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celestialnxva · 2 years

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The Race Against Time

༄ A Bridgerton x Marvel Crossover

Chapter 3: Shock and Delight.

Summary: The day after a Diamond’s first ball is always the most eventful. This Diamond, in particular, has captured the attention of supportive members of the Ton and envious mama’s alike. No matter, for now is the time to get to work.

Timeline: New York Sanctum, 2023 (post-Endgame); Grosvenor Square, 1814.

Warnings: There is a mention of the word ‘sex’ but only once. Lots of gossip (it’s pretty stressful to read, if I’m being honest). Anxiety and anxiety attacks.

WC: 4.4k words.

A/n: ‘msr.’ is a gender neutral abbreviation for the combination of miss and sir and used interchangeably with ‘mx.’

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‘Dearest Reader,

If you’ve had the misfortune of missing last night’s ball, the most surprising event had occurred. It appears that a rare diamond has been unearthed. Unknown to all, but known only to me, Mx. (Y/n) (L/n) has sparkled brighter than any jewel the Ton has ever seen. If this author has learned anything from this precious gem’s introduction to society, it is that this season will certainly be an eventful one. However, one cannot help but emphasize how little we know about the Mx. How they arrived at the Ton has yet to be revealed, but I can assure you, gentle reader, that if anyone can solve a secret hidden deep into the shadows, it is I.

Nevertheless, this author wishes to extend her congratulations to this season’s Diamond. They should cherish the attention of the Ton while it lasts, for I speculate that the Diamond’s luck may not be the only thing amiss.

Yours Truly,

Lady Whistledown’

You set the latest issue down on your lap with a look of frustration visible on your features. You had only been to one ball and you were already receiving criticisms from an anonymous author, of all people. It is certainly a frustrating time to be alive, especially when you remember that gossip can determine your prospects with suitors and those suitors are needed for your plan. It was vital that your plan must work without any interferences, for the fate of the world rests on your shoulders.

You had taken a short break from speaking to your suitors throughout the entire morning. Pretending to be interested in what your suitors had to say while searching for the stones in their gifts and clothing have proven to be emotionally taxing on your behalf. A nice cup of tea with biscuits seemed to calm your nerves while your maid made sure to fix your appearance when you had become sweaty from anxiety. As the butler came in through the door, your weary eyes met his. You needed to know if Benedict had finally come to your rescue.

“Do you happen to know if a man by the name of Mr. Bridgerton has called yet?” you inquired tiredly. He was surprised by your specific request of a suitor, but he remembered that it was none of his business. He shook his head, though his face had drawn to more of a look of confusion.

“I’m afraid not, Msr. However, I have been made aware of a Lord Bridgerton that had recently arrived and wished for an audience with you, Msr.” Your eyes widened in shock. It seems that Benedict’s plan of getting Anthony’s attention last night had worked a little too well. You only wished that Benedict would come see you already, instead of his brother. Nonetheless, you instructed your butler to fetch for him.

Having only been a day in the year 2023, Bruce had taken charge of watching the monitors in the morning. He finally spoke up in your ear. “(Y/n), if you’re nervous about this Bridgerton guy, do you think he would have one of the stones?” he asked curiously. You smiled and walked away from your maid to get more biscuits. When you were far enough from her and Lady Danbury, you replied to him. “I think so. I have a gut feeling he has one, which is why I was so glad to hear that he was Benedict’s brother,” you managed to whisper under your breath. He leaned forward and started to pay attention properly. “Alright, stay alert. I’ll be your second pair of eyes.” You nodded and moved back to your seat, just in time for the butler to announce Anthony’s presence.

He entered the room swiftly and made eye contact with you before he made eye contact with Lady Danbury. He acknowledged her presence before he walked over to you. You smiled at him warmly to keep up appearances. “May I?” he asked politely. You nodded silently and he took it as a sign to sit down in the seat across from you. He cleared his throat and got down to business.

“You must apologize my insistence upon seeing you before the other suitors you have left. I promise I won’t take too much of your time,” he said with determination. You weren’t really expecting him to be so formal, but you supposed that he would naturally be like that since he was the eldest and a Viscount. You flashed him a kind expression. “I’m certain that you have something important you wish to tell me.”

Before departing from the ball, Benedict had warned you about Anthony’s desire to marry for duty. Not only that, but he had a long list of requirements that he wanted you to satisfy. As you were already the Diamond of the season, Anthony immediately took interest in you and assumed that you were crowned for not only your stunning beauty, but for your charm as well. His feelings were only heightened when he saw you dance with his brother. He trusted his brother’s artistic eye, so he had a feeling that you were perfect to fit the role as the Viscountess. Little to his knowledge, Bruce had started checking the different angles of the room on his monitor while you prepared yourself to be interrogated.

Anthony took out his small journal and started to read from it. He had questioned you about a variety of topics, such as how many children you wanted to have and whether or not you were well read. You answered to the best of your abilities and after you did, you were quite relieved to see the astonishment on his face at your answers. The way you held yourself so confidently had compelled him to speak his truth.

“Forgive me for being straightforward with you, Mx. (L/n), but I wish to court you.” After he spoke, he began to be a bit more shy about his statement. “If that is what you wish, then I can assure you that though I may not express myself the way your more poetic suitors can, when it comes to duty and devotion, I will not be found lacking.” He waited with baited breath on what you will say to him.

You stayed silent for a moment, unsure of what to do. Despite the urgency of getting one of the stones from him, you couldn’t deny your nervousness with the aspect of marriage and love again. Remembering your conversation with Lady Danbury, you turned to her with a panicked expression that was unbeknownst to Anthony. Lady Danbury realized your dilemma and her brows knit together in sympathy, but she responded with silent resignation: it was up to you. You were about to respond ‘no,’ when Bruce spoke up in your ear. “Say yes. Something is suspicious about him. I wanna know what gifts he’ll give you. Maybe we’ll find the stones through that, like you said,” he said with more confidence than before.

You closed your eyes for a moment and looked back up at the nervous wreck of a man that he was at the moment. “Under typical circumstances, I am not supposed to reject your offer, Lord Bridgerton,” you started before you gave him a faint smile. “However, since your honesty is genuine when you gave me such option to reject you, I feel more compelled to accept your courtship. If you have no other duties today before tonight’s ball, I would like suggest a promenade with you this afternoon before tonight’s ball,” you offered. It was weak, but it’ll have to do to keep him here with you.

You saw his expression morph to one of satisfaction and a hint of excitement at the prospect of having a chance with you. He kept his enthusiasm at a minimum as he accepted your offer. He then bowed politely to you and Lady Danbury before he left. Lady Danbury looked at you with a knowing nod at your plan. “I hope you’re right about him,” she said to you before she gestured to the butler to bring in the rest of the suitors.

You had stayed quiet until you finished speaking to the final one. When you were finished, you changed into another outfit before going out to promenade with Anthony. Though it was a brief time spent with the Viscount, you had to give him the credit of being charming enough for you to have fun. When Lady Danbury called for you to head back home with her, you bid him farewell and prepared yourself for tonight’s ball.

Tonight’s ball was hosted by the Queen herself. She wanted to celebrate you and your status as the most special debutante in the Ton. In one day, you have already secured a monopoly over any eligible suitors in the Ton, which indirectly caused very polarizing opinions about your foreign presence here. It was stressful to think about the pressure of everyone’s attention and their scrutiny over every single thing you do this season. You had to remind yourself that you couldn’t control people’s opinions of you and you had to instead focus on finding the stones as quickly as possible. Your mind was occupied throughout the entire journey to the palace, only temporarily leaving your thoughts when Lady Danbury held onto your hand silently. By the time you reached the ball, you were in a state of mental distress. It was only a matter of time before you had enough and traveled back to the future where you belonged—with or without the stones.

You snapped out of your thoughts when you heard Bruce again. “Keep your eye out for the stones,” Bruce said after he fast-forwarded the videos from that morning, to this current moment. You quietly acknowledged his statement before you entered the lion’s den; the Queen’s Palace.

Everything happened like you feared: multiple pairs of eyes stared up at you when you made your appearance. The room that seemed to hold its breath while you elegantly maneuvered your way through the crowd to where the Queen stood (you didn’t even have to maneuver that much, since people moved out of your way with timidity). The whispers of gossip that spread throughout the crowd like wild fire when they waited for the Queen to address your presence.

You tried to stay perfectly composed while you bowed before the Queen. She sighed happily at the sight before she addressed the room. “May I present to you once more the Diamond of the First Water: Mx. (L/n),” she declared joyfully. Everyone applauded respectfully—some less pleasant than others. You smiled at everyone and watched as a crowd of suitors started to walk towards you. Before you could address the large group, Benedict cleared his throat beside you. Your eyes lit up in happiness while you did your best to ignore your racing heartbeat.

“May I accompany you while I fetch you drink, Mx. (L/n)?” he teased cheekily, knowing full well that you needed a swift rescue. The other suitors looked on with confusion in their eyes while you giggled in response to his offer. You took his arm eagerly and nodded playfully. “It is improper of me to reject your request, Mr. Bridgerton.” And with that, you both walked towards the refreshment table.

You let out a sigh of relief when you finally made your way to the corner of the room and people had seemed to have lost interest in following your every move. Benedict watched you closely while you enjoyed the alcoholic drink. He knew it was now wrong to wish for a future with a time traveler like you who belonged in the future, but he couldn’t help his growing desire for you to adore him the way that he adores you. You were ethereal in his eyes and he knew from the moment he set his eyes on you that no else could ever make him feel so alive. But with too much at stake, he forced himself to ignore this feeling, and shift his adoring gaze shifted to a more serious one.

“Have you found any of the stones yet?” he whispered to you. You let out a sigh and shook your head before you sipped on your drink. “Unfortunately, not yet. Though, a most peculiar thing happened this morning.” You eyed him carefully. “You brother called on me this morning.” He tensed at your words and unconsciously gripped his fists tighter than before. He forced himself to chuckle and keep the mood light, but it seemed to be the wrong choice when he saw your face grow more somber. He stayed quiet and let you speak. You set your glass down on the table.

“I am not sure of what his intentions were with me at first, but then he said that he wished to court me. I was going to deny him because of what you said last night, but my teammates think that he might have one of the stones I’m looking for,” you hesitantly explained to him. You subconsciously moved closer to him, seeking out his comforting presence. He frowned at your anxiousness towards his brother, but reminded himself to focus on finding the stones. “If that is what your friends think, then I shall investigate any family jewelry my mother knows about.” His frown turned to a smirk. “Though I must admit, mother will find it odd when I ask about the jewelry,” he joked lightly, which caused you to finally laugh after your tense conversation earlier. Bruce chuckled in your ear piece at the joke and it only served to make you smile more in Benedict’s company.

For the first time in years, you felt at ease in someone else’s company. You couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to stay here with Benedict. He always made you laugh and comforted you when you were nervous. Stephen and the others only caused you pain and rejection, but life felt so happy now with Benedict. Having him by your side while doing this mission did wonders in easing your nerves. Now, you didn’t have to collect these stones all by yourself. You had someone else besides Lady Danbury to help you navigate through everyone’s judgmental personalities. You hoped to grow closer to Benedict more before you go back to 2023.

But your mind cannot shake the way his eyes stare upon your form. You wanted to deny the fluttering heartbeat in your chest when his beautiful eyes met yours. Every time he looked at you or was beside you, you felt this magnetic pull towards him. It was vital that you must deny the growing feelings of desire to hold his hand or touch his arm, or feel his soft lips against your—

“Mx. (L/n),” he called out to you with hesitation in his voice. Worried that he might have saw your flustered state, you looked over at him quickly but found him staring down at the flower display in front of him instead. His gaze was set upon the center of the flower arrangement, glinting from the lights shining upon it. Your mouth went dry as you immediately recognized what it was. “Wait,” Bruce said in your ear with shock. “Is that…?”

