#anthony bridgerton is stupid in love with kate sheffield

[lvthkllr]

I can’t stop thinking about this moment happening in season three:

Colin: *entering Anthony’s study* Brother, it seems that I may have … upset Penelope sometime before I left last season.

Anthony: How do you mean Colin?

Colin: Well she has been acting quite coldly since I have arrived back, and she refused to return my letters but I ——

Anthony: Colin, are you to tell me that you were sending letters to and unmarried lady? AND PENELOPE FEATHERINGTON NO LESS! Should anyone discover this correspondence you would both be ruined!

Colin: *raising his eyebrows* Oh please brother, you are one to lecture me on the forums of propriety. Speaking of, where exactly did you disappear off to after Mother’s failed ball last season, hmm? And was Miss Sharma not missing as well?

*pointed silence*

Anthony: Get out.

[ao3feed-kathony]

Make Three

read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/58911496 by anidlequeen For once, they agree - it was a stupid, one-off thing, fueled by alcohol and a particularly bad time in both their lives. They needn’t speak of it again, and ruin years of friendship over something so trivial as drunkenly sleeping with one another. Two ships. Water under the (B)ridg(erton, ha!). Bygones being bygoney. Then Kate starts vomiting in the toilet every day for at least a week and it’s not some stupid stomach bug, it’s not food poisoning, she’s had both before, it’s different, she feels different … so she takes a test. It’s positive. * Co-parenting with your best friend isn't easy. Or, Kate and Anthony meet, become friends, have a baby together, and fall in love. In that order. Words: 6671, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Bridgerton (TV), Bridgerton Series - Julia Quinn Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: F/M Characters: Anthony Bridgerton, Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma Relationships: Anthony Bridgerton/Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/58911496

[newtonsheffield]

I posted 5,631 times in 2022

That's 2,174 more posts than 2021!

4,989 posts created (89%)

642 posts reblogged (11%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@newtonsheffield

@sassynach

@missfairygodmother

@ronandhermy

@jeanvanjer

I tagged 5,302 of my posts in 2022

Only 6% of my posts had no tags

#kathony - 2,862 posts

#anthony x kate - 2,847 posts

#molly’s asks and answers - 2,840 posts

#kate sharma - 2,795 posts

#kate sheffield - 2,736 posts

#anthony bridgerton - 2,694 posts

#molly irl - 613 posts

#bridgerton season 2 - 412 posts

#you might have some bruises - 405 posts

#kathony fic - 367 posts

Longest Tag: 138 characters

#anthony: no! not him! he had something between his teeth that whole time! if he’s careless about that what else would he be careless about

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Is it any wonder the only thing Gregory Bridgerton wants is true love when these were his role models growing up?

771 notes - Posted March 27, 2022

#4

There's been a lot of discussion about why Kate might think Anthony is still marrying her out of Obligation even after well...

And let's take a look shall we, Let's take a look at what's really happening to Kate during this scene because Simone Ashley's performance is so nuanced and beautiful, apparently I write essays on it now.

So this Kate, we know has been repressing what she wants since her father died, and if you wanna think about why she's done that and why she feels this responsibility I have a small (large) treatise on her relationship with Mary that sheds a bit of light on it.

Anthony, less than 24 hours before this, held her so close, and as good as admitted that he felt something, asked her to admit that she felt something too, asked her to deny what was between tham, and yes she didn't say what she felt, because Daphne walked in and she was I think still very confused about it, but look at it. Look at the way she leans her head against his and responds to his touch.

See the full post

798 notes - Posted March 27, 2022

#3

Emily in Paris is trash yes,

But also this was the funniest fucking thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life.

943 notes - Posted January 5, 2022

#2

I wanna talk a little about Why this scene has me in such a chokehold. Why it's so important that it does come at the very end.

We're going under the cut because this is probably going to get long

Now if any of you have read any of my AUs you know that most every one of them has a scene like this. Offside most of all. I love Mary and kate's relationship and it's my absolute favourite Parent-child relationship in the Bridgerton series. Because they are mother and daughter by choice.

But with that choice comes the assumption or the feeling that one day, one day, one of them could choose not to have this relationship. Especially for Kate who, even in the book, craves belonging to something. Even though she keeps her emotions so tightly guarded, she wants to desperately to be loved.

And Mary loves her. Kate knows there's no difference in the way Mary treats her and Edwina, but there's a tiny voice in the back of her head that says If she chose to love you she could choose not to so easily. It's why we see this look on her face when Mary starts defending them all

See the full post

1,251 notes - Posted March 27, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Things I have seen no one talking about:

Anthony never wears Bright colours.

His waiscoats are Black (even if they're patterned) or White

And the minute he's married to Kate:

Look at these stupid happy sluts.

5,470 notes - Posted March 27, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[sukibenders]

Some fans do expect Edwina to be Kate's cheerleader, I have seen it many times before. Just because you haven't doesn't mean it isn't out there, and same can be said for me that just because I don't see fans calling Kate Edwina's cheerleader doesn't mean it isn't there. Now on to Mary and Edwina and Kate moving back to India, I stated in my og post that the show does the Sharmas dirty and doesn't even provide insight to many things about their life. From what little we do see, Kate tells everyone she meets when asked that she has no intention of getting married (which plot wise is stupid and makes no sense) and has been stated to always be there for Edwina and Mary, to the point where she doesn't even know who she is herself (Edwina literally tells Kate that at the wedding, that she spent so much time on her that she lost herself along the way and tells her not to it anymore, in so little words). It's assumed that Kate wanted her independence to travel after literally not having any. Do I wish there had been more scenes of them actually discussing it? Yes, for sure, but as I stated the show doesn't give them much screen time for things other than what involves Anthony sadly. But to pick apart every little scene or encounter they have ignores the point that I was trying to make in the og post, that the same should be afforded to the Bridgertons and how they aren't better than the Sharmas. Both families make mistakes, but I'm not going to go and say "they're abusive" bc they aren't.

