#she's questioning Edwina's taste

[lyramundana]

I’m still processing that someone made a headcanon about my au, that I invented based on another au. I feel honoured🥺

And I absolutely love that idea. I actually have my own version of each villain’s backstory on my mind and this one with Kate is very close to what I thought. I believe the drama with the yandere Bridgertons feels juicier if they’re the only ones that don’t remember anything and the Spouses, on the other side, have every single memory and live with the trauma of what happened, and it happens that the Bridgertons are triggerers of all those bad memories. So it’s only natural that once they get a hold of the new situation, their first reacion is to “nope” out of London. 

One thing I adore about the isekai au is the importance of platonic bonds and yandereism. Look, I think the trope of someone “fixing themselves” thanks to romance is really cute and hearwarming, the message that love can defeat anything. But platonic bonds are equally important and impactful. And I’m a sucker for the found family trope, which happens to be with the Featheringtons and the Spouses in all its glory. Instead of improving themselves by falling in love, they find comfort in their new family and naturally become better people because of it. The power of family is powerful too, and sometimes I think the message that “romance is the answer for anything” is a bit toxic. So yeah, in my mind, the Spouses all have their shit together already by the time they finally meet their Bridgerton counterparts. It’s the crazy family that goes nuts instead.

Now with my personal addition to this beautiful idea. 

While Kate felt that she was always the forgotten daughter, the third-wheel, the one that didn’t belong, it wasn’t like for her family, of course. She may have not carried her in her womb, but Mary loved the girl from the moment she layed eyes on her. How could she not? She was her husband’s flesh and blood, a breathing reflection of the love of her life. She always wanted to be a mother, so she took to little Kate instantly. But when she fell pregnant, her and her husband were over the moon and focused a lot of the uncoming baby. Maybe they should have payed more attention to Kate, maybe she should have spoke to her husband about his grief and remind him that Kate was her own person and not his deceased wife. She should have noticed that the girl’s compliance and soft-spoke nature was just her hiding her feelings and making herself smaller because she felt left out. 

She should have done so many things, but she didn’t. When Edwina finally arrived, praised and compliments flew upon her as soon as she could walk. She was a ball of joy, the daughter everyone dreamed of having. She was Mary’s miracle, her pride, and perfect. Of course she didn’t love Kate any less, but she got a bit caught up in the hype. If she had looked away from the veil of happiness and perfection surrounding them three, she would have seen a fourth piece suffering in the shadows, slowly moving further and further from them. Her husband’s death only worsened things. Kate took over everything and became everyone’s stability, keeping them afloat. Mary noticed she had gotten quieter and colder in the last months, making a lot of preparations for them in London and even finding a good husband for Edwina, but she rarely spoke to them anymore. And when Mary finally realized what was happening, it was too late already. Her daughter was gone. 

Edwina didn’t really understand what happened. She was innocent and blind to the pessimist aspects that surrounded her family, having been shielded from it by both her mother and Kate. Like any girl that grew up sheltered from the evil of the world, she could be ignorant to problems and don’t really understand the gravity of a situation. She never lacked anything, everything that went in the house was for her first, and she grew up hearing nothing but praises about her. She never felt the comparisons to Kate as something hurtful, since she only got the good side of them. Edwina wasn’t a bad person the slighest, just naïve. And so, she had no idea why her sister dissapeared one day out of nowhere. Just few days ago, she had announced them that Edwina will be marrying a rich and handsome lord as soon as she debuted in London, which would put their family in a great position. Things were good, more than good, so why? Why did she leave? How could she?

Kate is on the edge of a heart attack when she finds out. It’s Simon who tells her, having recognized the surnames on one of Portia’s letters he saw by accident. This shouldn’t happening. She worked so hard to change things, to start a new life. There’s no way Portia wasn’t aware of who they were. Is the past doomed to repeat itself? Can’t she enjoy her second opportunity without having to face the physical reminders of her old pain? The encounter is far from ideal, but the three of them are forced to deal with it

In the isekai Portia au, where the Spouses remember but the Bridgertons, it's implied that Kate had a bad relationship with her family at the end and that's what pushed her to become a villainess. Her father couldn't look at her because she was a reminder of the wife he lost, her stepmother was kind but focused on little Edwina and everyone around her compared her constantly to her perfect sister. It'll drive anyone mad, and It's understandable Kate developed some resentment.

What if Kate, when she reincarnates, instead of staying with her family anyway, she decides to leave before things get bad? She doesn't want to repeat her actions, but can't stand another lifetime of feeling left aside and sacrificing herself for her family's happiness. She arranges everything for Edwina to find a good match and guarantees them both a cosy life, and starts to look for ways to move out. Then it comes to her ears that some Baroness Featherington is looking for a governess for her young children and Kate takes the opportunity. She makes sure Mary and Edwina are settled, and once everything is done, she packs her stuff and leaves.

Her new life in the Featherington residence is better than she expected. Lady Portia is a very busy woman but has still taken under her wing children that aren't even hers and raises them along with her daughters. She can't always be with them, so that's what Kate is for. Teach them, guide them, look after them. She meets Duke Simon, a regular visitor of the Featheringtons, and they become best friends. Things are going well for her.

Until Portia tells her that they'll be housing the Sharma family for a while because the daughter is about to announce her engagement and Mary needs assistance. And if the situation wasn't awkward enough for Kate, when she meets her sister's bethroted it's even worse. It's no other than Viscount Bridgerton, the man that started all her problems in the past life and caused her death

Drama ensues

I like this, let me tweak it a little bit to fit a little better with the rest of the au. @lyramundana since spouses remembering was your addition to the au I think you might want to see this.

Kate was young when she left India, only 18. Governesses were not usually hired that young but she had some hope. Lady Featherington, who was a long distance associate of her father's, had a reputation of taking in those who needed it among her staff and some rumored even her wards. There was only enough money for one of them, and Kate refused to let the past repeat itself so she chose to take herself out of the picture. Even if things were good now she knows they won't last.

Kate tried not to wrinkle her nose at the tea, English tea was never as good as the tea back home.

"You are a bit young for the position," Lady Featherington said, her eyes looking over Kate's qualifications.

"But I am well qualified-" Kate started.

"Of that I have no doubt," Lady Featherington said, her voice gentle. Then the conversation took a turn. "Tell me Ms. Sharma, if you were to start a business what would be your trade?"

Kate glanced down at the tea again. "Tea, I can't stand the way English prepare their tea." She blushed realizing she just insulted the offered drink from her potential employer.

Lady Featherington laughed. "I see. Very well Ms. Sharma you will be instructing my youngest two, Lucy and Felicity, on writing, reading, and arithmetic, but when Simon comes to instruct the older ones on business you shall join them. He will help you on getting started with your tea business. I will help with funding and eventually we will make you a woman of independent means."

Kate didn't know what to say and was not sure of what just happened. "Lady Featherington I-"

"I like to make good investments Ms. Sharma," Lady Featherington said. "Like the others I believe you will be a good one too."

What Kate doesn't know is that Portia also has knowledge of the before, and she truly did believe Kate could do it. Like her other little villains she deserved a second chance as well. She also knew Kate's pride and with her being older than the others when she got them wouldn't accept help without putting in some sort of work. So a compromise.

The next day Portia introduced her to the rest, and Kate is quickly welcomed. They honestly treat her more as an equal or an an older sister than a member of their staff. With time she basically becomes another ward without the official papers. Especially when she joins them for Simon's lessons. Kate is astounded that Simon is actually a duke. They quickly become best friends.

Over the next few years Kate begins her tea business. Experimenting and mixing new teas for different pallets. She is prouder the more her business grows. She is happy, especially since Portia avoids London like the plague so she had no worries of running into the god awful Bridgerton.

Over time Kate learns the others were like her, villains in a past life to different members of the Bridgertons who got a second chance and was not willing to mess that up. They were also thankful Portia avoids London as they rather not have London seasons themselves.

Then one year on the verge of one London season Portia announces that they will be spending it in London and that those old enough will be entering society. "Kate, Prudence, Philippa, Sophie, Phillip, and Michael that all means you. You all need to learn to navigate business around London."

A collective groan is heard around the table. None of them want to go. There is so much of a higher chance of running into the Bridgertons if they go, they don't want that kind of trouble for themselves! But they're also not gonna disobey Portia like that.

"I also have a friend who will be arriving tomorrow. She and her daughter will be staying with us during the season. I will be assisting her with some business deals here in England before her daughter debuts."

What Portia doesn't say is that the friend is Lady Mary Sharma, who has been friends with Portia before she married her husband and she has been in contact with since Kate showed up on her doorstep. Mary had written to her frantic that her oldest daughter had left for England on her own. Portia had reassured her and sent updates to Mary about Kate. Now that Portia is forcing the kids to learn how to navigate London she asked Mary if she wanted to see Kate in her first season? Mary jumped on the chance, she was absolutely going to be there for her daughter's first season she'll fight anyone who tires to stop her.

Portia invited Mary to the country estate first before going to London. She suspected the Sharma family will have to work some things out first.

[lavellenchanted]

is there a way to read begin again (edwina’s version)?

I'm afraid not at the moment, anon, it needs a lot of work before I can post it - there are some snippets on my blog but here is a new one for you!

--

1815, Edwina had decided, was going to be different.

She was going to be different.

The girl she had been a year ago was gone - there was no helping that. That girl had been sheltered and naive, content to be guided by those around her, and there was no going back to that even if she wished to; once an illusion had been shattered, it could not be pieced back together.

In the months between the Seasons, she had felt adrift, finding herself for the first time without any vision of her future. Her entire life she had been preparing for marriage, to be a wife and mother and to run a household, and all her plans had been made with the certainty that she would have a husband by the summer. Only that had not come to pass and now she could not help but wonder if it ever would. 

Who was she, when that was all stripped away? What was she to do with herself now? The idea of simply pretending none of it had happened - the lies, the betrayal, the pain - and waiting to try again the next year left a sour taste in her mouth. But when she tried to imagine any other sort of future for herself, she kept coming up blank, and that frightened her even more.