In front of you lay what was undeniably the Soul Stone.

“Holy shit,” you breathed out, causing Benedict to whip his head towards you in surprise at your profanity. Your cheeks heated up in embarrassment and you shyly fiddled with your hands. “My apologies. The dialect I speak with in the future slipped from my mouth without thinking,” you said, trying your best to adjust back to the way you had been talking to him before. His facial expression relaxed in understanding and stepped aside to give you some space. You nodded in appreciation of his gesture and carefully wiggled out the Soul Stone from the statement piece. He watched you do so in fascination, taking his time to admire the beauty of the glowing stone. You looked at him with a relieved expression, happy to finally retrieve a stone, even if it was due to such a strange circumstance.

You looked around to make sure nobody was looking at the two of you before you grabbed Benedict’s hand and whisked him away to another room. He tried to protest, but he couldn’t say anything until you were safely hidden inside a room. When you closed the door to what looked like a drawing room, he decided that it was now the appropriate time to protest.

“Mx. (L/n), might I remind you that if we get caught in this room alone without a chaperone, you and I would be compromised and ruined in the eyes of the Ton?” he hissed out in a state of panic. You hushed him quickly while you magically materialized your sling ring. Focusing your mind, you chanted a spell under your breath and slowly formed a portal in front of you. When you opened your eyes, you were relieved to see Bruce on the other side of the portal, who was now mimicking the stunned expression Benedict had at the sight of the portal.

You groaned and rolled your eyes before you broke out of your regency act in order to talk to Bruce. “(Y/n), how the hell did you do that—?” Bruce tried to ask you before you interrupted him with your own words. “I need to give this to you so you and the rest of the Avengers can keep it safe from any enemies,” you spoke quickly, needing to get this over with before anyone at the ball could notice you and Benedict’s disappearance.

To your misfortune, the two men in the room simply stared at you in silence, too astonished and shocked at your sudden switch in mannerisms and use of magic. Before anyone could say anything, you caught the sight of Stephen walking into the room with a tired look on his face. Though, the look completely disappeared when he saw you on the other side of the portal. “How the hell did you—“ You cried out in frustration at the repetitive question and waved your hand dismissively. You materialized a silk cloth out of thin air and wrapped it around the stone while you spoke. “Please shut up and take this stone before someone catches me and Benedict alone and possibly come to the conclusion that we were making out or having sex,” you said in an exasperated tone.

Benedict wasn’t sure of what to react to first: the fact that you called him by his first name or the vulgar words that slipped out of your mouth. Bruce and Stephen could say the same thing.

You sighed.

“Just take it, Stephen. Protect it,” you growled out irritatedly. He didn’t want to argue anymore, as it was too early in the morning for that, so he took the cloth and held it carefully in his hand. “Don’t worry,” he murmured to you. “I’ll keep it here for safe-keeping and I’ll let the others know.” Bruce nodded silently in agreement and you decided to close the portal before they could say another word. You let out a sigh of relief before you turned to stare at the frozen man across the room from you.

Silence fell upon the room and you hesitated for a moment to address what had just happened, but you needed to give the poor man an explanation. He just stared at you and waited for one, so you might as well tell him one now.

You walked over and took his hand into your own. His breath hitched in his throat as you did so. “Please do your best to forget the events that had recently occurred in front of you,” you pleaded quietly, knowing that the man had so many questions. This was as much as you could tell without wasting another second alone with him. He saw the urgency in your eyes and understood what you were trying to do. When he nodded silently in agreement, you quickly led him back to the ballroom. Thankfully, no had noticed that the two of you had disappeared. Now, it was his turn to let out a sigh of relief. He was grateful that his reputation had once again survived another night untainted. You were happy too. Not only did you keep your dignity intact, but you also found a stone. You would celebrate your victory if you could.

But this good feeling didn’t last long. When you saw the Queen approach you with an excited look on her face, you already knew that you were about to be separated from Benedict once again. You braced yourself for the worst.

“Mx. (L/n),” she called out to you cheerfully. You bowed in her presence and looked up at her shyly through your lashes. ‘Play the innocent debutante part, (Y/n). You can do it,’ you thought to yourself while she not-so-obviously nudged a tall, blonde man towards you. When you finally recognized his face, your eyes widened in realization over what she was about to say. It filled you with dread knowing that you were about to be given a huge interference to your plan.

“I introduce to you my nephew, Prince Friedrich.”

He bowed in front of you and kissed the back of your hand. Benedict’s eyes glowered with hidden jealousy while yours only glimmered with worry. He looked up at you with a charming smile.

“I’ve heard so much about you, Mx. (L/n). May I have the honor of having your first dance?”

———

Once Stephen had found a safe place for the Soul Stone to reside in, he had informed the others and took over Bruce’s place on the monitors. He sipped his cup of coffee and opened up the videos. He was curious was to why they were blacked out in the first place, but he soon realized why: your eyes were closed for a long period of time and you were breathing heavily. It worried him to know that you must have been panicking before you opened your eyes again.

Scooting closer to the monitors, he looked around the room to get familiar with the environment. Since you two were still not on speaking terms, he stayed quiet while you walked towards the center of the ballroom. That’s when it truly hit him, the reason for your panic. He watched as you followed a man of higher authority, hand gently clasping your shaking ones. His heart broke at the sight of another man’s hand holding yours, and he was once again reminded of the consequences of his actions:

He was cursed to always feel you so close to his heart, but forever watch you from afar.

If there was even a small chance of winning your love back, it was surely gone now. You had what he now figured out to be a prince wrapped around your fingertips, and all he could do was watch. His heart ached and yearned for you. His heart begged for the day where it could finally cry out endless songs of love and devotion to you, but it was too late now.

So now, he did what he was told to do. He watched quietly and stayed true to his duties. Because maybe in doing so, he can somehow forget the pain of heartbreak of being the reason why you slipped away from his fingers forever.

And as you danced with the prince, Benedict watched on in a wistful daze. A love like his was so forbidden, yet it births into existence beautiful rays of hope in his life and in his art. You were his muse, the sun his planets revolved around. You plagued his mind day and night since the day he met you with thoughts of how your body could feel pressed against his. Thoughts of the way your hands feel against his chest or how your lips would feel against his own. He wanted you so badly, but he was cursed without the knowledge of whether or not you burned for him the same way he does for you.

As you walked further away from his loving embrace, Benedict could feel the blossoms of newfound love wither away without you by his side. He only wondered if it was still wise for him to continue pursuing your affection. He wasn’t like Anthony, who was staring at you from across the room with the determination and drive to make you his. No, he was a gentle soul and one that only wished for you to be happy.

Even if that happiness didn’t involve his love.

So, he swallowed his need for you and let you get swept away from his future with you.

Three men watched the prince and the diamond dance the night away, and three men held different sentiments than the others. But despite their chances, they still refused to give up on you just yet. One day, you will see them. One day you’ll choose them. You will learn to love them, just as much as they love you. And when that day arrives, it’ll make this day of heartbreak forever worth it.

———

tag list: @clockblobber @liathachcapricious @heliosphere8 @notyuralycat @mischiefmanaged71 @cleverzonkwombatsludge @olixerwxxd @ghost-lantern @fangirling-galore @marvelsmylife @asexualaromosafezone @wolf-phoenix-lover

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quotergirl19 · 2 years

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A Bridgerton Season 3 Mini Fic🐝💕

(Basically what I hope happens in season 3 as of today…)

Penelope exacts revenge on Colin through Whistledown by writing about his vow never to court her and then making a snide remark about how such an unflattering comment coming from a Bridgerton could prove irreparably harmful to a young lady’s prospects on the marriage mart. But that given the young man’s romantic history (reminding everyone about his humiliation with Marina), perhaps the more clever eligible gentlemen of the ton would be wise not to avoid but rather to pursue Miss Penelope Featherington. All except for the third Bridgerton son of course. Because Whistledown would be so shocked that she would have to end her column if not stop writing altogether if after his insult, Penelope Featherington ever married Colin Bridgerton.

Then Violet will insist on inviting Penelope over for tea to try and clear up the scandal and pushes Colin to make things right with Penelope or even just marry her to force Whistledown to stop writing about their family. Anthony & Benedict start in on Colin about why he would say what he said when everyone knows the whole Bridgerton family likes Penelope. And Colin will just explode that telling everyone to leave him alone because he’s not going to marry Penelope Featherington. But just as he’s shouting this Penelope’s walking into their drawing room and you can hear a pin drop.

I want Penelope to be equal parts humiliated and furious giving telling him off in front of most of his family and leaving.

Kate says if he’s any like Anthony & she sees fit to forgive him, they’ll be married in a month. Benedict laughs.

Colin will race after Penelope apologizing and desperate to salvage their friendship because the idea of her hating him makes him feel physically ill since she’s basically his best friend. Lucky for him, she can see he’s sincerely sorry and forgives him but damage has clearly been done.

We know Colin already noticed Penelope at balls and events but now he’s hyper aware of her because he’s looking for every opportunity to get back on her good side. And that’s when he notices her one day in the street and follows her and discover she’s Whistletown. And then they’re in his carriage riding around aimlessly to give them time to talk because he demands an explanation from her and the mood shifts at some point and BAM we have a sexy carriage scene where things get very physical because they’ve been fighting and it makes them extremely hot for each other.

Colin proposes because of what they did in the carriage and Penelope accepts.

Cressida is extremely jealous when she hears Colin & Penelope are engaged because she lost the prince thanks to Daphne, Lord Featherington because of Prudence and she actually thought she had a chance with Colin because he asked her to dance at the Featherington ball and she was determined to be Mr. Bridgerton by the end of this season. So Cressida spreads a rumor that Penelope trapped Colin and he instantly squashes the rumor by professing his love for Penelope and referring to Cressida as the biggest bitch of her generation. Now Cressida is crazed with hatred and somehow finds out Penelope is Whistledown so she tries to blackmail her.

The Bridgerton’s request for an audience with the Queen who Penelope confesses everything to. The Queen offers the crown’s protection to Penelope if she ever chooses to reveal herself. But the crown wants her to stop writing her column and instead she’s employed by the Queen to write any royal announcements with flair. Penelope agrees since everyone knows she became betrothed to Colin Bridgerton after Whistledown swore to stop writing if Penelope ever married Colin so the ton will assume that their marriage is what silenced Whistledown forever.

Eloise and Penelope have a deep heart to heart and clear the air. Eloise is thrilled Penelope is going to be her sister officially now.

We get a beautiful Polin wedding. Only some flowers yellow.

The ton is vocal about how dull things are in the last few weeks of the season without Whistledown. To give Penelope a chance at the recognition she deserves, Colin makes a loving, romantic and extremely memorable toast to his beautiful new bride at the last ball of the season where he announces Penelope formally as Mrs. Bridgerton, formerly known as both Penelope Featherington and as Lady Whistledown and the Queen herself applauds, leading everyone else to do before the Queen announces Penelope is under the protection of the crown as a wedding gift. And all this just happens to be at Kate’s first Bridgerton ball as the new Viscountess… a masquerade ball where Benedict is currently meeting the mystery woman of his dreams to set up season 4.

#quotergirl random thoughts #Bridgerton season 3 daydream #quotergirl mini fic #bridgerton #penelope featherington #lady whistledown #Colin Bridgerton #Penelope Bridgerton #queen charlotte #Kate Bridgerton #Benedict Bridgerton #violet bridgerton #anthony bridgerton #cressida cowper #colin x penelope #penelope x colin #polin #polin fic #polin forever

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bluerosejuliet · 2 years

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Bridgerton: Season 3 thoughts

So as many of us know season 3 is going to focus on Polin as the main couple and some people are not to thrilled about it. I’ve read more than a few comments about how they will handle Benedict’s and also Eloise’s season. Here are some of my thoughts uo the upcoming season. (If you do not wish for book spoilers do not click keep reading)

First of all, the most important relationship that needs to be fixed is obviously Eloise and Penelope’s. Both need to do some growing and I predict Pen is going to do some big gesture to get back into her good friend’s grace’s.

