerton.”

He offers a strained laugh. “Thank you. Though, I imagine this might be a blessing in disguise.”

“Of course,” she agrees. “I’m sure you have a much better idea of what you want now. That is what (Y/N) says after turning down a proposal. She believes that each courtship has shown her what she would prefer. You would think by now someone would have met her standards,” she laughs.

He gives you a smirk before turning back to your mother. “That certainly is one way to look at it.”

She looks like she is going to embarrass you further, so you grab her arm, urging her home. She sighs. “I do hope you will be at Lady Danbury's ball tomorrow evening.”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” he promises. “Take care Lady (L/N).” As he leaves, your mother turns to you, giving you a glare that tells you you will behave yourself at the ball, or you will most definitely face the wrath of God.

Benedict would rather be anywhere else than here. He contemplates taking the carriage back to his house, letting the others figure their own ways back as penance for bringing him here in the first place, but the whining he would hear from Eliose would not be worth it. 

Your dress is so tight that you feel as though you can barely breathe. Your mother insisted that you get a new one. After all, one cannot wear a dress to multiple balls. You have to admit, it is a lovely dress. It is so lovely, in fact, that Benedict Bridgerton himself glances in your direction. At the moment, it seems like more of a punishment than a reward. 

Benedict watches you as you walk in, taken aback by you. The dress looks remarkable on you, he thinks. Though, he placates the thought by assuring himself that the dress is so lovely that it would make a horse look like a princess. It only makes you look like a duchess.

As the night continues, you find yourself becoming more and more fatigued. You need a moment to yourself. What you really need is to get out of this dress, but you know you will be stuck in this particular cage until the end of the night. Managing to sneak away from your mother for a moment, you head into the garden. The cool air does wonders to distract you from your evening.

“Of course,” a voice groans. Of course, he is here. Where else would Benedict Bridgerton be than the last place you want him?

“I am not here for you,” you say, leaning against the side of the building. The dress is certainly taking its toll on you. You slide down, the rough exterior of the building creating tears in your dress.

He drones on about something, no doubt a quip about your improperness, but you can’t focus on him. 

“Ms. (L/N)?” he calls. You feel his arms around you, and you slump against him. “Ms. (L/N)?” You want to answer. You want to tell him to get off of you, but you don’t have the strength. His hand slides under your corset. You want to scream, but the relief is too good. He loosens the ties just enough to all you need to breathe again.

Leaning against Mr. Bridgerton, you start to catch your breath. His hand is still on your back, though now it is keeping your dress in place. “Ms. (L/N), are you alright?”

“I think so.” You look up at him. His eyes are not cold and cruel as they normally are when he looks at you. Instead, they’re filled with concern. Your heart swells with the knowledge that that concern is for you.

“I’m sorry,” he stammers out. “I didn’t mean to take-my sisters always complain they can’t breathe in their dresses. At her first ball, Francesca almost-and I didn’t want you to-”

You give him a soft smile. “Thank you. It’s just what I needed.”

“Are you okay? Can I?” He gestures vaguely at your dress.

“Please, just a little looser.”

Nodding, he gets to work. His fingers shake as he starts to relace your corset. He’s not sure what happened to him. No one wants to see someone pass out, but Benedict thinks, a normal person would have called your mother over to help you rather than undress you in public. 

“Thank you,” you whisper.

Dearest Reader,

Well, well, well. I know that you expect to hear all about the latest scandals from me, but it appears that not even I know what truly happened at the Danbry ball last night. It appears that there is a rumor of some rather improper conduct between some of our favorites. I dare not publish their names and cause more trouble than just this rumor will.

I promise you, Reader, that once we have more than a rumor, I will be the first to tell you all about it

~Lady Whistledown

Benedict’s heart beats through his chest. No one should have seen you, and if they had, surely they would have realized that nothing had happened.

“Oh, who do you think it is?” Eliose asks. “What do you think happened? Did you see anything?”

“Do you have nothing better to do?” he snaps.

She shrinks before leaving the room. If he weren’t so preoccupied, he would have apologized or at least felt bad. He knows what he has to do. He’s never hated being a gentleman more.

“(Y/N),” your mother calls. “You have a caller.”

You panic. You were stressed enough about the Whistledown article, and now you have to act like a person in front of someone you barely know as you try to figure out a way out of this. Walking down the stairs feels like a death march, and when you see who’s waiting for you.

“Mr. Bridgerton,” you greet.

He smiles, uttering a quick an awkward greeting. It seems as if he knows what needs to be done and is just as much a fan of it as you are. He puts on a nice show, winning your mother over, who will no doubt tell your father all about the wonderful man who wants to marry you and how you seem more than excited for his proposal. You have to be. What choice do you have?

