#and they just forgot about kate and anthony at all

[yverest-22]

The ending of this half season was lacking.

I'm not saying it was lame or ugly, just that it could have been so. much. more. Imagine:

She escapes the ball, she´s so angry and sad. Penelope arrives her home and sit down, writing the last rows of her next paper, angry, sad. She flees to the publisher, she's so anxious she cannot possible wait till the next morning, she can't sit home waiting for her mother to be angry or her sisters to laugh at her.

She needs to feel she's doing something.

When her carriage leaves, Colin's arrive to Bridgerton's house. And he don't understand why is ¿Penelope leaving again? So, righfully confused, he follows her carriage. And he's so worried to see her entering that dangerous place.

She goes, he goes, and then everything gets to light. Penelope is Lady Whistledown. Pen!

And her fight with Eloise makes so much sense now. ¿Wasn't she looking for Lady W? right before the disaster?

So he takes her papers and angrily escorts her back in the town. The silence in the beginning was maddening, but then the start screaming at each other. About Lady W, about Eloise, about Miss Thompson-Crane, about herself (why would you expose yourself like that?) and so on, they fight and at some point they start kissing.

She's so angry then, because it's his fault, she should be celebrating her engagement, maybe she would never have wrote that column, maybe she was about to never write it again, if she was married, if she was as happy as she might ever get to be.

It's his fault. It's her fault.

And they cannot get their hands off from each other. And that's not so very gentlemanly, right? so, even angry and confused... even scared and sad...

That is the way Colin Bridgerton got engaged to Miss Penelope Featherington.

[paracosmic-murdock]

Could you do Benedict Bridgerton with wife reader?

Ben had always been the second son who had all the fun until the day he fell in love. From that moment, only her on his mind. Never once does his gaze befall someone else. He thinks all is well with her and their children. Until one day, she faints and reveals that she had fallen ill. (it wasn't terminal illness but her health was declining or she could survive from it. You choose) He didn't know what to think or do in this situation. Angst but ending with fluff. You decide how it goes. Add anything you want to. Thanks!! :))

hiii, thanks for your request <3 it's the first time i've gotten one and i'm excited and hoping not to disappoint!!! anyways, here it goes:

if there is no you

pairing: benedict bridgerton x wife!reader

summary: after many years of loving and having each other, you and benedict had a beautiful family and a perfect little life together until you fell ill one day and it all threatened to end. while you lied on your bed all day and night, fearing that you might leave your husband and children alone, benedict died a little each second that approached him further to losing you.

tags/warnings: mentions of chronic illness, not character death, grief, fear, angst, happy ending, song: soon you'll get better (taylor swift)

word count: 2.2K

❁ mila's anthology (main masterlist)

Benedict had believed his life as a bachelor would never end. He thought he would enjoy his singleness forever, that he could just sleep around, drink to unconsciousness, and party to death; but no.

The day he met you at Lady Danbury's home for a dinner party, he got immediately obsessed with you… utterly enamored.

You had a passionate and scandalous love story, one of those you can only see in romance novels. You even paved the way for the rest of Benedict's siblings to bring home scandals in the future: Daphne, Anthony, Eloise, Colin… all of them followed the footsteps of the second Bridgerton son, who settled down first than his siblings against all odds.

Your grandfather knew Lady Danbury through her late husband, and they had become great friends. As you had failed to find a husband to your liking, he and your parents sent you to Mayfair to live with Lady Danbury for the social season and help you find a husband. Which, ultimately, worked.

You were soon engaged to a fine gentleman. He was endearing and kind, and would surely make an amazing husband and father to many children with you. He could provide for you and give you a safe life. Lady Danbury had picked him just for you, and you were comfortable with that decision. That, until you met Benedict.

He had successfully managed to skip most social events, and when he didn't, you never actually saw each other. However, Lady Danbury decided to invite the Bridgertons to your engagement dinner, where you two formally met and changed the course of your lives completely.

Defying social étiquettes, Benedict decided to court you while you were engaged. You masked the yearning to see him with that socially imposed civility of a lady who has to receive whatever gentleman that approaches her.

He wrote you letters and snuck around to see you at night until before your wedding, during which he firmly spoke when it was time to speak or forever hold one's peace.

Under both compassionate and outraged looks, the two of you left that church and began your own love story. After the birth of your second child, the Ton forgot about the scandal behind your marriage and you lived happily ever after until you didn't.

It was one enjoyable afternoon at Aubrey Hall. The entire family was there: Anthony, Kate, Daphne, Simon, Colin, Penelope, Francesca, John, Gregory, Hyacinth, Lady Bridgerton, Lady Danbury, Lord Anderson, and, of course, the latest generation of Bridgerton children.

You and Benedict had made enough Bridgertons yourselves: Benedict II, the eldest, was seven years old, Benjamin, six, Blair, four, Blanche, two, and Béa, five months old.

Lady Bridgerton was ecstatic with the birth of your youngest. She had her granddaughter in her arms while her children and their spouses played pall mall in the broad backyard.

“Are you feeling well?” Eloise asked, noticing how you seemed fatigued.

You nodded, not wanting to miss a moment of the game. “Certainly, El.”

It was getting far too difficult to catch your breath, but you were sure you could control it, at least this once. You couldn't.

The next thing you saw was your husband beside you, holding your hand in his, near his mouth. You could feel the warmth of his words against the back of your hand, and almost hear the prayers falling from his lips.

He was never a man of God, but he considered changing that at the sight of you lying unconscious on that bed for several hours.

“Ben?”

Benedict let out all the breath in his lungs and rushed to hug you. “Thank God!”

You felt weak and dizzy, but didn't want to worry him anymore, so you reciprocated the embrace despite the headache it was causing.

“What happened?”

“We were playing with the family,” he answered. “And you fainted suddenly. We took you to the room and the doctor came to see you. He said that, taking your underlying symptoms into account, it might take hours for you to wake.”

“Oh…” you muttered, trying to ignore the reproach behind his words. “How long has it been?”

“Around five hours,” He sighed. “Do you want something, my love? Water, food?”

You pursed your lips. “Uh, water should be fine. Thank you.”

Your husband nodded and poured water in a glass. Once he sat beside you again, he gave you the water himself, making you smile.

“Where are the children?”

“They are having dinner with Mother.”

“How are they?”

“They are fine,” he assured you, but you knew he was lying. “Do not worry about the children, our family is taking good care of them. Mother is with Béa, so we mustn't worry about her too much.”

You pouted. “She must be hungry, Benedict. She certainly needs me! Bring her to me, please.”

“Are you sure? The doctor said you must rest.”

“Please, Ben.”

He couldn't say no. He could never say no to you.

Benedict was in front of you, sitting expectantly, awaiting your answer.

He wouldn't blame you for anything, for the last thing he should do right this moment is put you under stress. The doctor said that stress or worry would only make it worse, and Benedict wouldn't risk it. You, however, had to tell him the truth.

“They began two months before Béa's birth,” you finally spoke. “It was sporadic at the start, just pain in my chest every now and then, difficulty breathing sometimes, until it turned into something bigger. My heart starts pounding really, really fast, and sometimes I faint like I did yesterday. But now, I-”

Your husband's face was the most afflicted you have ever seen, and you felt guilty for hiding it from him for so long.

“I'm sorry,” A soft whimper left your mouth. “I know I should have told you months ago, but I could not bear the thought of upsetting you over something I was able to control.”

“Is that why you have chosen to carry the weight of your illness all by yourself? To not upset me?”

You nodded. “We are happy. We deserve to be without anything ruining it.”

“The children and I, we are happy. You cannot possibly be happy under the burden of that secret of yours.”

“I never intended for this to happen, I figured it would go away one day, it was never this complicated-”

“I know that, my dear,” Benedict sighed. “I am right here with you, alright? Always.”

You held back the tears. “How did you find out?”

“Dahlia got scared and told me the truth,” he answered, mentioning the involvement of your lady maid. “She said you have been in denial for months, and that this was not the first time this has happened. Your health has been decaying for a long time, but you wouldn't accept it.”

“Ben, I… I am scared.”

“I know,” He looked up at the ceiling and then at you. “Do not be. Everything will be alright.”

He kissed your hand and gave you a sweet smile.

“Thank you for being here.”

“I will always be here for you, Y/N. I love you more than anything,” Benedict replied, swallowing his own feelings. “What if you make some space for me there beside you? Can you do that for me?”

You let out a soft laugh, remembering for a quick second how much you missed your husband's jokes and that whimsical attachment you adored, oh, so much. He always made you feel like the new girl in London who caught his attention and made him do all sorts of follies. You were that girl the day you met, the day you gave birth to your third child, and right this moment. He loved you, and it was so maddening that his delusions passed as hope.

Benedict wanted you to get better, but the doctor said you probably wouldn't.

He thought you were full of life, even when your voice was hoarse and your skin a little too cold for an alive person. He thought you would be fine even when you said goodbye to him every night as if it was gonna be the last time.

What was he supposed to do? He had to hold onto hope. You had to live and see your children grow up. You had to see them marry and carry your grandchildren.

You were merely eight and twenty. You couldn't die and leave him.

Benedict hated it when he realized that he was making it all about him, but how else was he supposed to decipher how he felt about the possibility of losing you? He didn't see himself capable of dealing with your loss and keep going. He couldn't fathom the idea of raising the kids by himself. He didn't know how he would look at little Blanche, who looked exactly like you, and not break down.

“How are you today?”

You smiled weakly. “I am doing amazing, my dear.”

“Is that so?” he inquired with a happy smirk. You nodded. “It is great to hear that.”

“How are you?”

“I am quite content.” Benedict assured you, though the bags under his eyes and the loss of fullness of his cheeks gave away his dishonesty.

But you pretended like you believed him. “How are the children?”

“Quite well. Benedict and Benjamin have started their fencing lessons yesterday,” he said. “Blair has proven herself to be good at reading, quite like you, Blanche has been misbehaving lately but showing her artsy skills. As for Béa, she is growing more each day that passes. She gets along very well with Mother, as you know, so it is alright. They miss you. I have been trying to keep their little minds occupied, but they do.”

You didn't notice when you started crying.

“I wish to see my children grow up. I want to grow old with you, Ben… I'm scared.”

This time, he didn't have the strength to tell you not to be. This time, he cried with you.