Colin was a bit harsher in his statement than in the books so not sure how it will play out but I do think we can expect some serious groveling. N

Now for Benophie.

I think season 3 will show Benedict in conflict with himself and trying to figure out if his art if good enough. I would love it if they gave glimpses of Sophie as well, not her face but just maybe Benedict and Sophie passing each other but not quite ever meeting. Someone mentioned having them meet at a ball at the start of the season which could work but I’ve also thought of this (again spoilers for Romancing Mr. Bridgerton).

So at the end of RMB Penelope is revealed by Colin as Lady Whistledown at Simon and Daphne’s ball because Cressida was threatening to blackmail her. I imagine in the show this will lead to Eloise somehow being threatened and Penelope deciding to sacrifice herself for her friend until Colin decides “like hell we are going through this shit. Here is the plan.”

In the final episode, Simon and Daphne hold a masquerade ball, where Colin unmasks his wife’s identity and somehow things work out for them (though the two do leave that night for a honeymoon to Italy, just in case). At the same ball Benedict, feeling despondent and uninspired as he has been throughout the season, becomes enraptured by a mysterious lady in silver with who he shares a dance with. However, when the time comes for everyone to take off their masks, in the chaos of Colin’s announcement, Benedict finds that his lady has disappeared. The episode ends with Sophie glancing back at the house and finally revealing her face for the audience.

During Benedict’s story, since Eloise is supposed to be after Colin’s but now may be after Benedict’s, here is how I think they will focus on her. Eloise continues to pursue her dreams, but with her favorite brother in pursuit of love and her best friend pregnant with her first child, she starts to feel a bit out of place. Of course, there are also hints that she is corresponding with someone but is secretive about it. I know Eloise is supposed to be this strong, independent character but with all this happening a think she would start to be afraid of ending up alone. At the end of the season, as she watches Benedict happily marry Sophie while Penelope holds her newborn daughter, she decides to throw caution to the wind and meet with her pen pal: Philip Crane.

Bonus: I’m just imagining the scene where the brothers are drinking with Philip and Colin is complaining about missing Penelope but instead he’s complaining about missing his family. So I rewrote the scene:

“How can you think of food?” Gregory said angrily.“I always think of food,” Colin replied, his eyes searching the table until he located the butter. “What else is there?”

“Your wife and child,” Benedict drawled.

“Ah, yes, my family,” Colin said with a nod. He turned to Phillip, leveled a hard stare at him, and said, “Just so that you are aware, I would have rather have stayed home with my wife and child.”

Phillip couldn’t think of a reply that might not hint at insult to the absent Mrs. Bridgerton, so he just nodded and buttered a roll of his own.Colin took a huge bite, then spoke with his mouth full, the etiquette breach a clear insult to his host.

“We’ve actually only just had the baby you know. A daughter, Agatha.”

Phillip raised one of his brows in question.

“She’s only a couple weeks old and my sweet wife is still recovering.”

Phillip nodded, since some sort of response seemed to be required.Colin leaned forward. “I really did not want to leave my wife and daughter.”

This does lead to Benedict and Colin arguing about whose situation is worse as Benedict had to leave his honeymoon while Colin left his wife and newborn. I can bet Colin would complain about his daughter forgetting his face or that she’ll have grown more and he’ll have missed it.

Sorry for the rant but I just wanted to share my thoughts. I’m probably wrong but we shall see. The main thing I want to see is Eloise and Penelope make up.

#bridgerton #season 3 #polin #benophie #philoise #book spoilers #colin bridgerton #penelope featherington #benedict bridgerton #sophie beckett #eloise bridgerton #philip crane #romancing mister bridgerton #to sir phillip with love #an offer from a gentleman

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thebluemallet · 2 years

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Top 5 Characters I think could be Eloise's "unexpected friend" in Bridgerton season 3- ranked from least to most likely:

5- Sophie Beckett

I honestly don't think this one is going to happen, it seems very unlikely. But other people have brought her up as a possibility, so I'm including it for now.

Cressida Cowper's mother is named Araminta in the show's scripts. For non-book readers, Araminta Reiling was the name of Sophie Beckett's evil stepmother in Benedict's book, An Offer From a Gentleman. If the show really is melding book!Araminta with Lady Cowper, then Sophie is probably with the Cowpers now. Eloise could possibly find out about Sophie's poor treatment via the Cowpers and try to help her? Maybe befriend her?

This is by far my weakest theory. Unless they're keeping it a very tight-lipped secret, the actress for Sophie hasn't been cast yet, so I doubt we're going to see her this season (Tbh, I think we're all trying to manifest Sophie at this point.)

4- Sir Phillip Crane

In the books, Eloise and Phillip exchange letters for a year before they officially meet and get married. I think it is not unlikely that they could meet in season 3.

Maybe Phillip, the plant-nerd academic of the Crane family, encourages Eloise's academic ambitions instead of rolling his eyes at them. Maybe they even start their correspondence at this time. (Writing letters to a married man? Scandalous!)

Phillip is more likely than Sophie, in my opinion, to make an appearance. And this could start a very slow build-up to his eventual romance with Eloise.

His actor was also photographed on set pretty recently. Not a surprise since he and Marina's actress were already announced as appearing again for the next season, but it helps add some more credit to my theory.

3- Marina Thompson/Lady Crane

I'm ranking Marina above Phillip because Eloise already knows Marina from season 1. There was a short amount of time where she thought Marina was going to be her sister-in-law before news of her secret pregnancy breaks.

Overall, I think Eloise will probably remain silent on the subject of Penelope's secret identity. I can see two people she might reveal the secret to. One of them being Colin, probably blurting it out in the heat of an argument, and the second (more-likely choice) being Marina. I can see Eloise going to Marina and telling her the truth because she thinks it's the right thing to do.

But I don't think Eloise knows that Marina was never in love with Colin and chose to marry him because he was the best (and only) option she had available to save her from ruin. Now that Marina is settled and secure in her marriage to Phillip, I don't think she would have that big of a reaction to Penelope being Whistledown.

If she had found out closer to the time her pregnancy was outed, yeah, she would have been (rightfully) angry. Now, two years, two babies, one husband, and a dead boyfriend later, I think there's a chance she might not have the reaction Eloise would expect her to.

2- Cressida Cowper

This theory has been my personal favorite since season 2 premiered and people had...mixed reactions to it when I first brought it up.

Cressida, in the books, is Penelope's biggest bully. In the show, Eloise took care to call Penelope an insipid wallflower during their fight--the same thing Cressida had called her in the first episode of the season. With Peneloise on the outs, I can see Cressida swooping in for her own personal gain (being seen with a Bridgerton or even gaining the favor of one of Eloise's brothers).

1- Another OC like Theo or John the Footman

It...It's gonna be this one. This is the most likely answer.

Remember when we all thought that man with Edwina at the races in the leaked photo might be Mr. Bagwell? Yeah, all my theorizing and it's probably gonna end up being like that.

(Also, John's actor did confirm he'll be back in season 3 so maybe he'll be the friend after all).

#bridgerton #bridgerton netflix #bridgerton season 1 #bridgerton season 2 #bridgerton season 3 #eloise bridgerton #sophie beckett #sir phillip crane #marina thompson #cressida cowper #theo sharpe #john the footman

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visbiscuit · 2 years

Text

Peruvian Lily (2) - 𝐹𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑟 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑠

Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom → masterlist. (1) Peruvian Lily → masterlist spotify playlist

I am NOT responsible for your media consumption. This blog is intended for a mature audience as are the stories on it. So if you are not at least 18, I suggest you read something else. If you recognize any name or characters, that means that I have no copyright on them, but their action in this work of fiction are mine as is the plot. This is a no-profit written work and I don't condone republishing it or copying it. Please, if you want to support me, reblog/like or comment. Thank you :) a.n if you'd like to be tagged in this, let me know with a comment!

pairing: Viscount!Steve Rogers x Dowager!(Mom)FemReader ( no description of ethnicity or body type ) . . . word count: 5k+ . . . chapter warnings: angst, sad wanda, fluff, there is bucky, double pov

𝄞 I Want You to Know -- Daniel Jang ,, SPOTIFY - YOUTUBE

Gentle Readers,

as has been my custom for more than a year now, it gives me great pleasure to announce the start of the most anticipated time of the year! Every damsel seems to have robbed the stores of Brookle, merchants can be found with a satisfied smile on their faces and bills in their hands. I wish I could know how they will spend all this loot, but they will not be the stars of this moment. The social season has only just begun, but I have already received word that Baron and Baroness Fury will be delaying the entrance of their twin daughters into society. Another secret to be revealed? Although, and it pains me greatly to admit it, Baron Fury has always been able to escape my countless attempts to unveil at least one of the myriad secrets he hides. But that's a story for another time and place. Let's not focus on those details, rather it seems more accurate to comment that the first ball will be hosted by the seemingly generous Lady Virginia Stark. Certainly, an admirable gesture, but the Lady here will not believe that the Stark scandal will be dismissed after a pleasant evening? I wish all the best, but the ton doesn't forget easily. Or rather, I, Lady Whistledown, will not allow society to forget those outrageous moments. I admit that inviting the Rogers family after last years' rifts was a good move, but the crystal-clear eyes of the next Viscount in line won't be enough to mesmerize us. We'll see what this season has in store for us, maybe another scandal? A woman can only hope.

Yours truly, Lady Whistledown LADY WHISTLEDOWN’S SOCIETY PAPERS, 29 MARCH 1815

Six weeks earlier, a letter had arrived at the Rogers home. Despite the gloves of the servant who had graciously accepted the missive into his hands and then placed it on a silver platter, it was undeniable that even the paper was precious. It was not cream colored, but a perfect white similar to that of cold milk. Whoever had sent it had taken great care in trying not to dirty it or bend it in any way that might ruin it. In the center was a recognizable symbol in red sealing wax. It's true that the servants didn't have access to read their employers' letters, but they had to make an incredible effort to deliver them without a peek. And an even greater effort not to stay in the room and observe the reactions of the recipients. On that occasion, if that servant - who in the streets called himself Scott Lang - had stayed, he would have seen Viscountess Rogers' teacup fall and smash to the ground in surprise.

There was no shadow of a doubt. That was an invitation to a ball, a ball that would surely have been the most awaited one given what had happened last year and Lady Rogers could not believe her eyes when she read the signature she believed she would never see again. Count Stark had certainly not had the idea of inviting the entire Rogers family, but it was still his handwriting on that paper. So, with her heart in her throat, she had gone to deliver what should have been happy news.

The look Steve gave her was hard enough to make her realize that, in all likelihood, no member of their family, and close affiliates, would set foot in the Stark mansion. It was understandable, too much time had passed to consider those words as a heartfelt apology, but in a small part of her mind, Sarah Rogers had hoped that it would all come to an end at that ball. Her hope, however, seemed to die with every word that came out of her son's mouth.

«Do you really want me to walk into that damn house with my head held high, mother? You of all people should know what I've been through, what we've been through because of them,» she screamed, the vein on her neck seeming to want to burst. Then, she took a long breath and ran a hand through her hair, mussing it. «No, no, Pepp... Virginia and Morgan are not to blame in any way. I don't want to put them in the middle of whatever this is. But him. Him I just can't see» She kept her gaze on the bookcase he jealously guarded in his study. Perhaps he knew that if he looked at her face, he would not be able to resist the force of his own tears. «I can't-I don't want to see him.»