Edwina telling Kate that she expects her to come back and forth from India to visit her nieces or nephews isn't as malicious as you believe, she's literally telling her sister that she wants her in her life and wants them to be a family still. And it's lighthearted because what siblings wouldn't want one another to be around their kids? Like, not sure if that's what you meant, but it gives off the impression that you think Edwina just shouldn't have said anything even though she's fantasing about her life (if not than my bad) with Kate in it, so that kind of counters your point of her viewing Kate in a dismissive manner. And, with the love stories, Kate always had a facade of not being interested in love for herself even when indulging from Mary's perspective. We as the audience see more from Kate's pov and forget that Mary can't. Does that mean that Mary is absolved of any fault? No, but I'm not just going to go and say that she's a bad parent. Like Mary very well could have berated Kate for her feelings with Anthony and them getting together (like say the Featherington family definitely would), but doesn't. She also tries to help her ease her (Kate) and Edwina's battle, it's small things that are there that the show took time to include, so there's not point in saying it's not there. And while I don't agree with Mary constantly having Kate answer the hard question such as love, that in no way means they only cared about Kate's opinions when it suited them. Like I don't know where that came from. Mary constantly refers to Kate as her daughter outside of the first episode, and heck even outside of the Sheffields it's there! And with her telling Kate to leave the room while Edwina was panicking makes sense bc, from her perspective, Edwina is furious with Kate and it's only making her emotions boil even more whenever Kate tries to converse, leading no where. Any parent in that situation, when their kids are fighting, understand that sometimes it's best to separate them to get a better grasp of the situation, it makes sense why Mary would ask Kate to step out. Also, why would Kate want to be in the same room watching her sister breakdown and not be able to comfort her? We see how painful that is, so why keep her there to see it? And yeah the alone shot of her was sad, but thats how it was meant to be, to show how emotional the moment was.

With the Sheffields, again not saying that Mary was a stellar parent, she had every right to feel upset and blindsided by the events. She didn't even know her parents were in town and assumed to be just as confused as Kate. So when the truth is revealed, it not only happens when others are around but while Mary and her whole life that she had was being verbally berated. Like I'm not saying I don't understand Kate's motivation, but to act like Mary didn't have reason to be upset that the people who disowned her showed up out of nowhere just to ruin her life even more just doesn't make sense.

For the humiliation aspect, I don't remember all the event of the Pall-Mall game so I won't talk about it much, but for, say the poetry reading where Kate said she felt humiliated that has more to do with Anthony than Edwina, because he literally put on show after show to make him seem like this perfect guy for Edwina and it worked. Edwina, understandably so, began to question why Kate sees the worst in him when he's "trying" and, from her pov, it would make sense.

It makes sense that Edwina would be concerned about what strangers would think because not only is she younger than Kate, she's shown to be more emotional so it would make sense that she would be nervous and unsure of her new environment, especially when everyone around her tells her that here, in London, at the Ton, people will judge you harshly and it can either be to your benefit or downfall. Her family already has rumors swirling about them, so of course she's on alert. Rumors and gossip at this time can make or break someone, we see this in season one with Daphne nearly having her reputation shattered had her mother not come up with something. Being aware of your circumstances doesn't automatically mean that you have the intent of using it whenever you please to harm someone. Edwina did say the half sister line in a moment of hurt, and while I do believe a better apology could have been made, I'm not going to sit and act like Edwina had always hated Kate, because she didn't.

And with humiliation in mind, I've said before but while Edwina could have been better at approaching wanting Kate and Anthony to bond, it's not outside the realm of belief as to why she wants that. Like, again, who wouldn't want their sibling and future husband to get along. My og post was completely strayed from, but if Edwina humiliates Kate as you say (I don't see it that way completely, but I can understand where you're coming from) than, what my point was, Anthony also bares some responsibility for that as well. From the beginning, many people, not just Edwina and Mary, were confused as to why Kate didn't trust Anthony and he played into that by acting like the perfect gentleman when infront of others contrast to when it was just the two of them. Anthony played a part in some of Kate's humiliation and that's what I was aiming for in my og post.

And look, at this point, we probably aren't going to see eye to eye about this, and I don't expect that to happen, but if you're under the impression that I hate Kate (not saying you are specifically but it does appear that way to some) just because I critique some aspects of her character in the show, please note that that's false. I like Kate, that's why I'm viewing her character with nuances and seeing all the layers presented. We don't have to agree, but I did like your insight on the matters present.

Some in the Bridgerton fandom will paint Kate as being in an abusive family, paint Edwina and Mary (even Lady Danbury at times) as these villainous people who make her life miserable just to make Anthony and his family the "better choice". Like, ignoring how this trope of "villainous poc family causing the poc female character to run away into arms of a white family" is so terrible it also makes no sense when in reference to these characters themselves. Let's start with the Sharmas: we have Kate who is the daughter of a man who remarried and had a child of their own. Now, from that alone people just outright use this as a way to paint Mary in a bad light, making up the most outlandish things, when Mary admits very adamantly that she always viewed Kate as her daughter and has/will always love her. Why do you think she was so outraged by Kate being willing to accept the deal given by the Sheffields?

Now, on to Edwina. Some will hang that "half-sister" line over her head but won't give the same action to Anthony, or heck, even Kate (though she doesn't deserve hate like Anthony more so criticism for some parts). Now the line was wrong, for sure, but that doesn't mean Edwina wasn't in her right. Here we have a young girl who lost her father, is aware of her family's social and economic status, and is informed from the beginning that her finding a suitable match will either tip or support the balance of her family's lives. Edwina is literally entered into the show searching for a husband to help support her family, that's first, romance came second. So enter Anthony who, infront of her, is so charming and kind and even though him and her sister are fighting at times he still seeks her out. He's wealthy and promises to provide for her family, something that she wants. Only to find out that none of it was real, or at least, real towards her and that people she loved and trusted were going behind her back in the worst way possible (AT HER WEDDING!) and others were aware. Like that's messed up and anyone would be upset over it, forgive a woman (more so a young woman in Edwina's case) expressing their feelings. Some of you want her to be Kate's cheerleader 24/7, and it shows. And Edwina was always ready to comfort Kate, from her (Kate) being detached from the world (during her wedding) to her supporting her (Kate) and Anthony being together, so let's not go on and say the Bridgertons would be better.

Now, on to the main family themselves, what we see of the Bridgertons in s2 isn't even that positive when you really think about it. From the beginning, when Anthony is looking for a wife with the most horrible standards, Violet, who notes that her son isn't looking for marriage for the right reasons and instead of trying to talk to him about it, instantly goes and states she's disappointed by his outlook and fears he won't be happy, confused as to why he's this way. BECAUSE YOU PLACED THAT WEIGHT ON HIM. Like I understand losing her husband was terrible, it was, but to then put all that pressure and weight on to your eldest and then become surprised when it starts affecting him in ways you don't like, while taking hardly any time to actually talk about his feelings, is laughable (couldn't think of a better word). Like whenever Anthony is around with valid points, she looks exasperated at times. And the other Bridgertons aren't better from Daphne literally pitying him (even tho she knew about his feelings for Kate and could have eased the situation instead of letting it go on) to Bennedict laughing at him at every turn to the siblings joking about the situation he put them in (which they themselves could have prevented but didn't & aren't affected as severely by like the Sharmas), it makes no sense how people would view them as better than the Sharmas.