“Me as well,” He kissed your forehead and attempted to get up. “Perhaps I should-”

“Please, stay.”

“I do not want you to see me like this.”

You pursed your lips. “Who else if not me?”

Benedict cried more and you felt guilty for being the reason of your husband's was misery.

“I wish to never lose you,” he whispered. “Because… What am I supposed to do if there is no you?”

“I will always be with you.”

“I know.”

You smiled at him, trying to comfort him; but you couldn't.

Nothing you did would ease the pain, nothing other than getting well.

“You cannot lose hope.”

“It is quite easy for you to say, El,” Benedict sighed, looking at the moon. “It is not the love of your life lying on her deathbed. It is not you who will be left alone with five children to tend to. It has been months, and I have no clue what to do. I only want her to be well.”

“I know I am not losing the love of my life, but she is my sister,” Eloise replied. “I hope not to burden you with my pain, too. I cannot bear the thought of losing such a loving soul. She has always inspired me to see the world as she does. And life. Even now, on the verge of leaving, she has managed to show goodness.”

He let out an afflicted sigh. “What did she say to you, Sister?”

She took his hand in hers. “She said that she would leave in peace if she had to. That she trusts us to take care of you and the children. And that she is happy with the life she has lived. She said that she has lived a life full of love, and that is what makes life worth living: the love we give and receive. You have done right by her. You have given her the life and family she always wanted.”

“I do not want to make this about me,” he said. “But I cannot help but to do so. If she leaves us, Eloise, I am leaving right behind her, I- I don't believe myself to have the strength it takes to survive in her absence.”

“You must be strong. For her and your children.”

“I don't want to be strong, I want this to be over.”

“I know, but… didn't the doctor say she was improving?”

“I do not want to have faith for nothing.”

They stayed silent on the swings of Bridgerton House until Benedict thought it was time to go back home. The sun rising announced it.

Once Benedict set foot on his home, he saw you having breakfast with your children. A wide smile spread on his face at the sight.

“Mr. Bridgerton, how dare you return home until after sunrise?” you questioned him amusedly, pointing to the empty seat on the end of the table. He was about to sit where you told him, but the children stood up from their places and ran to him before he could. You laughed. “But it is alright, for I got to surprise you.”

Benedict smiled and walked to you with your second youngest, Blanche, in his arms. “You are out of bed.”

“I am out of bed,” you confirmed with excitement, holding his face with your hand and driving him close enough for to you to peck his lips. “I love you.”

“Daddy!” Blair exclaimed. “Mama read us to sleep last night!”

“Did she?”

“Yes, Father! And Mama saw Benedict and I during our fencing lesson.” Benjamin, your second born, added.

“Mama is getting better, Father.” Benedict, the child, mentioned with a sweet grin, just like his father's.

“She is,” Benedict, the father, confirmed. “And everything will be alright.”

all things benedict bridgerton taglist: @imgondeletedis

[newtonsheffield]

Anthony also thinks he deserves some credit for waiting nearly four whole months to start dating Kate!

Look here’s what happened from Anthony’s POV. On Anthony’s least Favourite day of the year, a hot woman sat down next to Anthony in a bar and for a few hours he forgot what a colossal fucking disappointment he way to just about everyone. Because her eyes shone at him and she laughed while she teased him a little about his posh middle name. And he’s thought about her pretty fondly from the moment he wanted to run after her when they agreed not to see one another again as they shook hands at breakfast in the hotel lobby.

He’s thought about trying to find her over the years but all he knows is she’s a solicitor who just got a promotion, her Father also died a few years ago, she has a scar on his leg from riding a bike as a kid and she laughed in disbelief when he nudged her thighs apart for the third time and buried his head between them.

“Who the fuck are you?” She’d laughed, her fingernails scratching his scalp in a way that had his spine shivering already.

“The perfect man, I guess.” He’d winked at her, rebelling in her noise of disgust that quickly changed to something very different.

That’s not a lot to go on. You can’t just start calling law firms and asking if they have a hot junior partner working there actually. It raises red flags.

And suddenly, when you least expect it she shows up at your work. And she looks just as beautiful as you remember. And you’re flirting very hard. You’re about to ask her to dinner when she clears her throat and says

“I have a son, actually now.”

Anthony swallowed, “Oh! Amazing, congratulations.”

“He’s um… god this is so uncomfortable but he’ll be… he’ll be three soon.”

And suddenly everything is different.

Anthony has a son. They share a son. The most perfect kid Anthony’s ever met, a completely unbiased opinion, by the way. He’s smart, and adorable, and sweet and Anthony is fascinated by everything he does. And then there’s Kate. And Kate’s problematic because she’s every bit as fucking fantastic as Anthony suspected she was when they first met. She’s funny, and she teases him, and she’s smart as fuck as Anthony actually did get a little aroused when he arrived at her work early and heard her on the phone with an opposing counsel.

So yeah. He actually does think he deserves a bit of credit for not standing outside the office of the mother of his child with a sign that says I AM BEGGING FOR ONE SINGLE CHANCE! The day after they met again

And not least because she showed up at his office looking like this

He’s only human! He waited four whole months! Hercules couldn’t have waited that fucking long for a date with Kate Sharma!

[bridgertonandchocolate]

I can just imagine Anthony and Kate when the Queen walks into Polin’s wedding breakfast.

Anthony is like wtf is the Queen on about?

And then as Colin leaves and Pen follows him Kate would be like ohhhhhhh she’s Whistledown. You know I figured as much.

And Anthony would be like what?

And Kate would be like yeah I suspected it was her but forgot in all our newly wedded bliss.

And Anthony would then be like we should do something about this.

And Kate would be like nah. They have this handled. Let’s pack for India.

[siswritesyanderes]

OMGGG YANDERE BRIDGERTON PLEASE

Okay, brainstorm.

I'm torn between wanting the characters to be ruthless in the non-violent social sense that leaves their opponents destitute, or leaning fully into "They're rich enough to get away with murder."

So, I'm thinking the Bridgertons are just ALL yanderes. It's just a family thing; just yanderes all the way down. They banter about it. Violet and (the dad; I forgot his name) were yanderes for each other, and their children are all amazed at how well their mother survived losing him so suddenly.

In their childhood, the Bridgertons are all platonic yanderes. (When they do have childhood crushes, they don't usually feel yandere towards those; they're just cute little childhood crushes.) With their friends, they tend to be highly protective, or clingy, or jealous. Any one of them will kill for their family without a second thought and bury the body on their own land. Maybe someone hurts little Eloise's feelings, Daphne tells their older brothers, and Anthony, Benedict, and Colin sink a body in the river that night. Or rather, Anthony and Colin do, while Benedict preserves their alibi.

(At this moment I'm going to write about the canon relationships of those of them who have those. I'm open to asks about what specifically you're looking for.)

Daphne is yandere for Simon. She has modeled herself to be the perfect diamond, and Simon, as much as he tries to be, cannot make himself harder than a diamond. In fact, he is moldable, and fragile, and she adores him. Simon is not a yandere and also doesn't really get that Daphne is a yandere. He hasn't been romantic like this with anyone before, so he doesn't know what a normal level of possessiveness is. He's been taught that women need to be wary of him, not vice versa. Her genuine innocence to matters of the flesh shields her from a lot of scrutiny. How can someone who has never touched herself be thought guilty of taking undue license with a man? How could someone with such wide, naive eyes be thought guilty of manipulating anyone? At every step, she guides him into the palms of her hands, and she loves how he succumbs.

If she ever had her eyes on someone other than Simon, in keeping with my fondness for poly yanderes, most likely she would first verify that Simon likes the person, too. It's not beyond her capabilities to guilt him for liking someone else and leverage that to get him to go along with whatever her plan is to pursue this unconventional relationship. But I think she would pick a gentler way to convince him, and only resort to shaming him if he resists the gentle approach. Maybe the one they both love can be hired as a "nanny" or "tutor" for their children, and they can enjoy their intimate company in the comfort of their own home. That could work even if the person marries someone else, and anyway, who's to say the unfortunate rival won't trip on a slick road or drunkenly fall into the Thames?

Anthony thought he felt that Bridgerton obsession for Siena; he pursued her relentlessly on the basis of what he believed he was supposed to feel. When that didn't pan out and he still felt basically like his normal self, he decided that he must not be like the rest of his family. And good! Because he didn't want to fall in love anyway.

Then he met Kate, and suddenly his ruthless self is unleashed in full. She was the sun in the morning, the air he breathed, and he needed as many hooks in her as possible to make sure she didn't go anywhere. When she seemed to distrust and resent him, he courted Edwina. Now Kate had to be around him. But as he wormed his way closer to her, she planned to leave for India as soon as Edwina was married. That couldn't be allowed. Every step he took was contrived to erase the possibility of Kate leaving him. Honestly, we could say that he deliberately caused her to fall off her horse, if we wanted to. Kate does recognize that he feels and behaves abnormally toward her, but once she comes to terms with being romantic with him in the first place, she's able to handle his yandere side pretty easily.

If he ever had his eyes on someone other than Kate, he might kidnap them in secret. Again, he just needs them not to leave. Kate finds out, because she's on top of everything always. She isn't really yandere, but she already manages his obsession with her on a daily basis. Now, she manages his obsession with the new person, the ethics of kidnapping, and the need to contain the scandal of what he's done, by basically helping him to craft a plausible narrative around what happened. (Maybe they found you in the woods, having gotten lost and ill, and were keeping you in their home until you were well enough. You're still not allowed to see anyone; who would question the Bridgertons? Kate makes sure you're comfortable and reins in Anthony where necessary. He worships her for being so understanding of his needs.)

I haven't seen season 3 yet and so I don't have a full handle on Colin right now.

Benedict will gladly pine forever. He has a kind of romantic enjoyment of the sensation of yearning, so he could paint his love and watch his love and tease his love forever. But, given the expectations of the society they live in, his love might be obligated to marry someone. He will very amicably ruin anyone his love courts. Scandals everywhere. Without the slightest dip in his wistful smile, he will set everything into place to have his rivals socially destroyed, in the ton, and when his love is left with no one else to court, then he will appear with all the love in his heart. If the person is looking for a husband, then he's their last chance. If they're looking for a wife, then Benedict will cleverly contrive it so that they read as best friends, artistic partners, whatever else. Maybe his love has found themself to be inexplicably cut off from any money and resources they once had. The crucial thing is that he will never have to vie for attention. He only has to introduce himself, and they will concede to his love willingly. And then he'll unload his deluge of paintings and sculptures and poems onto them. He might do this with Madame Delacroix.