«And I understand that, my child,» Sarah's motherly voice welcomed him into her arms even before she could wrap her hands around his cheeks and force him to look at her. «But isn't it time to leave all this behind and live? For what you are doing now is not living, everything you do is a function of what happened. How much longer can you go on like this?»

Steve cleared his throat, a poor attempt to try and compose himself. «He ruined me, Mom. I worked hard to get back here. For you, for Dad, for myself. Why does it never seem like enough?»

«It is enough, Stevie. Honey. You are enough. Don't ever believe anyone who tells you otherwise. Stark thought he had succeeded in exiling you, but you with your strength have returned and it's time for you to show him your strength.»

His mother had always been terribly good at getting other people to do what she wanted them to do, but for years Steve had prided himself on being the only one who could escape Sarah's clutches. Over time, though, he'd learned that his ability only occurred when she didn't really want him to do the thing they were talking about at the time. For years, the Viscount had believed in his ability, but all he had to do was look his mother in the eye to realize that she had simply made him believe that she had no power over him. The woman had simply decided not to force him to make his own choices, but this time, the encouragement she was giving him sounded more like a veiled order. An order that was certainly sweet, but one that Steve knew he would have to obey. Gone were the days when the young man's life was fully in the hands of his parents, now they were watching him from the theater chairs while he was on stage, performing like a monkey in masculine and classic attire. He didn't need them anymore, but Sarah understood that, on this occasion, Steve had needed someone to force him to do what he so repudiated because he too knew that would be the right choice. That way, he would at least fool himself into saying that it hadn't been his idea to show up. And everyone would be happy. Except for Steve, of course.

And that was why, after years of silence and hatred concealed by glances on the occasions when he had been required to attend, Steve had crossed the threshold of the enormous Stark mansion. Slightly further from town than his own, that house was a triumph of good taste and... white. It was impossible to see a different color on the walls, everything looked so much the same. The huge garden the house overlooked had been decorated to perfection. Mahogany tables on which were placed the cards that would-be wives would have worn with an attached pencil to allow men to book for a dance with them. The tall bushes had been crafted and almost sculpted, but mostly filled with roses, also white. It wouldn't have been a surprise if he learned that those roses had been painted, in his life he had never seen such white ones. What's more, Stark would have no problem with such a deception. After all, appearance was necessary for him, especially after what had happened last year.

He had been greeted by Lady Stark at the entrance and he had given her a very slight smile and greeted her with a kiss on the glove. Virginia had been gracious and shown him where he could find refreshments and had also pointed him in the direction of one of his closest friends, Duke James Barnes. But first, he would surely take advantage of the refreshments to drown some in the fine brandy he knew was on display. He was incredibly nervous, couldn't sit still for a second, and a conversation with the duke would only require his undivided attention, something he certainly wasn't going to grant at that moment. Not only was he in a place he didn't want to be, but his mother - perhaps to distract him or simply for some macabre personal pleasure - had given him the list of free damsels she had created for him. To his horror, the list was dated 1810, five years earlier, and many of the names had been crossed out after their marriage. So, in his head was not only the fear that he might cross Tony Stark, but also information upon information about those who would be perfect candidates for his future.

In his opinion, none of the ones his mother had highlighted were right for him. Starting with Lady Barnes, who he had told her not to put on the list, and ending with Lady Romanova, who was contested between two men - maybe more. He had no intention of inserting himself into that fatal triangle. Truth be told, no woman he had observed up to that point had made a good impression on him. All of them were in tiny groups and it was quite understandable that they were trying to criticize the choice of clothes the other contestants had decided to wear that night. It was very clear in their eyes that they would accept the first proposal that came their way if it was legitimate. They really wanted to become wives, perhaps to free themselves from the suffocating air of the family.

He moistened his lips before taking a generous sip of the glass of brandy he'd poured himself. As suspected, only the best could be found in the Stark household. The burning in his throat made him sigh with pleasure and he released a whispered groan, trying to hold on to that feeling as long as he could. The first time he'd had a drop of alcohol, it had been awful. He'd coughed for a total of fifteen minutes and sworn he'd never drink again. If the fourteen-year-old Steve had seen him now, completely mesmerized by the pleasure of that drink, he would have gasped at the man he had become. Probably, not open-mouthed from positive surprise, but from the most terrifying of disgusts. Actually, the Steve of now liked the way he had become, more or less, there was always something to improve, but time was definitely on his side. He shrugged his shoulders slightly when even the last tiny drop of the brandy left the glass and, this time, tried to really focus on his surroundings. He noticed that on the dance floor, the first ones dancing on it were his parents looking into each other's eyes as if there was nothing more beautiful than the two of them stuck in that moment. The young Viscount found himself smiling, unsure if one day he would be able to experience the same feelings. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers had been lucky to find each other, but now it was his only son's time to throw the doors wide open to the future. Who knows what fate had reserved for him.

«Rogers, my friend, I've called you at least five times. Have you decided to ignore me tonight?» the honeyed, raspy voice took him by surprise and he had to clutch the empty glass in his hand to keep from drawing attention to himself. He had managed so far to stay in a corner, he wasn't going to leave that secrecy of his anytime soon.

Steve looked at who had just arrived. «Damn, Bucky, how can you be so quiet every time?»

The Duke chuckled at that statement and it was only then that the Viscount noticed the cigar in his fingers. No one normally would have dared to smoke on that occasion, but at the same time, no one would have told James Barnes to stop. «It will be the spy blood that runs in my veins» then he turned around to take the bottle of Brandy. «Would you like some more?»

No one normally would have dared to smoke on that occasion, but at the same time, no one would have told James Barnes to stop. «It will be the spy blood that runs in my veins" then he turned around to take the bottle of Brandy. «Would you like some more?»

«Don't even ask,» he said, bringing his glass closer to the other man. Steve was suddenly aware of a change. «New look?»

«Ah, what can I say, after you wore long hair and a full beard for a while last year, I decided to try it too. Minus the beard. I don't think it suits me that much,» he shared. He then placed the bottle on the table beside him and took a puff from the cigar. «I'd offer you a hit, but I know with Mama Rogers around you won't take this offer.»

«What can I say, you know me well. Maybe too well» they laughed together, between sips of brandy and smoking «As for your new hair» he looked down at him «You definitely look like a douche, if that was what you were going for»

«Then it fully captures my entire essence, I'd say.»

«I can't help but agree with you, man» their friendship had always been that way. An excuse to insult someone without the latter resenting it. They had become friends at a very young age, when neither of them frequented brothels yet, and they had stayed the same way. The only thing that had changed was their physique, but the mentality was the same as it had been more than twenty years before when they got together. «How's business?»

James spread his arms wide. «I'm not complaining, business is going as it should. Although... if I could, I would very happily do without working with Little Prince Loki.»

«What business can a Duke and a Prince have, I wonder.»

He shot him a wink. «That is for me to know and for you to never learn. Just know that all the legends about him are true, he's a cocky asshole. Come on, it's the first dance of the season and he didn't even show up.»

Steve shook his head. «If everyone feels the same way about him as you do, I wouldn't show up here either» then became indignant when he noticed the look his friend was giving him.«What, you mean to tell me that if everyone despised you, you'd come? Good for you.»

«I'm saying there are reasons why we despise him and at least they're all true.»

«They seem to be true.»

«Huh?»

«Use the right verb, to seem. Not to be.»

«Always righteous»

«Always» Steve had a smirk on his face. «But that's enough, you're distracting me from looking for the next future Rogers.»

Bucky squinted his eyes and the Viscount was sure he had never seen him like that. Now, with his soft hair framing his hard-featured face, he looked like a drawn character. Then you were the bachelor Lady Whistledown spoke of; I knew it couldn't be me because it would take at least another ten years to marry,» he clapped a hand to his forehead. «That's why all the mamas in the room are looking at you like you're the latest dress in the new collection. Everything makes more sense now.»

«You can rest assured, I don't think I'll be lucky ton...»

A not too hard push made him lose his balance and take a couple of steps forward towards his friend. A slight shiver became apparent at chest level, and when he looked down, a beige patch adorned his white shirt. His brandy all wasted. What a shame. He straightened up and turned on whoever had touched him, and before him a head of red hair appeared.

The girl looked at him terrified and sorry. «Oh God, Lord Rogers, I didn't mean to.... I'm so sorry, I ruined a perfect outfit for you. I'm such a clumsy person,» she had her hands manicured in front of her mouth and the blush that was unravelling all over her face made him realize that it wasn't a move to try and talk to him, but she was genuinely sorry that it had happened.

He turned a smile to her. «Don't worry, Lady» he looked at her for a second, sure he knew who she was when a light flashed in his head «Maximoff. Wanda Maximoff, right?» she nodded, «Don't worry, a dress can be washed.»

The girl bit her lip. «I'm really sorry, I know I've said this before, but I'm really nervous and this is the last thing I wanted to happen and-»

«Wanda? Are you okay?»

Steve followed with his eyes the direction that voice was coming from. There she was.

A few hours prior.

«I'm not going to the dance tonight. I've made up my mind and nothing will change it.»

If anyone could have described Lady Y/N Maximoff with one word, it would have been "patient." The examples of this particular trait of hers were endless. She had been patient when her mother informed her that she would have to wait another year to make her own debut in society despite the fact that she felt more than ready to face the ruthless ton. She had been patient with her first dog when she was only seven years old because she wanted at all costs for her beloved dog Marley to learn the basic commands as best she could. She had been patient when she realized that she was not marrying for love, but to close a deal of her father's - in the latter case she had also been very responsible -. She had been patient in building a relationship with her husband from nothing, coming out victorious, and, finally, she had been patient in waiting nine months for the arrival of her daughter. She had never shown any particular anger or desire to do everything at once and this had been widely appreciated by the citizens of Sokovia. However, being patient didn't mean being stupid and when it came to standing up for herself, Y/N had never backed down.

«Wanda, dear, I don't know what you mean» Y/N was a patient woman, but Wanda Maximoff was really testing her limits. They had been in that situation for at least thirty-five minutes, and the first dance of the social season was only four hours away. They couldn't afford to waste that much time. If only the youngest Maximoff had told her straight up what her problem was, maybe they would have been ready by now.

The woman, no girl, maybe even little girl, in question had a face as red as her long hair. «I think I've made it perfectly clear, sister. I am going to exercise my right not to show up tonight. We'll just say I had an illness or something,» she made a vague gesture with her hand before sitting down on the wisteria couches in the bedroom they were in. He turned his face toward the window and let out a big sigh. «Plus, it seems obvious to me that it's going to rain. Definitely not a weather for dancing.»

Y/N wiggled her inner cheek to avoid blurting out a torrent of words that wouldn't benefit their situation and crossed her arms over her chest. She was starting to feel slightly cold, still wearing a house dress that had a few layers. «I understood your not wanting to go, what escapes me is why. You've always confided everything in me, Wan. You know you can do that now,» he tilted his head to try and get a good look at her. Her green eyes seemed to have lost the sparkle they'd always had since he'd known her, and her bottom lip was completely battered. Something was bothering her, now it was time to find out what. Clearing her throat, Lady Y/N turned to the servants guarding the door. «Could you leave us alone?» without uttering a word, those present evacuated the room, and only the two sisters-in-law remained. «Can we talk now?»

It only took a second before Wanda burst into tears and her body was overwhelmed with sobs. She covered her face in an attempt to hide from the embarrassment of being seen in that state, but Y/N was already on his knees in front of her, wrapping her in a warm embrace. She felt her shoulder moisten, but didn't comment on the strange sensation. She was going to change clothes later anyway.

«Oh Y/N, I- I don't know what to do! I'm-» a sob «So confused and-» another sob. «A-alone!»