Now on to Kate and how this view affects her. One big reason being is the fact that it ignores her insecurities, only paints them in a different light. Kate didn't view herself as Mary's daughter because her father had been with someone before he met Mary, long after she was born. She didn't think Mary would love her as a daughter and is surprised when she finds out that she actually does. Kate accepts the Sheffields deal because it will help Edwina, because she (Kate) understands their social and economic status and is willing to leave the only family she has just for them to be secure and happy. That's the reason she has turmoil, not because her family hates her and is abusing her! Like where did that thought even come from? Kate has issues of not expressing her feelings, bottling them up and trying to handle things herself until it blows over, that's it. And when she does express them, do you know who actively seeks to reassure her? Her mother and sister. They don't make jokes or make the environment able to express these emotions nonexistent (like the Bridgertons with Anthony), they try to help her because they love her.

Honestly, the Sharmas deserve so much better because if it isn't the show doing them dirty than it's the fandom.

[fiction-is-happier]

book!Edwina watching show!Edwina be dumb af

[mskatesharma]

entertaining a gentleman

Anthony is making his way back from the bathroom when he’s stopped by the wall of photos, one in particular catching the corner of his eye. He takes a step closer, and he can’t help the smile that overtakes his face.

It’s of Kate and Edwina, with a man Anthony assumes is their father, when Edwina was a baby. Kate is beaming at the baby in her arms, while Mr Sheffield is looking down adoringly at the two of them. Anthony can feel the warmth emanating from the photo, and he can feel it spreading through his body. It reminds him of the photos at his mother’s house, the ones that line the staircase, and the many albums she has lovingly put together, and he has the urge to go through them; to see his father’s smile as he’s surrounded by his family. He’s about to let his eyes roam to the other photos dotted on the wall when he’s interrupted by a low voice coming from behind the door to his right.

“Ohh, have you been a good boy then?” Anthony’s body pauses as he realises it’s Kate’s voice, before she continues. “Are you sure you’ve been a good boy? I’ve missed you, yes I have.” Anthony swallows as he moves closer to the door. “Don’t make me tie you up again, you made a mess the last time I let you off.”

ao3 link or under the cut

Anthony reels back from the door as it dawns on him exactly what is taking place behind the door. He didn’t think that Kate was the type. Yes, the woman may infuriate him like no other person he has ever met, and yes he thinks she is an utter menace who has no place in polite society, but he accepts one of her only redeeming features is how much she loves her family, and how important they are to her. And somehow, he didn’t think she was the type to entertain a gentleman in the middle of a celebratory lunch for her stepmother. He takes a step closer to the door.  

“Stop being naughty now. Oh, you think a kiss will make it better?” The reply is something low, Anthony thinks that maybe it’s a growl. “Are you my best boy? Yes you are. The best boy. But only when you’re good. Don’t look at me like that. Ugh, I know, even when you’re naughty you’re still my favourite boy; I can never resist that face. And I think you know that.” Well, clearly Kate has an intense affection for whoever she is with.

“You have me wrapped around my finger. You could do anything and I would let you get away with it. But we won’t tell Mary that, I think she’s still cross with you.” Anthony allows himself a small smirk at that; Mary is clearly not a fan of whoever Kate has in there with her. Well really, maybe he needs to reevaluate his opinion of the elder Miss Sharma; he didn’t think she would associate with someone her stepmother clearly did not approve of. 

He hears Kate giggle some more, followed by “ahh that tickles''. Anthony starts to begin to feel a little warmer, and his heart clenches when he hears Kate laugh even louder. Anthony hates that he’s imagined eliciting such a reaction from her in his many, many dreams of her, and here he is, hearing her give that to someone else. 

Would she call him a good boy is he asked? He cuts off his thoughts before they can go any further. Although, he admits, that particular phrase will probably feature in his dream tonight. Maybe they’ll even be some tied hands involved.

“You’re starting to be a naughty boy right now.” Anthony hates that his mind wanders to wanting to know exactly what action is occurring for Kate to brand her partner a naughty boy. Involuntarily, Anthony’s hand reaches up to adjust his collar. 

“No stop that. I said no.” There’s a muffled bang, followed by a crash, and Anthony’s spine stiffens. “Don’t do that, I don’t want you to do that.” There’s another crash, louder this time, the sound of something breaking, and Anthony’s hand flies to the door handle; ready to put a halt to something she clearly doesn’t want to happen. He doesn’t even realise he has burst through the door when-

“GET OFF HER!” SHE said stop…” Anthony’s voice trails off as he takes in the scene in front of him. “Oh for goodness sake, are you kidding?” Or rather, the lack of what he expected to see, because there is most definitely a scene before him. A chair with a broken leg, an upturned table, and broken vase litter the floor. And in the middle of the mess is Kate. Kate and her infernal dog, Newton, with his incessantly wagging tail. Anthony can already feel the colour warming his face.

“Anthony? What are you doing?”

“...”

“Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

“I er, I er thought…”

“What? You thought what?”

“Well, that…”

“What? Why did you burst in here like that? What exactly, did you think was happening here?”

“Well...that you were…”

“Were what?”

“I thought you had someone in here with you!” he finally barks.

“I don’t...what are you talking about?”

“I thought you had a gentleman friend in here with you...that you were entertaining him and told him to stop, but that he wasn’t listening.”

He would laugh at the way Kate’s eyes widened if he wasn’t too busy trying to fend off his own mortification. “WHAT?! It’s Mary’s birthday! Do you think I would sneak away from dinner for an extreme quickie in between mains and dessert?”

“Well not now!” Anthony can’t help but think he’s given Kate an unwanted peek into his sex life.

“Really, you don’t say.” And there’s her delightful sarcasm.

“Clearly it was just you and your stupid dog!”

“Newton is not stupid!”

“He’s not even a proper dog. He’s an overweight rat.”

“You take that back, you’ll hurt his feelings.”

“Good, maybe then he’ll learn how to behave in proper company.” As if to prove his point, Newton bounds over to him and raises his front paws to rest on Anthony’s legs. His tongue is hanging out, and Anthony can do nothing but roll his eyes in return.

“Newton knows how to behave.”

“Really? Then why is he in this room and not out with the rest of the party?” Anthony knows he has her when she breaks his gaze, and instead busies herself in righting the table, and picking up the broken bits of vase. “Nothing to say that?”

“I don’t deem it worthy of a response.”

“How convenient.”

“Yes, it is rather.” Kate deposits the bits of broken vase on the table. “I’ll glue it back together once everyone has left.”