Also, maybe Penelope's a yandere? Just separately. Idk, she has too much subtle power to ignore.

[lady-margaret]

bridgerton season 3 episode 4 screaming thoughts (unedited)

AW DEBLING THAT WAS SO CUTE 😭 colin step it up jeez

lol she likes that window cuz she can see the bridgerton house from there

oh ben is back at it again

CUTIE POMERANIAN

me and the queen thinking same thoughts cuz?????? how the hell brimsley reading all that from back there

i just know the queen is gonna hate the bridgertons when franny doesnt pick the marquis

HYACINTH 🤣🤣🤣

JOHN FCKING STIRLING JOHN STIRLING IS IN THE HOUSE YALL ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

VIOLET IS SO FUNNY WITH HER LOOKS LIKE SHE CAN JUST TELL RIGHT AWAY

wait theyre so funny 😭😭😭😭 not them literally sitting in silence

alice is gorgeous i cant wrap my head around their family storyline when shes onscreen

OMG IS THIS WHERE THEY’LL PLAY JEALOUS

eloise 😭 read the room 😭

o god colin

oh :((((((((((( oh lol nvm :>>>>>> theyre in agreement

hes so cute 🥹🥹🥹

hElp why am i rooting for debling COLIN DO BETTER !!!!!!! DAMN U COLIN what is it with him and 3somes

franny is so cute 🥹🥹🥹

pausing the ep to say that the visitor for cressida is def eloise

yep i was right

boys rly are boys at any period of time *sigh*

colin get out of there buddy … is he gonna wank it out

look okay portia does have a point but but but 🥺 love

did kate and anthony seriously go on an extended honeymoon 🙃 shes gonna be pregnant when they get back

violet knows what she’s doing and i love her for that

its the hairstyle of the queen the went viral

oh alice ur so beautiful

idk about this violet storyline 🥺 between me and her i feel like im the one who’s not over edmund 😭😭

i want eloise cressida and pen to be just friends and for cressida to say sorry to pen and grovel

LORD KILMARTIN BACK IN THE HOUSE i love him 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

philippa really selling the pregnant thingy 😭😭😭 o are they both pregnant

SNOW ON THE BEACH !!!!!!!!!!

eloise is back

O GOD COLIN ‼️

debling is connecting the dots

okay so colin, honey, listen. you will only resolve this if u like propose like rn

portia pls love ur daughter

AW IT WAS SHEET MUSIC??? 🥹🥹🥹💕

COLIN YES GO COLIN wait he ran after the carriage 🤭🤭

wait did they not play jealous at all yet? or have i missed it

COLIN SAY IT SAY ITTTTTTTTTTTTT

CARRIAGE SCENE PLS ‼️🤞🤞🤞

despite being the writer of the bridgerton family, and yes he is good with words, he has yet to have like a distinct monologue or line that becomes the pinnacle of the season

YES PENELOPE YES SPEAK UR TRUTH AND GET UR MAN

omg omg omg omg omg

i forgot what song title it is but omg its the pitch perfect song 😭

OH HES GOING FOR IT

seggs scenes are so awkward for me lmao

okay wait i love this

AHHHHHHHHH

oh no now he has to find out shes lady whistledown

OMG HE SAID THE THING HE SAID THE THING

[pizzabaekanthony]

I know for most of the fandom, their favorite Jealous Anthony frame is this -

But mine is -

Like, the 1st one is very unhinged, and he looks like he's plotting Dorset's murder in his head. But the 2nd one is just comical to me, like he was facing the OTHER WAY talking to Edwina, who he is ENGAGED to!! Laughing with her about something and out of nowhere, his spidey senses start tingling as soon as Dorset approaches Kate, and he turns around and looks at them like they pissed in his tea. He keeps glancing at them, as if telepathically telling Kate "Why tf are you talking to Dorset?!" telling Dorset "I forgot you existed. Why are you here?! And WHY are you talking to Kate?!!!" and also simultaneously telling Lady Danbury "Stop them, can't you see how improper this is? They are TALKING to each other, in BROAD DAYLIGHT, the audacity!!! Why are you not hitting them with your cane???"

Also, adding another layer to this clownery is everything that follows, how he looks like he's gonna drown Dorset in the lake, manages to make a fool of himself in front of Kate, falls into the river, pretty much tells his mom he doesnt wanna marry Edwina, goes on to throw the Sheffields out of someone else's home, does the whole YATBOMEATOOAMD. All in a day. The guy was really going THROUGH it!!

[thesparkling-diamond27]

The Second Bridgerton And I: Chapter 9

Benedict Bridgerton x Reader

Summary: Y/n Clearwater is named the “Sparkling Diamond” by Queen Charlotte herself, but she doesn’t know what to do with all this attention. Of course she has her family, but sometimes that doesn’t seem enough. But what happens when she encounters a specific Bridgerton, which changes the course of her season.

A/n: So I didn’t realize that I only posted 8 chapters when I already had chapters 9-11 written. I thought I posted them, but I guess not. Woops! I’m officially on Christmas break, so I’m going to edit the chapters I already wrote to make sure it’s readable and then I’ll finish the series. I also started the first season of umbrella academy, so stay tuned for that as well. I hope you enjoy! :)

It turned out to be Alex pulling me to where he was sitting.

“Hey! What are you doing?!” I asked.

“What? I cannot sit beside my lovely sister?”

On normal circumstances I would have brushed his actions aside, but he seemed to be up to something. I just could not tell what and I hope he was not about to embarrass me.

Alex led me to the other side of the table and I was about to take my seat when I realized I would be sitting next to Benedict. I gave Alex a “really” look, but he simply shrugged his shoulders as if he had no idea what I was implying. I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

I took my seat when Benedict noticed my presence and he smiled warmly at me.

“It is good to see you again Y/n.”

My mind went back to that fateful night at the ball where his mouth was on top of my mouth, his hands brushing through my hair and his hands wandering- stop! Not the time and place Y/n.

I had to say something and fast, before anyone realized something was amiss. I managed to utter a single sentence.

“Nice to see you as well.”

Benedict looked around the table before giving me a wink as if no one could see him doing so. Is he crazy?! His family is here! My family is here! Now would not be a good time to share what has been going on between the two of us.

{Anthony and Kate sat across from me, with Francesca and Eloise sitting beside Kate and Gregory and Hyacinth sitting beside Anthony. Noah sat next to Alex and my father took his place at the head of the table. Adeline and Violet sat next to Benedict (in that order), and then my mama took her place at the other end of the table.}

We began to eat the first course, which was a salad with some vinaigrette dressing. I was about to stab a piece of lettuce with my fork when I noticed raisins scattered throughout the salad.

Our cook must had forgotten to take the raisins out of mine. Or maybe she simply forgot since we are having guests over and the quantity of food she had to prepare went up.

There was no reason for me to become upset so I began to pick the raisins out carefully. Oh how I hated those dreadful things.

“Do you not like raisins?” Benedict asked.

He must have noticed what I was doing.

“No not really. Especially when they are cooked. I cannot stand the mushy texture. The flavor is tolerable uncooked, but I much prefer not to eat them if I have a choice.”

“If you have a choice?”

“Well…I eat the raisins in an oatmeal raisin cookie. It takes too much effort to pick them out of the cookie. But I pick them out when I have oatmeal.”

“Interesting.”

I continued to pick out the raisins and I began to place them on my napkin.

“Do you like raisins?” I asked.

“Yes. Quite a lot actually.”

I thought about it for a moment and once I was done with making my salad raisin free, I dumped all of my raisins on my napkin and into his salad.

“There. Extra raisins for the gentleman.”

He looked down at his salad and then back up at me and began to laugh.

“Oh why thank you miss.”

“You’re welcome.”

We then resumed to our salads. When I continued eating I noticed Alex looking at me with a smirk in the corner my eye.

“What?” I asked.

“Oh nothing.” He said and resumed to eating his salad. Oh he was definitely up to something.

I am glad Benedict and I were able to go back to the way things used to be. Before things became too complicated. We could talk about the most craziest thing or the most mundane of things like raisins. But I was never bored with Benedict no matter what the topic of conversation was.

Dinner ran smoothly and as the courses continued I found myself conversing more with Kate and Anthony. They seemed like lovely people and I was pleased that I was finally able to meet them.

Once dinner and dessert was finished we all found our way back to our our drawing room.

My brothers were both conversing with Benedict and Anthony near the fireplace, Gregory and Hyacinth were arguing (again), about God knows what at a nearby table, and the rest of us ladies were talking at the couches.

The current topic of conversation was of Daphne and Simon and how they were expecting their second child already. Violet was elated about the idea of a second grandchild and my mama seemed just as excited for her. That was the last Bridgerton I have yet to meet: Daphne. Or I guess Basset, since she is married to the Duke.

(A/n: I still cannot believe Daphne and Simon weren’t at least mentioned once in season three. It was as if they never existed ): )

“ I cannot wait to have grandchildren.” My mama said and I almost choked on air, but I controlled my self.

“Oh you will love it!” Violet started, “It is simply the best. It is like having a child all over again except without going through the whole process and what not. Daphne tells me that August loves it when she plays the piano forte for him and she believes that he might be into music one day.”

“It seems like music runs in the the family.” Kate said. “Daphne and Francesca are both splendid players and now August seems to have found an interest for music as well and he is almost two.”

“That is like Y/n and Adeline.” My mama added. “I played the piano forte for them, like Daphne, and they both have grown to love music. They are both exquisite on the piano.”

“You are correct. Y/n’s playing earlier was just splendid.” Kate said.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“Well why don’t you play something for us Y/n.” Violet said, “Perhaps singing as well.”

“Oh I mustn’t. I already played for all of you this evening. How about Francesca play something for us.”

Francesca was hesitant, but after a few encouragements from us she agreed to play something.

“Oh you need someone to sing along with you and I have just the person.”

I said as I walked over to where my brother was with Benedict and Anthony, near the fireplace. Alex’s arm was leaning against the shelf of the fireplace, so I allowed my self to sneak under his arm.