At first she shied away, not wanting to dwell on questions to which she had no answers. She lost herself in her books and took long walks and resolutely did not think about how she felt as if she were walking on a tightrope, her balance precarious, and that one wrong step would send her plummeting down. But as summer slipped away and autumn began to paint the world in gold and red, the promise of the next London Season growing ever closer, she realised she had to face the question of what came next.

In the end, she had come to a simple conclusion. She could not be the same, so she would be different. 

Perhaps she would never be the girl she had been, but she could be someone else. A young woman who had suffered disappointment and had her heart broken, but who had healed all the stronger for it. A woman who had the chance to learn who she really was, to think about what she wanted and not just what was expected of her so that she could walk her own path towards a future that she had chosen for herself.

At least, that was the plan . . . 

. . . but given that she was currently having trouble simply choosing fabric for a dress, Edwina was beginning to think it might be trickier than she had anticipated. 

As part of her sponsorship for this year’s Season, Lady Danbury had offered to pay for an update to her wardrobe. Edwina had been reluctant at first; a part of her suspected the offer was made out of guilt, or perhaps pity, for everything that had happened last year, which her pride naturally bristled against - not to mention that she disliked taking more of Lady Danbury’s money than was necessary. When she had voiced her reservations to her hostess, however, she had been met with a derisive snort in response.

“It would not reflect well on me to parade you about in last year’s fashions,” Lady Danbury had said firmly, with one of those looks that made it clear she would brook no argument so there was no point in attempting one. Edwina had tried in private to imitate that look, but could never manage it. “And that simply will not do. I will not invite gossip this year if I can avoid it, Miss Sharma, nor will I give anyone cause to claim I am a poor hostess.”

That may have been partially true, but Edwina was not convinced it was the sole reason she was offering. Still, it was clear that Lady Danbury was determined - and truthfully, the idea of a new wardrobe was appealing, and not only for vanity’s sake. After all, could she really be a new Edwina if she kept dressing as she had before? Was an external change not a good way to show everyone, including herself, that she really was a different person now? 

Her mother had accompanied her to Madame Delacroix’s shop, but Edwina had asked to browse the fabrics by herself. That had been well over twenty minutes ago now, and she could sense Mary sending concerned glances her way where she stood patiently looking at ribbons and making polite small talk with other ladies that were out shopping. 

The problem was, for all Edwina wished to make her own decision she also wasn’t sure what, exactly, she wanted to choose.

She knew what she didn’t want, which was more dresses in pink. Nearly every single gown she had was some shade of pink or peach, apart from one or two in debutante ivory, and once she started thinking about it she had realised she wasn’t even sure she liked pink - or at least, she had only liked it in a vague, general sense, but it certainly had never been her favourite colour and she did not love it so much that she wished to wear it every day without variation. It was just something she had become used to; everyone had always commented on how much the colour suited her when she wore it, and it was appropriate for a new debutante, so Edwina had never questioned it as her wardrobe slowly became more and more monochrome.  

There would be no pink dresses in 1815. 

[qanedanegros]

❝ being honest though, this tastes bad enough to kill a man. ❞ (from edwina to neera)

Blue eyes stared at the questionably burnt meal before them. Neera, who lacked experience in cooking and was in a bit of a hurry, prepared the meal, which was further evidence.. Her lips twitched into a smile before she chuckled softly, “It really is terrible, isn’t it? I should serve this to the men who upset the girls and myself.” Neera laughed. Cooking was an art that escaped her. She lacked in the area, it differed from her interest in alchemy. Alchemy, she had watched and remembered using her other senses, given that she wasn’t able to read or write. She relied on her memory and had perfected her poisons over the years. Yet, she had watched someone. There had been no one that she could watch when it came to cooking. They served the meals just to her, and that was it. Neera had truly wanted to make a good meal, but it was nice to hear the honesty from Edwina. “Thank you for being honest. Had you not, and we suffered through this meal, it might have been our last one together.” Neera smiled at Edwina and reached to grab the wine to pour them both some to drink. It wasn’t what they served in the Red Keep, but it was just as good. It would wash the burnt aftertaste from their mouths.

[newtonsheffield]

Molly I have just realized that we have not seen the first time Anthony and Kate have sex in GG. Since it is still Sunday, in my timezone at least, could we see it perhaps?🌶❤

I don't remember if you have written this already

Can you tell us what their first time was like in the good girls universe?? Sweet or passion filled??

Okay so We've seen this from Tom Sharma's POV but not Kate or Anthony's, but let's take a look.

And I think it was probably both.

Kate couldn't stop thinking about it these days. Some days it was all she could think about, even as his fingers slipped between her legs and her body rocked against him, and all she wanted was more. She'd waited, and waited, for weeks for Anthony to ask if she was ready, and he hadn't. Because he was Anthony, he was sweet, and kind, and so genuinely elated anytime they spent any time together, even more so when he popped back up from under her skirt, a lazy grin on his face, his voice rough as he slipped his tongue against hers filthily, Taste how incredible you are Princess. And it was a little infuriating honestly, because she knew he wanted her as much as she wanted him, but he wouldn't ask for it.

They'd stolen away at lunch, their fingers intertwined as they sat behind the football sheds, his fingertips running little patterns over the tops of her thighs as she sat on his lad, straddling his waist, Anthony' lips lipping at her neck, and apparently, she was done waiting for Anthony to make a move.

"Anthony, honey." He made a questioning noise in the back of his throat, his hips bucking under hers, and she could feel him against her and just the thought of it made her squirm.

"Anthony, I want to have sex." She didn't see any point sugar coating it.

He chuckled against her neck, pulling back to look in her eyes, "Babe, we have sex all the time."

Her eyes fluttered closed, Of course he was being this sweet, "No, Anthony, I know, I said I wasn't ready before but I-"

Anthony's mouth fell open, "Oh! You wanna have like sex."

It was her turn to chuckle, brushing her nose against his. "Only if you're ready. I just... Want to feel really close to you."

Anthony groaned dropping his forehead against hers, "Kate, I'm definitely ready, I just... I don't want you to think you have to do this, I'm so happy with our relationship, and I don't want you to regret this."

Kate had rolled her eyes, "When have you ever been able to make me do anything?"

And so it had been settled, and they'd both known, when he dropped her home that afternoon, knowing her Dad wouldn't be home for a while, knowing Mary had taken edwina to her figure skating lesson, known what they were going upstairs to do.

Heat was already licking at her stomach as she tugged him upstairs, his feet stumbling behind her on the stairs, his eyes glued to her as she dropped her backpack on her desk, shedding her blazer, tension thickening the air around them.

"I don't have any condoms!" Anthony blurted out awkwardly, wincing as he said it.

Kate shrugged, "I do."

He choked a little, stepping closer, "So you've wanted this for a while?"

They were nearly chest to chest, his own backpack abandoned, his hands in his hair. "Yeah."

Anthony let out a sharp exhale. "Why didn't you just ask me?"

Kate laughed, despite herself, "Honestly? Because you're a teenage boy I didn't think I'd have to convince you to shag me."

Anthony shook his head, his hand resting tentatively on her waist, "You definitely, definitely don't."

Kate rolled her eyes, "Okay, maybe you could-"

His lips claimed hers, cutting her off, softly at first, nipping and teasing deepening with every touch, his tongue slipping over hers, comfortable and safe. His hands were tugging at her tie, on the buttons of her shirt tugging it from her shoulders, to join his own already on the floor. Anthony walked her backwards, shedding her skirt, a playful laugh falling from both their lips as they fell back against the mattress, her hips cradling his, bare skin against skin.

"I want to make you feel really good first okay?" his eyes were shining down at her, so much love pouring from them that her heart caught in her throat.

She nodded, her eyes fluttering closed as his fingers slid up her legs slipping between them, a groan rising in her chest as they slipped inside, echoed by Anthony's.

He was so gentle, always, when they tried something for the first time, and she felt it again, her heart stuttering and stammering as he pushed her closer to the edge, his tongue against hers, his teeth tugging at her neck, tension coiling in her stomach and it was all too much as she fell over the edge, her mouth falling open wordlessly.

"So beautiful." His lips brushing hers again softly before he stood, shedding the rest of his clothes.

"They're in the desk drawer." Kate hummed, anxiety suddenly clawing at her stomach, her mind racing. What if she didn't like it? What if she was bad at it? But everything stopped, the second her eyes met his again.

He walked slowly back towards her, his eyes holding hers as she tugged him down to cover her again, his hips slotting against hers.

"Princess if you don't like it, just tell me, and we can stop, okay?" His jaw was clenched as her lips met his neck, sucking a red mark into existence, marking him as hers a little desperately, pride settling in her chest as she nodded.

"I love you." She was already grinding against him, her body screaming at her for more, the heat of his body burning through her, a groan rising in his chest as he cleared his throat.

"I love you so much, Kate."

And then he was there, a startled gasp falling from her lips as he moved tentatively against her, his chest freezing under her fingers, "Are you okay? Do you wanna stop?"

Kate shook her head a little overwhelmed, "Keep going, babe I'm fine, it just kind of... It's a lot."

He nodded, his hips thrusting shallowly against her until she felt like she'd burst, finally, hip to hip, full. The air was tight around them, Anthony's eyes rolling back in his head, his jaw clenched tightly.

"Fucking hell you feel amazing. No one's ever felt like this, kate."

Pressure was building desperately inside her as he stayed still against her, his breathing already laboured, and she couldn't help but grind her hips up. "I need you to move Anthony."

His groan rumbled through her chest, his hips grinding over hers in a wide circle that already had her eyelids fluttering closed, something intense building in her, like she'd never felt before. Anthony's face was flushed, his cheeks red, his hair falling into place as he tilted her hips tentatively the new angle pulling a sharp groan from her, stealing the air from her lungs. She could hear the desperate noises in the back of her throat,, hot and tight and wild, bouncing off the walls joining Anthony's own desperate voice.

