#Featheringtons really do stick together

[romanticvictorian]

Cressida’s redemption arc took a nose dive in Part 2. (To be fair, redemption should be the last thing on her mind when she’s faced with 4-5 pregnancies with Lord Crypt Keeper).

But the FEATHERINGTON redemption arc was a thing of beauty which I enjoyed immensely.

Portia humbled. Proud of Penelope. Comes to believe in love as she is increasingly enchanted by Polin. Thinking she was nothing like her youngest daughter, only to discover that they are both crafty, clever, ambitious survivors.

Prudence working through her initial jealousy of Penelope to be genuinely moved at the wedding, seeing her sister as lovely and having the courage and maturity to tell her so. Realizing that Penelope’s happiness is something that can be shared, not just scorned or dismissed.

Philippa’s genius idea of the “bugs” and her masterful timing of the butterfly release after Pen’s speech and tense interaction with the Queen. Hoping her daughter becomes a famous writer like her auntie.

Pen being genuinely touched and accepting of her mother and sisters trying to do better. Pen is so happy to make her sisters’ vision for the ball—in secret, no less—a reality (there is little that Pen’s earnings and Varley’s resourcefulness couldn’t accomplish). Pen allows Portia to take the credit to heal their relationship, as Prudence and Phillippa were a little hurt by the excitement of Pen’s wedding. (They were both wed when the family’s position was more precarious.)

As Part 2 progresses, Pen starts to embrace her birthright Featherington boldness (on her terms) with the increasingly rich colors and patterns in her dresses and glamorous hair and makeup.

The Dankworth/Finch Ball, with its glorious purple and orange and ostrich feathers, was the highlight of the social season. The Featheringtons are not merely gaudy—they are extravagant, exuberant, and captivating. Never dull.

In the end, the girls all have completely besotted husbands who are good, kind men and have given birth to beautiful children. The title is secure. The only place for the season to end is at Featherington House. Season 3 was their triumph.

[spaceorphan18]

The Lady Whistledown Papers: 1x04 - An Affair of Honor (Part 2)

Welcome back, Gentle Readers, to The Lady Whistledown Papers, where I’m taking an in-depth look at Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s character arcs and romance within the show Bridgerton!

For previous issues, follow tag : The Lady Whistledown Papers

Picking up where we left off, where Penelope spent her evening watching Marina dance around with Colin. Fun times, I'm sure.

Sisters

You know, I do not know how, at the minimum, Penelope's feelings weren't ever found out. She's trying to stay very calm and held in while Marina lists attributes about Colin that she's very well aware of already. He is kind and funny - that is why Penelope loves him. She does know he can dance well, she's been dancing with him, too, when she's not watching from the sidelines. And, while I have no idea - really - when Marina would have seen him with Gregory and Hyacinth, Penelope most definitely has. And she knows. She definitely knows.

As upset as she is, she's also a bit irritated. Because up until then, Colin has almost been her little secret. Sure, there have been flirtations before, but nothing ever serious. And the startling thing is now Marina sees him for the wonderful option that he is. And that stings. And is annoying at the same time.

The thing about this is that Marina is over the moon overjoyed to have found Colin. But there's a difference between Pen and Marina's feelings. I don't actually doubt that Marina is fond of Colin in this moment. That she thinks he's a pretty cool person. That he's a person she doesn't mind spending time with and maybe someday she could grow into loving him. But that isn't what matters to her in this moment. It's the fact that he's the perfect match for her situation that has excited.

And Penelope knows that, which does make it extra hard for her. Yes - there is a bit of selfishness in the fact that she is deeply in love with Colin, and she doesn't want him taken away. But she also really does care for Colin as a person, and does not want him tied to Marina under false pretenses. And thus she begins to push back.

It was important to set up Marina and Penelope as allies at first -- to show that they each found a kindred spirit in each other. Because it shows the complexity of this no-win situation. Penelope does care about Marina -- because she does care about Marina, she doesn't go to her easiest tool first -- Lady Whistledown. But it is a pivot in their relationship. And Marina doesn't seem to notice it.

Pen pushes that Colin's too young (and I think Colin is around 20 at this point?). But Marina says something really key -- that despite him being young, Colin is set on making a connection and settling down. He isn't like the rest of the guys his age who are spending their time flirting and screwing around with many girls, many of them hating the idea of marriage and being tied down. Colin is an idealistic romantic -- he wants marriage and a family and once he's got that idea in his head, he'll stick with it no matter what. Marina gets that about him.

So does Penelope, honestly, but she had always wished and hoped that maybe he'd figure it out over her. Which again, makes all of this feel like a knife to the heart.

Marina also understands his hero complex. She states outright -- did you see the way he rescued me tonight? And it'll tie in later when he admits to her -- had she come to him in the first place about the situation, he would have helped her anyway. From this point forward, Marina is going to begin to manipulate the situation in her own favor. She understands Colin well, and his own youth, naivete, and romanticism is going to be used against him.

And this is where Marina is so lost in her own fantasies of saving herself from a terrible marriage to Rutledge or some other old man or being thrown out onto the street. Her plans of having a good life are coming together and she wants Penelope to be with her on this.

Penelope feigns tiredness and climbs into bed, wanting to get away from the situation. Marina has got to know something deeper with Penelope is going on -- though how Pen's actions don't completely clue her in here, because Pen can't keep her emotions in check, is kind of funny. But Marina continues to try -- attempting to placate Pen with the idea that she and her, along with Eloise, would be sisters. It's an idea that makes the reality of Colin slipping away to her all the more real -- and all the more painful. Getting Eloise as a sister through Marina's marriage would be gut wrenching when she would be near Colin all the time and never truly be able to have him. It's a mockery of something she would like -- Eloise as a sister.

Penelope winces when she says 'imagine that' to Marina's insistence of being sisters. It's truly the worst outcome imaginable.

The minute Marina leaves, Pen straight up has a panic attack. She gets out of bed and paces around, torn between having a full on crying breakdown, while mulling it over what things she could possibly do. It's an a heart wrenching moment, for sure.

Of course, she isn't going to have that much time to process (which is key) because Eloise is throwing rocks at the window, wanting her to come down.

I have to wonder -- how many times did Pen or Eloise sneak out of their houses to go visit the other one? I feel like as children it is something they would do -- maybe meet in secret after dark. There is such a comfort and ease between the two of them, when I would think -- it'd be a bit scandalous for anyone to be meeting in the middle of the night.

Anyway... Eloise is excited that her detective work on Lady Whistledown seems to be working, and she's got new leads. Pen has humored her about the LW business up to this point, and even starts out this scene humoring her here, but while when there weren't other things weighing her down, she could take a little satisfaction of Eloise's fruitless hunt, she isn't in the mood.

As Eloise goes on about LW, Penelope grows impatient. Not helping is how Eloise describes LW -- as a woman of means, as an elderly widow who is able to do what she wants in society unincumbered. How LW has freedom and yet is able to stay invisible to society. And this pushes Pen to lash out.

Eloise is taken aback, because Eloise is the type of person to ramble on and sometimes gets so self involved she doesn't always notice what's going on with those around her. She has no clue what's going on with Pen, and was under the impression that she'd be with her on this discovery, so it's shocking -- not only that her often doormat of a friend is speaking out and cutting her off, but invalidating her interests.

Penelope throws it out that some 'silly' writer's identity isn't important. Part of it is self protection. Part of it is the fact that playing detective and playing such games does feel childish. We're reminded that Pen was pushed out into society and is being forced into that world -- a world that Eloise is not yet in nor ever desires to be. And this is really the rift that keeps coming between them.

The crux of this scene is that Pen's being forced to grow up -- forced to reconcile the reality of her life and all her dreams and fantasies with what the real world actually has in store for her. Eloise does call her out on her claims of maturity. No, Pen isn't being the most mature -- when she can't keep her emotions in check, can't keep herself from a venting tantrum or holding her back from hurling hurtful insults.

But Pen is coming to terms with adulthood.

The last bit of this argument is difficult to watch, because it's Penelope at her lowest and most scathing. Something Eloise probably doesn't see very often -- if ever.

Pen has probably held on to a lot of these deep rooted feelings for a long time. Eloise can go on and on about not wanting or needing marriage, but Penelope seeks it. For a multitude of complex reasons. Yes, a big part of it is her romantic nature -- that she loves love and love stories and marriage seems like romantic happily ever after she's always desired. But also, marriage is a form of validation -- that someone wants her. And Penelope has spent a lot of time being ignored and when she isn't, she's being ridiculed. The idea that there'd be someone to actually push against that thought, against her own inner demons of self worth, has always been a foundation of her fantasies.

The line Pen throws at Eloise about how not everyone can be a pretty Bridgerton is said out of jealousy. Something she thinks Eloise takes for granted -- even though it's a thing Eloise has pushed back against, wanting to be taken more seriously than what she looks like. In a way, it's a perfect dig at Eloise, and Pen knows it. It's a line thrown out in anger and frustration of her own situation -- if she was prettier maybe she wouldn't be in this situation, maybe she would receive love, and it's not really about Eloise at all. Of course she instantly regrets it as Eloise runs off.

And I'm glad they let Pen have these moments of ugliness. It makes her character more complex, more human, more identifiable. We all lash out, we all say things we don't fully mean, we all end up hurting people we care about. Pen and Eloise always bounce back, but there are differences between them that sometimes test their friendship.

This whole sequence is a really wonderfully done part of Pen's arc.

The Duel

This might be one of my favorite Season 1 Colin moments... The show does a pretty good job of layering in some humor even when the show is going to push in heavy with the drama.

I love that Colin is helping his mother return home safely. I'm amused that Violet is kind of trashed in the first place, tbh. But Colin is the one who will make sure everyone will get home safely. And I love the teasing nature of it -- and that Violet knows her son well enough that she can call him out on it.

But, the best part of this scene is really Anthony and Benedict hiding away in the other room. They're discussing duels and honor and Benedict taking over and it's all very serious stuff. But the minute they see Colin, it's like they're all children again as Anthony and Benedict rope Colin in. Colin's line :

Good god, did someone die?

Always has me laughing. But it's also so telling of the nature of the ABC brothers. You know that this isn't the first time that Anthony and Benedict have been up to something and have pulled in Colin, most likely, against his will. Colin's had a nice evening with a girl he likes and now his brothers are being dramatic, as they always are. I love it. And I love that Colin is always the one to bring humor to the situation.

Just as an aside, I kind of like this little, cozy study area. This is Anthony's study, I believe? And it's different than the one in Season 3. How many rooms does this place have, exactly?

Anyway, Colin and Daphne don't really get screen time together -- being in two different plot lines and all, but it's a shame they didn't explore this dynamic a little more (something you can't do when you only have 8 episodes in your TV season), especially when they're close in age, and probably did a lot of their growing up together.

So, it's fascinating that Colin is attempting to be the voice of logic and reason. He so often does not care to adhere to any of society's rules -- just that night, he danced around the room with Marina in a fanciful way that was uncontained and not following the rules of dance that society has laid out, but honor and respectability are important to him.

To Colin - Simon has dishonored Daphne, and to make it right, he'll come to his senses and marry her. That is the proper thing to do. And when Daphne pushes back against that idea (because she does know better) Colin claims that they'll both do the "gentlemanly" thing and fire wide. Because that's how you're supposed to deal with these things. With logic and not emotion.

And again, I find it such a fascinating take take that Colin believes that this is how everything will play out -- that his brother and Simon will just go through the motions of this drama and not be pushed by emotion. That their honor will win out.

Of course, Daphne does know better. She understands that emotion wins over logic -- and it's something Colin will someday understand, too. But in this moment, interestingly, it's honor and logic that gets Colin to fold. Daphne mentions that Cressida did see Daphne in the garden, and if Cressida says anything, their whole family will be ruined.

And Colin can't have that.

So he helps Daphne -- as a way to save her, save his idiot brother, save Simon, and save all of them. Colin will always try to do what he thinks the right thing is -- whether it work or not, he'll always try.

The whole duel sequence is really well done - the suspense building as Daphne and Colin ride their horses to intervene. It's visually captivating and the tension is brought so high.

The drama of it all!

But I think, watching this back from a post-Season 3 perspective (and as someone who prefers Colin to Simon) there's such an interesting contrast here.

And it's been hard to put into words - I've been thinking on it for a good twenty minutes now, and not quite coming up with the best way to put it.