“Hello. Sorry to interrupt.” I said.

“Hello dear sister.” Alex said as he wrapped his arm around me.

“You know you are my favorite brother right?”

“What do you want?”

“You know…just…for you to sing with Francesca.”

“Nope.”

“Why not?”

“Because I said no.”

“Please Felis.” I said with pleading eyes

Alex looked at me before he sighed.

“No Carina.”

“Felis? Carina?” Benedict asked.

I turned and remembered that Alex and I were not alone.

“My father is into astronomy and when each of us were born he gave us star names with special meanings. Mine is Carina, his is Felis, Noah’s is Scorpius, and Adeline’s is Dara. They are our middle names, but sometimes we use them as nicknames for each other.” I quickly explained.

“What does yours mean?” Benedict asked with a curious look. I tried to hide the blush that I felt creeping up my cheeks. Alex will have a field day with this.

“That is not the point. The point is that Alex should sing with Francesca because he has an amazing singing voice.”

“I second that.” Benedict added.

I looked at Benedict puzzled and Alex gave him a raised eyebrow.

“What do you mean “I second that”.” Alex asked.

“Remember…first year at Eton…spring semester…” Benedict said to try and jog Alex’s memory.

Recognition and horror settled on Alex’s face.

“I thought we agreed to never speak about that!” Alex exclaimed.

“Never speak about what?” Now I was interested. My original plan temporarily on hold.

“Now I am interested as well.” Anthony said.

Anthony and I shared a mischievous look.

Now, Benedict, Anthony and I were waiting for Alex’s reply.

“You…what…” Alex stuttered.

“You don’t have to tell us anything unless…”

“Unless…”

“Unless you go on and sing.” I said with a cheeky grin.

Alex gave the three of us one last look before he sighed and said

“Fine.”

He released his hold from me and I began to clap with delight. As we all began to gather around Alex and Francesca I whispered to Benedict.

“You are going to tell me that singing story about Alex right?”

“Later.” Benedict snickered.

The chords of the piano forte began with an upbeat tempo, a tune that my family and I were quite familiar with.

Alex has an amazing voice which is why I asked him to sing with Francesca in the first place. I wish he was more confident in his hidden talent because everyone was enjoying his performance.

I noticed that everyone was preoccupied with Alex and Francesca, so I used that as an opportunity to sneak away to my room to retrieve a gift I had for Benedict.

I was able to leave the room undetected and I quickly scurried to my room before someone realized I was gone. I entered my room and grabbed the gift that was neatly wrapped with blue wrapping paper on my vanity. I quickly walked back to the drawing room, and no one suspected I was gone, brilliant.

I entered the room with the package hidden behind my back and I found my original spot next to Benedict. Just in time for the ending of the song. As everyone was applauding Benedict whispered next to me.

“Where did you go?”

Someone noticed my absence.

“To the chamber pot.” I lied.

“Ah.”

Everyone began to request more songs for Alex and Francesca to play and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to present Benedict with my gift.

“Hey…um…do you mind if we talk for a second.” I asked.

“Of course.” He said with a smile.

I stepped back a pace to allow us more privacy and the beginning of a new song helped as well.

“Now I know that I did not have to get you anything, but after you gave me a gift I figured I should return the favor and I don’t know if you are going to like it, but—“

“Hey, hey it’s alright. Whatever you give me I know I will enjoy it because it is from you.”

His comment sent butterflies in my stomach. I cannot believe he holds me in such high regard. I hesitated before I held out the gift for him to take. With curious eyes, Benedict took the gift and began to slowly unwrap the wrapping paper in order to not attract attention.

He lifted the last flap before it was revealed to be his handkerchief that he had given me except with the embroidery I added it to it. Next to his initials, B.B. , I stitched a swirly blue bug trail which led to a bumble bee.

I could not tell how he felt. I could not read his expression and he remained silent.

“I remember you mentioned at the ball a few days ago about how your father died by getting stung by a bee and how ever since he died you have seen bees frequently and you now believe that whenever you see one your dad is watching you and I figured it would be a nice gesture and—“

“I love it.”

I almost didn’t hear him over my rambling.

“Huh?”

“I love it. I was going to let you keep the handkerchief, but now I want to keep it for myself. Knowing that you took the time to add something so meaningful to it…I am at a loss for words. It is an impeccable job too. Thank you.”

Benedict finally looked up at me, from the handkerchief, with a wide smile on his face and it sent me into a spiral. His eyes locked with mine and I suddenly forgot about the rest of the world. All that mattered now was me and him.

Benedict reached down and brought me into a hug. I immediately returned the hug and quickly separated myself before anyone saw what we were doing, even though my body was protesting not to. I looked around and realized that Alex was already looking at us with a knowing smile. I gave him a warning look to not say anything and he continued to sing.

I turned to Benedict and noticed that he had placed his handkerchief in his coat pocket and was hiding the wrapping paper inside his jacket.

The song Francesca was playing came to an end and we all applauded in unison for the wonderful performance. Or I assumed so since I was not paying attention, but it was Alex and Francesca. Of course it was a wonderful performance. Everyone began to return to where they were before.

“Hey Benedict where did you get that handkerchief? I do not remember you wearing that earlier tonight.” Alex said with a grin.

“What do you mean? I was wearing this the entire night.” Benedict replied.

He was quickly winked at me and I giggled in return as we walked with Alex back to the fireplace where Anthony was waiting for us.

—————————

My family and I entered the Bridgerton household for Penelope and Colin’s engagement party.

The main entrance was decorated beautifully with the flower arrangements. The center table carried cakes, macarons, I wonder if they had any raspberry ones, and other pastries, and the musicians playing were magnificent. The party was very classy and well done.

Kate was the first to notice us and quickly welcomed us in.

“Welcome. It is so wonderful to see all of you!” She said.

“It is lovely to see you as well.” My mama replied.

“I love what you have done with the place.” I said.

“Thank you! It took some time, but I am happy with the results. Would you all care to join me?”

“Of course!” My mama answered.

Mama, Adeline, and I began to follow Kate to where the three eldest Bridgerton brothers were.

“Good evening gentlemen.” Kate said.

“Clearwater family! I am glad you all could make it!” Anthony said with a smile when he realized our presence.

“Thank you having us.” Father said.

“The pleasure is mine.”

“You have truly outdone yourself, sister. Look at the place.” Benedict said.

My heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice.

“I just finished telling her that.” I said.

“Well if Y/n said it then it must be true.” Benedict joked.

Anthony and Kate gave Benedict a curious look, but said nothing.

“Thank you!” Kate said as she looked at all of the three brother’s attire. “You all look dashing.”

“Not as dashing as Gregory.” Anthony said.

We all turned to see Hyacinth and Gregory walking down the stairs, but what was rather peculiar was that a tall black top hat adorned Gregory’s head.

“Brother, wherever did you get such a fine hat?” Anthony asked.

“I will be an Eton man soon. It is high time I began presenting myself as one.”

He looked ridiculous, but I do not think anyone had the heart to make fun of him for it. Well almost everyone.

“Perhaps Eton will make your brain big enough to fill that hat.” Hyacinth jabbed at Gregory.

That earned a few chuckles and I found myself being one of them. Kate stepped in to try to make Gregory feel better.

“Well, as a man of the house, you must greet our guests.”

Kate, Gregory and Hyacinth walked to where Lord and Lady Mondrich entered with their eldest son.

“I am heading over to where Francesca, Violet, and Lady Bridgerton are with mama. Care to join me?” Adeline asked.

“Mhm-hmm.”

“Gentleman I shall see you around.” I said with a curtsy as I left with Adeline. But before I left I gave Benedict a quick smile which he returned. We both had a mutual understanding that we would talk later.

It is insane how now we can silently communicate with one another. It’s as if we are both in tune with one another and know every single twitch and slight movements we make.

Mama, Adeline and I walked to where Francesca, Violet and Lady Danbury were talking.

Francesca was the first to notice us.

“Y/n!” She said and she quickly brought me into an embrace.

“Francesca it is so good to see you.”

“Aphrodite! I am glad you all could make it!” Violet said as she hugged Mama, Adeline and I.

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Mama said.

“Lady Clearwater. Miss Y/n. Miss Adeline.” It has been a while since we have seen each other. How are all of you?” Lady Danbury asked.

“We are doing well.” My mama said. “But it has been hectic and with having both daughters in society and catching the affections of two fine gentleman.”

“Yes I am familiar with their affiliations with Lord Tewkesberry and Lord Harvey. I assume things are going well yes.”

“Yes they are.” Adeline said.

I simply nodded.

“How wonderful. Violet. Aphrodite. Do you both care to join me on the balcony?”

“Why yes of course.” Violet said.

“It would be my pleasure.” Mama said.

Now it was just Francesca, Adeline, and I.

“I could not help, but notice that Cressida Cowper is here. What is up with that?” I asked.

“I have no idea.” Francesca answered.

“Penelope cannot be friends with her right?” Adeline asked.

“Oh most definitely not.” I said, “Like everyone else Penelope despises the girl.”

“There must be a reason why she is present.”

We all turned to secretly look at Cressida and tried to muster up an idea of why she is here. When looking at Cressida, I noticed that Penelope was talking with Colin.

“Excuse me.” I said to Francesca and Adeline as I made my way to Penelope and Colin.

It has been so long, since we have last seen each other. I do not think we even crossed paths at the ball earlier this week. We had a lot to discuss such as, how did this engagement happen and what happened to Lord Debling? I also had some feelings that I needed to get off of my chest.

Colin left Penelope which gave me the perfect opportunity to speak with her, but before I could, Eloise beat me to it. Wait Eloise? What was Eloise doing talking with Penelope. I do not believe that they reconciled their friendship, unless they already have. Have I really missed that much in a short amount of time?

“Penny for your thoughts?”

I turned to my right to see Benedict holding two glasses of champagne.

“Is one of those glasses for me or are you planning on getting drunk at your brother’s engagement party?” I joked.

My response caused him to laugh.

“As much fun the latter sounds it is the former.”

“Well thank you.”

I plucked one of the glasses from his hand and took a sip.

“Are you enjoying the party so far?” He asked.

“Oh yes, but I am rather disappointed that I have yet to speak to my best friend who is the future bride.”