Oh my god, Oh my god, Kate, You're so perfect baby, it so good, It's too much

She couldn't breathe as one of his hands slipped between them moving over her, pushing her even closer to the edge,

Let go, princess

She fell apart with a sharp cry shuddering against him his name falling from her lips desperately again and again, Anthony pupils blown wide his hips stuttering erratically, and he fell as well.

The front door slammed shut

"KATIE?! ARE YOU HOME?!" Her Dad's voice broke through the quiet reverie seconds after Anthony collapsed against her.

Panic roared to life in her chest as she pushed firmly on Anthony's chest.

"Honey I love you, but you need to get in the closet."

She tossed him inside, shutting the door on the dopey grin still on his face as she scrambled into her pyjamas from last night, her Dad's footsteps on the landing.

She threw open the door, trying her best to appear casual.

"Hey Dad, what's up?"

His eyes narrowed as he peered into the room, and christ she could smell them in the air. "Nothing." He said softly, awkward silence swelled between them before-"You just screamed though."

FUCK! He'd heard, her father had heard her having sex with her boyfriend. Surely this was how she died. "Oh um, I er fell, stubbed my toe. I'm fine, though, pretty fine, good actually, maybe great."

Her father fixed her with a look of pure disbelief, his eyes scanning the room behind her before he sighed, "Okay." Walking downstairs.

Kate bit back a curse as she slammed the door closed again, humiliation seeping into her chest.

"We're never doing that again."

Anthony's voice called out from the wardrobe.

And really, she just couldn't help herself.

"No, we aren't, next time I'm riding you."

Anthony burst free from the wardrobe, still completely naked, his eyes wide, "Do you have anymore condoms?!"

[honorhearted]

Benjamin ached all over. He'd been hoping to avoid Edwina upon his return -- he prayed he wouldn't see her, in fact, and was counting on her being out with the other officers' wives -- but alas, upon his entry to his indoor quarters, he found his wife mending a torn regimental coat by the hearth.

Damnation.

She was up like a shot, dropping the garment as she rushed over to inspect his visible bruising. "I'm fine," he deflected, shaking her off, "everything's fine. I just need some medical supplies, and then I'll be on my way."

His foolishness required a visit to his indoor quarters as opposed to his tent, which he was regretting more and more by the second. Although a medical kit of sorts was stashed underneath his bed, he had far more supplies in this assigned room -- namely, to prevent thievery -- and he was intent on the various concoctions that could help ease the throb-throb-throb from his ribs.

Edwina touched his face and he winced, jerking away. "Don't," he pleaded.

Despite her gentle touch, despite her kindness, Benjamin found himself yearning for Katherine and her snide, cavalier quips that were sure to restore even the stubbornest of spirits.

"You needn't shield me like this, you know," Edwina admonished. Even with the firmness of her voice, her tone remained soft and dulcet. "I'm not so delicate that I can't handle caring for my husband's wounds."

Amidst his rebuffs, Benjamin hadn't even realized that Edwina had fetched the medical kit herself. She was now pressing a wet cloth to his cheek, the lower temperature quite appealing against his hot, nettled skin.

"You should heal quickly, but perhaps you should remain here tonight..."

Any relief he felt instantly shriveled, and trying not to reflect his clear panic, Benjamin blinked down at her and shook his head. "Washington needs me," he deflected. "This is nothing but a scratch, Miss Edwina...honest."

Honest... The word curdled on the tip of his tongue, leaving a sour taste in his mouth. He hadn't been truthful with her ever since their wedding vows, and a stab of guilt laid heavily within his chest. This was precisely why he always wished to avoid her. If he gazed into her wide, innocent eyes for too long, it was clear to him that she cared. Somehow, she cared, and he was far from deserving.

As if sensing his train of thought, Edwina stepped closer into his line of vision. "If only so I can keep an eye on you..."

Benjamin drew a breath to denounce the idea, but then a sharp, aching pain flared up between his ribs at merely breathing, and he yelped, unable to swallow back the shout before it was too late. Sweat beaded his brow, and he quickly pressed a hand to his tender flank. "I'm fine," he said for the umpteenth time, though in this instance, his voice kicked up at the end of his sentence, almost as if questioning his own dismissal. Breathing heavily, he swallowed before sinking down onto his bed. "I'm...mostly fine," he grudgingly amended.

@honorhearted

Though Edwina well understood the possibility of her husband falling prey to injury, she'd never anticipated that it would be inflicted upon him by a fellow P.atriot o.fficer. The very thought of it was barbaric and rather disheartening. If there was squabbling amongst W.ashington's ranks, how then could they ever hope to win a war?

"This Lieutenant Colonel Bradford sounds like a brute, but you shouldn't have instigated a physical altercation. I'm certain he was trying to get a rise out of you."

Ben's cheek was terribly marked, and judging by the way he held his side, she was certain he had a few bruised ribs, even if he insisted he was fine. The faint smell of liquor on his breath hadn't gone unnoticed either.

"You needn't shield me like this, you know." she softly argued, seemingly incapable of raising her voice as she lightly dabbed at his cheek with a cold compress, "I'm not so delicate that I can't handle caring for my husband's wounds."

'Husband.' It was his title, and yet he felt very little like one considering how little she saw of him. Every night, he claimed to be working late, too occupied to come to bed.

While this was likely half true, she also knew he'd taken to sleeping in his tent rather than his inside quarters. He'd surrendered them to her, no doubt hoping she'd be content enough with her space not to question it.

And she hadn't, at least not before today.

"You should heal quickly, but perhaps you should remain here tonight..."

Edwina peered up at him, her doe like eyes daring to appear hopeful, "If only so I can keep an eye on you..."

[aspoonfuloffiction]

Can I ask your thoughts on something? I swear it's with good intentions but I can't deny there's parts of Edwina's speech in episode six that kinda took away the impact of the moment from me. I love that she got to be angry and call out the nonsense Kate and Anthony both put her through. But I found some of the word choices and how she expressed them kind of confusing and off putting. Kate obviously made some really bad choices that caused Edwina a lot of pain. But we the audience know Kate is never motivated out of malice or cruelty. We know she's doing everything she can to make Edwina have a happy and fulfilling life even if that means breaking her heart to ask Anthony to marry her. So I found it weird for Edwina to claim that Kate won't have anymore power over her, when having power over Edwina was never what motivated Kate. Edwina then emphasised how she has won and has victory today and that Kate is the one who has lost, but Kate never did anything with the mindset of her winning and Edwina losing. It just felt like Edwina was placing herself above Kate? I would get it if Edwina said "I won't let you have influence on me" or "today I will be true to myself regardless of what anyone else wants". But the whole usage of the words "power, winning, losing" left a bad taste in my mouth. I swear I'm not trying to be negative towards Edwina 😫 But I am curious about your interpretation of the speech.

First of all I never care what a person’s opinions on a fictional character is I may disagree and I may talk about why or explain my personal opinions but like ultimately I don’t care this is a low stakes thing. I have bigger things to judge people for-really the only time I’ll call out Bridgerton fans is over blatant prejudice especially if it’s targeted towards the cast or crew (yes I have opinions about the way people talk about Geetika and Lou-Lou but especially Geetika).

So like you don’t have to justify your problems with Edwina to anyone least of all me. Civil open minded discourse is always welcome on this page.

As far as your question-I think you answered it. We the audience knows Kate is never motivated out if cruelty or malice.

Edwina did not get Bridgerton S2 on her Regency Netflix account. She didn’t see what we saw. She doesn’t get to see Kate tell Anthony he has to go through with it.

All Edwina saw is a scene at her wedding and then all the pieces clicked in her head and suddenly the intense emotions that she picked up on super early between Kate and Anthony, but she clocked as hatred she immediately now recognizes as love.

And in the short distance between the chapel and the bridal suite while trying to focus on breathing because she’s literally also hyperventilating she’s trying to figure out why and the first thing she can think of is “you lied to me about having my best intentions at heart”

Which is a valid assessment because no one with more than 4 brain cells would let this mess happen.

I mean how does anyone come to the conclusion: “You, the man I love, need to marry my sister, because she’s falling for you because you made her think that because you were trying to annoy me into liking you but somehow that worked and now I love you which means you have to marry her, my sister”

Kate’s rationale only makes sense because we’ve seen S2. But again Edwina hasn’t so her brain doesn’t go there because who’s would?! Instead it’s “you lied to me about this, and you lied to me about the Sheffield plot, then you must have lied to me about everything.” And that’s not an totally illogical conclusion.

[xwinterdreams-blog]

I usually would wait until I’m ready to post it on ao3 but I thought it might be fun to share what I wrote in a fit of Kanthony feels. Feedback would be lovely. Still working out my Anthony.

Plot is basically: AU for the end of episode 4, what if Anthony does not propose to Edwina, what would happen then. Just a potential Anthony if he considered the implications a bit more first, but I tried to be realistic also. Still working on what comes next.

---------------

Anthony Bridgerton was… frozen.

He knew what he must do. It was the next step on the path that he had chosen for himself, the necessary step he must take in order to fulfill his duty.

Proposing to one Miss Edwina Sharma. She was the perfect bride in every imaginable way. She had beauty, charm and intelligence to recommend her, indeed not a single item on his list of requirements was left unchecked by her.

He could see a future of contentment between them. Not the mad passion that his sister Daphne or his mother raved about, no, but she was pleasant company, was she not? She would make an admirable Viscountess, and a wonderful mother to their children.

But he had hesitated, the night before, as he did now. Edwina was about to leave Aubrey Hall, and if she did so without a proposal it would be a clear rejection from him.

Why? Why could he not do it?

She did not question his every motivation. Edwina was agreeable, she saw the very best in him.

She did not challenge him, disagree with him, aggravate him at every possible turn. Stubborn, intractable, absolutely infuriating… Kate.

He had been so close to kissing her the previous night, just waiting on her to tell him how she felt. For he was sure she must feel something of what he felt. He could not be the only one whose gaze lingered constantly, who remembered vividly every time he had been close enough to breathe her in, that intoxicating scent.