Anthony simply “hmm”s in response, before asking his next question. “So why is Newton being kept sequestered in this room?” Kate glares at him, before sighing.

“Mary and Newton are not the best combination. Well, that’s not quite right. Newton absolutely adores Mary, maybe a bit too much, but the feeling is definitely not mutual. And so Newton tries a little too hard in trying to win her over.”

“So why did you bring him?”

“Because I’m staying here tonight and didn’t want to have to rush back tomorrow.” A silence settles over them, their eyes seemingly locked together and Anthony isn’t quite sure how to break it when Kate does it for him, her gaze shifting to her feet. “Thank you.”

Anthony quirks an eyebrow at her. “For what?”

“For coming in when you did.” Her eyes meet his again. “Even though it wasn’t what you thought, I do appreciate that you came in to stop what you thought was happening.”

“Oh, right. Well I didn’t really think about it to be honest, would have done the same for anyone.”

“I don’t doubt that, but thank you all the same.” Her smile is tentative, and Anthony’s own is hesitant in return, when a thought pops into his head. 

“I think those are the nicest words you’ve ever said to me Sharma.”

“Hmm, maybe. You did, however, insult Newton again, and I never forget an insult directed to my family. So I wouldn’t get used to it if I was you.”

It’s on the tip of his tongue to tell her that she’s actually very nice to him in the dreams he has of her, but Anthony somehow manages to reign in his tongue. Kate raises a brow, noting his silence, before he clears his throat and mutters a “wouldn’t dream of it.” 

She only laughs in response, and Anthony knows that tonight, like so many recently, will involve him trying to delay her inevitable visit while he slumbers. “Shut up Sharma.”

[sharleslecler]

will there be a single proposal of marriage on the bridgerton series or are all the main characters forced to marry because they're caught in... compromising positions

[quotergirl19]

I just love the idiot.

Anthony:

Dreams about Kate.

Fantasizes about Kate.

Is hyper aware when Kate so much as breathes within a 2-mile radius of him.

Craves Kate's good opinion.

Broods when he knows he's lost it.

Goes out of his way to get it back.

Comforts Kate when she's hurting.

Admires Kate when she's strong.

Flares up when Kate doesn't admire herself as much as he admires her.

Considers Kate's family his family.

Revels in Kate's smiles.

Bulldozes over people to be by her side.

Cancels plans to spend more time with her.

Lives to make Kate happy.

Also, Anthony: "Isn't it great how NOT in love with Kate we are? Perfect."

[fayevalcntine]

The Bridgerton fandom (and a startling amount of Kathony fans in it) really doesn't know how to actually state their reasons for hating episode 6 without resorting to either insulting Edwina, calling her ungrateful and unnecessary, before then going on to insult Charithra as an actress who *gasp* DARED to take an acting job and do her best to bring a complicated character to life all while starting out as an actress.

"Look, we're just here to call out the poor writing!" you can easily proclaim that you didn't understand the very human reaction from Edwina when it came to her finding out the full truth about Anthony and Kate without resorting to insulting her as a character or her actress. Saying that Charithra is stupid, that Edwina deserves nothing good in life and that the former is "delusional" for literally explaining how her character felt isn't you calling out the poor writing, it's just you refusing to even consider her perspective in this entire ordeal because it makes Kate and Anthony look like the flawed characters they truly are.

Kate's intentions have always been good, and she puts her family first above all else, but she never even considered to ask if Edwina ever wanted to have any part in a marriage that was marred with emotional cheating even from the engagement, or if Mary even wanted to be taken care of by the Sheffields again after they obviously shut her out of their life once she chose a family they didn't approve of. This is the very real flaw she shares with Anthony, where they're both very self-sacrificing but also incredibly stubborn, and an arrangement that may look good on paper isn't guaranteed to succeed in real life. For Anthony, there are numerous examples for this: his encouragement of Nigel's betrothal to Daphne, his pursuit of Edwina despite his immediate connection to Kate. For Kate, it's the agreement with the Sheffields and the insistence that Anthony somehow make his engagement with Edwina work, despite both of them knowing that whatever they may feel will not pass easily. And I love both characters but there's a reason WHY they connect so easily with each other and this includes both of their flaws.

Another recurring theme I keep seeing in so much of the hate Edwina gets is the very selective memory people seem to have whenever they argue over her poor treatment of Kate. This includes many different moments and proper context for scenes but the biggest one I have to say is the complete erasure of the sisters' conversation in episode 8. In that episode, Edwina not only has a proper conversation with Kate, but also firmly tells her then (and later at the Featherington ball) that she wishes for both of them to stop playing roles they feel like they must in order to fulfill whatever expectations society has placed upon them. She specifically tells Kate to allow herself to be the sister she knows she can be and to shine the light she always placed on Edwina on herself for once. Edwina does come to recognize the sacrifices her own sister made for her, but that doesn't mean that she had to have some automated robot reaction to her finding out the truth about her and Anthony at their supposed wedding. And yet still, none of the people that love to hate on Edwina for the sake of arguing that "they're just calling out the poor writing" ever mention this. The show's writing isn't perfect but in terms of Kate and Edwina it did bring them to a proper reconciliation in a way that a period drama would. I would've gladly had more scenes with them but the scenes we got are still here, they're still very significant and many of you seem to be fine forgetting that Kate's love for Edwina is unconditional. It goes beyond her "needing to take care of Edwina like some chore", it goes to the point where if Edwina hadn't given Kate her blessing to fully live her life (with the man that despite his best intentions, did put her sister in a precarious situation), she likely never would've accepted that life. You can think that Kate deserved more in her past and still understand that this trait is one of the most significant in her character.

[notyetbulletproof]

It’s important to me that they never had Anthony, any of the Bridgertons or even Lady Danbury (especially her) question Kate’s place in her family. I say especially Lady Danbury because we saw her care for Simon and her obvious notions that it is not just blood that makes family. (Although I forget if she is his godmother because she is related to his parents or because she was close to them). Anyway, I was happy that it was kept to the messed up ton views on family and that no one of import, not even Lady W questioned her role in the family or her right to be there. Anthony even relents (in that it is Kate’s responsibility) when he realises the enormity of the role she has taken on and how alike they are. He gets it. That to her it’s her duty as the older sibling and he respects her for it. And he is appalled by the treatment Kate gets from the ton, the Sheffields and admittedly from his own stupid polite society views. She challenges all of that and in loving her, forces him to do the same. I mean she got this man who tried so hard to keep his desires compartmentalised— separate from family. Separate from the family name. Ensuring his actions would reflect on him not them and even so making sure it didn’t do too much damage. Terrified of bringing ruin to the family name. Living this half life or double life, all in the hopes of upholding nonsensical rules so as to protect his family from scandal — going “just keep looking at me, no one else (but us right now in this moment) matters”. He quite literally said: SCREW THE TON AND SCREW THE DAMN RULES. I LOVE THIS WOMAN. I DARE ANYONE TO SAY OTHERWISE. That’s why it fucking bugs me that the whole “half sister” shit was thrown in Kate’s face. Even if I get it. It was what would have hurt Kate most and Edwina was hurt and angry but to me there we’re so manyyy other ways to hit. Felt like a cheap shot from someone wayyyyyyy too important. BUT I get it. The DRAMAAAA. Gosh.