Honor is a key thing to this time period and this society, and Simon understands that as well as Colin does. But when it comes to matters of the heart, they deviate considerably. Simon would rather die protecting the honor of his word to his father, than to admit he has feelings for Daphne. Colin, meanwhile, would die if he was unable to express the feelings of his heart. There's more honor in being true to oneself.

Simon is the expectation of society. He is stoic and distant and guarded. He plays the roles society expects him to play. And is protective of his affections in a way that's deemed acceptable. Eventually -- Colin's bleeding heart will get stomped on and he'll try to be a Simon, only to realize that he isn't that kind of person, and never will be.

Alright then -- half way through Season 1! :)

[funemployed-fangirl]

Modern Bridgerton AU

Benedict & Sophie

Benedict does the “good second son thing” and goes to Yale (where his dad went), gets his MBA, and goes to work at the family company to help his brother. But it’s not really what he wants to be doing. And even though he’s miserable at the company, he sticks with it to support his brother. He starts to develop a painting hobby, though no one in the family knows.

Sophie has a rough background, having been through the not-so-great parts of the foster care system. Once she graduates high school, she works her ass off to put herself through college, mostly working as a nanny for rich New York families. Once she graduates, she gets a job as a live-in nanny for one of those families. It’s not what she wants to be doing, but this is New York City and taking care of rich people’s kids is good money, especially when your other expenses are practically zero.

After a couple years, she runs into Colin Bridgerton in her employer’s building (it happens to be the same building where the Featheringtons live, and Colin is heading in to see his college bestie Penelope while on break), and he invites her to a party that’s happening that night. While at that party, she meets Benedict. They spend the entire night together in a quiet corner of the party, but she ends up leaving abruptly after spotting someone who will know who she is.

A couple of years later, Sophie is now a household manager for a new family. When heading home one night she gets accosted by a couple of drunk frat bros, only for Benedict to step in and help escort her home. They recognize each other from the party two years prior, and perhaps despite better judgement, start seeing each other. 

Benedict has never been much of a relationship guy, so keeps insisting/acting like this thing with Sophie is a casual hook-up situation. But casual hook-up situations rarely include midnight rooftop dinners, or private gallery showings, or meeting members of the family (look, the man is clearly head over heels in love, and not being particularly subtle about it). Finally, Sophie puts her foot down and tells him to get his head out of his ass or they're over. Benedict panics, insists he’s only looking for something casual, and they break up.

He makes the mistake of telling his family about the break-up. His mother is devastated. Daphne and Kate are pissed when they find out about the break-up. Hyacinth is inconsolable. Everyone loves Sophie, and they’re not going to let Benedict make a stupid mistake like break-up with the woman he is clearly in love with. It’s at this point Benedict gets a call from Sophie - she’s been arrested, and “I didn’t know who else to call. I need your help.”

Her employers are going through a nasty divorce and can’t afford to keep her on, so they decide to fire her. But in the shuffle, something goes missing from their apartment and Sophie gets arrested for theft. Benedict comes to her rescue, bailing her out of jail and reminding everyone that “My sister-in-law is a lawyer!”. Turns out, whatever was “stolen” has actually just been misplaced in the shuffle of moving the husband’s stuff out of the apartment.

Benedict promptly leaves the family business (though he maintains his seat on the board and almost always shows up for board meetings), and he and Sophie move to some adorable small town in Connecticut, where Benedict takes up painting full-time (turns out he’s pretty good) and Sophie runs a small art gallery. They’re just far enough away from the city that the family doesn’t visit too often (“You’re like 2 hours away. We have to drive!”), but the nieces and nephews LOVE going for long weekends at Aunt Sophie and Uncle Benedict’s house. They have a pool!

more (x)

[dollypopup]

look i get bton has set up some seeds (ba dum tiss?) that polin will be the pairing in the Featherington Family to have a male heir first (and it's popular in the fandom as an endgame for them) and thus will inherit the estate but

consider the following:

they find out about it and go 'ahahahah NOPE' and thus become co-conspirators to get Pru or Phillipa preggo before them. because with inheriting the estate. . .what they really inherit is the debt. and neither of them are eager for that anytime soon

so one storyline is that they're on a mission to get Prudence there first so they're always out here making very thinly veiled insinuations at PruDank and make up excuses and schemes so they're alone with each other. Penelope takes the lead for this particular side of the scheme, but they're definitely in kahoots. like Colin will lead Dankworth to places and Penelope will do the same for Prudence and whoops, look at that, what a good time for the two of you to make an heir and Penelope's there in Prudence's ear like it should be you, you're the oldest, it's your right, wouldn't you want to lord it over Phillipa forever? like the devil on her shoulder and constantly hyping her sister up because please, god, don't let it be her, she doesn't want it to be her, she is a grand total of 19 years old and she wants to fuck her husband consequence free, and she can't do this chastity shit, it's not reasonable, so Prudence, time to hop on that horse! let's up and at 'em, sis

and the other is Colin coming to Albion like 'soooooooo. . .I have to ask. . .how have you managed it?' and he's like 'managed what?' 'to be married for two years and not have a baby. I mean, I'm a newly married man and I'd like to. . .enjoy my wife before we start a family. I have to know your secret' and Albion is just there going 'huh? what secret? we've just being doing it normal?' so Colin's very concerned like 'oh no, what if i've offended him? what if they can't have kids???' and Albion and him keep talking until it becomes clear that, wait, hang on, what do you mean by normal and it finally comes out that the reason Phillipa always seems like she's got a stick up her bum is because she does so he's like 'oh fuck, oh no, oh no no no, i can't be the one to inform him that's not the way to make a baby' ala: 'you are putting it in the right place?' and he's white as a ghost like 'so very sorry, i think i left my cat on the stove, i have to go'

and Colin and Penelope come together at the end of all their schemes like 'well. . .there goes Plan A. . .and B. . .and C through G' as Penelope frantically wonders if she can get Gen to pull Prudence aside and Colin is contemplating which of his brothers he can bribe enough to have the 'So, women have multiple holes' discussion w/' Albion because he refuses to be the one to do it

meanwhile, Portia is out here making potions to try to get one of her daughters to have a baby because thus far, she's batting 0 for 3, and Polin's schemes somehow always end up in direct opposition to her schemes, thus canceling out each time

tell me that wouldn't be the funniest shit you've ever watched on this show

[sleepyfireball]

A Quiet Acceptance of Love | A Bridgerton Story

Chapter 2: Steady

Fandom: Bridgerton (TV) Rating: Gen Pairing: Violet Bridgerton/Marcus Anderson Summary: Violet Bridgerton slowly but surely falls in love with Marcus Anderson. A character study of Violet Bridgerton in Season 3. Notes: I only lasted 2 days before I realised I have no self-control and I just wanted to share this next chapter with you guys! Enjoy! I'll try to stick to weekly updates from now on. Chapter 1 AO3

St. James’ Park really was beautiful during the summer. Violet found herself walking along the riverside, ten steps behind Francesca and Lord Kilmartin, soaking up the summer sun as she went. She watched as the two walked, no longer just in companionable silence but talking to each other. Violet smiled at some of the other members of the ton who were also promenading, before returning her contemplation to her two ‘young people’ as she had called them, to Marcus -Lord Anderson. Although, that had been Francesca and Lord Samadani, but the point still stood.

Here she was, desperately trying to avoid interfering so that she could allow Francesca to find her happiness for herself. She certainly had some doubts about this pairing, despite being able to see Francesca was happy. Lord Kilmartin was incredibly similar to Francesca, in the way that they could both be reserved. Violet had thought that Francesca would be able to find someone to coax her out of her shell, but instead she had found Lord Kilmartin, a member of the most reserved family in the ton, hailing from Scotland.

As she continued to follow the pair, she spotted Lord Anderson walking through the park, taking in the beautiful sunshine as well. She felt her heart swell, just a little, seeing him, but he did not appear to have seen her. She kept walking, allowing her attention to wander to other things as she did so, until she had stopped, ten steps behind as always, when she heard her name being called in Lord Anderson’s deep voice.

“Lady Bridgerton.” She turned to her left, where the voice was coming from, to see Lord Anderson walking towards her, his smile present on his face as he approached her. “What a lovely surprise to see you out here today.” Violet smiled in response, bowing her head.

“Lord Anderson.” Violet allowed her joy to inflect her tone, “It is a fine day for a stroll, indeed.” She gestured to where Francesca and Lord Kilmartin were standing in step ahead of her. “I am chaperoning for my daughter. You remember Francesca?” Violet said, as an explanation for her walking in the park.

“Indeed, I do. Although, is that a different suitor?” Lord Anderson chuckled quietly as he turned to her with a questioning look on his face.

“Ah, you are quite perceptive. That is Lord Kilmartin. He has been courting Francesca since the Innovations Ball, but Francesca only seemed to seriously consider him after the Queen’s Ball.” Violet looked toward the pair, seeing the two had begun to walk again. Boldly, Violet motioned toward the pair and asked, “Would you like to walk with me, Lord Anderson?”

“I would enjoy that.” Lord Anderson fell instep beside her and they walked together. “So, Francesca is finding her match. I also hear that your son is engaged to be married to Miss Penelope Featherington. My sister was quite pleased to learn of the match.”

“As was I, Lord Anderson. Miss Featherington has been dear to the family for years and she and Colin, particularly, have always been close. So, to learn they are engaged, well, I was quite excited.” She smiled shyly, glancing at him briefly to find him watching her quite intently. “There is to be an engagement ball at Bridgerton House later during the week. My daughter, Kate, who is my eldest son’s wife, and I have been busy organising it.” Violet spared another glance at Lord Anderson, to find him still looking at her, with affection in his eyes. Emboldened by his look, Violet took a plunge. “You would be most welcome to come if you so desired.” Violet watched Francesca and Lord Kilmartin, not daring to look at Lord Anderson, for fear of seeing rejection clouding his eyes.

“I would like that.” At his words, Violet looked up at him, to see that he was looking at the path, but a smile was gracing his features. She turned her gaze to Francesca and Lord Kilmartin, seeing that they had stopped, and it appeared that Lord Kilmartin was saying goodbye.

“Well, Lord Anderson, I shall ensure you receive an invitation, and I look forward to seeing you at the engagement ball.” Violet turned to Lord Anderson as she spoke, the two of them having stopped when the couple ahead had.

“As do I.” Lord Anderson bowed his head, Violet mirroring him as they parted ways. Before rejoining Francesca, Violet turned back to watch Lord Anderson, with a small smile on her face.

***

So far, the engagement party was shaping up to be a success. Violet had been absolutely ecstatic to welcome Penelope into the Bridgerton family, officially. To be entirely honest, Violet had thought of Penelope as her own daughter ever since she and Eloise had become fast friends.

Violet had watched as the poor girl was a wallflower, season after season. So, when she had realised that Colin was in love with Penelope, it warmed Violet’s heart. She had given him a slight push the night of the Queen’s ball, and he had returned that same night and announced the engagement.

Violet had insisted on having the engagement celebrations at Bridgerton House and had worked closely with Kate to ensure that everything went smoothly. So, she was pleased to see it all working out, and she was more than happy to relinquish hostess duties to Kate, at least for the night. Violet knew she would have to step back from viscountess duties eventually, but she was struggling to do so, especially with Kate and Anthony taking another honeymoon and only arriving back the morning of Colin’s engagement.

Violet watched as Penelope and her mother entered from the balcony above the ballroom that doubled as the entranceway and watched as Colin immediately darted over to Penelope. She could see it, clear as day, the love in his eyes matched the love that had once shone through Edmund’s eyes for her. Colin was becoming more and more of his father’s son. Even if he may not be able to recognise it, Violet could, and it made her heart pine for Edmund. As she was letting herself slip into nostalgia, she heard the tap of a familiar cane against the hardwood floors.

“Agatha!” Violet spun around to greet her.

“Violet.” Agatha’s voice was warm as the two smiled at each other, Agatha coming to join her at the balcony edge.

“I was just watching everything happening.” Violet gestured to the party below. “I am most pleased that Colin and Penelope are engaged. I have not had a chance to ask what you think of the match.” She turned to Agatha slightly, nervousness seeping into her frame.

Agatha turned to look at her, happiness and pride, maybe, showing on her face. “Oh, Violet, just because we did not organise this one does not mean I think they are undeserving. Watch them.” She said, gesturing to the pair. Violet turned to watch as Colin and Penelope walked through the ballroom together, arm in arm. “They are clearly enamoured with each other. Anyone who questions their match is a fool.” Violet hummed in agreement as Agatha continued.  “And all she had to do to get him to marry her was be herself.” Violet let her pride shine through for her soon-to-be daughter as she and Agatha settled into their regular repartee. 