«Shhh, Wan. Breathe deeply. Let's try to stop crying so I can understand you completely» he ran a hand over her back, encouraging her and calming down. Then she loosened the embrace and wiped away the younger woman's tears. She reminded her so much of herself only six years earlier. «There's no need to cry, I'm here with you and for you.»

Wanda nodded and blinked in an attempt to chase away the last of her tears. «I feel like I don't know how to do anything. I've forgotten how to dance, how to talk and-and what to do if-if someone asks me to chat,» she brushed her hair out of her face. «Can't we wait one more year?»

Y/N smiled sweetly at her. «I'd make you wait, but your father decided that way. And it doesn't have to be a bad thing if you make the most of it» she rose from her position and sat down beside her sister-in-law. «You know, before my social debut, literally five minutes before I walked into the ballroom, I threw up on my mom's new dress. My dad had to chaperone me, even though all he wanted to do was drink and smoke a little something,» she laughed at the memory. «I remember if anyone had seen me like that no one would have come near me and, go figure, I was so happy about that. I was hoping I was still a little green in the face, I wouldn't have to dance. I was probably still that color, but your brother still danced with me,» she sighed and shook her face. «But we're not here for me now. Remember that it doesn't matter if you don't impress anyone tonight. If for the whole season you think you haven't found the right man for you. Heck, you might never even find him and that would be okay! But it's time to grow up and that includes these boring dances.»

Wanda sniffled. «You think dances are boring?»

«I've never done anything as boring as going to a dance. If you want my advice, I used to distract myself by counting how many pastries came out of the kitchen and how quickly they were finished. The record was two minutes and thirty seconds,» he kissed her forehead. «Plus, who knows, you might meet your future prince charming this very night and share pastries with him.»

«Let's hope they're good then!».

She squeezed her hand tightly.

Present.

The image of her protégée in the vicinity of two men who, from where she stood at least, appeared to be wife-less and, more importantly, looking for a pastime for their evening, worried Y/N. What would the other ladies say about the way the woman was performing her escort duties? It was her first time, but she didn't think stepping away to pour herself a sip of lemonade would cause her to miss Wanda in the hall. Instead, that was exactly what had happened. She had turned around for a total of ten seconds and had not seen the highly recognizable red hair again. Why couldn't her sister-in-law stand still in one place? At this rate, Y/N would age before her time.

She had walked briskly, but trying not to look too worried, across the room and when she had caught sight of the redhead, she had breathed a sigh of relief. At least she hadn't run off and gone home like she'd thought. Her sigh was interrupted by the realization that she was talking to a man she definitely didn't know and that, in addition, there was another man far too close by. The whole thing was innocent to Y/N, but the women of the ton weren't going to let the opportunity for gossip go to waste if she didn't get to them right away.

Once close enough, «Wanda? Are you okay?» had spoken loud enough to overpower the voices of the people around them and also that of the mystery man who was talking to the young woman.

She smiled as the girl nodded with flushed cheeks and then focused on the man who had turned around when he had caught her attention. Y/N suddenly felt her dress too tight at chest level and felt as if a gust of cold wind was pushing her towards him. She couldn't believe her eyes. He was there and he was...he was...different.

«Y/N? » he uttered the words. She didn't remember his voice that way. The voice she remembered was that of a young boy, high-pitched and annoying. Now, she couldn't feel an ounce of annoyance at the clear, deep voice of the person in front of her. «Y/N, I can't believe you're here!»

The woman covered her smile with her hands. «Steve!» she laughed, the people looking at her could make out the joy in her eyes perfectly. «I haven't seen you in forever.»

«If it wasn't scandalous of me, I would have hugged you by now» he confessed, his eyes seemed to have no fixed position, they were squaring her from head to toe. «It's been too long.»

It really had been too long. Y/N had spent the last few years away from Brookle and the last time she had seen Steve, he had just turned three and twenty, but he was certainly not the same as he was now. Back then he still retained that sharp little voice she had instilled in his mind and... he wasn't as massive. She had given him a little glance, discreet and, for goodness sake, only in permitted places, but his shoulders were so powerful that it was impossible not to observe them. He'd lost the childish fat and emerged with a sculpted face and a sense of confidence she'd never seen him wear. His hair seemed blonder and his eyes even bluer than the sea she'd only had the pleasure of seeing once before. If she could, she would have moved closer to see if there were actually waves in his eyes because they seemed anything but real. She had to blink a few times to recover from the shock of seeing her dearest friend so changed.

«I don't know what to say, Steve, but I'm very happy to see you again,» she told him. «I haven't really been writing to you lately, you'll have to forgive me.»

The man smiled at her with tight lips. «You don't have to apologize for anything, you definitely had other things on your mind» without him saying anything, they both understood what he was talking about. «Besides, the surprise of seeing you again turned my night around for the better. Without my partner in crime, these events always seem the same.»

In the adrenaline rush of seeing each other again, the two had completely forgotten about each other's company. Wanda was rolling a lock of hair between her fingers and Bucky was contemplating whether or not to light another cigar. He probably would have if the idea hadn't occurred to him to get away from that situation and take advantage of it to dance with a splendor like the youngest of the Maximoff household. «Sorry to interrupt, but I would like to ask Lady Y/N Maximoff's permission to dance with her protégé. I am Duke James Barnes, pleased to make your acquaintance,» he took her left hand and kissed the back of it.

Y/N bowed her head in a sign of respect. «Your Grace» she looked into his eyes, before turning to Wanda. «I believe Wanda is more than happy to accept your request, Duke.» He then smiled at the woman at his side seeing her later walk away with the man. «I can trust the Duke, right Steve?»

He scratched his chin, thoughtful. «Trust is a big word, but I assure you he won't do anything forbidden,» he commented and then made room for Y/N at his side so she could observe the situation. «I must admit, when Miss Maximoff soiled my suit, I contemplated leaving. But now I have all the more reason to stay.»

The woman gave him a light slap on the shoulder, but she suspected he hadn't felt a thing. «Still the same, I thought you had changed,» she teased him. «Do you still play with dolls like you did when you were a kid?»

Steve blushed to the tips of his ears and looked down, chuckling. «I gave up dolls a while ago. Hmm...maybe not quite all dolls.»

Y/N gasped. «Steven Rogers!»

"Oh, oh, full name, am I in trouble?"

«You're definitely in trouble! I don't remember you being this cheeky.»

«I wasn't cheeky at all» he joked and observed her.

She didn't know what he was looking at. She liked the outfit she had decided to wear, sure, but she wasn't completely satisfied. She had spent so much time adjusting Wanda's appearance that she had given little thought to what she should be sporting that evening. And under the gaze of a man who in time had found himself at his best, she felt embarrassed. So embarrassed that she started tapping her foot on the floor trying to follow the music.

«Do I have something on my face?»

Steve appeared confused. «No, why?»

«You were looking at me, I thought I had something off.»

«You look beautiful tonight, that's why I was looking at you. The last time I saw you prepared you were only eighteen and in your first and only season. From what I can see, time doesn't seem to have hurt you. In fact, quite the opposite.»

Y/N took her eyes off the dancing figures of the Duke and Wanda and met Steve's gaze. «You don't have to tell me these things, but thank you Steve. I needed that.»

«And who needs to tell you these things but your closest friend on the face of this earth?»

«Hmm, I see you're still cocky.»

«Just for you»

TAGLIST: @sanne-kijani @rootcrop @aloneatpeace

#chris evans x reader #wanda maximoff #bucky barnes #chris evans fan fiction #bridgertonxmarvel #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers fluff #steve rogers #fem reader insert #angst #pietro maximoff #mcu #marvel fanfic #chris evans fluff #bridgerton

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harmonyverendez · 1 year

Text

The Other Bridgerton - Chapter 2

“ My dearest readers, have you all know that the Queen has chosen her new diamond for this season? And her name is Edwina. Can this new diamond handle the heat or will she crumble? Only one way to find out - ”

Lady Whistledown, Publishing company.

Harmony Bridgerton looked away from the papers and sighed. It was cruel really, how this author publish about people's problems and just be okay with it?.

The chestnut female stood up, her personal guard leaned down to whisper in her ear. “ Would you like me to throw it away ma'am?”.

The chestnut female shakes her head. “ No, I shall read it privately”. Standing to her feet Harmony leaves the family room and resorts to her chamber.

Later that night as everyone was preparing for Slumber, Harmony was in her bed. Alone and lost, her heart was aching. She wanted her Adam so badly, but he was so far away.

Tears sprinkled behind her eyes, as she watched the moon shined it's beautiful. Light shining down on earth.

The chestnut female placed her hand over her heart and whimpered. Time felt like it was slowing down. She never knew love felt like this, she never foreknows love to feel this strong. And it hurts so bad to be away from her love.

As Harmony's soft curls hit the soft pillow, she sighed and closed her eyes preparing for slumber.

But a soft noise hits her window, startled she sits up and looks alarmed around her room. After a few seconds she stood up and walked over to the window.

At first, she saw nothing and prepared to leave but a soft voice stopped her. Looking over her glass window, she tried to see and couldn't see anything but darkness. Growing tired of seeing nothing, she opens the window and peaks over the edge.

Her nearly shattered.

Adam.

He was here.

He was standing outside her window.

But how?

How did he know where she and her family lived?

She gently climbs on the window and climbs over the other side, and climbs down the ladder.

Once she was down, she could see her beautiful lover in front of her. And oh my he was so beautiful.

“ Adam!” she squealed softly.

Adam walks over and embraces her gently. Harmony melted and started crying, it has been months since she has last seen him. He smelt like home, his skin was warm and she felt safe and protected.

She nuzzled him softly and whined as he kissed the side of her head softly. “ Oh, Harmony. I miss you so”.

She looked up and her brown hair shined in the moonlight, as her luscious lips, thick eyelashes, brown eyes, and pale skin. She was truly a sight.

Adam traced her lips then with his finger, both shivering and gazing softly into each other's eyes.

“ Can I kiss you?”.

Those words felt like home, Harmony nodded.

“ Yes you may, my lord ”.

And he pressed his lips softly against hers.

Later that week, more news about Whistledown has been leaking news about everything.

And some were terrible and some were excellent as well. Harmony was currently walking the pathway of their home. After Anthony married Kate, things have been a little different.

The chestnut female sighed and rubbed her arms gently. Looking out the window, she watched her family with Anthony and his newlywed wife, Kate.

She looked away and felt pain, Adam and she have been seeing each other secretly and her family has no idea who he is.

I mean she could just go up and say “ Hey, mama. I have a fiance and we are to be married soon”.

And besides, it has been 8 months since it has happened and they were ready to be married.

Soon.

Harmony caught her sister Eloise's face.

The brunette hasn't been talking to her friend Penelope since it has been revealed that she is Lady Whistldown.

Which was stupid if you ask her.

The young teen conspicuous asking for her help, and no one noticed or even cared.

Moving away from the window, she walks over to her chair and sits down and begins to write.

| I know we haven't seen each other in a while. And it sucks, because my family doesn't know about us.

And no I'm not afraid to show you off or tell them about you. It is just that we are high class.... And you are you know... Poor and I don't know how they will handle it.

But I will tell them soon though. It get painful to be away from you. I miss you so much.

I hate being away from you.

I'll see you soon.

xoxo Harmony B. |

The chestnut female puts down her pen, and folds the paper, and places it in the envelope.

She sent her personal guard away to deliver the letter, and leaned back in her seat with a smile.

Tomorrow she will finally tell her family about her Betrothed and hope they come to love Adam, as she did.

Standing up, she walked over to her bed and sits down. Reaching over she examines the letter again and smiled.

' Soon ' she thought.

Soon.