But they had been cut off, interrupted, by his sister. He tried to be relieved by it, nothing had yet happened, but they had been so close to that edge, regardless of his protests to Daphne.

She’d wanted more of an explanation from him, but he had dismissed her and headed for his room. He could not listen to her opinions on this yet again, not on top of everything else.

He’d retired to his room only to toss and turn all night, plagued by visions of what could have happened. As soon as she breathed the word he would have kissed his way down her neck, pulling down her dress to expose her bosom that his hand had become acquainted with as she pressed his hand against it to ease his fear.

The moment his fear started to recede his pulse began to pound for another reason entirely. Touching her, his skin against hers, so intimately.

He would acquaint his mouth with every inch of her exposed breasts, all the while lifting up her skirts to gain access to her thighs.

Not that any of that would have ever happened, of course. Anthony’s behaviour had been improper, but he could not believe that he was so far gone he would’ve compromised her in such a fashion. It was merely fantasy. Not the sort he should be having about the sister of his bride to be under any circumstances, but then again, she was not that yet, was she?

Anthony balled up his fists. Once again he was letting thoughts of Kate consume him when he should be thinking of Edwina. She was the one he was to marry. She was suitable. The diamond of the season. She would never make him feel like this. Driving him to distraction. Making his heart beat uncomfortably in his chest. Peeling away all his layers of civility, until he became feverish with need for her. Willing to forget his honour, his family, Edwina, all of it for the smallest taste of Kate.

No, Edwina would never undo him like that. It was a good thing. He did not want to be undone. She was the right, correct choice.

Just because the path had become more complicated than he had expected it to, was no reason to turn back now.

All he had to do was pick up the ring sitting on the desk before him, and race after Edwina before she could leave. He would not be able to turn back after that, he and Edwina would be connected from that moment onward, sealed with his vow to marry her.

The possibility of Kate would be closed to him forever. But that was as it should be. She was no possibility for him. She was going back to India. Kate did not desire a husband, her plan was set. As his should be. It was not as if he wanted to marry Kate, instead.

How could he commit his life to someone who made him feel so out of control? Who infuriated him so? She would not agree with him on anything, ever. That was not what he wanted.

It was not.

But then why did it pain him so? The mere idea that Kate would leave and he would never see her again. It would be much better if he did not have to see her, he would not have to contend with the desire to always be closer.

These were not the feelings a gentleman had for a lady. He’d known all consuming lust, Sienna had certainly inspired it in him. This was both very similar, and yet somehow different. He could admit he had been selfish with Sienna, much as he had cared for her.

With Kate he wanted to have her, all of her. Show her everything pleasurable there was to experience between a man and a woman. Take his time with her. Breathe every inch of her in, figure out if there would ever be a day that he was not addicted to her scent.

Have her tell him that she did not, in fact, hate him. He did not know what he wanted her to feel for him, something between hate and love, he supposed. Passion. What an unstable and temperamental thing to build a life upon.

If he felt like this now, how would he feel if he loved her? Because if he married Kate, he was sure that would be the inevitable outcome. This level of obsession he had for her, he would want every last thing she has to give. He would demand everything of her. She would be no different, he was sure, if she ever consented to marry a man she would demand everything from him in turn. He could not give that to her. He could not bear it.

But how could he move forward, and propose to Edwina like he knew he should, when all of this was lingering under the surface? When his eyes would search for Kate whenever she was near?

It would be too cruel a fate, to be constantly lacking in his eyes by having the poor fate to not be her sister, whether or not she ever knew the truth of his feelings.

He kept hoping, praying, that when they were married his feelings would disappear. Kate would leave and he would not have to be bombarded with her presence any longer, but he feared. He feared India was not far enough.

Would his mind drift to her, years from now, wondering how she was, what she was doing, who she was with? The last question caused a bubble of vicious jealousy to well up inside of him.

Anthony sighed, resting his face in his hands, thoughts bouncing back and forth in constant motion, unable to make up his mind. He was not at all surprised when he heard the sounds of horse hooves against the ground, and the wheels of the carriages moving.

So that was that, then. The Sharma’s were leaving, he’d missed his chance. Even if he could try to fix things between him and Edwina back in London, his hesitation had changed things. Made his doubts all the more obvious. He also confessed to feeling no small amount of relief that he had not had to go through with the proposal.

That was hardly a sign that he’d made a mistake in his inaction. Perhaps this was what he’d wanted all along, to not be pushed into taking that final, irreversible step.

The only question that remained was what he was supposed to do now?

[mermaidsirennikita]

Ok I haven't read TVWLM in a while but does Edwina having "genuine feelings" for Anthony change much?? I'm seeing people freaking out about the dreded love triangle and I remember the love triangle being a big part of the book? Idk it's just every anticlimactic to have Edwina go actually I didn't care about Anthony or becoming a viscountess go off Kate be happy with the guy who's been courting me for weeks. That feels like such a cop out to me if there are no hard feelings.

The love triangle was a big part of the book, lol. Kate and Anthony aren’t married until 70 to 75% of the way in. He has no plans to marry Kate until he has to; she has no plans to marry him until she has to, and even when she’s aware of her feelings she fully allows him to keep courting Edwina. On their wedding night, he calls her beautiful while he’s literally INSIDE HER and she’s like oh my god stop you’re imagining Edwina. Edwina doesn’t have feelings for Anthony and she finds another guy, yes. But she doesn’t find this guy until after Anthony marries Kate, and she seems to have every intention to consider his suit seriously due to her circumstances. She needs a rich man, he’s not only rich but good looking and not abusive. It’s a pretty prominent storyline.

As I’ve said before, I find it pretty emotionally inauthentic than Edwina is just like oh well whatever about Kate and Anthony marrying. Like. She’s 17. This handsome, wealthy, charismatic older man was flirting with her and attempting to woo her for weeks. I can buy that she didn’t have a big infatuation for him as the show’s version does, but I can’t buy that she wouldn’t be confused and a bit weirded out by it at first. My question for Kate would be, did you want him this whole time, and if so, why didn’t you tell me and why did you risk me marrying someone you’d be pining after during my marriage. Edwina not having any questions and being purely happy for Kate is a handwave, and she’s a flat character for it. Edwina on the show, it seems, is actually being given some depth and that actually sounds like an improvement. I see people critiquing the idea of this rich white guy being chased by these two brown women, and I hope that doesn’t happen. But I also think it would be problematic if Edwina just existed to be a flat obstacle who’s happy to step aside, especially as a woc. Kate being a woc and having a rich character arc doesn’t cancel out the problems that would occur if Edwina basically existed to be cast aside a la Marina in s1.

And also, it’s kind of boring for TV if a character that audience spends time with is just like…. So bland. Not into a guy but letting him court her, happily hugging her sister when she gets the life that up into a few days ago, was presumed to be hers in the near future. This doesn’t mean Edwina has to be in love with Anthony or long term resentful of Kate…. But I do think she has to have feelings about the whole thing in order for her to be a believable character.

The big reason why people don’t like this is that they think it would taint~ Anthony and Kate. As if the best fictional love stories aren’t messy ones, first off—but I get that it’s not to everyone’s taste. To me, if your measure of a tainted story is one in which people exhibit bad behavior, though…. They’re already there. Anthony was fully intending to marry this teenage girl and fuck around behind her back to his heart’s content, before realizing that he actually had a massive boner for her sister. That’s not pristine behavior!

I think people want s2 to be a merry sunshine story where Kate and Anthony find love in a hopeless place and never look at anyone else ever and everyone loves them and claps when they get together and they just overcome their various traumas by valiantly holding hands against the thunderstorms. And for most people, myself included, that would be very boring. It’s also just not what happened in the books. Anthony deadass fucked the shit out of her and then ran out the door because he was afraid of being in love with her. She sat there holding in her feelings for months because she was just going to be tragically in love with a man who didn’t love her. These are not logical people. They should be human, just as Edwina is human.

[bellascarousel]

Jealous? Me? Never!

For Kate and Anthony 2021 Week, Day 1 Prompt: Jealousy and all its cousins

Colin was dancing with Kate Sheffield. Again. Logically, Anthony knew that his brother was just doing what the Bridgerton men were expected to do. He was making sure that every young lady got at least one turn on the dance floor. Granted, it wasn’t as if Kate lacked for dance partners. Men were falling all over themselves trying to curry favor with the elder Miss Sheffield as part of their pursuit of the younger.

Not that any of those men bothered Anthony, in the slightest. He was sure that Kate would call his confidence that Edwina would not turn him down when he proposed arrogance. Honestly, his mother and his sisters would probably agree with her. But, Daphne had already snatched up the only potential suitor that had been more sought after than Anthony was. Well, perhaps if another unmarried prince made an appearance, Anthony would have some serious competition. But, as it stood, he had no reason to worry about the scores of hopefuls who were trying to win Edwina’s hand through charming her sister.

Colin and Benedict were different, though. When they danced with Kate, it wasn’t out of interest in Edwina. And, when one or both of them would put themselves down for more than one dance with her in an evening, it likely wasn’t obligation, or to make their mother happy. It was likely because they genuinely wanted to dance with her. Though, why that should bother him so much, he had absolutely no idea. Nor could he explain the tightness in his chest as he watched how she laughed with genuine mirth at something his brother had said.

He closed his eyes, which turned out to be a mistake. Because without external stimuli, his fevered imagination took over. He found himself bombarded with the memory of Kate in his arms. The taste of her. The feel of her. How desperately he had wanted her. Okay, that was definitely a very dangerous turn for his thoughts to take. If he didn’t find something else to think about, and fast, it would become very obvious that he was imagining one of the young ladies here naked — and very much enjoying the mental image.

His eyes snapped open. This was seriously ridiculous. He should not be standing here, in a damn ballroom, thinking about making love to Kate Sheffield of all people.

“And just who are you staring at so intently?”