“She is an extraordinary young woman.” Violet said, feeling contentment wash over her. As Agatha laughed in agreement, Violet turned to face her, happy to see the pride in her face too, when she saw a flicker of movement in her peripheral vision. She turned entirely to see Marcus -Lord Anderson- approaching the two of them, smiling broadly. 

Violet suddenly stiffened. Though she had become more comfortable around Lord Anderson after their impromptu promenade a few days ago, she still had not had a chance to speak to Agatha about it all, especially after how she had reacted when the two first met. Despite herself, Violet offered him a happy grin as he approached.

“Lady Bridgerton.” His voice washed over Violet warmly as he stopped in front of her.

“Lord Anderson, welcome.” Violet bowed her head, laughing softly as she greeted him. Violet reached for the bannister with her hand, to ground herself slightly for the coming conversation that she had a distinct feeling would be uncomfortable for all parties involved.

“Marcus, I did not realise that you were coming tonight.” Agatha looked back over her shoulder to Lord Anderson, disdain coming off her in waves so strong that Violet could practically feel it.

“We ran into each other out promenading the other day.” Violet said quickly in explanation, trying rather desperately to diffuse the tension before it could settle. Hoping to find a more friendly demeanour, Violet turned towards Lord Anderson, pretending the tension was not an excuse to look at him once more.

“A happy coincidence.” Lord Anderson interjected, smiling, seemingly unaffected by Agatha’s frosty welcome. Violet was rather thrown by how genuine his happiness seemed, directed fully toward her. She grinned.

“Indeed,” she replied, happiness inflecting her tone, as she nodded toward him. Despite whatever Agatha may be thinking, it was clear to Violet that Lord Anderson was beginning to properly seek her out at these events, rather than just running into each other accidentally. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach begin to stir. 

Lord Anderson turned toward Agatha, who, Violet could tell, was less than impressed about their friendship. She faced Agatha, wishing to keep her friend’s attention on her, wishing to save Marcus from a severe dressing down later, not that Violet would admit that to anyone but herself. She spoke up. “And I invited him.” Violet inhaled sharply and turned away as the smile slid from her face. 

She had assumed, after their discussions of Violet’s… garden over the winter, that Agatha would recognise how she was feeling and not interfere in what she must have known to be a rather delicate process for Violet. However, it appeared her support only extended as far as the men that Agatha felt comfortable being involved with Violet. Clearly, this did not include her estranged brother. Violet’s hands would not stay still as she nervously waited for someone to say something, anything, so she preoccupied herself with the flowers that were perched on the bannister.

“I see.” Agatha still did not sound happy at the prospect, but at least she was being cordial. After all, so many years in the ton had to teach one something, yes? Violet grasped the bannister again, not daring to look at Agatha or Lord Anderson until Agatha spoke again. “Well, to the… happy couple.” It was unlike Agatha to not know what to say, but it would seem that this was an uncomfortable situation for the three of them. Violet saw Agatha take a heavy drink after her impromptu toast. She turned to smile at Lord Anderson, pleased to see that he was not put off by Agatha’s clear wariness.

Violet felt like she was at an impasse. Here was her best friend, who seemed wholly unhappy at the thought that Violet could harbour any kind of affection for Lord Anderson at all. And here was Lord Anderson himself, clearly trying to seek her out at the party that she had invited him to. Violet was stuck between the two and, thinking of nothing else to say, she turned back to the party below and hummed thoughtfully.

“Well, I really should be returning to the party.” Violet escaped the uncomfortable situation as politely as she could. She turned a smile toward Agatha and bowed her head toward Lord Anderson, who returned it as she walked past him, trying to avoid rushing too much. As she left, she heard Agatha echo her sentiments and she could hear the tap of Agatha’s cane against the floor, following her down the stairs. As she reached the ground floor, Violet ducked into the study to have a brief moment of respite before rejoining the party. 

As she closed the door softly behind her, she heard the telltale clack of Agatha’s cane and silently sighed in relief that she would be able to avoid that conversation for tonight at least. It is not like I am avoiding her entirely, she reasoned, although, even to herself, that sounded a little flat. 

As she turned to the rest of the study, she spied Edmund’s old pocket watch sitting on Anthony’s desk. She picked it up, remembering Colin’s thoughtful gift from his travels, of a new pocket watch for herself. She turned the watch over in her hand, feeling the smooth edges of it, with the occasional scratch and scuff, accumulated from the 20 years of use it had seen. She had gifted it to Edmund on their 10th wedding anniversary and it had become Anthony’s when Edmund had passed. She brought the watch close to her heart, allowing herself to feel a little closer to Edmund through it. She always carried him with her in her heart, but having a tangible object from him could make it a little easier at times.

“Oh, Edmund, how I wish you were still here,” Violet whispered into the darkness around her. “You would have been thrilled to see how far our children have come.” As she spoke, she felt tears pricking her eyes. She blinked rapidly, returning the pocket watch to its resting position on the desk and taking a couple of deep breaths as she composed herself. She really should return to the party, Agatha would be wondering where she had gotten to, not to mention the rest of her family. 

As she rested her hand on the door handle, she steeled herself for the conversation she would inevitably need to have with Agatha one day if she truly wished to pursue anything with Marcus. Violet took comfort in knowing that Edmund would want her to be happy, however she could be. He had, after all, told her as much right before he confessed his love for her the first time. She took one fortifying breath and turned the handle, rejoining the party.

As Violet stepped out, she spotted Agatha in conversation with Anthony, with Lord Anderson hovering nearby. While he was being polite to the guests, it was clear that he was not enjoying himself, so Violet walked over to him, to save him from this fate.

“Lord Anderson.” Violet allowed her affection to inflect her tone, to help ease him. After all, that was her job as co-hostess for the evening, and she enjoyed it anyway. As he turned toward her, a broad smile graced his features.

“Lady Bridgerton. I am quite enjoying the party. You have impeccable taste, as does your daughter.” He gestured toward Kate, who was making the rounds for the guests.

“Indeed. She is a wonderful addition to the family,” Violet leaned in conspiratorially, “And a wonderful match for Anthony as well. She has helped him soften, much to Francesca’s luck for the season. My eldest daughter, Daphne, had quite a bit of trouble when she was out because Anthony was quite overbearing.” Lord Anderson chuckled quietly with Violet, who did not wish to alert Anthony to their conversation.

“I cannot blame him. If I could have done anything to help my sister, I would have done that too.” Lord Anderson looked quietly pensive for a moment. Violet turned toward him, about to ask, when he flashed her a sad smile and said, “Anyway, you have guests that I shall let you see to.”

“Oh, no, please, stay. I cannot leave you on your own after I was the one to invite you here.” Violet protested, placing a hand on his arm quickly. Even through his coat, she could feel the warmth emanating from him. She pulled her arm back, the memory of his touch electrifying. She fiddled with the stem of her champagne glass, looking down as she did so, so that she had something to do with her hands.

“That is most kind of you.” Lord Anderson responded quietly, prompting her to look up at him, to see a small smile on his face as he gestured to the approaching guests. Violet stood comfortably with Agatha, Anthony, and Lord Anderson as she greeted guests. Whatever Agatha did not like about Lord Anderson, she seemed willing to put it aside for the sake of the ton, and their reputations, allowing Violet to have discussions with both siblings throughout the night.

[sea-owl]

I really want a time travel au where only the bridgertons remember and turn yandere. the spouses get forced to make an alliance as all the weird stuff happening. Which causes the bridgertons to think that they may remember but they don't

Sorry if this makes no sense 😅

We just adding yanderes to all the aus. 😂 I love it. This is like my third time travel au too.

I can see it, though. The Bridgertons are all living their happily ever afters with their spouses and kids. Then, one day, they wake up, and it's 1813 again, right before the start of the season. They're not even in London. They're at Aubrey Hall.

Cue mass panic and outrage.

They want their fucking spouses damn it!

Anthony, Colin, and Daphne immediately set out to head back to London. London is where Simon and Penelope will be. It's also where Anthony can make preparations before he drags Kate back from India. If it's before she's supposed to come in 1814, he doesn't care. He refuses to be without his viscountess.

Benedict heads to My Cottage to make sure everything is set up for Sophie before he pulls her out of Lady Gunningworth's clutches.

Then you have the younger four in a huff because they don't even get the chance to go look for their spouses. Even if Eloise found Phillip, which she suspected was Cambridge, he still would have to marry Maria so the twins would be born. Michael was in the military at this point in time, and Francesca didn't even know where he was stationed. Gregory and Hyacinth couldn't even leave the house without supervision much less travel to Eton or run in the streets to look for the young Lucy.

Meanwhile, back in London, Daphne and Colin were out shopping though really they were planning how to seduce their spouses, when they passed by two courtesanas, one who giggled about her previous night with the Duke of Hastings. The other one gossiped about the new debutants and who she thinks will eventually join them. "I have money on the third Featherington girl, most gentlemen would bed a figure like her's but never wed."

Colin and Daphne lose it, and two courtseans are found dead two days later.

Anthony didn't even blink when he found them burning bloody clothes.

The season begins, and something odd happens.

Not only are Simon and Penelope there, but so are Kate, Sophie, Michael, and Phillip! And they're all sticking to one another!

Do they, do they remember, too?

Please remember, the Bridgertons are barely holding it together with all these unworthy harlots and rakes near their loves.

[thekatebridgerton]

Bunty aur Babli AU with Bridgerton couples

You know I’m glad I’m not the only one that has a thing for any movie Rani Mukerji is in, because it makes me feel validated as a fan. This is a funnier version of the classic Bonnie and Clyde dynamic. Which I loved.

This one would have made a super good Polin au, where Anthony gives Colin an ultimatum of either get a serious job or be disinherited, and Portia likewise tells Penelope that she either gets married to a random old suitor or she’s going to be kicked out of the house. So both Colin and Penelope get the brilliant idea of running away from home on the same day, and find each other on the same ship to America. Colin of course can’t let Penelope travel alone, and proposes that they stick together as friends until they make their fortune in America and return home rich.

Easier said than done. Turns out that when you’re nobility and your practical skills amount to very little in the new world, finding work is easier said than done. That is until Colin and Penelope team up to get revenge on some business man who fooled Colin into giving away a family keepsake, and in the process of recovering the heirloom and getting the businessman thrown into jail they discover that they are both very talented at conning people.

So Penelope proposes that they simply make some money tricking the rich, until they make enough to go back to England and buy themselves a piece of land. With her Lady Whistledown skills of sussing out information and Colin charm, it’s easy to wear a disguise and pretend to be some Nigerian Prince that needs a thousand pounds. Or some fortune teller that can communicate with the dead and needs a wealthy widow to deed Colin half her fortune. Why can’t Penelope pretend to be the long lost daughter of a politician, if the politician had affairs behind his wife back, then that’s his fault.

Turns out that the more money they make, the less they want to go back to England, despite the fact that Penelope knows that Colin’s elder brother has sent bow street runners to track them down and bring them home. Colin instead thinks that he would rather start his own family with her, the woman who has quickly become the love of his life and not only his partner in crime. In all her life Penelope believed that she wasn’t destined for adventure, but an adventure with Colin is really all she’s ever wanted. Not only because she has always been inlove with him but also because he compliments her mischievous nature perfectly. And really what they do isn’t that bad, people are giving their money willingly, with a little con men persuasion sure, but it’s not like Penelope is helping Colin rob a bank. Getting married is only going to make the adventure more fun and she is helpless to resist him. Just as he is helpless to resist her.

I like to think that Anthony eventually catches them before the police does, and they are forced to give up their life of crime and return to England. With some very heavy string pulling on both the Featherington and Bridgerton side to avoid being recongized in England as wanted criminals in America. But Colin and Penelope never truly give up mastermind ways, and still sneak out to con a noble or two every once in a while.

And that’s the tea

[roseguided]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐄'𝐒 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓, 𝐀 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄 pressing against her lips where a frown had previous been. hands fold in her lap, eyes focused on the greenery before them where both young women sat in the featherington garden. before francesca penelope had only truly found a friend in her sister eloise . . but, without that friendship she felt somewhat isolated as of late. had their conversation at the party really made such a difference ? for whatever reaoning penelope is glad to have someone like minded, someone who she could turn to.