#femaleowned #romance #angst #fluff #wattpad #daphne bridgerton #bridgerton #colin bridgerton #Bridgerton family #bridgerton fanfiction #female main character #Also on wattpad #1800s #Netflix tv series

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shameonmeeguiltypleasure · 2 years

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Seducing Mr Bridgerton Author rambles: 04.08.2022

Hi guys 👋

So I'm sick and I have to take a few days off from work. But I feel soooo guilty about taking sick leave I've been typing away at my laptop as if to play pretend like I'm still working 😂��

What does this mean? Well it means I've been doing aloooooot of thinking for SMB and it's future plot events.

And y'all don't even get how much more is left to be written!!

I think all that's left from book Canon is the Cressida lie, Church scene, carriage ride, engagement party, then Daphne's party (I think).

Chp 9-10 of SMB is defs the kiss and the aftermath that follows.

But I've decided to ignore the 'Colin insecure bout his writing' thing. I think the whole Sir Lee thing is a bigger aspect to my Colin. And a whole lot more interesting to write and explore. I mean he still writes.... He's just not insecure about it. (I have plans. I will explain it eventually 😂)

I very much feel like we are entering the second half of SMB once Chapters 9 & 10 are posted.

And I intend for chapters 11 onwards to focus more on Lady Whistledowns persona, My version of the Featheringtons, and Colin and Penelope fully embracing their true selves without care for the opinion of others.... It's gonna be glorious 🤩 Like take all the tension between Colin and Penelope now, then make it LW & Sir Lee. 💥🤯💥

Secrets will be revealed, confessions will be made and dares will be issued. I can't wait to share it all!!!

In saying that... I am confirming the next fic for this series will be 'To Sir Phillip with Pleasure'. Once SMB is finished I want to leave my Polin characters to marinate in their ending for a bit.

Also, with how many Eloise scenes I've been cutting out of SMB I think she's due some major attention.

My Eloise is nowhere similar to Canon Eloise. And in her prologue you're gonna really get to know how she became so different from canon and really get to see SMB Colin's influence on her growing up.

I will say that I'm using Marina from the show' characteristics. I think I already mentioned it in SMB. But Marina is Penelope's cousin, and Eloise and Phillip met a little differently than canon.

First half of Eloise's book will mostly be letters between her and Phillip and her POV on SMB Polin events. Second Half is her running away and how she and Phillip get on.

Only once Eloise's book is finished will i return to writing SMB's direct sequel "Loving Mrs Bridgerton".

LMB will follow my version of Polin after Eloise's wedding. As I won't be using any canon sources as references this entire plot is going to be completely original. Despite the title, the story is gonna be more adventure, thriller and action then it will be romance. Let's just say....

Colin has some unfinished business to properly wrap up before he can officially retire his alter Sir Lee. With his beloved wife along for the journey, Colin is determined to see it done swiftly & properly. Having successfully retired Lady Whistledown and no longer being a spinster , Penelope is all for the new adventure. But only time will tell if she'll be able to handle the danger Colin has been risking as Sir Lee while traveling all these years. He's terrified the truth of his travels will cause him to lose her. She's not sure what to expect... But from the way her silly husband is acting, Penelope's determined to overcome it all...so long as she gets to keep him.

.... So yeah.... I'm suuuuuuuuuuper excited!!!!

I've got 1000 something words done for Chapter 9 and estimate a final word count of 5-7000. I will be leaving you readers on a cliffhanger BUT I fully intend on posting chapter 10 a week or so after. Chapter 10 is estimated to be about 7-9000 words long because there are lot of things to happen.

But Chapters 11 is currently planned to focus on the Featheringtons.

Honestly!!! I'm super excited so for all of this to get done 😆😆🤩🤩

It's exhausting but I love it!!

Anyway, hope everyone stays healthy,safe and strong ✨💪😘

#excited #bridgerton #polin #romancing mr bridgerton #fanfiction #seducing mr bridgerton #ao3 #author rambles

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happilyeverbridgerton · 2 years

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my thoughts on bridgerton season 3

(reposted from my main account, oops lol)

Like everyone else, with the news of the season 3 plot of Bridgerton, I've decided to share my thoughts! This will also include some of my opinions regarding on the direction of how the show is going compared to the books. I hope you enjoy and that we can have a discussion in the comments.

I should preface this my saying, that I was initially not very excited to learn that Colin and Penelope were the main couple for season 3. Benedict and Sophie are my favorite couple out of the entire series, so I was obviously disappointed. Especially after reading here on Shondaland's article that "it feels only appropriate in the third season of Bridgerton for a third son and a third daughter to take the lead."

No, it actually does not. Because by that logic, Benedict should have been the lead of season 2. I really do believe this change in which couple stars as the lead boils down to the reveal of Lady Whistledown at the end of the first season, and the hole it seems like the writers of the show have written themselves into.

But, I digress. I'm learning to separate the tv show from the books, and I will get there eventually.

Immediately, I wasn't sure how to feel about Colin helping Penelope to find a husband. As the article states "Pen values her independence," so I'm not so sure why she is eager to find a husband. Though she was not exactly thrilled at the idea of being a spinster in the books, I feel like it still gave her a sense of freedom and allowed her more room to continue to operate as Lady Whistledown.

However, I do think this plot does allow for some potentially great moments to see Colin slowly start to realize his feelings for Penelope. Similarly, it should allow for Penelope to also realize that her feelings are still there for Colin and have been for a while. I'm interested to see how the new suitors will be introduced and what sort of dynamic they will have with Penelope.

What I'm not necessarily excited about is the way the Lady Whistledown plot is panning out. I am, personally, not a fan of the way the Queen has been involved with this plot of the show. Making the stakes so high that the Queen wants Penelope killed is very extreme, and also just doesn't make sense to me. It seems as though it has the potential to be very 'witch-hunty,' and I'm not sure how it will pan out.

I am interested to see how they go about resolving the fight between Elosie and Penelope. Will this happen in the first few episodes or only at the very end of the season? I'm also curious to know if there will still be some scenes with Penelope helping and encouraging Colin about his writing. I think it provides a sweet connection between the two of them and helps to add to Colin's character.

My last thought does not actually relate to Penelope or Colin, but instead - Benedict. One of my original gripes about the reveal of the leads for season 3 is that it seemed as though Benedict was in the perfect place in terms of his character for when he meets Sophie at the end of season 2.

So far, we have seen Benedict see situations around him of people living outside the norms of society, and he himself has started to adopt the attitude that being outside the ton is not a bad thing (as seen in the first season). Not only that, but Benedict seems very lost at the end of the second season. This is especially present when he learns that he got into art school because of his family/money rather than based on his merit.

All of this to say is what will Benedict do this season? I know many hope that Benedict will at least meet Sophie before she disappears for 2 years, but I'm not so sure. And if that doesn't happen, I hope he is not completely ignored or reduced to comedic relief.

All in all, I am excited for season 3 and what will happen between Colin and Penelope. I adore a friends-to-lovers trope, so I am excited to see this on the big screen. In the meantime, I will work on managing my expectations when it comes to tv/film adaptions and the original material.

#colin x penelope #colin bridgerton x penelope featherington #polin #bridgerton #bridgerton season 3

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music-is-love-90 · 2 years

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Summary: A delay in the ballroom means Kate doesn't hear Anthony lay out his list of requirements for a wife. In turn, he doesn't ruin his chances with her. Even the best laid plans can fall apart when love interferes.

Ch. 26:

Kate was surprised to say the least when she received the invitation from Bridgerton House to join Miss Eloise Bridgerton for tea. The younger girl had been avoiding her since their argument, but Kate was hopeful that this indicated a thawing on the other girl’s part.

When she arrived at the Bridgertons’ home, she was directed not to the parlor, but to a balcony at the back of the house where Eloise waited for her.

“Thank you for coming.” She told Kate as they sat. “Frankly, I wasn’t sure you would after my behavior.”

“Of course, I came.” She told her, reaching over to squeeze her hand. “One argument will not ruin our friendship, I hope.”

“Of course not.” She agreed. “I also hope what Whistledown wrote hasn’t hurt you.”

“It has not.” Kate confirmed. “Your brother and I are fine, do not worry.”

The other girl relaxed, and Kate smiled.

“It was cruel, what she wrote about Anthony.” Eloise said, clearly peeved. “The only one it could hurt is you. Why would she do that? Shouldn’t she be trying to help other women?”

“I do not believe it was a personal attack.” Kate soothed her. “If anything, she’s been quite kind to me and my family until now. But, despite her willingness to use names, Lady Whistledown is a gossip sheet like all the rest. Yes, her barbs strike deep because she deidentifies her targets, but if you’ve done nothing wrong, she cannot hurt you. Comments about dresses and who spoke to who are annoying, but her true power is in revealing secrets. Your brother and I have none, so she cannot hurt us.”

“You knew Miss Russo had been at his home?” Eloise asked, shocked, and Kate sighed. “Why was she there?”

“What happened that night is your brother’s business and I will not break his confidence.” She told her. “All that matters is he informed me that it happened and that I trust him. The things Whistledown insinuates in her paper do not.”

“But doesn’t it bother you?” she pushed. “The way they all gossip and laugh at other people’s misfortune? All they do is judge.”

“Society is like that no matter where you are.” Kate replied. “I will admit that I have worried about the ton’s opinion of me might do to your brother’s reputation, to your family’s standing. I am the penniless daughter of a clerk and your brother is the Viscount Bridgerton. It sounds like it belongs in a fairytale, not real life.”

“But you are choosing to ignore your difference is status.” Eloise said slowly.

“More like I am realizing there is no difference is status.” She replied. “Your brother is a lord, but I am still the daughter of a gentleman and the great great granddaughter of a Maharaja. And beyond all that, your brother chose me and I him.”

Eloise was quiet as she pondered her words.

“So, you believe two people from different worlds could be happy together.”

“Not exactly.” Kate replied, suspicion starting to creep into her mind. “I am saying the divide between Lord Bridgerton and myself is not as large as I once believed. That is not true of everyone. Some divides are just too large to cross.”

Eloise was quite and Kate got up to move to sit next to her.

“Eloise.” She said gently. “Is this about the apprentice?”

“Theo. His name is Theo.” Kate sighed. “I haven’t gone in the shop! I promise! It’s just…” she picked up a pamphlet that was next to her. “He gave this to me. He wrote it.”

Kate turned it over in her hands, reading the title: Appeal in Defense of Women’s Rights.

“It’s good, Kate.” She said softly. “There are some errors, of course, but still. No man I have met amongst the ton thinks like this.”

“I am sure he is an intelligent young man.” Kate told her. “But, Eloise, you are the second born daughter of the 8th Viscount Bridgerton. Even if you were to shun society and your brother allowed it, how would you live? You would no more know how to navigate his world than he would know how to live in yours.”

“I could learn.” The younger girl protested.

“I have no doubt you could do anything you put your mind to.” Kate placated her. “But you have never lived that kind of live: no servants, working for every scrap you have. Have you ever even cleaned your own room, much less cooked a meal? And while your family would continue to love you, I am sure, you would be abandoned by everyone else you know. Society would shut its door in your face and that would be that.”

“Why should I care what society thinks?” Eloise demanded angrily.

“Think what you like of the ton, Eloise,” she replied calmly, “but like them or not, you were raised to be one of their shinning jewels, not an apprentice’s wife.”

“So that is my only option? Become one of the simpering debutantes so I can become one of the gossiping wives and produce children to do the same in twenty years while nothing changes?”

“That is not what I am saying, and you know it.” Kate sighed. “I am saying that, if you are to marry, you have a duty to marry well enough that your children have the same advantages you have had. An apprentice cannot do that, no matter how much you might believe you love him. It is a hard, cold truth, but an unescapable one. And as your brother is so fond of reminding me, you must play by the rules of the society you are in.” She wrapped her arm around the girl and was thankful when she didn’t pull away. “You cannot change the rules for yourself, but you may be able to change them for your daughter and her daughter after that. If you think the state of women needs to be improved, fight for it! You are an intelligent, well-educated, privileged young lady. You also have access to some of the most powerful, most important people in the country. If you want to change the way things are, make them listen to you. Write your own pamphlet. If you think so highly of Mr. Sharpe’s words, elevate them. Work for what you believe in and maybe one day your daughter will be able to love whom ever she chooses, with no thought to station.”