I looked to see that Eloise was still talking to Penelope.

“Ah. Well you will get to talk to her eventually.”

“I hope so.”

“You look Beautiful tonight.”

His comment almost made me choke on my champagne. Butterflies entered my stomach and my face became hot.

Benedict chuckled and said, “You look cute when you are blushing.”

I tried to hide my face as I felt my face get even hotter. I do not know how he has such an effect on me, but he can make me melt with just a single word.

“You may look beautiful tonight…” he said in a low whisper. “…but not as beautiful as the way you looked the other night on the balcony.” He whispered in my ear.

Now I definitely choked on my champagne. Why did he have to say such things, while I was sipping on my champagne? Now my cheeks were definitely crimson red. I cannot believe he said that when others could possibly hear. I hope nobody heard. His inappropriate words led me to the question that has plagued my mind all week.

“Benedict I think we should talk about what happened.”

Benedict gave me a look of understanding.

“I think we should as well.”

Ever since the ball my mind has been in a constant swirl thinking about what we were. There are many muddy things that need to be cleaned out because we can no longer be in this undetected territory. We are classified as friends, but friends don’t have a steamy make out session with each other on the balcony.

Benedict led me to the corner of the room and waited for me to begin. Here goes nothing.

“What are we Benedict?”

Might as well get straight to the point instead of beating around the bush.

“You tell me.” Benedict said with a smirk.

This was not the time to be playing games.

“I’m serious. What are we?”

Benedict cleared his throat and said.

“I don’t know.”

“It’s been in my mind for days.”

“Me too.”

A pleasant, but confusing, silence filled the atmosphere.

“What would you like to be?” I asked.

“I don’t know. Marriage has never been on my mind much. But I do know that I want to be with you and I am not opposed to the idea.”

“Of marriage?”

He nodded.

This was a lot to take in. He basically confessed to not thinking about marriage until he met me.

“Do you want marriage with me?” He asked.

I almost blurted out the word yes, but I stopped myself. I wanted to say yes so badly but there was someone stopping me from doing so: Maxwell. Maxwell was the definition of a perfect husband and I cannot bare to break his heart if I ended our courtship. I want to, but I don’t even know how to begin.

“Hey listen.” Benedict said. He must have understood my inner dilemma. “Take your time. I will wait for you.”

“You will?”

“I will.”

Benedict grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it. Sealing his promise. He understood what I needed to do and he confirmed that he will be waiting for me when the time comes. I can take an eternity and he will still be there waiting. I really don’t deserve this man.

“You know you still have to tell me the singing story about my brother at Eton.” I said changing the topic of discussion.

“Well that was a complete 180.” Benedict said to you a chuckle, “But if you insist. At Eton there is a program where we can receive a $2,000 scholarship if we compete a minimum of 30 hours of community service per semester. That semester we signed up late, so we did not have a choice on where to go, so we were sent to an orphanage that was run by nuns.”

“Nuns? Why am I scared about what Alex did now that I know there are nuns involved?”

“Oh you should be scared.” He said with a chuckle. “Alex and I, and a few other students, were assigned to sorting clothes and Alex thought it would be fun to do a performance, since most of us were bored and wanted a break. Alex began to perform a rendition of a song he heard called, “Lady Marmalade” by Labelle. Have you heard of it?”

(A/n:I know this is not historically accurate, but I LOVE Moulin Rouge, so it is what it is)

I in fact have. The song was a little controversial since, it was about prostitution. Adults know about the context, but children don’t.

“I cannot believe Alex did that!” I said with laughter.

“It gets worse!”

“Oh? Oh no.”

“Oh no indeed. While we are all laughing at him, we all did not realize that there was a nun at the doorway, and she saw the whole thing and nearly had a heart attack. When asked if he knew what the song meant by the nun, Alex responded with “Love right?”. The nun then said “Yes, but not the kind of love you should be singing at an institution with God present, so please do not do that again”.

Now I completely lost it and broke into a fit of laughter and Benedict joined me. I was laughing so hard that I had to put my arm on Benedict’s shoulder for balance. What Benedict and I didn’t notice was that Kate was watching us from a distance with a soft smile on her face.

—————————

Kate

I finally finished my rounds of checking to make sure everything was alright with the guests, when I noticed Benedict and Y/n together. This was no surprise, since everyone knows they are very close friends, but there is something different about them here.

They spoke in hushed whispers and when Benedict made Y/n laugh she put her hand on his arm and brought him even closer than he already was if that was even possible. But there was something else in both their eyes. A longing and desire, but also a hint of adoration and—. Wait. Anthony mentioned something about Benedict a few days ago.

I scanned the room until my eyes landed on my husband near the pastry table. I quickly strode across the floor, occasionally acknowledging a few guests, until I reached Anthony. I placed my hand on his back to notify him of my presence.

He turned to look at me and his face grew into a wonderful smile. It almost made my heart melt and I know deep down I will never get tired of his smile.

“Kate.” He said before brining me into a chaste kiss.

“Are you alright? Please do not over exert yourself, especially with your condition.” He whispered the last few words.

I was currently with child, but we have yet to tell his family yet. We wanted to, but then Colin announced his engagement and I felt like it was not the right time to share the news. Anthony was disappointed, but he understood my reasoning.

“I am alright my love. I came here to ask you a question actually.”

“Yes of course what is it.”

Anthony placed his macaroon on the table and positioned his body to me, so I can have his full undivided attention.

“You mentioned something about Benedict a few days ago. That there was a special girl.”

“Yes I do recall, but he was very secretive about it. I do not even know who she is.”

“That is the thing. I think I found a possible candidate for Benedict’s mystery girl.”

Anthony raised his eyebrows and a look of curiosity was shown on his face.

“Carry on.” He said.

I motioned my head in the corner where Benedict and Y/n were talking in hushed voiced and giggling. I looked at Anthony’s face and I saw nothing, but shock.

“Darling are you alright?” I asked.

Anthony cleared his throat.

“Yes I am alright, but I feel completely stupid.”

“Why do you feel stupid?”

He looked at me.

“Looking at those two it is clear as day that they have affection for each other. I feel stupid that I did not realize it sooner.” He said with a chuckle.

I laughed at his answer.

“I understand what you mean, but please do not call yourself stupid. You are everything, but stupid.”

“Alright I am not stupid.” He said as his hands found a spot around my waist

My hands went around his neck. Anthony looked at Benedict and Y/n once again and there was a look of sadness and confusion on his face.

“Are you sure you are alright?” I asked.

“Yes I am.” He said as he looked back at me, “I simply wish that he felt comfortable enough to tell me about Y/n. And Colin. Y/n is currently courting Maxwell, which makes the situation complicated. I wish he would have come to me though.”

“Sounds a lot like us.” I said with fondness.

Anthony looked at me with confusion.

“You were courting my sister and somehow ended up with me. It seems like there is a third party involved with them just like how there was one with us.”

Recognition and affection found its way on his face.

“Good point.” He said with a grin.

“And how did that situation pan out?”

“Very well.”

“Then there is no need to worry about Benedict.”

“I guess you are right.” Anthony said as he sealed my lips with a kiss.

—————————

Once I was done laughing I said, “That definitely sounds like Alex.”

“Before that day we were acquaintances, but right then and there I decided he would be my best friend and the rest is history.” I smiled at the memory that he just shared with me.

Suddenly we heard glass clinking and we turned to see Colin motioning for everyone to gather around.

“Good evening everyone. If you will allow me a few words.”

We all formed a circle to listen to what Colin had to say.

“Most people, when they fall off their horse, are counseled to get back on again. I say stay down, for in the mud, you may happen to be blessed with your future bride.”

Light laughter spread around the room.

“It was my atrocious riding that led me to Miss Featherington, Pen…and I am so grateful to be with her tonight. I look forward to our life together, to knowing each other fully, and to never taking a single day with you for granted.”

Colin rose his glass and we all did the same as we congratulated him and Penelope.

After Colin’s speech I could tell that he truly deeply loved Penelope and I could not help, but feel grateful for her. Finally someone is able to appreciate how wonderful Pen is and it is Colin of all people.

Suddenly Eloise clinked her glass.

“Congratulations to you both. Here is to truly knowing each other.” She looked directly at Penelope before saying, “Completely. Before the clock runs out.”

An awkward atmosphere filled the room and no one knew what to do next. Eloise noticed this tried to fix it.

“Hmm. The clock of life, of course. Ticks for us all. To your good health.” And Eloise took a sip of champagne. I winced at her words. Now no one definitely did not know what to do next.

“Thank you, Eloise. I…”

Luckily Colin stepped in, but it looked like he was at a loss for words too. Then Lady Featherington cut in.

“I should like to add how… proud I am of my lovely daughter Penelope. To the match of the season, and the Featherington-Bridgerton family.”

“I cannot tell if this party needs stronger drinks or weaker ones.” Benedict whispered to me and I placed my hand over my mouth to stifle my laughs.

“Now, perhaps some dessert and charades in the drawing room.” Kate said to move the party along and thank god because it was getting really awkward with all the interruptions.

As Benedict and I followed the other guests to the drawing room. I noticed that Penelope seemed off. I believe it might have been Eloise’s words that made her feel this type of way.

Although Eloise’s words were nice, but awkward, I could tell that there was some hidden meaning behind them. I just did not know what.

But I knew I would definitely find out tonight.

—————————

“Bridgerton rules everyone.” Anthony began to explain, “The person who guesses correctly shall take the next turn. We shall continue swapping around the room until the intellectual genius of the group reveals him or herself.”

We were all currently seated in the drawing room about to play a riddle game. Benedict and I were currently standing behind Colin and Penelope who were both seated on the couch. Before we began I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and gave her a warm smile which she seemed to appreciate. We both agreed that we would talk with one another after the game.

“Who shall go first?” Benedict asked.

“Ah. I think Penelope. It is her night after all.” Kate said.

Anthony placed the book of riddles in front of Penelope and she decided to take it.

“Very well.” She said.

We all waited silently to hear the first riddle.

“My second is conveyed to my first by the company of my family. My white is a product of spring.” Penelope read.

“A product of spring..” Alex mumbled beside me.

“Surely a flower of some kind.” Lady Mondrich said.

“Lilies. Forget-me-nots. Lilacs.” Anthony shouted.