@francescca said, " IF WE STICK TOGETHER, WHO KNOWS WHAT WE'LL DO. "

head turns to regard the other with smile still present. ❛ do you truly believe so ? ❜ asked penelope with as hopeful tone as she could manage. ❛ i've done all i can so far to attract the eyes of suitors, but it seems that with every good step forward i end up doing something to . . make myself take two steps back. ❜ or those around her like cressida who ruined her dress, embarassed her before lord debling. ❛ would it be too . . forward to consider you my friend, francesca ? ❜

[musical-shit-show]

could have danced all night

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x Reader Inspiration: Prompts #2 (“apparently all our friends have a bet going that we end up together.”) #14 (“when i’m not with you, it’s almost like…i can’t breathe.”) and #41 (“i may or may not have left some…marks.”) Warnings: sexual references, kissing, meddling siblings, fluffy fluff Word Count: 3,733 Author’s Note: This is my first request! Big shout out to @acmbooksandfilm​ for sending this in, I had a lot of fun writing it. Also, apologies on it taking a bit to get out, writing has gotten difficult as my real adult job has slowly turned my brain to mush. But, if you would still like to send in a request, feel free! My DMs and Askbox is always open, even though it may take a little longer to complete requests. And as always, check out my Masterlist, About Me page, and Prompt Lists. Thanks for all the love on my other one shots and enjoy!

“Colin, enough,” Benedict huffed as he threw on his shiny black tailcoat, “Surely you have better things to do than pester me about my love life.” Anthony, Benedict, and Colin often crossed paths when getting ready for the numerous events of the season, and now the younger Bridgerton brother was doing everything to get on his elder sibling’s last nerve.

“I’m merely pointing out the obvious, Benedict,” Colin said smugly, straightening his cravat as he looked at himself in the mirror. He couldn’t help but flash a mischievous smile at his reflection, “Practically everyone in the ton knows about you two, what’s the harm in proposing?”

“What on God’s green earth are you two talking about?” Anthony strode into the room, closing the door in the likely event that Colin said something inappropriate and scandalized one of their younger sisters or, heaven forbid, their mother.

Benedict couldn’t help but flush. Yes, he was close enough with his brothers to discuss all matters surrounding women, but it felt wrong for him to talk about you. Especially when your relationship wasn’t meant to be any sort of relationship whatsoever.

It had started out innocently enough; you had been close with his younger sister Eloise and Penelope Featherington for years, acting as surrogate older sister on account of you being several years older than them. You were also friendly with Daphne and Simon Bassett, and often had tea with the pair when they weren’t off performing their duties as the Duke and Duchess of Hastings.

In truth, you knew Benedict the least out of the Bridgertons who had or were close to coming of age, and was shocked when he requested to have his name written on your dance card at the first ball of the season. When it came time to dance, you had expected Benedict to act shy at first; but after some coaxing from you, he won you over almost instantly with his wit and humor.

He only asked to dance with you once more at that particular event, not wanting to be improper. However, it was clear from the way the two of you looked at each other that there was a spark.

“No one,” Benedict said, almost too quickly, “Our brother is just sticking his nose into affairs that aren’t his own, as usual.” Anthony rolled his eyes, thoroughly unamused by his younger siblings’ bickering. The three of them strode down the stairs of their home and seized a carriage so that the conversation could continue in private.

“So…” Colin drawled, “It is an affair, then?”

“You know that’s not what I meant at all.”

“A slip of the tongue, perhaps? You know, brother, you must choose your words more carefully—"

“Mark my words, Colin Bridgerton; I will kill you in this very carriage if—”

“Will the two of you, please,” Anthony huffed, feeling a migraine coming on, “Benedict, is this about who I think it is about…?” Colin nodded fervently, but Benedict remained stone-faced. He hated keeping things from his family, especially his brothers. But he couldn’t risk tarnishing your name, not after what had transpired between you two.

It wasn’t meant to happen. When Benedict had snuck off one night to another one of Sir Granville’s soirées, he was shocked to see you there, wearing a tightly-laced corset, undergarments, and practically nothing else. As soon as you saw him, your eyes widened to the size of your mother’s best teacup saucers. Without thinking, you grabbed him and pulled him into the nearest empty room.

“Benedict, wha—what are you doing here?!” he remembered you asking him, utterly flustered. His eyes drifted to the sheer robe draped over your shoulders, the fabric floating gently with your every movement.

“I could very well ask you the same question!” he attempted to whisper, now distracted by how your corset pushed up your bosom considerably, “How do you even know about these, um, parties?” For a moment, you hesitated, unsure of what to say as Benedict’s pale blue eyes bore into yours.

You sighed, resigning to come clean, “Genevieve—Madame Delacroix—she told me about them. I confided in her about my father’s money troubles,” you felt the tears start to well up, but could not bear to cry in front of Benedict in the state you found yourself in, “I barely have any money for a dowry to find a suitable husband, and Genevieve and Sir Granville are familiar so…I work when I can and just make the guests feel comfortable—you know, offer them drinks, tobacco, the like—but I provide nothing more than hospitality.”

You felt that you needed to make that distinction to Benedict. Though you suspected that any chance with him was gone now that he had discovered your secret, you wanted to at least maintain part of your reputation, “Granville is generous enough and I could not be more grateful,” you continued, pulling the nearly translucent robe tightly around your body, “And these parties are so secretive that I thought, perhaps, I could scrounge enough money together before the end of the season before I was discovered. Clearly not.”

You couldn’t help but laugh dryly, but Benedict stared at you, his expression earnest, “You need not worry about that,” he breathed, “I won’t tell a soul.” You absentmindedly bit your bottom lip, chewing nervously on a bit of broken skin. Could he really be trusted? Yes, you had crossed paths over the last few weeks, exchanging pleasantries and the occasional flirtatious glance, but would Benedict be able to keep your secret?

“Thank you, Mr. Bridgerton,” you replied coyly, deciding that you didn’t have a choice in the matter, “Perhaps I will be able to repay you one day.” A sly smile spread across Benedict’s face, his eyes flickering to the locked door. Though the party was continuing on the other side, you two had remained virtually undisturbed.

Feeling bold, he traced his fingers over your collarbone, instantly sending a chill down your spine, “Perhaps…you could repay me now?” he posited, trying his best not to sound like a complete and utter rake, “Only if you wish to, of course.” Despite your best efforts, you could feel a palpable spark that had been building between the two of you over the past few weeks. And you had grown tired of restraining your impulses any longer.

Gently, you placed a soft kiss on his lips. Your eyes fluttered shut and Benedict cupped your face with his hand, his grip surprisingly tender. His free arm wrapped around your body smoothly, pulling you flush against him. You frantically thought through the consequences of someone discovering you with a Bridgerton, but you were too preoccupied with removing Benedict’s clothing to pay much mind…

“Benedict!” Anthony snapped his younger brother out of his reverie as the carriage slowed to a stop, “Would you get your head out of the clouds and tell me what’s going on?” Benedict stared at him, utterly panic stricken. He had kept your secret for nearly a month now, and during that time the two of you had gotten even closer, both in the eyes of the ton and after nightfall in your bedchamber.

Benedict’s mind almost drifted to the night he had shared with you only hours before, but focused on the task at hand, “You needn’t worry your pretty little head, brother,” he said coolly, “I have it all under control.” Anthony looked as if he were going to be sick, and Colin smiled with devilish glee. The three brothers clamored out of the carriage and made their way into the bustling ballroom, more of their family trailing close behind.

Benedict could hear Eloise whine as Lady Bridgerton attempted to smooth down her hair, and he felt a small pang of guilt for not coming to his sister’s aid against their mother’s incessant prodding. But now, he had more pressing matters at hand; namely, what in the hell he was going to say to you now that his brothers were onto him.

He spotted you from across the hall, his heart fluttering with every step he took in your direction. He noticed that you were wearing an intricately laced shawl that was tied tightly across your chest, completely covering your collarbone and much of your breast. Benedict felt himself frown slightly, then immediately scold himself for being improper at a society function; surely, you need not show your bosom to the entire ton in order to draw the eye of him and a number of other suitors.

You were conversing with Penelope and Lady Featherington when he finally approached you, eyes wide with fear, “Hello,” he said politely, giving a slight nod to Penelope and her mother, “Is there a spot open for my name on your card?” You quirked an eyebrow, giving him a smirk as you removed the card from your wrist.

“Why of course, Mr. Bridgerton,” you replied in an equally cordial manner. Heaven forbid Portia Featherington get a whiff of your affair; you’d be certain your name would be splashed across Lady Whistledown’s pamphlet before you’d wake the next morning, “In fact, you are the first gentleman to ask, so you may have the first dance. If you are not otherwise engaged, that is.” He shook his head and his eyes gleamed as he returned your card to your delicately gloved hand.

Despite his anxiety being astronomically high, Benedict was delighted that he was able to dance with you so early in the evening. He always thought of you as a fluid dancer, light on your feet as the two of you would glide across the ballroom. He often found himself not being able to take his eyes off you, the lively music and judgmental crowd fading away the moment he embraced you.

More importantly, he wanted to speak to you about the precarious situation you found yourselves in. It was only a matter of time until either Anthony or Colin pried the truth out of him, and he wouldn’t let the news spread across all of London society, besmirching your good name. He cared about you too much to allow such a wretched thing to happen.  

A few moments later, all of the couples were signaled that the first dance was to begin. Benedict shot a glance to Colin, who had been talking Anthony’s ear off since they arrived. Now, the two of them were staring him down, whispering like schoolboys. He refrained from scoffing and instead took your hand gently, pulling you into his tall frame as the music began.

You instantly noticed the nervous and almost pained expression splashed across Benedict’s face, and you furrowed your brow in worry. However, you decided your best course of action was to try and alleviate the tension he must’ve been feeling, “I see you haven’t taken a liking to my shawl,” you remarked, a sly smile dancing on your lips, “I will have to tell my sister she has dreadful taste.”

Benedict ripped his eyes from his brothers’ stares and produced a small chuckle at your teasing. He realized he’d much rather converse with you than worry about what Anthony and Colin were up to, “No, it’s uh—it is, quite lovely,” he countered, lowering his voice, “Though I would prefer to see more of you, of course.” You raised an eyebrow, impressed by his boldness.

“I believe you saw plenty last night, Mr. Bridgerton,” you posited, weaponizing his own name against him, “In fact, I suppose you could blame yourself for my more…conservative attire, wouldn’t you agree?”

Benedict couldn’t help but flush, but cleared his throat to attempt to keep up with your rather scandalous banter, “Yes, well…I suppose…” he stuttered, “I may or may not have left some…marks.” He spun you, watching as your dress moved gracefully around your body and fluttered behind you as you gripped his arm once more.

You searched the panicked expression on his face. Surely, he only knew you were teasing, so why did he look like he was on the brink of sickness? “Benedict, why are you acting so strange?” you asked, attempting to keep the mood light while searching for information, “You’re not falling in love with me, are you?”

Benedict swallowed, attempting to maintain his composure. Besides the looming threat of every affluent family in Mayfair uncovering your secret, he was also painfully aware of how nervous you had been making him over the past weeks. The way your smile lit up every room, the way your eyes sparkled playfully, the way your laugh made his heart do a somersault.

“It’s just as well,” you continued, not waiting for him to answer your rhetorical question, “I overheard Colin and Pen whispering earlier, and Simon and Daphne as well. Apparently, all our friends have a bet going that we end up together.” He sighed, a little relieved that you had caught onto his family’s shenanigans before he worried you unnecessarily. He couldn’t help but appreciate your perceptive nature.

“Believe me, Colin and Daphne may be my siblings, but they are not my friends right now,” he joked nervously, only half-kidding, “And Anthony is on dangerously thin ice. It appears my family can’t help but get involved in matters that do not concern them.” You giggled, causing Benedict’s heart to swell. He was growing more infatuated with you by the second.

“I wish my family cared half as much as yours does,” you say, a twinge of sadness in your voice, “They are all so wonderful, and I’m sure they are just being protective.” Benedict nodded, heartened by the kindness and understanding you were showing to his siblings. You already got along quite well with Eloise and Daphne, and you were always courteous to his mother while still being able to hold your own when conversing with Anthony or Colin.

As the dance came to an end, Benedict had begun to realize his affection for you. Not just physically; yes, your first encounter at Sir Granville’s had brought you two together faster than he had ever expected. It was reckless, intimate, and completely wonderful, but getting to know you, without dozens of uppity members of high society leering at your every move, was more valuable than any nights you had spent together.