“Thank you for a lovely afternoon, Lady (L/N), Ms. (L/N),” Mr. Bridgerton says, “but I’m afraid I must be going.” 

“Oh, of course,” your mother gushes. “It was absolutely lovely to see you. I hope we will see you this weekend.” 

“Actually, I had hoped to invite you to the ball at Aubrey Hall,” he explains. “I know it is quite a journey, but I hope it will be well worth it.”

Your mother eagerly accepts, completely forgetting about the Waterson ball. The next week is a blur of dresses and visits from Mr. Bridgerton in preparation for the ball. Luckily, Lady Whistledown has not published another article about the Danbry ball. That doesn’t fill you with much comfort. If anyone says anything at the ball, you’ll be trapped with your shame. God, you wish the entire season could just be over.

When you get to Aubrey Hall, the place is so full of people that no one notices you and Benedict sneaking away.

“I’m sorry, about all of this,” he says as soon as the door closes. “My personal feelings about you aside, I would never want to tarnish your name, and I intend to make it right. You will end this season with a proposal.”

“I don’t want a proposal!” you exclaim. “I don’t want to marry you!”

Before he can compose himself, his face falls. He hadn’t really wanted to marry you. Why would he? But, if he didn’t want to marry you, why is he so upset? “I am doing this for you! I cannot be responsible for ruining you.”

“If you’re going to ruin me, then do it.” Your eyes are dark, jaw clenched. He doesn’t know what comes over him as he grabs your arm, pulling you into him.

“Don’t tempt me.”

Your voice grows soft. “Ruin me, Benedict.”

He swallows, cursing himself as he finds some composure. “I am going to ask you to marry me by the end of the week. I am going to marry you by the end of the season, and then, I am going to ruin you, before anyone else has the chance.”

[wallflowers-in-the-wind]

Does Eloise have a right to be angry?

This is not so much a theory but an analysis of the show. I suppose I should add a spoiler warning but I’m not that kind of analyst.

With the new season almost upon us many fans of the show have been arguing against the actions of Eloise at the end of season two as well as the snippets seen for part 1 of season three. While this is all fun and games there seems to be some discourse over the matter. Mainly whether or not Eloise has a right to be upset with Penelope.

To start with Penelope being the author was quite shocking. There are hints throughout the show that it is her with how often she focuses on her family and the Bridgertons. Yet to discover she would write things about people she cares about, while a bit off putting, is understandable. If she doesn’t then people would be quick to discover her secret but it sheds her in a bad light of not caring.

Penelope does care for her family, even if her mother has no fashion sense and puts her focus into her two eldest daughters, and she cares for Eloise more than anything. But being Lady Whistledown gives her a chance to get her frustrations out and to have something she can do with no interference. There is only so much she can confide in Eloise about and the main one she could never tell is her crush on Colin.

However the scandalous tales she has published as caused much discourse in both families. She used her writing ability to keep Marina from marrying Colin nearly ending her and her sisters chance at marriage. Not to mention the focus on the Bridgerton household. Not that the Bridgertons themselves haven’t caused their own discourse but to publicize secrets with no regard of the effects it may have on those she cares about is (to put it politely) irresponsible.

While Penelope’s heart is in the right place at times it has still caused more harm than good in many cases. Yet many still side with her because she is the wallflower, a hidden gem who deserves love, and has the most intrigue being Lady Whistledown.

Eloise on the other hand has been the subject of much discourse and hatred. The main cause of this is from her fight with Penelope when she discovered that Penelope is Lady Whistledown.

Keep in mind Eloise has been fascinated with Lady Whistledown since the author published their first paper. She had talked with Penelope repeatedly about this because she has longed for someone who also sees how ridiculous society life is. Eloise has searched for the identity of the author and had even been asked by the Queen to find the true identity. Something that could have ended horribly for Eloise if the Queen was displeased. Yet Penelope never told Eloise she was the author until it was too late.

Imagine finding out your best friend not only is the author of a gossip paper that has the entire ton captivated but has nearly ruined her family as well as yours repeatedly by publishing rumors. It may have also saved it but not nearly as often. The betrayal Eloise is feeling is more than justified. Penelope and Eloise only had each other as friends since childhood. And while everyone is allowed their secrets they are also allowed to be angry when that secret spreads rumors behind their backs of people they claim to care about.

While I can understand Penelope’s need for secrecy I do not agree with the villainizing of Eloise who is having a more than understandable reaction.