Anyway it’s important because it was one of Kate’s greatest fears and linked to her trauma response of having to earn her place in her family through selfless behaviours, sacrifice and prioritising everyone’s happiness above her own. So it’s important that it wasn’t questioned or insulted (ugh still annoyed there was no apology Ed!) but people that mattered.

[dustjacketmusings]

I find it difficult to sympathize for anyone in the wedding scene of bridgerton because the circumstances of events that led there are so fucking contrived that they lost the emotional pay off.

Is it objectively a terrible thing for edwina to go through, to realize on the alter that her fiance does not love her and actually has feelings for her sister? Yes. However, her aghast surprise that Anthony isn't in love with her and has no plans to be is just idiotic. It's drama for dramas sake and just blew past all attempts at believability. In order for the big reveal in ep 6 to happen, the following had to take place:

Edwina and Anthony get engaged with zero discussion of a dowry. This is obviously so that the surprise sheffield dowry can come into play. Despite their engagement being formally announced without any dowry discussion being had (implying Anthony assumed she didn't have one) edwina having a dowry remains relevant somehow. (But they marry anyway without it)

Edwina/mary does not confront Kate about her secret keeping about the dowry, which was a surprise at the time. This is so that Kate's additional meddling can be a surprise at the wedding.

Edwina and Anthony never have a conversation about where they will live or what their life will be like as married people prior to the wedding. Obviously this is so she can be shocked when Anthony says he won't love her and Kate is moving back to India.

Edwina never has a conversation with Kate about where Kate and Mary will live now that she's married since she is the only one with money now. Because the entire financial situation of the sharmas is a non issue, despite Kate repeatedly saying she needs to become a governess to live.

I'm fucking sorry this is too stupid. Anthony is deliberately not having these really obvious and necessary conversations with his betrothed, which makes me no longer care about his feelings or happy ever after because that's so negligently dumb. OR edwina is so incredibly self centered that she avoided any opportunity to talk about her future with her betrothed, which makes the betrayal not matter to me. She just really assumed that this marriage was because of true love when she'd never actually talked to Anthony about his feelings?

Bridgerton is a drama show and doesn't care about the actual mechanics of women needing to be married to survive, and it shows. This plot point is brought up and dropped whenever its convenient. After hammering in on season 1 the necessity of Daphne to marry and marry quickly, they just totally skip over the necessity of the sharmas to do the same. They started with edwina needed to marry but ended with a failed scandelous engagement and no one caring about edwinas marrying status. After the whole finch fiasco where the featherington wedding could not proceed without the promised dowry, one would think they would at least stick to treating the dowry as consistently important. But no.

Edwina has one moment in ep 3(or 4) when she is upset that Anthony hasn't proposed and bemoaning that this will hurt her chances of getting a proposal otherwise. This scene feels really odd compared to the rest of her arc which is a woman madly in love with Anthony and Anthony only, and the only glimpse that this whole scenario has real stakes for her. But that's dropped pretty quickly and she's in love with him a second later.

[lenfaz]

Bridgerton S2, E04 & E05

Well, it was bound to happen

What in the fucking name of god were they thinking?!?!?

Don't get me wrong, I have loved every minute of the angst and the pent up passion, and them getting so close to each other and wanting one another while trying to resist. I've been waiting for that kiss that hasn't come yet and basically enjoying Jonathan and Simone bringing their A-game in each scene they are in. It's absolutely fantastic

But we could have had ALL of that *without* him being engaged to Edwina. Without him getting on one knee and proposing to Edwina while Kate was standing *right there*. Without Edwina saying she loves him!

We didn't need to add any of that unnecessary pointless drama into a plot that was already solid enough and strong enough without it. We definitely didn't need it. The show didn't need it... the characters definitely didn't need it.

This goes against everything because yes, ofc Kate is going to back out. It's her *sister*. She's never going to hurt Edwina and I cannot see how they are going to get out of this stupid plot without butchering the main characters while at it.

And I'm pissed on Edwina's behalf. I mean, she was not a major character in the book, and didn't have a lot of page-time, but she had a personality, and ideas and a mind of her own. This is not that Edwina. Edwina never really cared about Anthony. She was going with the flow because she knew she had to marry well and they all thought she had the best chance. But she never loved Anthony. At all. It's a disservice of a beloved character that they are showing that

It's a disservice of the beauty of the Sheffield/Sharma family connection, where Kate, Edwina and Mary had nothing but love, respect and honesty between each other. ugh, I can't even

But here are my random thoughts on episodes 4 & 5

The library scene was beautiful. I loved they kept a lot of things from the original and the chemistry with them... unf. Also, him telling her about the bee sting and how much she understands after that. They need to be together like... yesterday

The fact that they cannot stay away from each other, but they cannot help to tell each other the deepest secrets and fears of their heart...

Seriously, more Anthony and Kate pining for each other and less Eloise and Benedict whining

Lady Danbury would have never done any of this shit. She would have stopped Edwina from accepting.

Once again, Edwina wasn't this clueless on the book. She knew there was something going on there.

OMG them dancing... OMG §OMG OMG - he so desperately wanted her to tell him to reconsider. He was desperate for just a tiny sign from her. And you can see his heart breaking when he realizes that she will leave

Their scenes are so hot I can't even

I'm not going to complain about all the unnecessary scenes of a shirtless Anthony.

Anthony, you're proposing to the wrong sister. You know it, I know it, Daphne knows it, EVERYONE KNOWS IT

Edwina trying to tame those Bridgertons would have been fantastic to see...

Anthony if you chose to propose to the wrong sister, you don't get to be jealous on the other one

Violet is such a rockstar. She's really trying to get him to choose with his heart. Kudos to Daphne for figuring it out as well. Her faces while talking to Edwina are priceless...

The whole ring scene was painful and beautiful and I can't even. Poor Kate, she deserved better and blame Danbury on this one.