And he decided in that moment, as your hand released from his and you both bowed respectfully, that he could not bear to spend one more day without you by his side. But he could not profess his love in front of God and everyone, least of all his family; he quickly surmised that he must wait until a moment presented itself.

You were quickly whisked away by your mother, unable to even say a proper thank you and goodbye. But as your eyes met his blue ones, you couldn’t help but notice how they were sparkling in the candlelight, and you felt a twinge of melancholy. You cared for Benedict, but feared it was only a matter of time before your affair ended and he was married to another disgustingly wealthy aristocrat. You gave him a fleeting smile before getting dragged to the other side of the ballroom.

As you turned away from him, Benedict felt two hands grasping each of his arms, one hand belonging to each of his meddling brothers, “I knew it!” Colin whisper-yelled as he and Anthony pulled their love-struck sibling into a secluded corner of the lavish hall, “You know, you really aren’t fooling anyone, Ben.”

“How do you mean?” Benedict asked nervously in one last ditch effort to conceal the truth. He shouldn’t have bothered; his brothers had seen how smitten he was with you, and soon the entire ton would be abuzz with salacious gossip if he did not make his move that very evening.

“Benedict,” Anthony chided sternly, clapping him on the shoulder, “Please, do not deny it any longer. You’re clearly bewitched.” The eldest Bridgerton child could not help but smirk; it was almost entertaining to see his usually guarded brother so obviously in love.

Benedict sighed, defeated, “Alright,” he whispered, his face flush with embarrassment, “I apologize for thinking I could ever keep a secret from you two.” Colin smirked proudly, feeling as if he were London’s greatest detective, “I’ll tell you everything if you want, but for the love of Christ, it cannot be here.” He gestured to the room, which was growing more crowded with preening mamas, hunting for the slightest whiff of a scandal.

While Benedict and his brothers searched for a private room for him to regale your escapades, your night flew by, and hours later you found yourself chatting with Daphne and Simon on the gorgeously decorated outdoor terrace. The night was perfectly temperate, and although the noise had died down significantly as many guests had departed for the evening, your head was still swimming in thought. Specifically, you were overwhelmed by the thought of Benedict.

He was quite kind to you, and a very smart, charming gentleman, but you felt your heart lurch as you recalled the intimate nights you had shared over the last few weeks. Men of Benedict’s status would not wed a tainted woman, no matter how much you wished he would. It was only a matter of time before Lady Whistledown revealed your transgressions, and you would be marked as an undesirable to the entire upper echelon of society.

You shuddered at the thought. “Chilly, dear?” Daphne asked sweetly, noticing the unsettled look on your face, “I would think you’d be more protected from the elements with that beautiful shawl on.” Your heart jumped to your throat before you could cover for yourself; Benedict had appeared on the terrace, looking absolutely petrified. Simon and Daphne exchanged glances.

“Darling,” Simon said, turning to his wife, “It is quite crisp out here, don’t you think? Perhaps we should—”

“Go inside to warm up?” Daphne finished his sentence, that unmistakably mischievous glint in her eye that all Bridgerton children possessed, “Why yes, I think that is a fantastic idea, Simon.” She hooked her arm under her husband’s, and the two of them bid you and Benedict adieu, much to your dismay. You were certain he had been found out by his family and was here to end your affair before word reached the rest of the ton.

Still, you managed to smile politely. Simon was right, there was a slight chill that pervaded the terrace, mostly due to the lack of company that had populated the space only hours before, “Hello, Benedict,” you mutter, shifting your weight from one heeled foot to the other, “Will you be departing soon or—?”

“Erm, yes,” he answered a bit too quickly, and you raised an eyebrow. His strange behavior all night was another indicator that ending things was clearly as difficult for him to initiate as it would be for you to accept, “But first, I, well, I need to tell you something. Something I probably should have told you weeks ago.”

You felt a lump in your throat almost instantaneously. ‘Here it comes,’ you thought, more distressed than you hoped you would be. Benedict took your gloved hand, rubbing circles on the back of your hand with his thumb. If it were not slightly improper, you would almost find it comforting; his touch always seemed to soothe you, ever since your first night together.

“I never expected to…for us to become so close in such a short period of time,” he began, wondering at what point in this silly speech he would make a royal ass out of himself. Though he had gained a little brotherly insight from Anthony and Colin, he still felt as though he could vomit at any second, “And, well, truth be told, I have enjoyed every moment we have spent together.”

You smiled, pleased by his kind words, “Truthfully, I have felt the same,” you remarked, “But it’s quite alright, Ben, I understand—”

“You do?” he cut you off again, a bead of sweat forming on his brow, “Am I really so obvious about my affection for you?” You stared at him, confused. Was this not him ending whatever…relationship the two of you shared? Now you felt like the fool.

“Affection?” you repeated, your mouth twitching, “I thought you did not want to see me anymore.” Benedict’s eyes widened, and he couldn’t help but laugh dryly. You had mistaken his jittery behavior as a bad omen, when that could not be further from reality.

He shook his head, and you felt the pace of your heartbeat quicken, “My dear, I think there’s been a slight misunderstanding,” he joked, clearing his throat, “I know that our relationship has been a secret for some time, but I cannot hide how I feel for you any longer. You are kind, and witty, and strong, and incredibly adventurous, and when our dance came to an end earlier this evening, I…I felt like there was a part of me missing as soon as you left. I…when I’m not with you, it’s almost like…I can’t breathe.”

Your breath hitched in the back of your throat, taken aback by his doting and earnest words. “And it would be my honor,” he smiled, his gaze intense and impassioned, “If I could ask for your hand.” Your eyes sparkled back at his, and you nodded silently, attempting to conceal a squeal of girlish glee. You two were still, unfortunately, in public.

“Yes,” you exhaled, feeling foolish from your assumptions about Benedict only minutes before, “I would be equally honored to be your wife, Benedict Bridgerton.” You snuck him a quick kiss on his cheek, causing him to flush for what was probably the hundredth time that night, “I see our friends were right after all, weren’t they?”

“Yes, yes they were, and I doubt I will ever hear the end of it from Anthony and Colin,” Benedict mused, smiling sweetly as the corners of his eyes crinkled happily, “I’ll see to a proper visit first thing tomorrow morning, I promise.” He studied you, doing all he could to absorb the joyous look etched upon your radiant face. You smirked, turning in the direction of your family’s carriage.

“I shall hold you to that,” you said, pulling him towards the exit, “But don’t think this night is over, Mr. Bridgerton. I’m not done with you quite yet.”

-----------

I hope you enjoyed reading! As always I would love to hear any comments or feedback! Like/comment/reblog, all that good stuff :)

[sophiebaek]

Belle’s Bridgerton season 2 thoughts

Going into this, I made my peace that I wasn’t getting a book adaptation and I really think that made my viewing more enjoyable because I knew what to expect.

I’ll be giving my thoughts separated in the good, the bad, and the great!

Good

The fashion you can clearly tell has been elevated. The makeup is a bit more dramatic, the colors are vibrant, and the mens fashion has really stepped up their game. I love how ABC all have a distinctive style; Anthony is darker colors and heavier fabrics to exude his hard exterior and role as viscount, Benedict wears patterns,florals, and his outfits are less form fittting, Colin is seen in a lot of lighter colors, which could play into how he’s still young and naïve.

Bridgerton Family: whenever they were all together it was magic on screen.

Music: solid set list for the covers and original score. I only wish that we got more and it was highlighted more! The music seemed very soft throughout the whole season, you would have intense moments and the music just wouldn’t match it’s level.

Eloise: Seeing her feel like a disappointment and being compared to daphne was so interesting to see. I think they gave us just the right amount of her this season, but I do wish we got more of her and Benedict; they really only had that one scene with the swings (which was a nice callback) and and few small background moments.

ABC: do I need to explain? (Also that Greg moment was very cute)

Seeing franny for more than one episode is a win for me

Eloise finds out: I didn’t think they would have the guts to do this but they did! I’m so glad that Eloise reacted this way since in the book it was never really addressed. I’m very intrigued to how her and pen’s relationship goes from there.

Featherington sisters: okay the featherington girls are my guilty pleasure. I love how ridiculous and campy they are! Philly and Mr. Finch are happily married and can talk about cheese whenever they want and Pru was just so fun to watch this season(Bessie did a great job)

Ostracizing the Bridgertons: I really liked how we got to see the ton’s most popular family fall from grace. We always hear “you’re a bridgerton, you can do anything” and it was great to give them a reality check. It was lovely to see them stick together as a unit and bring in the sharmas as well. I’m curious if this will happen with future stories, mainly Benophie as it’s probably coming soon and I would love to see how the ton react to Ben marrying Sophie.

Bad

The most disappointing thing for me was the cinematography of the season. I questioned how certain scenes were filmed, and there was a lot of unnecessary close ups and zoom ins. I expected more because s1 gave us great framing and lighting that really emphasized the story. It was giving greys anatomy level cinematography when I know the show can give us outlander and GOT quality.

Adding on to technical issues I had, the cgi was not great. I know the show probably doesn’t put it as a priority since it’s a historical romance drama, but that first scene of kanthony on their horses had really bad cgi. Maybe I’m just used the the quality of mcu cgi, but it was distracting!

Portia and Jack storyline: I didn’t mind it. I just didn’t want that much of it. We probably had more screen time of them than Colin and Benedict combined.

Kate’s accent: The first few episodes I didn’t mind it, but as the season went on Simone was really playing it up. I could tell when she was laying it on heavier and then pulling back. It was just confusing that it came and went; I just wanted some consistency with it.

The queen: I quite enjoyed the queen in s1 but I felt like this season she was too involved. The trend seems that she has some hand in each love story and I’m very curious as to how they’ll tie her in with the rest of them. I didn’t hate her this season but like Portia, we got too much.

Lack of Kate’s background: I know it’s not a word for word adaptation, but negating Kate’s trauma is a disservice to the character. We got to understand Anthony’s but only got a mere mention of hers. They connected because they have similar stories and help each other through their trauma. A missed opportunity.

Newton: I needed more of my king that’s all.

Too much side plots: Pretty explanatory, we really could’ve cut down on how many characters we saw this season. You can tell the show is taking a new direction and I’m not sure I like it. Did we really need to see will this season? Did we need to have the Portia and Jack romantic tension?

Great

Daphne: as someone who doesn’t have much interest in the character, I was pleasantly surprised on how they used her. She wasn’t there much but when she was, everything she said or did impacted the story. I loved her banter with Anthony and think they gave her enough to work with this season.

The flashback scenes: okay what a way to break my heart. All of those sequences were acted and written beautiful. I don’t mind the change of Anthony witnessing Edmund’s death and seeing violet’s reaction was just devastating. You can see the weight of the world instantly fall on Anthony’s shoulders, and I loved how we saw daphne singing to the kids since it was mentioned in s1.

Kanthony: I was debating on putting them in the bad category but it felt like a disservice. First off, our leads did a great job, you can really tell they know their characters and are confident in how they act. JB can bring the moodiness to Anthony while also giving us vulnerable moments. Simone Ashley has this fire and undeniably captures the snark of Kate. She can show the hard edges but also the softness. The scenes that we got of them together were so tension filled. JB and SA have so much chemistry and my only complaint is that we needed more of them. When we would go see what Portia was doing I said to myself, “We could be spending time with kanthony”. We just needed more of them!

Benedict: I may be biased but bb really shined :) Would I would’ve liked more of him compared to other plots? Yes. Luke T has this spark that makes him so endearing to watch. Benedict has so many layers and we’re just starting to reveal them. I really loved how we saw more of his and Anthony’s relationship as well. How they set up his insecurity about only being seen as a bridgerton and that he’s never felt heartbreak (and maybe even true love 👀) really gives us a hint of what’s to come in his journey. He gave us so many good moments, and I definitely caught some Sophie hints. And that poem? THE POEM!