Anthony gave a sigh of relief. If anything could calm the storm Kate was creating in him, it was the sound of his mother’s voice. “Keep talking.”

“You haven’t answered my question. And what, exactly, am I supposed to be talking about? What I want to say is that you should ask whichever young lady has you looking like that to dance.” She lowered her voice then, making sure that only he could hear her. “Though, I’m willing to bet that that would only make your current predicament worse.”

“Excuse me?”

His mother had the nerve to laugh at him. “I have eight children, Anthony. Think about that for a minute. Now, consider that while I can’t quite make out who you are staring at — whoever it is, you are looking at her the way your father used to look at me. I do know that look, Anthony. A woman doesn’t conceive eight children and not come to recognize that look.”

That did it. Anthony turned to stare at his mother in horror. “Are we seriously having this conversation, right now?”

The woman actually smirked at him. “You’re welcome. Now, go splash cold water on your face or something. Don’t come back in here until you can be here without worrying about embarrassing yourself. And if that means you going home, I will make your apologies for you.”

Anthony shook his head, but did as he was told. He honestly wasn’t sure which was worse — the thoughts he was having about Kate, or his mother’s method of taking his mind off of those thoughts. Though, he didn’t go splash water on his face. Instead, he just took the out she gave him and headed home.

It didn’t really surprise him when he ended up dreaming of making love to Kate Sheffield that night. It was hardly the first time. And after their encounter in his study, those dreams had become distressingly common. But, at some point in the night, something else occurred to him. He was going to marry Edwina. And once she was off the market and he had provided Kate with a suitable dowry, some man was going to scoop her up. It was ludicrous to think that she would remain a spinster.

Kate would marry. Eventually there would be a man who would do more than dream of her. The tightness in his chest that had been there when watching her dancing and laughing with Colin came back stronger than ever at the thought of someone else being the one to share her bed, to see passion and desire in her eyes. And he was forced to admit to himself just what that tightness was.

Jealousy. God help him, he was jealous. Over Kate bloody Sheffield.

[fayevalcntine]

The interviews were awkward (but funny, they were like 2 children and one adult lol) and it was also the interviewers’s fault cause obv the questions were focused on Kate and Anthony so Charithra a lot of the times was like a fish out of the water. I also think that wasn’t the initial plan cause she was with Nicola a lot at the beginning, but then she god covid so they had to shuffle things. I’ll repeat myself pr and promo have big responsibility in this mess cause without thinking they pitted a Kate vs Edwina narrative when the series imo never had (and honestly a lot of the interviews the cast did and the bts video aren’t helping). I don’t think there is any conspiracy or other crazy things but some things were honestly worded or done badly

Yeah I agree. I love the interviews with all 3 regardless mainly because Simone and Jonathan are hilarious together but then you also have Charithra giving such thoughtful and well-placed answers while they look at each other like little kids trying not to laugh at their previous jokes. But generally the marketing has felt really disorganized for season 2 and I truly don't know if they really couldn't get Jonathan and Simone in to do the EW cover properly or not and they had to do something for season 2 before it came out but even so, it feels like in poor taste when you consider that their story is one of the most significant ones, and the resulting popularity of the show is mainly because of that. I feel like they could've at least done more to get a cover for them or at least include Simone in the EW shoot. The bts videos from what I remember were also pretty random back when season 1 came out. I think one of the main ones was when the duel between Anthony and Simon was being shot and there were just several small moments of all the actors shot in between which is like, fine but it's not the most significant scene from that season. It does feel like there's a lack of proper planning when they're made because with season 2, it almost feels like they're either neglecting Simone or don't even consider to put footage of the main actors in them when that would very much help continuing to market the season and help it have a more lasting popularity.

Also, another thing that I wish they would do for Bridgerton is just make romantic promotion photos while filming those short cute videos with the actors in costume again. @geraltcirilla reminded me of it but TV magazines used to use those kinds of photos for promotion all the time back in the 80s/90s/00s and you'd get actors posing in photos like this:

I would've loved getting at least several photos of Kate and Anthony like this but in high-res and imagine how many more cute/romantic poses they would've done while Kate wears this dress:

[thebluemallet]

Immediate thoughts on Bridgerton Season 2, Episode 2 ("Off to the Races). Spoilers below the cut:

Kate, Mary, and Lady Danbury are all speaking on behalf of Edwina now. She even looks over at Kate before voicing an opinion. Yeah, Edwina's going to find her voice before the end of the season and it will not be pretty when she does.

The new heir is making himself at home and it seems like "questionable styling choices" is a family trait, even for those who married into it *cough*Portia!*cough*

Kate controlling the line of suitors and not letting Anthony cut ahead was funny. Takes me back to season 1 and how Anthony acted with Daphne. It's time for him to get a taste of his own medicine.

Thomas Dorset and Edwina are just trying to distract Kate and Anthony to get them to stop bickering over the horses. Their banter is legendary. I was disappointed that Dorset was actually a setup from Anthony, but I do believe that Dorset genuinely liked Kate.

Philippa and Mr. Cheese are finally married! I was rooting for them.

Poor Edwina is going to be used as a pawn throughout this season, isn't she? Anthony's intentions are not 100% honest or honorable and now the Queen is using her to help track down Whistledown.

Anthony probably needs his ego knocked down a few pegs with how confident he is that he will emerge "victorious" in his courtship of Edwina. The boy just did the 19th century equivalent of buying Edwina a Ferrari. One of my favorite quotes from this season is in this episode, though: "I assure you, Miss Sharma. This is a very real horse. I would not recommend trying to climb inside."

And even though it is clear he is not in love with Edwina, props to Anthony for calling out Kate about making this about what she wants and not what Edwina wants. Props as well to Violet for calling out Anthony when he complains about Kate accusing him of playing games.

"You are Pen. You do not count." Colin, you ASS. I know you didn't mean it maliciously, but still. You ASS.

I'm not a fan of the new Lord Featherington attempting to court Cressida Cowper. Cressida is Penelope's worst bully in the books and having her be the new Lady Featherington would be Penelope's worst nightmare.

Anthony stealing Ben's poetry and claims it as his own.😒 At the very least, he admits it. But it's all still part of a grander scheme to try and convince Edwina to be his viscountess so it's still very underhanded to me. The benefit to Anthony's scheme was that Edwina actually stands up for herself a little bit with Kate instead of taking her sister's word as absolute gospel. She's formed her own opinion and she's going to trust that one. I don't blame Kate for running from the room, though. Especially when Anthony smirks at her like that.

I feel sad and sorry for Kate that she has resigned herself to a life alone. She doesn't seem truly happy with her choice. I think she's trying more trying to convince herself that she's happy with her choices more than anything. She's a lot like Anthony that way: trying to convince herself that she's doing what's best for everyone instead of being selfish for her own happiness. Lady Danbury has a point: the difference between her and Kate is that Danbury has actually lived a life and hasn't given up on it like Kate seems to have done. Lady Danbury seems sad to see Kate giving up already. I think, despite the rough first impression and the dog, she really likes Kate. This season might be more about exploring Kate's insecurities instead of her trauma. Or maybe it's her insecurities that have been brought on by her traumas.

I thought that Madame Delacroix would figure out who Lady Whistledown was, thanks to the promo photos, and I-along with everyone else-was RIGHT! The most unrealistic part of the book series was that Penelope got away with it as long as she did. And that it took over ten years for someone to put any real effort into discovering her identity. And once one person knows...others will find out.

[arabellaholbrook]

*introducing » ARABELLA HOLBROOK.

Word on the street is she is the SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR TO THE GOVERNOR, and is affiliated with the DEMOCRATIC PARTY. Though she is GULLIBLE and RESTRAINED, she can also be PACIFISTIC and CULTURED. In the chaos of New York City, she’s sure to fit right in.

*BASICS.

NAME: Arabella Holbrook NICKNAME(S): Ari, Ella ( eh-eh-eh ) AGE / D.O.B.: 26 / October 11, 1995 GENDER, PRONOUNS, SEXUALITY: cisgender female, she / her, & queer ( but uncertain / closeted / questioning ) HEIGHT: 5′10″  HOMETOWN: New York City, NY AFFILIATION: Government JOB POSITION: Social Media Director ( newly-appointed ) EDUCATION: B.S. in Media, Culture, and Communication ( NYU ) RELATIONSHIP STATUS: single FAMILY: Angelina Holbrook ( mother ), Alicia Holbrook ( older sister ), Avery Holbrook ( older brother ) CHILDREN: none / is kind of one herself, but also has an English bulldog called ‘Meatball’ POSITIVE TRAITS: trustful, artistic, pacifistic, imaginative, cultured NEGATIVE TRAITS: gullible, delusive, willfully ignorant, restrained CHARACTER INSP: Alice ( Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland ), Serena van der Woodsen ( Gossip Girl ), Princess Ekaterina ( Anna Karenina ), Edwina Sharma ( Bridgerton )

{ Bio got long as per, so there’s a TLDR after the ‘UNIVERSITY / PRESENT’ section. }

*YOUTH / FAMILY.

The name of the Holbrook family lends itself to a particular illusion, well-crafted over the years and ruled with the iron fist of its matriarch. Arabella, the youngest of three, has long been the gem in the center of the crown, a beauty pageant princess with a natural aptitude for poise and grace and the kind of vapidity that wins girls their tiaras. From youth, she excelled in all matter of aesthetics, developing a particular talent for photography and theatre; it was fitting, of course, for a girl who’d been trained in the art of detailed work and public pretending since her senses had developed. And Arabella, then more impressionable than her siblings, and far more pliable to the pressures of an overbearing mother who wanted nothing but the proof of success, did what any kid with a marketable talent would do: committed to it until awards were given and checks had been cashed.