“No!” I said.

“Do you know the answer ?” Benedict asked me.

“I have no clue.”

Benedict chuckled.

“Me neither.”

“Ease is conveyed to one’s heart by the company of family. Heart’s-ease, the flower.” Eloise said.

“Eloise is correct.” Penelope stated.

We all began to clap and congratulate Eloise.

“Your turn then.” Benedict said.

Penelope gave the book to Eloise and the interaction was rather awkward. It was hard to watch.

Eloise read the riddle and Penelope guessed right and when Penelope read the next riddle Eloise guessed correct again.

“Will the rest of us participate in the game as well?” Benedict asked.

“Well there is a history between these two.” I said.

“And perhaps it will finally be settled.” Colin said. Colin and I both shared a look, both of us hoping that Penelope and Eloise can solve the conflict between them. While Colin and Benedict are clueless, I am actually the only one who knows the true reason why they are no longer on speaking terms.

I just hope they can resolve their issues tonight. It is Penelope’s engagement party for Christ’s sake. It is the least Eloise could do especially since they will be family soon.

The game continued, and the usual pattern, thank god, was finally broken when Lord Mondrich guessed a riddle correctly, then Alex, Noah, and Lady Featherington, followed by Benedict.

“My first is nothing but a name. My second’s still more small. My whole of so much smaller fame, it has no name at all.”

I thought about it until I think I found the answer.

“How about…”nameless”? I asked.

“Aw…well yes.” Benedict said defeated. Everyone chuckled as Benedict returned to where I was standing. I gave his shoulder a comforting squeeze and told him it was okay.

“Something Lady Whistledown will not be for much longer.” Colin said.

The rest of the guests chuckled at Colin’s words, but I quickly looked at Penelope. I could not tell what her facial expressions were because her back was towards me.

“The Queen has made sure of that.” Lady Featherington said.

Penelope then interrupted Cressida by saying, “Who’d pursue a matter as trivial as Whistledown’s identity? It all feels…vulgar.”

“I would argue Whistledown is the vulgar one. Though the ton could do with a little vulgarity.” Noah said.

Cressida was interrupted again when Lady Mondrich said, “If she is unmasked, it will spell ruin for her family.”

“And certainly any hope of marriage.” Father said.

Colin went to get a glass of champagne and Penelope began to shake as her breath began to quicken.

“Excuse me.” She said quietly as she exited the room

[lookingfts]

Friday Fic Rec 11/15

I totally forgot to call for submissions this week, so special thanks to those who had already submitted! You can send me your picks any time. Titles are links to each fic.

for reasons wretched and divine by penny_loaf

“I love how they can get to know each other and their relationship can grow without the pressure of their duties and responsibilities while this special situation binds them together.“

Description: It takes Kate a long time to realize someone else is cursed along with her. She would be more relieved, if that person was not Lord Bridgerton. Time Loop AU.

Complete - M - 18k words

A Knock on an Office Door by lilybelle14

“I loved Violet in the books, so I am very much gone for the idea that Violet could play matchmaker and arrange their happy ending.  Another thing I loved was that Violet, Anthony and Kate are very honest with each other without it being too unrealistic. I hate it when everyone just always says what they are feeling in every conversation like it‘s an internal monologue.”

Description: In which Kate returns to India and indeed, it is not far enough. But a certain Dowager Viscountess has a plan…

Complete - T - 24k words

A Weekend in the Country by peepsinthechilipot

“I am absolutely in love with this story. I love how the story is told and I adore Anara. I was living for the moment they realized who they were when they met each other again. And then the moment when Anthony learned about Anara - fire! Another thing I really loved was Edwina and her reaction to the drama. All in all, I could not put it down! 100000 stars!”

Description: In 1807, Kate Sharma fell in love with a stranger in the woods. Every week, they met, raced, talked, waltzed—until one day, he was gone, leaving her with only bittersweet memories and a child on the way. In 1815, Kate returns to London for the first time in eight years to attend her sister’s wedding. When she arrives at his country home, Kate discovers that not only is she already acquainted with her sister’s fiancé, but he is the reason she left England in the first place…isn't it rich?

Complete - M - 58k words

most eligible by firstglances (amalin)

“I know it‘s relatively long, but I wasn‘t bored a single minute! Usually I am rather skeptical of such AUs, but this one was brilliant. To me, the way they fell in love, dealt with the situation and reached their happy ending felt very natural. The length of the story allows them to develop feelings and work through everything at a speed that was exactly right in my opinion. Another reason why I loved this are all the side characters and little details from the canon. It‘s all very thought through and elevates the story to another level.”

Description: In 1814, when a man was in urgent want of a wife, there was the Marriage Mart. Over two hundred years later, there is reality television. Or: the Bachelor AU no one asked for.

Complete - E - 180k words

LFTS rec: I Dream of You by @mxkateb

This is one of the first fics that really grabbed me when I joined the Kanthony fandom, and I still love it all this time later. Just fun and sexy and romantic.

Description: A modern AU about Kate, currently working her way up the corporate ladder, and her solo nighttime activity to an eerily familiar, yet anonymous, amateur pornographer who enjoys a good wank on camera.

Complete - E - 12k words

Thanks for reading! You can find previous weeks under the "lfts fic recs" tag.

[folklauerate]

I’ll say something else while I’m here-one of my biggest issues with Bridgerton s2 was the lack of cohesiveness. Jesus Christ no one is upset with characters making unlikable decisions and if you want a wedding for the sake of drama, Shondaland, have a fucking wedding, but make it earned! And on top of that, the wedding episode had the fucking audacity to be boring as shit! Just all trodding on and operating off of the assumption the viewer would be aghast and would sit through nearly an hour of boring yawn snooze because there were “stakes” and it seemed like the main pair might not get together. Like for fuck’s sake have as much drama as you like but at least make it well written! Instead the wedding episode is a dirge and not because it’s a reflection of some character’s mental state or any seemingly deep reason, no; it’s like they decided there would be a wedding and shrugged when it came to getting the character’s there. It doesn’t count as good writing if you’ve spent the past months/years trying to wrap your head around or write fic around the reasons why x decision by y characters make sense to fill in gaps that shouldn’t be there in the first place and that’s all this fandom has done.

People’s issue with side plots taking up too much time isn’t really that they take up too much time-it’s that none of them follow a set of overarching themes of the season and feed into them or a main storyline in a significant way, giving the illusion to the viewer that they’re completely separate from the romance at the core and therefore taking away from it, as opposed to everything being harmonious.

On top of that, the characterizations are so fucking varied and there’s a large tonal shift between s1 and s2 in terms of the way the Bridgersibs interact with one another. Siblings can fight and be rude and whatever to one another but for them to turn into completely different people out of nowhere is so ??

And on the topic of characterizations-WHERE WAS KATE’S??? Anthony gets 28363938 motivations for why he is the way he is and then is honestly left floundering with all of them, until you’re honestly a bit ?? as to why he can’t marry for love, and then you get Kate who is just… There. Why can’t she marry for love? Why is she hellbent against marrying? Why is she prioritizing her family’s finances and Mary/Edwina above herself? What conversations did she have with her father before he died to make her this way or was she always like this? What were their lives like in India? I could keep going! At least in the book you get some half hearted “I’m too ugly and old to get a match” reason but in the show no one is going to fucking believe Simone Ashley is too ugly or old to get whatever lord she wants 😭✋ and THEN???? To top it all off-Kate and Anthony don’t have a single meaningful discussion around an entire eight episodes!!!!! Not one!!!!!!!!! What fucking growth happens between them fucking and the coma and then their fucking dance to have them propose? If the actors themselves had to invent all these so called secret conversations their characters had in between everything to make things make sense, I really don’t think that’s a hallmark of good writing. They rush that happy ending in there at the end and it feels like they forgot they had to end the fucking show with these two characters together and they just said “fuck it let them kiss” and that’s what we got. WHAT CONVERSATION OF SUBSTANCE DID THEY HAVE. And what fucking argument can you make that it’s okay that it didn’t happen on screen??) NONE!!! It’s TV! It’s a VISUAL FORMAT??? Oh my god.

I told myself I wouldn’t rant about this, just redirect people to walle’s thoughts on this, which is (in her own words) how she sat shiva for the fucking wreck of what Bridgerton s2 is. Walle if you don’t know wrote a thousand cuts and s2 was the nail in the coffin for her. It was so so so bad. It went against such basic principles of storytelling. The writing was so abhorrent. It was insane. And to defend it feels more insane it feels like you’ve been taken hostage by this damn show and you’re writing thinkpieces on tumblr and twitter to make it make sense!

What grates me is that it really could’ve been good. The juice was there. The actors are amazing. The production team is clearly so so dedicated and hard working. IT WAS ALL THERE. Honestly the way the show was marketed in the trailer feels completely different from how it came out and I have to think there was some fuckshit going on behind the scenes given the large tonal shift during/after ep 4 and CVD’s hasty and odd departure.

[degreedummy]

Bridgerton Astrology- Part 3: EDWINA SHARMA

Sagittarius Ascendant-

It admittedly took me a minute to come up with an idea for Edwina's Ascendant, but the reason I landed on Sagittarius is because of how her Jupiter influence is denied throughout the show. Jupiter can signify things we're 'meant or destined for', it can represent research and intelligence, it can represent positive changes or upward motion in our lives, and these are all things that were denied to Edwina. Another signifier of her Ascendant, the way people perceive her, is the way that Kate continuously claimed she was trying to protect her. Kate wanted Edwina to marry for love, Kate did everything she could to shield her sister from the pressures her family faced, but ultimately this lie is what destroys the trust between both sisters. The idea of 'innocence' people project onto her has been long outgrown, but it's terrifying to other people [Jupiter-ruled Ascendant] that she might come into contact with an ugly side of the world and never be the same. People became so protective of her natural sweetness that they forgot that's who she really is, and that it's not changing. Back to what I mentioned before with Jupiter representing 'destiny', I think it all pulls back to her family demanding that she must marry an English man to obtain the Sharma family's dowry. It's not quite the same as I talked about with Lady Agatha, with how she was given no other choice but to be Lord Danbury's wife, Edwina had a set of choices in front of her, limited by the lies she had been told. I think, at times, Jupiter can represent illusion, deception, misdirection, and because of the circumstances she was placed in, there was no chance for love to be genuine. No matter how well-meaning specifically Kate was, all the influence of other people meant that Edwina's decisions were never really hers. I think this Jupiter influence is expressed through the perspective of the show too, with how... it's 'all about Edwina', but there's really not much focus on her. Kate claims to be influenced by her care for Edwina, but at no point is she part of the conversation, actually taking part in making decisions for her own future. I think the reason it was hard to determine her as a Jupiter-ruled Ascendant is because she's not boisterous, demanding attention, assertive, she's caring and goes along with the word of the people she trusts. Rather than looking outside of her comforts, fighting to explore new sides of the world, she trusts the family she was raised in, completely. Jupiter is expressed in how she only tries to be all of what the people who love her want her to be.