Mary sharma: omg someone give this woman the world. We didn’t get as much of her as I would’ve liked but that talk with Kate about how she fell in love with her the moment she saw her, and just affirming to Kate that she is her daughter….😭

Overall I think the season was very enjoyable to watch. If you get over the fact that it’s not that connected to the book, I think one can have fun while watching. There were things I didn’t like, but also many things I loved. I give this season a 8/10

[baenthony]

Why I love Bridgerton

+People of Colour literally Everywhere in every kind of high Position (Queen, Duke, Lady)

+ the queen is portrayed by a black female which I love

+the diversity of black, asian and white actors in this is beautiful (wish it was true back then)

+anything narrated by julie andrews fräulein

+loved the actors for the roles especially Lady Danbury

+family sticks together

+when I saw Anthony Bridgerton i got angry because of BROADCHURCH

+Music! Never thought that the new music would fit into this world so perfectly (ariana grande, taylor swift, billie eilish, shawn mendes, maroon 5

+sceneryyy! Do i need to say more. Loved the scenery when they took a walk, picnic, dinner, different kind of parties and the camera angles

+the outfits were phenomenal. They somehow fit to the time but it wasn't dull like I've expected. Beautifully designed, traditional yet modern. Oh and the featheringtons costumes were very bright and colourfull but it fit as well!

+the suspicion killed me with lady whistledownup. At first i was sure that Eloise is the one but I've changed my mind each episode so yeah. Eloise, the queen, even cressida? When i saw the last episode i was like I knew it all the time!

+Daphne where should I start. She fit perfectly in her fresh and naive role. First i thought she was intelligent for her age but later she got like really really dump and annoyed me. But i can't hate her because she's a diamond. I've got really mad though when she tricked Simon with you know.

+sucker for strong willed women. Eloise bridgerton for president! She is such a joy. Loved her expressions and her interactions with her brothers. I wish her the best

+Duke Simon Basset I wanted to kill and kiss you at the same time. I mean did you hear his voice oh oh and don't forget his dark outfits *applauses* back to the topic. I could understand why he reacted the way he did in some situations but in other situations I screamed at my desk whyyyyyyy (duelling/end of friendship)

+you had me at pretend that we are in love and then actually fall in love for real

Favourite scene: when they looked at the portrait and their hands touched *swooning* this scene was more romantic then any other plus I8 scene in this longer movie

(To be honest. Yet I didn't read the books because of the raphe scene mentioned in the books but this got my attention so I will give it a try when I have the time)

[your3fundamentaltruths]

my favorite partner

With love to a lovely fandom, a continuation of my most popular Polin drabble on AO3, the color green, in honor of Polin Day. (Also related to no matchmaking.) You can also find this one on AO3. Happy Polin Day!

—

“Bridgerton has always thought himself such an easygoing fellow, but he does not much like being thwarted,” Lord Billington comments casually as he leads her to the floor.

“Does anyone, my lord?” Penelope asks rhetorically.

Lord Billington nods. “Touché, Miss Featherington.”

“Especially a man and I daresay our friend in particular is little used to it. Seeing as he is so often able to charm others into bending to his will.”

“But not me and, it seems, not you.”

Not any longer. “I have known him forever,” she says simply, echoing Colin’s earlier words.

“And familiarity breeds contempt?” Lord Billington queries with a grin.

“I wouldn’t call it contempt,” Penelope chides, but she knows her answering smile is cheeky. “Merely an ability to resist his charms.”

Lord Billington laughs loudly. “That probably annoys him more than actual contempt.”

She giggles. “You do know him very well indeed.”

“I vow I can feel his eyes boring into my back even now,” Lord Billington informs her with a smirk that she's quite sure she mirrors.

They have a lovely waltz, for Lord Billington is a fine dancer and excellent company, so much so that she thinks it a pity it is unlikely to be repeated. Not only because Lord Macclesfield had to nudge him in the first place, but also because, unlike his fellow Determined Bachelors, Lord Billington has no mama or aunt to pressure him to attend society events at least occasionally. It is likely only his friendship with Colin that has him making an appearance at a Bridgerton ball and Colin seems so very cross with him that she is not sure he’ll be able to count on another invitation any time soon.

—

Much to Penelope’s surprise, on the rare occasions Lord Billington does make an appearance in a London ballroom, he always saves a dance for her, even after he is married.

His wife Ellie is a lovely woman and doesn’t mind a bit both because she befriends Penelope immediately (we redheads must stick together) and because she knows her husband would not be himself if he did not take every opportunity to tease and torment one of his old friends.

And it certainly torments Colin whenever the now-formerly very rakish earl escorts her to the floor.

It seems Colin really does not like being thwarted.

—

Even after she is married, Lord Billington makes a point of asking Penelope to dance with him at the first ball she attends after her secret is revealed. “For old times' sake, Lady Whistledown?” he says with a wink as the strains of the waltz begin.

The invitation had had their proper address crossed out, with Lady and Lord Whistledown written in a distinctly masculine hand just above. At the time, her husband had been amused.

She expects he is less amused now.

“If you try to claim my wife’s waltz, I will bludgeon you right here in your own ballroom.”

Right in one. She knows him so well.

“If you really must murder me, do try to do it cleanly. My wife should hate the unnecessary expense of having my blood scrubbed off the floor.”

Lady Billington is unable to stifle a snicker, but quickly composes herself to nod solemnly.

“Taking ‘lovesick newlywed’ a bit far, though, eh?” Lord Billington can't resist ribbing him further. “I expected it what with how sickeningly sweet you were at your wedding, but I thought you would’ve mellowed some after all that romantic drivel at the Hastings ball. What a spectacle you made of yourself, old boy.”

“It was lovely and very grand,” the usually quite sensible Lady Billington says approvingly, elbowing her husband disapprovingly. “A fitting swan song for the cleverest lady in London.”

“Oh, I don’t know about cleverest. Second cleverest, I’d say, unless we are out of town,” says Lord Billington affectionately.

“Speaking of lovesick,” Colin mutters in the other couple’s direction before taking her hand. “I do believe this is my dance.”

“I suppose it must be, if only to prevent a homicide.”

“Only for that reason?” he asks airily.

“I should not like to be widowed so soon after our marriage because you were hanged for murdering a peer of the realm. And I’d hate to lose my favorite partner, you know,” Penelope replies as they take their positions.

“You do mean me, don’t you?”

“Who else, my love?” she teases. Her eyes widen when he doesn’t answer right away. “Colin Bridgerton! You didn’t really think –”

“I didn’t like not being your first choice,” he confesses with all the bashfulness of a schoolboy as he leads her gracefully through the steps of the dance.

She can’t help smiling. Goodness, but he’s absurd. He nearly married another woman her first season and subsequently became quite the rake, likely consorting with more ladies than she cares to consider, but he’s been harboring a secret insecurity over being refused in favor of his friend for a dance. “You ridiculous man,” she scolds affectionately. “I suppose it’s a good thing that I wasn’t often in the position of choosing between eligible gentlemen.”

“But you should’ve been,” he says quietly.

“It was for the best,” she says soothingly. “Otherwise, who knows who might’ve swept me off my feet whilst you wandered?”

“Had I been a bit cleverer, perhaps I wouldn’t have wandered so long or so far before coming home to you.”

Though he’s smiling, he still looks a touch too serious for her taste, so she bites back the quip or into so many other ladies’ arms. “Truly, it gave me time to grow up and become my own woman. Otherwise . . . well, I adored you so that I don’t know that I would’ve bothered to learn who I was apart from you if you’d loved me from the start. Nor would you have had time and space to grow into the man you were meant to be.”

He sighs in that way she knows means he wishes they were not in public so he could kiss her. (Not that that’s always stopped him.) “How is it you always know precisely what to say to me?”

“I know you.”

“That you do, my darling,” he says softly, looking down at her with that look - her look, the one she’s been seeing for a very long time, though it’s only recently she’s come to realize what it meant, to understand that he’d begun to fall long before he knew it himself.

[nogods--nomasters]

A Dance

June, 1814

Glittering. Her eyes, traveling across the ostentatiously decorated ballroom, saw nothing but the crystal chandeliers, delicately twinkling champagne flutes, and twinkling beads on the dresses of the ladies present. Penelope sighed as she watched each Debutante whirl around the dance floor, laughing absently at whatever her lord or baron or viscount dance partner was prattling on about. She could feel the slight, gentle sway of her body to the rhythm of the orchestra, both present yet detached from the society ball that surrounded her.

She did long to dance, truly. She had not had many opportunities to dance, and, as she was swiftly approaching the mid-point of her second season, she doubted she ever would. She was a rather good dancer, although there were few that had the opportunity to experience that side of Miss Penelope Featherington. There were fewer, still, that felt the need to comment upon it.  

She could not find a smile as she watched the dancing end and resume again with a new song, some dancers continuing with the same partner, and others asking for a spin with a new one. As she stood to the side of the excitement, she couldn’t help but wonder why it couldn’t be her being asked to dance for once. Sure, she danced the obligatory dances with the Bridgerton boys at each ball, but she longed to be asked by someone who specifically wanted to dance with her. Penelope. Not because she was the best friend of Eloise Bridgerton, not because anyone’s mother asked them to, but because they deigned her specifically interesting enough to waltz with.

She was so lost in thought, she hardly noticed the new presence beside her until she heard a voice. “Why, isn’t it just ever so tiring?” the feminine voice asked, prompting Penelope to turn her head towards the source.

Cressida. Penelope’s frown was immediate. As though her evening had not been bad enough, the person she could not have possibly wanted less to do with was standing beside her, positively simpering. She was baiting her, but with what Penelope did not know. “Sorry?” She replied, keeping her eyes somehow both on Cressida and anxiously circling the ballroom for any means of escape.

“I was just inquiring whether it was as tiring as it looks.” She responded, the smirk that was playing behind her eyes hardly being fought off of her lips.

“Tiring as what looks?”

“Why, constantly praying for any man to ask you to dance, of course.” The giggle that left her lips was anything but joyful, “I can imagine it is not quite as tiring as actually dancing, more than likely. I also don’t suppose you would have much dancing to compare your constant daydreaming to measure, but I did not think it would hurt to inquire.” Cressida reminded Penelope of a snake. A scaled, beautifully colored serpent, stalking pray and unhinging its jaws at any sign of weakness.

Penelope imagined she looked just like a fish on land, mouth open and gasping for air. She was very consistently at a loss for words, but right now she could not foresee finding them again in the near future.  

“I-“ she began, still unsure what she was to say in response to such a cruel question, “I-oh, I-“ she could not seem to find anything cutting that would stick. Cressida was openly smirking at her now, the cruelty of her remark having hit its mark like a masterful marksman to a soaring pigeon.

“Anyway, Miss Featherington, have a wonderful evening. I hope one of these seasons a man asks you to dance.” Her parting remark stung more than the previous, having hit such an obvious weak point for the young debutante.  

“Oh, off so soon, Miss Cowper? And here I thought you might love to stay for Miss Featherington’s comparison between dancing and, what was it you said, ‘praying for any man to ask her to dance’? You did seem ever so curious.” She felt a breath she did not even know she was holding release at the familiar voice that appeared to her side. She turned her head in his direction, then, knowing she would find the kind, towering countenance of Mr. Colin Bridgerton. She found his green eyes, and noticed they were not looking at her, but instead trained on the rapidly reddening face of Cressida Cowper. His eyes, usually open and kind, were hard and cold as they all but glared at the calculating blonde.

“Why, Mr. Bridgerton, I had not the slightest inkling you could hear us.”

“Then, perhaps you should be more reticent of those who are within ear shot, Miss Cowper. Now, if you’ll excuse us, I’ll be off to share a dance with Miss Featherington,” his eyes found hers for the first time following his sudden appearance, “that is, Miss Featherington, if you will allow me the honor.”  

All Penelope could bring herself to do was nod. Colin was her knight in shining armor, and she doubted very much that he even knew. That dance, with the feeling of his hand on her waist, the warmth of his hand on her own, the swelling giggle that threatened to burst from her lungs at any moment, was the second best moment of that entire second season.

The first was seeing the beat red face of the avidly watching Cressida Cowper, whose expression could effectively be pegged somewhere between resentment, jealousy, and mortification.

 _____________________________________________________________________________________

 Penelope gently pulled herself from her reverie. She felt her lips drift absently into a smile as she plaited her hair for bed, the dim candlelight accompanying her memory from a decade prior. She had, back then, held little hope that she would ever become Mrs. Bridgerton. But as she tied the end of the braid and looked in the mirror at her avidly reading husband, Mr. Colin Bridgerton himself, she couldn’t help but sigh wistfully at just how wrong she had been.

“Why do you sigh so, wife?” Colin questioned, looking up at her from his book as she rose from her vanity.