We didn't get Anthony standing up for Penelope but I loved how fiercely he defended Kate, Edwina and Mary. That is the Bridgerton family at its core, the strong warriors against all bullies

Ok, the whole "you're the object of all my desires" it's so fucking good.

Don't get me started on Eloise. Who is that girl and where is our Eloise? Because that is not her.

Where is our Penelope as well? I'm not sure I'm liking this "holier than thou, duty comes first" Penelope they have going on. Stop making Penelope what she is not. She was sweet, and wonderful and loved and cherished by the Bridgertons. I can't even

How in the fuck are we going to go into book 5 with this scenario of Marina and Sir Phillip?

If Marina was going to brush Colin so much, why in the ever fuck did we have that stupid plotline in S1. It contributed nothing and it just basically hurt Penelope's character. So not cool

Also, Penelope never seek Colin that much... she was so aware of her lack of chances (to a painful point, tbh). I'm not sure I like what they are doing here. She seems needy, and jeaulous and all the things Penelope wasn't

JUSTICE FOR FELICITY

Benedict did you go to art school to master your skill or to get laid? I swear, he's a 19th century fratboy

Portia Featherington is everything the books didn't give us and one of the best things this show did. Whatever happens, in Portia we trust

And once again, the Featheringtons' wardrobe is stunning. I love all of it

[ao3feed-kathony]

Yarn Over (And Pull Through)

by Stars_of_Kyber

"And that's how he ended up at  Daphne's crochet club meeting. They always hosted a meeting with lessons for beginners and that's where Anthony found himself, regretting every life decision which had led him to this moment in time."

_________________________________

Following his therapist's recommendation, Anthony Brigderton ends up finding himself at a crochet class for beginners feeling very stupid about it. At least there was one more person who looked like she was just as miserable about being there as he was. It helped that she had the most beautiful smile as well.

Words: 7260, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Bridgerton (TV), Bridgerton Series - Julia Quinn

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M

Characters: Anthony Bridgerton, Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma, Daphne Bridgerton, Edwina Sheffield | Edwina Sharma

Relationships: Anthony Bridgerton/Kate Sheffield | Kate Sharma

Additional Tags: Modern AU, Fools in Love, Meet-Cute, Crochet, Crochet is hard, Silly, Fluffy, Embarassed little sisters

source https://archiveofourown.org/works/48787768

[newtonsheffield]

Anthony telling Kate just how much he loves her (cause we know deep down he’s a softie)

Y’all really just wanna see Anthony and Kate happy and in love hey? Like, I get it, me too, And Soft Anthony Anon I know you’re gonna thrive on this (Hope You’re still here actually! 

Okay! Here is Anthony Bridgerton + Sending Kate Sheffield into a spin because he loves her a little too much

The first time He’d said it to her had been heart stopping, breath taking.  Because I love you! yelled out into the space between then, sucking the air from her lungs leaving her breathless as he’d said it. And when he’d whispered in her ear, sleepy and satisfied, their legs tangled together I’ve never felt this way before, I didn’t even know I could. She’d had to bite her lip to keep from crying because the sentiment echoed so strongly in her own chest. Because while she had barely hesitated before the words had sprung from her own lips, She’d never said it to anyone before, Anthony Bridgerton was the first man she’d ever loved, and some desperate messy part of her wanted him to be the last. 

And still, it had taken him nearly a month to say it again. And she’d desperately wanted to say them to him so many times. Like when they exited the lift at work in the morning and went their separate ways and she kissed his cheek lightly, She’d desperately wanted to tell him that she loved him. Or when he’d taken note of the brand of jam she liked and it appeared in his fridge without comment, she’d wanted to wrap her arms tightly around him and whisper in his ear Anthony, I love you. But she didn’t because he hadn’t said it since that first night. And the tiny part of her that was still an insecure teenager who’d so desperately wanted to be loved but learned from Mary’s mother that some people just weren’t loveable. Was desperately afraid he regretted having said it at all. Desperately afraid that if she said it, She would have to watch the door behind his eyes snap closed. Have to listen to his voice say Kate, this has been really fun but... So she kept quiet and didn’t push him. Until He’d stared at her in his kitchen and said I think I’m in love with you. and her heart had fluttered and her stomach had swooped when he’d said No, I know I’m in love with you. And as she’d lay in his arms that night, she couldn’t stop herself from crying and she didn’t even really know why.

And from that day on, it was consistent. Relentless really. Kate, I love you. I love you, Kate. Katie, I love you. And honestly she never wanted it to stop. The desperate part of her was a little drunk on it, craved it really. Her heart fluttered when she kissed his cheek And said I love You as she walked away from him in the morning. He seemed intent on reminding her that he loved her, Even when they argued, he’d sigh irritatedly I love you, Kate. A constant reminder that even then, even when they disagreed, He loved her. And it was ridiculous but it sometimes made her feel a little, odd was perhaps the best word for it. She’d listened for years when her friends from university had complained that their boyfriends and husbands were so closed off to them, so shuttered. And she’d experienced it herself with her limited roster of previous boyfriends. And now she only had to sit silently during these lunches when they complained about their partners Is that Anthony texting you again?! Talk about controlling One of her friends from university had said at lunch one day snatching Kate’s phone away and reading the messages before she could protest only for her mouth to fall open in surprise as her eyes flicked over the screen Jesus fucking Christ Kate. What did you do to or for this man to get him to talk to you like this?! Oh look, it’s a picture of him with your dog! Oh my god, he’s told you he loves you 13 times today. Kate had looked a little sheepish and shrugged That’s just how he is I don’t know. He’s very sweet. And 13 times isn’t that many Her friend had tutted disapprovingly Kate is barely midday. And Kate had gone back to Anthony’s and kissed him very soundly though he’d looked an odd mixture of smug and confused when she said I love you for being you. You know that? 

And maybe it was wrong but Kate had gotten more than a little used to hearing it from him. Used to, no comfortable with the way it fell from his lips like a constant shower of praise. And no man was more effusive than drunk Anthony. Drunk Anthony loved Kate and he was not only content with her knowing it, but everyone around him had to as well. Katie! He called out when he stumbled in from Colin’s birthday party more than a little sloshed, leaning heavily on her shoulder after a drinking bet with Eloise had gone terribly awry. I’m right here Honey. She muttered half dragging him up the stairs of his house, cursing a little as Newton got underfoot. Oh my god! There you are! Katie, did you know I love you? And it was ridiculous how even this very drunk admission had her smile softening, her heart beating quicker. I do know that Anthony. I love you too. She said softly as she pulled him towards his bed, forcing him to sit as he whined. No! Kate you don’t understand! I love you, Love you! Like one day I wanna marry you, and I want you to have a baby with me, and we could just live in this house with your silly dog and be really happy all the time. Because I think you’re super pretty and your hair is so curly and it smells really nice and when you smile it’s like sunshine. He finished, sighing happily his eyes wide, and he looked so young and happy, that Kate’s breath caught in her throat all over again as she looked at her drunk boyfriend, grinning sloppily at her as she leant down and whispered in his ear You  won’t remember this in the morning, Honey, but I think you’re super pretty too. And I love you, Love you too and one day we can get married and have a baby . And honestly the happy little whoop! of joy he made right before he kissed her stole something from her chest.       