(8H) Cancer Sun-

When it comes to her Sun, I think the Cancer rulership would easily explain her softness, the way she lost herself in the love she had for Anthony, but I also think it was heavily expressed in the way she forced Kate to take ownership of her own feelings. Represented by the crab, the sign of Cancer is one that snaps back hard and fast, and I think this is a large part of the reason she was so quick to act on finding out everything that had been happening around her. Another big sign of her Sun is the way people bow to her anger, completely understanding it and trying their best to focus toward what is best for her feelings- this just also happens to be the root of her disagreement with Kate. Being in the 8H, I think this reveals the reason behind why people try to claim they know what's best for her, and why she had to be so forceful in making people realize their selfishness. It was understood she wasn't trying to hurt anyone maliciously, but she drew a line and refused to let people project any more fear onto her, knowing that she was doing nothing to deserve being turned on in any way. I think we even see her Cancer Sun in the way she focused on honesty. There was so much to criticize in Kate's behavior, Anthony's, but what remained important to her was that everyone move forward honestly. She wouldn't get married in the face of her sister's silence, but she wouldn't call the marriage off if Kate wouldn't affirm her feelings. In many ways, the Cancer, a Cardinal sign, had to be the one to dig their heel in and force people to act.

(2H) Capricorn Moon-

When compared to the average interpretation of a Capricorn Moon, I don't think she fits the mold, but again, we have to consider [Moon opposite Sun] the way these placements would work together in her chart. The reason I landed on Capricorn as the ruler of her Moon is because of the way, through all the chaos, she is actually completely forgotten. Like I said, during a time that is supposed to be all about her, she is nowhere to be seen, because all the decisions being made 'in her favor' don't really consider her feelings at all. I think, most directly, a 2H Capricorn Moon influence is expressed in the way resources are withheld from her, given to her on the condition she marries in a way her family prefers her to. Even if she's not aware of this fact until the end, the impact of truly being excluded from her family's fortune is the only reason she lives the life she does. For as much as she might love it, her family, for as much as she might love to travel to England in search of a husband, the need for this was entirely imposed on her by her own family. I do think her Moon is displayed in her reaction to finding out the truth, because in people questioning her strength, she was unmoving when it came time to challenge other people. I think, as her Moon could be understood, her soft and bright demeanor can leave people misunderstanding her ability to stand up for herself.

(7H) Gemini Mercury-

Looking toward her Mercury placement, I think this 7H placement in her chart would encapsulate the themes of [Mercury] people trying to find every excuse to speak for her. While people on the outside have no issue respecting Edwina as her own person, it's the people close to her who question her ability to stand on her own, like she could not [Mercury opposite Ascendant] ever truly find someone she loves if she knew about the dowry. I think this is what's so puzzling about her chart, is that every excuse people make to her are quickly explained by them feeling like Edwina cannot control her own emotions. If she were to know about the dowry, "her mind would be plagued", if she were to know about Kate's feelings, "her mind would be plagued", but it's the lies that left her completely vulnerable the moment it was exposed to the ton. I think her chart naturally brings chaos, but it also naturally surrounds herself with people who want to protect her from it. As a 7H Mercury though, neither side can ever be afraid of asking or answering a question, because both sides of a relationship deserve to understand each other.

(9H) Leo Venus-

Bringing the focus back to her as an individual, I think an 9H Venus would speak to the way she was absorbed into her love for Anthony, missing 'signs' everyone else seemed to pick up on and blindly pushing forward on a marriage with someone she deeply loved. She was understanding of the circumstances, but she was quickly ready to face whatever the future held for her, knowing that she trusted Anthony to give that life to her. Of course, the story only shows us this one side of Edwina's life, but a 9H Leo Venus would describe someone that is blinded by love, someone who is infatuated with the idea of love itself- and I think this could also be why she becomes so matter of fact about the truth being revealed. In all the fear people had for her, she knows and genuinely believes that she does not need help finding love. Whatever other motivations people had, she did not need help from anyone to fall in love with Anthony, and I think that... moment of disillusionment also shows how a Leo Venus can be fiercely protective of their own heart. Like I said before, for as gentle as she is when she's in comfortable spaces, there is no hesitation to snap back against people who wrong her. She knows for a fact that she never does anything to wrong anyone, she tries to be aware and respectful at all times, so when it comes to someone lying to her, there is near no justification that can be given for it.

(4H) Pisces Mars-

I think this could be one of the more obvious placements, showing [Mars square Mercury] the way people feel they can lie to her as a way of protecting her, [Mars inconjunct Venus] the way her ability to fall in love can betray her when it comes to noticing changes around her, [Mars trine Sun] the way she believes in the people she loves with her whole heart, but I think the biggest sign of her Mars placement is the way she is forced into the perfect position to unravel her family's problems. Had she known the truth, she could have focused on finding someone better suited for her, but in every way, she only ever wanted to do what would make her family happiest. I think having a Pisces Mars, Jupiter-ruled, shows benefit to her Venus, with how she gives in with her whole body and falls face first into love. I do think she's still able to be convinced, shown a need to change, but it's still that Pisces Mars influence that drives her toward the love she has for Anthony. When we look to the 4H side of this influence, I think we also see the way so much chaos is created from people lying to her. While still in a difficult situation that would have been challenging for her to face, she was completely abandoned and left ignorant to what was happening around her, as unprepared as she could be for any part of it to become real. Natal Pisces Mars need peoples' actions to match their words, they need something concrete to build a relationship off of, and as we saw, she would not marry Anthony even out of respect if it meant knowing he was holding in a lie, about his true feelings.

[a-girl-in-neverland]

Once again, im here to complain about the bridgerton subplots and changes

So spoiler for Season 3 ahead

I hated that they just cast Anthony and Kate aside. Do they really had to go RUNNING to India and couldnt wait for FRANCESCA'S WEDDING???? Hello??? Werent they the head of the family??

The intention with that is great and loving but is the showrunner allergic to having Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley in our screens for more than 3 minutes????

Like at that scene of the night before Polins wedding. Colin mentions that Kanthony has "come back"??? From where??? Did they run off again??

(Also i would really like to know who Edwina married and a bit of her love story)

The way in which the writers simply forgot about benedict's art/painting plot is atonishing. The build up of S1 to S2 was great, with the art school, but then in S3 is like that never happened?? Why didnt they explore more Benedict's lack of purpose or even his disappoinment with Anthony's actions?? Noooo, they just rather have him have sex with people all season long

(Before you come after me, im not critizing Benedicts sexuality, im just pissed that his character had barely nothing to do this season other than have sex, but i did enjoy a lot his scenes with eloise)

The Mondrichs plot was sooooo inconsequential and had nothing to do with any other one in the entire season. What was the point of keeping them?????

Somehow the writers in this show can make up irrelevant plots for lukewarm characters but cant come up with anything for the most beloved ones

And lastly about Michaela Stirling. So many people on twitter are fighting over this that is sickening. But lemme tell you this, all my life i had the pleasure (or better, the experience) to see many books i adore turn into movies/tv shows. Sometimes in adapting change is good, sometimes is necessary. But this change alters the whole story.

To be clear, i am NOT trying to be disrespectul, or homophobic or even mean about it. I dont mind the representation. In fact i think stories centered around LGBTQ+ leads, in this period of time, is a niche that could be much explored. Bridgerton could inspire people who belong in this community to write these stories, which is great.

However, the change of introducing Michaela completely transforms Francescas story. The second-love with the exploration of sexuality trope has great potential. But changing so greatly a story thats well known between the fans is risky to say at least.

Francescas book is not my favorite (by far actually) but it is for a lot of people, and a lot of readers have been enamoured with michael for the last 20 years, at least. So i understand if people get upset, because i would too if my favorite couple/story changed so much out of the blue

And honestly, i think this is one of the ways the show is trying to remain relevant. I AM NOT trying to say that TV should use LGBTQ+ love stories as clickbait. But be serious, the books were written as 8 straight love stories, in todays society people would be complaining if they followed if by the rule.

Anyway, Polin were wonderful. Nicola and Luke you are so so so loved, we couldnt have actors that loved their characters more

(And at this point i might be a Portia Featherington stan, she grew a lot on me)

If you read this far, i hope you have a great week and please dont come for my critics, they are not hate opinions, i just needed to rant <3

[swallowedbyfandom]

Anthony returns to his study 2 hours after scolding Eloise and making plans with Kate to pull her from the rest of his season. His sister is clearly not ready to be out in society. Miss Cowper's influence will only make her worst. He will not jeopardize Francesca's courtship with Earl Kilmartin over Eloise's lack of sense. Kate has the servants packing her belongings already. He is sending her to Aunt Winnie's tomorrow at first light. The last thing his family needs is her and Colin conspiring to provoke Miss Featherington.

He will think more on the problem Eloise has so insistently become tomorrow. Tonight he is wants to drink his disappointment away. He finds his mother weeping in his study with his good brandy already poured into two glasses. One glass is already half gone. He cannot blame her. He hands her his handkerchief, before dropping heavily into his favorite armchair. He sips his drink in silence until his mother wordlessly hands him two letters.

Mama Violet,

Thank you for your endless support. Your maternal affections mean more to me than words can ever express. I leave you with this letter for Colin, so he may have the closure his pride will not allow him to seek. Feel free to read it, so you can judge when it would be best to give it to him.

While Lord Samadani and I have only just announced our formal courtship, I do believe we will be married here in the next month. The Queen seems eager to plan our wedding. Eloise's recent closeness with Miss Cowper made me fearful of what secrets may be revealed. I settled my issue with the Queen. I do believe she will miss me. We both know how much she abhors boredom. Do not fear for me, mama. I am safe.