Even with competitions won and titles earned, Ari was never considered a great success, her skills and talents ascribed to superficial pursuits that simply didn’t stand up to academic achievement. At fourteen, she found herself faced with the reality that she would soon be the only child left in the Holbrook house. Their absence meant that the ones who often took the form of the confrontational backbone she’d never quite grown, would no longer be there for her to hide under the cover of their shadows. Upon this realization, Arabella made a choice: she’d harness her penchant for pretending, one that had long been used to oil up the perfect, over-achieving Holbrook machine, but use it instead this time to her own benefit: If she played the part of an unchangeably under-achieving beautiful little fool, then it would only make sense that her mother would give up hope after long.

Angelina didn’t, of course — or, not with the kind of immediacy that her daughter was after — and, as an escape, Arabella only leaned further into the deception, diving headfirst into all manner of superficiality: her talent for photography turned into a carefully-curated social media presence, and the visage that had once blended seamlessly into amateur theatre productions became the face of teen modeling campaigns. Though this didn’t necessarily prove enough to hinder her mother’s drive for success, it did offer a marginal escape for a girl who’d only ever been bound to the constraints of her family’s wishes. 

Like any creature given its first taste of freedom, Arabella, a newly-dubbed “It Girl” of the city, found her boundaries only by pushing far past them. Frightened beyond belief by the ramifications of her supposed friends’ actions ( *TBD* ), she returned to the lesser of two evils knowing that her mother would be quick to arrange a silent, press-free burial of her indiscretions — even if it was only to ensure her own sterling reputation. Educationally set back a year by this period, and far too fearful to continue on at a place where she was already known, Ari’s final two years of high school were spent at a boarding school to which the Holbrook family held close ( i.e., financial ) connections, their name and money not only funding the school’s programs but Arabella’s moderately passing grades.

*UNIVERSITY / PRESENT.

At twenty ( two years later than what was carefully planned from the moment of her birth ), Arabella enrolled at NYU at her mother’s insistence. At first, she’d only intended on attaining an Associate’s Degree, but upon realizing the chance for youthful talents to combine with more mature opportunities ( the likes of which not even Angelina could scoff at ), Ari declared a major in Media, Culture, and Communication — not with the intent on changing the world like many of her classmates claimed, but instead: documenting it with as little responsibility on her plate as possible. 

In her senior year of university, she was given the opportunity to intern under Governor Berkeley’s then-Social Media Director. In her eyes, this was a chance to see the world and interact with it, but in a way that still kept her far-removed. An internship turned into a close-working assistanceship ( what her mother would undoubtedly call her first ‘real’ job ), and when the opportunity came for her mentor to move on to a national campaign, Arabella was handed the reins in the hopes of ensuring a smooth, more youth-driven transition.

*TLDR.

The Holbrook family’s beautiful little fool! In her youth, Arabella chose to pursue supposedly dumb, superficial things in the hopes that it would dissuade her family from placing on her the pressure of maintaining their legacy. Surprise surprise, bad things came from taking on the role of “silly little It Girl,” but the coping mechanism of playing somewhat witless in order to avoid the pressures of her family stuck. By now, she’s mostly resigned herself to being part of the Holbrook machine, straddling the line between under-achieving and pleasing her mother by way of a job as the Governor’s Social Media Director.

*PLOTS.

{ full connections page can be found here ! if none of them suit you but you’re still interested in writing w ari, hmu and we’ll sort something out in a jiffy <333 }

*tws for: mentions of possible drug use / OD / teenage death.

i. DIG THE DIRT » Someone trying to get info on Angelina / the Holbrook family / what happened to Arabella for her to suddenly switch schools. I imagine this is geared more to journalists, or perhaps rivals of Angelina’s, but we can certainly play around with anything that suits our muses!

ii. NO FEELS » It’s largely TBD, but I imagine that Arabella’s teenage indiscretion is tied to drug use that led to someone’s death. Though Ari didn’t take part, I do think she was left to pick up the pieces of someone else’s actions / potentially even deal with the repercussions. Because it occurred during the short period of time when Arabella worked as a teen model / was testing her boundaries and such, this connection is definitely open to charas of any age, provided that they might be connected to those sort of elite parties / nightclub scene / the fashion industry, etc. 

iii. SIP THE CHALICE » This is for any school pals ( both — I’ve left the location of the school intentionally blank, so as long as our muses are of a similar age, anywhere suits me fine! It’d be fun if this was someone Ari got to confide in when she was feeling her most alone, and I’d be especially emo if this person acted as a surrogate sibling to her while her actual siblings were off at college or living their lives. 

iv. BEAUX ARTS » Although there’s an element of still practicing photography in her career nowadays, there was definitely a time when Ari thought she’d be more a part of the arts world. This is for someone who’s definitely more involved in it than she is, and likely someone who she lives vicariously through, in a sense — though there’s also possibly a bit of jealousy there, too.

v. GOVERNMENT PALS » What it says on the tin! Ari is a newbie in terms of working for an administration, though she has the benefit of having been connected to politics her whole life. For the most part, she understands the sorts of things that need to happen on her end in order to keep the machine running, but I imagine, with certain things, there might still be an element of hand-holding — whether that’s because it’s actually necessary due to Ari’s inexperience and your character doesn’t trust her, or even simply because they might like / pity her, I imagine there’s all sorts of vibes to play with here! 

vi. ABSOLEM TO HER ALICE » Sort of a branching-off from the previous connection, though not exclusive to gov charas. I love the idea of Arabella having a mentor figure, ideally someone who sees that there’s potential buried there — it’s just buried under a decade-long practice of stifling herself in favor of keeping the peace within her family. I think this would also be best suited to a character who takes a gentler approach, as Arabella is prone to shutting down when put under immense pressure.

vi. PUPPET-MASTER » Arabella is, how you say, quite gullible and dumb! If she’s told that doing something is in the best interest for the governor or her job, she will more often than not do it without question, if only to ensure that she keeps the relative homeostasis of her family life. She’s willfully ignorant more often than not, and tends to choose to not look too deeply into another’s reasonings and such, but we can definitely play around with different reasons as to why Ari might be blind to your character’s inclination towards manipulation ( infatuation, friendship, occupational superior, etc. )

vii. WHITE RABBIT(S) » If New York City is Wonderland, then it’s only natural for an Alice like Arabella to need a corresponding White Rabbit to pull her further into its depths. I think this could extend in any number of ways — exposing Ari to gang activity, pulling her into dodgy situations re: drugs / alcohol, tricking her into making some occupation-related mistakes, or whatever strikes your muse! Essentially, a bad influence — bc I not only can’t have nice things, I simply don’t want them! 😈

viii. AVAILABLE TO BE UNAVAILABLE » She’s someone who tries very hard not to change the direction of her own life, favoring the stability she has now over any semblance of chaos — even though it’s brought on by a relative complacency. As such, I’d like to think that Arabella only ever ( romantically ) goes after those who are, simply put, not emotionally available. That being said, there’s still the tiniest sliver of hope buried under all of her own baggage, but it’s definitely bitten back down at the slightest hint of feelings bubbling up. So, what this takes the shape of ( whether that’s purely physical, one-sided, two-sided but complicated, etc., ) is entirely dependent on chemistry / whatever vibes !!

[dreams-in-blk]

----

"It begins to tell round midnight. Round midnight. I do pretty well until after sundown."

----

All the stuff you're not supposed to feel. Where are our sanctuaries and retreats to process, heal and integrate that stuff? We got all the restaurants (looking at you celebs). All the clubs. Where are our spas, cabins, gardens and wilderness walks? Where are our prayer and meditation centers? Our magical places?

They got: Kripalu, Esalen, Shambhala & countless others. What we got? I know. "Use what you got to get what you need." I've thought about going to one of those places for years. I guess I just never felt it would be that restorative for me. But, I look at the offerings when I feel like I need a retreat. And since George they got us splashed all over the home page. And they got a picture of Jessamyn Stanley above the fold. And they got a yoga sistuh saluting all the Sun she can see right up over the "pay here" button.

And don't get me wrong, they mean well. I feel the sincerity. But, I guess I just don't want Karen's sister Mary tending to me when my soul needs a little TLC. But that's just me. I gotta use my "white voice" enough on the daily. Maybe I just don't want to have to use it on retreat.

Because I'm tired. And if I slip up and call the "restroom" a bathroom, I just don't want Mary kindly reminding me that the "restroom" is on the right. Or, apologizing that they don't have hot sauce. And the menu is vegan, organic and all-cotton and personally designed by Gwyneth and did I get the complimentary Goop self-care pak and...But, like I said, that's just me.

But you know they had Pops flying all over the world, dead smack in the middle of Jim Crow, growling tunefully about, "Oh, what a wonderful world" and using his laser-cannon smile to sell "Capitalism" and "America" when back at Home he couldn't even enter through the front gate. A "Welcome" sign don't always mean "Welcome." And a black-face figurine on the lawn don't mean they got a "colored" bathroom. I guess even on Juneteenth I still feel weary late at night. "It begins to tell 'round midnight."

But we have come a long way down Freedom Road and that is reason enough to rest. Lay this ol burden down for a night. See if I can catch up with Mama'nem in Dreamland.

Excuse the bitter tone. I never knew I felt like this. And the question never occured to me before. I guess I need to get me a cut tomorrow and head on over to Church Sunday mornin'. And somebody better bring me some rib tips Saturday night too. So, I can do, like The Eternal Mrs. Edwina (Emah Ahkot Zamirah Baht Yisrael) Clara Baker Prim, My Momma, used to do: Put Anita, Luther and Peabo on repeat... Mix herself up a gin martini and sip on it slow. And when it got real good to her put some Bill Withers on over in there with a little taste of Al Jarreau. And before long Billy Paul would be talkin' about the kind of thing he had going on with Mrs Jones and Patty Austin would be cooing about how she wanted James Ingram to come to her and "Let me put my arms around you" and I would be called up for DJ Duty. And Q. (Better known to You by his nickname "Quincy Jones") would step up on the Bandstand and begin makin' all kinds of Mojo Moves. Because he was The Dude who could and would, by waving his magic wand, summon all the power of Field Hollers, Gospel, Ragtime, Big Band Jazz, New Jack Swing, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Rock n Roll, Disco, Salsa, Soul, Funk, Rhythm n Blues, Hip Hop and Bebop to make it so, that if we wanted to, we could just "PUT BACK ALL THE GOOD TIMES that we ever had. And even make them better, with just a little bit of Razzamatazz." And Grandma Nanny in the back like the sound of that. Because Cab Calloway (Sigh "My my, my...he was so fine!") had already taught her everything that she ever needed to know about Razzmatazz. ("Now, that man had Razzmatazz!") And toes would start tappin' and fingers would start snappin' and healing would start happenin' ...