“Why, no reason, husband. Just feeling tired. The day has been rather long, wouldn’t you agree?” She peeled back the covers and climbed into bed, hoping the warmth of the blankets and the warmth of her unreasonably hot husband might chase away the winter chill. She drifted closer to his side of the bed, nestling herself tightly against his side as he moved his arm to make room.

“It has been a long day, yes, but as for the length of the day being a reason for your sigh? I find that highly debatable.” She felt the gentle kiss on the top of her head and found herself longing to be even closer to him, despite the impossibility of such a feat.

“Leave it to you, husband, to not let sleeping dogs lie.” She chanced a look up at him, expecting to find him still engrossed in his novel, but was surprised to find him looking down at her.

He leaned down and met their lips together, a gentle press that Penelope felt deep in her stomach. “My love, these lips could find much better things to do than sigh, do you not think?” She reached for his mouth with her own again, only to be met by empty air. “But I think we shall have to wait until you tell me what the matter is to explore those opportunities, lovely girl.”

“Colin, it’s really nothing.” She excused, then found herself looking away. Suddenly, she found the pattern of the bed quilt more interesting than ever before. “Besides, you’ll think it’s rather silly, I’m afraid.”

“Now, Pen,” he began as he cupped her chin between his thumb and forefinger, “nothing in that head could ever be construed as silly.” The kiss on her forehead was gentle, and she found herself sighing again. She had a feeling she would not be escaping this so easily.

“I’m sure you don’t even remember, but I was just thinking of a time during my second season where you, my white knight, heroically came to my rescue from the dragon that is Cressida Twombley.” She smiled fondly up at him, hoping that would be the end of it. Instead, he frowned. The frown puzzled Penelope, and she found herself mirroring him, “Whatever is the matter? You know how things were, are, and always shall be between Cressida and me.”

“I do, but it just,” it was his turn to sigh as he lightly pushed a curl behind her ear, “pains me that there are all these memories in that pretty head of yours that trouble you so. You are so beautiful, Penelope, and the fact that anyone ever made you feel less than is just too much for me to bear.”

She found herself shaking her head, “you misunderstand me, husband. Yes, Cressida was cruel, but the memory was more about you. How handsome and heroic I thought you were, coming to whisk me away to the dance floor when I had not one dance the entire evening. How, I know without a doubt, you’d do it again today. Although, I imagine, the ending of our dance would be returning to our home in the carriage, not you being whisked away by your mother.”

Penelope found herself giggling, but Colin’s eyes remained serious. She wasn’t so sure she liked it when Colin was so serious. The gears in that head of his turning like that tended to have some dangerous results. She gave him time to think, taking the time to admire his dark hair, the emerald of his eyes, the chiseled cheeks and jawline that she had been dreaming about longer than she cared to admit. She reached for his cheek, gently resting her palm along the newly-scruffy skin.

“Come.” He spoke suddenly, his eyes still serious, “Up, out of bed you go.” He threw the sheets from the both of them, bounding out of the bed and grabbing his dressing gown. “Put your dressing gown on.”

Penelope faltered for a moment, looking at him. What was happening? Had he gone mad? She continued to stare, thinking on what to say, “Where are we off to at this time of night, love?”

Colin ignored her question. Instead, he all but pulled her out of bed. He helped her into her dressing gown, and Penelope slipped on her slippers. She decided that perhaps she would play his reindeer games. He offered her his arm, and she took it despite feeling rather formal for an adventure in bedclothes. He led her swiftly out of the bedroom door, his large steps almost pulling her to catch up. She could not imagine where he was taking her. To the kitchens? Perhaps he was hungry? She knew not how to cook or bake, but she was hopeful that there might be something left behind from dinner that evening, perhaps a bit of bread. They continued down the corridor, down the stairs, through the foyer, and into the library.

Had he dragged her down there for a book? She had her own beside her bed, surely he-

Colin stopped suddenly once securely inside the library. He released her arm. “Colin? I really do not understand. Did we truly come here for a book?” He turned to her, an amused smile playing at his lips. He said nothing, but a strange expression overtook his features. Penelope felt herself blush. Even after two years of marriage, he still had that strange effect on her. She averted her eyes, suddenly overcome with a nervousness long ago replaced by the knowledge of what a husband and wife do together in bed.

If other wives were like her, and other husbands like him, then nervousness should never exist in a marriage.

She felt him approach her, then. He grasped her chin between his fingers, bringing her gaze up to match his own. The green of his eyes would never not be distracting, she knew. “Excuse me Miss Featherington, but would you allow me the honor of a dance?” The question was accompanied by a deep bow. Through her giggles, Penelope curtsied and took the hand he had reached out to her. She allowed him to lead her in a simple waltz. The feeling of his large, firm hand through her thin nightgown warmed her. She could feel the familiar butterflies in her stomach as her gaze kept firmly to his. Their hands were grasped together, and their bodies were much too close for the confines of a ballroom. The entire thing, despite being between herself and her husband, despite being in their own home, felt terribly scandalous.

Colin leaned down to press their cheeks together. The touch, warm and slightly rough, made her shiver. “Why, Mr. Bridgerton, I am a lady.” She responded to the touch. His only response was to draw her closer, replacing his cheek with his lips.

“I know that now, Pen.” He kissed her again, this time on her jaw. His hand on her back as they danced held fast. She was consumed by him as he brought his kisses lower, lower, lower, trying but failing to keep the pace of the dance. He, too, had seemed to have given up entirely as both hands stretched across the small of her back. The dancing slowed to a complete stop as his mouth reached her collar bone. She grasped his hair lightly, the strands soft between her fingertips. “I wasted so much time not knowing that. You were perfect for me Penelope,” he stopped his kisses then, pushing his forehead against hers, “you were perfect and I wasted so much time just not realizing. You were right in front of me the entire time, and yet all I did was attempt to defend you from people like Cressida and dance with you out of-“ he inhaled deeply, shaking his head, “I want to dance with you for the rest of our lives. Not because I want to, but because I need to. You are mine, Pen, and I don’t intend to waste another moment.”

The kiss was searing. Unexpected. Everything was fast, the movement of his lips, to the grasping of his hands, to the way she gave him everything she had in return. She felt her back bump the bookcase, not having realized they had even been moving. He pulled away, breathing harshly, his lips gravitating back to her throat. She keened as he pulled her hips forward, feeling his want against her.

“Colin, we- are we to do this here? In the library- I” thoughts were few and far between as he raised his head, pupils large and focused only on her. He slid her dressing gown from her shoulders, attaching his lips to the newly found skin. He traveled lower, then, unlacing her gown as he went until it pooled around her feet.

“Beautiful.” He practically growled against her chest, his mouth finding purchase on her hardened nipple. Her head flew back, hard enough to hurt if he had not moved his hand there for stability. The rapid knocking on the door to the library startled both of them apart, red faced, thoroughly kissed, and panting. She quickly slid her nightgown to cover herself, her dressing gown long ago discarded and too far away. He adjusted himself, attempting to look the part of gentleman of the house.  

“Yes?” She called out, her voice quivering. Colin’s smirk was dastardly at best at the sound of her voice, and if she weren’t already flushed, she surely would be now. The sound of the heavy door opening was deafening in the old library.

“My apologies, my lady, my lord. I have come to check if the fires were out.” The maid that appeared before them was young, her eyes unsuspecting that anything was even amiss.

“We’ll just be heading up to bed, then. Goodnight.” Colin answered for them both, ushering them out of the room with a hand too low for anywhere except the bedroom.

Her giggle upon entering their bedroom was hysterical. “Colin! That poor girl.”

“She was none the wiser.” He took off his robe, finding his way to her. “Now, where were we?”

“I can’t seem to remember.” She replied, coy. Her night gown was on the floor before she could breathe.

When they finally retired to bed, she couldn’t help her smile. He was lovely, Colin Bridgerton. A scoundrel, maybe, but so well intentioned she felt she could weep. His arms, tightly wrapped around her, were home. His even breathing told her that he was fast asleep. Penelope was not far behind him, soundly sleeping and dreaming of dark brown hair and kind green eyes.

[invisibleinorange]

Bridgerton’s Adrift

Chapters: 1/? Fandom: Bridgerton Rating: T Warnings: Presumed Character Death Relationships: Colin Bridgerton/Penelope Featherington,  Eloise Bridgerton/Penelope Featherington(besties),  Bridgerton Family Dynamics Characters: Colin Bridgerton,  Penelope Featherington, Eloise Bridgerton, Anthony Featherington,  Benedict Bridgerton, Violet Bridgerton, Portia Featherington Additional Tags:  Bridgerton, Polin Summary:  Unexpected bad news arrives for the Bridgerton Family (and friends) regarding Colin's travels. This will be a series that is set after "The Duke and I" or season one of the show. It is a companion piece to "Goodbyes". (#I’mHereToKillYouAllWithFeels)

The weather was abysmal.  It hadn’t stopped raining in days and if Penelope Featherington were perfectly honestly, it mimicked how she had felt.

While the clothing certainly didn’t fit any better, she was at least appreciative of the fact the ghastly shades of orange and yellow had been replaced with black.  Black was the only appropriate shade for mourning.

Society believed she was in mourning of her father.  A part of her had been a little sad over his death but it was nothing she felt to comparison to her mourning for Colin Bridgerton who was probably half way to Greece by now.

No one could know how she felt though.

Penelope was so tired of keeping secrets, especially keeping them from her dearest friends. It was much easier to let Eloise continue to believe that her mood was because of father instead of Colin. She’d have sooner told her that she’d been Miss Whistledown all along and that definitely wasn’t about to happen.

Her home was much quieter these days.   Her mother was distracted with figuring out who was going to inherit them and trying to assure that Prudence, Phillipa and even Felicity would be okay regardless of how things panned out. She wasn’t a concern.  Her mother had all but accepted the fact she’d never be marriage material.

She had been distracting herself with a book, seated in a window bay.  Watching the coming and goings from the Bridgerton home was just as much a past time though. Most of the time, she could distinguish the people who came and went but there were times when she couldn’t.

A carriage that she didn’t recognize certainly peaked her attention.

“Mother?” she said with a start. She didn’t often bother her with such inquiries but if there was anyone who would know what was happening it would be Portia Featherington.

The older red head paused in fretting over her other two girls long enough to give Penelope the time of day.

“What now?” she asked, sounding a bit like might be put out by having to even acknowledge Penelope’s existence.

“I was just wondering if you knew who was visiting the Bridgerton’s. I’ve never seen this carriage before.”

In an instant, Portia was practically pushing her out of the way, moving the window tapestries to get a better look.  Clearly she didn’t know of anyone that was expected but the face twisted with what could only be described as morbid curiosity told her that whatever was happening was somehow out of the norm.

Penelope watched as several men approached the door before being allowed in by the staff.  She had seen them somewhere but she couldn’t quite place it.

“That uniform is naval but the men with them are Bow Street Runners,” she explained to the girl.  “Someone must be in trouble.”

Penelope knew enough to know that if the Bow Street Runners were involved it likely wasn’t good for the Bridgerton’s at all.  She knew that Anthony and Benedict had been known to have their fun but she couldn’t see them being in significant trouble.

The naval aspect had her jump up from her perch in an instant though.

She came very close to uttering the one name that she could scarcely bring herself to say for weeks without breaking into tears.

Colin.  This was about Colin and she just knew it.

“I just remembered that I promised Eloise that I would help her with a difficult stitch,” she murmured knowing it was a terrible excuse to leave.  She didn’t wait around to fight her mother over it either though. In fact, she didn’t even stick around to hear the protests.

--

When she arrived across the way, she was told that it wasn’t a good time.  There was absolutely no chance that she wasn’t going to be there. There was zero chance of her not finding out what was happening right now.

Despite the protests, she pushed her way inviting herself into the music room where she knew everyone would be.  She was clearly a woman on a mission, her red curls looking like little flames against the dark black of her dress.

She stopped dead in her tracks at the scene before her though.  The men that she’d seen here standing by awkwardly and Anthony had his arms wrapped around his mother who was inconsolable.  She’d always known Violet Bridgerton, as someone who had it together.

Whatever strength she’d been holding on to seemed to disappear, her legs practically turned to jelly in the doorway.  She felt like she might faint and she very well might have had it not been for a silent and somber Benedict who silently moved toward her, took her arm and guided her to where Eloise was sitting, looking like a ghost.