Samuel is wonderful. His mind is razor sharp. He is supportive and kind. He is also surprisingly silly for a Marquis. He reminds me a bit of Anthony. He has that same steady devotion to family. It has long been a trait I find appealing in a gentleman. I believe we will have a beautiful future together. I know it may be difficult for me to adjust to a new country and language, but I am excited.

I will miss Bridgerton house. I will miss Aubrey hall. I will even miss watching your heathen children attempt to slaughter each other over Pall Mall. Please know that I will hold you all in my heart no matter how far I go. I shall miss your gentle wisdom and guidance most of all.

All my love,

Penelope

P. S. Since tonight was the night of secret revelations here is one more. In 1810, I was the one who hid the mallet of death up in apple tree. It was retaliation for Anthony mocking my embroidery skills.

Colin,

I have always known if we ended, our end would be exactly like this. There was no other possible outcome for us. We whom have been so deeply embedded into one another since childhood would never part without first ripping each other into pieces. There was simply no other way to let each other go. It is brutal. It is visceral. It is final.

The tragedy of us Dear Colin, is that I learned to love you before I learned to love myself. I learned to value your charms, before I discovered my own. I sought your strength before I grew into mine. I put you on a pedestal as my ideal gentleman and everyone paled in comparison to you.

I bathed you in my love and watched you flourish, proudly. I got so caught up in you I forgot about myself. I hung off your words. I lived for your smiles. I swallowed your many slights. I accepted you all of you. I forgave you every hurt you carelessly dealt me. I foolishly devoted myself to you. It was a mistake, Colin. It led you to believe that you could treat me anyway you wanted.

I am not Penelope of Ithaca, you are not Ulysses. I will not allow myself to share her fate any longer. You have taken your voyage twice now. The first time I waited for you. I returned your correspondence dutifully. I had faith that you would return to me healed in mind and spirit. I had hoped the journey would teach you to trust in yourself. It did not. I knew then you would not stay.

After deriding me publicly, once more you fled. I did not wait for you this time. I did not correspond with you. I let you go. I stopped giving you my devotion and instead I learned to love myself. I am imperfect but I am glorious, Colin.

Once more you returned, only you returned a stranger. You proposed Colin, yet your actions betray you. Your actions betray us. Here is the truth you will not admit. Here is the reason you faltered. You do not love yourself. Until you embrace yourself and not the version of you the world wants, you will never be ready to commit yourself to another.

Letting you go was the hardest thing I have ever done. However tonight's confrontation assured me that I have made the right choice. I deserve a man who will accept all of me. I deserve a husband who will see me and listen to me before passing judgement. I want the intimacy of a true partnership.

Our time has passed, old friend. Despite our harsh ending, I hope you find happiness someday.

Farewell,

Penelope

When he is done reading his mind is a dichotomy. He is happy for Miss Featherington. She has grown into a remarkable young woman. She has saved his family several times over. He is not blind to how her publication made his marriage with Kate acceptable to the public. He feels honor bound to respect her choices.

However respecting her choices will leave over half his family in mourning. They have lost Penelope. Why? Why did Colin and Eloise have to make such a mess of things? He cannot fix this. Colin is in shock right now. Once the shock passes he knows they will lose parts of Col too. How could they not? Colin found his true love match and trampled on her heart until it no longer beat for him. Colin will spend his life punishing himself over it.

Anthony huffs out a wet laugh. He cannot believe little Penelope scaled a tree to hide his mallet. He remembers that day they delayed the game for three hours before he finally found the mallet of death. He torn the seat of his favorite pants climbing that damn tree. He even had to walk home with his jacket tied around his waist to cover his ass. It never crossed his mind to suspect Penelope. His siblings still heckle him over it.

He and mother drink well into the night.

[newtonsheffield]

We need details of this proposal!?! Or of the conversation when they decided to be exclusive. Whichever you feel so inclined to share. Please and thank you!

Hmmm… I actually think there’s a little bit of angst involved in their decision to be exclusive, but it’s also not really much of a surprise to them. Kind of like Kate’s proposal to Anthony.

The ache in Anthony’s chest only got worse when Kate chuckled against his neck. Her teeth nipped at the skin behind his ear and her tongue followed after, soft and warm and soothing.

“I should go.” Anthony cleared his throat despite the fact that all he wanted was to roll over and press her back against the soft silk sheets. He wanted to nudge her thighs apart and make her gasp his name until she forgot everything else. Until she forgot the fact that they weren’t supposed to be together.

“Do you have to?” She ran her fingers through his hair and he let himself lean against her touch.

Too close. He’d let himself get too close to her, he knew that. Anthony had known even the first time she’d claimed his lips and her hands hadn’t shaken as she’d unzipped his trousers that this was a terrible idea but he’d wanted her too much. He’d wanted anything she would give him. Just to feel the warmth of her smile turned on him and her laugh echoing in his chest. He’d slowly let himself get closer and closer until he’d found himself this afternoon with a rose tucked into the sleeve of his jacket. Hidden to give to her on Valentine’s Day. Like an idiot.

“I… kind of?” He swallowed, leaning away to get some distance from her. To clear his head. “You have that function with the King and Queen.”

Kate groaned and pressed a quick kiss against his neck again, and moved to straddle him, her skin pressed against his. “You could wait here for me, I’d be so quick. I’d be back before you know it.”

He wished they had that kind of relationship. The kind where they could spend Valentine’s Day together and no one would bat an eyelid. Where they could walk with her fingers intertwined in his instead of walking three steps behind her. But they didn’t.

“I have to go with you.”

“Mmm.” She hummed, her elbow resting on his chest, “You’ll see how pretty I’ll look then.” Kate leaned forward and her tongue traced the shell of his ear, “Maybe I’ll put on something a tiny bit sexy for you to unwrap after.”

He tried to smile but it fell flat and he saw her face fall as well.

“You’ve been… kind of distant today. Is there…? Is there something wrong?”

Anthony swallowed, forcing himself to say what he needed to, “I… I just think today was a mistake.”

Her face really fell now and it ached in his chest as she slid off his lap. “Right. Um sorry. I guess I thought you like… wanted to. Or we’re making a move with the… flower thing.”

“I… was. I just…” Anthony let out a frustrated noise pinching the bridge of his nose, “Kate, I don’t want to share you. I… I know we can’t… And I shouldn’t… but I don’t want to share you and I just think it would be better if we stopped this.”

Kate’s lips curved in a slight smile before she cleared her throat and adopted a serious expression. “Because you don’t want to share me? Is that the only reason?”

It shouldn’t be the only reason but it was. He wouldn’t care about anything else if she was his. Even hidden in the shadows. “Yes.”

Kate nodded, her arms wrapped around her legs, the blankets pulled up over her chest. “Well, you’re not sharing me. Am I sharing you? Feels like this should be even. No harem for you.”

Anthony stared at her, slack-jawed, his heart fluttering, “You’re not sharing me with anyone.”

“Good. Anyone can tell you I’m a spoiled brat. I don’t share well.” She smiled properly now as she leaned forward, straddling him again her fingernails brushing his chest, “Happy Valentine’s Day, baby.”

Anthony’s spine shivered and he wrapped his arms around her waist. One day she’d wake up and cone to her sense but not today. “Happy Valentine’s Day.” He paused for a second before he took a shuddering breath, “Is the offer of me getting to unwrap something sexy later still on the table?”

“If you’re a very good boy, yes.”

[girllookingoutwindow]

I loved Penelope's relationship with Anthony and Benedict in the books. They really cared about her and were so protective of her. I remember a scene in TVWLM when Cressida was bullying Penelope because of her weight and Anthony stepped in and told Cressida off and then escorted Penelope to a dinner party which was against the rules for him to do because she wasn't the person he was meant to escort but Anthony did not care because he wanted to make sure that Penelope was okay. That was actually when Kate realized she was in love with Anthony. In AOFAG Benedict did a similar thing with Penelope and in TDAI Simon danced with Penelope and his thoughts of her were so sweet 😭 I really wished the writers included that in the show because that would have been great. Anthony and Benedict were Penelope's brothers even before she married Colin and she was already a part of the Bridgerton family 🥺

Yeah, I remember something of this in the books. I will love to have more of it in the next season. Because it would be very cute. Anthony was so proud of Colin for marrying her, and Benedict, lmao. He was all us, really.

Pen was always a Bridgerton, that's for sure. All them love her so much, they forgot she wasn't. she marrying Colin was just paperwork.

[justtothesea]

The Hanging Tree (rate m, 7k~)

forgot to post about this here, but I've been writing this polin hunger games au (wip) because I've lost control of my life

The air suddenly felt tense, and everyone stopped eating. “So, if either of you have any hidden skills or talents, now would be the time to disclose them.”

For a moment, neither said anything. Colin didn't know if he could. It felt wrong to talk up his skills when he and Penelope would soon be in the arena trying to kill each other.

“Colin is excellent at fencing,” Penelope offered quietly after a moment. Anthony nodded, and Cressida and the two Sharma sisters leaned in as well. “He and his brothers are also good at hand-to-hand. I've seen it. He's fast. He's athletic.” She looked down at herself, blushing furiously. “And I…”

“Penelope is very clever,” Colin supplied quickly. “She's the smartest girl at our school, well, she as well as our sister Eloise are. She's good at botany, and making clothes –”

Penelope looked at him with a frown, scoffing. “My cleverness and skills with a sewing needle won't help me win the Games, Colin.”

“You'll be able to identify poisonous plants,” Colin argued, and felt frustrated when she shook her head. He didn't know why, but he just couldn't stand her doubting herself. “You can use your sewing skills to create shelter and clothes, and survive –”

She set her glass down heavily, her cutlery clattering. “Survive? To what end?” She was angry, her eyes holding his gaze. “Why should I survive to live and hide in that hellscape for weeks, only to be butchered off near the end?” Anthony looked shrewdly between the two of them.

“You could survive,” Colin said, his jaw clenched, “and win.”

Penelope outright laughed at that. “Me? Win the Games? That is never going to happen, that – Colin, everyone here,” she gestured to Anthony and Kate and Edwina and Cressida, “All of them know that I have no chance of winning. None.”