...until Momma had to get on back out there on the battlefield...

And soldier on in the bitter, grinding, never-ending war with and for, that damn hydra-headed beast

The United States of America

Every Monday morning.

----

You know? Maybe I am finally beginning to understand that when you have to wrestle daily with this monster named America, spiritual care, energy work and every other kind of hoodoo, conjure and new age metaphysical magic, is absolutely necessary. I guess my hard-as-rock know-it-all noggin done finally got soft enough to comprehend what she was desperately trying to find in all those Black Hebrew meetings, spiritual seminars, New Age book stores, video tapes and libraries. When you are wrestling daily with this monster they call America you got to find a way keep your spirit from dying or you end up homeless, alone, balled-up in the freezing closet of an abandoned house in East Atlanta, desperately trying to make it to your next drink or hit while your toes rot from gangrene and frostbite in your boots... just like me.

See. You/me/we, if we hope to survive our daily encounters with this Kraken called America, have to find ways to keep our souls and spirits alive or we perish or worse still, as I sadly discovered, become that feared and hated ghoul, what the descendents of enslaved Africans known today as Haitians called a Zombie. A tragic and frightful casualty of the ongoing struggle to survive as the descendents of enslaved Africans in the Americas. So, I guess I am just now beginning to understand and publicly recognize what Momma'nem, the original American badass mutha(shut to mouth) superpeople achieved - they survived, defeated and finally emerge triumphant - body mind and spirit intact, alive and free. I think I am just beginning to rekonize!

So I guess I can't be mad as hell, it only took them 57,877 days since the Emancipation Proclamation was decreed on January 1st 1863 to get around to officially recognizing our magnificent foremothers' and forefathers! But we here now. And I sho nuff appreciate that 'ol man Biden found the strength to lift a pen. I'm excited! Maybe in just about another 57,000 days they'll get around to sending us that 40 acres and a mule they promised.

See. Now I know I'm tired.

Be well Brothers and Sisters! Be hale and healthy and whole. Free in Black Mind Body and Soul! Tonight, in this not yet perfect freedom we are blessed by our divine ancestors and The Most High to enjoy, may we feel their unceasing care and love, and know each of us in our own hearts that we are their wildest and most cherished dreams realized and made real.

May all your Juneteenths be blessed and joyful and free!!!

- rp

-----

Sleep in peace when day is done: that's what I mean

Stars when you shine, you know how I feel

Oh, freedom is mine, and I know how I feel

It's a new dawn. It's a new life for me. And I'm feeling good.

From Feeling Good by Nina Simone

[ntshastark]

the last rewatch

i swear i’m not doing one episode per day on purpose, it’s just all i’ve been having the time for

bridgerton season 2

(part 3 - ep. 3)

SCREAMING AT THIS THUMBNAIL

==

Episode 3

THEY GOT AWAY WITH USING “LEGAL DRUGS” BC THE DRUGS IN QUESTION WERE LEGAL IN THE 1810s LMAOOOO

==

wish i could find this twitter thread about how the way anthony and benedict experienced their father’s death was mirrored in how they met their respective future wives, but it was basically about how they were both out and anthony had a perfectly regular day and when he came home his father was dead (he never saw kate coming), while benedict had A Feeling some shit went down (he and sophie had that kind of magical ‘oh, it’s you. i’ve been waiting for you’ first encounter)

(for once, i’m not complaining about them having changed it for the series, i just remembered this and wanted to point it out)

==

the flashbacks are such a punch in the gut, they did so well here

==

@ eloise

==

i wish daphne could’ve had a bigger role this season :( damn you regé-jean page

(speaking of which, the photos of him and phoebe at the met gala saved my life)

==

one changed from the books i liked is how newton doesn’t like anthony in the series. it’s a cliché for a reason

==

1. DAPHNE’S INDIGNANT DOUBLE TAKE WHEN ANTHONY TALKS ABOUT ALPHABETICAL ORDER

2. KATE’S FACE

SHE’S SO EXTREMELY IN HER ELEMENT WITH THEM, THIS WOMAN WAS BORN TO BE A BRIDGERTON

==

i really hope we get more scenes of kate with the other bridgertons through the series bc they get along SO WELL, and i need her and daphne to be best friends (and i also need season 8 to happen so we can see her basically being gregory’s cool aunt)

==

they all must’ve had so much fun recording this scene

==

god can you imagine anthony being married to someone with whom he has to be polite while playing pall-mall??????? he would shove his own face into a beehive after 2 years, tops

==

i really want to know how they plan to incorporate benedict going to art school into the plot. can’t really see it working if they do follow the books order, which fills me with dread

==

request for a future season: bridgerton girls day out

==

that was such a book!colin move, i can’t get over it

==

they give off such married vibes here, scheming together, this seems lifted straight from the second epilogue

==

i’d say the mud scene in the series is the equivalent of the cressida scene in the books. the moment kate starts to see anthony in a new light, realises he’s not really that bad

==

really wanted to see everyone’s reaction to them arriving covered in mud, but i get that the mood had shifted too much for a scene like this

(that’s what fanfic is for)

==

i was too busy sobbing to comment the other time, but i appreciate it SO. MUCH. that they included daphne singing to eloise. really hope they explore their relationship (in the present) better. daphne is basically eloise’s anthony.

(also, poor francesca doesn’t get to appear even in the flashbacks)

==

putting the scene of anthony and edwina talking in the background while i type this because it makes me want to rip cvd’s head straight from his body

literally, WHY would they do such a good job of making it clear how unsuitable for each other there are in the pall-mall scene, and then commit this crime just some 10 minutes later

they even got it right how edwina loves reading while anthony has no taste for it! but then made edwina ok with it!!!! WHY!!!!!!!!!

when i say all the bad decisions can be traced back to the mutilation of edwina’s character

==

when i say kate is the self-insert of someone who actually read tvwlm

==

i’m putting this here again

==

can only imagine the amount of gifsets that must’ve come out of daphne’s monologue here (both kathony and daphmon)

==

(complimentary) or (derogatory)?

==

i wonder where poor auggie was while his uncles turned his nursery into a drug den

==

honestly? i actually think they presented anthony’s trauma better in the series than in the book.

i get the whole “Anthony simply couldn’t imagine ever surpassing his father in any way, even in years” thing, but the obsession with the certainty of never getting to be that specific age wasn’t really... i don’t wanna say realistic, because it is a very real response that people can have, but it wasn’t very relatable. it’s the kind of thing that sounds silly to an outsider, like, say, someone  in a high-stress situation suddenly begging you to save (a woman with the same name as) your dead mother and triggering your ptsd

==

daphne is the only ray of hope in this dark, dark world

==

i remember being so terrified that he was gonna propose on this scene, and then so relieved when he didn’t........... 🤡🤡🤡

(just like kate, my self-insert)

==

kate taking care of edwina’s hair before bed just gets me and i can’t really explain why

==

1. i’m beating anthony with a stick

2. if they’d focused more on this aspect, painting edwina as someone who sees getting married as a duty as much as kate does finding her a husband, instead of making her all moon-eyed at anthony, it could’ve been SO interesting, and charithra could DEFINITELY deliver it

make her the member of the family whom everyone tries to protect but who knows there’s something wrong going on and is trying her best to help out in the best way she can with as little information as she has. keep the way she was in the book, clearly unsuited for anthony, clearly uninterested in him, but resigning herself to marry him because he’s the objectively good choice and she knows she needs to do this (the same way he sees the whole thing!!!!! the parallels!!!!!). explore more on her feelings for a scholar with no title and not much money, but with whom she shares common interests and truly gets along, just like anthony and kate

edwina in the books is living such a parallel story to anthony’s, and they had the perfect opportunity to explore this but missed it in favour of making her a romantic rival to her sister - something the book was extremely clear about her never having been. they’re such clear narrative mirrors, and to explore this would’ve been so interesting because it ties into gender roles and how marriage was a duty to both men and women but each went about it so differently! anthony needs to marry to sire an heir and pass on the title, which is his duty to his family as a man, and edwina needs to marry to stop being a financial burden and become a connection to well-respected people, which is her duty to her family as a woman!! so they both put up with it, because they have to!!!!

(and the show even added that thing about edwina being able to inherit something if she married someone titled, so why the fuck did they leave out her canonically not-titled eventual-husband from the books???????? a much better source of drama than a tired ass love triangle between siblings, get that shit out of my sight)

==

genuinely confused as to why they decided the drugged benedict thing should take place in the nursery

==

god i can’t wait to see my baby sophie fall in love with this version of benedict

==

eloise calling someone else lady crane is never not funny

==

i’m thinking................ auggie is clearly not sleeping there............... maybe that wasn’t supposed to be a nursery............ maybe that was supposed to be benedict’s ““childhood bedroom”“.................... maybe bridgerton has simply decided to not hire a single historical consultant for this season...............

==

i love newton with all my heart

==

ok... the bee scene

i maintain that i like what they’ve done with it. it still represents a pivot point in the story, and one that still has enough emotional and narrative weight to deserve the connection to edmund that the bee provides (what makes them realise they’re growing feelings for each other, instead of what makes them get married) - not to mention it’s beautifully shot.

what i dislike about it is what it represents: how much they’ve extended their getting-together period. a scene that was supposed to get them married happens an entire episode before anthony proposes to someone else. also, the scene in the book that makes them realise they’re attracted to each other (the one in anthony’s office with kate under the table and their first kiss) is my favourite one in the entire book (besides the pall-mall, obviously), so i’m bitter

[newtonsheffield]

Hello hello! Thank you so much for delighting us with new updates every week and indulging us with our headcanons requests; many of them might have come from me I have to shamelessly admit 😅 you make my pandemic life so much better with these stories! Onto my question of the day: what do you think are the love languages of Kathony? Is Kate comfortable with the money and the gifts lavished upon her by Anthony, and if not, how does she adjust to it?