[awitchatdinner]

THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME (BRIDGERTON BOOK 2) - A SUMMARY (CHAPTERS 12 - 22)

Chapter 12

Unable to sleep, Kate goes to the library to find the book to read but all of that is cut short abruptly when violent sounds of thunder and lightning roar in quick succession. As the thundering rage on, Kate screams and after the second one, she runs under a table, curling into a ball.

While on his way to the bedroom from his study, Anthony sees the door of the library open and candlelight peering through. He is annoyed by the apparent recklessness and goes in to put out the candle. However, after blowing out the candle, he hears someone whimpering and goes to check – it is Kate.

He manages to comfort her and they have a conversation about their dead parents. He also calls her his friend, which she accepts and they resign to now address each other on a first-name basis

Chapter 13

Anthony woke up the next morning and saw Kate walking to the flower garden. While she was there, she finally decided to give Anthony her blessing to pursue and marry Edwina – which she told him when he arrived. 

However, something more interesting happened. A bee flew very close to Kate and Anthony became frantic. The bee bit Kate and he exposed her shoulder, bringing out his handkerchief to press the swollen part of her collarbone. 

At first, she tried to fight him off but when he told her his dad died from a bee sting, she allowed him to “press away.” He couldn’t get everything out though, and so he resorted to using his teeth to extract the “venom.”

While he was doing it, three women appeared behind Anthony – Mary Sheffield, Lady Bridgerton and the town’s biggest gossip, Mrs Featherington.

Chapter 14

Mrs Featherington makes it known that something had to be done or before everyone gets wind of it – more like before she spreads the gossip. At first, Anthony tries to threaten her to keep her mouth shut but when she proved stubborn he declares that he would marry Kate.

Kate protests because in her mind, Anthony wants Edwina but she has no choice because what is worse than a ruined woman is a fallen one. The stupid girl who said “no” to a viscount and so, she accepts. 

Anthony asks that they be left alone and the women leave. He then takes Kate to a gazebo and kisses her passionately on the lips and on her neck. Calling her beautiful but Kate can’t shake the feeling of being the second choice. 

Chapter 15

The wedding had been set to happen 9 days after the flower garden incident and Kate was the talk of London. Many women had stopped by the home she and her family rented to either congratulate or say something snooty about the engagement. 

Anthony stayed back at Aubrey Hall and decided that although Kate was someone he could see himself falling in love with, he mustn’t. To ensure that their marriage wouldn’t be built on false hope, he arranges a meeting with her and lets her in on the situation.

She is sad but accepts it nonetheless. Anthony then sits her on his lap, kissing her lips, neck and sucking her breasts. After a while of heavy petting, he stands up and bids her goodbye.

PS: Edwina was delighted Kate was marrying Anthony. She could tell that he was smitten by Kate all along.

Chapter 16

Anthony and Kate are married and on their way to his residence, she asks that he give her a week to prepare. He refuses because he cannot wait to devour every bit of her flesh and neither could she. So when he drops to his knees to release her from her dress, she calls out his name and then he says,

“ask me anything”

to which she answers

“love me, just love me.”

Chapter 17

This entire chapter was about sex. He kisses her, undresses her, takes all her breasts in his mouth, inserting his “manhood” inside of her “opening.” 

While his manhood was inside her opening, he felt such intense pleasure and he called her beautiful but she frowned which led to the conversation below.

Kate: “who do you think of when you make love to me? Is it Edwina?”Anthony: how could I possibly confuse the both of you?Kate burst into tearsAnthony lifts her head and says: “listen well, because I’m only going to say this once. I desire you. I burn for you. I can’t sleep at night for wanting you. Even when I didn’t like you, I lusted for you. It’s the mostmaddening, beguiling, damnable thing, but there it is. And if I hear one more word of nonsense from your lips, I’m going to have to tie you to the bloody bed and have my way with you a hundred different ways, until you finally get it through your silly skull that you are the most beautiful and desirable woman in England, and if everyone else doesn’t see that, then they’re all bloody fools.”

Chapter 18

Edwina pays Kate a visit and insists that Anthony must be in love with Kate, especially with the way he’s been acting. She informs Kate that she is in love with a certain Mr Bagwell who is a scholar and she is happy with him as she no longer has to marry for money.

Anthony arrives home in the afternoon to join the ladies. He usually stayed away so as to prevent him from falling in love with Kate or her with him because he didn’t want her to be devastated when he dies. The same thing that befell his mother. 

And again, both of them blow off a ball to have sex all afternoon and night.

Chapter 19

There’s another storm and although Kate was asleep, she reacted to every sound of it. It was as if she had a nightmare, calling out for her mother.

The next morning, Anthony tells her about it which surprised her and so, he advise that she ask Mary about it.

When they visit Mary and tell her about everything, Mary recounts the story Kate’s father told her of the night Kate’s mother died. It was a stormy night, with thunder and lightning coming one after the other. The entire moment frightened Kate so much that she thought that lightning killed her mother.

After Mary recounts the story, she and Kate hug each other while Anthony quickly wipes a tear off his face. It was at that moment she knew she was in love with him.

Chapter 20

Anthony realises that he was now in love with his wife but is scared that he is going to die young and leave her all alone. So to make up for whatever lost time that may happen in the future, he makes love to Kate. The moment makes her happy and says,

“This is nice. I hope it remains like this always and forever.”

Once Anthony hears it, she jumps out of their bed and hurriedly put on his clothes, running out of the house so late at night.

However, it takes him a while to leave the spot he stood directly opposite his house as he was staring at Kate for minutes until she left the window and he did too.

Chapter 21

Eloise sends a message to Kate that Anthony was at the Bridgerton home. Kate ups and leaves to go see him but he sends her away because he is not ready to deal with his emotions.

Kate leaves and Anthony spends the rest of his days getting drunk and hungover. His brothers nag him to go home and tell his wife he loves her. Anthony takes their advice and leaves but when he gets home, she isn’t there.

He rides on a horse to go look for her only to find her carriage crashing into a stone.