“But I will still have to give up Theo.” Eloise said in a small voice.

“Yes, I am afraid you do.” Kate said softly. “The world is unfair in that way, but maybe you can change it for the better.” She pulled back to wipe away Eloise’s tears. “You have a voice, Eloise. Use it.”

“You really think I can?”

Kate smiled.

“As I said, I believe you can do anything you put your mind to.”

~.~

After she calmed down, Eloise and Kate spent several hours in pleasant company, speaking of books and comparing India to England and all other manner of topic. After several hours, Kate decided she needed to return home. Eloise accompanied her to the front door to wait for the carriage and both women were surprised when the front door opened, admitting Lord Bridgerton.

“Good day, Miss Sharma.”

Kate smiled brightly.

“Good day, Lord Bridgerton.”

“And good day, Eloise.” His sister said sarcastically. “I am going to go sit on the other side of the room. Try to not do anything that will upset my delicate sensibilities.”

She strode over to a bench at the other end of the foyer and pulled out Mr. Sharpe’s pamphlet to begin reading.

“You’re saying I cannot lock her in her room?” Anthony asked dryly.

Kate just laughed.

“You are returning home?” he continued, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to it.

“Yes, Lady Danbury has arranged a trip to the opera tonight.”

“Did I know we were going to the opera?” he asked, his face adorably confused in Kate’s opinion.

“You did not, because we are not going to the opera, I am going to the opera.” She replied with a smile that quickly faded. “Miss Russo is performing tonight, and Lady Danbury believes it would be best if I were seen attending, to quell any rumors that might be circling.”

A frown had etched itself on Anthony’s face by the time she was finished speaking.

“I will go with you.”

“You will not.” She replied. She took a step forward, placing her hand on his chest, right above his heart. “If you go, at best it will look like you are protecting me from her. At worst, it will seem you are going to see her. But, if I go by myself, it shows I am not intimidated by her presence. No sane woman would put herself willingly into the presence of her husband’s mistress so, if I am willing to see her, obviously she is not your mistress.”

“Husband?” he repeated with a bright smile, making Kate sigh.

“You really do have selective hearing, do you not?”

Nothing she could say at that moment would dim his smile.

“I am just saying,” he told her, “I do not recall a wedding having taken place, but I am willing to defer to your clearly superior memory and begin performing my duties as a husband right away.”

“You are incorrigible.”

“You enjoy it. Admit it.”

He took her hand off his chest and pulled it up to press a kiss to her palm, causing her breath to grow ragged.

“I am still here.”

Kate snatched her hand away, but Anthony just chuckled.

“I am very sorry for your brother’s poor behavior.” She called to the younger Bridgerton, who just waved at her and kept reading.

“You started it.” He whispered, still grinning.

“I am ending it.” She shot back, but a smile played around the corners of her lips. There was the sound of a carriage from outside and she sighed. “I must go.”

“Are you sure you do not want me to accompany you tonight?”

The worry in his eyes made her glance back at Eloise, who seemed totally absorbed by her reading, before stretching up to press a quick kiss to his lips.

“I will be fine.” She assured him. “I will see you tomorrow.”

She squeezed his hand before slipping out the door.

“What will you give me to not mention any of this to mother?”

It was Anthony’s turn to sigh.

~.~

Siena Russo was extremely talented. Kate had noticed it the last time she had seen her perform, of course, but she had also been focused on Anthony at the time. Without him next to her, she was free to study the other woman on the stage.

The opera tonight was Handel’s Amadigi di Gaula and Miss Russo was excelling as the sorceress, Melissa, who was intent on separating the two lovers and taking Amadigi for herself. Kate watched, enraptured, as Melissa turned Dardano into his rival to deceive the princess, Oriana.

The second act ended as Melissa captured the lovers and Kate sat back with a sigh as the intermission began.

“Well, at least his good taste is consistent.” Lady Danbury said dryly from Kate’s right hand. “If he had to choose an opera singer, at least he chose a talented one.”

“Lady Danbury!” Mary hissed, but the other matron waved her away as Kate smiled.

“At least we got to experience some good music this week, for I assure you the Smythe-Smith musicale will not qualify.” She continued.

“It cannot be as bad as everyone is saying.” Kate protested, having heard several minutes of complaints from Benedict the day before.

“It is.” Lady Danbury confirmed. “They are sweet girls, but only one of them has a modicum of talent. It is a trial to get through.”

Kate stood, brushing wrinkles from her gown. It was one of her new ones, made of a deep blue fabric and gold edging. Its vaguely sari style made her more comfortable than any of the gowns she had worn this Season and she appreciated the sense of comfort it gave her. Lady Whistledown had ensured that every eye of the ton was on her tonight.

“Lord Morrison and I are going to get drinks.” Edwina announced.

Kate resisted the urge to grind her teeth.

Lord Morrison had been a late addition to their party and one Kate would have preferred to leave out. The man had been all that was proper all night and perfectly affable with her, but she couldn’t shake her distrust. She felt the same looks of pity and judgement from him that she was receiving from the rest of the ton.

She wished Anthony was with her.

“Of course, dear.” Mary told her youngest daughter.

“I believe I will accompany you.” Lady Danbury announced, leading them out the door without waiting for an answer. “Tell me, Lord Morrison, what are your opinions of the performance tonight?”

Their voices faded as Mary shook her head fondly. She sighed and wrapped her arm around Kate.

“Are you alright, dearest?”

“I am fine, mama.” Her eldest daughter assured her.

“If Lord Bridgerton really did have a relationship with that woman – “

“He did.” Kate confirmed, wanting no misunderstandings. “He made sure I knew of his past before our courtship went too far.”

She hated misleading Mary, but she didn’t think the fact that he told her about Miss Russo after Miss Cowper accused her of being his mistress would go over very well with her stepmother.

“Does he know of yours?”

“Mama.” Kate sighed.

“I know you like to pretend the Raja was nothing more than a friend, but we both know that isn’t exactly true.” She pushed.

“We were just friends.” The younger woman protested. “And even if he had been so inclined, I would not have married him, mama. You know that.”

“I know he asked you to be his wife, Kathani.” Mary said, switching to Tamil. “I may not have been fully present after loosing your Appa, but I still know when a Raja offers to make my daughter his wife.”

Kate sat down with a sigh.

“His second wife.” She corrected in the same language. “And as much as he liked you and Edwina, a wife of the Raja cannot have an English mother or sister. They would have made me give you up. And beyond all of that, I did not love him.”

“And do you love the Viscount?”

Kate nodded slightly, sitting down.

“I do, mama. I love him.”

“Then you should tell him about the Raja.” Mary sat next to Kate. “Why are you waiting, dearest? And, please, do not tell me of how he wants to give you a Season or how you want to see Edwina settled.”

“I do want to see Edwina settled.” Kate looked down, picking at her dress. “But…I will admit that I am afraid the ton will not accept me as his Viscountess and that he will grow to resent me for it. I see how the derision of the ton hurts you. How can I open him to the same?”

“Oh, my dearest.” Mary said softly, taking Kate’s hand in her own and holding it tightly. “I will not lie and say that my return home has been easy but seeing you happy has been worth it all. I imagine Lord Bridgerton feels the same. I watch him with you, and I see the same look I used to see on your Appa’s face. And yes, the ton can be cruel, but they are also fickle. You may not be what they expected, but they will adapt. And besides, the Bridgertons are a powerful family. Society will accept you because they do.”

“I do not care if Society ever accepts me.” Kate told her. “I just want him to be happy.”

“From what I understand, Lord Bridgerton is happiest when he is with you.” Her stepmother replied with a smile. “And I know I have never seen you smile brighter than when you are with him. Please, dearest, let yourself be happy without worrying about me or your sister or the ton. You deserve it.”

Kate threw herself into Mary’s embrace, surprising her, but she quickly wrapped her arms around her daughter tightly.

“I am so afraid, mama.” She whispered.

“Of what?”

“Letting you down.” Kate sniffled and Mary held her tighter. “Of failing Edwina. Of hurting the ones I love because of my selfishness.”

“You listen to me, Kathani Sharma.” Mary told her fiercely. “It is not selfish to want to be happy.”

“But Edwina – “

“You leave Edwina to me.” She interrupted. “I allowed you to take on too much. It was not right that you were left to guide your sister on your own.”

“You were grieving Appa.” Kate protested.

“But so were you, and after you had already lost your own mother, too.”

“You took me in as your own,” she insisted over Mary, “and you never treated me any differently. Everything I have done; I owe it to you.”

“You owe me nothing.” Mary pulled back to make Kate look at her. “You never had to earn your place in this family. I have loved you from the moment I met you. You came into my life as a daughter and I never saw as anything else. It pains me to think you do not believe you deserve all the love in the world.”

Kate took a shakey breath.

“He wants to marry me, mama.” She said, switching back to English as she pulled the chain out from under her dress and revealing the ring. “He’s not waiting because of the Season or because of Edwina but because I am afraid. I love him, mama, but I am so scared he will realize that I am not worth it.”

“I never want to hear you say that ever again, am I understood?” Mary told her sharply. “You are worth everything. Do not for a second believe otherwise. If you love him, do not let the ton, or my mistakes, or your loyalty to your sister, or anything stand in your way. Despite everything that happened, I have not regretted one moment I have spent loving your Appa or you or Edwina. Love is worth it.”

She pulled Kate to her and held her as she wept. It took a minute, but, eventually, Kate calmed. Mary released her, allowing her to gather herself, but stopped her before she could tuck the ring away.

“It is a beautiful ring.” She said, holding it up as she inspected it.

“It was his mother’s betrothal ring.” Kate said, smiling softly.

“I hope to see you wearing it openly soon.”

Kate nodded and Mary let her hide the ring once more.

“Are you alright to stay?”

Kate nodded.

“Honestly, Miss Russo does not bother me.” She told her. “Anthony made his choice and I trust him.”

“Anthony?”

Kate blushed, but she didn’t take it back.

“Well,” Mary shook her head, smiling, “as long as you are sure. She is quite talented.”

“Yes, she is.” Kate agreed easily as she stood once more. “But I am the one he is going to marry.”

Her mother smiled brightly.

“Yes, you are.”

~.~

Edwina could not believe they were at the opera. Couldn’t Kate see how embarrassing this was? Everyone was watching them.

“Miss Edwina?”

She turned to see Lord Morrison holding out a glass of lemonade. She took it with a murmured thanks.

“I am surprised Lord Bridgerton did not join us tonight.” He commented, taking a sip of his drink. “It seems odd to leave his intended to face this…situation alone.”

Edwina blushed in embarrassment.

“I am sure he had his reasons.” She demurred. “Kate seems to trust him, and I trust my sister’s judgement.”

“Yes, Lord Bridgerton has always been good at getting women to trust him.” Morrison seemed to realize he had said that out loud and gave her a self-deprecating smile. “Forgive me, that was just a bit of old school jealousy slipping out. I am sure he is behaving in the most gentlemanly way with Miss Sharma, but I contend that I would not leave my intended to face my mistress alone.”

Edwina sighed.

“I worry for my sister.” She told him softly. “I fear she is vulnerable due to her lack of dowry and connections.”

“Well, you must marry well and quickly.” He told her matter-of-factly. “Then, perhaps, your husband would be willing to protect her.”

She smiled at him.

“That was my thought as well, your Lordship.”

“One minute! One minute!”