Heyyyyyyyy! 

Well I’m not sure about delighting you all but you’re very welcome! Pandemic life is... the worst tbh. Though I have to say, in the part of Australia I live in, life is back to a relatively normal state and I know we’ve been very lucky as a country!

Okay! So! 

I think Kate appreciates acts of service and Anthony appreciates quality time and I think they both appreciate words of affirmation.  And I do think she was genuinely uncomfortable with Anthony’s money at first. Here’s a little...something on that IDK what it is tbh I’m sorry.

Kate had been genuinely touched when Anthony had had five bouquets of flowers delivered to her the Monday after they’d started dating, purely because she’d mentioned in an offhand way that no one had ever given her any before. She’d left one in pride of place on her desk and tucked the rest of the into the backseat of her car, and bitten her lip, smiling to herself, and driven home. Edwina had called her on the way home. 

“Kate, oh my god!” Edwina had gushed through the phone. Kate had laughed brightly at her sister’s awe.  “I know! I think I might be dating a lunatic.” She’d joked and Eddie had laughed.  “It’s very sweet.” Edwina had said softly, and Kate could hear Mary cooing softly in the background, rolling her eyes. “But Jesus Kate, he must have spent a fortune.” And that had pulled Kate up short because yes. He must have. On her. 

She was vaguely aware that Anthony was rich. She’d seen where his sister lived (practically palatial) seen his own house which had little touches of tasteful wealth everywhere. She knew his clothes where probably worth more than her car, but the thought of him spending large amounts of money on her made her a little uncomfortable. She’d grown up in a flat in Hounslow, gone the the University of Lincoln on a scholarship, and yes, she made a very decent living now but some things never really left you. She’d placed the bouquets around her house and tried not to think about the fact that it was hundreds of pounds worth of flowers sitting in her home with absolutely no purpose. Tried not to think about it every time he did something for her.

Months later, on her birthday, the month after they’d started living together, She’d woken up to find a tiny wrapped box next to her. Her breath had caught for a moment and for a heart stopping moment she’d wondered if it was an engagement ring. Don’t be stupid. He’s not asking you to marry him. And he wasn’t. In the box was a stunning pair of diamond and sapphire earrings, and tears had pricked at her eyes, as she’d snapped the lid shut. She’d looked up at Anthony who was frowning slightly.

“Do you not like them? We can take them back, I can get you-” Anthony had started to talk quickly, words falling out of his mouth and Kate’s heart had ached. 

“No, God, No.” She’d cut him off reaching out and running her hands through his hair. “Anthony these are so so beautiful but I can’t accept them.” And his face had fallen again.  “Why not?” He’d said, confusion colouring his voice. Kate had sighed. “Anthony, Honey, I can’t even imagine how much these must have cost you it’s...it’s just too much.” She’d said quietly. And to her surprise, Anthony had laughed.  “Kate, I have more money than I could ever spend.” He’d said bluntly, Kate had shifted uncomfortably “It’s just a fact. And it all feels so pointless. So I give to charities, and I work so that I have something to fill up the day. But if I can’t even give the woman I love something to make her happy what’s really the point?” And He’d looked so earnest, as he’d said it, his eyes staring into hers, his thumb smoothing along her cheekbone. That she’d started to believe him. 

“I just... I don’t want you to think that I’m only with you because of your money? You really don’t have to do all this for me. Okay?” She’d said, her voice tiny. And he’d leaned down and whispered in her ear, his voice rasping  “Of course you aren’t. You’re just with me for my body, Sheffield. Now put those on and I’ll wish you a very Happy. Birthday. Kate.”   

[lifeofaliterarynerd]

We Need Diverse Books: Arab American Heritage Month edition

If You Could Be Mine - Sara Farizan // Seventeen-year-old Sahar has been in love with her best friend, Nasrin, since they were six. They’ve shared stolen kisses and romantic promises. But Iran is a dangerous place for two girls in love—Sahar and Nasrin could be beaten, imprisoned, even executed if their relationship came to light. So they carry on in secret—until Nasrin’s parents announce that they’ve arranged for her marriage.

Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel - Sara Farizan // High-school junior Leila has made it most of the way through Armstead Academy without having a crush on anyone, which is something of a relief. Her Persian heritage already makes her different from her classmates; if word got out that she liked girls, life would be twice as hard. But when a sophisticated, beautiful new girl, Saskia, shows up, Leila starts to take risks she never thought she would, especially when it looks as if the attraction between them is mutual.

A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic - Lisa Papademetriou // Kai and Leila are both finally having an adventure. For Leila, that means a globe-crossing journey to visit family in Pakistan for the summer; for Kai, it means being stuck with her crazy great-aunt in Texas while her mom looks for a job. In each of their bedrooms, they discover a copy of a blank, old book called The Exquisite Corpse. Kai writes three words on the first page—and suddenly, they magically appear in Leila's copy on the other side of the planet. Kai's words are soon followed by line after line of the long-ago, romantic tale of Ralph T. Flabbergast and his forever-love, Edwina Pickle. As the two take turns writing, the tale unfolds, connecting both girls to each other, and to the past, in a way they never could have imagined.

Shooting Kabul - N.H. Senzai // In the summer of 2001, twelve year old Fadi’s parents make the difficult decision to illegally leave Afghanistan and move the family to the United States. When their underground transport arrives at the rendezvous point, chaos ensues, and Fadi is left dragging his younger sister Mariam through the crush of people. But Mariam accidentally lets go of his hand and becomes lost in the crowd, just as Fadi is snatched up into the truck. With Taliban soldiers closing in, the truck speeds away, leaving Mariam behind.

Ms Marvel Vol. 1 - Wilson Alphona & Adrian Alphona (Artist) // Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City — until she's suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm!

Ask Me Not Questions - Maria Budhos // Nadira and her family are illegal aliens, fleeing to the Canadian border -- running from the country they thought was their home. For years since emigrating from Bangladesh, they have lived on expired visas in New York City, hoping they could someday realize their dream of becoming legal citizens of the United States. But after 9/11, everything changes.

The Girl Who Fell to Earth - Sophia Al-Maria // The daughter of a mixed marriage spends time with her father’s family in a Gulf State, tries to reconcile her two radically different heritages.

Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood - Ibtisam Barakat // Memoir of a young girl set in a time of war and displacement, but revealing solid family experience.

Does My Head Look Big in This? - Randa Abdel-Fattah // When sixteen-year-old Amal decides to wear the hijab full-time, her entire world changes, all because of a piece of cloth.

Under the Persimmon Tree - Suzanne Fisher Staples // Najmah, a young Afghan girl whose name means star, suddenly finds herself alone when her father and older brother are conscripted by the Taliban and her mother and newborn brother are killed in an air raid. An American woman, Elaine, whose Islamic name is Nusrat, is also on her own. She waits out the war in Peshawar, Pakistan, teaching refugee children under the persimmon tree in her garden while her Afghan doctor husband runs a clinic in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan.

Written in the Stars - Aisha Saeed // Naila’s conservative immigrant parents have always said the same thing: She may choose what to study, how to wear her hair, and what to be when she grows up—but they will choose her husband. Following their cultural tradition, they will plan an arranged marriage for her. And until then, dating—even friendship with a boy—is forbidden. When Naila breaks their rule by falling in love with Saif, her parents are livid. Convinced she has forgotten who she truly is, they travel to Pakistan to visit relatives and explore their roots.

Rebels by Accident - Patricia Dunn // A Troubled Teen Sent to Cairo Finds Revolution is Everywhere, Including in Ourselves

The Space Between Our Footsteps: Poems and Paintings from the Middle East - Naomi Shihab Nye // In an unparalleled collection, honored anthologist Naomi Shihab Nye brings together the work of over 120 poets and artists from nineteen countries in the Middle East. In turn compelling, lyrical, tragic, and humorous, this rich anthology opens the door to the Middle East and beckons readers to explore our common ground.

Persepolis -  Marjane Satrapi, Translated by Mattias Ripa // Wise, funny, and heartbreaking, Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi’s memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq.

A Thousand Veils - D.J. Murphy // When Fatima Shihabi, an Iraqi poet and journalist, learns she is marked for death by Saddam Hussein's secret police, she flees Iraq, evading Saddam's helicopters hunting her in the desert, only to discover that no other country will grant her asylum. Her flight from Saddam's vengeance, and the extraordinary efforts of Charles Sherman, a Wall Street lawyer, to save her life, is the subject of this gripping novel, inspired by a true story.

The Secret Sky - Atia Abawi // Set in present-day Afghanistan, this is the story of two teenagers, one Pashtun and one Hazara, who must fight against their culture, their tradition, their families, and the Taliban to stay together.

The Wrath & the Dawn - Renée Ahdieh // In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.

Ronit & Jamil - Pamela L. Laskin // Pamela L. Laskin’s beautiful and lyrical novel in verse delivers a fresh and captivating retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet that transports the star-crossed lovers to the modern-day Israel-Palestine conflict.

The Bastard of Istanbul -  Elif Shafak // At its center is the "bastard" of the title, Asya, a nineteen-year-old woman who loves Johnny Cash and the French Existentialists, and the four sisters of the Kazancı family who all live together in an extended household in Istanbul

The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf - Mohja Kahf // Syrian immigrant Khadra Shamy is growing up in a devout, tightly knit Muslim family in 1970s Indiana, at the crossroads of bad polyester and Islamic dress codes. Along with her brother Eyad and her African-American friends, Hakim and Hanifa, she bikes the Indianapolis streets exploring the fault-lines between “Muslim” and “American.”