Chapter 22

Kate is rescued from under the overturned cart but her leg is bent and broken. Anthony calls for three surgeons and a physician to reset her leg and give her prescriptions. They tell her to look forward to two months of bed rest. 

Later that day, Kate asked Anthony what he was rambling on about before he saw she was alive and he confesses his fear of never outliving his father. She comforts him and tells him that the best they could do was live each day like it were their last because she remembered when her father fell ill, he was filled with regret of the many things he didn’t do.

Epilogue

Anthony surpasses the age his father had died – he was 39 and spent most of the day staring at his father’s portrait telling him about his children, siblings, mother and Kate. 

At night, Kate hinted that Lady Whistledown might be Penelope – as the writer wrote a lot about Colin and with much fondness. Anthony didn’t allow her to finish though – he maintained that Lady Whistledown is most definitely an old hag.

Writer’s Note

Julia Quinn concluded that Anthony lived to the ripe old age of 92. 

The End.

My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, more than I thought that I would. Romance novels usually bore me to death but this one was so pleasant. It was very nuanced as it not only focused on love but on loss, duty to one’s family and the fear of one’s own mortality. 

[sweetesthaaze]

24 Days of TVWLM // Day 9

March 9th: Chapter 8

Note: I think I'm going to change how I do these now. Well, just the structure of the actual post. I'm just going to lump the thoughts/show scenes/favorite scenes altogether. I usually find myself rambling on about my favorite scenes and what I want to see in the show in the thoughts section anyway. Anyway, that's insignificant, I just like details. Today's actual post was supposed to be up right after this but stupid tumblr glitched while I was literally typing out my last line and deleted the whole thing. I am tired and upset, so I will not be caught up tonight. Anyway onto the chapter.

Thoughts:

This chapter is so cute. From Anthony seeing Kate come to Aubrey Hall, to the Sheffields (it's actually weird to type that, I'm so used to saying Sharma) joking about how it'll be to hard for Kate to be nice to Anthony, to freaking Violet Bridgerton totally trying to get Kate and Anthony together, and then the garden scene! Honestly, their first kiss should have happened here!! I do wish his apology was better. I mean, he did feel bad and acknowledged that what he did wasn't okay, but still. I wanted him to at least grovel a little.

I am literally not going to be prepared to see Anthony struggle in his father's shadow and just still try to deal with his death. It is going to break me.

I really hope we get some sort of garden scene. Anthony literally picks a flower for her????? Even when they're at odds, they talk so easily to each other, their conversation flows so naturally. I am in love with them. Just as I need Anthony getting a bouquet for Kate too, I NEED him simply picking a flower for her. This time it wasn't because he was trying to impress Edwina or he was trying to gain favor with Kate. He did it, because she liked it. And he didn't even think about it. He just did it. ITS SO CUTE!

And he was seriously about to kiss her again! We are only on chapter 8 and Anthony is already so far in love. This was a good chapter.

Favorite quotes:

"His mother had mentioned - several times - how much she liked Mrs. Sheffield. And he had been forced to listen to his mother's 'Good Parents Make Good Children" theory too many times not to know what that meant." - Mary and Violet are best friends I love it. It's like the parent trap, but instead with their children. The Child Trap. Oh no, that sounds bad . . .

"It wouldn't be easy, since the last thing he wanted to do was humble himself to that woman, but the whispers of his conscience had risen to a dull roar, and he knew she deserved the words, 'I'm sorry'. She probably deserved more, but Anthony was unwilling to contemplate what that might be." - Anthony you coward

". . . each one with its own special memories of childhood. And his father. Anthony close his eyes and exhaled. He loved coming home to Aubrey Hall, but the familiar sights and smells brought his father to mind with a clarity so vivid it was almost painful. Even now, nearly twelve years after Edmund Bridgerton's death, Anthony still expected to see him come bounding around the corner, the smallest of the Bridgerton children screaming with delight as he/she rode on his father's shoulders."

"Hyacinth, who was now just eleven, had never even been held in her father's arms. Anthony had tried to fill the gap as best he could, but he knew he was a very pale comparison." - this broke me.

"Finally, Kate stepped down. And Anthony realized he'd been holding his breath."

"Lady Bridgerton smiled. 'You are a country girl at heart, then?' 'I'm afraid so. London is exciting, and always worth a visit, but I do prefer the green fields and fresh air of the countryside.' 'My son is the much the same way,' Lady Bridgerton said. 'Oh, he spends his time in the city, but a mother knows the truth.'" - this is exactly when Violet knew who her son would marry . . .

"'I noticed when we arrived that you have extensive flower gardens. Might I explore them?' . . .'I should be honored if you explored the gardens.'" | 'True,' she conceded. 'In that case, you should really head out to the flower gardens. The early species are just beginning to bloom, and it's simply spectacular. Like nothing you can ever see in London.'" - AND this is when she decided to do something about it

"She straightened immediately, her entire body reacting before she'd turned to see him. He could tell she'd recognized his voice, which left him feeling rather oddly satisfied."

"He grinned. 'This is killing you, isn't it?' 'Being nice to you?' He nodded. 'It's not the easiest thing I've ever done.' . . . "But it's not the hardest thing, either, now, is it? he murmured."

"Kate started to feel very strange, much like she had in his study, right before he'd kissed her. Her throat suddenly felt a bit tight, and her palms grew very warm. And her insides - well, there was really nothing to describe the tense, prickly feeling that tightened through her abdomen. Instinctively, and perhaps out of self-preservation, she took a step back. "

"'You should have a tulip,' he said matter-of-factly. 'It isn't right that Edwina receives all the flowers.' Kate's stomach, already tense and prickly, did a little flip."

"Kate said nothing, not wanting even to meet his eyes. Whenever she allowed herself one glimpse into those velvety depths, her stomach started flipping anew. 'Miss Sheffield?' he murmured. She looked up. Big mistake. Her stomach flipped again."

"But as Kate had pointed out, maybe marrying Edwina would bring with it far too many complications. It would not do to be lusting after one's sister-in-law, after all." - ya think Anthony???

"Maybe the time was right to kiss Kate Sheffield again, here in the perfect beauty of Aubrey Hall's gardens, with the flowers grazing their legs and the smell of lilac hanging in the air. Maybe . . . Maybe. . . "

Freaking Colin interrupts them. Buuuut the next chapter is Pall Mall!! I can't wait. This chapter was genuinely so sweet. I love how JQ is able to show how well Anthony and Kate fit together, even if they are fighting half the time. I am not going to survive season 2.

Someone please talk to me about this chapter, I'm dying to talk more! Use the tag or hit up my inbox!