So many of the children were not there but every Bridgerton who was looked so unlike themselves.  She felt like she was trespassing on a very private family moment and yet, she couldn’t bring herself to walk away. Instead she reached for her best friend’s hand and squeezed it just as Eloise had been her rock time and time again.  She could not fall to pieces without information.

“There was an accident,” Eloise finally explained in a hushed tone.

Penelope felt that if it were possible her flesh would have turned green to reflect the absolute nausea that filled her. She was going to ill.

She didn’t even have to be told because she knew and whatever thoughts she had in her head about a lonely spinster life seemed cemented in that instant.  Even when she told herself Colin would never love her, she’d still held on to childish gleam of hope.

She couldn’t bring herself to ask if he was alive.

If he had been, Violet Bridgerton would have already been half way to wherever her child was though and she knew that.

“I’m so … sorry,” she told ineloquently, knowing that her place here was to comfort the people who Colin had loved, who shared his blood. Even as she was utterly destroyed, this couldn’t be about her.  Her corset suddenly felt like it was suffocating her.   She couldn’t breathe much less be useful.

Clearly her struggle was clear because her fiercely strong friend who rarely cried seemed to dissolve into a puddle of ears on her shoulder and it was all she could do to hold her and let go herself.

--

At some point between putting Colin’s letter in his pocket, Anthony had forgotten about it. He hadn’t put much thought into it.  As soon as he’d managed to calm his mother and sisters enough to that they could sleep it flooded back to his mind and he found himself, his coats until he found it.

He had been meant to give this to Eloise to deliver to Penelope Featherington weeks ago and he’d completely failed at that.   Now they were some of the last words his brother ever wrote before leaving them.

While they could not report having found his body, they’d all but made it clear that Colin would never return to them.   Anthony had been forced to keep a stiff chin, to keep the household together but blamed himself for this.

He’d been so difficult on his younger brother about Marina Thompson.  If he’d just let Colin do what he felt was honorable and right, he would be off enjoying life as a newlywed instead of at the bottom of the sea. He blamed himself for this.

A stiff drink would hardly sate the guilt.  

He stared at the familiar cursive of his brother’s handwriting and the unbroken seal as he drank.  Drinking himself into oblivion had never felt like a better option.  He should have never been left to lead this family. They’d all have been better off if their father hadn’t died.

“Can’t sleep?” he heard Benedict ask as he joined him, pouring another glass. Apparently there were two Bridgerton men who fully intended to drink away their grief.

“How can I?  - This will kill Daphne. You saw how horrid mother took the news.  Daphne will murder us if we don’t inform her but Simon might murder us if we do in her condition. – And when I think about how unfair this is. Colin was the best of all of us.”

It was true.  Colin had seemed to have inherited so many of the best traits that their family had to often. He had been young, passionate and if he’d been the eldest he wouldn’t have shrugged off his responsibility to the family.  As much as their mother protested and claimed he’d be the death of her, Anthony often was pretty sure that Colin was actually the favorite.

Benedict raised his glass to that.

“We will survive this,” Benedict added.  “We’ve survived loss before.”

Anthony wasn’t so sure though and he was increasingly sure that he ought to chuck this letter into the fire.  It being read wouldn’t do anyone any good.  Not Eloise. Certainly not Penelope Featherington.

Benedict seemed to have taken notice of the letter then.

“What’s that?” he asked.

“The reason Colin will haunt me for the rest of my days,” he said with a sigh, hand moving to rub at his temples. He hadn’t drank enough to bring on a headache in the morning but he already sensed it coming on.

Benedict didn’t ask for permission to take it but he did pick it up, looking it over with curiosity.

“Penelope?!” he found himself asking, a bit of astonishment in his voice as he broke the seal, dark eyes moving over the writing, figuring if Colin really was gone, he wouldn’t mind the invasion of privacy.

Anthony couldn’t move quick enough to stop him and despite himself, he found himself standing, gazing over his brother’s shoulder to read the words that were written on the page.

“Bloody Hell,” escaped his mouth.

Clearly Benedict didn’t disagree with the sentiment.

[silvermarmoset]

would love to hear your thoughts on Bridgerton costume! Especially the ones of the Featherington family's!

the hot hot gossip in the costume world right now is omg is Bridgerton accurate why is it nOT accurate GOD why is it so inaccurate, which strikes me as a supreme silliness because is Bridgerton offering any other reason in itself for being accurate? did Bridgerton tell you it was going to be a strict depiction of the actual Regency and that you could trust its every word? No, of course it didn’t; Bridgerton is much more preoccupied with being juicy and fun and alive. To expect it to be Downton Abbey is to hold it up to standards it is quite clearly not setting.

As a sidenote, I do blame Downton Abbey for a lot of the current costume discourse. Downton marketed itself (extravagantly) as an “accurate” show, making much of the detail and veracity of its costumes, and for some reason this has led a lot of people to believe that historical accuracy is the be-all-and-end-all of costume design. But that’s a grave misunderstanding of how different stories can be told in different ways—it asks us to sing every song as a waltz, when some are just better as polkas or pop anthems or opera. Downton told us it was “real,” so it invited examination and critique—but to go around with a measuring tape checking hem length on something that’s clearly era-adjacent, rather than spot-on period, is to miss the forest for the trees.

So, about Bridgerton specifically. I think the costumes are beautiful, and I’m really quite shocked Ellen Mirojnick pulled this together because she’s got a spotty record in general (The Greatest Showman—oof). I really love how it leans into the funniest parts of Regency dress, clearly drawing from research but having fun with it. Mirojnick’s not taking historical dress and making it modern; she’s taking historical dress and dialing up what was already there by a billion degrees. The latent extravagance and whimsy of the Regency was always there; Bridgerton just took it and set the saturation to nuclear.

As for the Featheringtons, I love how they’re just patently ridiculous, almost like a picture book in the degree of bonkers. The first time I saw pics from the Bridgerton set I thought I was looking at a remake of Cinderella*, because how wicked-stepsisters is this? And I love how they’re all absolutely daft, but Penelope still stands out just a little bit—accurate for how she stands in the story and her family. The sticking out is important—thought not in the way this stretchiest-stretch-of-a-stretch “analysis” from Screenrant believes. You can’t have it both ways; historical fact isn’t suddenly ripe for symbolic meaning when it wasn’t there to start with.

So yes! Bridgerton is a beautiful show, and the fashion icon of the day remains Lady Danbury forever and ever.

*having now seen Bridgerton, knowing that Ellen Mirojnick did the new Cinderella remake with Camilla Cabello fills me with joy. Fingers crossed for more sparkles and glitter.

[therandomfish]

Bridgerton Review

So, are we fans of Jane Austin? Oscar Wilde? Writers of that nature? Then buckle up kids because this is….. in a lot of ways almost exactly like that. Oh and SPOILERS!!!!!!!

Bridgerton is a drama series made for Netflix set in 1813 set in London at a time when young ladies were produced in from of royalty and then attended various functions in order to attract a suitor. First off I want to give some props to not only the design of the show but the choice of performers to play these various roles; everyone fitted their role perfectly and spoke eloquently. I will not single out any actors or actresses in this review as being exceptionally amazing but will say the cast as a whole was phenomenal.

So what’s the plot? Well there’s the main family of this show AKA The Bridgertons with their mother Violet (played by Ruth Gemmell) along with the 3 sons “The stick in the mud” Anthony (played by Jonathan Bailey), the “middle one with odd one out tendencies” Benedict (played by Luke Thompson) and the “one that needs a good slap in the face from reality” Colin (played by Luke Newton) we then get the one with more main-character-itus than the others called Daphne (played by Pheobe Dynevor) the nerdy daughter Eloise (played by Claudia Jesse) and then we have the one who disappears and only re appears once Francesca (played by Ruby Stokes) and finally the 2 youngest Gregory and Hyacinth (played by Will Tilston and Florence Hunt) and Main-Character-Itus Daphne is brought before Queen Charlotte (played by Golda Rosheuvel) to be presented by her mother to show that she is ready to seduce a man and get married (ahh the days of England when that type of thing was the only thing we were worried about; now that I think about it looking at some of the ladies around these days maybe they are still only worried about that), Daphne’s brother Stick in the mud or Anthony is taking over for her father in these matters as her father would’ve be in charge of making sure the suitor was suitable for the daughter in question. However Anthony is also (as in customary in these types of shows) a big old hypocrite who wants his sister to marry very specific people and make her do what is expected of her all while he is going around having sex with an opera singer Siena played by Sabrina Bartlett and talking about not wanting his responsibilities to the family but he has to do stuff. However he really misses the mark when he ends up pairing up Daphne with a dude called Nigel Berbrooke who is played by Jamie Beamish and also you’ll be glad to know isn’t in this show for very long due to getting punched in the face and exposed as a randy bastard but through a charade and touched fingers and sideways glances she falls for a Duke called Simon Bassett played by Rege-Jean Page (I apologise for the butchered spelling of the name) and they end up together by the end and while their story is the main front of the show and the main focus their relationship is quite believable in a lot of ways, they start out as friends and even when the Queen herself is opposed to them being together they make a plea to her and Simon makes the best speech ever about being friends first and transcending to love is what makes a relationship and in this case a marriage stronger because of it. We do get a secret that Simon is hiding but in all honesty it is something that even some people today would stick to; he makes a vow that he will never have kids to his dying father who was more interested in securing his family name and a male heir than he was in the health of his wife and honestly something that you stick to out of anger is a hard thing to let go of but of course he eventually does and there is a happy ending for them and you genuinely feel good for them when they do reach that moment.

However lets focus on the rest of this insane cast, I already mentioned the main family and their performers and like I said, Anthony is stuck trying to be the man of the house, his story is simple, he is a dick trying to do what’s right, he then tries to make amends to the opera singer he was shagging then decided to dump and gets told (rightly so) to get stuffed and so he decides that marrying for love is a dumb move (weird ending but okay) the second son is an artist and he meets up with another artist who shows him the artistic and creative world where he can paint and draw to his hearts content and of course he learns that his new friend is bisexual and he doesn’t know how to deal with it and you know what? They focus on that just long enough that you feel like you got just the right amount of that story, with the story focussing mostly on Benedict feeling like an outcast and finding common ground with his artist friends and also he got to draw attractive women in the nude.. he must have loved that day on set.

And finally we have the youngest of the three older siblings Colin who gets into a mess with a pregnant woman, now hold on, this is linked to another family called the Featheringtons with 2 older daughters who I swear look like they’ve been watching the evil stepsisters and have been emulating them ever since and a younger daughter called Penelope but then we also get the a character who joins the family and ends up going to the social events, trying to find a husband with the daughters called Marina Thompson played by Ruby Barker who is pregnant who ends up trying to get Colin to marry her and to sleep with her so he thinks the baby is his and feels guilty enough to stay with her. Now there are a lot of extenuating circumstances surrounding this, up to and including that Marina got pregnant from a soldier and he hasn’t been in communication with her and Baroness Featherington (who is a bitch) makes her believe that he wants nothing to do with her anymore and all sorts of things but Colin rightfully calls her out on a lot of stuff in her behaviour and other such stuff.

But going back to Penelope for just a minute and the younger sister of Daphne in the main family. They are the apparent intellectuals who decide to look down at the women who want to get married and are fine with prancing about as they don’t want to and want to pursue knowledge more and they are all reading what is essentially something like The Sun just a giant gossip column made by someone called Lady Whistledown (who is voiced by Julie Andrews) her identity is kept secret until the very last episode and almost the last frame and honestly I felt like this was the one thing in the whole show that really let me down. Keeping her identity secret wasn’t necessary and even when it was revealed it didn’t feel earned, having her voiced by a specific actress made me want to see that actress playing a role or have her be revealed to be someone who we hadn’t seen all show and made us wonder why she did this and have her give a smile of satisfaction at what had happened. But part of the Eloise and Penelope storylines is that they both want something they can’t have, Penelope wants Colin to herself (who saw that coming read my enthusiasm) and Eloise doesn’t want to have to choose a husband at all, being the type of woman who would say things like “I don’t need a man to feel complete in my life” and I do enjoy those characters because they are a breath of fresh air among all the other cardboard cutouts of the others who are trying to copy the main characters but sadly she is stuck with all the usual stuff a woman like her gets in a society like that was and she just didn’t feel like she grew much over the course of the show.

But overall, how was this one? Well in all honesty I would recommend watching it, not just because of the well written dialogue, not just because of the brilliant casting but because all together it makes the show sensational (just like all the drama is mmmm it’s delicious)

 Randomfish out