“Come.” Morrison took her arm. “Let us return.”

When they arrived at the box, Edwina was confused by her mother’s soft smile as she watched Kate fidget with her necklace, but she was soon distracted by the reappearance of Miss Russo on the stage. Really, what kind of man let his intended face his mistress alone?

It didn’t matter.

Edwina glanced at Lord Morrison and smiled.

She’d protect her sister, even if it was from Lord Bridgerton himself.

~.~

Kate now knew that nothing could detract from her enjoyment of the opera. Miss Russo had done an excellent job, moving Kate to tears as she lost Amadigi to his destined lover and she felt for Melissa even as she rejoiced for the lover’s victory.

As the ton gathered in the lobby, she made sure to be heard complimenting Miss Russo’s performance.

“Perhaps you’d like to tell Miss Russo how much you enjoyed her performance yourself?” one of the ladies suggested, nodding to something behind Kate as she smirked.

Kate turned and knew instantly that someone must have set this up. It was not uncommon for the cast of a performance to come and greet the theater goers, but Miss Russo had been separated and maneuvered closer and had a nervous look on her look as she found herself cut off from any allies.

Kate knew she had two choices: give Miss Russo the cut and risk a report in Whistledown on how she ran in the face of Lord Bridgerton’s mistress or face the other woman head on and hope that would be enough to quell the rumors.

She squared her shoulders and started to turn, but she stopped as Edwina grabbed her arm.

“What do you think you are doing?” her sister hissed.

Kate started to respond, but Mary interceded.

“Come along, dear.” She said, removing Edwina’s hand gently. “Lord Morrison can escort us home while your sister and Lady Danbury follow.”

“Of course, I’d be happy to do so, Lady Mary.” The Earl agreed easily.

Edwina reluctantly allowed herself to be led away as Lady Danbury moved to Kate’s side. She squeezed the younger woman’s hand before linking her arm with Kate’s. She took a deep breath, buoyed by Lady Danbury’s support, and smiled.

“Miss Russo.” She could tell the other woman wanted to be anywhere other than where she was, but she was even more trapped than Kate. “I just wanted to tell you how wonderful your performance was. You have a beautiful voice.”

“Thank you, Miss.” Siena replied. “I believe I’ve seen you here before?”

“Just once, unfortunately.” Kate said. “I was at your performance of La vestale. You were wonderful as Julia. I enjoyed it immensely.”

“Did your companion enjoy it as well?”

Kate smiled slightly.

“He did.” She replied softly. “I believe it reminded him of the past.”

“I hope he remembered it with pleasure.” The other woman said blandly.

“I am sure he did.” Kate said in the same tone. “But I believe he is learning to not live in the past. I am very much looking forward to our future and I believe he is as well.”

“That sounds nice.”

The brave look on the other woman’s face touched Kate and she reached out to place a hand on her arm.

“I wish you well, Miss Russo.” She told her softly. “Only the very best.”

“I have lost the best, Miss Sharma.” Siena said just as softly. “But I will endeavor to find someone as close as possible. Thank you for your compliments. You were very kind.”

Kate nodded and, with one last smile, she turned and made her way through the crowd with her head held high.

“Very well done.” Lady Danbury said lowly as they stepped outside. “Very well done, indeed.”

Kate just nodded.

~.~

The next few days passed peacefully. Kate watched Lord Morrison’s courting of her sister closely, but for all his manners and flowers, she couldn’t shake her uneasiness.

“He’s too perfect.” She complained as she and Anthony promenaded through Hyde Park. “They never disagree on anything!”

“Not everyone enjoys arguing like we do.” Anthony pointed out with a smirk.

“I will grant you that.” She said with a smirk that quickly faded. “But still, I feel like he is playing a part: the role of the perfect suitor. No one is that perfect.”

Gossip around Kate and Anthony had died down after the trip to the opera. Lady Whistledown had simply commented on how lovely her gown had been and that she had had a pleasant conversation with the star of the evening. Assuming there was nothing more to gossip about, the ton had turned their attention to the courtship of her sister and the Earl. It was considered to be a perfect match to Kate’s supreme annoyance.

“Are you implying that I am not the perfect suitor?” Anthony asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I thought we agreed to not lie to one another.” Kate shot back.

Anthony clutched his chest dramatically, making her laugh.

“You are perfect for me.” She assured him, pulling him along before dropping her voice to a whisper. “Though, our mamas would not approve of our time in the woods.”

“And here I was, believing our times in the woods were what made me a perfect suitor.” He whispered back with a grin.

“What am I to do with you?” she asked with a sigh and a fond smile.

“I have a list, if you need suggestions.”

She shoved him with her shoulder.

“Behave, Lord Bridgerton.”

“But misbehavior is so much more fun, Miss Sharma.”

“Kate,” Mary called, making her daughter jump, “we need to return home to ready ourselves for the musicale.”

“Of course, mama.” Kate agreed as Anthony groaned.

“Must we really go?” he complained as they turned to head back home.

“Lady Danbury has declared it so.” She replied. “Besides, it cannot possibly be that awful.”

“It is.” He replied fervently. “I will go this year because you have never been and do not know better, but I expect a reprieve next year once you realize I was right.”

“Very well, but only if I agree with your assessment.”

“You will.” He told her with certainty. “No one with even a modicum of taste enjoys the Smythe-Smith musicale.”

Kate just shook her head.

~.~

“I told you so.”

Kate was staring at the poor girls in front of them.

“Why do they put themselves through this?” she hissed back to Anthony, who was sitting morosely next to her. “For that matter, why does their mother allow it?”

Lady Danbury had made them sit in the front row and Kate felt sure she would never forgive her for it.

“Who do you think did it before them?” he muttered back. “In their defense, only one of them is actually aware of their lack of talent. The poor girl on the cello is the only one with any real ability, which somehow makes it all that much worse.”

“Shh.”

Kate blushed as Lady Danbury shushed them and Anthony grumbled, but they did as asked. On the other side of the matron, Edwina sat next to Lord Morrison. Kate watched as the Earl leaned over and whispered something that made her sister giggle and she fought a scowl.

“Calm, my darling.” She heard Anthony whisper in her own ear. “You cannot fault them for something we are often guilty of.”

“I can when I know your intentions are honorable and I am less sure of his.” She hissed back.

“Kate…” he sighed.

“He is not the one for her.” She insisted softly. “I know it in my bones.”

“Until you come up with a more convincing reason, she is not going to listen to you.”

Kate sighed and slumped slightly in her seat as he quickly reached over to squeeze her hand before letting go. An intermission was called, and the audience breathed a sigh of relief. Anthony took Kate’s hand and led her to the refreshments. They each grabbed a glass of lemonade before heading for a quieter corner of the room.

“You do know that you will eventually have to let Miss Edwina make her own choice on whether or not to marry him?” he asked softly.

“Even if I know it is the wrong choice?” she demanded, her voice sad.

“Even then, my darling. You cannot protect her forever.”

Kate huffed.

“You would not be sanguine if it was your sister.” She accused without any real heat.

“No,” he agreed, “but my hope is that you will be there to help calm me when it is my turn again and that you can learn from my previous mistakes. Morrison seems significantly less worse than Hastings and he and Daphne are very happy.”

Kate nodded and sighed.

“I told Mary about the ring.” She said suddenly.

Anthony choked on the sip of lemonade he had just taken, making her smirk.

“You did?” he coughed, making her giggle.

“Yes, I did.” She replied as he steadied himself. “She is very happy for us.”

“My mother is as well.” He told her. “She knew what I had given you immediately.”

“We’ll tell everyone else soon.” She whispered. “I promise. I just…I need to make sure Edwina is safe.”

“I understand.” He told her, taking her hand to press a lingering kiss to the back of it.

“I hate making you wait.” She said, frustration with herself leaking into her voice. “You deserve better.”

“Any wait is worth it if you are at the end.” He told her sincerely. “That’s all that matters.”

Kate smiled softly.

“I take it back. You are the perfect suitor.”

“I know.” He replied cockily. “I am sitting through the Smythe-Smith musicale after all. I believe I deserve some sort of reward.”

“Would you like a medal or a chest to pin it on?” she snarked.

“Not exactly the reward I was think of, Miss Sharma.” He replied with a lascivious look.

“You are ridiculous, Lord Bridgerton.” She replied, rolling her eyes as he smiled. The poor Smythe-Smith girls began to reassemble, and she sighed. “Come, my Lord. Time to prove your consistency once more.”

Anthony sighed but allowed her to drag him back their seats. His only comfort was her hand in his, hidden in the folds of her dress, and the fact that it remained there for the rest of the night.

~.~

Kate found herself breaking her fast at Hasting House the next morning. Her presence had been requested by the Duchess, who was interested in beginning the planning for her ball.

“My hope is that we will be able to repurpose it as your engagement ball.” She told Kate bluntly. “But for the moment, we will continue as if it is just a regular Season’s ball.”

“Thank you.” Kate replied sarcastically, but Daphne just ignored her.

“Now,” she continued, efficient as ever, “I confess I know little of Indian culture, but I would like to include it in the theme. What would be most important?”

“Red.” Kate told her instantly. “Our brides wear red. And fire is a very important part of our marriage ceremonies.”

“What about flowers?”

“Jasmine.” She was suddenly in the memory of the last wedding she had attended. “Roses. Marigolds, usually in yellow and orange. That was one of the things I found most odd when I arrived in England. Everything was so vibrant at home that it made this country seem pale in comparison, even your flowers. You must never tell your brother, but as much as I love the scent of lilies, I have loved the tulips he has given me the most. They were the first true color I had seen in months.”

“Will you wear red when you marry?” the other woman asked curiously. “And perhaps you could have a bouquet of tulips!”

“I would like to wear red.” Kate admitted. “My mother wore the most beautiful sari at her wedding. I used to dream of being married in it.”

“Did you bring it with you?”

Kate shook her head.

“It was sold to fund our trip here.” She told her. “But I do have the bangles she wore, so I will have at least one piece of her with me that day.”

Daphne reached over and took her hand, holding it tightly in comfort.

“I am sure your mother would be so proud of you.” She told her softly. “Even as I missed my father on my wedding day, I knew he would have been happy for me, that I had found love. I am sure your mother and father would feel the same.”

“Thank you.” Kate said. “And thank you for being so welcoming.”

“Of course.” Daphne smiled brightly. “Most of us like you better than Anthony anyway. We couldn’t figure out a way to trade you, so we figured convincing you to marry him was the next best thing.”

“What would you have done if I hated him?” she asked, amusement clear in her voice.

“Tried to convince you to marry Benedict.” The Duchess replied easily. “If all else failed, I am sure Gregory would have volunteered if you were willing to wait a few years. He has a beautifully doomed infatuation with you.”

“He is a dear sweet boy, but I believe five years might change his opinion.” Kate said, laughing.

“Oh, do not tell him that!” Daphne exclaimed, joining her laughter. “You will crush him!”

“Well, we cannot have that.” She agreed. “I suppose I will just have to marry Anthony and find him the perfect young lady to replace me in his affections.”

“I would be prepared for trials.” The eldest Bridgerton daughter said. “All evidence so far seems to indicate that we Bridgertons are not inclined to easy courtships.”

Kate just laughed.

~.~

She spent a lovely morning with the Duchess of Hastings but returned to Danbury House to find it in uproar. She quickly made her way through the grumbling suitors exiting the house to the parlor where she found Lord Morrison still kneeling in front of a beaming Edwina.

“Isn’t it wonderful, Didi?” she exclaimed. “The Earl and I are to be married!”

It was going to be a long day.

#Bridgerton #Bridgerton season 2 #Anthony Bridgerton #Kate Sharma #Kathani Sharma #Anthony x Kate #Kate x Anthony #Kanthony #Best Laid Plans

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